TWINSBURG TOWNSHIP - 649

CHAPTER XXXI.*

TWINSBURG TOWNSHIP — PHYSICAL AND CLIMATIC FEATURES—EARLY SETTLEMENT AND LM-

PROVEMENT—PROGRESS OF INDUSTRIES—INCIDENTS OF PERSONAL NATURE

—TWINSBURG INSTITUTE — SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES.

LOCAL history possesses a peculiarity which evades a cursory view, remaining concealed until persons of greater penetration peer beneath the covering of average superficial human thought. People must be content with an seem ate, though sifted, partial narration of events. Innumerable transactions and events occur in life that should and must forever remain unrecorded, that should die out in memory with the age in which they transpired. History, at best, is but a partial narration of particulars, depending largely upon the mental and moral caliber and culture of the writer. Perhaps no two writers, in describing the same historical event, will present the same features, the same shades of thought or sentiment, the same degree of power and importance which each composing ' element bears to its fellows or to the whole. Historians cannot, especially if they were absent when the event transpired, which is usually the case, they cannot write all the circumstances, all the motives, all the intricate blendings and relations of which an occurrence is composed. They must give an outline, must give the salient points with their proper degree of importance, must overleap the dark chasms of nonessentials which yawn beneath them, and touch only on the heights where the sunshine of human experience, human nature and human frailties reveals not only the object for which history is written, but the long vistas of prominent events which are to be recorded for future usefulness and improvement.

The peculiarity spoken of, which is connected with the narration of local history, consists in the writer's being required by an inexperienced and shortsighted people to give an account of occurrences which are better unrecorded, which have no special significance nor value in coming years, which are a clog to the mind of the reader while endeavoring to decipher the more important events from the general obscurity,

*Contributed by W. A. Goodspeed.and which are only required that they may answer individual ends. On the other hand, the historian must be careful, must be broad of heart and mind, that he may grasp the local situation, and paint events in their true colors ; must be arguseyed, that nothing may escape his scrutiny ; and must be honest and conscientious, that his discoveries may be truthfully recorded. He should also be a good judge of human nature, that the suggestions of selfish and bigoted people may be impartially scanned, and accepted or rejected. Events are often omitted, which, apparently, should have been given ; and again, events are often given which should have been omitted. Human judgment is prone to err " as the sparks to fly upward ;" and even historians are not exceptions to this rule. It is the object in these pages to give only that portion of the past that is worthy of preservation. Trifling personal incidents, adventures and ambitions are omitted, except such as show the surroundings under which the settlers labored ; and the great mass of historical rubbish, though perhaps of present interest, is thrown aside as useless and burdensome. Only those events which will be valuable twenty generations hence are designed to be given.

Twinsburg is situated in the northeast corner of the county. It was originally attached to Portage County, from which it was severed when Summit County was formed. Lying as it does at the side of Northfield, its soil partakes largely of the valuable character of the latter. There are several valuable stone quarries lying so near the surface that a heavy blast of powder would, apparently, throw out hundreds of perches of the. gritty sandstone. As it is, large quantities are taken out, and are used not merely in the county, but in adjacent counties. The township is well watered, and also well drained. In times of drought, the wells are not so liable to fail as those located on the bluffs which bound the Cuyahoga

650 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.

River. The township is drained almost wholly by Tinker's Creek. This stream enters near the southeast corner and flows northwest, leaving one mile east of the northwest corner. There are several valuable falls, the principal one being at Millville. In early years, in the northern part of the township, the bed of the creek widened out to three or four times its ordinary width, thus creating what might be termed a lake on a small scale. There is considerable quite level land, which. when the country was new, was very wet, affording but little satisfaction to those who were obliged to cross it. Since the opening of the forests has let in the heat of the sun, the soil is found to be in about the proper condition to work. The soil is mainly destitute of clay. consisting mostly of a dark loam, which contains a large proportion of decaying vegetable ingredients. Large quantities of stone are being taken out at the quarry one mile north of the Center.

Much of the early history of this township has already been written by some of its earliest and most reliable citizens. While much of this must be repeated, not only from its value. but from the fact that it is unusually complete. new items of historical importance. which have been carefully gathered and selected, will be added. The writer has taken pains to collect additional information on those subjects which are treated quite fully by Ethan Ailing, Luman Lane and Gen. Bierce. In a few instances. those writers have made mistakes, some of which have been discovered and will be avoided. Other subjects have not been treated as thoroughly as their historical value demands, resulting no doubt from the primary nature of these records. Again, other important topics have been altogether overlooked. The writings of the abovenamed men are valuable, and are mainly followed.

The original proprietors of Twinsburg were Mills & Hoadley, who owned the south and southeasterly parts ; Henry Champion, who owned the west and northwesterly parts, and Moses and Aaron Wilcox, who owned the north and northeasterly parts. The principal stream in the township was named by Gen. Moses Cleaveland. in honor of the principal boatman, Joseph Tinker, who accompanied the first exploring expedition sent to the Western Reserve by the Connectieut Land Company. While parties of the surveyors were running the mendians in the eastern part of the Reserve, during the summer of 1796, Gen. Cleaveland, accompanied by Joseph Tinker, went up the lake on an exploring voyage, as far as the mouth of the Cuyahoga, and then up that river until they discovered a large creek, which, in honor of his boatman, Gen. Cleaveland named " Tinker's Creek." Tinker was engaged the following year in the same capacity, in the second exploring expedition to the Reserve. In the fall. when the company was returning down the lake. the boat containing Tinker was capsized, and he was drowned. But the stream still bears his . name, and will until the end of time.

