[ 586 ]
T R O Y.
_______
BY WILLIAM H. CHAPMAN.
PREFACE.
If there is anything of a local character, aside from one's own affairs, which should be of interest to the citizen
of a township, it would seem to be, more than all else, a knowledge, more or less perfect, of the history of the
township in which the fortunes of that citizen are cast; that each may know a little of what the pioneers passed
through, while performing the rugged, arduous duties, incidental to the advance guard of civilization, in a country
such as was the Western Reserve, a century ago. Poor indeed, at the best, will be our conception of the hardships
and privations with which they were obliged to contend, while opening up what is now one of the most desirable regions
in the whole "Buckeye" State. It is not easy for our imagination to paint, with any degree of accuracy, as we drive
our dozen, more or less, of fat, sleek, contented cows, from well-fenced, luxurious pastures, to comfortable stables,
twice each day, to relieve their overburdened udders; I say it is not an easy thing to imagine the difference between
this comparatively pleasant pastime, and the way which was practiced by the hardy frontiersman, with his single "bossy,"
if indeed he were the fortunate owner of one. Then, a fenced grazing field was not known, and after "old brin" had
paid her usual assessment of two quarts, or thereabouts, in the morning, she was turned loose to seek her food as best
she might, in the surrounding forest, while our sturdy woodsman, with axe well sharpened, proceeded to his daily toil
of levelling the giant oaks, or the more graceful beech, or maple, whistling the while in bright anticipation of a
well-cleared farm, in days yet to come, and thus he works, and thus he whistles, until the setting sun warns him of
other duties. Shouldering his trusty axe, he glances over the result of his day's exertion, with a feeling of proud
satisfaction, then betakes himself to his "cabin," where the good wife has a lunch in readiness for him, which he eagerly
seized -- for it is growing late -- and starts on his uncertain pilgrimage after the cherished cow. She may be found within
a mile of home, and, perchance, he may travel many a weary one, before he hears the welcome sound of his own cowbell.
Sometimes his aching limbs mutely urge him to abandon the search, but visions of the little ones, peering through the
chinks of his cabin palace, wondering why "pa don't come home, with "Old Brin;" they are so hungry," urge him on, and
on, till at last, in the distance, his accustomed ear catches the wellknown sound, when his weary plodding is changed
in a twinkling to a sprightly step, and his treasure is soon discovered, luxuriating, perchance, on a new-found bed of
leeks; but at his bidding, starts through the dense forest, to her well known quarters, with an unerring certainty.
Here she is greeted by the mother with a choice tid-bit of something saved up for her especial use, she meanwhile
relieving her of what little milk she may have secreted during the day. This done, she is made fast to a neighboring
tree, and the children regaled with a porringer of johnny-cake and milk. If any is left, mother takes a little, if not,
just as well, she makes a supper of johnny-cake alone. Everything being arranged for the night, all seek their humble
cots, and sleep as only rough, hardy sons and daughters of toil can sleep, and awake in the morning ready to go
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587
through the same routine again. And thus passed the first season of their sojourn in the, then, far west.
As winter approaches, the little garden, made on a plat of ground hastily cleared, and rudely fenced, the spring previous, is carefully gathered, every vestige being turned to some use. The calf, "Old Brin's" production of the March previous, over the disposal of which a great many earnest discussions have been held, is finally doomed to the knife, to satisfy the demands of hunger, and a solemn pledge is made that the next one shall be raised.
Winter sets in. A rude hovel is erected, wherein their only dependence for milk may be sheltered from the storm, her
food the while, being the browse, from a tree or two, each day felled for her special use, re-enforced by a few
"nubbins" carefully laid away in the cabin loft for that purpose.
All this while "pater familias" is by no means idle. If not engaged with his trusty rifle, in securing sustenance for
his priceless brood at the cabin; or at work, for a more forehanded "neighbor" in an adjoining township, in payment
for a "chunk of pork" or a half bushel of wheat; the reverberating blows of that same carefully preserved axe, are
heard from early dawn, till darkness hinders, in preparing another fallow for wheat, the next season; clearly showing
what a strong, impelling power, is faith.
Distance from neighbors being too great for social intercourse, the evenings are, nearly all, spent around his own rude
fireside; his employment -- replacing a shattered axe-helve; or in some way improving the internal arrangements of his
humble cabin, or making a hand-sled, for better convenience in transporting fire-wood, or making sap-spouts, in
anticipation of the coming sugar season. Coal oil had not then been discovered, and tallow was to be found only in an
occasional deer, so that the only light to be depended upon, was that of the blazing "fire-place," but anticipation
of a "better coming" made all this endurable.
The post-office was an institution to be found only semi-occasionally, and the newspaper was as seldom to be found as
the post-office; making general intelligence entirely out of the question; a stray letter from the far east at long
intervals, comprising the only mail matter received, and answers, the only matter sent; still our sturdy pioneer toiled
on, hope ever in the ascendant.
In due course of time winter merges into most welcome spring, finding our friend in readiness for its duties. His
self-imposed five acre "stent" is completed. The trunks of the trees nicely chopped into the requisite logging length,
and the brush neatly and snugly piled, to await the consuming torch of the following June; the garden is enlarged and
improved, and at the proper time planted. Later the torch is applied to the last summer's chopping, which soon reduces
the more combustible portion to ashes. Then the process of mauling rails comes in order, for his field must needs be
fenced against occasional marauders, and, having no team, the rails must be taken to their places by the transportation,
better known in those days as "soul carting." This done, the field is duly dedicated and set apart as the first
cornfield and potato patch, the remembrance of which will be carried to the end of life. The seed must be planted
between the logs, and among the roots, for no team can yet be procured, with which to do the logging; and an old axe
supplies the place of the hoe, in the operation.
In the meantime, "Old Brin," faithful to her duty, has donated the expected offspring, and as good luck would have it,
this time it wasn't a heifer. Our overjoyed friend betakes himself to his nearest neighbor, who had settled on an
adjoining section, and happily finds him similarly situated. A compact is at once entered into, to the effect that
those calves be raised, to serve as a future partnership team. Faith and hope, in this case, strongly predominant.
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HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
The season wanes, and the chopping of this summer covers a smaller area than did that of last, for the crops must
be tended, which simply means loosening the soil around the plants, and knocking down the fire-weeds, which seem
disposed to maintain the ascendancy; and then, there is the wheat field to be disposed of. The brush burnt, the next
thing is more rails, and more fence, made in the same laborious manner, as was that of the previous spring. This done,
such brands and chunks as can be moved by hand, assisted by the handspike, are piled and burned, the larger logs, of
course, being left to await the current of events. The half-bushels of wheat, which have been collected as opportunity
offered, and carefully laid away, are now brought forward, the grain carefully scattered on the most promising spots,
and rudely covered by the best means at hand. When this is accomplished--for, mind you, it is not the work of a day --
the cornfield demands attention, and soon the sight of shocks, scattered irregularly over the rude field, swell the
bosom of our husbandman with honest pride. They are the first fruits of his toil in field-farming. Next the potatoes
are dug, taken to a chosen spot near the domicile, deposited in a snug heap, covered well with forest leaves, and
afterwards with earth. This constitutes the cellar. The roots and vegetables from the garden are treated in a similar
manner. When wanted, a hole just large enough to allow the arm to be introduced, is forced through the covering, on the
"warm side" of the heap, and when the needed articles are withdrawn, the rude hatchway is carefully closed to exclude
the frost.
Winter again sets in, finding our pioneer, and those under his care, far better prepared to withstand its rigor, than
they were one year ago. Instead of a diet composed of browse and nubbins, "Old Brin" now regales on delicious
corn-fodder, small potatoes, cabbage leaves, and such other odds and ends as are thoughtfully saved up for her special
use.
The "steer calf" is by no means neglected, but comes in for a full share of the good things, that will cause him to
grow, for mind you, "great expectations," are wrapped up in his little hide. In the cabin, more improvements are seen.
In one corner, on two pins driven into a log, rests a nicely made trough, which was filled with the product of the
"sugar-bush," the spring previous, and which, thanks to the prudent management of the good housewife, is not yet nearly
empty, although many a delicious lump has been meted out to the "bairns," as rewards of merit. A "short-cake" is
occasionally introduced into the bill of fare, in lieu of the everlasting johnny-cake. A greater variety of articles
of food from the garden, has been provided, and by way of luxury, the "young ones" had found and gathered a generous
supply of wild berries, which were carefully laid away to be used as occasion required.
A few new-comers, who had settled during the past season, in different parts of the embryo township, made visiting no
longer an impossibility. For occasions of this kind, the now indispensible "horse and cutter" were then to be seen
only with the "eye of faith."
It having been decided upon what neighbor they will call, things are arranged at home as safely as possible, and left
in charge of the faithful dog, -- an animal considered indispensible in every backwoodsman's household, -- and they
make for the section line, that will most directly lead them to the desired locality. If there be snow, pater takes
the lead, to break a path, the children, if large enough to walk, come next, and the mother brings up the rear; if
not large enough, the parents resolutely transfer them (if there be but two) to their willing shoulders, and away they
go, happy in the thought that now they have neighbors so near. A hearty, undissembled welcome is their greeting. The
new-comer, but a short time from the abode of civilization, has not yet become inured to pioneer life, and a call
from one more experienced, is, to him, a source
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589
of infinite pleasure. Their conversation, instead of turning upon gossip, or scandal, or politics, finds a theme
in their own personal affairs, as, how much land they propose to clear, where the best site for the barn (when it
is built), and where the best for the house, etc. The tongues of the women meanwhile are not silent; the plans and
anticipations pertinent to their respective affairs are duly discussed. The visiting neighbor, perhaps, proposing to
lend the other flax sufficient to make her man a pair of "tow and linen" shirts, which she can repay when they shall
have raised some for themselves. Kindness crops out at every turn, and when the visitors take their leave, it is
evident that the "goodbye" is said in no conventional manner, but is heart-felt in every particular. The "man of the
house," perhaps accompanying his guests a mile or two, to relieve the mother of her burden, for that distance. As a
result of this unceremonious, unconventional interchange of thoughts and purposes, our friends return to their humble
home, feeling well assured, that, between themselves and their new neighbors, a friendship has been inaugurated that
is destined to end, only with life.
A few days of redoubled exertion, and our now "old settlers," repeat the above mentioned pleasant occasion by making
a similar journey in another direction, and for a similar object. While in the capacity of guests at the cabin of this
late arrival, they perhaps learn, to their great satisfaction, that still others are on the way from the east, with an
ox team and sled, having in view their own township, if indeed it has yet assumed the dignity of that title as a place
of settlement. The expected arrival is discussed by our new acquaintances with infinite gusto, as visions of a
respectable settlement in the near future loom up before their hopeful imagination, and light-hearted and light-footed,
do our guests bid their host and hostess good day, and take their way homeward, talking, methinks, of the time when,
years hence, those same woods through which they are traversing, will possibly be cultivated fields, and when schools
will be a luxury no longer withheld, for be it known, the welfare of their little ones is, or should be, ever uppermost
in their parent mind.
Time passes. We will imagine it is now near the close of the month of March, and on one of those squally, disagreeable
days, for which March is famous, when a man might be seen (if, indeed, there was any one to see him), in the dense
forest, axe in one hand, and ox-whip in the other, making a slow, toilsome progress. The blinding snow storm compels him
to consult his compass one moment, that he may not lose the direction that was given him at the last house, miles in his
rear; then an obstruction in his path calls for the good offices of his axe, then a beckoning with the whip, then a few
words of direction and encouragement to old "Buck and Broad," then an anxious inquiry as to the welfare of his
passengers, when the unerring compass must needs again be referred to, the axe again called into requisition, then
the whip, till, finally, to the great joy of the weary travelers, the long sought for "clearing" of our sturdy yeoman
is reached, a lull in the snow storm discloses the unpretending residence, and soon the way-worn travelers are at the
door. Perhaps the new-comer was an acquaintance from the "Nutmeg State," perhaps not. That makes no difference. He,
and his, are just as welcome as though their parents were identical. They are all ushered with rustic heartiness into
the domicile, while the "man of the house" disengages the patient, faithful, leg-weary cattle from the sled -- which,
perhaps, was constructed by its owner under some wood-shed away back in New England, and for this special journey --
and soon they are ensconsed in "Old Brin's" hovel, doing ample justice to a lusty bundle of fodder. Meanwhile the
"good wife" is by no means idle. A rousing fire is soon crackling on the hearth, and the johnny-cake board is brought
into requisition, that being the only oven the house affords. After a few words of inquiry concerning
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HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
matters "back east," our "host" excuses himself and is soon taking a "bee line" in the direction of the neighbor who
owns the other "steer calf." He has three objects in view: first, self interest; second, the interest of the neighbor
whom he is on his way to see, and third, the mutual interest of the three. The pet project is, to induce his guest to
"make a pitch" in their immediate vicinity, but the knotty problem is, how to subsist those oxen. It is finally
settled that they can "winter out" their own stock on browse and a little corn, so that, between them, they can furnish
food for the greatly needed team. This arranged, number two agrees to come over in the morning and "see about it,"
and number one hastens homeward, well pleased with the result of the interview.
Reaching home, he finds it to be bed-time, and the women planning how they are to sleep. The bed brought by the
new-comer is made up on the floor, which is occupied by the men, the women taken to the other, while the "small fry"
are tucked away here and there for chinking.
Next morning, true to promise, the proprietor of the other calf is promptly on hand, is introduced in backwoods style
to the stranger, and the three at once enter into a discussion of the momentous question, which was the theme of the
two "citizens" the day before. The attention of the stranger is called to a choice tract, which is happily located,
and the trio set out on a tour of inspection. A survey is taken, as well as the snow-covered condition of the ground
will allow, and trusting somewhat to the experience and integrity of his advisers, our new-fledged pioneer makes this
site his choice, and all return to their respective places of abode, well pleased with the day's transaction.
Next morning betimes, the partially rested oxen are called on to transport the women folks to the prospective new home,
that they may help to make a selection of a building spot. This in due time is done, and during the trip air castles
enough are built to satisfy the most imaginative. Preliminaries arranged, the next thing is work, and here the new
neighbor has a decided advantage over his predecessors. He can build a comfortable house at the outset, supplied, as
he is, with a team, to bring together logs for that purpose.
And now the co-operative system, so common in new countries, begins to be developed. All the settlers who are within
practicable distance are ready and willing to "turn in" and help our friend cut his logs and put up his house, in
consideration of the same favor on his part, aided by his team, and in this way his advent marked a great improvement
in all the region round about.
By the time spring had fairly opened, each and every "claim" was ornamented with the body of a house, of much more
respectable appearance and far greater accommodations than the hand-built cabin, so that, during the following season,
all the spare moments could be devoted to its completion, so as to be in readiness for the coming winter. The owner
of the "ox team" is now all alive with his own affairs. The echo of his well directed blows, and the crash of falling
timber, can be heard early and late, as he is preparing a small plat for a garden, and perhaps a little potato patch.
The journey (as he is yet the guest of our friend) to and from his work becomes irksome to him, and so the neighbors,
in consideration of a little "team work" in return, club together, on a pre-concerted day, and set about "doing off"
his house. This is all the more agreeable to him as he has had no experience in that intricate science known as "Log
house carpentering." The details of this "trade" are mainly confined to chopping or sawing out a place for a door, and
perhaps for a window; splitting puncheons for the floor, riving shake shingles, laying the roof, and improvising a
something called the fire-place. Partitions are not to be thought of, for the article called lumber is yet standing
unmanufactured in the tree, awaiting the advent of the yet far off saw-mill.
This work accomplished, the task of transferring his worldly goods to his own
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
591
home is a light affair, and when accomplished, and possession actually taken, Ferdinand and Isabella could not have
felt a greater degree of pride, when it was announced to the world that under their supervision Columbus had discovered
the "New World," than did our recent wayfarers from the "land of steady habits." A consultation with his more experienced
friends developed the fact that the cherished oxen are a luxury, which cannot be consistently indulged in, and with many
misgivings, their ownership is transferred to a settler miles away, who has been in the country long enough to get a
start. The remuneration is perhaps applied in part to making payment for his well wooded acres, and in part for articles
of imperative necessity either in doors or out. Leaving this emigrant to work his way up to competence, or the reverse,
as his lot may be, attention is again called to our friend of the cabin, the steer calf, and "old Brin."
Notwithstanding his time and attention bave been devoted somewhat to the benefit of others, spring found him with his
five acres ready for the brand, and as he has neither team nor plow with which to cultivate his last year's cornfield,
and, in fact, could not get it plowed if he had, he runs a fence between that and the wheat field, thereby making it
serve for a pasture, a portion of the season. The garden is put into shape to receive seed, by a process known as
"spading," the fire-shovel, perhaps, being the implement used for that purpose. A few days devoted to putting a roof
on his own house, and doing other things of an equally imperative character, when a warm, pleasant May day witnesses a
conflagration in the new chopped fallow. Then the work of partial clearing, fencing and planting is repeated. The heifer
calf, shut away from the mother, and learned to drink, as was the other, one year ago, is looked upon as the coming cow,
while a well fed pig, grunting in the pen, gives evidence that the woods are soon not to be wholly relied on to furnish
meat for household consumption.
The summer passes as did the previous one, making further inroads into the forest, and cultivating, as best he may, the
growing crops, with one important addition to his labor--that of reaping his first field of golden wheat. When this is
securely harvested, he and she congratulate themselves that their days of johnny-cake, for a steady diet, are now over,
its place to be supplanted by the delicious short-cake. The only trouble is the incomplete, backwoods manner of
grinding -- the mortar and pestle being, many times, the only grist-mill available.
Summer merges into autumn, the crops secured, and this time stored, all except the corn and wheat, in a place hollowed
out under the house-floor, the house itself finished, and exultingly occupied. An addition is made to the hovel for the
better accommodation of the juvenile cattle, and things fixed up ship-shape, generally. Winter returns; and others, away
down east, hearing of this second "garden of Eden," take advantage of the snow as a medium for transportation, and
before spring again returns, several more of the hardy sons of toil have been added to our sparcely settled neighborhood,
some singly, and some accompanied by families, but all find a hearty welcome under the hospitable roofs of those who had
come before.
Matters and things now begin to look decidedly encouraging. Roads are located in the more thickly settled portion of the
domain, and, best of all, a school can be organized, which is at once done. A site for a school-house is selected, and
then comes the most memorable day for that community thus far -- the day of putting up the school-house. Every person is
interested in the project, male and female, and reports in person on the appointed day, and the opening of a future
railroad could not be entered into with more zest, than was the erection of this rude, backwood's college. If no one of
this heroic band is possessor of a team, it does not deter them in the least. The logs are carried together by virtue of
human muscle, the noble women bearing a full share of the labor, and the humble edifice goes up with an enthusiasm never
before manifested
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HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
in that embryo school-district. With what maternal pride do the good mothers, a few weeks later, put up the first
dinner, and start their young jewels off to school, a mile perhaps, or more, through the woods, the only text-book,
doubtless, being Webster's speller. But what of that? A noble future may be encompassed within the linsey-woolsey
clothing of those same unkempt urchins.
Time passes. Those calves having now assumed the dignity of three-year-old steers, and, in consequence of frequent
handling while yet apart, become quite tractable, are brought together and receive a formal introduction by means of
a yoke, prepared for the purpose. This is another proud day for the owners, second only to the school-house affair. And
why not? Are they not now the happy proprietors of a pair of promising steers? which, if nothing befals, will soon make
them the independent owners of a reliable team, and this ownership, bringing them as it does into nearer relationship,
will be in no way detrimental to their future mutual well-being. Discord is a thing almost unknown in a sparsely-settled
country.
With our hero -- who, but a few years ago, was the humble proprietor of old "Brin", his gun, and his axe -- the crisis
is passed. He is now on an independent footing. He has worn gradually into the surrounding forest, until he has a
respectable clearing. Those calves, of years ago, are now oxen--steady and patient. The logs which he was compelled to
leave unburnt, are now all cleared away, and the stumps so far rotted that he can plow a respectable furrow. An
enterprising emigrant has a saw-mill in operation, on a neighboring stream, which he has not failed to patronize; the
result being, a comfortable barn and his log house fixed up so that it will do, till he is able to build a better one
in days to come. The "little ones" of the cabin days are now robust lads and lasses, a help and comfort to those who
were so zealous for their welfare. A horse is now included in the inventory of stock, so that, when he and the "old
lady" feel like taking a winter-evening trip to one of the neighbors, they do not go on foot, or with the slow pace
of oxen and sled, but can enjoy the more pretentious horse and "pung."
These preparatory remarks, faintly describing as they do, the hardships which the resolute pioneers of this Western
Reserve experienced, and of which the "gentler sex" bore the lion's share, make no account whatever of anything but
the common-place difficulties which they encountered. Not a word has been said about the soul-harrowing bereavements
and disheartening sickness, which were the almost constant companions of the advance guard of civilization, physicians
and nurses being among the impossibilities. Yet, mildly as it has been pictured in the foregoing pages, it undoubtedly
seems to many like the imagination of a disordered brain. That all such may come to a different conclusion, "let facts
be submitted to a candid world."
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593
CHAPTER I.
HISTORY PROPER.
It is fair to presume, and safe to conclude that, at the birth of the present century, civilized man had not set foot
on the soil of this township, with a view of making it his home; nor had he, till the sands of the first decade had
nearly run; an occasional hunter or adventurer, being the only intruder, on the domain, that for a long time was known
as the "Welshfield Woods."
In commencing the history proper, of Troy, it seems no better course can be adopted, than to copy almost verbatim,
from scraps of record left by one of its earliest settlers, Deacon W. W. Beals, now deceased. He says: "The territory
comprising the township of Troy, Geauga county; or in other words, township number six, in the seventh range of
townships of the Connecticut Western Reserve," was entered for actual improvement, and the first bush cut with
a view to settlement, early in the year 1811; and where now are seen stately mansions, improved fields, and all the
paraphernalia of civilized life; then dwelt
"Nothing else but beasts of prey,
Or men, as wild and fierce as they."
In our streets, where now is seen "Young America," with his fiery steed, plated harness, and splendid vehicle, dashing
along -- over well constructed turnpikes -- at the rate of 3:40 (the deacon might now leave out the 40), then was
seen the first team winding and twisting, and "dragging its slow length along" through marshes, ravines,
wind-falls and mud, of which no one can now give a faithful description, and be considered truthful.
Jacob Welsh, a man who had seen at least half a century, a citizen of Boston, Massachusetts, was empowered as agent
by his father, one David Hinckley,* and perhaps, other landholders; to locate the lands within the boundaries of
this present township, have them surveyed, and make other needed improvements, at a stipulated salary of $500 per annum.
He, accordingly, with his eldest daughter, Betsey, came to Burton in the fall of 1810, he occupying his time during
the winter in exploring his territory and selecting a tract whereon to locate, and which he decided should be at what
is now the center. He employed a man known as "little" Phineas Pond, of Mantua, to put up a small log cabin, which was
built near the house where his son, Captain John Welsh, afterward lived and died. When this was written (1874) there
was no permanent land-mark wherefrom to describe the location of this cabin. Now there is a substantial vault in the
cemetery which can be taken as a point of departure. From a point twenty yards south from the south side of this vault,
extending two hundred and eighteen yards eastward, can be found the
___________________
* This township, in common with all the townships in Geauga county, was purchased from the
Connecticut Land Company on the 29th of January, 1798, and each, with certain modifications, for
the uniform sum of $12,903.23. The purchasers of township number six, together with the sum
paid by each, were as follows:
John Welsh and David Hinckley $ 6,000 00
John Worthington 1,600 00
Seth Porter 3,000 00
Robert Buch 1,311 54
Asa White 991 69
$12,903 23
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HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
exact location, or nearly so, of Mr. Welsh's cabin; a spot which a century hence will be looked upon as the "Plymouth
Rock" of the township. Near by this spot, and southward from it, are several venerable apple trees, planted, perhaps,
in the autumn of 1811.
Solomon Charter, now of Burton, and a brother of said Charter, were employed to cut out the brush and clear the way,
so that a wagon could follow the Indian trail on the east side of the river. This being done, he, with his daughter,
and a few goods, were brought through and duly installed under the first shelter built for civilized man in this
township. This was early in 1811. He employed one Chester Elliot, of Bondstown, now Hambden, to survey the township
into sections of one mile square each--No. 1 being at the northeast corner, traversing south and north, finishing with
No. 25, at the southwest corner; No. 13 being the center section. He selected the center tier of sections, running
north and south, and also the western tier, for himself, and those whom he represented.
Mr. Welsh is described as a man of medium size, fair complexion, always well dressed, wearing short breeches, fastened
at the knees with large buckles. He represented the first families of Boston, was liberally educated, of good powers
of conversation, prepossessing in appearance, and of pleasant manners; but as a business man not a success, being
endowed with but little energy.
In June, of the same year (1811), Peter B. Beals and Ebenezer Ford, his nephew, arrived here, with span of horses and
wagon, and said Beals, being authorized by the above named Seth Porter to make a selection for him, selected the east
range of sections, and located for himself on section No. 1, and put up a cabin -- the second in the township -- made
of peeled bark, near a beech tree, with a wide-spreading top, which stood near the dwelling now occupied by John Beals,
the younger. He cleared the brush and girdled some four or five acres of land, and sowed it to wheat, from which was
harvested the first grain raised in the township. On his return to Massachusetts, in the fall, he drove the first
team that ever passed from Burton, through Chardon, to Painesville, the road having been recently cut through; the
travel hitherto having been through Middlefield and Hambden.
June 9, 1812, Peter Beals started on his return trip to Ohio, accompanied by his wife, five children, one Harvey Pratt
(a young man living with him, whose time had not expired), and a young lady named Paulina Ford, who afterward became
the wife of Captain Ebenezer Hayes, of Fairport; also, John Beals, with wife and five children, Simon Burroughs, Jr.,*
with wife and three children, all from Plainfield, Massachusetts. Their conveyance consisted of five wagons, three
drawn by oxen and two by horses, with which they all arrived in Burton the middle of July following, safe and sound,
notwithstanding the many frightful rumors of merciless Indians killing, scalping, or driving off all the border
settlers, war with England having that year been declared.
Peter B. and family took immediate possession of the bark cabin above mentioned,
___________________
* Note -- With regard to the arrival and settlement of the Burroughs family, the memory of Mr.
Beals seems to be somewhat at fault. The following is the statement of Lewis A., eldest son of Jacob
Burroughs: Simon, sr., came in the fall of 1812, in company with John Beals, and others, and
settled on the farm afterward owned by his son Amos. His family consisted of his wife and sixteen
children. Simon, jr, with his wife and three children, accompanied by his brother. Jacob and Elijah
Ford, both single men, came here the winter following. Their mode of conveyance was an ox
team and sled. Simon, Jr., settled on what is known as the "Sugar-loaf" lot, and Jacob took a
claim on the lot joining his brother, on the west. While the Ohio canal was being constructed, Simon,
Jr., who was a stone-mason by trade (the first one in Troy), obtained employment in the building
of canal locks, and while engaged in that vocation, sickened and died. Jacob Burroughs afterwards
came into possession of the "Sugar-loaf," which he held at the time of his death, in 1861. After his
arrival, and before his marriage, he (Jacob) taught a school in Burton, at which he gave such men as
Governor Seabury Ford, Colonel Erastus Spencer, and their brothers, their first knowledge of mathematics.
Simon sr., was a blacksmith by trade. Of course, the first in Troy.
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
595
the others remaining at Burton, until they could build wherewith to shelter themselves.
John Beals settled, lived and died, on the farm now occupied, and owned, by his son, Osman, and grandson, Cyrus.
Simon Burroughs commenced, and remained to the time of his death, on the farm since owned by his son, Amos.
In the summer of the same year (1812), Alpheus Pierce, also from Plainfield, Massachusetts, located, put up the body
of a log house, and commenced improvements, on the farm now owned by Lewis Burroughs. November 11th, of the same year,
he left for his native place, and returned with his family, February 21, 1813.
His arrival was signalized by the first observance of religious worship in the township. A letter, written to Rev.
Josiah Hopkins, -- who essayed to write a township history, but died, not completing it -- reads nearly as follows:
"Immediately on his arrival (speaking of Alpheus Pierce), meetings on the Sabbath were instituted, and, as he, for
a long time, was the only male professor of religion, the devotional exercises nearly all devolved on him. John Nash
and family, and Harvey Pratt, constituted the choir, and sermons were usually read by some young man, or Mr. Welsh,
when he was present, would sometimes read. It would be somewhat amusing now, could we see the interior of the log
cabin in which these meetings were held, and the audience then assembled. Mr. Pierce was a tall, straight man,
sober-looking, and nearly sixty years of age. His garments were coarse, and somewhat tattered, to hide which he
always wore a leather apron. Beside him sat a son (Seabury), whom fits had rendered idiotic, in garments somewhat
like the father's, only more tattered, and without the appendage of the leather apron; yet he was by no means an idle
spectator. Frequently I have seen him, when the reading was finished, and the old gentleman, with his head down, was
absorbed in meditation, or overcome by morpheus, jog him, and whisper in his ear: "Come, diddy, pray." Upon this,
Uncle Alpheus would raise himself up, and begin to address the Throne of Grace; slowly, at first, but would soon
become exceedingly fervent; among other petitions, praying that this howling wilderness might "bud and blossom, as
the rose," and which he lived to see literally fulfilled, although he removed, towards the middle of the State a few
years before his death. Rude and unrefined as were our meetings, at that early day, yet I have no doubt that much good
has resulted from the exertions of some of the first settlers, in endeavoring to keep up good order and regulation in
this settlement. In looking over the subsequent history of those who then inhabited Troy, the verdict seems to be
plainly in favor of those individuals who regarded the Sabbath and its institutions."
In the fall of 1812, Peter B. Beals built the first frame barn, the lumber for which was sawed about one mile
southeast from where the village of Parkman is located. Soon after this barn was finished he was seized with an
epidemic, that then went through the country, and which left him a cripple for life. The nearest physician was one
Dr. Seeley, of Youngstown, to whom he paid one hundred and ten dollars for eleven professional visits. Being
incapacitated for manual labor, he purchased the tavern stand* in Burton, of which he took possession in 1814, and
was soon after appointed postmaster, which office he held some twenty-five years. Excepting the one at Chardon, it
was for a long time the only post-office in Geauga county. In addition to his lameness, he became nearly blind, and
employed Peter Hitchcock, Jr., then a lad--now Hon. Peter Hitchcock--to assist in making his quarterly returns.
