HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY - 375 The managers of the Trumbull County Agricultural Fair in 1846 were Thomas J. McLain, Sr., Frederick Kinsman, Daniel Gilbert, Samuel Quinby, John Hutchins and Chester Bidwell. In the early premium lists the cash prizes were rather small and the committee awarded other articles, possibly contributed by merchants or manufacturers. For instance, in the premium list of 1850 the best coop of turkeys received fifty cents and the Ohio Cultivator. In that day the premiums on bed quilts was just the same as it is now, and as some of the same bed quilts have been on exhibition almost every year in the last twenty years, there is a possibility that some of those which were shown in 1850 are still being entered. In 1860 Z. T. Ewalt, of Howland, received the first premium on turkeys, his wife received a dollar for the first premium on bread, and Mrs. Morris Iddings, the second premium on domestic flannel. In the early published premium lists, if any young girl was fortunate enough to secure a premium, that fact was not published in her own name, but in her father's. For instance if Mary Smith received twenty-five cents for the best crocheted tidy, when published we read "Twenty-five cents for best crocheted tidy—daughter of William Smith." This was a little indefinite, since there were usually several daughters. Readers, then and now, would have been astonished to have read, "Fifty cents, coop of ducks, son of William Smith," and John Smith, whose father was William, would have called attention to the fact that he was an individual and had an individual name. In the early days of the Agricultural Association, horse racing was a feature. Men drove their own trotting horses. During the war time, Warren citizens paid as high as five dollars to witness these farmers' trots. It was real pleasure, too, because the best horse really beat. Now-a-days, people sit in the grand stand and jockeys sell the races, and the people themselves are "sold." There never was a time when the people of Trumbull County were so fooled and so manipulated, apparently unknowingly, as at the present time. Among the trials of the early settlers was the preparing of grain so that it could be used for food. In the beginning, as stated elsewhere, two stones were placed together, the upper 376 - HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY one having a spring pole, or other kind of devices for moving it, and between these stones wheat and corn were ground by hand. It was a slow, tedious process, and, unless the greatest pains were taken, was not well done. Among the most grievous trials of the early settlers was going to mill because there were no roads and no bridges. As soon as possible mills were erected in the vicinity of settlements. The first mill in old Trumbull County was at Willoughby and was in working condition in the fall of 1798. The second was between Youngstown and Canfield at the fork of Indian river. The author does not know whether this was the Mill Creek mill or not. The third was erected in the fall of 1799 in that part of Cleveland which for many years was known as Newburg. The first mill in Warren was built by Henry Lane and Charles Dally. In June, 1800, they began the construction of a dam across the Mahoning river where the present dam now is. It was not finished that season and the high water and ice during the winter destroyed it. The next year they worked faithfully, friends assisting them, but the dam was not finished and in use until 1802. This dam is still standing, although it has been raised and repaired. On this site now stands the Warren Water & Light Company's plant. In 1844 Chancey Porter came to Warren from Meadville, Pennsylvania, and erected a sawmill on upper Mahoning avenue about where the ford is. After a time he noticed that flax grew very abundantly and that the seed was little used. He conceived the idea of having a flax mill. The grist mill which Henry Lane had built, and of which Dally was part owner, had been bought by Gideon Finch, then James VanGorder. Mr. Porter purchased this mill with the idea of making linseed oil. His theory in regard to the manufacture of oil was right, but he had not the means to carry it on. He was the first Warren man to grind the flax-seed for market. Gile4 0. Griswold observed Mr. Porter's experiments, concluded it was a good business and bought him out. Thus was the same old story told over of the man without money and with inventive genius, and the man with money. Mr. Griswold later built a down-town mill. Daniel Camp and some others owned the upper mill, and finally Mr. Griswold bought the property, repaired it, installed up-to-date machinery, and it was destroyed by fire in 1880 and never rebuilt. Chancey Porter and his family were long identified with Warren. He HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY - 377 lived on Monroe street in a house which stood where the residence of E. C. Andrews now stands. When his son Byron was married the barn which stood on his place was moved onto the property west of the house and made into a residence. This has been removed while this history was being written, and Judge Chryst has erected a house upon the spot. The old Porter house was burned, and the Misses Calendar, sisters of Mrs. E. E. Hoyt, built the present residence. Chancey Porter was leading his cow down Mahoning avenue, and as he passed over a sluiceway which was in front of the present residence of Edward Kneeland, the cow either became unruly or frightened, pulled him into the ditch, and he sustained injuries from which he died. His son Alanson had a large family of children, most of whom reside in Warren. They are Charles, Henry, Edward, Joseph, Mary Addle, the oldest daughter is recently deceased. William resides in Cleveland, and James in Youngstown. The latter is the youngest of the boys by the first wife (maiden name Ray) and is one of the most accomplished photographers in the state. He has taken several valuable prizes at National Photographic exhibitions. Although the upper mill was the oldest and the most historic, there was only a year or two difference between the construction of that dam and the lower dam, which ran from the corner of Main and Market streets across the river. This dam was constructed by George Loveless, who came to Warren in 1800. He was the great uncle of Frank, Charles and William Loveless of this city. He owned ninety-seven acres of land on the west side of the river. Part of this he sold to Mr. Daniels and part to Ephraim Quinby. It is family tradition that he owned part of Quinby Hill. He was proprietor of Warren's first store, which stood on the east side of Main street, probably below Franklin. It was a log building. He had fine business ability and was industrious, as are his descendants. There were several mills of one kind and another at the west