In 1816-17. Lewis Ailing, of Connecticut. purchased 400 acres of land of Mills & Hoadley. lying in the southeast part of Millsville Township (now Twinsburg). On the 3d of March. 1817, he sent his son Ethan, then a stripling aged sixteen years, to this land in the Reserve to commence an improvement. Three young men—Zeri Ailing. Rodolphus Wolcott and Lex Johnson—were hired and sent out at the same time to assist him. After a muddy journey, except one day's travel on the ice from Buffalo to Dunkirk. this little party of four arrived at the cabin of Mr. Post. in Hudson. on the last day of March. The next day the party, accompanied, or rather guided, by Mr. Mills, started north to have a look at the land. upon which they were destined to undergo many hard days' labor. Following a line of marked trees, they at last reached a spot which Mr. Mills informed them was the center of the township. They all sat down and rested under a beech tree which stood just at the southeast corner of the square. The spot was muddy and uninviting, and the party followed up the creek until they came to " the falls," where they found some sticks of hewed timber which had been drawn there by settlers of Hudson who designed building a sawmill. The project, however, had been abandoned, although a small, partly finished log cabin had been erected, which was yet standing, an emblem of desertion and loneliness. After returning to Hudson and remaining there two weeks, clearing in the meantime a piece of land to be planted in corn, the boys selected a hill known now as the Hawkins farm, the land being a portion that had been purchased by Lewis Ailing, and began clearing off the timber. On the 15th of April, they "moved " to the halffinished log cabin already referred to,

TWINSBURG TOWNSHIP - 651

taking with them a barrel of stale pork that had been bought of Capt. Oviatt for $25, a barrel of flour that had cost $8, ten bushels of potatoes that had cost $5, and a gallon of whisky that had cost $1.50. They were supplied with a bakekettle without a bail, two tin pans, one case knife, one iron spoon, and were compelled to use chips for plates and sharp sticks for forks. Ethan Ailing kept house, doing the cooking, etc., not only for his party but for various visitors who were attracted to the spot, in order, perhaps, to get a " square meal." On the 7th of July. Lewis Ailing and his family arrived, and moved into a log house that had been erected by the boys about the 1st of June. This building was the home, during the year, of the Ailing family, and also of several others, numbering in all fourteen persons. The house was twostoried, having one room above and one below, and, although everything was in the most primitive fashion, yet all seemed to live well and enjoy themselves. Provisions were very costly. though venison could be had without much trouble. Pork sold for about $8 per hundred, while the same quantity of venison could be bought for $1. Salt was $10 per barrel, cotton shirting 50 cents per yard, and calico 75 cents per yard.

Toward the latter part of May. 1817, Maj. Elisha Loomis, E. W. Mather and Lester Davis arrived from Connecticut. and, after stopping a few days with the Allings. built a log cabin at a place since known as Loomis Mills. Mr. Loomis had been a sailor on the ocean for many years, having sailed twice round the world in the ship Oneida. Frederick Stanley came in about the same time Loomis did. On the 1st of July, Lewis Ailing, Jr., Gideon Thompson and Zenas Ailing arrived with a drove of 104 merino sheep, having driven them, in thirty days, 660 miles. It was thought that sheeprearing could be made profitable, but the owners were doomed to disappointment. The wolves killed many of them, as did also the dogs, while others died of strange diseases which baffled all care. The flock were soon all gone. At the close of 1820, the following settlers had found homes in the township Lewis Ailing, William Allen. Elisha Loomis. Elias Mather. Joel W. Thompson, Josiah Myric, Noah P. Nichols, A. J. Palmer. Henry Bennett. Amos C. Taylor, Lyman Richmond. Reuben Chamberlain, Frederick Stanley. John Bassett, Samuel Vail, Edwin Vail, Homer Vail, John Dodge, Isaiah Humphrey, Roman Humphrey, Nestor Hurlbut, Ezra Osborn, Preston Pond, Samuel Alger, Cyrus Hodskin, N. S. Barnett, Cotton M. Leech, Levi Leech, Emery Alger, Elijah W. Bronson, Asa Upson, Orrin Tucker, Leonard Kilbourn, Oliver Clark and Messrs. Perkins, Sawyer, Davis and Darling.