Misfortunes followed him until all his property (which was once considerable) was lost, and himself being too deeply
in debt to be able to extricate himself, he returned to his old home
___________________
* Located on premises now owned by Esquire Merriam.
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HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
in Troy, where he spent the remnant of his days, partly supporting himself by making shingles. His son, Alvord,
selling the premises to W. W., Peter B. remained with the latter until his death, which occurred April 26, 1850,
aged eighty-six years and seven months. He was buried in the Burton cemetery, beside his wife, who died in 1821,
and where not a stick or stone marks his last resting place.
When he was sixty-six years of age, while musing over his situation and surroundings, he composed a verse describing
the result of his musing, and added a verse each year during the twenty years which he afterwards lived, and
considering his age and infirmities, they are thought to be worthy of preservation.
"Thy servant, Lord, three score and six,
On heaven may his heart be fixed.
Lord give him eyes that he may see,
And limbs that he may leap to thee.
Thy servant, Lord, three score and seven,
O, may his name be wrote in heaven.
And when his eyes are closed in death,
Lord lead him to a heavenly rest.
Three score and eight, thy servant stands,
Upheld by thy supporting hand.
Uphold him, still, O Lord, I pray,
O lead him to a brighter day.
Thy servant, Lord, three score and nine,
O cause thy grace on him to shine.
Give him submission to thy will,
That he his days on earth may fill.
Great God thy servant thou hast brought
To this great age; O what a thought.
In counting o'er, his years have been
The number of three score and ten.
Though seventy years are past and gone,
And he is left to mourn alone,
His bosom friend laid in the dust,
Where he must follow soon, he must.
Lord, shouldst thou grant another year,
He's still convinced that death is near.
O fill his heart with praise and love
To his redeemer, Christ, above.
Lord cleanse his heart from sin and shame,
Lead him to praise thy holy name.
Give him new hopes, new joys, new fears,
Till he may end his mortal years.
Fill every vessel to the brim,
Of grace and mercy may they sing.
May truth, and peace, and love abound,
And every heart God's praises sound.
Lord give him faith, and hope, and love,
To lead his spirit, Lord, above;
To join with those who sing and praise
God's holy name to endless days.
His body must sleep in the ground,
Until the trump of God shall sound,
Then it will awake, ascend, arise,
To meet his Maker in the skies.
There a new body will be given
To those who are prepared for heaven.
Clothed in a garment white and clean,
A spot nor wrinkle can't be seen.
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
597
Three score and nineteen years are gone,
And he is at or near his tomb.
Pardon his sins, O Lord, I pray,
Before the great decisive day.
Lord, could I say that Thou art mine,
And Thou shouldst answer "I am thine,"
It would suffice; I'd ask no more.
Thy servant's age is now four score.
A trembling sinner here he stands,
Waiting the summons from Thy hands.
Submission, Lord, thy will be done;
Thy servant's age is eighty-one.
With crutch and staff he moves along,
Tottering and trembling, blind and lame;
Lord grant Thy arm to lead him through;
Thy servant's age is eighty-two.
Thine arm, O Lord, has led him on
Another year, how soon 'tis gone!
He gives his heart, his all to Thee;
Thy servant's age is eighty-three.
Thine arm thy servant doth entreat
To lead him low at Jesus' feet.
Lord guide him to the Shepherd's door,
For now Thy servant's eighty-four.
Jesus, great shepherd, priest, and king,
O help Thy servant to come in.
Lord guide him to Thy fold above;
there's joy, and peace, and praise, and love.
Though dark and gloomy is my path,
Lord guide my footsteps to the last.
O lead me in the narrow way
That leads to life's immortal day."
February 19, 1813, John Nash, from Windsor, Massachusetts, also the team and part of the family of Benjamin Lamoin,
of Plainfield, Massachusetts, arrived in town, and on the 26th John Colson,* also of Plainfield, came here. Colson
settled on the northeast corner of the township, on land now owned by Issac Town. John Nash settled on the southeast
quarter of section three, since owned by John Nash, Jr.
The Lamoin family settled on what was aftewards known as the "Sawyer place," now owned by Spencer, Burton, Nash, and
others. The elder Lamoin was left at Madison, Lake county, sick, where he died, February 22d. Madison was then a
depot for supplies for the army, and a soldier, who was detailed as guard, complaining of not feeling well, Mr. Lamoin
voluteered to take his relief through the night, and, in doing so, took a violent cold, which resulted as above stated.
July 2, 1813, occurred the first death of a white person, in the township, it being a son of Simon Burroughs, Jr.,
aged five years.
In the winter of 1812, Elijah Ford, a young man from Plainfield, Massachusetts, located on the northeast quarter
of section three, paying for the same with his own labor, in the employ of Peter B. Beals, and in 1813 married Esther,
daughter of Benjamin Johnson, of Burton.
In the fall of 1813, Jacob Welsh (he being then a widower) left his daughter. Betsey, and a hired man, Robert Galt,
by name, to look after his affairs, and
___________________
* A portion of Mr. Colson's land was located just across the line, in Burton township, and his home
was built thereon, on the site of Henry Avery's present residence.
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HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
went back to Boston for a second wife.* He returned in the fall of 1814 with his newly acquired wife, and accompanied
by three other children, to-wit: Jacob; a widowed daughter, Barrett by name; Mary, afterward Mrs. Samuel Butler, of
Fairport; and also a daughter of the widow above named, who married one Brooks, also of Fairport. The younger Jacob,
not liking hard work, soon obtained a situation as clerk in a store in Warren. †
There is no record that any addition was made by immigration, or otherwise (with one exception), to the census of the
township in 1814, but the events of that year were burned into the memories of every one who shared their experience.
War with England was at his height; Hull had surrendered early in the conflict, and every available man was called on
to help repair that disaster, and the country was stripped of provisions with which to subsist the army, while the very
little not taken was, in price, far beyond the exchequer of any resident of Troy. How they subsisted seems almost a
miracle. The four staples of life were of equal price. Flour, salt and whiskey were fifteen dollars per barrel, and
pork fifteen dollars per hundred weight. Esquire Hickox, of Burton, came to the rescue. He sent John Pierce (known as
"Honest John") with a team to Youngstown after a load of flour, which trip occupied a long week. On his return this
flour was distributed to the needy, their promises taken in payment for the time being, and thus the threatening
starvation was averted. Those who were fortunate enough to own a cow could make thickened milk (not very thick, by the
way), while those who had no cow substituted water. In the way of present luxuries, Peter B. Beals obtained a barrel of
whiskey, which he placed upon a stump where the older people could draw and drink, while the younger managed to get
their share through the vent, by means of a straw, or quills fastened together after the manner of a stove pipe.
Another settler, by the name of Samuel Eldred, having a little means, and being in want of a barrel of salt, harnessed
his old mare, and getting astride, started for Fairport, the nearest point where it could be obtained, leaving his family
in doubt as to how he would transport it home. But their doubts were dispelled, when, after several days' absence, he
returned with his salt snugly fastened upon a couple of poles, which served as runners, they being weakened in the
middle so that the smaller ends would serve as shafts, proving that
"necessity is the mother of invention."
A serio-comic incident, which occurred in the spring of this year [1814], may be worth recording. After Hull
surrendered his army (August 16, 1812), all the available men in this region were called into the field, as before
stated, and Troy was left with but two men within its borders. One of them (Eldred) was quite too old, and the other
(Ben Lamoin) was not old enough. At that time there were several acres in extent on land, now owned by John Cutler
and Lewis F. Scott, which was then covered with water a large portion of the time, and was the headquarters for
innumerable mosquitoes and bullfrogs, of which latter inhabitants, those who came here in 1813 were ignorant. When
the spring of 1814 arrived, and the frogs were released from their torpid condition, they commenced, as usual, their
unearthly bellowing. The women and children, who had never heard them, supposed it to be a signal given by the redskins
___________________
* The absence of Mr. Welsh proved, ever after, disastrous to the well-being of the daughter. Having
been reared in a city, the surroundings of his forest home, were, at the best, very distasteful to
her. After her father had gone, her only companion was the hired man, above alluded to, the
nearest neighbors being the Beals, Burroughs, Pierce, and Nash families--miles distant. This, with
howling wolves, and intrusion of Indians, proved too much, and her reason became unseated, never
to be returned. She lived till December 1, 1851, dying at the age of sixty-three. "Aunt Betty
Welsh" was the name by which she was familiarly known during the later years of her life.
† Afterwards settled in Coshocton, Coshocton county.
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
599
for a general slaughter of the defenceless inhabitants, and their terror was indescribable, till the above-mentioned
Ben Lamoin* concluded he would know if the noise proceeded from Indians or not, and, organizing himself into an
army of observation (leaving the old man to act as a reserve corps), he skirmished through the woods, till, coming to
the pond, he discovered from whence the noise came, and lost no time in making known to the terrified ones that their
fears were unfounded.
The one addition [mentioned above] to the census table for this year, occurred on the twenty-seventh of March, in the
advent of Lavina, daughter of Elijah and Esther Ford, rendered historical from the fact of its being the first birth
in the township, and furthermore, tradition says, she ate the first apple raised in Troy, and that the apple grew on
a tree planted by Jacob Welsh, in the fall of 1811. It is related as a singular coincidence, that the future husband
of Lavina Ford -- Mr. Olney Percival -- who was a native of Vermont, was the first white person who was born in his natal
township.
Late in the season of 1814, after the men had returned to their homes--their term of enlistment having expired -- they
set to work to put up a small school-house, of logs. Abner H. Fairbanks, a returned soldier, living in Parkman, was
engaged to teach, and this marked the opening of educational enterprise. This school-house was situated just west of
the Sugar-loaf, on land then owned by Simon Burroughs, Jr., and since by his brother, Jacob. Tradition does not furnish
a roster of all the scholars, nor an account of the sum paid the teacher.
The first sermon preached in Troy, was preached by Rev. Luther Humphrey, in 1814, at the house of Jacob Welsh.
From this time on, for several years, the population of Troy increased very slowly, and at least for three reasons.
Although the war with Great Britain had virtually closed on the 24th of December, 1814, yet -- as ocean telegraphy
was then not dreamed of -- it was not known, generally, till late the next year, and, people who wished to "go west,"
were nearly all not in a condition to do so, the war having made sad havoc with the little means they possessed;
another reason: the land was held at too high a price to encourage emigration, $5 per acre being the figure at which
it was held; and a third reason was: the unhealthiness which prevailed, especially near the river. But this did not
entirely dissuade adventurers from seeking their fortunes within our boundary. In 1815 Nathaniel Weston, Nathan R. Lewis,
and Isaac Russell, from the State of New York, took up their abode in Troy, and all three settled on section number
four.
Thus far, all the inhabitants, except Jacob Welsh, had settled on the eastern tier of sections. Later in the year, a
young man, also an ex-soldier, and who became intimately connected with the rise and progress of township enterprise
nearly as long as he lived, came and took up a claim on number eleven, which
___________________
* During a brief interview, which the writer had the good fortune to enjoy, on the seventh of June,
1879, with the above-named Lamoin--now a veteran of eighty-six years--he branded this "frog
story" as a canard; averring that the circumstance on which it was founded happened years before,
"way down East." He related, however, a somewhat ludicrous interview which he held with a bear
while he was living here. On one occasion, having business with Simon Burroughs, he took down
the old Continental musket -- rifles were then unknown -- and started for that settlement. He had
not proceeded far, before he was confronted by a huge bear, which, as is their habit, reared himself
upon his haunches, the better to take observations. Ben. was at once seized with the "buck ague,"
and entirely forgot that he had his musket; so, pointing the index finger a la duello at bruin, he
shouted -- or thinks he shouted -- : "Old fellow; if my gun was here, you wouldn't sit there long."
His bearship gazed awhile, when, dropping on "all fours," he hastened out of sight in the surrounding
forest. Mr. Lamoin now thinks it was fortunate for him that he did not make use of his gun,
as the load which it contained would doubtless have done nothing more than to enrage the bear,
when his own safety would have been a matter of doubt. Mr. L. went away in 1816, and now
regrets having done so. He says that the Eldred spoken of was a relative of himself.
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HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
is known, and for years will be known as the "Dayton farm," a portion of which is now owned by E. P. Latham.
The name of John Dayton is the synonym of everything that is ardent, impulsive, kind-hearted and public-spirited. If
any enterprise for the public weal was contemplated, John Dayton could always be counted on as an ardent supporter,
both with his influence and his means, and monuments of his zeal are yet standing, and will stand, for years to come.
It was not among his maxims to put "his hand to the plow and look back." The first public enterprise, and which he
has the credit of originating, was set on foot, and carried out in 1815. This was the building of a log house near
a spring, on land now owned by George Fox, and directly north from the present cemetery, the same to be occupied by
new-comers, while selecting a location and building thereon. This was known as the "Pilgrim House," not a vestige of
which has been in existence for years. A former citizen of Troy (Benjamin Kingsbury), dates his birth at this house
in 1819.
This year also occurred the advent of the first voter, in the person of Edwin, son of Simon Burroughs, Jr., who was
born April 12, 1815.
John Nash, being a carpenter by trade (the first in the township), and having had a strong distate for building log
structures, thus far had provided no permanent shelter for his stock, and would gladly build a barn, but for the
seeming impossibility of obtaining lumber. His wife and oldest daughters solved this problem. A man named Ainsley,
of Parkman, owning timbered land near the before named saw-mill, would sell standing timber, and receive female labor
in payment therefor. Mr. Nash availed himself of this opportunity to procure the needed lumber, and the barn was built.
It now stands on, or near, the site where it was built in 1815. It might, also, be proper here to state, that at this
time the supply of clothing for this same family had become nearly exhausted, and no resources wherewith to replenish.
Here, again, those heroic women showed what they could do. Burton, having been much longer settled than Troy, some of
its inhabitants had a small surplus of wool and flax, which our feminine friends procured, and paid for by spinning
and weaving, thus relieving the father of another great anxiety.*
At that date, and years later, the method of obtaining shoes, (boots were a rare exception) was quite different from
the one practiced at the present time. The following description is given by one who knows "how it was himself." If
the "murrain" or something, else, had not caused the usual winter sacrifice, in early spring an animal was reluctantly
slaughtered, and the hide taken to Esquire
___________________
* Since writing the above, the following statement has been furnished by Sabrina, daughter of
Esquire Nash, now the wldow of Amos Burroughs, deceased. She writes: "Father arrived here
the 1st of March, 1813, with eight persons in his family, and less than five dollars in his pocket, and
possessed neither chairs, table, nor bedstead. The youngest was Alden J., who was afterwards the
first postmaster in Troy. He built a log cabin and took up his abode in it, with only half a floor
laid, and without either door, or windows. He made a bedstead of poles, and improvised a goods'
box for a table, He chopped and cleared about two acres -- his two eldest daughters, Clarissa and
Sabrina, piling, raking, and burning the brush and leaves -- and sowed the land to oats. During this
time, there came an order for a draft of men for military service at Cleveland, and father was included,
but his circumstances procured his release. He came here with a yoke of oxen and a horse.
He sold the horse, and kept the oxen for a team. I have heard him say, many times, that had it not
been for his women's help, he could not have kept his family together. Mother was fortunate in obtaining
sufficient weaving wherewith to keep the loom busy most of the time, and, by that means, we
obtained such provisions as the people had to spare. We bought a cow and calf for $20; also ten
sheep, and paid for them in spinning and weaving. We bought the cow of John Ford, esq., of
Burton, and, she proving a good one, father decided to raise the calf. When it was old enough he
put it into a lot with the other cattle, and, shortly after, the wolves killed it. Father though he
would be revenged, and so he built a pen with a small entrance, put the carcass inside, and set a foxtrap
at the entrance, and tied a clog to it. The effort proved successful, the wolf was caught by
one foot, and ran off with trap and clog, which made their mark in the leaves. He followed the
trail, overtook the miscreant, and killed it with a club, and brought it home on his shoulders." Let
the "girl of the period" read and ponder.
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
601
Cook, who then carried on the tanning business in Burton, who gave his promise that that self-same skin should
be one of the very first, to come out the ensuing fall. "The brains of our "Pioneer" were then racked, to devise
"ways and means," whereby money could be raised with which to obtain the needed sole leather, for, be it known that he
was considered fortunate indeed, who could, in the course of a season, accumulate sufficient money wherewith to buy his
salt, sole leather, and pay his taxes. Well, joy to the household, the coveted sole leather is secured, and, after
several fruitless journeys, by impatient, barefooted urchins, being put off each time with -- "it will be ready next
week" -- the upper leather is triumphantly brought home. And now for another trial equal to the first. Shoe shops were
then things of the future, and "whipping the cat" was the popular way of plying their trade, by the disciples of "St.
Crispin." To "whip the cat" simply meant, packing his "kit" of tools, -- by the shoemaker, -- in his apron, and tramping
from house to house, wherever his skill was needed, to "shoe up the family." He carried neither shoe-thread, last, nor
lapstone. Every family was supposed to furnish its own lasts, (if not at hand, one was soon fashioned from the wood-pile)
while a flat-iron did duty as a lapstone. But this was not the second trial above referred to, for the shoemaker was
always welcome. That consisted in those uncertain promises which has made, to "lie like a shoemaker," a universal
proverb. But, (joy again) he comes at last, the leather is brought out, the heaviest cut for the men folks, the next
grade for the boys, while the "flank pieces" are "worked up" for women's wear. In the foremost rank of "Cat whippers,"
stands our old friend, Alpheus Pierce, he being the first of the "craft" in Troy.
The year 1816 is memorable for being the date of the first wedding, the parties being Luther Hemmenway, of Parkman,
and Miss Mary, daughter of Simon Burroughs, sr. The ceremony was performed at the residence of the bride's father,
and is described as follows: The "residence" was the usual log cabin of the period, with a temporary floor covered
overhead, the loft serving as sleeping apartments for the family, the partitions being spare bed quilts, hung up in
the desired position. The stair-case, whereby to reach these apartments, was a rude ladder, made by driving large
wooden pins into the logs in one corner of the "lower story," Jenkins not being present, a minute description of the
bridal trosseau is not handed down. The marriage ceremony was solemnized by Rev. Luther Humphrey, of Burton. When he
and the invited guests had arrived, the blushing bride ascended to one of the above named apartments -- of course, in
full view of the assembly -- to don her bridal attire, which accomplished, she descended, by inverse motions. Being
joined by the groom, they stood in the presence of the guests, and the parson who, as was the custom, preached a
short, appropriate discourse, after which the twain were made one. That bride is now (1876) a matron of eighty-four
winters, is hale and hearty, and at present, resides in Wadsworth, Medina county.
In 1816, Rufus Lamb, a young man from the State of New York, came here and made a pitch on the west of what was then
known as the "Gilkie lot," now owned in part by Daniel Hill. Here he cleared some, and shook more, till -- becoming
disheartened -- he abandoned his claim, and afterward followed various pursuits, till he finally became helpless, and
died at the house of his brother Chester, in 1859. This claim was soon after taken by Julius Hatch.
Several somewhat important events occured here in 1817. The one, was the building of the first frame dwelling house,
it being an addition to the log cabin heretofore occupied by Mr. Jacob Welsh. It is said that this frame, and the frame
for a barn, which was also being built for Mr. Welsh, were raised on the same day, and that he was compelled to extend
invitations as far as Aurora, a sufficient number of hands not being found nearer. Both of these buildings
602
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
stood near the geographical center of the township. Another, was the location and dedication, of the first burying
ground, at the center. It was located west of, and adjoining the Congregational church, on land where George Fox now
resides, and was dedicated on the twenty-second of August, by the burial of Bradley Bromley. Bromley, and Theodore
Dowdy, died August 20. Dowdy was taken to Burton, in a canoe, and buried in the old cemetery there. Both were young
men, the one twenty and the other twenty-five years of age. Another, was the arrival of Thomas Sawyer, who bought the
Lamoin claim, and whose name for a long time was a household word. Sawyer Brook was so named in honor of him. Sawyer
built his first house near where Mr. Conrad's shop now stands.
Yet another, was the first duplicate addition to the census returns, in the birth of Philancia and Philena, daughters
of John and Polly Nash, born March 1, 1817. The former died in infancy, the latter became the wife of David Nash, and
afterward, of N. M. Olds, with whom she is now (1876) living. These twins were followed in after years by a son and
daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Israel Whitcomb, a pair of daughters to Mr. and Mrs. Amos Burroughs, and a pair of sons to
Mr. and Mrs. William Mumford, after which duplicates were no longer a novelty. Another event was the holding of an
election, for the purpose of choosing the first justice of the peace. This territory, at that time, and later, was a
province of Burton, and all elections had been held there. Now, the population was sufficiently numerous, to allow the
colony a magistrate. This election, which was held in the spring of 1817, resulted in the choice of John Nash for
justice, which office he held fifteen years in succession. "'Squire Nash" being the appellation by which he was always
afterward known.
His first official act in the matrimonial line was the marriage ceremony of Jesse Ives and Polly Pierce. Poor Polly
had been shaken by the ague, till she had become a mere skeleton, and Jesse had become impatient, fearing the next
shake or the next, might indefinitely postpone the nuptials, they having been adjourned from time to time in consequence
of this annoying malady. A last the long-looked for time arrived, and the 'squire commenced the ceremony, but before
half completed, Polly fainted from sheer exhaustion. Proper restoratives were vigorously applied, and as soon as she
returned to consciousness, he made all possible haste to complete the knot hymeneal, before another like catastrophe
should occur.
In 1818 the most noteworthy of all structures ever erected in Troy, was built. This was none other than the "Old town
house." It was an unique structure, the dimensions of which were about twenty by twenty-four feet, one story high. It
had a rude frame, and was covered with long shingles, from the foundation to the ridge. The furniture was a rude desk
placed at one end, and seats made by boring holes into the rounded sides of slabs, into which legs of the required
length were driven. It was warmed by means of a huge stone fire-place.
This building was devoted to a variety of uses. If a new-comer happened along, and the Pilgrim house was occupied, he
found under its roof a shelter, till he was more agreeably situated. If an itinerant preacher chanced to come this way,
its door was gladly thrown open that he might hold religious service therein. If a death occurred, from its portals the
mortal remains were taken to the last resting place. If a teacher could be procured, it served as an incipient college.
If a general entertainment was to be given, the Town house was the place of rendezvous. If an election was to be held,
this was the place where the sturdy voters enjoyed the elective franchise. In fact, it served as a sort of grandmother.
It was ready to be made useful in almost any emergency. Its memory is held in as much reverence by the early settler,
as is Mecca by the devout Mahommedan. This historic building also stood near the geographical center.
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
603
The first frame school-house was also built in 1818. It was located on the southwest corner of land then owned by
Elijah Ford, near where Mrs. Edward Green now lives, and Nathaniel Colson was installed as the first school master.
At least three important additions were made to the population of this province in 1819, in the persons of John Fox,
Benjamin Kingsbury, and Israel Whitcomb.* These men located on the west side of the river -- the first to do so --
and made their selection at what was a long time known as Fox's corners, now Pope's. Kingsbury and Whitcomb brought
their families along. Fox left his behind. This man Fox, known by the appellation of "Captain," looked upon labor as
the rightful heritage of mankind, and, furthermore, he proposed to enjoy his full share of its results. It has been
quaintly said of him that he was not satisfied with his day's work unless he was compelled to use two canes to enable
him to go from his chair to his bed. In financial matters he was successful. Prompt himself, in the fulfillment of his
obligations, he demanded the same in return from those with whom he came in business contact. Although the enforcement
of this rule caused him to be looked upon by some as a hard man, yet none for a moment doubted his probity. He was as
prompt to pay as to require the utmost farthing. In public enterprises, in which he took an interest, he was ready to
bear his full share of the burden, as, witness, in after years, his zeal in building the Congregational church and
parsonage. His pioneer companions, although not so conspicuous in matters of business, were no whit the less worthy
citizens. The name of "Uncle Israel" will always be remembered with reverence by those who knew him, as also will that
of Mr. Kingsbury, who, dying much younger than the other two, did not gain so extensive an acquaintance, yet the
circumstances attending his death (in 1839) will cause him not soon to be forgotten.
In order to give the children of the present time a little idea of the inconvenience and danger to which children
of that period were subjected, the following is related: When Mr. Kingsbury came to Welshfield he brought two children,
both daughters, who were old enough to attend school, but there was none nearer than the one before spoken of, located
two miles east from the center. This did not prove an unsurmountable obstacle. On Monday mornings, the girls were
ferried across the river (before the bridge was built), when they took their way in the unfrequented path, to the
school, a distance of nearly four miles. Once they met with an adventure. It was during the blackberry season; the
briars, a good share of the distance, growing close to the narrow sled-path -- wagons being almost unknown. One morning,
on their way to school, our heroines had progressed as far as where R. P. Stockwell now lives, where was a short turn
in the path. Arriving at this point, imagine their dismay at seeing a huge black bear, quietly helping himself to the
luscious fruit, and which discovered them at once. To retreat, they dare not, but stood and looked him square in the
face, while he stood upon his haunches, and returned their gaze. At last plucking up courage, the oldest of the two
sprang at bruin with a defiant yell, when he beat a hasty retreat, and our scholars pursued their way, unmolested. The
older of our pupils was Jedidah, now widow of Prentiss Reed; the younger, Caroline, now widow of Chester Nash.
In 1820, Galen Lamb, a brother of Rufus, who had come from New York State, to Burton, with one Esquire Hitchcock, as a
blacksmith's apprentice, and had completed his trade, came to Troy, and located on the southwest corner of section two,
where he put up a shop, and commenced blacksmithing on his own account, making improvements on his land, when not
occupied at his trade.
___________________
* Another man. Benjamin Hale, came in company with these, but did not remain long. He settled
on land adjoining Mr. Kingsbury on the north, afterwards owned by Joseph Doolittle, esq.,
now owned by Marshall Dresser.
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HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
This year was the date of an overwhelming visitation of pigeons. A portion of sections thirteen, eight, and seven, was
known, for a long distance around, as the "pigeon-roost," and this year it was inhabited as never before, or since.
Sturdy oaks were crushed beneath their weight, while smaller trees, and saplings, were bent over, never to recover their
upright position. The noise of their flight could be heard for miles, while their unnumbered millions obscured the sun.
To obtain a wagon-load of these birds was mere pastime. Pigeon-hunters phed their vocation at night; the only weapons
needed being long poles, or shot-guns. Many years' occupation of this tract by pigeons, caused it to be the most fertile
land in the township.
CHAPTER II.
ORGANIZATION OF TOWNSHIP.
This territory, having now a sufficient number of inhabitants, the commissioners of Geauga county, in February, 1820,
formally set it off as an independent township. Mr. Welsh proposed to cede to the township fifty acres of land on
which to build churches, a parsonage, and to locate a cemetery, etc., and also to furnish glass and nails for building
a church, in consideration of the township being christened "Welshfield." The proposal was accepted and the above name
affixed. The first election was held at the house of Jacob Welsh, on Monday, the third of April, following. Jacob
Burroughs was elected clerk; Jacob Welsh, John Nash, and John Dayton, trustees; Alpheus Pierce and John Beals, overseers
of the poor; John Colson and Hiram Dayton, fence viewers; Benjamin Hale and Harvey Pratt, appraisers, Harvey Pratt,
lister; Amos Burroughs, Elijah Weston, Hiram Dayton, and Israel Whitcomb, supervisors; Simon Burroughs, treasurer,
and Simon Burroughs, Jr., constable. It is not difficult to imagine that third day of April to have been a proud one
to the full fledged voters of this new-born township. Perhaps it will be proper to state, in this connection, that,
at that time, the office of township treasurer was no sinecure. Tradition tells us that, for a long time, the only
funds in the vaults of our treasury, consisted of two "bung-town" coppers, which the treasurer was wont to loan to
persons who might need them, in order to properly close the eyes of a recently deceased friend; But tradition does
not tell us whether, or no, security for the loan was required.
Important accssions to the population of Welshfield were made in 1821, by the advent of William Mumford, and also the
family of Captain Fox. Mumford settled on a part of section four, where he remained until his death; a faithful,
thorough, loyal citizen. Rheumatism, brought on by undue exposure, rendered the closing years of his life very
unenjoyable to himself.
Up to this time, the Cuyahoga could be crossed in no place between Burton and the Rapids, except by fording, swimming,
or by means of canoes, and the increasing population on the west side of the river, made a bridge a stern necessity.
Arrangements were therefore made with John Nash, esq., to build one across the river immediately west from the center
of the township. The work of framing was pushed with all possible rapidity, and was soon accomplished. The number of
men in town being far too few to raise this structure, requisitions were made on all the adjoining townships, to lend
a helping hand,
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
605
which were promptly responded to, every man who could do so, bringing the women folks along to enjoy a holiday. The
spectators (all of them females except Dr. Scott, of Parkman,) were arranged in groups on either shore, the gallant
doctor playing the agreeable to those on the eastern bank. When everything was in readiness, the work of raising
commenced, under the supervision of the architect, Esquire Nash. As each "bent" was raised, it was connected with
the last preceding one, by means of stringers, and without taking the precaution to securely fasten any of them. While
raising the middle bent, which was by far the heaviest one, a portion of the men were detailed to do duty on the part
already up, and the remainder were stationed on a raft below. After almost superhuman exertion, the bent had nearly
reached the desired perpendicular, when the whole structure gave way, submerging every man engaged in its erection.
As each man went under, his hat would part company with his head, on reaching the water, the effect of which is
described as being ludicrous in the extreme. Great was the consternation among the women for a moment, but soon every
man made his appearance on the surface, seized his hat and floundered ashore. Being too wet and unwieldly to repeat
the experiment, the raising was adjourned till another day, when, having learned wisdom from the things they before
suffered, proper precautions were taken, and the two shores of the sluggish Cuyahoga were connected by a genuine bridge.
In 1821, a marriage contract was consummated between John Dayton and Phebe, youngest daughter of Caleb Fowler, of
Burton, whom he at once transferred to his then lonely home. But she proved herself worthy to be the wife of a daring
pioneer, as one or two incidents will clearly show. At that time wolves infested the woods in great numbers, obliging
settlers who owned sheep to build strong sheep folds near the house, in which to secure the flock at night. Mr. Dayton
kept a few sheep and had provided the needed safeguard.