side of this dam. James Scott, who seemed to have been a very industrious citizen, had a contract for these buildings, and they finally passed into the possession of James L. VanGorder, who not only kept hotel, had landed interests, took contracts for certain buildings, but always was identified with the mill properties in this city. His sons Albert and George 378 - HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY were associated with him in the lower mill and continued in that business all of their business life. James L. VanGorder owned both upper and lower mills. The carding, spinning, weaving and fulling mill of Benjamin and Charles Stevens stood just below the lower VanGorder mill. North of the VanGorder mill was a factory used by the Stevenses for furnishing satinets, and farther north, a lumber mill, by James Scott. In Benjamin and Augustus Stevens' advertisement on June 17, 1819, we find : "Cloth will be received and dressed on the shortest notice, and in the neatest manner, and at all seasons of the year, provided enough is received for a mill full." When the canal was built in Warren, the dam was moved south to where it still stands. Before this darn was raised, when the water was low, people standing on the Market street bridge could see the remains of the Loveless dam. As stated above, Giles O. Griswold was the first man to operate extensively an oil mill in the present Trumbull County. The goodly fortune which he left was largely acquired in the oil business. His first mill was on Upper Mahoning avenue the second on Dawson street. Some years before his death he erected a fine plant in the northeast portion of the city. This is now occupied by the C. A. Crane Company. Mr. Griswold was an ardent Baptist, a bank official, and during middle life his home was one of the most hospitable of the city. Mrs. Griswold was a gracious hostess and greatly esteemed by Warren people. Their home is now owned by A. G. Judd, a relative. CHAPTER XXVI. WARREN DEBATING SOCIETY.----MEMBERS AND DESCENDANTS.-PUB- LIC LIBRARY.-CIRCULATING LIBRARY.-WARREN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION.-THE CARNEGIE LIBRARY.-TRUMBULL COUNTY ARTISTS. *The young men who lived ninety years ago in Warren were progressive in all matters pertaining to good citizenship, and they organized a debating society on the evening of October 20, 1817. Certain rules and regulations were established by which they were governed. Constitution and by-laws were duly adopted, meetings were held each week. Questions for discussion were presented by different members. From these several questions the president selected the one to be discussed at the next following meeting. The merits of the question each evening were decided by the president and the merits of the argument were decided by three judges. The president selected five members each evening who were to take the affirmative and five members to take the negative sides of the debate. We give a few extracts from the records of the society: "The following persons having met on the evening of the 20th of October, 1817, for the purpose of forming themselves into a debating society, did ordain and establish certain rules and regulations by which they resolved to be governed: Cyrus Bosworth, H. F. Leavitt, Wheeler Lewis, Edward Potter, John Love, George Mygatt, Henry Stiles, S. E. Bishop, Isaac Ladd. "Wheeler Lewis was duly elected president and H. F. Leavitt secretary pro tem. The following question was chosen by the president to be discussed on the evening of the 23rd inst., at which time the society resolved to meet: 'Is Nature Generally More Pleasing to the Eye than Art?' Messrs. John * This sketch of the Debating Society was prepared by Whittlesey Adams. - 379 - 380 - HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY Harsh, R. Fleming, Martin Bentley, Thomas G. Stewart, Benjamin Stevens, Edward Fling and John B. Harmon were admitted members of the society. William Bishop was elected to preside at the next evening of meeting as president, after which the society adjourned." October 30, 1817, the question was discussed and decided in the affirmative, after which the following gentlemen were admitted members : Samuel Quinby, Thomas Wells, Heman R. Harmon, John Gordon, William Quinby and Horace Stewart. A motion was made by the society that the present constitution compiled and recommended by H. F. Leavitt be revised and Messrs. Bishop, Bosworth, Leavitt, Bentley and Harmon were appointed a committee to revise the same. The following question was selected for the subject of the next debate : "Is War a Greater Evil than Luxury?" William Bishop was re-elected president for the next evening. March 2, 1820, society convened ; Samuel Leavitt, president; Edward Flint, secretary; Roswell Mason, treasurer. The question debated this evening was : "Was the Last War an Advantage to the American Nation?" Arguments for the affirmative were by Roswell Stone, John Brown, Eward Flint. Arguments for the negative were by George Swift and Benjamin Stevens. The merits of the question were decided by the president in favor of the affirmative, and the merits of the arguments in favor of the negative. The officers for the ensuing term were elected this evening, viz. : President, Roswell Mason ; secretary, Edward Flint ; standing committee, George Swift, Roswell Stone and George Mygatt. The question selected for the next evening was : "Would a Foreign War Be Beneficial to the United States?" The affirmative to be argued by H. Stevens, George Mygatt, George Swift and Benjamin Stevens. The negative to be argued by Roswell Stone, Adamson Bentley and Isaac Ladd. The judge for the next evening was E. Leavitt, signed Edward Flint, secretary. The following is a list of the names of the members : Lorran Andrews, Samuel E. Bishop, Cyrus Bosworth, James Clark, Seabury Ford, Edward Flint, John Gordon, Levi Hadley, Heman R. Harmon, John B. Harmon, Walter King, George Swift, Francis Freeman, Roswell Stone, Roswell Mason, John Brown, HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY - 381 Edward Potter, A. L. Norton, Isaac Ladd, H. F. Leavitt, Samuel Leavitt, John Love, George Mygatt, Calvin Pease, Edward Potter, Samuel Quinby, William Quinby, Benjamin Stevens, Horace Stevens, Thomas G. Stewart, Wheeler Lewis, James D. Burnham, John Harsh, R. Fleming, Martin Bentley, Jacob H. Baldwin, Adamson Bentley, Thomas Wells, George Hapgood, Augustus Stevens, Henry Stiles, Josiah Soule. Seabury Ford was nominated for governor by the Whig State convention on February 10, 1848, on the fifth ballot. Ezra B. Taylor, from Portage county, and Jacob Perkins, from Trumbull County, were delegates in the convention. Seabury Ford was elected governor on the Whig ticket in October, 1848, and a month later the state went Democratic at the presidential election. Seabury Ford was very popular among his Whig brethren. He was