The township was organized in 1819. An election was ordered to be held in April of that year, y the Commissioners of Portage County, and on that occasion nineteen voters were present. Frederick Stanley was chosen Clerk, and a few other offices were filled; but it was found necessary during the following autumn to elect the the remainder, at which time Lewis Ailing and Samuel Vail were chosen Justices of the Peace, receiving their commissions from the county court. Elisha Loomis was the second Clerk, E. W. Bronson third, and Luman Lane fourth, the latter serving in 1822. The township was named in 1819, in honor of, and at the suggestion of, the Wilcox brothers, who were twins. These brothers did not come West until 1823 ; but owning as they did several thousand acres in the northeastern part, they proposed giving six acres at the center for a public square, and $20 toward building the first schoolhouse, providing the township was named Twinsburg in their honor. Their proposal was accepted ; but prior to that time the township was known either by its range and number, or as Millsville. Elijah W. Bronson was the real estate agent of the Wilcox brothers, being authorized to dispose of their land previous to their coming to the township. Luman Lane was the first, or one of the first, to erect a dwelling on the Wilcox tract. Maria Stanley was the first child born, that event occurring November 23. 1819. The first death was in the spring of 1819, and was that of a child of Reuben Chamberlain. The first marriage occurred March 19, 1821, between Emery W. Alger and Eliza Dodge, Lewis Ailing, Esq., performing the ceremony in backwoods fashion.

In 1817, Elisha Loomis erected a sawmill in the southeastern corner on Tinkers Creek. A natural fall in the stream, of some ten feet. aided by a strong dam, furnished a fine waterpower. Water was supplied by means of a race, and the mill continued to do good work for a number of years. In 1818, E. W. Mather built a frame gristmill at the same place, on the op-

652 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.

posite side of the creek. This mill was operated until about 1840, when it ceased from lack of patronage. The presence of these two mills at the falls served to attract settlers to that locality, and several dwellings were soon seen on the adjoining hills. This proceeding met the approval of the proprietors of that tract, who had already placed on paper a plat of the prospective village of " Millsville." They saw a general disposition on the part of the settlers to locate there, and determined to profit by it. They accordingly laid out a number of lots, and offered them for sale at prices ranging from $50 to $200 ; but they had greatly miscalculated, as scarcely a lot was sold. There were but few mechanics in the country then, and they sought larger villages in which to ply their craft. And then the price asked was ten times too much for that early period of the growth of the village. All shunned the village, and at last, when the proprietors awoke to the true state of affairs, they were too late to remedy the evil. There was no demand for the lots then at any price. The tradesmen, mechanics and merchants had gone elsewhere, leaving the proprietors to repent in sackcloth and ashes for their shortsightedness. The mills, at this anticipated village, were not the only ones in Twinsburg in early years. Apollos White built a dam across Tinker's Creek in about 1835, and erected thereon two mills—one for grinding grain and the other for sawing lumber. Both did fair work for a number of years. White finally sold the gristmill to a man named Gibbs, who, after operating it a few years, sold to other parties. It finally burned down in about 1865, George and Alfred Ledgsham being the owners at the time. These mills did good work, and had an extensive patronage in their day. It was an accommodation to get flour and lumber so near home, for it saved tiresome journeys through roads whose bottom was too far down to be reached with comfort.

Roads were important considerations when the country was first settled. If a path was cleared through the woods for that purpose, it seemed as if all. the stagnant water for rods around was sure to settle there. The turnpike was largely graded by the owners of the land across which it ran. Mills and Hoadley worked the turnpike along their land, as did also Henry Champion. These men evidently had an object in view in this proceeding, as they afterward charged an additional dollar per acre more for the land adjoining the turnpike than for other portions. The citizens gave from $10 to $50 each to assist in defraying the expense of constructing this road, the amount given reaching very nearly $3,000. In 1821, the citizens living on the road running north from the Center, pledged themselves to labor on that road each alternate Saturday afternoon, or forfeit a halfgallon of whisky. Tradition tells us of a great many forfeits paid ; but does not utter a syllable as to what became of the whisky. In spring time, when Tinker's Creek was raging, the settlers living on the opposite side found it extremely difficult to cross over to the Center. This finally led to the erection of a bridge more than forty rods in length, which lasted for a number of years. Brush and stone and logs were placed in muddy spots in the roads ; and, some time in the distant future, when these places are invaded, and portions of the wood found in a fair state of preservation, newspaper speculations as to how long they have been there will be in order.

In 1825. Ethan Ailing began the dairy business with twentytwo cows, several of which had been bought for $12 each. The butter made was taken to Akron once each week, and sold at 8 cents per pound for the use of the canal laborers. Considerable cheese was also made. but from a lack of suitable places in which to keep it, a large portion was lost. Six hundred pounds, however, were sold at Aurora for 5 cents a pound. This was the first cheese made in Twinsburg. In 1828, Joseph Chamberlain also began making cheese and butter from the milk of some thirty cows. About the same time, several others began the same occupation, which was conducted so extensively that money began to flow into Twinsburg, instead of out of it as before. About $1,000 came to the township in 1833 from this source alone. Twinsburg has since been noted for its interest in dairy matters. The sales steadily increased until, in 1860, they amounted to more than $75,000, and in 1880 to nearly $100.000. It is difficult to conceive how scarce money was in pioneer times, and how people managed to get along without it. When the settlers first rushed to the township, there was considerable money for a few years ; but when a lull in the immigration occurred, the ready money flowed away like water, leaving the set-