On one occasion, when he was in Middlefield at work, having left home matters in charge of his wife, she forgot to
pay the sheep proper attention as night came on, and was reminded of her neglect by the sight of a wolf's nose, which
he had unceremoniously poked in at the cat-hole. Without waiting to take a second thought, she seized a firebrand from
off the blazing hearth, and dashed into the darkness. Arriving at the pen, she found one of the sheep was missing, but
made good time in securing the rest of the flock. On another occasion, when Mr. Dayton was from home at work, an older
sister, wife of Jacob Burroughs, living at the Sugar-loaf, came to spend a few days with Phebe. Folks in those days were
called by their christian names. Matches were then unknown, the tinder-box being the only resource in case fire should
go out, which it was not often allowed to do. During this visit Mrs. Dayton's fire went out, and what was worse, the
tinder-box was found to be entirely empty. Here was a dilemma. Only one thing remained to be done. Fire must be obtained
at the cabin of a neighboring settler, the nearest being Jacob Welsh, at the center. She was equal to this emergency.
Catching a horse, she resolutely mounted him, and taking a small dinner pot, perhaps the only cooking utensil her cabin
could boast of, in which to transport the fire, started through the unbroken forest toward Mr. Welsh's domicile.
Arriving there just at break of day, he had not yet risen, but she promptly roused him, and was greeted with the usual
"Who's there?" "Phebe," was the response. "Fire and brimstone!* Phebe, what do you want?" "Not any brimstone, Uncle
Jacob," was returned; "only fire." Mr. Welsh was prompt in providing the desired element, when she hastened home to
find the sister buried under the bed clothes, trembling with fear. Such dauntless courage is well worthy of mention.
___________________
* "Fire and brimstone" was Mr. Welsh's "swear word."
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HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
In the winter of 1821-2 the musical element of the community organized an association for the promotion of that
peculiar science, which culminated in a concert, the first in town. That was a great day in Welshfield, preparation
for which had been fully made. The old slab benches at the town house were overhauled, and provided with backs for
the convenience of the spectators, the room was decorated with evergreens, and everything else which could be, was
done, to make the enterprise a success. Mr. Welsh was so well pleased with the entertainment, that he at once sent
to Boston for new singing books, in consideration of being himself taught to sing three favorite tunes, which were
therein contained. The books came, he was taught to sing the tunes as he desired, and which were first sung in public
at his funeral, which occurred the following year.
In December, 1821, the first fire occurred, in the burning of the dwelling of Jacob Burroughs. The fire occurred in
the night, and when discovered Mrs. Burroughs gathered up the bed, containing her two children -- Olive and Lewis --
in her arms, carried them to the pig-pen and laid them on the snow beside it. When the household effects were secured
Mrs. Burroughs found, on repairing to her children, that Lewis, then a babe of five months, was nearly frozen.
The only arrival in 1822, of which there is any record, was that of Thomas R., brother of William Mumford, who located
on the lot next south of William Mumford's where he has since remained -- a respected citizen -- till within a few years.
The death of Jacob Welsh was one of the events of the year, as above stated, he dying April 19th, a victim of
consumption, aged sixty-seven years.
In 1823, the first military company was organized. The commissioned officers were: Captain, Amos Burroughs;*
lieutenant, Noah Packard; ensign, John Dayton; sergeants, Thomas R. Mumford, Horace R. Peck, Elijah Weston, and John
Brandt; corporals, Rufus Lamb, Peter Beals, Erastus Parkman, and W. W. Beals; musicians, Galen Lamb, John Nash, Jr.,
John Hitchcock, and Charles Hodkins; privates, Jacob Burroughs, Osman Beals, Daniel Corliss, Eri Conant, Gardner Conant,
Truman Ferry, Benjamin Kingsbury, William Mumford, John Pierce, Alpheus Pierce, Jr., Oliver Sawyer, Orson Sawyer,
Samuel Scovill, Nathan Tibbitts, Samuel Lewis, Roland Lewis, James Jones, Jr., John Welsh, Israel Whitcomb, Jeremiah
White, Jonathan Moore, Benjamin Pettis, Caleb Dickson, Hiram Dayton, Olney Percival, James Stewart, Russell Smith,
Edward Waldon, and Simon Burroughs, Jr. The uniform was a white frock coat and pants, trimmed with deep blue fringe,
a red belt, a blue ornament with gold eagle on front of the hat, and white plume, tipped with red. The first public
military duty which this company was called on to perform, was May 15th, same year, at the execution of Benjamin Wright,
who was hung in Chardon. On this occasion the sheriff summoned all the militia of the county to protect him from
threatened interference in the discharge of his official duty, and which the result showed he was wise in doing.
The first Fourth of July celebration was also held this year, under the auspices of the company. A liberty pole was
raised, and a flag floated from its top, beneath which an oration was delivered by Rev. Luther Humphrey.
John Welsh, a sea captain, son of Jacob Welsh, learning of the death of his father, and the need of his presence here,
abandoned his occupation, and with
___________________
* The above statement, by an old inhabitant, is evidently incorrect, as commissions, now in existence,
will show. Mr. Burroughswas first commissioned a lieutenant, on the sixteenth day of January,
1823, by Governor Morrow. On the 19th of July, 1824, he received a captain's commission, at the
hands of the same governor. He was again commissioned first lieutenant, April 13, 1827, by Governor
Trimble. It appears that Alvord Beals was the first captain, and that in 1827 Elijah Ford commanded
the company, which had then assumed the dignity of a rifle company. Conflicting statements
are annoying.
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
607
his family, took up his abode on the homestead, which he occupied till his decease, in 1846.
With the coming of Mr. Welsh, the circle of "Pioneer Johns" was made complete. Five men, whose natural temperaments
were so different, and yet whose great objects in life were so nearly identical, it were hard to find. John Beals was
the embodiment of what is known by the term "clever." Good natured, fatherly and accommodating, he was not long in
acquiring the title of "Uncle John." John Nash, whose very soul was the offspring of music, was of that nervous,
excitable make-up, which ardent worshippers at the shrine of "Euterpe" are so prone to be -- in a passion one moment,
in tears the next. The delineation of John Dayton, given some pages back, does not need repeating. In after years the
title, "Uncle," was the unconscious prefix to his name. John Fox was as immovable as the hills. A purpose once fixed
in his mind, nothing short of its completion would for a moment be considered, while John Welch, from long habit as
commander of a sea-going vessel, displayed a somewhat morose, taciturn exterior, but beneath the surface, reposed all
that goes to make up a choice citizen.
It might be stated here, that to note the names of all the arrivals, before, at, and after this date, would be a
practical impossibility. Men would come, select a location, and after making a little improvement, become dissatisfied,
and transfer their claim to another, who in turn, might do as they had done. Noting only those who made a permanent stay,
has been the plan mostly adopted in this sketch.
In 1824, Galen Lamb went back to the place of his nativity, and the following year returned, bringing with him all his
brothers and sisters, who had not already come. Rufus was then here, and also the oldest sister, who afterward married
John Pierce, known as "Honest John." This family all, or nearly all, became identified with the after history of Troy.
John Nash, Jr., marrying one of the daughters, Elijah Weston another, John Weston another, and Franklin Bruce the fifth.
In years gone by, the names of Rufus and Galen Lamb (especially the latter) were household words, while, in later time,
the younger brother, Chester, figured somewhat prominently as a successful farmer.
In 1826, Joseph, brother of John Nash, Esq., arrived, and made his selection, immediately south of Captain Fox. This
tract he cleared and occupied, until failing health compelled him to abandon labor, when he disposed of it, and purchased
a small lot south of the center, where he spent the remnant of his days. Julius Hatch also came, and occupied the lot
first taken by Rufus Lamb.
Heretofore, the only way for Trojans to obtain lumber, was to haul their logs to Parkman or the Rapids, or else take
their logs to the river bank, and during high water, to raft them to the Rapids, and return the lumber over the same
thoroughfare. A saw-mill was greatly needed. Willard and Osman Beals proposed a plan for building one, which was
successful. They solicited advance subscriptions, the same to be paid in sawing, as soon as practicable, after the mill
was completed. These they obtained, and the mill was built. It was located on the stream directly north from where
Phidelus Pool now lives, and did good service nearly twenty years, changing owners twice in the time, Gad Smith being
the one, and Rufus Chaffee the other. With the date of Mr. Chaffee's ownership, began, what he was pleased to term
"persecution." The stream on which the mill was located, was very fluctuating, so much so, that it behooved the owner
of the mill to improve every moment when water was plenty. Mr. C. had little or no veneration for the fourth commandment;
consequently, when the dam was full, no regard was paid to the Sabbath, much to the annoyance of the original
proprietors, who were persistent church-goers.
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HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
This state of affairs became unbearable, and, taking Mr. Chaffee's statement, the sequel was, to him, more or less
disastrous. His version was, that he would get the saw-sash greased, and well to work, when Willard Beals would come
along, on his way to church, and shut down the gate. This was a signal for the wood-peckers, who would flock into the
mill, and soon have the grease entirely devoured. Between Willard and wood-peckers, his "persecution," he used to
declare, was almost unendurable.
In 1827 the Fox neighborhood was re-enforced by an addition to its number, by two young men from New York --
David Patchin and Lyman Truman. That they meant business was at once manifest. Patchin located on the lot adjoining
Captain Fox, on the west, and Truman installed himself on the lot next west from Mr. Patchin. It soon became apparent
to both, that the Bible injunction, "It is not good for that the man should be alone," was painfully true, and, having
become fairly settled, they made it their next effort to try and mitigate that evil. Both were successful. The next year,
Mr. Patchin married Emily, daughter of John Nash, esq., and Mr. Truman married Sally, daughter of Daniel Pratt.
Mr. Patchin remained on his claim but a short time, when he transferred it to Charles Hinckley, at the same time
purchasing the twenty-five acres south of the center, where he afterwards remained till his death, and where the widow
(since twice married), now resides, rendered nearly helpless from a paralytic shock, received in July, 1836, caused by
over-exertion at, and before the raising of the church building. Mr. Truman made his claim his permanent home, never
leaving it, only occasionally, till he was taken from thence to his narrow home, in the year 1871. He enjoyed the
confidence of his townsmen, having held at different times, nearly every office in the township. His widow yet survives
him, and she, too, is a cripple.
In 1827 Joseph Stockwell, from the State of New York, came and built a cabin, on land then owned by Daniel Doty --
now by Norman Burgess -- where some of his older children were born. Having a trafficing turn of mind, he owned and
lived on several different farms in the township, remaining here about forty years, and finally removed to Michigan,
where he died. Mr. Burgess, who came from Windham county, Vermont, purchased the above-mentioned land of Mr. Doty in
the spring of 1830, and has remained on it ever since. Then there were but six acres, partially cleared; now it is a
well-cultivated farm.
In 1828 Rev. John Barrett, a Presbyterian minister, took up his abode in Welshfield, and, from that date, to the
present, comparatively few Sabbaths have passed, on which religious services have not been conducted in the township
by clergymen of some of the different orthodox denominations. The first two years after he came, Mr. Barrett lived
with John Beals, yet that distance did not prevent him from performing his ministerial duties every Sabbath at the
town house, many times preaching to congregations, whose wan, bloodless visages, betokened the ravages of that terrible
scourge, the ague, some, perhaps, indulging in a shake during the service.
In 1829, Horace Lamson, from Crown Point, New York, came here and purchased section eight, known as the "Mead section,"
all except one hundred and forty acres, now owned by Horace Hotchkiss and Ziba Pool.
Luther Chapman also located on the lot where he now resides, which he purchased of Levi Gilkie.
Those of the inhabitants of Welshfield, who had the promotion of religious interests at heart, held a consultation as
to the most feasible means of locating Mr. Barrett, where his services could be more readily obtained. The result was
the building, in 1830, of what was for a long time known as the "Barrett House," afterwards the "Parsonage." It was
an unpretending structure, built, as was the almost universal custom, of logs; in dimensions about sixteen by
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
609
eighteen feet, with shake-shingle roof. As soon as tenable, Mr. Barrett and family, consisting of wife and adopted
daughter, were duly installed as its occupants, and Mrs. Barrett at once opened a school, for such of the smaller
children as could be placed under her tuition. A horse was placed at the parson's disposal, that he might the more
easily perform some of his extended journeys. It might be stated that this parsonage, which was situated a few rods
directly west from where the store of Kellogg & Son now stands, was, for a time, a bone of contention; Esquire Webb,
administrator of the Welsh estate, having prosecuted the builders for trespass; they having, as he charged, unlawfully
obtained the building material from off the said Welsh property. It was settled, however, without serious litigation.
This "Priest or Parson -- Barrett," as he was called, is described as having been a tall, spare man, standing straight
so far up as his shoulders, when he abruptly bent forward. His age was about sixty years. He is said to have begged his
tobacco, and withal had a voracious appetite. His clothing in the summer season, was such as the spinning wheels and
looms of the time could produce. In the winter he went clad in a pair of cow-hide shoes, linseywoolsey pants, over
which, when he went abroad, he wore a well-worn camlet cloak, fastened at the waist with a bit of rope, or something
similar, while his head was surmounted by a close fitting cap, made of bear-skin. This, at the present day, would be
pronounced a rather unclerical outfit.
Up to this time, whatever cheese had been manufactured, had been done on the co-operative plan, that is, two or more
neighbors would combine and make up what milk they might happen to have, and divide the little product "pro rata." One
innovation on this mode of procedure was made this year. In the fall of 1829, Elijah Weston bargained with
Russell Williams, of Parkman, for sixteen cows, at eight dollars per head, the same to be paid for the following season,
with the avails of their product. This, Mr. Weston accomplished, selling his cheese at four and a half cents per pound,
and thus inaugurated the first "Dairy" in town.
In 1831 Horace Lamson put his "Mead section" in market, after reserving for himself the lot, afterwards owned by
Henry and Harvey Rice, and which he rapidly disposed of.
Among the permanent settlers on this section for this year, were Thomas, known as "Capt." Scott, Spencer Barrows, and
Benj. Thrasher, all from Crown Point, New York.
A meeting, the first in town, that could assume the importance of a revival, was held in 1831, by the Baptists, in a
school-house near Amos Burroughs, which resulted in quite a number of conversions. Among them were some of Welshfield's
best citizens.
The first grain cradle used in town, was made in 1831, by Henry B. Davis, grain having been harvested heretofore with
the time-honored sickle, or reapinghook.
In 1832 the township received a strong re-enforcement. Lewis F. Scott, also from Crown Point, purchased land, of
H. Lamson, on section eight, while the almost unbroken wilderness south of the center, was encroached upon by
Ephraim Burnell, Jason Burnell, Nathaniel Olds, Luther Hersey and Samuel Davis, all from Cummington, Massachusetts,
who took up their locations in the order named; Ephraim Burnell locating where Chester Houghton now lives, and Jason,
where D. C. Tilden resides. These families scattered themselves around among the settlers, till they could have shelter
provided on their own claims. Mr. Olds was assigned with a family near "Sugar Loaf." Mr. Davis took up quarters in the
town house, another family in the Pilgrim house, and so on, until all were provided for. In those days, a pioneer's
heart was as open as the
610
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
wilderness that surrounded him, and his "latch string" was always out whenever a wayfarer claimed his rude hospitality.
Excepting Ephraim Burnell, all these recruits remained till their claims were well improved, and the most of them spent,
and are spending their days in our midst. Mr. Olds' first house was a log cabin, shingled with chestnut bark.
Lanson Shaw, then a young man but little past his majority, also came and purchased of Chester Nash, a piece of land
containing sixty acres, located on section twenty-three, and which has ever since comprised his homestead. As did
Capt. Fox, so does Mr. Shaw heartily endorse the doctrine of the "dignity of labor," and a faithful adherence to this
principle, coupled with judicious management, has enabled him to add from time to time, to his original purchase, till
he now is, and for years has been, among the leading farmers of the township. In business transactions "his word is as
good as his bond."
Mr. Nash at once made choice of another piece of land located on section seventeen, which he improved and retained
till his death, and which is now in the possession of his widow. Among the citizens of Troy, Chester Nash stood a peer.
Late in the year (1832) Lewis Bedford, from New Jersey, came and bought a piece of land of Mr. Olds, situated on the
southwest quarter of section fourteen, and still later, Joseph Tinkham, a brother-in-law of Mr. Bedford, came from
New York and bought of Mr. Olds a portion of the southeast quarter of the same section. Mr. Tinkham remained but a short
time, when he sold to James Snow, a brother-in-law of Mr. Olds, who in turn sold to Justus Perry and purchased a portion
of the northeast quarter of the same section, now a part of the Lamb farm. William Tinkham, a son of Joseph Tinkham,
remained, and is yet a citizen of Troy. His place of residence for the last forty years has been on the eastern part of
section twenty-one, where he has followed the avocation of cooper, and as an artisan is recognized as first-class.
Mr. Bedford, although a small man, weighing, perhaps, one hundred and twenty pounds, was "a host within himself" His
physical make-up contained, figuratively, but two ingredients -- whalebone and steel. It is related of him that it was
his habit, before his own land had any improvements, to take his axe and cross-cut saw (a one man affair), and obtain
employment in the region of Garrettsville. When he had paid for a bushel each, of wheat and corn, he would take his
"grist" to the mill at Garrettsville and have it ground. This, both meal and flour, he would fasten in some manner
across his back, and, taking both axe and saw, would come home, a distance of seven miles, without resting on the way.
In the winter his hand-sled served as a means of transportation. Mr. Bedford had a vivacious temperament; was always
ready with an anecdote, usually an incident which "happencd in the Jarseys." Both Mr. and Mrs. Bedford are dead, and
the homestead, on the river road, is now occupied by a sonin-law and grand-son, Clark and Almon Vaughn.
Luther Hersey, who came about the same time, located on a strip of sixty-five acres, lying between lands of Samuel Davis
and Nathaniel Olds. He remained till about 1846, when the premises passed into the possession of Spencer and
Betsey Barrows.
Yet later, Amos James, from Charlestown, Portage county, purchased of Jason Burnell a piece of land joining the Tinkham
lot on the north. Here he remained till 1845, when, in company with others, he migrated to Wisconsin. Mr. Perry became
the owner of this land, also.
March 26th, of this year, the first church in Troy assumed form, in the organization of the Congregational society.
This was accomplished by Mr. Barrett, with a membership of only ten, to wit: John Beals and wife, Willard W. Beals,
Osman Beals, Electa Beals, Sabrina Pierce, Polly Nash, Harvey Pratt, Paulina
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
611
Lamson, and Sally Barrows. The latter is now (1874) the only one living, of the original ten, yet a member of the church.
About this time, four brothers of Horace Lamson -- Leonard, Ezekiel, Sanford, and Orrin -- settled on portions of his
domain, but which has long since passed into other hands. Bradley Hopkins located, and afterwards sold to Joseph Durfee,
where J. G. Durfee now lives.
This year also, Captain Fox, who had until now lived in a "make-shift" for a house, moved his family into a substantial
brick house, the first, and, up to this date, the only house in town, built of any material other than wood. This house
was mostly built the year previous. In order to obtain material where-with to build his house, Mr. Fox established a
brick-yard on his own premises, a short distance west of the Cuyahoga, and near the road. The brick proved to be of
excellent quality, and this induced the Captain to continue their manufacture for several years. Later, two Barrows
brothers, Seth and Adolphus, put another brick-yard in operation, on the Sawyer brook, south from the center; but, for
some reason, it was soon discontinued. These are the only instances in which this branch of industry was ever carried
on in this township.
At this time a portion of the Welsh estate was put in the market, and about six hundred acres, in the vicinity of the
center, were sold at auction by the administrator, as well as other parcels lying farther north. Horace Lamson* bid
off about three hundred and twenty acres, lying north of the east and west road, and John Nash bid off about a half
mile square, south of the same road. This land was struck off to the above-named bidders, at one dollar and twenty-five
cents per acre. Esquire Nash took immediate steps to occupy his purchase, while Mr. Lamson held his for sale.
In 1833, the number of inhabitants was largely increased. Benjamin Hosmer came from Newbury, and settled on section
number one, purchasing a lot of the Peter B. Beals land, that had fallen into the possession of Esquire Hickox, of
Burton. Ziba Pool and Horace Hotchkiss, from Massachusetts, settled where they now live. James Fairbanks, from New York,
settled on the west side of the river, on land now owned by Geo. Fox. Dr. Herrick settled on land now owned by
Mary Williams, and Nelson Bently settled on land directly south of Deacon E. B. Turner, Esquire Nash, having built
a temporary residence, took up his abode on his new purchase during the same season.
In the fall of 1833, occurred a transaction which finally culminated in what was, for a long time, known as the
"Trojan war." It seems that at some period in the eighteenth century, one Law, from the State of Connecticut,
purchased five or six hundred acres of land, including what is now known as the "Rapids," situated just outside
the southern limit of this township, on the Cuyahoga river, whereon he built a saw-mill, which, for some reason,
was afterwards abandoned, and had fallen into decay, scarcely a vestige of the dam being left. At the date above
mentioned, Henry Canfield, of Auburn, purchased from Mr. Law's agent
___________________
* Note -- The above statement, concerning the purchase of the Welsh land, by Horace Lamson,
at auction, is held by L. E. Durfee, esq., now of Chardon, to be incorrect, and who substantiates
his assertion by an appeal to the court records. It appears, from the records, that the courts made
a partition in full, or in part, of the Welsh estate, and that the northeast quarter of section thirteen,
and so much of the east half of section twelve, as to comprise about four hundred acres of land, was
set apart to Jacob Welsh, Jr., then residing in Coshocton, Coshocton county, Ohio. The above
mentioned L. E. Durfee, then a youth, urged upon his father, Joseph Durfee, the feasibility of investing
his means in the purchase of this tract of land. Mr. Durfee thought favorably of this proposition,
and placing his funds in the hands of Horace Lamson, instructed him to go to Coshocton,
and negotiate with Mr. Welsh for its ownership. Mr. Lamson was successful in this undertaking,
securing the entire tract, at seven dollars and fifty cents per acre. The investment, however, did
not prove a fortunate one for Mr. Durfee. The financial crash, in 1837, caused a stagnation of business
enterprise, and Mr. Durfee was among the victims; realizing, by dint of bargain and sale, barely
enough to secure, as a homestead, the fifty acres of land where he afterwards lived and died, and
which is now occupied by the widow and youngests on, Joseph G. Durfee.
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HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
the above named land, including the mill-site, and proceeded at once to erect another dam across the stream. The
following spring (1834) he built a sawmill on the site which had been occupied by the former one. This was soon a
"bone of contention." Settlers in Troy shook with redoubled severity, and charged that the dam, and consequent
inundation of low land along the river, was the great first cause thereof. Our citizens clubbed together and commenced
legal proceedings against Mr. Canfield, but the court decided "no cause of action." Another suit in 1835 resulted as
did the former. In the winter of 1835 Jason Burnell attempted to take soundings just above the dam, and to this end
began to cut a hole through the ice, when Charles G., son of Henry Canfield, promptly fired upon him from the mill,
the ball striking the ice uncomfortably near, when Mr. Burnell incontinently fled. Later, a party from here made a
night-attack, intending to burn the mill, but again Charles Canfield confronted them with a mill-bar, and the assaulting
force retired in good order.
In July, 1836, war was openly declared. The besieged, who then lived in the old Quimby house, procured a cannon at
Garrettsville, planted it in his dooryard, loaded it with odds and ends, of chains, and trained the "piece" on the
apparently doomed saw-mill, while skirmishers, with loaded rifles, took their station among the saw-logs and elsewhere,
in readiness for a charge from the "light brigade." The looked-for day at length arrived, when a company of determined
men -- under whose leadership, the writer is not informd -- was formed on the western bank of the classic Cuyahoga,
bent on victory or _______.
Among others of this devoted band was Richard Mathews, armed with a Continental musket, to which was attached a good
and sufficient bayonet, and carried across his shoulder in such manner that the latter weapon was on a level with the
arm-pits. Close in his rear followed Daniel Doolittle, armed, we know not how. At last the stern order to "advance"
was given, and our "forlorn hope" was in motion. The line of march was interruped by innumerable obstacles, and none
but brave, determined men, would have attempted its execution. The advance had come in sight of the field of operation,
and victory seemed almost within its grasp. It was doomed to sore disappointment. Among other impediments was a small
rivulet -- Black brook -- the which, as the command had no pontoon, must be crossed by jumping. Mathews, who was near the
rear, had successfully crossed, and Doolittle, in essaying to follow, made the spring quite too soon, and received
"Dick's" bayonet full in the cheek. His outcry brought the command to a halt. A council of war was held, an ambulance
was improvised, a retreat was agreed upon, and the entire command returned sorrowfully homeward.
Mr. Canfield, deeming "discretion the better part of valor," soon conveyed the title of his property to Quimby & Garrett,
when the controversy died out. It is said that the only engagement in which the "Trojans" were victorious was in a
night sortie, when they succeeded in spiking the above-mentioned piece of artillery.
In January, 1833, Deacon Alba Tinkham, also from Crown Point, and one Henry Lewis, came here, and built each the usual
log house. Tinkham's was located directly across from the present Methodist parsonage, and Lewis' a short distance
north from Maple Grove. Both were raised without the aid of whiskey and, in consequence, both were demolished, the
"rules" not allowing them to stand, unless they were duly moistened with spirits. Later, the same season, Deacon Tinkham
put up a small blacksmith-shop, the first at the center, at the intersection of the diagonal with the center road. In
this instance, he outflanked the votaries of the jug, by building his shop so small, and of logs so small, that he
could do it all himself. This shop could barely accommodate a span of horses while being shod, while wagons were
brought, a wheel at a time,
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
613
and, when ironed, taken away. A sort of excrescence was added to one end of this shop to shelter the bellows and a
few bushels of charcoal. Years later, he built a more commodious shop.
In those days whiskey formed a prominent part of the "circulating medium," money being a cash article. In the old
account book left by Amos Burroughs, can be seen frequent entries, where whiskey was the article placed to the
debit and credit column of some customer, and his book was a fair sample of business transactions.
In 1834, Dr. Jacob Thrasher, from Crown Point, settled on section five, buying the claim and improvements of Orrin Lamb,
another of the Lamb family before-mentioned, and on which he lived until his death, in 1858. Also Edward B. Turner
took up his abode here the same year, settling on the land where he now lives, being a part of section six. The deacon*
claims the credit of raising the first house in town, that was allowed to stand, without the aid of whiskey. Threats
were uttered that it would be torn down, but they were not carried into effect. At this date, whiskey was considered
one of the essentials at a raising, and an innovation of this character was not easily overlooked.
After a six year's residence, Parson Barrett resigned his pastorate, and removed to Bloomfield, Trumbull county.
CHAPTER III.
CHANGE OF NAME TO TROY.
It having become settled that the fifty acres of land, promised by Jacob Welsh to the township, had not been provided
for in his arrangement of affairs, Esquire John Nash was displeased, and circulated a petition, praying that the name
of the township be changed to Troy. He succeeded in his endeavor, and, since 1834, this domain has been no longer
"Welshfield," but is known as "Troy" instead; although the post-office was given the former name. In the spring of
the same year, Mervin James bought a lot from off the south end of Jason Burnell's purchase, which he occupied till
his death, in 1864, varying but little from thirty years.
During this year, also, the road known as the "West," or "River road," leading from Cuyahoga Rapids to Troy Center,
was located. This was done at the instigation of James Hoxter, who had settled on land now owned by Samuel Davis.
For several years Mr. Hoxter, Spencer Wadsworth--now living in Auburn--and Bartholomew St. John, were the only settlers
on this road.
___________________
* Deacon Turner then was, and always has been, an uncompromising teetotaler, yet this did not
shield him from being a victim of more than one practical joke, not strictly temperance in character,
of which the following was one: At one time (perhaps more than one), while the militia laws were
in force, the Troy company failed to elect a captain, whereupon the regimental commander, as was
his duty, made a detail to supply that need. When "company training day" arrived, a stranger
reported for duty, to teach "Trojans" the art of war. The drill-ground was encumbered with
numerous obstacles, and the deacon, being somewhat short in stature, and also somewhat clumsy
from overwork, brought the toe of his shoe in contact with so many of these obstacles as to seriously
interfere with correct soldierly bearing. At length the patience of this imported captain became
exhausted, and, calling to a subaltern, ordered him to "put that man under guard," adding as a
reason for so doing, that "he had been drunk all day." Deacon Turner has enough of the wag in
his composition to enjoy this joke with a hearty relish.
614
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
Up to this date, the only means adopted to separate the grain from the straw, was either the scriptural one of
trampling -- where a suitable floor could be provided -- or by the scarcely less ancient flail. In many instances,
no floor -- other than earth -- could be had. In such cases, a chosen piece of ground was beaten hard, the bundles
spread, and the "thumping" administered. The straw, having been cleared away, the grain was separated from the chaff,
by means of the "hand-fan" -- a broad, unwieldy implement, which required considerable skill in its use. This year,
or possibly the year previous, Harvey Fowler,* who then lived where Seth Burton now lives, introduced an innovation,
in the form of an unique threshing machine. To use this machine, an ox sled was placed in proper position, the cylinder
mounted thereon and fastened. The "power" was connected with this "pepper-mill" by the rude means then employed. It was
a good day's work to thresh as much as two men could clean up in an evening, with the poorly developed fanning-mill,
which was about the same time invented. After using this machine one season, Mr. Fowler sold it to Horace Ford (Long
Horace), when he built another, which was operated by Galen Lamb, and others. Years later, Deacon Turner and Parker
Howland operated a somewhat similar implement, using oxen for the motive power, which, for a time, was quite a favorite.
In 1835, Dr. Herrick sold his claim to Reuben Clark, while Parker Howland settled on lot adjoining E. B. Turner, on
the west, and Benjamin Goff bought the claim previously occupied by Rufus Lamb and Julius Hatch, where he died in 1859.
Mr. Goff was the first wheelright who pursued that branch of business in Troy. Dennis Downing also settled on land now
owned by Phidelus Pool.
In March, of the same year; one Solomon Wells, with that sagacious foresight which has marked most of his financial
operations, located on the heavily timbered "Pigeon Roost"; land that had been shunned by nearly all previous settlers,
and, which proved, when brought under cultivation, to be the garden of the township. Harvey Harris located on section
six, next to the county line, and, to close the list of immigrants for the year, were several familes by the name of
Pool, nearly all of whom were shoemakers, and their coming was the death signal to the time-honored "cat-whipping."
One of their number was a clergyman, and another had acquired the skill of mending shattered tinware, so that the
soubriquet of "Tinker Pool" was applied to him.