the last governor of Ohio ever elected by the Whig party. Ezra B. Taylor and Jacob Perkins were the youngest members of the Whig State convention of 1848. The following is a list of some of the descendants and relatives of members of the pioneer debating club, to-wit : Wallace W. Ford, Mrs. Mary P. Lawton, Mrs. Ester C. Nichols, Olive R. Harmon, Ella Harmon, Erwin Ladd, Mrs. Henry C. Dietz, Mrs. Albert Jameson, Mrs. Edward Briscoe, Mrs. Charles Ewalt, Virginia Reid, Lucy Hoyt, Anna S. Hoyt, Lucy E. Hoyt, Abbie Hoyt, Charles S. Adams, Norman W. Adams, Thomas Kinsman, Charles P. Kinsman, Vance Potter, George Quinby, Harriet Stevens, Mrs. H. P. McCurdy, Mary Stevens, Henry Q. Stiles, George H. Jones, Mrs. Rollin A. Cobb, Harriet P. Jones, Fred T. Stone, Laura Harsh, Mrs. Howard B. Weir, Mathew B. Tayler, George H. Tayler, Mrs. John J. Sullivan, Mrs. Emerson J. Boyd, Donald McCurdy, Charles D. Hapgood, Cornelia G. Smith, Mrs. Sarah Hapgood Van Gorder, Mrs. Lucy Baldwin Murdock, Charles Smith Adams, George W. Hapgood, Dr. Fred K. Smith. And besides the above named there are many more descendants and relatives of the Warren pioneer debaters now living in this city. The following copy of a contract for rent shows a little touch of the simple life of ninety years ago in Warren : "Agreed with Simon Taylor for the room for the use of the debating society, he to find candles and wood and make and extinguish the fire, for which the society are to pay 50c for each and every evening they may occupy said room from December 16, 1819." 382 - HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY From the records of the society it appears that the society was in an active and vigorous condition for six years. It may have been in existence much longer. Public Library. In 1814 or 1815 the first library in old Trumbull County was established in Warren. It contained about 1,000 volumes, mostly of biography and history. It was located in the cabinet shop of Mr. White, which stood north of the Presbyterian church. There was little, aside from church and social gatherings, to entertain people, and so this library was a popular institution. Mr. White served as librarian for more than thirty years, and there are many men and women living in Warren today who read those books which were under his care. In the early '40s W. N. Porter and Mr. Ide had a circulating library. December 20, 1842, we find in the Western Reserve Chronicle the following: "Wheat, corn, hay, oats, wood, butter, tallow, and most kinds of produce will be received for subscriptions to Porter & Ide's circulating library. Mr. Porter was a cultured gentleman, who had a large and well regulated book store in the room now occupied by the Masters Brothers Grocery Company. His daughter, Charlotte, married Dr. David Jameson and resided all her life in the homestead on Washington avenue, near Mahoning. She died in June of this year. His son, William F. Porter, was associated with him for many years, but because of failing health moved to Colorado, where he stayed for some years before his death. lie was artistic in temperament and painted some very creditable pictures. He married Nancy -Williams, who still lives in their homestead at the corner of Elm and High streets. She is an ingenious woman, and at one time patented a cover for slate frames which would have netted her a handsome return had it not been at that time teachers decided to use tablets instead of slates. William N. and Nancy Porter had two sons, Eugene and William. The latter died in early youth, and the former by bequest of his aunt, Charlotte, Porter Jamison has received half interest in the old Porter homestead. In 1848 Jacob Perkins, Dr. Julian Harmon, Judge George M. Tuttle and Orlando Morgan, with some others, originated the "Warren Library Association." The books of the first library were transferred to this company and the trustees and patrons HISTORY OF 'TRUMBULL COUNTY - 383 desiring to extend the work of the library, opened a reading room in connection with it. George Van Gorder was the librarian for three years, and the library was in his father's block, which was afterwards destroyed by fire. Some persons who had contributed books and money to the .first association did not exactly approve of this library on the larger scale. However, it flourished for a time. It was sustained by private subscription, and entertainments, especially lectures, were given for its benefit. Among those who gave the lectures were Jacob Perkins, Judge Milton Sutliff, George M. Tuttle, Dr. D. B. Woods, and Dr. Julian Harmon. Later the Library Association decided that it could not keep open both reading room and library, and decided to close the reading room and stop periodicals ; to remove the library to the office of M. D. Leggett; to keep it open for the drawing and changing of books on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays of every week; that the stockholders be taxed the sum of fifty cents and those not stockholders one dollar per year for the use of the library. In 1854 the library suspended and the books were sold at public auction and to private individuals. There were about two thousand volumes and many of them are now to be found in the libraries of the older residents. The people who had objected to the formation of this second library had occasion to say "I told you so," and those who had given books to the first library had reason to feel rebellious when they were sold to the highest bidder. In 1877 some books were gathered together and the nucleus of a new library was established. From the beginning Dr. Julian Harmon had been interested in the library question, and this third library was entrusted to his care in his office on Harmon street. Professor E. F. Moulton was president, Dr. Harmon was secretary, and the library was maintained by dollar memberships. For eleven years this organization was in existence, then President Moulton called a meeting at Dr. Harmon's office, on the 10th of July, 1888, to consider seriously the question of a library for Warren. The meeting was adjourned a week and twelve or fifteen persons perfected the plans at the office of P. L. Webb. George T. Townsend was chairman of that meeting and P. L. Webb secretary. Marshall Woodford was elected president, P. L. Webb secretary and treasurer ; executive committee, Dr. T. M. Sabin, Judge D. R. Gilbert, and 384 - HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY Mrs. S. W. Parks. So far as we know this was the first time a woman had acted in official capacity in connection with the library association. More women than men were present at this meeting, among them, the Misses Mary Id-dings, Maria Heaton, Ella Estabrook, Fanny Hall, Helen Bierce, Mrs. S. W. Park, Mrs. Woodford, and Mrs. W. T. Brown. The name of the Warren Library Association was retained. The two eases of books which had been in Dr. Harmon's office, were