TWINSBURG TOWNSHIP - 653

tiers to discover some means of getting along without it. At first, when money was abundant, prices were very high ; but when the money had served its purpose and gone to distant places, prices gradually went down until they became very low. The settlers, who afterward came drizzling in (if the expression may be allowed) brought ready money, and the settlers already there were anxious to become their bosom friends. This rapid change created two distinct prices—one called the trade price, and the other the cash price. Promissory notes, due at some future day, were made payable in horses, cattle, hogs, wheat, potatoes, etc., etc. Quite a number who came early were induced to promise to pay $5 or $6, per acre for their farms. Some succeeded, but most of them failed, and were obliged to leave the farms, several of which, with all their improvements upon them, were afterward sold for $3 an acre. Early in the spring of 1821, Joel W. Thompson, seeing around him a strong demand for liquor, erected a small distillery at a spring in the southeastern part of the township. Considerable rye whisky was made for a short time, which was carried away in gallon bottles, as fast as it was made. In 1826, a strong impulse was given to the temperance cause in Summit County, or what is now Summit County. Societies for the suppression of liquortraffic and liquordrinking were organized in every township, not only in this county, but throughout the eastern part of the Reserve. Great enthusiasm prevailed among the workers, and scores of persons ceased to manufacture and sell ardent spirits. A branch society, with headquarters at Cuyahoga Falls, was organized in Twinsburg in about 1830, and, three years later, the society boasted of 224 members—all living in the township. Those who were selling liquor at the Center were induced to close up their business and join the society, which could soon boast that there was no place in the township where liquor was sold. It was about the time of the organization of this society that the first effort was made to secure the raising of logbuildings without whisky, but the movement was met with violent opposition from those who thought liquor one of the necessaries of life. These men refused to appear at such raisings, but, when their temperate neighbors refused to assist them, unless whisky was omitted from the programme, they finally eitherdropped the use of liquor on such occasions, or sought associations more congenial with their intemperate habits. A spirit of hostility was thus created between parties, which terminated only when the temperance cause prevailed.

Many interesting incidents are told y old hunters or their descendants concerning adventures had with bears or other wild animals. Ezra Clark was one day chopping on a piece of woodland belonging to Mr. Lane, when suddenly he heard a hog, off some twenty rods distant, begin to squeal as though in the greatest distress. Clark instantly surmised that a bear was endeavoring to carry off the hog, or was killing it on the spot. Though unarmed, he instantly made up his mind to prevent, if possible, the untimely death of the Sus scrofa. He hurriedly cut a heavy club, and, seizing it, he ran rapidly forward to a large log, behind which he beheld a scene which was often enacted in the backwoods. A savagelooking bear of average size had thrown a fullgrown hog on the ground, and was busily engaged in tearing its flesh with teeth and claws. A large hole, from which the blood freely flowed, had been torn in the hog's shoulder, and, when first seen, the bear had just fastened his long white teeth in the tender flesh, with the design of tearing out another large mouthful. Mr. Clark was at first in a quandary what to do, whether to consult his own safety in flight, or to courageously attack the bear. His as was still in his hand, and, after hesitating but a moment, he approached with the intention of striking it into the bear. But the moment the bear beheld his approach, it leaped back from the hog, and, rearing up on its hind feet, in the act of defense, faced the woodsman with a savage growl, showing two rows of gleaming teeth discolored with blood. The man stopped short, as he had no desire to encounter the embraces of the animal. He threw his club, however, with all his strength, fairly striking the bear, which dropped on all fours and shambled off a few rods, when it turned, showed its teeth, and, after viewing the intruder a moment, turned and made off as fast as it could through the forest. On another occasion, a bear was seen to pass across the southern part of the township, going north. An alarm was given, and a party of men with dogs and guns started rapidly in pursuit. The bear was overtaken

654 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.