Parson Barrett having gone away, the arrival of Rev. Jephthah Pool was doubly welcome by the church goers, and his
ministerial services were at once secured. The records say his first duty in that line was solemnizing the marriage
of Alden J. Nash and Miss Olive Pool.
Among the arrivals in 1836 were Samuel and Thomas Satterlee, and George and Jacob Conrad, from Lysander, New York, who
all, or nearly all, settled in Deacon Turner's neighborhood; Elisha Coates, who settled immediately south from Solomon
Wells, and Benedict Alford, who bought the claim taken by Ephraim Burnell, occupying the same till his death in 1864.
The correctness of this date (1836) is disclaimed by a daughter of Mr. Alford, now the wife of Chester Houghton. She
asserts that her father's family, and her own, arrived here in June, 1835; that her father settled as described, and
that her husband (Mr. Houghton) settled across the river, on land now owned by George H. Fairbanks. Mr. Alford had,
in addition to his own family, his father and mother to look after, who accompanied him to Troy. For them a small log
house was built, near where the river road intersects with the center
___________________
* Note -- Mr. Fowler came to Troy in 1832, He purchased his land of Thomas Sawyer. In 1834, he made and operated
the first horse hay rake used in the township, He moved from here in 1838.
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
615
road, one mile south of the center. The parents were aged, and past labor, and died soon after their arrival. The
elder Alford was a Revolutionary soldier. The following is a fac simile of a "statement" issued in his favor,
in order to enable him to obtain a pension:
Mr. Houghton stayed but a short time on his first purchase, when he settled on a portion of the tract taken by his
father-in-law, and where he has since resided, with but a short interregnum, till his sudden death, which occurred
August 24, 1878. Ever since the arrival of Mr. Houghton, his name, and also that of Mrs. Houghton, has always been
closely connected with the interests of
616
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he was an ardent and devoted member. The writer well recollects the prayer of
a zealous sister, nearly forty years ago, in which she "thanked the Lord that Brother Houghton had come to Troy and
'rared' up a house for the Methodists to worship in," one hearty evidence of the regard in which his effort were held.
Lewis S. Pope came from Auburn and settled on his well-known lot, south from the then Fox's corners. Pope was a man of
untiring energy, a quality which has been faithfully transmitted to his two surviving sons, David L. and Irvin W. Lewis S.
Pope had a way of doing things, which was peculiar to himself. Up to, and including, the Presidential election of 1836,
when Van Buren and Harrison were, for the first time, opposing candidates, Mr. Pope voted the Democratic ticket, and,
of course, for the successful candidate. In 1840 the same gentlemen were arrayed against each other for the second time
in the Presidential contest. Mr. Pope was not satisfied with Van Buren's administration, and decided to cast his ballot
for "Old Tip," but kept his own counsels as to his decision. Election day arrived, and Mr. Pope, with several of his
neighbors, took their way to the voting place. While crossing the Cuyahoga river bridge, Mr. Pope deliberately pulled
off his coat, and, after turning it inside out, as deliberately put it on again. The enquiry of his astonished
companions, failed to elicit from him the reason for such a maneuver, but their curiosity was satisfied when (with coat
still turned) he presented himself at the polls, and openly deposited a ballot for Harrison and Tyler. Mr. Pope supported
Henry Clay in 1844, and was identified with the Free-soil, and afterward with the Republican, party.
Daniel Corliss, formerly from Orford, New Hampshire, but, later, from just across the line, in Parkman township, came
this year also, and bought the tract taken by Benjamin Thrasher, and which is now owned and occupied by his son
Elihu G. Mr. Corliss was for a long time standard authority in anything pertaining to the mason's trade, although an
inveterate "anti," so far as the organized "craft," or fraternity, was concerned. Among the industrious men of that time,
"Uncle Daniel" stood a peer.
This year, too, Benjamin Hosmer changed his location, selling his first claim to William Dunn, and buying two hundred
acres of Horace Lamson, from off the northern end of the Welsh purchase, where he yet resides.
Mr. Dunn still occupies the Beals lot.
The Congregational church, having had additions from time to time from new arrivals, concluded the society was
sufficiently strong to warrant it in building a house of worship. A contract was, accordingly, entered into with
Samuel Pool to do the work -- a site having been obtained of Horace Lamson. Mr. Pool pushed the work with such vigor,
that the building was raised in June, and completed before the close of the year, a feat which was, at that date,
considered almost marvellous.
Mr. Samuel Pool had three apprentices at that time, all of whom afterwards became prominent men in the township, as
will be hereafter seen. The three, in later years, removed from here. One of them, Alden J. Nash, went to Kent county,
Michigan, in 1852, and is now dead. Almon Hodges removed to Geneva, Ashtabula county, in 1861, and W. F. Pratt, to
Newburg, near Cleveland, in 1864.
Trojans, up to this date, were dependent on the surrounding townships for their mail facilities. Previous to this time
a mail route had been established between Parkman and Chagrin Falls. The mail was carried on horseback by Henry B. Davis,
who had formerly occupied land just south of, and adjoining the "Sugar-loaf." While carrying the mail he lived in
Parkman. The establishment of an office here simply gave him one more point at which to stop.
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
617
Mr. Davis was always ready to take the initiative in any public enterprise. In the spring of 1836, a petition,
asking that a post-office be established here, was granted by the department. An office was promptly opened, with
Alden J. Nash, as postmaster. Its first location was in the old Barrett house, where Mr. Nash was then living. He held
the office with little, or no interruption, eight years, taking it with him whenever he changed his abode, as did the
ancients their household gods.
This year, a family by the name of Latham bought land, which was first located by one Straw, on section ten. The father
was a Presbyterian clergyman. The family, and their descendants, have ever since been intimately identified with the
growth of the township. The second son, Orange L., besides sundry township offices, held the position of chorister for a
term of years, and, losing his hearing, was finally succeeded by W. F. Pratt, who retained it until 1864, when he
removed to Newburg.
It may be stated here, that at the organization of the church, W. W. Beals was chosen deacon, with Alba Tinkham as
assistant. Deacon Tinkham removed to Garrettsville, and Ziba Pool was ordained, and, afterwards, Abijah Pool,
Deacon Beals declining to serve. After Abijah Pool left town, Beals again acted in that capacity till his death.
He was succeeded for a short time by Mervin James, and he by John W. Beals, who, with Ziba Pool, are the present
incumbents.
January 1, 1837, the new meeting house was formally dedicated; Rev. Jephthah Pool preaching the dedicatory sermon.
Benjamin Hosmer having made extensive inroads into his forest, by contract and otherwise, conceived the idea of
utilizing the ashes of the consumed logheaps, as well as house ashes, by the manufacture of "potash" or "black salts,"
and to this end, he built an ashery, the first in Troy. Years after, quite an extensive business was carried on in the
purchase of ashes, and manufacture of the above named merchandise.
The raising of silk worms, and manufacture of silk, was another industry introduced in 1837. The trees (morus multicaulis)
necessary for business, were brought here by David Nash, who had no difficulty in disposing of his stock. Some were so
confident of success, as to predict that "Logging Frocks" would soon--on the score of economy, -- be made of silk. It is
asserted that a little silk was actually produced, but, after five years' trial, the bubble burst, leaving its victims
with collapsed pocket-books. One, who had invested the proceeds of fifteen acres of land, in the enterprise, realized
just a sum sufficient to pay for half-soling his boots.
In 1838 the cemetery was removed to its present location, and the remains of Captain Ebenezer Hopkins was the first
occupant.
During the winter of 1838, a Baptist elder named Smith, held a protracted meeting here, and several additions were
made to the "church militant." In May following, he held a service at the house of Amos James, at which time Freeman
and Lucy Reed, Minerva Burnell and Mrs. Wyram Williams were baptized.
A Methodist class, with Samuel Reed as leader, procured a deed -- dated May 11, 1838 -- for land on which to build a church.
With that go-ahead spirit, for which that denomination has always been noted, this class was organized into a church,
on the 27th of November following. The next move was for a preacher, and the next, for a house in which to hold services.
The conference sent John Crum as preacher in charge, the first preacher of that denomination who had a settled charge in
Troy. A contract was entered into, December 29th of the same year, for building a house of worship, with one Pike, the
house to be completed the following season, and which was done. A "roster" of all the
618
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
preachers who, from that time, have been on this circuit, will be hereafter given. This was then known as "Parkman
Circuit."
The year following (1839), another revival meeting was held by Rev. Mr. Day, of the Congregational denomination,
assisted by Rev. Thomas Jones, then pastor of the church. Aspecially noteworthy result, was the death of Mr.
Benjamin Kingsbury, he dying a victim to over-intense excitement. The meeting was very successful, and the church
greatly strengthened in numbers.
All these years Troy had depended on other townships for medical aid, as neither Dr. Weston, Herrick or Thrasher
had set up a practtce. In September, 1839, Dr. C. B. Chapman, a native of Middlebury, Vermont, came here, and set
up a regular practice, remaining three years. He was succeeded by Drs. William Crane, Keros Sheldon, L. D. Hudson
and G. W. Foster in the order named. Drs. Allen, Bascom, Brown, Crafts, Partridge, and perhaps, others have from
time to time located here, but did not remain long enough to become identificd with township history.
A few words concerning the subsequent history of the five first named physicians may not, perhaps, be considered
entirely amiss. The first, Dr. Chapman, removed to Bristol, Trumbull county, in 1842, where he remained about five
years, when he emigrated to Madison, Wisconsin, -- then a comparatively new country, -- where he continued to reside
until his death, which occurred May 8, 1877. Dr. Crane, after practicing his profession here a short time, also
removed to Bristol, and entered into partnership with Dr. Chapman. He also practiced for a season in Bazetta, same
county, and also in New Lisbon, Columbiana county, and finally removed to Cottage Grove, about eight miles east from
Madison, Wisconsin, where he now resides. Dr. Sheldon set up practice here in 1843 or '4, which he he continued not
far from a quarter of a century, -- with a short interruption of removal to Chagrin Falls in 1850-51, -- when he
returned to Hambden, his former place of residence, in 1868-9. In 1873 he was stricken with paralysis so severely as
to be entirely helpless, in which condition he now (1878) is. His wife is dead, and he is cared for by an aged sister,
whose devotion to him is truly praiseworthy. Dr. Hudson practiced his profession successfully a few years, when he
abandoned it, and engaged as clerk of a Lake Erie steamer. Afterward he engaged largely in insurance matters, having
his office in Cleveland, and was also secretary of the board of education for that city. His only child -- a cherished
daughter -- having, from excessive study, become demented, he became seriously depressed in spirits, and is now lost
to view as a public man. Dr. Foster practiced successfully for a term of years, and also engaged in other pursuits,
among which was that of hotel-keeping. He purchased the old hotel to which he added the present front of twenty-five
by sixty feet. He removed to Geneva, Ashtabula county, where he now is enjoying a lucrative practice, in addition to
the income of a drug-store.
About this time, the first "ism" was introduced in the form of Mormonism, but its day was short, with no definite
results.
It is reported that Captain Fox brought, when he came, a limited assortment of needed goods, which he retailed from
one corner of his log cabin. His "assortment" was largely made up of boots(?), shoes, and axes. It is also reported
that the first mercantile firm in Troy was that of Williams, Gardner & Doolittle, but when it existed, or where it
transacted business, is not stated.
In 1839, John Way opened the first known place of business in Troy, in the shape of a grocery store, which stood on
the site where the house owned by Mrs. Cannon is now located. He kept a few groceries, and an occasional piece of calico.
The enterprise, on account of the credit system is said to have been a failure.
In the fall of 1840, Josiah S. Tilden and John Weston opened a store in the
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
619
upright part of the house now occupied by H. Kellogg & Son, the upper story being used by B. F. Abell as a school-room.
The original portion of this house was built by one Noyes Williams, a shoemaker, and the upper story was used by him
for a shoe shop. He died in 1839. The additions were all, or nearly all, made by Rev. Josiah Hopkins, who purchased the
property of one Elial W. Heaton. A young lady named Mary Ann Kendall, sister to Mrs. Barrett, is said to have taught a
select school several years previous to Mr. Abell. She taught in a room in the house built by Major Pratt, on section
two.
About this time, the feminine portion of the community became suddenly impressed with the idea that measures
for mutual protection must needs be adopted, whereby to shield themselves from the wiles of the sterner sex.
Societies, called Moral Reform, were inaugurated, and Troy had one. Among its rules were said to be the
following: "If a member was, while on the street, about to meet a man, and he showed no inclnation to cross
to the other side thereof, she must at once do so, in the meantime keeping the eyes, if not closely veiled,
fixed on the ground. If a man was seen approaching the house, and member was without adequate protection,
she must promptly barricade the door, draw the curtains, and place a quantity of woolen rags in readiness
to start a 'smudge' provided she heard a suspicious noise on the roof; and the young lady who did not
summarily dismiss her Sunday evening company of the opposite sex, punctually at sixty minutes past eight,
was herself summarily ejected from the society as a no longer worthy member." Whether the college rule,
said to have been once in force, that parties of the sterner and gentler sex, going in the same direction,
must each carry one end of a ten-foot pole, was adopted by this society, never became public. Seriously:
this was, and still is, an excellent organization, but, like many other undertakings, it overdid the thing.
In 1841, the firm of Tilden & Weston, with Joseph Doolittle added thereto, built a store on the site where
the store of Kellogg & Son now stands, removed their goods into it as soon as completed, and set about
building a slaughter house on adjoining ground. In this way they sold goods on credit, and took fat cattle
for pay, receiving thereby a double profit. They also arranged with Benjamin Hosmer for permission to
build a more commodious ashery on his premises, running it on their own account. In this way a man who
was clearing land, could take a load of ashes to Uncle Rufus Lamb, who then presided over that department,
and receive a ticket for the same, which would be honored at the counter--not in cash, but in goods.
After Uncle "Rufe" resigned, Addison M. Buck, a man noted for literary attainments, took his place, and
retained it as long as the enterprise was kept in operation.
Either in this, or the year previous, the first buggy of which Troy could boast, was introduced by "Uncle"
Moses James, who had moved from Charlestown, Portage county. This buggy was at the service of any one
who felt disposed to pay six cents per mile for its use, and for a time was quite a source of revenue
to the owner. A few years later, Orrin Lamson and Nelson Pratt came in possession, each, of a new buggy,
when a competition at once sprang up. They let their carriages at five cents per mile. Soon after, Solomon
Wells became the owner of a fourth one, which he sometimes let without any remuneration whatever. This
move on his part spoiled that speculation, so much so that fifty cents per day became, for a long time,
an established tariff for buggy rent.
In 1841, another "ism" was introduced here. This was called Perfectionism, and had its origin at the
Oberlin college, then under the guidance of President Asa Mahan. It became so strong as to publish a
periodical called the "Oberlin Evangelist," but like all other "isms," had its day, and was not.
In 1842, B. F. Abell put his school on a more permanent basis by building
620
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
the house now owned by the widow of Elijah Weston, the second story of which was devoted entirely to school
purposes, and his popularity became such, that this room was sometimes filled with students to its utmost
capacity.
In 1842, the first hotel was opened in the house where J. E. Sperry now resides, with A. J. Nash for its
landlord. Soon after this, the house was built and the hotel removed to where it has since, with but little
interruption, been kept.
The same year Thomas Jones resigned his pastorate over the Congregational church, leaving it without a
pulpit occupant, only as Mr. Latham from time to time supplied it, till late the next year, when Rev.
James Preston was engaged.
Yet another "ism" was, at this date, introduced. This was Millerism or Second Adventism, its chief
supporter in these parts being a preacher named Booth, then living in Mantua. So plausible were his
arguments that many were seriously alarmed, but B. F. Abell came to the rescue in a Saturday lecture before
his students, which was also largely attended by excited citizens. In this lecture he exploded the whole
affair to the satisfaction of his listeners, and Troy was once more serene.
Previously to this time, some of our citizens had allowed the firm of Williams & Tilden, of Parkman, or perhaps
Williams & Williams, to place their names quite too frequently upon their account books, and when the day of
reckoning came, found, to their dismay, that their indebtedness was more than they were able to meet, without
sacrificing the homestead. This, in at least two instances, Russell Williams did not hesitate to take, one of
the self-made victims being Reuben Clark and the other Jason Burnell. The latter closed his affairs, and migrated
to Iowa, which was then the "far west." The Sabbath previous to his departure, Rev. Mr. Latham preached a
good-bye discourse for his benefit, from the text, "For we seek a better country."
From the earliest settlement of the town to the opening of the hotel, in 1842, whiskey, and its daily use,
had been looked upon by the majority of the inhabitants with more or less favor. A few had always been radical
teetotalers. Among them was Deacon Alba Tinkham. Soon after Mr. Nash started the hotel (which contatned a bar
and its outfit), Mr. Tinkham put out an opposition sign, with "Temperance House" inscribed thereon. This was
met with a storm of ridicule, and one dark night the sign disappeared, but another was soon installed in its
place. A strong temperance movement had just been organized at Chagrin Falls. A temperance convention was called,
to meet at the old church here, and the Falls sent a strong delegation, most of them excellent singers. The house
was jammed full. Mr. Nash, who thought he would put on a bold front, was one of the assembly, but the portrayal
of the effects of rum-drinking, together with the soul-stirring singing, proved too much, and he left the house
in tears. This inaugurated the temperance movement here. Years later, secret societies in the interest of this
cause were instituted here, one of which is now, or lately has been, in operation. Now whiskey is a stranger in
Troy, except as an article in the druggist's pharmacopoeia.
In 1843, a two-story shop was built of which James Wale's shop is a part. The lower story was occupied by
Chester Houghton and James Johnson as a wagon-shop, the upper story was used for a cabinet shop, first by one
Chamberlain, afterward by Llewellyn and Manly Colson. Many a "setting out" for new married couples of the time were
manufactured at his shop, and, in many instances, bid fair to do duty for years to come.
The first exhibition, as they were then called, -- now dramatic entertainments -- worthy of mention, occurred on
the Fourth of July, 1843, under the auspices of the select school, although outsiders contributed much to its
success, conspicuous among whom was Mr. Orange Lathham. The exercises, which were under the management of the
principal, were held in the Congregational church,
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
621
which was packed to its utmost capacity. Among the prominent actors, then citizens of Troy, were A. H. Thrasher, esq.,
now deceased; L. E. Durfee, now a prominent attorney, in Chardon; Richard Dayton, now deceased; Daniel Pool, now
deceased; Laban Patch, since an enterprising and successful dentist, now living in our midst; Orange Latham, now
deceased, and others. The fair sex were represented by Miss Louisa Nash, now deceased; Alice Durfee, Sophia Tinkham,
Polly Pool, now deceased; Belinda Foster, and others, whose names are not now in mind.
In 1844, Rev. Mr. Preston was relieved by Lewis S. Ely, whose proceedure was so unsatisfactory that he was deposed
from the ministry, when he left Troy, went to Parkham, and opened a store.
In October, the firm of J. S. & A. P. Tilden succeeded the firm of Tilden, Weston & Co., which had dissolved. This
firm continued in business here until the spring of 1846, when its interests were removed to Parkman.
Nothing more, worthy of note, occurred until December, when the first, and thus far, only serious crime -- of which
the perpetrator was duly convicted--was committed. The crime was burglary, or grand larceny; the property taken,
cash; amount, over three hundred dollars; the victim, Joseph Doolittle, then a magistrate; the criminal,
Nathaniel Reddout. During the trial, which was before Lewis S. Pope, esq., the greatest interest prevailed, and the
Methodist church, in which the trial was held, was filled with anxious spectators, the galleries being occupied by
ladies. Notwithstanding the crime was fully proven, by some legal hocus-pocus, punishment was averted.
The same year, John Dayton, while building his house, made frequent trips to Cleveland, to obtain needed material,
and while so doing, conceived the idea of making periodical trips to that city a permanent occupation for himself,
having sufficient help at home to carry on the farming. With him, to plan was to execute, and he at once commeneed
operations, making a trip to Cleveland, and to the grist-mill every week, paying but little regard to the condition
of the roads, or the weather. Indeed, it was said of him, that if he happened to be at home while a terrible storm
was in progress, he would mourn because he was not on the road to market. This business he followed fifteen years,
wearing out many horses, harnesses, and wagons. He was charged with doing one serious mischief during this time.
That mischief was the importation of Norway rats.
The year 1845 will be remembered as the cold, dry year. But very little was raised with which to subsist either
man or beast, and when winter came, many sent their stock to northern Indiana, while others took theirs to the region
around Columbus. A large proportion of the cattle sent to Indiana died, while nearly all of the others came back.
Rev. Josiah Hopkins, D. D., was, this year, called by the Congregational society to supply the desk, which he did,
very acceptably, the four following years.
This was also a somewhat eventful year, both in a military and a political point of view. Ever since the organization,
in 1823, of the first military company, interest in military affairs had not died out. After a few years,
Captain Burroughs* resigned, when Thomas R. Mumford was elected as his successor, holding the office until the
company disbanded. A rifle company was then organized, with Harvey Pratt as captain, who, at the organization of
the first regiment, was appointed adjutant, when Alden J. Nash succeeded to the command of the company, holding the
position until his promotion to the command of the regiment. Who succedded Nash, as captain is not stated. †
Harvey Pratt was afterwards promoted to the office of Major, by which title he has since been familiarly
___________________
* Note -- This, and some other errors were corrected, under the head of "Military Affairs in 1823.
† NOTE -- Perhaps it was Harvey Harris.
622
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
known. Wm. F. Pratt and Leonard Lamson also served on the regimental staff, as adjutants, and Dr. C. B. Chapman, as
surgeon. The last captain, under the former military dispensation, was Levi Tinkham.
In 1839 and '40 dissatisfaction arose, from sundry causes, and from that time military duty became more and more
unpopular, until, finally, the killing of Truman Allen, at a regimental parade in Burton, in 1845, wiped it out
entirely; nor was it resuscitated till 1861, when the war of the Rebellion revived it with redoubled interest --
of which, hereafter.
The political "bone of contention" was the post-office. James K. Polk, who had, March 4, 1845, assumed the "chair
of State," was, in matters political, diametrically opposed to the party which had elected his predecessor, and
adopted the policy of removing such postmasters as were opposed to his own election. Alden J. Nash was one of the
doomed many. An order was issued by Postmaster-General Cave Johnson for his official decapitation, and off went his
head into the political sawdust.
In choosing his successor, no more fitting man could have been found than the one who received the appointment. This
was Joseph Durfee, a man who had been firm and true to his political principles all his days. He at once entered upon
the duties of his office by appointing as deputy, Phidelus Pool, who lived at the center. The office he held till the
election of Zachary Taylor, four years later, when matters ran again in the former channel.
The musical element of this township has, nearly always, been under respectable discipline. From the first,
Esquire Nash and Harvey Pratt were tutors. A change in teachers seeming to be desirable, Mr. Francis M. Leonard,
now of Thompson, trained a class in the winter of 1835. In 1843, Newton Bliss, of Chagrin Falls, instructed a large
class. In 1845, Nathan F. Cone, an itinerant, taught a very large class, and was engaged to teach the following year,
but becoming involved in difficulty, he forsook his class, when another teacher, named Sizor, finished the term,
and succeeded in putting the singers in excellent training. Orange Latham, Alonzo Hubbard, William F. Pratt, A. J.
and Eugene Nash, have also been successful local teachers of music.
A camp meeting was held in August of this year, on land now belonging to John Welsh, then a forest. Parties from an
adjoining township were present, who made real or imaginary disturbance, and were ejected from the grounds. This led
to the arrest of a preacher, Rev. G. W. Maltbie, and perhaps others, for "assault and battery." A trial was held,
which resulted in conviction. This trial was had before Cyrus McLouth, then a magistrate. The above plaintiffs were
in turn arrested on a warrant issued by Joseph Doolittle, also a justice of the peace. The parties were charged with
committing a riot, and were convicted.
In 1846* occurred that memorable famine in Ireland, known far and wide as the "Irish potato rot." That starving
country called on "Uncle Sam" for relief, which he was not slow in granting. Counties formed relief societies, and
townships reported to the parent society. Corn was the staple called for. A day was designated, when those who could
and would, delivered their donation at a pre-concerted rendezvous. Troy, as usual, did nobly. Uncle John Dayton and
others took the corn to Chardon and delivered it over to L. J. Rider, general agent for Geauga county. Whether the
"Sons of Erin" received any of it has always been a matter of doubt.
Several of the "bone and sinew" of Troy died in 1846. Among them were Captain John Welsh, John Nash, and Mrs.
Alba Tinkham.
The Mexican war was one of the political features of 1846 and '47. Troy
___________________
* A mistake. This famine occurred a year later.
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
623
furnished at least two representatives in the United States army at that time, in the persons of William Palmer,
who then lived where Daniel M. Crafts now lives, and Joshua Newell, who lived at the Grove.
Evidences of the existence of coal were discovered in 1848-9 on land located in section sixteen, then belonging
to Rensselaer Smith, now to Peter Davis. Jehu Brainard, a noted geologist then living in Cleveland, examined the
premises, and decided that coal did not exist there in paying quantities. Mr. Smith was not satisfied with this
decision, but went to Pennsylvania and procured a practical miner, to come and develop whatever might be found.
A few bushels of coal were taken out, which was used by our blacksmiths, but after prospecting less than one hundred
feet, the "mine" came to an abrupt termination. The cavity is now abundantly supplied with excellent water of a very
low temperature.
Tradition declares that the Indians had knowledge of a salt spring, also on section sixteen, on land now owned by
Samuel Davis, but if such was the fact, the "red skins" effectually concealed its whereabouts.
In 1849, Rev. Josiah Hopkins resigned his pastorate,* much to the regret of his hearers, who had learned to
appreciate his worth. Mr. Latham was again called to supply the vacancy, but death suddenly ended his ministrations
on the 7th of May, same year.
The "California Gold Fever" was an important feature of the history of this country, the discovery of which metal
was made by Captain Sutter -- or rather James Marshall -- in 1849. The fever reached Troy, and several of our prominent
capitalists combined to send a party of adventurers to the land of "Ophir." If the result of the enterprise was
satisfactory, the parties have managed, thus far, to keep the fact locked in their own bosoms.
In 1849, a "Plank Road" epidemic passed over this region, and Troy caught the infection. The chief mischief-maker
in causing the malaria to spread, was Hon. John P. Converse, of Parkman. His scheme was to build a road from Parkman
to Chagrin Falls, passing, of course, through Troy, and which was carried so far as to have the route surveyed and
the gradient stakes set. The project met with more or less favor along the proposed line of location. The judge had
appointed days on which to solicit stock subscriptions, one of the first being set for this township. Dr. Thrasher,
who had heretofore kept aloof while the wind work was in progress, made it in his way to be present, and, in his
blunt, sarcastic manner, set at naught John P.'s fine drawn theory, and ended by saying that "but one man lived in
Troy who had any business to fool away his money in such an undertaking, and if he did, he (the Doctor), would disown
him as a son-in-law." Men who had before thought to take stock, reconsidered, and, the result was, none was taken.
This severed the chain, and the judge retired to recuperate his energies against the coming of the "Clinton Line R. R."
scheme, when he once more took the field as the champion of that ultimate failure, this time drawing Troy somewhat
into the net, although protested against in this case by his former antagonist, Dr. Thrasher.
In ordinary matters, no one enjoyed the confidence of the citizens of Troy more than did Judge Converse, but in the
enterprises above named he allowed his enthusiam to over-balance his better judgment, the more especially in the former.
In 1850 the Rev. Mr. Godden was called to supply the pulpit of the Congregational church, which he did during the
current year. Alter he left, meetings, called "Deacon's meetings," were held, at which Orange Latham, or W. F. Pratt
generally read a sermon. Some time in 1851, probably at the beginning
___________________
* During Mr. Hopkins' pastorate, a theological student, named Hunter, who was under his tutelage,
made occasional attempts at preaching, sometimes quite successfully.
624
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
of the year, Rev. John Fraser came to assume the pastorate. He occupied the pulpit three years, and was succeeded
by Anson Tuttle, who staid but a short time.
Up to this date mercantile business had been carried on as private enterprise by different individuals, prominent
among whom was John Mayhew.
Previous to Mr. Mayhew, the Pool brothers -- Daniel and Levi -- had for a time been engaged as grocers, their place
of business being a building which then stood between the hotel and Methodist church; and Solomon Wells had, for a
year or two, kept a stock of goods in the store, employing N. E. Scott as salesman. Mr. Wells used to assert that the
net profits of that investment, were just sufficient to purchase a new broadcloth coat.
In 1852 a stock company was organized, known as the "Farmer's Company." The capital stock was $3,000, in shares of
$100 each. Richard Dayton was employed as agent, and N. E. Scott as assistant. Besides the usual business pertaining
to a store, the company dealt extensively in cheese. While in New York city on business in the interest of this
company, Mr. Dayton sickened and died, when M. E. Francis was engaged to supply the vacancy. For real, or imagninary
cause, some of the members became dissatisfied, which finally ended in the dismemberment of the conclave, and the store
passed again into private hands, the succeeded firm being Francis & Wells.
In 1853 was introduced the first mowing machine. This was one of the heavy, lumbering, unwieldy pieces of mechanism,
known as the "Ketchum," but it was, to a good extent, a labor-saver, and that was the point sought for. The men who
had sufficient pluck to invest in this innovation, were Wilkins and Dudley Fox. A description of this machine, and its
work, would occupy too much time and space. Suffice it to say, that it would suffer terribly in comparison with the
almost perfect ones of to-day.
Up to 1853, the remains of persons who had died were taken, to the grave, either in a sled, or lumber wagon, or on a
bier. In the year above named, William F. Pratt, esq., a man always in the advance in public enterprise, purchased a
plain, unpretending hearse -- a carriage well in harmony with the people for whose use it was intended. As well as
keeping and furnishing this hearse, he was wont to make coffins (after the Colson Brothers abandoned cabinet-making),
and also take charge of funerals, whenever his services were required. In 1864 he removed to Newburgh, when the
township trustees bought the hearse, made some needed repairs, and which yet (1876) serves in its peculiar capacity.
The first sewing machine, or probably the first, was bought in 1854, by Mr. Chester Nash, for his daughters, Kate and
Cynthia. It was then told, as a marvel, that those young ladies purchased of Webster & Whitney, at the Rapids, prints
for each a dress, both of which were made and worn, and all, including the purchase, done in one day. That machine,
like the mower above referred to, was very rude in its appointments, as compared with first class machines of the
present time.