transferred to Mr. Webb's office and he served as librarian for two years. On the 22nd day of September, 1888, the library opened with two hundred and ninety-four volumes. Ten years later they had 4,000 volumes. This library was opened two afternoons and evenings in the week. No one in connection with this association received any salary, but there were expenses to be met, particularly that of the purchase of new books. The association therefore arranged for a course of lectures, and the committee having this in charge secured a list of responsible persons who agreed to make good, individually, any deficit and to give to the Library Association any profits. The first course was given in 1888 and '89 and the lecture course was continued five years. Eight hundred dollars was realized in this way, and that sum really made it possible to continue the work. In 1890 the association was incorporated, by Henry B. Perkins, Marshall Woodford, B. J. Taylor, P. L. Webb, S. W. Parks, W. C. Stiles, and W. S. Kernohan. Marshall Woodford was president, B. J. Taylor, vice-president, 0. L. Wolcott, treasurer, T. D. Oviatt, secretary and librarian. From this time on the success of the library was apparent. Mr. Woodford gave a great deal of thought and time to the management of affairs, and when he was suddenly taken away, Mrs. Woodford took his place, acting as librarian. The law of the state of Ohio allowed a tax to be levied for library purposes, and supervision to be had either by the city council or the board of education. The association chose to put itself in the hands of the board of education rather than the council. This body therefore made the levy and for the first time in its existence, the board of education divided on the lines of men and women, the women voting for the higher levy and the men for the lower. On April 1, 1898, the Warren Free Library became a reality. The first books were drawn that day, and the library was HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY - 385 opened to all citizens and residents of school district. During the summer the evening hours were lengthened, the room being open from 6:30 to 8:00. The officers of this first Free Library were: President, B. J. Taylor; vice-president, W. C. Stiles; treasurer, P. L. Webb ; librarian and secretary, Mrs. Woodford. In 1896 one hundred and ninety-eight people drew books ; in 1898, one thousand and twenty-five. In 1899, the high school library, of two hundred books, was transferred to the Free Library. In 1899 the library had become such an attractive place that people who went there for books, stayed and visited until the trustees voted that no talking above a whisper should be allowed. So well was this law enforced, as long as the library was in the building, that to this day when towns-people open the door of the National American Women Suffrage Association, they begin conversation in a whisper. In 1898 an endowment gift of $3,500 was made the library and the interest from this has served a goodly purpose. In 1878 Judge Milton Sutliff left by will $10,000 to provide the youth of Warren with a place for entertainment and enjoyment. The phrase relating to this was obscure and for that reason, nothing was done with it until, by mutual agreement, George M. Tuttle, the trustee, with the consent of all persons interested under the will, agreed that this amount might be turned over to the Library Association. The old building which had been used as an academy and which had been occupied by Mr. Sutliff as an office, was turned over to the library, and the rents accruing therefrom were used for its maintenance. This had to be done through the city authorities and all were pleased when it was thus settled. When the court house was building, provision was made on the first floor, west wing, for the library, and here the association established itself in 1897. Mrs. Woodford was librarian at the munificent salary of $300 and her assistants gave their time gratuitously. It thus being determined that the Library Association was a fixture in the community, donations were made to it of money and of books and those donations have been continued. Mrs. Woodford resigned to accept a position in Oberlin where she would be with her mother and her sister, and Miss Elizabeth Smith, of Cleveland, succeeded her. Miss Smith served two or three years, and upon her return to Cleveland, Miss Cornelia Smith was elected librarian and has served ever since. Too much praise cannot be given to Miss Smith Vol. I-25 386 - HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY for her devotion and her interest. Under her management, the library has become a place where young and old cannot only receive books, but can be guided to all sorts of references and helpful articles. About 1904 the Library Association decided to accept the offer of Andrew Carnegie to give $28,000 to the library and building was begun in the fall of that year. It was finished in February, 1906. As Mr. Carnegie always requires that the city obligate itself in the expense of maintaining his libraries, the city levied a proper tax. The bill providing for this free library placed the control in the hands of the city authorities. The city now levies .7 mill and last year this amounted to $3,200. As the library was built on the Sutliff land, and as a provision of the Sutliff will must be carried out, the first floor. was made into a hall and named "Sutliff Hall," and the library proper is on the second floor, although part of the rooms on the first floor are used by the library for storage. Within the last year this hall has been used as a gymnasium for boys. The will of Mr. Sutliff provided for both boys and girls. The library now contains over 15,000 books. The officers are president of the board, B. J. Taylor; vice-president, T. I. Gillmer ; treasurer, P. L. Webb ; members, S. W. Parks, Homer E. Stewart, Charles Fillius, Mary Perkins Lawton. Trumbull County Artists. A number of Trumbull County citizens have made their mark in the artistic world. Foremost is Kenyon Cox, the son of J. D. Cox, who is mentioned in connection with the Warren schools. This artist now lives in New York City, and enjoys an enviable reputation among artists and art schools. His wife is likewise an artist. John W. Bell, the son of Reuben Bell, had decided talent in painting, and some beautiful productions of his are in Trumbull County homes. Mr. Cox studied abroad and had every advantage, but Mr. Bell was not so fortunate, and developed his talent largely in New York and eastern cities. His specialty was autumn landscapes. He did some very good work in water color. He married Ella, the daughter of Dr. Metcalf, who likewise had artistic tastes and who was successful in marketing his pictures. He had the truly artistic temperament and cared HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY - 387 little for the financial part of picture painting. A. T. Millar, a resident of Cortland, a student of Mr. Bell, afterwards studied in New York and Europe, and now does very creditable work. He lives in New York. John Crawford was the first of Warren's artists, and had good ideas of colors. He died when very young, giving great promise. William F. Porter had decided artistic tastes, but did not make this his profession. CHAPTER XXVII. FIRE DEPARTMENT.