by the dogs, and treed near the cabin of Aaron Post. The men came up, when one of them fired, bringing the bear to the ground. It was badly wounded, but had plenty of life and flight remaining, and the men, knowing that it could not escape them, determined to have some fun, if it could be called fun. The dogs, five or six in number, were urged on ; but whenever they came within reach of the bear, they were knocked about like footballs. They soon learned, by sorry experience, to keep at a respectable distance, contenting themselves with sudden approaches and nips, when the bear's back was turned. The animal handled its fore feet with remarkable strength and dexterity, wheeling round and round to escape the sharp teeth of the dogs, and occasionally sending one of them end over end a rod or more away. At last, one of the men, with gun cocked, went close to the bear, and fired directly at its head, expecting to stretch it dead in its tracks ; but, just as he fired, the bear made a sudden movement, and thus escaped the shot unhurt. Another tried the same experiment, and succeeded in killing the wounded animal. It is related y Mrs. Elizabeth (Walker) Lappin, of Boston Township, who is the oldest settler living in the county, having been born in October, 1788. and who came to Hudson in 1802, that, on one occasion, a man named Cackler, while hunting in the woods in Twinsburg, as early as 1808, came very nearly being killed by a bear. While following its trail rapidly, with head bent down, he came directly upon it so suddenly that he had no time to raise his gun or retreat. The animal reared up on its hind feet, with a fierce growl, and struck a fearful blow at the hunter with its forepaw, but, luckily, he leaped back far enough to avoid the stroke. He raised and cocked his rifle, probably in the same movement, and, as the bear was upon him, he thrust out his gun, with the intention of making a quick shot, and, as luck would have it, the muzzle was plunged into the animal's mouth. The trigger was instantly pulled, and a ball went crashing through the brain of the huge animal, which, a moment later, fell upon the ground in the agonies of death. Had it not been for the lucky thrust of the rifle, it would have fared hard with the intrepid hunter. Mrs. Lappin says that her father, John Walker, killed sixteen bears after coming to the county, and that, on several occasions, he had narrow escapes from death. He had a large butcher knife, which he invariably carried with him and, whenever a bear was killed, a notch was cut on the deerhorn handle. This knife it now in possession of Mr. Walker's grandson who lives in Indiana, and upon the handle are the sixteen notches, cut there more than half a century ago by the fearless old bear hunter Many other interesting stories of a similar nature might be narrated. It is probable that Elijah W. Bronson. the land agent of the Wilcox brothers, erected the first house in the village of Twinsburg. The exact date is not remembered. but was prior to 1824. The second house was built by Mr. Myric, and was a frame structure. located on the south side of the public square. The Bronson building was on the east side. and was constructed of logs. In 1824. Leverett Clark bought the Myric property, the latter moving East. A man named Gould lived about ten rods west of the square in 1824. In 1823. Moses and Aaron Wilcox built a small frame house on the north side. and here the brothers "bached " for a short time, selling, in the meantime, portions of their land, and using their best efforts to induce settlers to locate at the village or farther north on their tract. They did not commit the mistake that resulted so disastrously to Mills & Hoadley. They had already given land for the public square, and $20 toward building the first schoolhouse, and they now not only sold their village lots at a low figure, but gave lots to tradesmen and mechanics who would locate there permanently. The result was that in five or six years, ten or twelve families were living at or near the Center, and various industries had arisen, giving the place a businesslike appearance. While "baching," the brothers employed Mrs. Clark to bake their bread ; but they otherwise, very probably, did their own cooking. In about 1826, each of the brothers built a small frame house on the north side, and both of these buildings are yet standing in a fair state of preservation, and both are occupied. In the fall of 1825, Ethan Ailing, after quitting the dairy business, commenced building a tavern at the Center, and the following year, the structure having been completed, Mr. Ailing moved in about the 1st of December. The tavern was formally opened on Christmas with a ball, and music and dancing

TWINSBURG TOWNSHIP - 655

ruled the hour. This building is yet standing, and composes a part of the large, low frame structure which stands, dark and deserted, on the southeast corner of the square. In the bar of this tavern, liquor was kept for sale, a universal thing in those days. The Wilcox brothers had succeeded in getting a Post Office at the Center as early as 1825, and Moses Wilcox was commissioned first Postmaster. At his death, which occurred in the autumn of 1827, M r. Ailing applied for the appointment, and was commissioned October, 1827. Mail was then obtained from Hudson once a week. The total amount of postage received in 1828 was $36.01 ; in 1839, it was $256.67, and in 1860, about $400. Twenty periodicals came to the office in 1828 ; about seven hundred came in 1860. At that time a welltraveled stage route, running from Hudson to Cleveland, passed through Northfield Township, bringing an enormous custom to hotels there, and filling every industry with life. Mr. Ailing and others in Twinsburg saw this, and became envious ; or, at least, they resolved to make the effort to have the stage route changed so as to pass through Twinsburg Center. With this object in view, Ethan Ailing and Jabez Gilbert, in 1828, bought out the entire stage property. The sequel is easily guessed. The route was immediately changed, and the splendid impetus given to every industry at the village soon produced a marked result. New life was infused into every undertaking; mechanics and teachers appeared, and the outlook for the village seemed highly favorable. It was one of the most important events occurring in the history of the township. A. triweekly mail was thus secured, and from one to five stages passed over the route daily. The road was extensively traveled by persons going to Cleveland to market, who had previously gone y some other route. It is said that very often as high as fifty horses were kept over night at the tavern barn. But although the stage line was a splendid thing for the village and township, it was a losing investment to the owners. This is difficult to understand in view of the fact that, so far as can be learned, the stage line was well patronized. However, Mr. Ailing lost $600 the first year he was connected with the undertaking, and it is likely that those connected with him also lost heavily. In 1829, Mr. Ailing commenced the mercantile pursuit in his tavern bar, a room six feet by eight, placing therein $3.50 worth of tobacco and Scotch snuff; A few groceries were added the following year, and as the trade, though exceedingly limited, seemed brisk and promising, Mr. Ailing finally concluded to engage in the pursuit more extensively. He accordingly rented his tavern in 1831, to Samuel Edgerly, and built a frame house, an apartment in which he fitted up for a storeroom, the remainder being devoted to the use of his family. A few hundred dollars' worth of goods comprised his stock ; but this was slowly and steadily increased until, in 1835, the goods were valued at some $600, when he erected a large storeroom on the northwest corner of the square. Here a good business was done with a stock which, at its best, was worth about $7,000. All the different varieties of country produce were bought and sold, and the store did much to centralize the efforts of the citizens in the village. The sales of goods, exclusive of flour, salt and produce, amounted in 1847 to $14,000. In 1848, Mr. Alling's sons, Frank A. and George H., were given charge of the store, and continued until about 1851, when George purchased his brother's interest, and conducted the business until 1856, when he died, and the store fell into the hands of Bishop & Chamberlain. The stock at this time was worth about $10,000, and a brisk and profitable trade was had with the surrounding country. At the expiration of two years, Chamberlain sold his interest to his partner, the latter continuing alone until about the opening of the war, when he likewise sold out. In 1830, the tavern now owned and conducted by Mr. E. W. Clark, was built by Eli and Otis Boise. It was intended for a combined store and dwelling, and, in what is now the office, about $1,000 worth of goods were placed. The brothers sold or traded out, two years later, to Edward Richardson, who, at the end of some three years, disposed of his goods and converted the building into a tavern, a use to which it has since been devoted. In about the year 1839, Odell & Taylor erected a frame store building on the present site of the stone store, and began the mercantile pursuit with between $4,000 and $5,000 worth of a general assortment of goods. They likewise bought produce, and enjoyed a lucrative trade. At the end of about five years, Mr. Odell purchased his partner^'s interest and continued