To return to church matters -- after Mr. Tattle left, a young man by the name of Delamater, from Cleveland, finished
out the year, when a long vacancy of the desk occurred, only as it was supplied temporarily.
For the haying of 1856, Solomon Wells put a "Ball" machine into his meadows. This was a two-wheeled machine, yet it
was a horse killer, compared to later productions. In 1858, Chester Lamb came to the front with a "Buckeye" mower.
This, for the time, was a favorite, and from this date mowing machines were no longer a novelty. In 1859, L. T. Bradley
purchased a "Buckeye" mower and reaper combined--the first in Troy--and so numerous were the demands for its good
offices in neighboring fields of grain, that Mr. Bradley was obliged to deny by far the greater part of them.
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
625
On the night of June 4, 1859, this region was devastated by a frost, or rather a freeze, for it could truthfully
assume that dignity. Newly turned furrows of turf were frozen through, and small quantities of water were solidly
congealed. Wheat and rye, then just heading, were killed, corn and potatoes were cut to the ground, and grass was
almost a total failure. Great consternation for a time prevailed, but at length it was found that but a small territory,
comparatively, had suffered, when the excitement subsided.
In the autumn of 1857, Rev. A. A. Whitmore took up his abode here, as pastor of the Congregational church, and remained
in that capacity three years.
Some time previous to this date, a faction known as "radical abolitionists," came into existence under the leadership
of William Lloyd Garrison, and Abby Kelly, afterward Abby Kelly Foster, and who were ably supported by Wendell Phillips
and other philanthropists. Among the ardent disciples of this faction was one John Brown, known as "Ossawattamie" Brown.
This man's ardor reached the point of fanaticism, and his raid on Harper's Ferry, Virginia, and its results, are matters
of history. Soon after his execution, indignation meetings were called in various parts of the radical north. Troy had
several warm supporters of this then new movement, among whom were W. W. Beals and B. F. Abell, at whose instance a
meeting was called. The meeting was called to order by Mr. Abell, who, in stating the object of the meeting, said:
"There are times when the exigencies of the case are such, that it is clearly the duty of people to rise above all
human law, and, taking the matter into their own hands, assert the prerogative of the 'higher law' that in the execution
of John Brown, the State of Virginia had violated the mandate of the 'higher law,' and was no longer entitled to
recognition as a sister State, and that the north should rise in its might, and finish the work which this martyr had
so nobly began." Mr. Beals followed, reading from a well prepared manuscript, and taking the same ground as did his
predecessor. Expressions were called for, from various persons present, and among those called upon to give their views
of the subject, was L. P. Barrows, then a law student. Instead of indorsing the sentiment of those who had preceded him,
Mr. Barrows took the ground that John Brown and his adherents had violated the laws of Virginia, and in consequence
thereof, should suffer the penalty; that if people should lay human law aside when it was not consonant with their
views, and should adopt the so-called "higher law," it was not easy to predict what the ultimate result might be. Better
by far "endure the ills we have, than fly to those we know not of." This had the effect of producing a reaction in the
thus far expressed sentiment of the audience, and, so far as Troy was concerned, the commonwealth of Virginia was
allowed to exist a year or two longer, when she cut her own throat, by enacting an ordinance of secession, which, like
John Brown's raid, is a matter of history.
The first fire of public importance occurred on the night of March 17, 1860, destroying the store and contents, then
belonging to Levere Dalrymple. The citizens took the matter in hand, and by united effort, another store (the present
one) was soon standing on the site of the former one, and Mr. Dalrymple again established in trade.
626
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
CHAPTER IV.
MILITARY RECORD, ETC.
The greatest political excitement ever yet known was developed the ensuing season in the presidential canvass; four
candidates being in the field, to wit: Lincoln, Douglass, Breckenridge, and Bell. The result is still fresh in the
memory of every one. And now we come to, perhaps, the most soul-stirring epoch in the township history. In the
presidential contest Abraham Lincoln (as we know) was the successful candidate, and his inauguration was the signal
for what proved to be, a most terrible conflict for the preservation of this great family of States, intact. After
mature preparation on the part of the disaffected, a distinguished South Carolinian,* on the 12th of April, 1861,
pulled the first lanyard, and Sumpter received a deadly missile. Four days later, "Father Abraham" issued a proclamation
calling for seventy-five thousand men, to retrieve this insult to the "stars and stripes."
The muster roll shows that Troy furnished the full share of this number. Seven men responded, as follows: U. S. Hoxter,
Ellis Kingsbury, Edwin Woods, Daniel Corliss, Harvey Ford, Chauncey Scott and Simeon Carlton. These men were looked
upon as heroes (as indeed they were), but the people little dreamed of what was yet to come. July 21st came, and with
it the bloody battle of Bull Run, in which the Union forces were terribly punished. Mr. Lincoln promptly called for
300,000 volunteers, and the volunteers as promptly responded.
Let us see what Troy did this time. The full military roster of the township is here appended:
WAR OF THE REVOLUTION.
Captain Ebenezer Hopkins. Ira Phelps.
Borden Potter. Jephthah Pool.
Benedict Alford. Jason Carter.
WAR OF 1812.
John Dayton, Harvey Pratt.
Samuel Reed. Nathaniel Colson.
James Fairbanks. Joshua Brooks.
Ezekiel Lamson. Timothy P. Hunter.
Elijah Pike.
WAR OF THE REBELLION.
SEVENTH O. V. INFANTRY.--THEEE MONTHS' SERVICE.
U. S. Hoxter. Harvey Ford.
Ellis Kingsbury. Chauncey Scott.
Edwin Woods. Simeon Carlton.
Daniel Corliss.
SEVENTH O. V. INFANTRY--THREE YEARS' MEN.
C. C. Miller.
FORTY-FIRST O. V. INFANTRY.
Dempsey Conrad. Thomas A. Scott.
Harvey Pratt. William Goodrich.
Sobieski Doolittle. Julius Johnson.
Shepherd Scott. Marcus Latham.
Clarkson Strickland, new recruit. Orlando Benton.
NINTH OHIO INDEPENDENT BATTERY.
Thomas Scott (Uncle Tom) Drayton Gillett.
Luther Baird. Wilson Green.
Henry Green. J. G. Durfee.
__________
* Edmund Ruffin.
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
627
E. P. Latham. W. G. Welsh.
W. W. James. Mahlon Loomis.
L. H. Dayton. L. P. Barrows.*
Barney Starin. Chester Hoard.
B. F. Clark. Marshall Davis.
W. H. Chapman.
Recruits in August, 1862:
F. J. Lamb. J. H. Evans.
B. H, Pratt. Edward Wells.
Milton Starin. John Sowers.
Harvey Rice. John Weston.
S. W. Latham.
Recruits, January 5, 1864:
Andrew W. Pool. Edward H. Tinkham.
Luther S. Burton. L. P. Barrows.
Re-enlisted as veterans,
Barney L. Starin. Marshall Davis.
W. W. James. Lucien H. Dayton.
W. H. Chapman.
SECOND OHIO CAVALRY.
Charles Windnagle. Ashley Windnagle.
L. C. Fox. Daniel Alexander.
ONE HUNDRED AND THIRD O. V. INFANTRY.
Delos Shaw. Charles Gillman.
ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTH O. V. INFANTRY.
James Gardner. Oma Fisher.
W. H. Doty. Anson Keyes.
Levi B. Cousins. J. D. Reed.
John Hopkins. Charles Gray.
Charles Tourner.
TWELFTH OHIO CAVALRY.
George R. Fox. Charles Vanwagnen.
BATTERY A, FIRST OHIO ARTILLERY.
Hazen Corliss. Morris Latham.
Willis Burroughs.
HEAVY ARTILLERY.
A. K. Houghton. A. C. Ellsworth.
Samuel Turner.
ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-SEVENTH O. V. INFANTRY.
Delos Reed. Monroe Nash.
Newell Hosmer. Charles Truman.
Walter Taylor.
THIRTY-NINTH O. V. INFANTRY.
H. A. Harrington. R. W. Davis.
Hiram Satterlee. Wilson Hotchkiss.
EIGHTEENTH O. V. INFANTRY.
John Barrows. Cyrus Beals.
Edward Gardner. Alfred Crosby.
FIFTH O. V. INFANTRY.
Seth James. J. H. Thrasher.
ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY-SIXTH O. V. INFANTRY.
Norman Latham. John Corliss.
Jerome Newman. Edward Barnes.
UNITED STATES NAVAL SERVICE.
Byron Heath. J. W. Cook.
GUN-BOAT SERVICE
John Kimpton. David Hosmer.
A. A. Kingsbury. Ozro Truman.
John Mayhew.
IN VARIOUS COMMANDS.
Eleazar Stockwell, 100th O. V. Infantry.
George Harrington, Sharpshooters.
Charles Dalrymple, 8th O. V. Infantry.
Charles Scott, Quartermaster Department.
Charles Whitaker. Joseph Hill.
Ahiel Dunn. Francis Davis.
___________
* Barrows was commissioned first lieutenant when the battery was organized.
He resigned in August, 1862, and re-enlisted in the same command, as a
"recruit," January 5, 1864.
628
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
Several of the "boys" who represented Troy in the "Great American Conflict" seem to be entitled to more mention than
the simple record of their names as soldiers in the war of the Rebellion.
Shepherd Scott was detailed from his company, and assigned to duty as orderly, for General W. B. Hazen. At the battle
of Chickamauga, his behavior, as a soldier, elicited praise from the commanding generals, including General Thomas,
and his speedy promotion was morally certain. On the second day of the fight, he was captured, and taken to
Andersonville. The result of that capture we had from the lips of H. F. Marsh, late of Bainbridge, this county, who
was a fellow prisoner. He says Shepherd died, a victim of starvation and scurvy; that the word "skeleton" would exactly
describe his physical condition, and that the scurvy was so malignant as to have removed every tooth before he died.
General Hazen, in his speech at Burton, July 4, 1879, paid "Shep." a feeling tribute.
Edward P. Latham (known as Payson) was "No. 1" on a six-pounder, which was captured at the battle of Mill Spring,
January 19, 1862. On the eighteenth of June, following, General G. W. Morgan, in command of the Fourteenth division,
Army of the Ohio, succeeded in dislodging Colonel Raines from his stronghold, at Cumberland Gap, without loss of life,
which so elated him, that he ordered salutes to be fired by the three batteries in his command, and the Ninth Ohio
battery was to perform this duty on the following day (June nineteenth), at six P. M. Latham's piece had been fired once,
and while loading the second time, a premature discharge occurred, which blew him about twenty feet from the muzzle of
his gun. On picking him up, one eye was found to be sightless, and the bones of both his hands, and lower portion of
the forearm, were found to be crushed to fragments, and both were amputated. Although the nervous shock was necessarily
very severe, his habits of life, and robust constitution, soon placed him beyond danger, and his recovery was so rapid
that just one month from the date of the occurrence, he was at home, and to-day he bids as fair to see a good old age,
as any man in Troy.
Edward W. Green (known as Wilson) was, like Latham, when he enlisted, the very embodiment of health, and both were
members of the same command, but their military experience was dissimilar. Green was married October 10, 1861, and
was mustered into the United States service, with the battery, the day following. Soon after reaching Cumberland Ford,
in February, 1862, he was taken sick, and consigned to the rude hospital, which was improvised from a deserted house near
the camp, but failing rapidly, he was sent to a regular hospital, at Lexington, Kentucky, from whence -- there being no
hope of his recovery -- he was discharged. Returning home, he recovered somewhat, and engaged in such occupations as
he thought he could endure. After a time, his disease (hepatic abscess) returned with two-fold severity, and at length
he was confined entirely to the house. His disease distorted his shape out of all semblance of his former self,
compelling him to endure the most acute and ceaseless pain, which he bore with heroic courage, until the fifteenth
anniversary of his marriage, when death ended his suffering.
Delos Shaw and Eleazer Stockwell were fated to an experience, unlike either of the above. Captured in the fall of 1864,
they endured all the horrors of that Andersonville den until the eighteenth of April, 1865, when they were exchanged,
and, with others, sent to Vicksburg for transportation northward. That they keenly enjoyed the anticipation of seeing
home and friends again, their last letters to Troy plainly indicated. The steamboat "Sultana" was set apart to take a
cargo of these exchanged prisoners homeward. Twenty-two hundred men
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
629
were placed on board this boat, and Delos and Eleazer were among the number. The fate of that boat and its human
freight is well known to every one. When eight miles above Memphis, Tennessee, a boiler exploded, when fifteen
hundred men were hurried into eternity, and "our boys" were among the victims.
Sobieski Doolittle once escaped death almost, or quite, as miraculously as did Latham. At the battle of Chickamauga
a minnie ball was shot through his neck, between the windpipe and vertebra, which lodged under the skin. The surgeon
who removed it, consoled Doolittle with the declaration, that if the ball had varied its own diameter, in either
direction, death must have ensued. He keeps that ball as a souvenir.
But why discriminate? Most assuredly it was not the personal election of Shepherd Scott that he should be immolated
on the altar of heated passion, nor of Latham, that he should be so shockingly dismembered; nor of Green, that his
life should waste away by inches; nor of Shaw and Stockwell, that their anticipated return to the home of their
childhood should have been so tragically frustrated; nor of Doolittle, that but fifty-four one-hundredths of an inch
should have stood between him and his "muster out"; no more was it the election of Hazen Corliss, that a rebel bullet
should crash through his brain, and wipe out his existence, on the field of battle; nor of Ellis Kingsbury, nor of
Morris Latham, that their bones should be scattered by rebel missiles, causing their deaths in far-off hospitals; nor
was it the election of Charley Scott, or Clark or Henry Green, or Hoard, or Geo. Harrington, or Benton, or
Daniel Corliss, or Windnagle, or Wells, or Milton Starin, or Fisher, or Kimpton, or Andrew Pool, or Seth James, or
Nash, or Marshall Davis, or Newell Hosmer, that their days should end, victims of disease, in military hospitals;
on a cotton-bale, or in an ambulance; but such was the fate of war, and, soldier-like, they all submitted to the
dread decree. Nor was it the election of Thomas A. Scott, or of Marcus Latham, and others, that their persons should
be lacerated and disfigured with rebel lead, but such was their experience. Verily, war is an unfeeling arbitrator.
Here are the names of ninety-nine men, of Troy, who left home and all its comforts, shouldered the musket, seized the
sponge-staff, buckled on the saber, wielded the mule whip, or did the duties peculiar to the gun-boat service,
voluntarily, with but very few exceptions; and what for? Nothing less than to perpetuate that time honored doctrine of
"Old Hickory." "The Union; it must and shall be preserved." These ninety-nine did not all report, when this "cruel war
was over."
Of them all, at least twenty-five never came back, or if they did, they came in their coffins. One suffered the slow
tortures of starvation at Andersonville, two were hurried into eternity by the explosion of the transport "Sultana,"
after having suffered untold hardships in prison pens, were released, and -- in imagination -- almost back to Troy again.
Others died of wounds, away from friends, and still others of lingering sickness. Two were killed almost instantly,
while at their post in battle. That Troy may not soon forget the terrible ordeal through which she passed; two
reminders are yet spared--in the shattered remnants of what were, at the outset of the rebellion, among her most
robust citizens. The one, E. P. Lotham, despoiled of his hands; the other, E. W. Green, a breathing skeleton. To go
into details of Troy's military experience during the war, would be to write a volume.
The soldier element -- or a portion of it -- of the township insist that the "boys" who were killed, or who died while
in the service of the United States, deserve special mention in this connection, and to this end it is suggested that
the following extract be taken from the address of ______, delivered at Troy, Geauga county, Ohio, on Decoration day,
May 29, 1875, as follows:
"If, on the fifth day of October, 1861 (and I am now addressing those of you
630
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
who, like myself, on that day enlisted into the United States army). I say if, on that day I had predicted
that, on this twenty-ninth day of May, 1875, I should stand here as the champion of twenty-nine of our sons,
brothers, husbands and fathers, who would fall before the close of the awful conflict, then but just begun --
and some of them under circumstances of fiendish cruelty that would cause a Modoc or a Mormon to look well to his
laurels -- you would doubtless have looked upon me as a hair-brained lunatic, unworthy of notice. Or, perhaps,
fearing the disease might assume a more tangible form, and, perhaps, work mischief, you might have quietly
asked Colonel Hazen for a detail to escort me to the guard-house, or, perhaps, for still safer keeping, to safer
quarters at Newburgh. But the twenty-ninth of May, 1875, has come, and, in the providence of the Great Ruler of
the universe, I am here to make mention -- honorable mention -- of twenty-nine of our choice sons, who fell
victims to the insatiable 'god of war.'...
"And now, if you will bear with me, I will try and call to mind some of those of our own good township of Troy, who
laid down their lives while fighting in the great war of the Rebellion," and will endeavor to omit no one, whether
he represented this township, or not.
"The first on the roll of this silent company was Charlie Scott. He enlisted under the second call for volunteers,
was assigned to the quarter-master department, and was sent to Baltimore. The next news from Charlie was by way of
a letter from Dr. Orlando Crane to his (Charlie's) father, saying that he died on the first of September, 1861.
Many then thought this might be the only death in the service from Troy. How we were doomed to disappointment the
sequel will show.
"B. F. Clark, known by the boys as 'Frank,' was the next sacrifice. The terrible ordeal through which he passed,
before, at, and after the battle of Mill Spring, proved too much for his not over robust constitution, and when his
command left Somerset, Kentucky, Frank did not go, but reluctantly took up his abode at the hospital. The next we
heard from him he was very sick; the next, he was dead.
"Eulogizing our soldier boys properly is far beyond my capacity for doing, with any degree of justice. Suffice it
to say that, among our many kind-hearted boys, Frank was one of the kindest.
"By a strange fatuity, three near relatives -- of whom comrade Clark was one -- were taken in succession, and all
three were members of the same command.
"The next to go was Henry Green, nephew of the other two. Henry was a favorite at headquarters, which is equivalent
to saying he was a good soldier. Soon after reaching Cumberland Ford, the measles broke out in camp, and Green was
among the victims of the disease. Becoming convalescent, he was detailed to go with his mule team to Flat Lick after a
load of provisions. While on the way, he was caught in a shower, when the disease returned with redoubled severity, and
after two days of intense suffering he was numbered among the dead. Dying at the house of a citizen, he was buried in
the family grounds. Henry died March 15, 1862. Let me copy from my diary the following: 'Sunday, April 6th, Durfee and
I made a head-board for Henry Green's grave, and I took it to Flat Lick and set it up.' If any are curious to know
more about that head-stone, let me say that it was made of a section of the head of a bacon cask, and 'H. Green, Ninth
Ohio battery,' was the inscription.
"Chester Hoard, the remaining one of this doomed trio, while repairing the boots of a comrade at Somerset, became
suddenly ill. Laying aside his work, as he supposed, for a short time, he betook himself to his blanket. Becoming
rapidly worse, an ambulance was called, and Chester was helped therein, apologizing to the owners of the boots for
the failure, saying, as he started for the
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
631
hospital: 'Boys, keep a stiff upper lip. I'll be after you in a few days, and then I'll finish them boots.' He did
not leave that fated hospital, till he left it in his coffin, bound for the land of his nativity.
"The next is George Harrington. Taking a fancy to the duties of a sharpshooter, he went to Illinois, and enlisted in
the Sixty-sixth regiment Illinois volunteers, whose peculiar duties were those pertaining to sharp-shooters. Typhoid
fever soon marked him as a victim, and on the thirteenth day of May, 1862, he ceased to do duty as a soldier.
"Martin Pool joined his fortunes with the Third Michigan infantry, in the earlier stages of the conflict. On the first
day of June, 1862, the battle of Fair Oaks was fought, while, near by, in a hospital, among others, Martin was lying
helpless. The hospital was captured, and there is every reason to believe that the inmates were bayonetted in their
cots, comrade Poole with the rest.
"Orlando Benton belonged to company B, Forty-first Ohio volunteer infantry. While at Camp Wickliffe, Kentucky, the
measles broke out among the troops, and Orlando was one of the first to succumb. The command was ordered away, and he,
with others, was sent to a hospital in Indiana, where he died.
"Daniel, oldest son of E. G. Corliss, was one of the first to enlist from Troy, which he did April 25, 1861, in the
Seventh regiment, under the three month's call. Serving this term, he at once re-enlisted, this time in company B,
Forty-first regiment. About the first of September, 1862, he was attacked, while on a march, with typhoid pneumonia,
and died in an ambulance. The following letter, from the orderly-sergeant, to his father, shows the esteem in which
he was held:...
"Edwin Scott is next. Returning from Illinois, he took his chances with the One Hundred and Twenty-fifty Ohio volunteer
infantry. Disease clutched him also, and he died in a hospital at Harrodsburg, Kentucky, November 22, 1862.
"The next, is Ellis Kingsbury. He enlisted in the Fourth United States artillery, was captured at Port Republic, was
exchanged, and at the battle of Fredericksburg, December 15, 1862, he received a wound, which soon proved fatal.
"Chauncey Lane thought Troy was quite too staid for him, and he migrated to Iowa, where he celebrated his fortieth birth
day, by enlisting in the Thirty-second regiment of that State. He was soon commissioned as lieutenant, and put in
command of Fort Jeff. Thompson, Missouri. Pleuro pneumonia seized him in its fangs, and just six weeks after bidding
his friends here good-bye, he having been home on a flying visit, his remains were returned under military escort,
and buried with military honor. He, too, died, December 15, 1862.
"Ashley Wlndnagle enlisted in the Second Ohio cavalry, and the record says he died at Fort Scott, Kansas, December 23,
1862.
"The 23d of February witnessed the opening of the mortuary record for 1863, in the death of Edward, adopted son of
Solomon, and Olive Wells. His remains were brought home, and to-day himself and foster-mother sleep side by side.
"Five days later, February 28th, Milton Starin paid the debt. While his command was in transit from Danville, Kentucky,
to Nashville, Tennessee, he sickened, and was left at Louisville, where he died as above stated.
"Harvey Rice is next. A Kentucky hospital became his last abiding place, and, although his remains were not brought
home, a memorial service was held here.
"Oma Fisher belonged to the One Hundred and Fifth, and like many others, was, doubtless, a victim of home-sickness.
He died in a hospital at Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and, as in the case of comrade Rice, memorial services were held here.
632
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
"Avery Patterson, once of Troy, enlisted in the Ninetieth regiment from Pickaway county. He was soon given a
lieutenant's commission. On the first day of the battle of Chickamauga, he was severely wounded, and was captured.
A few days later, he was paroled, but after twenty days of extreme suffering he paid the penalty of his patriotism
with his life. His remains were brought back to Troy, and buried in the Burroughs cemetery, with the honors due to
his military rank.
"Morris Latham also bore a part on that same bloody field, and on the second day, received what was supposed to be,
a slight wound in one hip. He wrote to his father, saying his "scratch would probably procure for him a furlough."
His wound soon became serious, and forty days after receiving the fatal lead, he was given a furlough, not to be revoked
by human authority.
"Harlan Warner chose Florida, as the State of his adoption, and enlisted in a "Pioneer Brigade," organized in that
State. His health gave way, and he was given a hospital furlough, when he came back to the Grove, his former abiding
place. The following inscription on his tomb-stone tells the rest: "Harlan P. Warner, Company I, Second battalion
pioneer brigade. Died March 18, 1864, aged twenty-six."
"John Kimpton was born in England, January 13, 1847. Coming to this country with his parents while yet a lad, he
naturally drank in the spirit of loyalty to his foster country, and as soon as old enough, he embarked in the gunboat
service, and was assigned to the "Ouachita." An expedition up Red river, was planned and executed, and a quantity of
cotton captured. The 9th of April, 1864, was occupied by the crew of the "Ouachita" in loading the boat with this cotton.
At night John, -- among others -- remained ashore, he taking a cotton bale for a hammock, and remarking as he did so, that
"he was burning up." During the night he died, and was buried the following day, in a rude grave hollowed out of the
sand, on the river's bank.
"The fate of Shepherd Scott is recorded elsewhere.
"For the draft, which occurred January 5, 1864, eight men were required from Troy, and eight men volunteered, of whom
Andrew Pool was one. In July following, he was given the position of artificer in the battery to which he belonged,
and was soon detailed to construct a building for the benefit of headquarters. The extreme heat, and unusual labor,
soon brought him to his bunk, from which he was transferred to the battery hospital, a victim of typhoid fever. It was
his fortune to be attended by one of the best surgeons in the army, and he was soon pronounced out of danger. Let me
refer again to my diary. 'Aug. 9th, wrote a letter to Mrs. Pool for Andrew. 10th, Pool is very sick; 12th, Pool a
little easier. 13th, went into the country and bought a chicken for Pool.' While I was gone, he sent to the sutler and
procured a can of peaches, some of which he ate, and, when I returned, found him suffering severely, the cause of which
he explained to me. I hastened to summon Dr. Barber, who at once declared his case hopeless. More from my diary: 'Aug.
14th, wrote another letter for Pool to his wife. 15th, took care of Pool all day; he is very sick. 16th, Welsh took
care of Pool through the night; I relieved him at 2 a. m., and stayed by Andrew till 2:30 p. m., when he died.
Arrangements made to send the body home. Wrote to my wife acquainting her with the fact, as follows: 'If no telegram
is sent, it will devolve on me to break the news that Andrew and the battery have just parted company. Particulars
to-morrow.' ' I had barely time to write this before the train left. The body was embalmed the following day, and sent
back to Troy.
"Seth James offered himself as a substitute, and was engaged by a citizen of Hiram. He was assigned to the Fifth Ohio
volunteer infantry. His military career was short. His record runs as follows: 'Seth James, admitted to hospital
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
633
No. 1, Chattanooga, Tenn., Nov. 5th, 1864. Died Nov. 12th. Buried in grave No. 70, Sec. G.'
"Hazen, brother of Daniel Corliss, is the next victim. The battery to which he belonged was engaged in the affair at
Spring Hill, Tennessee, during which he was shot through the head, killing him instantly. Letters to his friends
indicate that he was a good soldier.
"Monroe Nash shouldered his gun, and marched with the One Hundred and Seventy-seventh. Too much marching brought him
to a Louisville hospital. His parents went to his aid and bestowed upon him all possible care, and, at his death, brought
his remains home with them.
"Marshall Davis, with more zeal than discretion, re-enlisted as a veteran. He soon found himself in a Jeffersonville
hospital, where he died, in April, 1865."
The tragic fate of Eleazer Stockwell and Delos Shaw, like that of 'Shep.' Scott, is recorded elsewhere.
"Newell Hosmer brings up the rear. He was in the One Hundred and Seventy-seventh, and was with it on its eastern
campaign. Arriving at New York, he was taken sick, and was assigned to a hospital on David's island, from which he
wrote a letter to his wife, saying he 'would be at home in a few days.' This was soon followed by a letter from the
hospital surgeon, saying that he died April 30, 1865.
"To the above, at least three others should be added:
"Ahiel, son of William Dann, was in the Eighty-third Pennsylvania, and was killed at the battle of Laurel Hill.
"Jerome Newman enlisted in the One Hundred and Ninety-sixth, and died at Camp Chase.
"The record of Allen Alvord is uncertain, as to the time and place of his death.
"Fellow citizens of Troy! these are our dead, and this our great sacrifice on the altar of human liberty; and as we
close the roll-book, let us not forget that
'The muffled drum's sad roll has beat
These soldier's last tattoo;
No more on life's parade shall meet
That brave and fallen few.
'On fame's eternal camping ground,
Their silent tents are spread,
While glory guards, with silent round,
The bivouac of the dead.'"
"The foregoing extracts were copied into this history at our express solicitation.
"JOHN CUTLER, President,|Troy Soldiers'
"EDWARD P. LATHAM, Vice President,|Association."
In this connection it might be said that the war aroused a military spirit at home. In the State legislature of
1862-3, a law was passed reviving State military service, requiring every able-bodied man of requisite age to
do a certain amount of military duty, or pay a certain sum of money in lieu thereof. In obedience to this enactment,
a company was formed in Troy, and July 4th an election of officers was held, which resulted in bestowing the command
upon the writer -- who had been discharged, and was then at home -- while the lieutenants' commissions were bestowed
upon I. W. Pope and S. P. Merrifield, respectively.*
A call for another three hundred thousand men was made late in the year, when so great a number of the company
enlisted as to practically dismember it. At the next session of the legislature this law was repealed.
___________________
* O. S. Farr, esq., now of Chardon, received a commission as adjutant on the regimental staff of
Colonel H. H. Ford.
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HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
Here comes in an item of history of which Troy may well be proud, and which cannot be more fittingly portrayed than
by copying, almost entire, a communication received from Mrs. S. C. W. Latham, secretary of the Soldiers' aid society,
an organization whose existence will not soon pass from memory. She writes:
"Mention has been made in this historical sketch of Troy of those who went from among us, to share the privations and
dangers of a soldier's life, in the great Rebellion. In connection with this it may be proper to allude to the work
accomplished by the women at home during this eventful period, and to show that they were neither idle nor indifferent
spectators of the momentous history that our country was writing in tears and blood. Some work was done for the three
months' men, and some things contributed to them. As early as June, 1861, we organized a Soldiers' aid society. We had
fifty names subscribed to our constitution. The officers were: Presidents, Mrs. M. L. Welch, Mrs. B. B. Heath;
vice-presidents, Mrs. Mary Tinkham; treasurer, Mrs. M. James; business agent, Mrs. S. A. Merrifield. An auxiliary
society was organized west of the river. Mrs. Jedediah Reed, president; Mrs. Sylvia Hinckley, vice-president. In a
short time we commenced making 'havelocks.' This article of clothing not proving beneficial, and consuming much time
and means, its manufacture was soon abandoned. Then hospital shirts, drawers, socks, quilts, towels, lint bandages,
etc., etc., were made; and canned and dried fruit, with other eatables, were contributed, prepared, and sent, from time
to time, to the Cleveland Aid society. But in order to supply the Cleveland society, means must be obtained, and for
this purpose various expedients were resorted to. In January, 1862, we started a 'mite society.' Our first meeting was
held at S. P. Merrifield's, on the pioneer farm of the late John Dayton. About one hundred persons were in attendance.