-FIRE OF 1846.—PRIMITIVE METHODS OF FIRE PROTECTION.-FIRE COMPANIES AND APPARATUS.-'`THE GREAT FIRE. "-CITY HALL AND PAID DEPARTMENT. Until within a few years the citizens of Warren became greatly alarmed at the ringing of the fire bell. Even as late as 1880 a day-time fire brought forth an enormous crowd, while an alarm rung in the night called men from their beds and caused women to anxiously await the result at home. This unnecessary fear was present because of the terrible conflagrations which in the past had visited the city. The tale had been so often told that although people were too young to have seen the destruction, still it was firmly fixed in their minds. The first destructive fire was in 1846; the others in 1849, 1855, 1860, 1866, and 1867. In the early days of Warren there were few ways to spend money raised by taxation, and in 1838 there was a surplus of $800 in the treasury. During that fall it was decided to spend $295 for a rotary engine for a fire department. Machines of this kind, at that time, were very imperfect. This one was built after the plan of a force pump and was warranted to throw a hundred gallons of water per minute upon a three-story building. It was necessary to have a tub, to be filled by a bucket brigade, so, after all, this machine did not do away with the primitive fire department—men and pails. The early newspapers show that the early citizens feared what came to them and tried to avoid it. We read that on December 9, 1840, a call for citizens who were interested in the protection of property from fire to meet was made. In the following March we find this statement: "At a city meeting held in Mr. Babbitt's school room the question of better fire equipment was discussed and it was resolved that an efficient fire department was necessary for the protection of property." - 388 - HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY - 389 Again, in August, 1845, "The tax-payers of the borough of Warren are requested to meet at the court house on Thursday evening next to take into consideration the propriety of purchasing a fire engine by tax." At the time of the purchase of this engine a fire company was formed and its duty was not only to manage the fire but to do police service as well. The citizens of the town were requested to take their place in the bucket brigade. This company had to practice once a month, and after the novelty wore off, the filling of the tub was a laborious task, distasteful to all. Notwithstanding the preparation, this company had no chance to serve in the first fire, of 1846, because the buildings were largely of wood and the fire was under such headway that nothing as small and as inefficient could have much effect upon the burning mass. The fire department did the best it could, but citizens became very much excited and often ran throwing water on the fire from the individual buckets instead of keeping the tub filled, and finally the truck broke and the engine was placed on boxes where it was worked, but to little purpose. This fire started about eleven o'clock on Monday night, June 1st, the alarm being given by the Presbyterian bell, now rather worse for its years of work, but still hanging in the Presbyterian steeple. It originated in the grocery store of Fred Bolemyer, which stood where the Warren Hardware Company now is on Market street, went down Main street nearly to Franklin, and east on Market to Park (Liberty) and down Park a short distance. Twenty-four buildings were burned, and among them some of the best firms in town lost heavily. Among these were Smith & McCombs, whose store was in the block of Henry W. and Charles Smith, S. M. Rupp, hardware store, the Liberty Herald Printing Office, several law offices in the Smith Block, the brick building of J. L. VanGorder, and the three-story brick building of Daniel Gilbert, on the corner of Market and Park, the store of Iddings & Best, the public market house, Democratic printing office, the postoffice, the county treasurer's office, the store of B. P. Jameson (here a man lost his life), James Hoyt, Patch and Allison, were all destroyed. The park was filled with all sorts of merchandise, furniture. The store of Henry Stiles and Asael Adams, standing just north of Market, on the east side of Park, were saved, although the goods were carried out and more or less damaged. Many ladies were in the rank of the bucket brigade and did heroic work in helping to save these 390 - HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY buildings as well as the bank. Little insurance was carried in those days and the financial loss was very great. Among others suffering loss in this fire were: A. Bartholomew, Morgan & Stell, Lott & Freeman, L. S. Kibbee & Son, Kibbee, Moser & Co., Thornton & King, L. Graham, A. F. Hunt, Zalmon Fitch, J. W. Collins, J. M. Milligan, A. Luke & Co., Daniel Jagger, George Austin, Fred Bolemyer, J. & J. Dunlap, Caleb Peck, J. R. Williams, Levi Nichols, A. Luke & Co., A. & C. Westcott, the postoffice, Woodrow & Chapman, Day's barber shop, Dr. W. Iddings, Dr. J. Farrell, and two or three lawyers' offices on Franklin street. The old Western Reserve Bank stood where the present Union National stands, and George Tayler, with the assistance of friends, heroically saved this building, which was on fire several times. The Odd Fellows lodge, several doctors and lawyers had their rooms and offices burned and suffered accordingly. Changes were made in firms and in businesses at that time. The Liberty Herald was never issued again; the publisher, Mr. Tait, became librarian of the Cleveland Public Library, and the editor, Mr. Rice, became editor of the Ohio State Journal at Columbus. Although the fire of 1846 has been handed down in press, and by word of mouth, the following is quoted from a letter which the mother of Samuel Dickey wrote to him when he was in New Hampshire on a visit, "Ere this reaches you, you will doubtless learn from public papers what a great conflagration there has been in Warren, last Monday night. Some say even greater than that in Pittsburg, according to the population of the place. On Monday night about half past eleven, I was awakened by the church bell. Looked out of the window and saw a bright light. I thought in the direction of the Presbyterian church. We got up, partly dressed ourselves, and went out to the road. Found it south of the .church. Your father called up John and Jake and he, himself, went as far as. the bridge