656 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.

until his death, which occurred in about 1851. He was succeeded by his son, Delos Odell, now conducting a harness shop in Macedonia, and two or three other gentlemen, all under the partnership name of Odell, Price & Co. In 1857 or 1858, A. L. Nelson took possession of this store building, but was soon afterward burned out, whereupon he erected the stone store building he now occupies. This merchant, at times, has done an excellent business. Messrs. Hart, Dodge, Santford and Bishop, in about 1851, built the store building now occupied by the Madden Brothers. These men, who were partners, began selling goods, and continued thus some four or five years, when Mr. Bishop sold to the others and withdrew. Three years later, Mr. Dodge sold to the Stephens boys, and thus the partnership continued until some three years later, when the parties failed and made an assignment of their goods. After that, the building was vacant, or practically so, until 1866, when Madden Brothers took possession and began to manufacture and sell readymade clothing. They were practical tailors, and did a good business in their line. continuing until the present time. The firm is known as I. & P. Madden. Richardson & Taylor commenced the mercantile pursuit in about 1846, and continued until 1850, when Mr. Richardson sold to Mr. McFarland, and the latter, two years later, to Osman Riley. Soon afterward. the partners failed in business. and the building was finally destroyed by fire, and was not rebuilt. Other merchants have held forth in the village at different times. but these were the principal ones. James Alexander, at an early day, began to manufacture wagons, conducting the work in a small shop, on a small scale. He steadily increased his business until in 1849, he gave employment to ten or twelve workmen, and turned out large numbers of firstclass wagons and carriages. He burned out in 1851, but immediately rebuilt, and has continued the same occupation until the present, although in late years the business has greatly fallen off. It should be mentioned that Mr. Ailing, at an early day, bought ashes and manufactured a limited quantity of potash for a number of years, in the village. A few other industries of less consequence have flourished from time to time.

It was customary when the country was first settled that, when a death occurred, the deceased should be buried on their own farms. 1 This was done in Twinsburg. In September,

1823, a cemetery of one acre was purchased northeast of the square, and Lucretia Hull who died in September of the same year, was the first person buried there. In 1846, a new cemetery was prepared on Lot 10, Tract 3, consisting of an acre and a half. The yard was fitted up, planted with trees, and a stone wall built around it, at an expense of ! $1,079.66. Other improvements were made. and, by 1860, the cemetery had cost the citizens about $1,850. It is known as Locust Grove Cemetery.

It should be noticed that the first principal settlement in the township was made upon the Wilcox tract. This tract. it seems, was incumbered by a mortgage which had been given by the Wilcox Brothers to the State of Connecticut. These men, though undoubtedly upright in their intentions. were unable to pay off the mortgage, thus leaving settlers who had purchased of them in an embarrassing situation. When this condition of things became known, settlement upon this tract largely ceased. which accounts for the slow manner in which it was improved. Finally, the Rev. Mr. Bissell took the matter in hand, and, by his intercession with the proper authorities, succeeded in obtaining prompt and honorable relief. The Wilcox Brothers were remarkable in many respects. As has been said, they were twins, and, upon arriving at man's estate. married sisters, Huldah and Mabel Lord, of Killingsworth, Conn. " In life, they so resembled each other that none but their most intimate friends could distinguish between them. They married sisters, had an equal number of children, held all their property in common, wrote alike, thought alike, looked alike, dressed alike, were taken sick on the same day, with the same disease, died on the same day, and were buried in the same graveyard."*' This remarkable coincidence in similarity probably never before occurred.

In the year 1822, a log schoolhouse was built upon the square at the Center. This was the first public building of any character in the township, and it was used as a schoolhouse, a town hall and a church. The first teacher was Miss Lovina M. Miream, who taught a short term, receiving her pay by subscription. This

* Gen. Bierce.