This was, perhaps, the largest 'mite' during the war. At one time the 'grab bag' was a feature of the society; at
another, a 'sugar party,' and, although no great amount was obtained at any one meeting, they were continued until
we realized over fifty dollars from them. From the proceeds of an exhibition, held two evenings in the Methodist
Episcopal church, we realized over fifty-eight dollars, and a 'military picnic,' held in Mr. Seth Burton's meadow,
furnished nearly forty dollars. A lecture brought in a little, and individual contributions helped some. At one time
a committee was appointed in different parts of the township, to receive whatever might be donated to the society,
and thus the supplies came, to enable us to go on, until July, 1865, when we sent our last package to Cleveland,
having continued our work over four years. At the 'Sanitary fair' held in Cleveland, in 1864, we were represented,
and assisted with our contributions. A flag was purchased for the Forty-first, and we contributed ten dollars of its
cost, and also furnished that regiment with a few necessaries, but most of our donations were sent to the Cleveland
society. The amount contributed to the soldiers in the various ways, by our township, was estimated at over a thousand
dollars. Some of the wealthier townships may have done much more, but it may be that not many began earlier, or worked
longer than did Troy. Mrs. Rouse, president of the Cleveland society, writing to us in January, 1862, after
acknowledging the receipt of goods sent from here, says: 'I have been for some time anxious to hear of the prosperity
of your society, which we remember with gratitude, was among the first to come forward to our aid, in carrying on the
work. The records of the Cleveland society show that the first box received at the Cleveland Aid rooms came from the
Soldiers' Aid society of Troy.'* Signed, Mrs. S. C. W. Latham. Comment is needless. The above speaks for itself."
___________________
* Page 505, in "Our Acre and its Harvest."
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
635
To return to matters pertaining to the church militant: After Mr. Whitmore left, Mr. Fraser returned to his former
duties, remaining, this time, two years.
When Mr. Hopkins held the pastorate, he warmly advocated the putting of a bell into the church. In 1862, the question
was revived, a subscription was started, Mrs. Pike leading off with thirty dollars, the price of a steer. A sufficient
amount was raised, and the bell was obtained. It was first tolled at the death of W. W. Beals, January 4, 1863. Proving
too small to be heard at distant parts of the township, the Methodist society employed a competent person to examine
the structure of their belfry, with a view to putting in a heavier bell. The report was favorable, a subscription was
circulated, and the required amount realized. Although larger, the new bell did not much exceed the other in volume of
sound. But its days were destined to be few. While being tolled, on the thirty-first of December, 1863, the thermometer
standing at eighteen degrees below zero, it cracked, when its career was ended.
In 1863, Mr. Fraser again left, snd Rev. Roswell Hawks supplied the pulpit for a short time, when Marshall Terry was
permanently engaged, and who remained until his death, in October, 1867.
Up to this time, cheese-making had been carried on in private dairies.
In 1865, D. L. Pope showed his faith in the co-operative plan, by building a factory, fifty by one hundred feet, to
serve as a curing house, and other buildings for manufacturing purposes, aggregating one hundred feet in length in
addition.
Experience has shown the wisdom of his policy. Cheese factories are now considered a necessary evil; there being no
less than four in Troy.* Western Reserve factory cheese has now a controlling influence wherever that commodity is
an article of merchandise.
An Ohio State Dairymen's association has been formed in the interest of factory cheese, over which Mr. Pope †
has had the honor to preside.
An incident, somewhat similar to the bull-frog tragedy of 1814, occured here in the spring of 1865. After the
assassination of President Lincoln, the reward offered for the apprehension of the murderer, prompted a keen scrutiny
of every stranger, not knowing but he might be the assassin, in disguse. About the time of the above tragedy,
L. P. Barrows, then a sergeant in the Ninth Ohio battery, stationed at Bridgeport, Alabama, had obtained a furlough,
and was at home. Some imaginative person, on the look out for the noted criminal, saw a stranger cross the farm
then owned by Thomas R. Mumford, and enter the woods. Of course, this could be none other than the flying fugitive,
and the alarm was at once sounded, and promptly responded to. The woods were quickly surrounded by the excited
populace, and the lines concentrated, until a thick clump of undergrowth was all that was left of the strategic field,
and which, of course, at that very moment, served as cover for the doomed John Wilkes Boothe.
Now came the momentous question: who should beat the bush? Sergeant Barrows was the only soldier present, and upon
him was imposed the dread duty. Nothing reluctant, he at once drew sabre, and prepared to charge, backed by the
comforting assurance, that his antagonist was doubtlees armed to the teeth, and would probably draw first blood.
Barrows charged; beat the covert thoroughly, and found _______.
Returning again to matters theological: Soon after the death of Mr. Terry, Rev. Mr. Kingsley supplied the pulpit
through the following winter.
___________________
* Note -- There are sixty-one cheese factories in Geauga county. See Ohio Agricultural Report, 1875 -- page 395.
† Mr. Pope was also superintendent of the dairy department of the Centennial exposition, at Philadelphia,
in 1876.
636
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
The next year (1866) Rev. Wm. Potter offered his services, as pastor, which were accepted, and he remained three
years, leaving in 1870.
From 1866 to 1871, nothing of special importance transpired.
Since the old town house became untenable, the trustees had been compelled to rent a room in which to transact township
business. Sometimes it would be a church; sometimes a school-house, but generally the bar-room of the hotel. Several
efforts had, from time to time, been made to build a town-house, but were each time defeated. At the spring election,
in 1871, a majority voted: "town hall, yes." The trustees at once contracted with Wm. G. Welch to build a hall,
twenty-six by thirty-eight feet in size, and fourteen feet in height, for the sum of sixteen hundred dollars, to be
completed in time for the October election.
Mr. Welch fulfilled the contract to the satisfaction of all concerned.
It might be stated here, as a matter of history, that the township politics, a year or two before, had been the "Pound"
question, which ended in establishing one in April, 1870. It now serves as an excellent yard for the hotel stables.
In 1871, there being no stated preacher at the Congregational church, Rev. Orvil Blake, a Free-will Baptist elder,
residing in Mantua, was engaged to supply the desk, which he did the three succeeding years.
Soon after the close of the civil war, the different military organizations began to hold reunions, at which all the
members who could possible do so, were sure to be present. The Ninth Ohio battery, which had a large representation
from Troy, had held two, the first at Chagrin Falls in 1871, the second at Hudson, in 1872. The battery was mustered
into the United States service on the eleventh day of October, 1861, and the eleventh day of October was selected as
the day for annual reunion, or as nearly to that day as practicable. The third reunion was to be held in Troy, and as
it was not practicable to hold it on the eleventh, the fifteenth of October was selected. On this occasion the good
citizens of the entire township took the matter in hand, and made it a perfect ovation. It was estimated that twelve
or fourteen hundred persons were present, and as the day was fine, the affair was a success throughout.
Prof. O. C. Hill, of Hiram college, formerly a member of the Forty-second Ohio regiment, delivered a masterly address
from the steps of the Methodist Episcopal church, and to which all who could, attentively listened. A travelling artist
was present, who took a group picture of all the members who attended.
The Hiram cornet band -- C. C. Young, leader -- furnished excellent music for the occasion, which was paid for by the
generous "Trojans."
In the winter of 1873-4 Mason H. Abbey, an Evangelist employed by the Free-will Baptist association, came to Troy
and conducted a revival meeting. The religious element of the community was, for once, united as if but one. The
effort continued about two months, and, although the roads, most of the time, were nearly impassable, the old church
was well filled with earnest listeners, at nearly every appointment.
About sixty persons were either converted, or confessed to a departure from former allegience to the church militant,
and renewed their pledges of fidelity to the cause of religion. The result was, that the old society, which had become
nearly extinct, was again placed on a permanent basis, the Methodist society received a goodly number of members on
probation, and yet nineteen were left (including two or three withdrawals), who organized into a Free-will Baptist
association.
This church was organized on Saturday, the 24th of January, 1874. it elected Elder O. Blake as its pastor, who has
since then remained in that relation. Rev. E. D. Taylor, who succeeded Mr. Blake at the Congregational church, and
who was an earnest co-worker during the revival, yet retains the relation of pastor
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
637
over that flock, while Rev. J. K. Shaffer, who so ardently represented the Methodist Episcopal church, is called to
another field.
While recording church matters it will be in order to state, that in the winter of 1872-3, two clergymen of the
Free-will Baptist denomination--Elder Moulton, assisted by Elder Wilder--held a series of meetings at Maple Grove,
which resulted in establishing a church there, of which Elder O. Blake is now (1875), the pastor.
The following is a roster of all the Methodist preachers who have held stated meetings, or appointments, in Troy, both
before and after the church proper was organized: In 1835 the Conference sent Revs. T. Carr and J. C. Aiken, as
itinerant preachers, to labor with the little society, which then held meetings on the west side of the river. These
two filled appointments till the June Conference of 1836, when their successors were S. C. Baker and J. C. Aiken, who
were again sent. In 1836-7 they were followed by S. Hubbard and W. F. Wilson, and they, in 1837-8, by John Crum,
preacher in charge, assisted by L. M. Reves, who were the first preachers after the church was organized. They were
followed by the above named Carr, and W. S. Worrallo in 1838-9, they by S. Hubbard and W. S. Worrallo in 1839-40, they
by R. A. Aylworth and J. W. Davis in 1840-41, they by J. O. Rich and T. Stowe in 1841-2, they by Ahab Keller and
A. Norton in 1842-3, they by Keller and G. W. Maltby in 1843-4, they by J. L. Holmes and P. Sullivan in 1844-5, they
by Sullivan and L. Rogers in 1845-6, they by A. Reves and A. Walker in 1846-7, they by Reves and J. J. Steadman,
(who supplied a vacancy in 1847-8), they by Steadman and William Samson in 1848-9, they by H. D. Cole and Hiram Kellogg
in 1849-50, they by T. B. Tait and J. W. Hill in 1850-1, they by L. Clark and Ira Eddy in 1851-2, they by S. W. Ingraham
and Benjamin Excell in 1852-3, they re-appointed in 1853-4, they by Excell and R. Gray in 1854-5, they by Gray and
R. H. Hurlburt in 1855-6, they by R. M. Bear and Ingraham in 1856-7, they by themselves in 1857-8, they by J. F. Brown
and A. Norton in 1858-9, and they by Cyril Wilson in 1859-60.
At this date the policy of the "Parkman circuit" was changed by the Conference, and it was divided into two "Charges,"
one of which was called "Troy Charge." Each charge was supplied with one preacher, and C. Wilson was the first. He was
succeeded by M. Williams in 1860-1, he by H. D. Cole in 1861-2, he by H. Kellogg in 1862-3-4, he by H. M. Chamberlain
in 1864-5-6, he by Hiram Kellogg in 1866-7, he by J. B. Hammond in 1867-8-9, he by Josiah Flower in 1869-70-1, he by
James K. Shaffer in 1871-2-3-4, and he by the present incumbent, Benjamin C. Warner, who is now (1876), occupying the
pulpit on his second Conference year.
What an array of men are here found, who, for the past forty years have battled for the "right" in Troy?
This, in brief, is an outline sketch, of some of the main features of Troy's history, and what a summing up do we find,
when comparing "then and now."
Then we saw a widowed man of three score years, accompanied by a faithful daughter, taking up his abode for life, where
was not another human being on an area of twenty-five square miles. Now every acre of that domain is the property of
actual settlers, not one of which can be bought for a song.
Then closely followed Jacob Burroughs, a man who once remarked that he was not made for beauty, but for use. Without
commenting on the first part of that assertion, it is safe to say that he was one of the most quietly useful men, of
which Troy could boast. Now his elder son is following in the footsteps of his honored sire.
Then the lion-hearted pioneer planted his crop among the stumps and logs in the most toilsome way immaginable now those
stumps and logs have long
638
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
since vanished, and the skillful plowman, with well trained team attached to his Mohawk valley clipper plow, can turn
the soil of his whole farm, meeting with scarcely an obstruction. Then the woman folks were clad in coarse garments of
their own manufacture from wool or flax. Now they are not.
Then the only way in which the "settler" could protect himself at night from the assaults of legions of mosquitoes
was by esconsing himself, as far as possible, into an empty barrel; the feet to be guarded by either a "smudge," or
by retaining the boots. Now, at trifling trouble and expense, these persevering serenaders can be kept at respectful
distance, allowing the sleeper an undisturbed rest.
Then a man worked all day, from sunrise to sunset, in the hay-field, mowing with a heavy, bungling scythe, made by a
neighboring blacksmith, and received fifty cents for his labor. Now the team is hitched to a Buckeye or Champion or
Climax, a meadow of five acres is encircled, and the hired man set to mowing out the corners of the fence. When the
bell rings for dinner, the machine has laid the five acres in shape for the rake. The hired man has, with a nice light
"rig," managed to complete the corners. After dinner, the old mare and horse-rake soon gather the five acres of hay
into winrows, which the team draws to the barn. The old mare does duty at the fork, and before five o'clock everything
is snug. The hired man is about dead, and wants two dollars for the day's comparative pastime.
Then Tom Hood's "Song of the Shirt" might have been sung with the "spirit and with the understanding also." Now the
favorite sewing machine is to be seen in almost every domicile.
Then the "school ma'am" taught six days for a week, at a salary of fifty or perhaps seventy-five cents per week, taking
in payment chickens, or store pay; seldom money. Now five days constitute a week, and three times the price which the
pioneer girl received per week is demanded for one day, and that too in Uncle Sam's promises to pay.
Then the means of conveyance was what was known as "shanks' mare"; later, the oxen and cart or sled; later, on horseback,
each horse carrying at least two. Now folks don't travel in that way.
Then the little grain raised, was gathered with the sickle, threshed with the flail, cleaned with the hand-fan, or
thrown up and the separation accomplished by the winds of heaven. Now the stately "reaper" takes down its ten acres
per day, the steam separator in a trice comparatively, transforms the bulky mow into a stock of straw and a bin of
golden grain, all at one effort.
Then a neighbor or two might have been seen with a sap-yoke on their shoulders, at either end a pail of milk, it
being taken to the house of another. The whole was put together, filling perhaps a small tub, from which a small
cheese was made. The press, in many instances, was a long pole, with one end thrust into the cat-hole, the other
weighted as occasion demanded. Now can be seen, in the season, a score or less of wagons, laden with well filled cans
of milk, -- cans in some instances containing a barrel or more, -- and all converging at the favorite cheese factory,
where the process of cheese-making is reduced to a system, a ton of cheese, in some instances, being a day's product.
Then the itinerant peddler, with a scanty stock of necessaries, might be seen perambulating the sparcely settled country,
vending his wares as best he might; now, at any center, may be seen substantial stores, wherein anything needed, from a
jewsharp to a bridal outfit, can be obtained.
Then the children looked upon father and mother with feelings of veneration; now, the "old man and woman" are secondary
affairs.
Then Luther Hemmenway, in cow-hide boot sand homespun clothes, wended his lonely way through the wilderness woods, to
the bark-covered cabin of Simon
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
639
Burroughs, where he met his affianced, arrayed in calf-skins and calico, when the two stood before a backwoods parson,
and a "welding heat" was taken, the result to last till death interposed a separation. Now (in too many instances),
John Henry enters into an alliance matrimonial with Clementina Artimesia; a wedding outfit is obtained -- how, we do
not pretend to say -- and the nuptials are celebrated with extravagant pomp, but before the orange wreath has faded,
disaffection crops out; a divorce lawyer is retained, and the one are again two. Their marriage vows were like
pie-crust -- made to be broken.
Then a contract to pay a debt at a future day, was faithfully fulfilled; now, how to defraud the confiding creditor has
become, with far too many, a careful study.
Then the resolute, warm-hearted itinerant preacher, semi-occasionally, plodded his weary way to our little settlement,
and, in rude hovels, broke to his backwoods listeners the "bread of life"; now, our two resident clergymen, have but a
few steps from their homes to their pulpits, while their means of conveyance to other appointments are far from
uncomfortable.
Then, the pioneer lived in his rude cabin of logs, covered with bark, or, at best, with "shakes," and without either
cellar or chamber; a rude fire-place served the double purpose of warming the inmates, and as a means of cooking the
simple meal; the bed, a pallet of leaves or straw, with bear skins for a covering; the chairs, blocks of wood, set on
end; the table, a split puncheon, or, perhaps, a board, resting on pins driven in the side of the domicile; the windows,
of something besides glass; the parlor, the shade of the nearest tree. Now, the strong, substantial dwelling of brick,
or wood, takes the place of the rude cabin, warmed by the coal-burner, and the cooking done on a P. P. Stewart, or
a Mansard; the bed, a spring mattress, with elaborate patch-work for covering; the chairs, such as would tempt an
indolent person to remain seated all day; windows, of the best rock-glass, and plenty of them; the "extension"
supercedes the old rough table; and the parlor is a paragon of beauty and taste.
Of mercantile firms, we have three.
Pope & Son transformed a portion of their cheese curing rooms, into a commodious place for retailing goods, and are
doing a thriving business.
Hiram Kellogg & Son have come in possession of the store at the center, where they also enjoy a lucrative trade. In
connection with the store, the son transacts the post-office business.
At Maple Grove, Davis Warner has established himself in trade, and although not so extensively as the others, his
grocery store has become a necessity. A post-office, called Grove, was established here in January, 1869, over which
Mr. Warner enjoys the title of postmaster.
We have two steam saw-mills: One at the Grove, owned by Barrows & Fisher. To this mill there has since been attached
machinery for grinding feed, and also a cider-mill. The other mill, on the "Mile brook," north of the center, owned
by H. W. Hosmer, has machinery for the manufacture of fence caps. There is also a shingle mill in the northeast part
of the town, owned and operated by H. T. Burroughs.
Of disciples of Tubal Cain, we have Wales and Sperry at the center, and Lewis Tuller at the Grove.
S. J. Esty, H. E. Wales, and J. G. Durfee, are our wheelrights, and R. I. Hoard follows the vocation of St. Crispin.
Frank Steele is engaged in the sale of Browning & Steele's carriages, and meets with good success. D. C. Tilden owns
a tanning establishment at Rock Creek, and furnishes a market for all the hides and skins of an extended region round
about.
Physicians and lawyers steer clear of Troy, as a place of residence. We are dependent on surrounding townships for
relief from all the pains that flesh is
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HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
heir to. As a township, we spend comparatively a small amount of time and money in the courts of law.
Our knights of the plane and chisel, are W. G. Welch, John Cutler, J. S. Olds and Dempsey Conrad.
In county matters, Troy has borne, as yet, a limited part. We have furnished but two commissioners, in the persons
of Dr. Jacob Thrasher and Horace Lamson, and but one prosecuting attorney, in the person of Orrin S. Farr.
We have furnished but one recorder, in the person of C. H. Lamb. Willard W. Beals for a time carried the surveyor's
compass and chain, and J. G. Durfee for a time filled the office of coroner.
We have now no schools except such as are provided by law.
The resident clergymen are Rev. E. D. Taylor, of the Congregational church, and Rev. B. C. Warner, of the Methodist
Episcopal* church, while Elder Blake, of Mantua, preaches to his charge whenever circumstances permit.
While surrounding townships, nearly all, furnished men who became more or less conspicuous during the war of the
Rebellion, one of which (Hiram) boasts of two major generals, † Troy sent out her ninety-and-nine, with no prospect
of promotion for any of them, save one. He received a lieutenant's commission, in artillery, which he soon resigned,
and afterwards enlisted as a private in the same command. Duty rather than emolument was Troy's soldiers' guiding star.
Years agone, when "general trainings" were in vogue, Troy furnished the chief musicians -- Daniel Doty, with his shrill
fife, and Lewis Scott, with his tenor drum. Doty and his music have long since passed away. Scott, although he has
reached his three score years and ten, can yet execute the reveille and long roll in a manner that causes the ear of
every soldier who heareth it, to tingle.
The mortuary record discloses the fact that six hundred and ten persons, old and young, have died since Troy was
settled. The first, Reed Burroughs, a child of five years, died July 2, 1813, and the last, Albert Herrick, died
January 12, 1876. Of these deaths, Major Harvey Pratt, Troy's first singer, who came here in 1812, died at the age
of forty. Thirty-five died between the ages of fifty and sixty; fifty-seven between sixty and seventy; fifty-three ‡
between seventy and eighty; thirty-two between eighty and ninety.
Only four passed four-score and ten. "Gram" Weston -- as well called her -- died at ninety-one; Abram Barnes died at
ninety-three; "Granny" French lived to see ninety-six years, was in excellent health all her days, and "went out"
like a candle burned down to the socket.
John Beals lived to "see of the travail of his soul and was satisfied." He could almost peer into the next century,
being ninety-seven years and six months old when he died. Of those who died below forty, many were in their infancy.
On several occasions two funerals occurred the same day. The first instance: Bradley Bromley and Theodore Dowdy were
buried in August, 1817; the last,
___________________
* George H. Fairbanks, youngest son of James Fairbanks, mentioned in the preceding pages, is
also a minister of the gospel, of the Methodist Episcopal denomination, but, being also an enterprising
farmer, does not confine himself to pastoral duties as an exclusive calling. His farm and
place of residence is on section twenty-four, south from Pope's corners. In 1873, he relinquished
farming, and removed to the Huntsburg charge, in the capacity of a "supply." In 1874, he returned
to his farm, but, having joined the conference, he was detailed on the Burton and Middlefield charge,
and filled the appointments of that charge during 1874-5, when he withdrew from conference.
Since that time he has devoted the major part of his time to agriculture, but exercising his clerical
offices whenever called on to do so, which is often. Should Mr. Fairbanks see fit to devote himself
entirely to the duties of a clergyman, it would be easy for him to occupy a prominent place as a
preacher.
† Garfield and Hazen.
‡ Since the above was written Amos Burroughs has been added, aged seventy-seven.
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
641
Edward Green and Rose, daughter of Elijah and Achsah Percival, in December, 1873.
With this statement, let this imperfect sketch come to a close. Surely, this is a great nation. And, how came it so?
By a slow growth, like the coral reef. The coral insect, taken singly, is an insignificant affair, but the combined
effort of untold millions, has peopled the ocean with innumerable islands. This was not the work of a day, or a year,
but of centuries.
Just so is this "Great Republic." Its formation is not the result of a day's effort. It did not, like "Jonah's Gourd,"
come in a night. The forests were felled, not by the blast of a terrible hurricane, but by the unremitting blows of
the woodman's axe, year after year, and in this labor, Troy can proudly say, she has done her full share. Although but
a small spot on the earth's surface, yet we are possessed of just enough local pride to think that the world would be
sadly incomplete without her. In the language of another,
"Breathes there a man with soul so dead,
Who never to himself has said,
This is my own, my native land."
CHAPTER V.
APPENDIX TO PREVIOUS HISTORY.
When the foregoing manuscript was completed, it was placed in the hands of Judge Lester Taylor, president of the
County Historical Society, for publication. Unavoidable delays prevented this being done, and the judge returned
the manuscript to the different township historians, with a request that additional history, up to present time,
be appended. To write of matters which transpired years agone, is easy in comparison to an attempt to chronicle the
doings and events of the present time. That it is not always safe to write of a man while he is yet living, we are
painfully aware, and, with this in view, shall feel compelled to move carefully. Whatever we may write, henceforward,
will, of necessity, be done in a desultory manner.
The original history closed with Rev. B. C. Warner as occupant of the Methodist parsonage and pulpit. He remained two
years, and was succeeded by Rev. George Elliott, who remained but one year, when the charge was taken by Rev.
J. B. Grover, the present (1878) incumbent.
The Congregational society still retains the ministrations of Rev. E. D. Taylor, whose permanent settlement in Troy
begins to be looked upon as a fixed fact. The Free-will Baptist society retained Elder Orvil Blake as its pastor --
their place of worship being the Methodist church, until August 12, 1877, when death put and end to his ministrations.
The society is now without a pastor.
At the close of the War of the Rebellion, an institution was organized by the Union soldiers and ex-soldiers, known as
the Grand Army of the Republic, and the subordinate organizations were designated as Posts of the G. A. R. In 1870 a
Post was organized in this township, which, in honor of a deceased comrade, A. W. Pool, was named "Pool Post." Its
first commander was L. P. Barrows. One of the grand features of this organization was the establishment of a day known
as "Memorial" or "Decoration day," the object being to keep in memory the fallen comrades by decorating their graves,
so far as possible, with
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HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
flowers, and the 30th day of May was settled upon as that day, and is now a national holiday.
From the establishment of Pool Post, Decoration day has always been observed in Troy. At first, but little attention
was paid to its observance, but as our community became to know more of its object it became more popular. At first,
the exercises were conducted by the local clergymen, or by an imported speaker, among whom were Hons. I. N. Hathaway
and Peter Hitchcock, of our county, and Prof. O. C. Hill, of Hiram College. In 1875 the resident exsoldiers took the
matter into their own hands, thinking it too burdensome for persons from a distance to do this duty for them. In 1875
the exercises were conducted by the writer; in 1876, by comrade E. P. Latham, and it seems proper here to record, that
his address, occupying more than half an hour in its delivery, was written entirely by himself, handless though he is.
In 1877 comrade J. G. Durfee assumed the management, and introduced the appropriate innovation of calling a bevy of
girls and boys, not yet in their teens, to act as part of the decorating committees. Up to this date, the ceremonies
of Decoration day had partaken of the nature of funereal exercises.*
In 1878, this feature was partly laid aside, and a demonstration occupied its place. The Burton cornet band, under the
leadership of R. N. Ford, esquire, tendered their services and addresses were made by S. E. Clapp, of Huntsburgh, and
comrades Steadman, of Garrettsville, and W. W. James. The leading features of the display were the decorating committee,
composed of thirty-eight little girls clad in white, and adorned with blue sashes. Upon the head of each was a sort of
tiara, having the name of the state which she represented printed thereon. Each was also provided with a small basket
filled with flowers, which were strewn over the soldier's graves. There were also an equal number of lads, each adorned
with a red sash, and carrying as mall Union flag. Their duty was to act as escorts to the galaxy of misses, who
composed the decorating party, proper. It is quite safe to say, that in after years, they will look back to the duties
of that day, as one of the events of their lives.
Another institution came into existence soon after the close of the war, known as the "Order of Patrons of Husbandry,"
the object of which, was to enhance the agricultural interests of the United States, and which has extended its
influence to foreign nations.
The subordinate organizations of this order, are known as "Granges," one of which was established in Troy, November
9th, 1876.
This was effected through the influence and exertion of Mr. E. A. Mumford, one of the "duplicates" mentioned in the
preceding pages. Forty persons was the largest number allowed as "Charter members."
On the day of organization, forty-seven presented themselves as candidates for admission, and the extra seven were
received as "supplementary" members "Welshfield Grange No. 1293, P. of H." was put into working order by the election
of the writer as Master; Geo. H. Fairbanks, Overseer; Royal Burton, Lecturer; A. K. Houghton, Steward; Laban Patch,
Assistant Steward; Mrs. G. H. Fairbanks, Chaplain; Simeon L. Chapman, Secretary; Daniel H. Truman, Treasurer;
Timothy Fox, Gate Keeper; Mrs. E. C. Nash, Ceres; Miss Victorine Mumford, Pomona; Mrs. A. K. Houghton, Flora; and
Mrs. W. H. Chapman, Lady Assistant Steward. Laban Patch was elected business agent.
___________________
* Nearly the same programme was adopted in 1879. The decorating committees were subtantially
the same. The Burton band was employed, and addresses were made by Rev. G. H. Fairbanks, and
comrade L. P. Barrows. Comrade Thomas A. Scott, of the 41st, acted as marshal, comrade John
Cutler, of the 171st, and comrade B. H. Pratt, of the 9th artillery, had charge of the juvenile committees.
The day, though dry and dusty, was pleasant, and a large audience was in attendance.
Decoration day does not bid fair to pass unnoticed for years to come.
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
643
The charter members in full, were Royal Burton and wife, Henry Morton and wife, Jas. C. Burton and wife,
G. W. Bartholomew and wife, Daniel Hill and wife, H. L. Hosmer and wife, H. E. Wales and wife, Elihu G. Corliss
and wife, Levi P. Pool and wife, Leroy Pool and wife, S. L. Chapman and wife, E. A. Mumford and wife, Miss
Victorine Mumford, W. G. Welch and wife, Albert K. Houghton and wife, Jared Button and wife, B. S. James and wife,
W. H. Chapman and wife, Geo. H. Fairbanks and wife, E. C. Nash and wife, Delos Reed and wife, Laban Patch, and
Timothy Fox. The present (1878) officers are Master, same; Overseer, E. A. Mumford; Lecturer, L. P. Barrows; Steward,
same; Assistant Steward, J. C. Burton; Chaplain, Rev. G. H. Fairbanks; Secretary, Chas. H. Turner; Treasurer,
same; Gate Keeper, same; Ceres, Mrs. L. P. Barrows; Pomona, same; Flora, same; Lady Assistant Steward, Mrs.
J. C. Burton; Business Agent, W. G. Welch.
While making note of secret societies, it may be proper to state that at this time (1878) there is in existence,
in the United States, a secret political organization, known as the Order of American Union, its object being to
mitigate, so far as possible, the evil influences of the Roman Catholic church. An effort is being made to establish
a council of this order in Troy--with what success, remains to be seen.
There have been, at different dates, divisions of Sons of Temperance, and lodges of Good Templars, in Troy, but all
seems to have fulfilled their mission and have disbanded. In the temperance interest, a grand demonstration swept
over the whole country, commencing in the winter of 1876-7, and was known as the "Murphy wave." In the spring of
1877 this wave reached Troy, and swept nearly the whole township, hundreds taking a temperance pledge, called the
"Murphy card." A permanent organization was effected, and an executive committee was appointed, of which
L. P. Barrows is permanent chairman, and S. L. Chapman and W. F. Fairbanks are secretaries. The following is a
copy of the card:
NATIONAL CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION,
"WITH MALICE TOWARD NONE, AND CHARITY FOR ALL."
I, the undersigned, do Pledge my Word and Honor,
GOD HELPING ME
To abstain from All Intoxicating Liquors as a beverage, and that I will, by
all honorable means, encourage others to abstain.
Francis Murphy.
A portion of the Methodist Episcopal church, several years since, adopted a system of theology known as the "doctrine
of holiness." In the winter of 1877-8, a son of one of the earlier preachers, Hiram Kellogg, Jr., organized and
conducted a protracted meeting of this character, resulting in several conversions, and also of a profession, by some
of the former members, of having attained to the "higher life," or, in other words, a "sanctified" life.
In a business way, some changes have been wrought. J. E. Wales, in addition to his blacksmithing, furnishes his
customers with everything needed in the
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HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
way of hardware; also, a limited assortment of dry goods, groceries, paints, etc., etc., which are vended in a
commodious building, erected for the purpose, on the northeast corner at the "center." Another blacksmith shop is
also in operation, built and carried on by one Dwight Barber, late of Parkman.