barefooted. He could then see it was on Market street. He could see VanGorder's block all aflame, Smith & McComb's store burning and likely to take the whole of Market street, and Main street. He came home, dressed himself, went back again, got into line and stayed until the fire subsided, which was about three o'clock. When he came home, to our deep regret, he told us Market street was in ruins as far as Adams store, market house and all, and Main street above the post HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY - 391 office. One or two houses on the other side of the street were saved with great exertion. There are no other stores remaining now except Adams' and Stiles' on Liberty street, or Main street, Hoyt's, Charles Smith, and many of the goods of those stores were taken out and much injured. Our friend, Towne, had almost everything taken out of his house and a great many other houses were emptied of their contents. Mr. VanGorder remained in his house so long, clearing out goods, that his friends were alarmed about him, and he had at last to jump out of the second-story window. Mr. VanGorder is said to be the greatest sufferer among them all. He is said to have lost $10,000. He had intended to have insurance when he completed his fine block of buildings. The sympathy of the public are deeply enlisted for him. It is supposed he will go on with the flour mill across the river. There is a good deal of property covered by insurance. Mr. Bidwell says the insurance companies of Trumbull County will break up and that he himself will lose Avery much." Warren now knew that one thing it must have was an efficient fire department. In July, of this same year 1846, James Hoyt and Oliver H. Patch, upon request of the citizens, went to Cleveland, purchased a Button at the cost of $600. This was the type of hand engine with which we are all familiar. It was a great improvement on the old one. There was little or no money in the treasury at the time, and apparently the town had no right to levy a tax. However, then, was done the thing which always can be done when an emergency arises, a way was found to use an old and unused law in regard to bonding the city for this purpose. This statute allowed the treasurer to issue certificates on the treasury which were receivable for taxes. After a good deal of effort a sufficient amount of certificates were sold to pay for the engine. The old fire company was abandoned, and a new one was perfected. Charles Messenger became the chief. (William's History of Trumbull & Mahoning Counties.) "The Council offered a standing premium of $3 to the member of the company who would reach the engine house first in case of fire. The house stood on Liberty street, back of the First National Bank building. A close contest was made for this prize, on the night of the great fire of 1849 which consumed two blocks on Market street. The fire was seen apparently at the same time by W. R. Stiles and James Hoyt, both merchants. Both ran with all possible speed toward 392 - HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY the engine house, where they arrived so nearly at the same time that at the instant Mr. Hoyt grabbed for the latch, Mr. Stiles seized it, thus winning the money." The constitution of the Mahoning Fire Company No. 1, adopted in 1863 and of Neptune Fire Company, No. 2 adopted in 1868, are on file in the present fire department. Part of article 4 of Mahoning reads, in reference to members, "On the alarm of fire they shall repair to the engine house to assist in conveying the apparatus to the fire—to assist in using it while there—and to return it to its proper place in the house. Any member leaving the apparatus without the permission of the foreman, or the commanding officer, shall be subject to a fine for the first offense, of 121/, cents, for the second offense, 25 cents, and for the third offense, expulsion." In the Neptune constitution, we read, "No person shall become a member of this company under the age of seventeen, or who is not of respectable moral character." In both the constitutions, great stress is laid on fines and on expulsion. In the old records we find several dismissals for drunkenness. In an old book at the fire department, yellow with age, are the following names of the active members of the Neptune Fire Company No. 2, for 1867: W. J. Kerr, W. H. Herzog, D. H. Hecklinger, Whit Adams, R. S. Elliott, John Hardy, B. Gearing, David Camp, C. S. Fusselman, Frank Camp, Adam Mack, Amos Dillon, William Hayes, Marion Wisell, Joseph Robinson, James Robinson, George Gandholt, Robert Clark, James Parker, John Spear, J. L. Smith, L. Hecklinger, A. Burnstein, Joseph Alescenter, Sam Tandzenheizer, W. Clark, H. A. Strong, Eli Vakir, H. Schultz, J. Hammell, Ben Miller, W. Bushnell, J. Lewis, James Moon, R. Braden, J. M. Tuttle, H. M. Pierce, Andrew Hahn, John Moon, Joseph Waldeck, A. N. Dietz, S. Miner, V. Cady, Byron Harrick, Levi Camp, Alfred Wilson, Theo. Bobolsky, William Crawford, Horace Bushnell, Fred Squire, John Wrecter, R. S. Wilkins, Z. Long, W. Brown, J. W. Gilbert, Patrick Duffy, Adam Waldeck, D. Symes, W. Ward, Jr., W. F. Peffers, S. Wright, W. Morris, A. Winders, Andrew Jewell, Bostick Parker, D. D. Drennen, C. W. Tyler. A. second hand engine, bearing the name of "Saratoga" was purchased in 1851 and a company organized. Whether this was an entirely new company, or a reorganization of the old, we do not know. In 1855 another engine was purchased. HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY - 393 Although the fire of 1846 was a dreadful one, that of 1860 was worse, and is always known as "the great fire." Almost the entire business part of the town was destroyed. This seems strange when it started at mid-day, but when we know of the wooden buildings, the shingle roofs, and the dry season, we can see how soon such a conflagration would be beyond control. This fire started in Truesdell & Townsend's furniture factory, located on south side of Fulton street near Main. There was a strong wind and the burning embers were easily carried to the livery stable of Peter Foulk on Franklin street. This time, both sides of Main street burned, and several acres were laid in waste. The covered bridge was destroyed, and fell into the river. Many houses on Mahoning avenue had the shingle roofs ablaze, the Methodist church was on fire in several places, and Prof. James Marvin, then superintendent of the public schools, got onto the roof and saved it by the help of the bucket brigade. Almon D. Webb, the father of Peter L. Webb, did the same thing for the Presbyterian church. Edward A. Smith is the only man now engaged in business who was in business at that time. There were two fire companies, Mahoning No. 1 and Neptune No. 2. The former was located on South Park avenue and the second in a brick building located in the small park between city hall and West