TWINSBURG TOWNSHIP - 657

lady afterward became the wife of Mr. North. Other district schools were not instituted until about 1828, and several were as late as 1833. The houses put up were usually rude log buildings, which were used for a few years, or until there seemed occasion for the erection of better ones. Although these schools have been fair in their way, yet they have been mainly primary in their nature, from the reason that, ordinarily, as soon as the scholars became quite well advanced in their studies, they were sent to the Twinsburg Institute. So that, really, the country schools have been hardly equal to the average throughout the county. The history of the township would be incomplete without a record of the Twinsburg Institute, an institution which, for more than half a century of usefulness, has done more to improve the intellect and morals than perhaps any other organization. not even excluding the churches. It dates its origin as far back as 1828, when yet the township was but a frontier settlement, and almost its entire surface was covered with primitive forests. Its founder and supporter, who is yet living, hale and hearty, at the advanced age of more than fourscore years, was Rev. Samuel Bissell, a native of Connecticut and a graduate of Yale College. Immediately after receiving his diploma, Mr. Bissell began a course of theological studies. designing to enter the ministry upon their completion. These studies were completed under many difficulties ; in truth, the life of this man has been one unceasing round of struggles, through which nothing but invincible determination in the path chosen and unfaltering patience and selfdenial could have proved triumphant. Soon after his ordination, he came to Aurora, Ohio, and, in 1826, began a private school, which was continued until 1828. when he was invited to take charge of the Congregational society at Twinsburg. an invitation he accepted. A blockhouse had been erected for his accommodation, about a mile west of the Center, into which he moved. On the same lot was a rude log house, twenty by thirty feet, with rough boards on the floor, and loose ones for the celling, the building having been originally built for a shoeshop. Three openings were made in the logs composing the walls, in each of which was placed a sash containing four small panes of glass, while at one end of the dismal room was a broad fireplace, with chimney built of stones and sticks plastered with clay. In the room were placed a few rudely and hastily constructed seats and desks, and the only cheerful feature of the apartment was the roaring fire which lighted the place with fitful and ruddy glow. Mr. Bissell, upon his arrival, had made known his wish to teach the youth of the neighborhood ; and with his first school in the room just described began that unusual system of philanthropy which became a characteristic feature of his institute, and was the means of educating so many indigent youth. This schoolroom was thrown open to any young people who desired to attend, without any charge, except from those disposed to pay, in which case the tuition for the term was to be $2. About forty students attended the first winter, and so much interest was created that several terms were taught in the old house, but in 1831, a combined church and schoolhouse was erected, in which Mr. Bissell taught and preached until 1835, when he went to Portage County, but returned in 1837, and built a house 20x35 feet, in which he taught for twentynine consecutive years. Two years later, this building was enlarged, and other arrangements made to meet the growing demands of the institute, which was fast getting a name. In 1843, a large, twostoried frame building (the Ailing Hotel property) was secured and fitted up for the accommodation of students, a large number of whom were from a distance, and were compelled to board in the village. Within the next five years, two other large buildings were secured for a similar purpose. There were now in attendance about three hundred students, at least fifty of whom were boarders. Seven teachers and assistants, at the head of whom was the Principal, Mr. Bissell, were necessary to conduct the numerous classes. A thorough academical course of studies, including the classics, higher mathematics, French and German, vocal and instrumental music and penmanship, was provided, and all necessary opportunities were afforded to prepare students for college. No charter was ever obtained, and no public money ever appropriated to strengthen the institute, which rested upon the shoulders of one man. The tuition charged was usually $2 for the term, and never more than $4, even when the classics were taught. Elaborate and systematic arrangements were made for boarding the stu-

658 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.