Our veteran disciple of "Tubal Cain" is Sidney Gould, who came here as an apprentice to Chester Lamb, in 1842.
Although somewhat broken down, "Sid" is yet a peer among his craft.
For the comfort of those who insure against lightning, let it be recorded that, thus far, -- although several buildings
have been more or less damaged by lightning, but one has been burned. This one was a barn belonging to L. T. Bradley,
and was burned during the night of July 3, 1872.
In the way of public representation, we have yet other of Troy's good citizens to record, as incumbents of position.
Of the Ohio State Board of Agriculture, D. L. Pope, esq., is an honored member, and at present is a member of the
executive committee of the abovenamed board.
We also furnish a successor to J. O. Worrallo, who, years ago, was dubbed the "watch dog of the treasury," in the person
of Simeon L. Chapman, who is at present in charge of that department at Chardon. Likewise, D. H. Truman, who, at the
last county convention, was nominated for the office of county commissioner, and who, doubtless, will be elected.
Rev. E. D. Taylor is also a member of the board of school examiners, a position which he has held for several years.
It would seem proper to state in this connection that Troy furnishes one of the superintendents of public instruction
for the city of Cleveland, in the person of Henry M. James, who commenced in that city in 1864, as a teacher and
principal of a grammar school, and who has now risen to the position of first assistant superintendent.
The census returns have been somewhat fluctuating, as the following, at the instance of Hon. A. G. Riddle, will show:
In 1850, the population of Troy numbered one thousand, one hundred and sixty-four, in 1860 nine hundred and fifty,
in 1870 eight hundred and thirty-two, of which latter number eighteen were of foreign birth, and two were colored.
The returns, previous to 1850, were burned.
The following tax duplicate, for the year 1817, shows the difference between "then and now" in that regard:
Horses. Cattle. Tax
John Beals 2 1 $70
Jacob Burroughs 1 10
Simon Burroughs 2 4 1 00
Simon Burroughs, jr 1 10
John Colson 1 2 40
Elijah Ford 1 8 $1 10
John Nash 1 7 1 00
Alpheus Pierce 1 5 80
Harvey Pratt 3 30
Jacob Welsh 3 5 1 40
At that date, all personal property, except horses and cattle, was exempt from taxation.
Seven instances of self-destruction have occurred in Troy, as follows: July 1, 1850, Linus Burr, borrowed a rifle of
a neighbor for the ostensible purpose of shooting woodchucks, and, repairing to a thicket, shot himself through the
head. The cause was attributed to domestic infelicity.
September 28, 1857, Sereno Percival ended his days in like manner. This tragedy occurred on Sunday morning. Mr. P. had
dressed himself, ostensibly for church, when, suddenly seizing a rifle, he ran around to the north end of his house,
and placing the muzzle to his head, blew out his brains. This deed was attributed in part to an unpleasantness which
existed between himself and his brother Olney, and which was likely to culminate in a suit at law.
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
645
The next was Samuel Abrams, who was found suspended from the branch of a fallen tree. A sleet storm had fallen, and
he was encased in ice when found. Appearance indicated that the limb had yielded to his weight more than he expected,
and, in his desperation he had drawn up his feet, to make sure his attempt. This was on the twenty-third of November,
1858. The cause was supposed, from appearance, to be identical with that which prompted Mr. Burr -- domestic trouble.
The next victim was a most estimable woman -- Mrs. George Fox. Long continued illness had rendered her morbidly
despondent, and, although her friends had taken every precaution to avoid this catastrophe, she had managed to
secrete a rope, and while left alone for a few moments, she seized the opportunity to fasten it to a hook in the
ceiling overhead, and to act as her own executioner. She was discovered before life was extinct, but her work had
been so thorough, that medical skill was of no avail, and she died on the following day -- March 25, 1868.
Jacob A. Cutler came to his end in the same manner as did Mrs. Fox, and was impelled by the same cause. He had been
an invalid from his youth, and had become imbued with the idea that he was burdensome to his brother, John, in whose
family he had a long time lived. He, too, had secreted a rope, and, on the morning of June 17, 1874, while the men
were busy about their chores, and the women with the preparation of breakfast, fastened one end to a post of his
bedstead, the other around his own neck, and, to all appearance, rolled out of bed. When discovered, life was extinct.
It was, indeed, a sad ending of a long, sad life; his age at death being fifty-two years.
January 22, 1876, Emily, wife of Alson Mumford, died a raving maniac, which sad event so incessantly preyed upon the
mind of the bereaved husband, that life became unendurable, and on the seventh of the following August, he blew the
top of his own head entirely off, using a heavily-charged shot-gun for that purpose.
The seventh tragedy, which was preceded by wife-murder, was very revolting in its character.
The perpetrator, Leonard B. Stroud, seemed to be a veritable son of Ishmael, whose "hand was against every man's hand,"
and, as a legitimate consequence, the remainder of the passage was applicable to his case. Becoming angry with his
third wife, with whom he was living, he wreaked his vengeance upon her, as is supposed, if not known, by administering
poison to some stock, which she owned in her own right. This led to his arrest, and trial, and finally to a separation
from his wife. Not yet, apparently, satisfied, he instituted suit for the recovery of certain household goods, coming
from Cleveland, where he then resided for that purpose.
In trying to effect a settlement with a step-son, he became additionally enraged, and repairing to the rsidence of the
doomed wife, he called her to the road, on pretense of wanting food. This request she at once executed, and when within
reach, she was seized by the infuriated man, and disemboweled with a butcher knife, which he had hitherto concealed.
The act was immediately followed by self-immolation, cutting his own throat from ear to ear, with the same weapon. He
lived about three hours after the deed was committed, and his victim lived till the following day. Their ages were
respectively seventy-three and sixty-two years. This tragedy occurred April 18, 1878.
Since February, 1876, thirty-two deaths have occurred, the greatest age being that of Riall Fisher, who was ninety-four,
and the only one who had seen more than ninety years. The number between eighty and ninety was two, one of whom --
Widow Silvernail -- came to Troy in 1819, as Mrs. Kingsbury, and has
646
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
ever since been identified as one of our staunch citizens. The number between seventy and eighty was six, and nearly
all of them pioneers.
It is a notable fact that three of this number died suddenly; one, however, -- Amos Burroughs -- preceded this date a
little. He was found dead in his barn, January 14, 1876. The next was Deacon Luther Sanford, who fell from his bed a
corpse on the evening of December 5, 1877, and, lastly, Chester Houghton, who, on the morning of August 24, 1878,
went out to salt his cattle, and fell dead in the field. Mr. Houghton had, since 1836, been one of the chief supporters
of the Methodist Episcopal church at the center, as had Deacon Sanford, of the Free-will Baptist church at Maple Grove.
Mr. Burroughs came to this town when a lad, and had shared largely its honors. The number who died between the ages of
sixty and seventy was two, one of whom--Mrs. M. James (Sally Barrows)--was a charter member of the Congregational
church. Between the ages of fifty and sixty, four have died, among whom were J. P. Scott, and a woman whose maiden name
was Sarepta Pool, both of whom came here in their youthful days; Mrs. Elizabeth Abell, who years ago was a prominent
teacher,* and Mrs. Thomas Kimpton, who had been but a few years, comparatively, a resident of Troy. Between the ages
of forty and fifty, none died within the above-named period, the remainder being of ages less than forty years. This
includes the time to September 1, 1878.
In the matter of music Troy is by no means deficient. For military music, two drummers are in our midst. Gardner Conant
was drummer for the first company organized in "Welshfield," and Lewis Scott has a reputation county-wide. For
instrumental music, other than military, Mr. J. E. (Ellison) Sperry is the oldest performer. His instrument is the
violin, and, though considered at the present date somewhat "old fashioned," his music is both scientific and
soul-stirring. Eugene Nash, grandson of Troy's first musician, known by the title of "Prof." has a talent of no ordinary
merit, both as a performer and a vocalist. Miss Laverne Grover -- since Mrs. Moore -- daughter of the present Methodist
preacher, has also a well-earned local reputation. As a vocalist, but few excel Mrs. J. E. Wales as a soprano, and
Master Sherrier Wells, stepson of Rev. E. D. Taylor, is fast becoming an excellent performer, while Miss Rose Tilden
(now Mrs. Cope) also excels at the piano.
In the matter of pastimes, the games and recreations of "ye olden time" have passed into oblivion: such games as the
old base ball, wrestling, running, local horse-racing, etc., etc. Now the popular games are the "national base ball,"
a game wherein both life and limb are in danger, and a game known as croquet, or "nigger billiards." This latter game
is easily played, and so infatuating is it that some, whose estates are heavily encumbered with mortgage, have well-kept
croquet grounds, while their crops have been hidden from view by a luxuriant growth of weeds.
The settlement of the first farm in Troy has been duly chronicled. The last farm which was taken up an unbroken forest,
is located one mile north from the center, and is part of the original "Welsh purchase." It was kept in possession of
the Welsh heirs, or their representatives, till the year 1855, when William H. Scott became its owner, who at once
proceeded to "clear it off." It is now one of the good farms of the township, and is still in Mr. Scott's possession.
The first Sunday-school, organized by Rev. Luther Humphrey, and Deacon Rouse, of Cleveland, in 1816, and which elected
Henry B. Davis superintendent,
___________________
* It is a noteworthy fact that at the decease of Mrs. Abell, the family of which she was a member
became extinct. She was married to B. F. Abell, May 20, 1841, and the issue of this marriage was
a son and a daughter. John F., the son, died January 10, 1863, aged twenty; the daughter, Mary,
died December 22, 1865, just previous to her anticipated marriage. B. F. died April 23, 1866, and
the widow, Elizabeth, August 18, 1878, thus consigning the entire family to the limits of God's acre.
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
647
has been kept in operation -- with but short intermissions -- up to the present date. It is now a "Union" Sunday-school,
with Rev. George H. Fairbanks as superintendent; J. W. Fox, Jr., assistant; Darius Nash, secretary; W. G. Welch,
treasurer; B. H. Pratt, librarian.
As to railroads, several have crossed our domain, on paper. The first, and, thus far, the only one, upon which work
was actually done, was the "Clinton Line," which was commenced in 1852, and the road-bed made nearly ready for the
superstructure, when the company failed. The work was abandoned, and still remains as it was then left. Other surveys
for different roads have, from time to time, been made, but, as yet, that is all that has been done.
Our mail facilities are ample. A daily mail ronte, know as the "Burton and Garrettsville," connecting the Painesville
& Youngstown railroad at Burton, with the Atlantic & Great Western railway, at Garrettsville, delivers mail at our
post-office twice each day, and also such express matter as comes over the said roads.
In 1819, a conclave of Masons, coming from far and near, met at the house of Jacob Welsh, who was a member of the
fraternity. Our narrator, Mrs. Chester Nash, who was then a little girl, living at Mr. Welsh's, says that the "brethren"
became quite hilarious during their sojourn.
In this connection, it may be proper to state, that though Masons and Odd Fellows are somewhat numerous in our
community, there is no lodge of either society in Troy. The Odd Fellows affiliate with the lodge at Auburn, and
the "Free and Accepted" with the lodges at Burton and Parkman.
In addition to the ordinary industries, a new one was introduced in 1878, known as the "stave business." The Standard
Oil Company, of Cleveland, needed staves, and sent emissaries far and near to secure oak timber, suitable for their
manufacture. Troy, being well supplied with this variety, was invaded by stave seekers, and a large quantity of timber
was secured, much to the after chagrin of the owners thereof. The staves did not "pan out" in quantities at all
lucrative.
At present no schools are supported at public expense, except the ordinary common schools, known as "District" schools.
At Maple Grove, Mr. B. F. Prichard, sometimes succeeds in organizing a select school at his own private instance.
The township is divided into eight sub-districts, each of which is provided with a good, substantial school-house,
and the grade of teachers employed as good as the community affords, which, to say the least, is good.
The statement, made in preceding pages, that Troy is an unhappy place for disciples of "Hippocrates" to settle in,
still holds good. In the winter of 1866-7, a man who subscribed himself as "A. M. Ross, M. D.," took up his abode in
our midst, but after enduring "all the ills that flesh is heir to," left in disgust, before the expiration of eighteen
months.
It may be proper here to state, that the first physician who attempted to locate here, was one Dr. Stevens, who came
in 1834, and staid three or four months, boarding in the family of A. J. Nash, but becoming dissatisfied, took up his
abode at Cuyahoga Rapids, where he practiced his profession several years, from which place he removed to Windsor,
Ashtabula county, where he continues to reside.
Since the days of "Old Searcher," and his descendant, "Champion," fast horses have not been indulged in, as an
exclusive business, to any extent, while in fine cattle, the strains are constantly improving -- thoroughbreds being by
no means unusual, as is also the case with sheep and swine. At present long wooled sheep have the preference, and
among swine, the "Magie," or "Poland China," is the general favorite. "Hen fever" sometimes rages, but scarcely ever
proves fatal. At this era, the "Silver Spangled Hamburg" is a popular
648
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
breed of poultry. The old fashioned "Dung Hill," like the "Scrub," has become a thing of the past.
There has never been any banking institution within our borders, yet we rejoice in the fact, that a bank president is
in our midst -- in the person of W. C. Thrasher, president of the First National bank, at Garrettsville.
Several attempts have, from time to time, been made to organize a cornet band, all of which have failed, owing in
part, in every instance, to lack of agreement in the choice of a leader.
In 1875, there were twenty-five additions to the mortuary record -- the greatest number, thus far, in any one year.
Among this number, were several who had "borne the burden and heat of the day" in the earlier settlement of the
township, to-wit: Mrs. B. S. (Aunt Orinda) Hosmer, Spencer Barrows, Samuel Satterlee, Isaac Speer, and Mrs.
James Fairbanks.
Our criminal record is not very extended. Since the "Reddout" burglary of 1844, Troy had enjoyed comparative security
from that class of criminals, up to 1868, when the house of Solomon Wells was forcibly entered during the night time,
and part of the inmates chloroformed. The remaining part were aroused, when the would-be thief hastily escaped through
an open window, leaving his pants in the clutches of Mr. Wells, who had taken in the situation, and had seized him by
the aforementioned "unmentionables" as he passed out. Mr. Wells at once mounted his horse, and roused the community,
but the fugitive made good his escape.
A similar raid was made on the house of George Fox, at the Center, on the night of September 16, 1876. In this instance,
the maurauders -- there were two -- entered, as at Mr. Wells', through an open window; but instead of using chloroform,
they belabored Mr. and Mrs. Fox, who were sound asleep, with a stick of stove wood. Mr. F. took umbrage at this
treatment and hastily arose, when the assaulting party beat a retreat, leaving behind both boots, and implements for
securing the persons of their intended victim. Although the villagers were aroused, and a scrutinizing search was
made, the would-be robbers made good their escape. Robbery was, in both instanccs, undoubtedly the object.
In this connection, it may be proper to record, that we have a representative in Columbus, in the person of one
Ed. Silver, whose weakness in this intsance was "butter," which was purloined from the premises of Betsy Davis, a
maiden farmer, living a mile north from Maple Grove. In addition to this, while in jail at Chardon, he engaged in an
assault on the Sheriff, Silo P. Warriner, and with others, effected his escape, but was some time after recaptured
and sentenced to five years' incarceration.
During the war of 1861-5, the ladies of Troy improvised a stand of colors, from material other than regulation "bunting."
At the "Bunker Hill" celebration in 1876, this flag was nailed to the belfry of the Congregational Church, where it
was rent in tatters by the wind. In the spring of 1878, the trustees of the township purchased a "regulation" flag,
to replace the one destroyed. This flag cost $17.50.
Probably, the closest political contest, in Troy, was at the gubernatorial election in October, 1877, at which time
nearly all the voters were at the polls. The vote stood: for Richard M. Bishop (Democrat) 40; for W. H. West
(Republican) 156.
For several years past, the hearse, which was purchased by Mr. Pratt, has been discarded, as a vehicle quite too
antiquated. For a time, Parkman and Hiram were drawn on as occasion required, but at present, Mr. E. J. Slitor, of
Burton, who keeps an undertaking establishment, including a hearse, which cost not far from one thousand dollars,
is nearly always called on to supply this
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
649
need. Those of our citizens who attended the burial of Reed Burroughs, in 1813, will, doubtless, observe a marked
contrast between then and now, in this regard.
Luther Chapman and Anna Sawyer daughter of Thomas Sawyer, were married, by Rev. John Barrett February 14, 1830. They
at once took possession of the homestead where they now live, for the first eight years occupying a small cabin,
which was located where the cheese-factory "parsonage" now stands, when they built the house where they at present
reside.* This is the oldest couple now living, who were married in the township of Welshfield.
Osman Beals and Marcia Evarts were married December 16, 1836. Both are yet living, and are the oldest couple who were
married in the township of Troy.
There are fourteen persons now living in Troy, who have seen four score years. Samuel Knight and Richard V. Sliter are
89; Mrs. Charlotte Durfee, † 88; Deacon Ziba Pool, † 86; Isaac Scott, 86; Benjamin Hosmer, 84; Robert Ledwell, 84;
Augustus Lane, Dolly Pool, Betsey Barrows, and Mary Packard, 83; Widow Norton (once Parsons), 82; Luther Chapman and
Ruth Keyes, 80. Of those who have passed "three-score-and-ten" the number is twenty-nine. Of these, Sabrina Burroughs,
Deacon Ziba Harrington, and Nancy Steele are 78; Mrs. Content Reed, Widow Wm. Mumford, Widow Samuel Satterlee, and
Osman Beals are 77; Peter Davis, 76; Elijah Dean, 75; Mrs. Ziba Pool, 77; Galen Lamb, 75; Deacon E. B. Turner, † 75;
Norman Burgess, 74; Lewis F. Scott and Mrs. Welthia Weston, 73; Mrs. Emily Pike, Mrs. Peter Davis, Mrs. Samuel Knight,
and Seth Burton, 72; Laura Scott (Mrs. L. F.) and Mrs. E. B. Turner, 71; Orrin Lamb, 71; Clark Vaughn, Adorno Blood,
John Nash, Mrs. Henry Luce, † Thomas Scott, Nelson Bentley, Mrs. Luther Chapman and James Hoxter, 70.
Floating on the borders of seventy years are William Tinkham, Wilkins Fox, Widow Caroline Nash, Horace Hotchkiss,
Widow Caroline Houghton; Widow Luther Sanford, Gardner Conant, Samuel Cooper, Alex. Mumford, William Starin,
Widow Lydia Wood, and quite probably others, who might be reckoned among the settlers of Troy.
The Methodist Epicopal church has held its annual conference, and Rev. J. B. Grover, ‡ has been returned to this
charge for the years 1878-79. The Ohio Agricultural society has held its annual session, for 1878, and D. L. Pope & Son
have received the first premium ** for best display of cheese. The Geauga County Agricultural society has held its
annual fair for 1878, at which one hundred dollars premium was offered for the best played game of base ball, while
the munifiicent sum of six dollars premium was offered for the best display of work oxen -- Troy being equally
interested with other townships in the result.
The october election has been held, and our townsman, D. H. Truman, was elected to the office of county commissioner,
and J. F. Nash, was elected as his own successor to the office of justice of the peace.
___________________
* Note -- The golden wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Chapman's marriage occurred February
14, 1880, and, had it not been for the severe indisposition of one of the older children, would
have been duly celebrated. The children comprise five daughters and one son, all of whom are living
within easy reach of the homestead.
† Since deceased.
‡ Since the above was written the session for 1879 has been held, and Rev. Henry J. Hunscher has
been sent to succeed Mr. Grover.
** In 1877, D. L. Pope & Son received the first premium on all dairy products. (See Ohio Agricultural
report for 1877, page 109). In 1878, this firm received the first premium on factory cheese.
(See Ohio Agricultural report for 1878, page 136). In 1879, they were equally successful. At the
Northern Ohio fair, held at Cleveland, September, 1879, Delos Mumford received the first premium,
for best display of Devon cattle.
650
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
For the last two years our townsman, E. P. Latham has held the office of president of the Geauga County Agricultural
society.
The oldest resident of Troy, who is "native, and to the manor born," is Mrs. N. M. Olds, born March 1, 1817, while
the oldest voter, of the same description, is Byron H. Pratt, who is seven years her junior, and was born July 17, 1824.
Probably no one clergyman has officiated at as many burials in this township as has Rev. Hiram Kellogg, his years of
ministration as a "circuit" preacher having been no less than five, while his popularity is such that, before failing
health compelled him to decline, his good offices were often called for, long after he had retired from active duty
as a "watchman on the walls of Zion." Those who have heard him sing the hymn commencing
"My latest sun is sinking fast,
My race is almost run,"
will not be likely soon to forget it.
Of the original Welsh family, two descendants -- brothers -- yet remain in Troy. John Welsh, son of Captain John Welsh,
who was brought here an infant, now lives one half mile north from the center. He has four sons, one of whom bears
the family name of "John." The other, William G. Welch,* was born here. He lives a short distance south from the
center, on a fraction of the original homestead. In his case, the family name does not bid fair to be handed down.
Yet another disciple of AEsculapius, H. M. Fenton by name, formerly from Bristol, Trumbull county, has had the temerity
to set up practice in our midst; with what result, time alone will disclose.
Grave robbery, by Ohio medical students, has of late been carried on to such an extent as to prompt the State
legislature to enact a law permitting townships to build receiving vaults, if a majority of voters consent to be taxed
for that purpose. At the township election, held April 7, 1879, this measure was carried by a large majority. The vault
was to cost, not to exceed one thousand, three hundred dollars.
In accordance with the above decision of the township, the trustees advertised for sealed proposals to built the said
vault, after a specified plan, designed by Guy Tilden, esq., of Cleveland. Three proposals were offered. These proposals
were opened July 31, 1879, when the lowest bid was found to be the sum of one thousand, one hundred and fifty-four
dollars and seventy-five cents. This bid was accepted, and the vault was built. Changes in the original plan increased
the total cost (including Mr. Tilden's bill of twenty-five dollars) to one thousand, two hundred and sixty. This vault
was finished December 11, 1879, and was first occupied by the remains of Emily, wife of Benjamin Cooper, which was
deposited therein January 2, 1880. The cemetery grounds have also been improved by extensive draining and grading. A
new fence, in course of construction, together with a substantial stone pavement from the front gate to the vault door,
will make an aggregate expenditure of nearly two thousand dollars.
The mortuary record discloses the fact that, including old and young, six hundred and fifty-six of Troy's inhabitants
have "paid the debt of nature." The last name on this list is that of Deacon Edward B. Turner, whose death occurred
April 22, 1879. Like that of his neighbor, Deacon Sanford, his death was without any premonition. He was visiting a
daughter living in Chester, this county, and retired at night, feeling unusually well. Before morning he awakened
Mrs. Turner, with the complaint that he felt badly, when she at once aroused the household, who had scarcely time to
comprehend the situation before he was dead. The remains were brought back to Troy, and the funeral services held at the
___________________
* Since removed to Newton, Kansas.
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
651
homestead, Rev. G. H. Fairbanks officiating. Deacon Turner was one of the few, whose Christian practice corresponded
with his profession.
As great a loss as Troy has ever been called upon to sustain, in the death of its citizens, occurred on the nineteenth
of December, 1878, at which date Rev. E. D. Taylor died. His decease was almost simultaneous with that of Bayard Taylor,
then Minister to Berlin. Perhaps no man ever took up his residence within the boundaries of this township, in whose case
the original verdict of the people at large was afterward more completely reversed than in that of Mr. Taylor. He first
came here, a widower, in January, 1873, and took rooms in a private house. These rooms he almost constantly kept, except
when called away to attend to his pastoral duties, or to the post-office after his mail, and the consequence was a
verdict, "straight laced," was rendered. It remained for his second wife, formerly widow of Edgar Wells, of Claridon,
to dispel this illusion. They were married in September, 1874, and as soon thereafter as practicable, they arranged a
household of their own. Mrs. Taylor was eminently social in temperament, and this fact soon caused a marked change in
the opinion of people concerning himself. What had been considered superciliousness was discovered to be its exact
opposite -- innate diffidence. With his wife for a needed auxiliary, this was, in a great measure, dispelled, and it
was not long until Mr. Taylor was considered one of the choice citizens of the township. An eminent Methodist preacher
once said, that "the class meeting was the spiritual thermometer of the church." It is equally true that the "donation
visit" is an index of the estimation in which the recipient thereof is held. An appointment of this character, at the
house of Mr. Taylor, never met with a cold response, either in numbers, or in contributions. His happiest efforts --
if happiest is an appropriate adjective -- as a pastor, were at the burial of a child, for it was then that all the
finer sympathies of his nature were aroused. Those parents, whose children he has assisted in laying away in "God's
acre," will long remember his choked utterances, when referring to their own bereavement.
In January, 1878, Mr. Taylor came in temporary possession of a piece of land, which made him legitimately eligible for
admission into the order of Patrons of Husbandry. His application, and also that of Mrs. Taylor, were soon after made
for admission into Welshfield grange. Of course they were received.
At his death, a committee was appointed to draft resolutions expressing the sentiment of the grange, in its bereavement.
The following resolutions, to which are appended the names of the committee, were adopted:
"WHEREAS, Our most worthy Brother, Rev. E. D. Taylor, was, on the nineteenth of December, 1878, called from his labor
among his brethren, and has gone 'over the River;' therefore,
"Resolved, That we tender to our esteemed sister, Mrs. F. E. Taylor, widow of deceased, and our esteemed sister,
Mrs. Anna T. Treat, daughter of deceased, and to each and all of the relatives, our fullest sympathy in this their
hour of affliction and sorrow. That we sympathize with the Christian church, in its having lost a true and faithful
pastor and worker, and with the public generally in its having lost a true man and a good citizen; and we here add our
testimony to that universally expressed by all; that in Brother Taylor did we recognize in an eminent degree, those
qualities of character that go to make the Christian gentleman. Surely, our loss is great! Who is able to wear his
mantle?
"We live in a world of mutation and decay, and yet in the world of change and death, there are principles of eternal
truth and right, to which men may fasten themselves and share their immortality. This our worthy Creator has done.
The brute creation have no power to help themselves or their successors up in the scale of being, but men may enrich
their children with the result of their lives. It is the privilege of each succeeding generation to be better, know more
and live on a higher plane, than the question preceding. Brother Taylor has helped his race upward, and has enriched
us with the value of an exemplary and noble life. Not only do we owe him a debt of gratitude, but generations yet to
come will, as the years roll by, "rise up and call him blessed."
"Resolved, That these resolutions been grossed upon the records of the grange. A copy presented to our sister,
Florence E. Taylor, a and copy furnished for publication to the Geauga Republican--Burton, Leader -- Garrettsville
Journal -- Grange Bulletin and Live Patron,
"E. G. CORLISS, |
"L. P. BARROWS, | Committee."
"G. H. FAIRBANKS, |
652
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
The death of Mr. Taylor left the pulpit of the Congregational society again vacant, and Rev. George H. Fairbanks
was retained, to temporarily supply the vacancy.
Mr. Fairbanks, although a member of the Methodist Episcopal denomination, had not for some time, if ever, subscribed
heartily to many of its tenets, and early in, 1879, he asked to be absolved from that connection, which request was
granted. Soon after, he applied for membership in the Congregational church, and was received.
At a session of Plymouth Rock conference, held in Burton, in April of same year, he received ordination, and is now
(1879) regularly supplying the pulpit of the society here.
In our cemeteries repose the remains of six Revolutionary soldiers. (See roster.)* Of the war of 1812, nine have
gone home. (See roster.) Two veterans of 1812 are yet living in Troy -- Isaac Scott and Richard V. Slitor.
Of the war of the Rebellion--Chauncey Lane is buried in the northeast cemetery; Edward Wells, in the Mumford cemetery;
Harlan Warner, at Maple Grove; Monroe Nash, Andrew Pool, Avery Patterson, and Wilson Green, in in the center grounds;
Chester Hoard, and Volney Sperry are buried just across the township line, in Burton.
An attempt to arrange and classify the list of postmasters and justices of the peace, according to the time and term
of holding their respective offices, has proved a partial failure, as access to the proper records is, in some cases,
difficult to obtain. The first magistrate, as has been noticed, was elected in 1817. This was John Nash, sr. He served
till 1832 -- five terms -- and was then succeeded by Alvord Beals, and he by Jacob Burroughs. In 1832, the population
had become sufficiently numerous to require two magistrates, one of whom -- Joseph Doolittle -- resided across the
river. He was first elected in October, 1832, again in October, 1835, and again in October, 1838, but removed to a
purchase north from the center the year following, when Joseph Nash, sr., was elected to fill the vacancy, in
April, 1839, serving one term. Lewis S. Pope succeeded Nash in April, 1842, also serving one term. At the same time
Joseph Doolittle again served, and was in office at the time of the "Reddout" burglary. Cyrus McLouth succeeded
L. S. Pope in April, 1845, served two years, resigned, and was succeeded by Lyman Truman, in April, 1847, who served
one term. At about the same date B. F. Abell held the office, and also Orrin Nash. Joseph Patch was elected to succeed
Lyman Truman, but resigned soon after he was commissioned. William F. Pratt succeeded B. F. Abell, serving till the
spring of 1858, when N. E. Scott was elected, who served one term. C. G. Hayes was elected in April, 1861, and again
in 1864, but removed to Auburn, before his second term expired. L. P. Scott succeeded his brother, N. E. Scott.
D. L. Pope was elected to succeed C. G. Hayes, in October, 1865, and served two terms. L. P. Barrows was elected to
succeed L. P. Scott, and served one term, commencing November 10, 1867, when he was succeeded by B. F. Lilly, who died
during his second term. S. J. Esty was then elected, and has since held the office. Joseph F. Nash was elected
October 17, 1872, and is now serving his third term, which expires October 14, 1881.
The custodians of the post-office have been nearly as follows: At the establishment of the office here, in 1836,
Alden J. Nash was commissioned postmaster,
___________________
* The death of Captain Hopkins was the first which occurred after the cemetery was removed
from the center to its present location; consequently, he was the first to be buried in that ground.
He was father to a somewhat numerous family, among them were Rev. Josiah Hopkins, D. D.,
who, for a time, was a citizen of Troy; also, Bradley Hopkins, Mrs. Horace and Leonard Lamson,
Mrs. Alba Tinkham, and Mrs. Joseph Durfee, besides five others who never had their homes here.