Market street. Members belonging to the Mahoning No. 1, now living, are John Buchsteiner, Jas. Finn, John Rebhan and Michael Goeltz, while of Neptune No. 2,—Whittlesey Adams, Judge William T. Spear, Homer C. Reid, and Wm. J. Kerr are still living. This fire brought financial distress, but in the long run was good for the town, for, although more than $300,000 worth of property was destroyed, buildings were all re-built. Before this, Main street was below grade, and now this was brought up to the right level and a good foundation made. Before two years had passed, all blocks were rebuilt, all occupied. The fire of 1867 swept away the buildings from the corner of Park, to the building now occupied by Mrs. Kopp. The store on the corner where the Warren Dry Goods store now stands was used by Charles Boughton as a crockery store, and over this the Misses Foreman had a millinery establishment. These two women carried on successful business in Warren for a great many years. They escaped from this fire with their lives. They lost their stock of goods, all their clothing and furniture. 394 - HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY The women of the town gladly and generously gathered together, made garments for them, and they were soon able, either from their own savings or by a loan, to secure a new line of goods and resume business. They were the leading milliners of the town for many years and during the latter part of their lives occupied rooms at the southern end of the present Union National Bank building. Since that time a number of business places have been destroyed by fire, and now and then a residence or two, but on the whole, fires have been few and the department very efficient. In 1868 the first steamer was purchased. Including a goodly bit of hose, it cost $9,000. It was named for the mayor, I. N. Dawson, and the fire department bore also the same name. People now who were children in that day remember how proudly John L. Smith, as the captain, led the parades on Fourth of July and like occasions, and how lie used to thunder his commands through a brass horn. After this department had been called out for the slightest fire, the children of the town, for weeks after, going back and forth to school, would make a horn of their hands and in as deep tones as possible imitate Capt. Smith in "Play away, No. 1." In 1881 a new steamer was purchased, costing $4,000. There was no change in the fire company as to name. In 1874 the city hall was built at the cost of $40,000. The lower part of this building was arranged for the fire department, and horses were used for the first time to draw the engines, when the company was installed in this building. The erection of the city ball caused a good deal of comment on the part of the older citizens. These men realized the value of the land given by Mr. Quinby to the city, and as most of them had traveled, were well educated, and knew the possibility of this public park, they had guarded the Quinby gift and regretted greatly the sale of the land between the river and Quinby- Hill, particularly the part opposite the city hall, and they also objected to the construction of the city hall, first because it obstructed the view of the river, but principally because they believed a stable in the lower part of the city building would finally make the building unfit for use. The town has lived to see the wisdom of the early fathers, and has partially rectified its mistake by taking the fire department out of the building. In 1896 the present fire department building was erected HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY - 395 on Park avenue. It cost about $20,000. In 1899 the Volunteer Fire Company ceased to exist, the present fire company was organized, and the office of chief of fire department created. D. K. Moser was elected chief, and has held that office ever since. He has been a very efficient man. The firemen, at this writing, on duty in this building are Chief Moser, Grant Drennen, William Griffith, Dennis Gates, and Milton Poulton. As many manufacturies have sprung up in the northern part of the city, for several years pressure has been brought to bear for the establishment of a fire department in that section, and in 1908 a building was erected and equipped. The captain in this station is Harry Mills, John Graham and Stanley Johnson being the men on duty. CHAPTER XXVIII. GERMAN -AMERICAN FAMILIES OF TRUMBULL COUNTY.-DANIEL BISCHOFF.-CHRISTIANAR, VOIT, DIETZ, SHALER , DERR, GOERING, HUCKE, WALDECK, KOEHLER, ETC. The Germans were among the very best of Warren's early citizens. In the beginning those who came were men and women of unusual talent. Many of them were well educated, all were frugal, and were willing to take part in anything which was for the welfare of the community. It is a pity that no record has been kept of these staunch citizens, and that even the children and the grandchildren know little about them. Most of them were Lutherans, and came from Germany proper. Among these was George Gairing, who was very well educated and a cabinet maker by trade. Daniel Bischoff (later written Bishop) was one of the leading men of his time. He was educated, had fine business sense, and was a sort of a go-between for the people here and those in Germany. He kept up his home interests and sold steamship tickets to those wishing to go back and forth. He had quite a family of children, having had two wives. It is a pity that no picture is preserved of his first store, which was a low affair, with a little door, and stood on the spot where the Bishop block now stands. He sold candy and later beer and wine. Possibly he sold these in the beginning. The family lived in the house and on the door was a bell which rang as customers opened it. It was the cleanest place, and it seems as if candy never tasted so good when bought anywhere else. Mr. Bishop was very pleasant to children, and we all saved our money to spend it there. Mr. McQuiston, who kept a place across the street, used to buy old bottles, and many a summer day has the writer spent the morning gathering bottles, bargaining with Mr. McQuiston for the sale, and as soon as the pennies were in her hand, dashing across the street to Bishop's, pushed in the door with the ringing bell, and called for three cents' worth of Jugu Paste. - 396 - HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY - 397 Another one of the leading Germans was Henry Christianar. He was a first-class wagon-maker, and was associated with John Martin in business. Mr. Christianar had a capable wife and family of children. Three of his daughters taught in Warren and in Cleveland. Emma, the oldest, married Azor Hunt and now lives in Homestead. Fred, the youngest of the boys, was especially successful in business and owned, at the time of his death a few months ago, part of the Colonial Hotel. One of the most industrious