dents in the numerous buildings referred to, at a cost to each of from 9 to 12 shillings per week. The great value of the institute to the village and to all the surrounding country need not be detailed. Twinsburg became noted for its thrift, energy and general excellence in education and morals. More than six thousand students have been in attendance at the institute during its continuance, and, out of these, about two hundred have been Indians of the Seneca, Ottawa, Pottawatomie and Ojibway tribes. Ministers, statesmen, generals, lawyers, professors, physicians and artisans, in all portions of the country, trace the beginning of their education to the door of the Twinsburg Institute. A good library was secured, and literary and other societies were instituted. The benevolence of Mr. Bissell was such that he not only greatly lowered the tuition, but even educated hundreds at his own expense, who were unable to pay their own way. He was accustomed to give such students a few light chores to do, and these trifling duties were so divided and subdivided, that the work was more in name than in reality. It is related that on one occasion, after Mr. Bissell had gone to extremes in this respect. some of the students thus detailed grumbled about having more to do than others. Considerable illwill was thus incited. One morning Mr. Bissell arose at his usual hour. 5 o'clock, and. beginning with these chores, completed the entire round before the time for opening the school. Not a word was said, but the act spoke in volumes to the faultfinding students, who, after that, vexed the ear of the Principal with no more grumblings. Among the Indian youth was George Wilson, a Seneca, about whom a great deal has been said. He became a fine scholar—superior in many important respects to any other ever in the institute. His presence was fine and imposing, and he displayed rare gifts in logical force and fervid eloquence. Mr. Bissell says that the quality of his eloquence, the unusual power of his intellect and the force of his delivery, resembled in a marked manlier those of Daniel Webster. He afterward became chief Of his tribe, and was sent to represent their interests to the New York Legislature, and to the New York Historical Society, receiving from the latter several thousand dollars for his people, who were in a starving condition in the West. Another one named Jackson Blackbird, or " Mackadebennessi," was an Ottawa, and a direct descendant of Pontiac. He excelled in composition, and composed a comedy, three hours in length, that was presented by the societies of the institute publicly to large audiences with great success. He afterward did his people good service in Michigan, as is seen by the following in his own language: " I left Traverse Bay the last of February, 1851, and went on snowshoes to Saginaw Bay, on my way to the capital of Michigan with petitions from my people to become citizens of the State. I appeared before the Governor and officers of the State, and obtained the passage of a joint resolution of both Houses in favor of the petitions." Mr. Bissell became known throughout the Reserve for his philanthropy in the cause of Indian education. Some two hundred were educated at the Institute, from whom no compensation worth mentioning was ever received. All their expenses were paid. including board, tuition, room, fuel, light, washing, books and stationery, and some clothing, at the fair estimate of $200 each, a year. This expense. borne by no one except the Principal. estimated at these figures, has amounted, during the history of the institute to over $40,000. Almost as much has been expended on indigent white youth. and when the cost of erecting the various buildings is added to this, the total amount foots up to the enormous sum of over $80,000, all of which has been borne y Mr. Bissell. To offset this, not more than 812.000 have been received from all sources. These expenses were too heavy to be borne, and an embarrassing debt was the result. When the last war broke out, the institute was greatly injured. Several of the buildings were sold to pay the debts, which amounted to some $6,000. A few hundred dollars were left, which purchased a small building that was used for the school. At this time, and without means, the foundation of the present stone building was laid. The manual labor connected with the erection of this house was largely done by Mr. Bissell. He obtained the loan of $1,500, and with this purchased the necessary tools, a horse and wagon, etc., and without any previous experience, put on the roof, made the doors, window frames, etc. The entire cost was about $8,000, and when it is known that the age of Mr. Bissell at that time was seventy, not only was the

TWINSBURG TOWNSHIP - 659

undertaking gigantic, but its wisdom may be doubted. The institute is likely to fail altogether, when the Principal's hand is removed by death from the helm. Mr. Bissell is now almost penniless, and is compelled to teach for a living at the age of more than eighty years. Considering the invaluable service he has rendered the village and township in the past, how scores of people now living there have been the recipients of his generous bounty, how patient selfdenial and faith in God have been the watchwords of this venerable old man, it is unquestionably due from the citizens to provide him with at least the necessaries of life.

Religious meetings were held in the township prior to 1820. They had been held in one or two of the few dwellings and, it is said, in the upper story of the gristmill, very likely by Revs. John Seward, of Aurora, and William Hanford, of Hudson. After the erection of the schoolhouse, in 1822, at the Center, they were usually held there. Lewis Ailing, Sr., usually led the meetings ; Asa Upson also did. A circuit minister, whose name is forgotten, organized a class at the house of Asa Upson as early as 1821, and the first members were Asa Upson, Emery Alger and their families. Mr. Seward was preaching for the society at this time about once a month. Mr. Hanford also held regular service there. A Congregational society was organized August 23, 1822, and at that time consisted of the following members : Lewis Ailing, Luman Lane, Hanford White, John A. Wells and the following and their wives : Robert Hurd, J. H. Kelsey, Belizer Beech, also Irena Thomas, Comfort Nichols and Julia White. Revs. Seward and Hanford organized the society. It was greatly strengthened by a revival in 1827. On the 30th of April, 1828, Rev. Bissell was given charge of the society. Rev. Hair was its Pastor in 1835. At this time or soon afterward, a division was made in the society, and Rev. Bissell became the Pastor of one of them. Revs. Treat, Ward and Chapin occasionally preached at the Center. Rev. R. C. Learned was Pastor in 1843 ; Horace W. Palmer, in 1848 ; Joseph H. Scott, in 1853 ; Sidney Bryant, in 1860, and the President and professors of Western Reserve College have also filled the appointment. A proposition to build a combined church and schoolhouse on the square met with opposition. Timbers were prepared, and, finally, under protest, the house was erected. The house was twice moved, and then torn down. Another building was erected in 1831, at a cost of $700. The present one was built in 1848, at a cost of $3,000.

The fine marble monument standing in the public park is a credit to the patriotism of the citizens and an emblem of gratitude to the brave boys, living and dead, who fought in the last great war. Their names and the companies and regiments in which they served are chiseled into the white stone. The structure was erected the " semi centennial year of the settlement of Twinsburg." Its total height is twenty eight feet, and it rests upon three superimposed bases of sandstone, which form a series of steps to the foot of the marble column. Standing on the summit, with wings outspread, is a life sized statue of the American eagle.