and well beloved of the early Germans was Lewis Voit. He was a painter by trade, and a man who adhered strictly but gently to the teachings of his church. He had a goodly family of boys, all of whom reside in this city. Fred, the youngest, follows his father's trade ; while Ed has the leading furniture store of the city, his brother Henry being associated with him. Will is one of the leading druggists, a partner of Byard. Ed has been a member of the board of education, and Will of the city council. Captain Wilhelm Dietz came to this country in 1851. From New York he stopped in the state but later came to Warren. Two of his sons were A. N. and George. He was a tanner. George and A. N. were coopers. Both these men were exemplary citizens, George being the father of Louise Brenner, Youngstown, and Clarence, of this city. A. N. married Kathrine Baehr, who was born in Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, Germany, in the castle of Coburg, in which Martin Luther resided at the time he wrote the famous hymn "Ein Feste Burg ist Unser Gott." Mr. and Mrs. Dietz were both strong characters, lived exemplary lives, Mrs. Dietz dying a few years ago. Four children still live, William, a very successful business man of Cleveland; August, connected with the Erie Railroad in Cleveland, holding an important position; Henry, teller of the Union National Bank ; and Minnie, who is stenographer and confidential clerk of T. H. Gillmer. Mr. Frederick Shaler, a carpenter, who resided most of his married life on Market street near the corner of Vine, was one of the reliable early German citizens. He died in the late '60s, but his wife survived him many years. She spent her time in the home of her daughters, Mrs. Seigfried, of Youngstown, and Mrs. F. J. Mackey, of Warren. A younger daughter, Frankie, died in youth. Mr. Shaler was held in high esteem by his German acquaintances and English neighbors. Two Germans long identified with Warren were Myers and 398 - HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY Herlinger. In the beginning they were laborers in the brickyard on the flats. Later they owned this plant. David Her-linger had a large family of children : Elizabeth, now Mrs. Wakefield ; John, employed at the McMyler Works; Theodore, the baker; David, a barber; Lena, Mrs. Henry Voit ; George, a molder. They are all useful citizens. Of Mr. Myers' children four reside in Trumbull County : Jacob follows his father's trade and is at present connected with the brick company on the west side; Christopher is a grocer; William, a farmer at Newton Falls ; and Charles is the junior member of Vautrot & Myers. Samuel Derr was one of the early settlers who devoted his time to the keeping of a hotel and to the running of a mill in the lower part of town. He died very suddenly in the prime of life, and left a widow with a family of children to partially provide for. Mrs. Derr kept a boarding-house for many years where the library now stands, and was very successful in that business. At present she has a grandson, Louis James, and a granddaughter, Olive Lamb, residing in this city. John Goering, who came early from Germany to Warren, was a stone mason and contractor. Mr. Goering was a man of unusual integrity and he helped to construct many of the large buildings erected in Warren between 1850 and 1870. For many years he resided opposite the Lutheran church on Vine street, but later bought property on Howland Heights, which has just been sold by his children. Mr. Goering came of an excellent family in Germany. His nephew is now postmaster in Coburg, and another nephew was an architect of no mean reputation. He had two daughters' by his first wife, two sons by his second. The oldest daughter, Julia Fisher, lives in Colorado ; the younger daughter recently married Mr. Wolcott of Jefferson, and resides there, while the two sons are residents of Warren, Frederick being a carpenter, and Charles the senior member of the firm of Goering & Ohl. George Bruno Hucke was a German who came to Warren in the early '50s and married a daughter of Dr. Tod of Newton Falls. They resided all their married life in Warren, where Mrs. Hucke still lives. Their daughter is Mrs. Nelson Cottle, of Porter avenue. Mr. Hucke was a fine musician, had a rich baritone voice, and for many years had charge of the music of the Episcopal church. He had a fine education, and in ordinary conversation showed little accent of speech, but when he HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY - 399 poured forth his soul in song the German was very apparent. One can almost hear him now as he sang the Te Deum "We praise te, Oh, Gott, We acknowledge te to be te Lordt." The Waldeck family was a large one. Henry, Joe, and John were successful business men. They were originally Catholics, but Joe and John early became Protestants. Henry adhered to his faith, and was one of the leading spirits of St. Mary's parish. The Waldeck Bakery, which was managed by Henry, and later by his son, was one of the best stores of the kind that Warren ever had. Joe was a barber, and in his shop the girls of the '60's had their hair shingled, he being careful not to "pull." John, the youngest of the family, is in the insurance business and has been very successful. John Koehler, who for many years had the marble establishment in this city, stood at the very head of the German residents. Every motion and action showed his breeding and training. Self-respect was written on his face. He was respected by Americans and loved by his own countrymen here. He lived on Howland Heights, next to his friend and neighbor, John Goering. He had a large family of children. Only one, Mary, who married John Waldeck, now resides in the city. Neither Mr. nor Mrs. Koehler lived beyond middle life. Augustus Graeter was one of the best educated Germans who came to Warren. He and his family are referred to in the chapter under Hotels. John Baehr, who now resides on First street, is a brother of the late Mrs. A. N. Dietz. He is a painter by trade, and for many years has been a leader in his occupation. He was long associated with John Rebhan, who now resides on Niles avenue. Both these men were interested in Warren's welfare in the '50's and '60's, Mr. Rebhan being one of the most efficient members of the fire company. John Bucksteiner, a shoemaker by trade, now working for J. A. Pew & Son, who has worked longer at his trade and more constantly than any other shoe man in the city, like his other German friends, is one of the most substantial citizens. He was a member of the early fire department, and he and Christine Lemley saved the King Block from destruction in the fire of 1860. His son, John, is one of the leading merchants. The early Germans in Warren were most of them Lutherans and had social affairs of their own. They were very hospitable and each felt responsible for the other. They had good