He was captured by the Indians soon after he enlisted, and was held a prisoner nearly two years,
suffering incredible hardships at their hands. His grandchildren are numerous.
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
653
which office he held till 1845, when he was succeeded by Joseph Durfee, who held the office four years. He was, in
turn, succeeded by Phidelus Pool in 1849, who was custodian of the keys, till John Mayhew came in possession of the
store, when the commission was bestowed upon him. This, Mr. Mayhew held, till his removal to Auburn Corners, when
Mr. Pool was reinstated. Later, Mr. Pool removed to Wisconsin, and William F. Pratt received the appointment, and he,
in turn, was succeeded by B. H. Heath. After a time, Mr. H. was removed, and F. A. Clary became the incumbent, and the
office was again established in the store -- then the property of L. Dalrymple. Mr. D. removed to Chagrin Falls,
accompanied by Mr. Clary, when Luther P. Scott became postmaster. Mr. Clary returned from the Falls, and about the
same time Mr. S. entered the employ of D. L. Pope, when Mr. C. again assumed the office, holding it till S. B. Evans
became possessor of the store property, when the commission was transferred to him.
In 1875, Mr. Evans sold to H. Kellogg & Son, since which time S. W. Kellogg -- the "son" -- has been custodian of the
United States mails at the "Welshfield" post-office. Mr. K. has also held the keys of the township treasury for an
equal length of time.
The township cemeteries -- of which there are five -- had for a long time been sadly neglected. In 1875, the township
trustees put the "Mumford" cemetery in good condition; also, the one at Maple Grove, about the same time. In the
spring of 1879, the cemetery at the Center underwent extensive improvements in the form of under-draining and grading.
The evergreen trees also received a severe pruning. The other two cemeteries are, as yet, neglected. There is a strong
objection in the minds of many, to the location of the grounds at the Centre, some of whom have secured burial lots at
Auburn Corners and elsewhere.
It is a well-known fact, that the rule followed by pioneer settlers of a timbered country, with regard to building,
was first: the log cabin; next, the "hovel," followed by the permanent barn, and lastly, when circumstances and
inclination dictated, the permanent house was built, subject, of course, to occasional additions.
To this rule there is, at least, one exception in Troy. Jason Burnell's cabin was followed very shortly by an
unpretending frame structure, covered with undressed siding, and long or "shake" shingles. He made no further
improvements in house building.
When Messrs. Williams, of Parkman, came in possession of the premises, was at once re-constructed, and became a dairy
farm. The house, not being convenient for dairy purposes, was torn away, and a neat, substantial one occupied its
place, which, together with the farm, was rented to Henry Luce for a long term of years, afterwards to others.
In 1864-5, D. C. Tilden purchased the property, and soon made a radical change in the structure of the house, and
afterward of the barns. The house, as Mr. T. had arranged it, answered his purpose till the season of 1878, when he
removed nearly all of the former domicile, and in its place, erected the most elaborate frame dwelling in the township.
In only one instance has the indispensible cabin been dispensed with. When William Scott took possession of his
present farm, which, at the time, was a forest -- he bought a shoe-shop standing a half mile east from the Center,
and moved it on his purchase, and which served for a dwelling till his present house was built.
There is no landed monopoly in Troy. There are not to exceed half-a-dozen persons which have each an area of a half
section of land. Among the larger farms, is that of D. L. Pope, containing three hundred and sixty-five acres;
654
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
that of D. C. Tilden, containing three hundred and fifty-five acres; and that of H. L. Hosmer, containing three hundred
and fifty acres.
Forty years ago, a large proportion of the inhabitants of Troy were pioneers, living on land which they had "taken up"
and partially reclaimed from a dense, unbroken forest. Now (October, 1879,) the number of those who reside on their
pioneer possessions is reduced to five.
Soon after attaining his majority, Wilkins (J. W.) Fox became the owner of a tract of land located on section
twenty-two, the title deed to which he still retains. He has now a well-improved "homestead" of two hundred and
fifty-three acres.
In 1828, Luther Chapman bought of one Levi Gilkie the farm on which he now lives, Gilkie having made but little
improvement.
In 1832, Lewis F. Scott purchased a piece of "wild land" of Horace Lamson, located on section eight. Now, although
not containing as many acres as some, it can -- in point of fertility -- put to shame more than one farm in Troy, that
boasts of a far greater area.
In 1833, Benjamin Hosmer located on section one, and, after three years improvement, including the building of a frame
barn, he sold the premises to William Dunn, and purchased about two hundred acres of land located on sections twelve
and thirteen. Then it was an entire wilderness. Now it is one of the most desirable locations in the township.
The other is Horace Hotchkiss.* He also came in 1833, and purchased a part of the northwest quarter of section eight,
then known as the "Mead" Section. He obtained this land of one Francis James, who had done no more than to collect
material wherewith to commence the body of a log house, but, before this was raised, Mr. H. made the purchase, and
finished the cabin himself. This farm, he has ever since owned and occupied.
Delos and Alex. Mumford also came in possession of their homesteads, when but little if any improvements had been made
on them.
Forty years ago, a large proportion of the inhabitants of Troy were dwellers in primitive log houses. Now there are but
two houses of this description in the township, which are occupied as dwellings.
Widow Esther Corlett owns and occupies one of these, which is located in the north part of section twenty-five. Its
"cosy" appearance, covered, as it is, with a profusion of running vines, makes it the admiration of many who live in
more pretentious domiciles.
The other, which has a comfortable frame attachment, is on the original Benjamin Kingsbury purchase, and is now the
property of S. W. Latham.
Forty years ago, new-comers depended largely on the "Welsh Marsh" for their first winter's forage, as well as for
pasture during the summer. To obtain this forage, they were compelled to mow the grass -- as best they might -- among
the fallen logs, dead trees, and alder, and dog-wood bushes. When cured, the hay was raked with hand rakes, and cocked;
then allowed to stand till it became compact, after which it was carried to the hard land by means of "hay poles." To
accomplish this, two slender poles, each about ten feet in length, were called into requisition. These were thrust
under the hay-cocks, when a man at each end could carry the hay, -- either to a wagon, then in waiting to take the
forage home; or to a spot selected whereon to build a stack, to be moved home the following winter.
Now -- since this land has come in possession of the Messrs. Pope -- a great improvement is manifest. These logs, trees,
and bushes, have all disappeared,
___________________
* Note. Mr. Hotchkiss died October 15th--a few days after the above was written. He was
respected as a man of spotless integrity.
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
655
and a judicious system of ditches cut through to the river. The grass is mowed with a machine, raked with a horse-rake,
and hauled on wagons as successfully as on highland meadows.
Troy has not been specially noted for the number or variety of venomous beasts, or reptiles, or of natural curiosities
found within its borders. Among the latter, was a petrified black snake found by Lewis A. Burroughs, in a solid rock
on Sugar-loaf hill. Shape and color of snake quite perfect. C. G. Canfield found another similar to the one found by
Mr. Burroughs, near where the river crosses the south line of the township. This, too, was found in the solid rock.
While Thomas Sawyer was yet living in Troy, one of his sons found and killed a yellow rattlesnake, near where John Nash,
the younger, now lives. The snake, which was six feet, eight inches in length, was skinned, and the skin filled with
bran, requiring a peck of the same to fill it.
The surface of this domain was originally covered with a dense growth of excellent timber, the predominating variety
being white oak, with a generous allowance of chestnut, maple, hickory, ash, beech, and, on some sections, whitewood
and cucumber, with inferior varieties in abundance. Maple sugar is manufactured to some extent.
The surface of this township, when compared with that of other townships in Geauga county, is level; with an average
altitude of about six hundred and fifty feet above Lake Erie.
"Sugar-loaf" on section two is by far the most prominent elevation. Another, but much smaller, -- known by the
primitive hunters as "Poplar Hill" -- is on the dividing line between sections fourteen and fifteen; the "Welsh Hill,"
at, and immediately west from, the center; another, on section sixteen, in which the "coal mine" is located; and yet
another on section twenty-five, near the summit of which the dwelling of Eri Farr is located, but all these, excepting
the Sugar-loaf, are cultivated without serious difficulty.
The remainder of the township is pleasantly undulating.
Troy is tolerably well watered. The principal stream is the Cuyahoga river, which flows through the township from north
to south, passing nearly the whole distance through the fourth range of sections. This stream, the current of which is
very sluggish, is bordered nearly the whole distance with more or less extensive marshes, and its annual overflow
makes their future reclamation a matter of doubt.
Besides the Cuyahoga, there are several smaller streams, one of which Bridge, creek enters from Auburn township, near
the southwest corner of section twenty-two, flowing northwesterly, and discharging its waters into the Cuyahoga, near
the middle of section twenty.
Black brook enters this township from Auburn, near the southern line, and flowing eastward, is lost in the Cuyahoga,
after crossing section twenty-five, and a portion of section sixteen.
Spring brook rises at a bountiful spring on section eleven, and flows westward into the Cuyahoga.
Mile brook has its rise on section ten, crossing section twelve, and a portion of section nineteen when it also pays
tribute to the Cuyahoga.
Half Mile brook has its source on section twelve, crossing which, and also a portion of section eighteen, empties into
the Cuyahoga.
Sawyer brook begins its course on section three, and, after traversing a portion of sections three, eight, fourteen,
and seventeen, is lost in the same river.
Silver creek takes its rise on section four, traverses sections four, seven, and six, when it passes into Hiram,
Portage county, and helps to form the stream on which Garrettsville is situated.
A small stream -- nameless -- has its origin on section four, which, after meandering
656
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
through a large portion of section five, enters the township of Parkman, where it discharges into Grand river.
There is also a similar rivulet on section one, which crosses into Burton, where it is known as "Rocky run."
Punderson creek -- an outlet of Punderson pond in Newbury -- flows into a small pond, located near the northeast
corner of section twenty-one. From this pond, a small stream traverses a portion of section twenty, emptying into
Bridge creek.
In addition to the above-described water courses, springs are interspersed throughout the township, but few farms
being destitute of one or the other.
The state election -- held October 14, 1879, -- was, if possible, more spirited than that of 1877. At the election
just held, Foster (Republican) received two hundred votes, and Ewing (Democrat) received thirty-seven votes. One
ballot was rejected, two ballots being folded together. At this election, S. L. Chapman was re-elected county
treasurer, and J. G. Durfee was again elected coroner.
At the commencement of each decade, an assessment of real estate is made, the person performing this duty being
denominated a "real estate assessor." In 1860, Solomon Wells was the incumbent of this office; in 1870, S. J. Esty;
at the October election of 1879, the writer was elected to perform this duty for the coming decade.
At the annual election of the "State Board of Agriculture," for 1880, the office of treasurer was conferred upon
D. L. Pope.
The "Troy Hotel" -- D. M. Marcy, proprietor, -- is a commodious building, having a front of twenty-five by sixty
feet, with an equal amount of room in the rear. In the capacity of hotel keeper, "Mit." stands a peer. The reputation
of his table is such that commercial travelers make it a point to "stop" with him, whenever it is practicable for
them to do so.
CHAPTER VI.
DEATH RECORD OF TROY TOWNSHIP.
DATE. Y'RS. MO'S.
1813--July 2, Reed, son of Mr. and Mrs. Simom Burroughs, Jr., 5
1814--Dec. 5, Edwin, infant son of John and Polly Nash,
1817--Aug. 20, Bradley Bromley, 25
" " Theodore Dowdy, 20
" Infant child of Mr. and Mrs. Flavel Sawyer.
1818--May 13, Philancia, twin daughter of John and Polly Nash, 1 2
1821--Dec. 20, Nathaniel White, 17
1822--April 19, Jacob Welsh, pioneer, 67
Mar. 22, Thankful, wife of Nathaniel Weston, 50
Oct. 31, John Hitchcock, 76
1823--Aug. 30, Child of Amos and Sabrina Burroughs,
Oct. 5, Mary, widow of Jacob Welsh, 40
Gideon Hill, 37
1824--Feb. 26, Child of Nathaniel and Clarissa Colson, 1 5
April 24, Child of Mr. and Mrs. Alvord Beals, 2
1825--Aug. 7, Wife of Daniel Pratt, 56
Sept. 24, Ebenezer Williams, 75
Mar. 30, Elvena, child of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Nash, 10
1826--Aug. 1, Julia A., daughter of John and Polly Nash, 1 7
Sept. 15, Simon Burroughs, Jr., pioneer, 68
Aug. 22, Child of Amos and Sabrina Burroughs, 2
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
657
Oct. 5, Child of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Mumford, 4
" 30, William Russell, 10
1827--Sept. 15, Benjamin Pettis, 40
" 13, Child of Elijah and Welthia Weston, 10
" 20, Child of Mr. and Mrs. Alvord Beals, 6
" 24, Child of Mr. and Mrs. John Walden, 1
1828--Aug. 6, Lucy, wife of Captain John Welsh, 39
Sylvester Bentley,
Child of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hildreth,
1829-- " " " Samuel C. Lewis,
1831--Aug. 12, " " " Alvord Beals,
Nov. 1, " " " John W. Pierce,
" " " David Thomas
" " " Bingham,
" Betsey Conrad, 3
Elmira Webster,
1332--June 20, Child of Mr. and Mrs. Jason Burnell, 3
July 18, Mercy, wife of John W. Pierce, 30
" 16, Child of Harvey and Amy Pratt, 1 4
Sept. 6, Harvey Pratt, pioneer, 40
Oct. 5, "Mart" Stillman,
Nov. 5, Wife of Friend Dayton. 64
1833--Aug. 13, Mr. ______ Mott, 78
Sept. 26, Simon Burroughs, sr., pioneer, 82
Oct. 12, Caroline Spalding, 2
" 30, Mr. ______ Williams, 82
Nov. 1, Child of Mr. and Mrs. James Percival. 10
1834--Sept. 2, Julia O. Smith, 8
" 13, Child of Mr. and Mrs. Wyram Williams, 1 6
" " " Orson Sawyer, 1
" " " ______ Langdon
1835--Eeb. 1, " Prentice and Jedidah Reed, 5
Mar. 15, Wife of John Colson, 61
April 1, Child of Mr. and Mrs. Norman Burgess, 2
" 3, Maria, wife of Norman Burgess, 27
June 27, Polly, wife of John Nash, sr., 57
" 30, Ira A. Hickok, 50
July 30, Mr. ______ Collins, 55
Sept. 22, Wife of Samuel Crittenden, 59
1836--Jan'y 18, Electa, wife of Eri Conant, 35
Eeb. 2, Child of Ezekiel and Lois Lamson, 6
Mar. 2, " Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Sawyer, 4
May 31, " " " Jacob Odell, 3
Nov. 28, Wife of Daniel Basam, 31
Dec. 25, Nathaniel Weston, 70
" 27, Child of Mr. and Mrs. James Percival, 2
1837--Jan'y 3, Richard Pierce, 40
" 7, Lorenzo Nash, 9
" 22, Eri Conant, 35
Feb. 3, Miriam, wife of Oliver Pool, 47
" 7, George Mumford, 83
Mar. 3, Enoch Slitor, 45
May 25, Miranda Pierce, 14
June 8, Child of E. B. and Eunice Turner, 9
" 27, " Mr. and Mrs. Sereno Percival, 1
Sept. 2, " Huldah Paul, 6
" Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Satterlee,
1838--Feb. 21, " " " James Hoxter, 2
" 25, Benedict Alford, sr., rev. soldier, 82
Mar. 8, Jephthah Pool, rev. soldier, 87
May 9, Hopkins Doolittle, 17
" 25, Mr. ______ Gale, 65
Child of Mr. and Mrs. Spencer Wadsworth, 1
July 16, Ebenezer Hopkins, rev. soldier, 77
" 20, Child of Amos and Sabrina Burroughs, 3
Sept. 5, Sophia, wife of Nathaniel Olds, 48
Nov. 4, Child of Adorus and Sally Davis, 4
" 8, " " " " 1
1839--Jan'y 16, Infant child of A. C. and Margaret Doolittle,
Feb. 8, Clarinda, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Green, 8
" 16, Benjamin Kingsbury, pioneer, 56
April 20, Sarepta, wife of Rev. Jephthah Pool, 65
May 26, Stephen Parsons, 40
658
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
Aug. 10, George Downing, 48
Sept. 25, Huldah, widow of Benedict Alford, sr.,
Nov. 9, Infant child of Amos and Sabrina Burroughs, 2
" 27, Infant twins of Amos and Amy Pool,.
1840--April 19, Hannah, wife of Philip Ellsworth, 31
July 11, David Patchin, 37
1840--Sept. 8, Noyes Williams, 30
" 9, Chauncey B. Percival, 28
Nov. 18, Child of Mr. and Mrs. Clewry Pool, 7
Jan'y 3, James Slitor, 80
May 31, Child of Abram and Amanda Hine, 6
July 6, " " " " 2
Aug. 20, Mr. ______ Funday 40
Dec. 2, Son of Mr. and Mrs. Hezekiah Monroe, 9 6
1841-- John Whitman, 84
Jan'y 8, Infant twin of Nathaniel and Clarissa Colson, 10
" 23, " " " " " " 10
Mar. 2, Infant daughter of C. B. and Eugenia Chapman, 1
April 19, Arvilla, daughter of Spencer and Lydia Burrows, 21
Oct. 5, Child of Mr. and Mrs. ______ Francis,
" 28, Anna, second wife of John Nash, sr., 52
Child of Mr. and Mrs. John Wood,
" 29, " " " Frederick Doolittle, 1 5
" 18, Moses Pool, 26
1842--Jan'y 7, Child of Horace and Eliza Hotchkiss,
" 19, Lydia, wife of Nathan Foster, 66
Mar. 21, Desire, wife of Levi Ford, 60
" 21, Eliza, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rufus Chaffee, 13
" 25, Charles Hinkley, 49
April 1, Wilder Kingsbury, 26
" 13,. Ruth Price, 55
" 13, Margaret, wife of Cyrus Maxwell, 29
June 18, Mary, wife of Lanson Shaw, 28
July 12, Child of John and Fidelia Weston, 1
Aug. 20, " Mr. and Mrs. William Dunn, 1 3
Dec. 11, " " " Otis Thrasher, 1
1843--Feb. 25, Ann, wife of Otis Thrasher, 24
Mar. 4, Electa Beals, 48
" 5, William Slitor, 16
" 9, Child of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Abrams, 5
" 11, " " " " " 3
" 13, " J. W. and Harriet Fox, 3
April 5, " Richard and Lucy Mathews, 2
" 13, Betsey, wife of Cephas Downing, 38
May 15, Child of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Phelps, 13
" 21, Chester Bruce, 14
" Child of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Clemens,
" 24, " " " ______ Sydam,
" 26, " " " ______ Farnsworth,
" 26, " " " ______ Langdon, 4
June 16, Lazelle D. Tyler, 20
July 13, Child of Mr. and Mrs. Seth Gamble, 2
Aug. 18, Daniel Herrick, 82
Dec. 17, Lydia, wife of Spencer Barrows, 57
1844--Feb. 2, Alanson Reed, 17
" 20, Henry Wales, 71
" 20, Child of Robert and Roxana Hines, 7
" 28, Oliver Pool, 58
Mar. 8, Daniel Pratt, 78
" 8, Child of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Stafford, 7
" 10, Rev. Jephthah Pool, 68
" 17, Sabrina, wife of Sereno Percival, 38
April 4, Harriet, wife of J. W. Fox, 29
" 29, Merton, son of A. J. and Olive Nash, 3
May 2, Asubia Williams, 88
" 19, Ezra, son of Benjamin S. and Orinda Hosmer, 10
" 20, Child of Mr. and Mrs. Addison M. Buck, 2
July 19, " Amos and Elizabeth Ford, 6
" 26, Wife of Jonathan Firman,
Aug. 21, Mr. ______ Fuller,
Sept. 7, Wife of Jonathan Moore,
Nov. 3, Mary Burroughs, 77
" 4, James Doty, 11
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
659
Nov. 7, Son of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Doty, 8
" 7, Lois, wife of John Beals, 70
" 23, Joseph Abell, 60
" William Swinton, 2
Dec. 25, Widow of Daniel Herrick, 81
1845--Mar. 2, Child of Mr. and Mrs. Ephraim Keyes,
April 3, " James and Eliza Johnson, 1 3
" 12, Clarissa, wife of Marshall Dresser, 29
" 24, Timothy P. Hunter, 53
" 25, Child of Mr. and Mrs. Alson Pettibone, 7
May 17, Lucy, wife of Andrew Barrows, 28
June 18, Child of Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Brown,
July 5, Sally, wife of Gad Smith, 29
Dec. 12, Catharine, daughter of William and Susan Mumford, 13
1846--Jan'y 4, Harriet Doty, 15
Mar. 15, Morell Doty, 17
" 28, Child of Allen and Betsey Culver, 2
April 2, " R. R. and Amanda Latham,
" 12, " Mr. and Mrs. Ferrin Burgess, 2
June 10, Amanda, wife of R. R. Latham, 29
" 13, Jane, daughter of Thomas aud Comfort Scott, 12
July 27, David Nash, 32
Aug. 31, Captain John Welsh, 62
Sept. 4, David Hoard, 56
1846--Sept. 11, John Nash, pioneer, 71
" 22, Amarantha Parsons, 23
" 23, Rosetta Baker, 18
Oct. 14, Achsah, wife of Alba Tinkham, 46
" 25, Borden Potter, revolutionary soldier, 82
1847--Jan'y 4, Innocent, wife of Joshua Cole,
Mar. 13, Erista Langdon,
" 23, Asa Hall,
" 27, Lois, child of Horace Lamson, 2d, and Esther Lamson, 1
April 8, Elihu Mott, 57
" 11, Mary, wife of John Nash, Jr., 37
May 7, Betsey, daughter of Bradley and Rhoda Hopkins, 15
" 16, Son of Mr. and Mrs. ______ Brown, 1 10
" 25, Sally Ann Satterlee, 22
July 29, William Wood, 34
" 30, William Conrad, 22
Aug. 7, Wife of Gilbert Smith,
Sept. 5, Daniel Doty, 40
" 7, John Marble, 74
" 13, Joshua Brooks, 71
" 15, Prudence, widow of Joshua Brooks, 70
" 20, Child of John W. and Joanna Pierce, 6
" 24, Wife of Almoren Miller 67
" 29, Nathaniel Colson, 58
Oct. 14, John Colson, 84
" 14, Wife of Garrett B. Warner, 31
" 31, Horace Lamson, 2d, 28
Nov. 13, Margaret, wife of Anson C. Doolittle, 32
1848--Jan'y 9, Jehial Maltbie, 81
April 25, Polly, widow of Daniel Pratt, 85
" 27, Noah Joy, 60
May 1, Wife of William Dunn, 27
" 19, Son of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Doty, 6
" 27, Wife of Porter Hinckley, 27
July 16, Child of Mr. and Mrs. Lucius Edson,
" 17, Child of Mr. and Mrs. Ferrin Burgess, 3
Aug. 25, Child of Mr. and Mrs. ______ Sweeney,
" 31, Child of Mr. and Mrs. Theron Kellogg, 3
Sept. 2, Amos Pool, 66
" 7, Ira Phelps, revolutionary soldier, 85
" 27, Mr. Winch, 56
Nov. 22, Son of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Doty, 7
" 23, Child of Louis A. and Jane Burroughs, (burned), 5
" 28, Lavina, wife of Captain John Fox, 66
Dec. 2, Child of Mr. and Mrs. Jared Comstock, 10
" 2, " " " " 8
" 10, " " " George Folager, 2 6
1849--Jan'y 7, Mary Ann, daughter of Jacob and Harriet Burroughs, 17
" 19, Captain John Fox, pioneer, 74
660
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
Jan'y 20, Harriet, wife of Jacob Burroughs, 54
" 29, Child of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Maltbie 10
Feb'y 4, " Andrew and Almira Barrows, 3
Mar. 12, " Phidelus and Sarah Ann Pool,
" 22, Son of Mr. and Mrs. Parker Howland, 8
" 22, Almoren Miller, 69
" 26, Amos, son of Amos and Elizabeth Ford, (killed), 7
" 27, Child of Mr. and Mrs. Eli Beebe, 11
April 16, Son of Mrs. Parsons, 11
" 18, Child of Mr. and Mrs. Parker Howland, 4
May 4, Son of Edwin and Sally Ann Burroughs, 6
" 7, Rev. Nathaniel Latham, 66
" 28, Isaac Pool, 63
June 14, Wife of Warren Henry,
Sept. 13, Child of Rev. William and Mrs. Samson, 3
" 26, " John W. and Mrs. Fox, 9
Oct. 6, Nathaniel Olds, 67
" 8, Laura, wife of Mr. ______ Crosby, 36
" 13, Pauline, wife of Horace Lamson, 49
" 29, Father of Hon. Rufus P. Ranney, 70
Nov. 21, Child of N. M. and Caroline Goff, 8
1850--Jan'y. 7, Child of Mr. and Mrs. Jasper Bennett, 6
Feb. 7, " " " " " R. R. Latham,
Mar. 19, Rachel, widow of Capt. Ebenezer Hopkins, 82
April 13, Amelia, daughter of Chester and Caroline Nash, 16
" 26, Peter B. Beals, pioneer, 86
May 26, Child of Hopkins and Jane Lamson, 1 2
June 28, " " Horace and Eliza Hotchkiss,
July 1, Lines Burr, 54
Aug. 14, Betsey, wife of Joseph Nash, 66
July 25, Nehemiah Colvin, 75
Aug. 20, Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Clark, 17
" 22, Mrs. Mary Barnes, 72
Sept. 12, Widow of ______ Slitor, 58
Cct. 7, Child of O. L. and S. C. W. Latham, 4
" 14, " " " " " " " " " 11
Nov. 15, Helen, daughter of Rev. Hiram and Ruth Kellogg 5
" 22, Benny, son of Horace and Eliza Hotchkiss, 3
1851--Jan'y 16, Daughter of Jacob, Jr., and Elizabeth Thrasher,
" 19, Biney Fairbanks, 68
Mar. 10, George Folager, 30
" 29, Widow of George Folager, 27
May 6, Catharine Davis, 25
" 24, Herrick Lamson, drowned, 18
July 27, Sophia, wife of Throop Chapman, 64
Sept. 3, Child of Mr. Mrs. Jared Comstock,
" 8, Wife of James Hoxter, 40
Nov. 14, Jane, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Augustus Lane, 23
Nov. 18, Sally, wife of Justus Perry, 44
Dec. 1, Betsey Welsh, pioneer, 65
" 8, Child of Mr. and Mrs. James Basset, 16
1852--Jan'y 3, Thomas Hildreth, 56
May 1, Eliza, daughter of H. E. and Lucretia Wales, 6
June 6, Isaac, son of W. C. and Isabell Thrasher, drowned, 2
Sept. 22, Theda, wife of Benjamin Goff, 63
Feb. 13, Child of Dudley and Alvira Fox, 1
" 22, " " Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Green,
1853--April 3, " " John W. and Emeline Fox, 1 6
" 6, Lavina, wife of Olney Percival, 39
" 18, Child of Mr. and Mrs. Jonas Bossart,
May 14, " " " " " " "
Aug. 1, Asenath, wife of George Conrad, sr., 73
" 16, Wife of ______ Maltbie, 67
Sept. 23, Mary, second wife of Marshall Dresser, 30
Oct. 1, Tirzah Pool, 22
" 12, Child of John W. and Emeline Fox, 11
" 12, Wife of Thomas Crafts, 62
" 12, Wife of Orsamus Carlton,
1854--April 2, Friend Dayton, 84
" 3, Joseph Durfee, 68
June 12, Wife of ______ Torrey, 79
Aug. 4, Wife of ______ Evarts, 72
" 29, Herbert, adopted son of Almon and Maria Hodges, 12
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
661
Sept. 5, Mrs. ______ Johnson, 79
Dec. 4, Mrs. Bentley, 50
" 30, Louisa, wife of John Welsh, 28
" 31, Gideon Bentley, 82
1855--Jan'y 6, John Jewell, 50
" 7, Mrs. Susan Smith, 86
Feb. 23, Lysander Packard, 36
Mar. 8, Helen, wife of Washington Morey, 24
1855--Mar. 8, Child of Mr. and Mrs. Keyes,
" 14, William, son of Lewis A. and Jane Burroughs, 10
" 18, Lois Beals, 48
" 16, Mrs. Newell, 72
" 22, Esther, wife of Thomas Brown, 31
Aug. 26, Wife of Joseph Kingsbury, 33
Oct. 22, Child of William C. and Julia Hosmer,
Nov. 13, Mary Ann Bacon, 19
Dec. 22, Maria, daughter of Lewis F. and Laura Scott, 20
1856--Jan'y 11, William Fox, 34
" 13, Child of Nelson and Abigail Bentley,
" 17, Child of Mr. and Mrs. William Starin, 5
Feb. 12, Lucy, wife of Samuel Packard, 62
Mar. 15, Phebe, wife of John Dayton. 52
May 13, Wife of Isaac N. Smith, 43
" 15, Delia, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Mumford, 24
" 24, Wife of Charles Onderdonk, 41
Aug. 12, Mr. Pierson, 74
Sept. 28, Sereno Percival, 45
1857--Feb. 16, "Gram" widow of Nathaniel Weston, 91
Apr. 18, Son of Mr. and Mrs. R. R. Latham, 3
June 15, Almon Winch, 37
July 11, Ziba Norton, 72
" 14, W. W. Moore, 48
Aug. 7, Elizabeth Rice. 77
" 12, Maria, wife of Almon Hodges, 35
Sept. 29, Child of Mr. and Mrs. Russell, 2 6
Nov. 23, Samuel Abrams, 47
" 30, Betsy, wife of Benedict Alford, second, 69
Dec. 14, Gertrude, mother of Asa A. Spencer, 85
" 25, Edward Frazer, killed, 30
1858--Jan'y 20, Julia, second wife of John Welsh, 27
" 24, Brudley Hopkins, 60
Mar. 24, Child of Hopkins and Jane Lamson, 7
Apr. 8, Widow of ______ Jewell, 76
" 30, Child of Joseph and Elizabeth Kingsbury,
May 3, John Dindiff, 59
June 19, Son of Mr. and Mrs. James Hartson, 3
" 21, Lewis Bedford, 76
July 12, "Willie, son of William H. and Helen Chapman, 57
Aug. 28, Dr. Jacob Thrasher, 69
Sept. 6, Joseph Nash, 75
1859--Jan'y 5, Martha, daughter of Edward B. and Eunice Turner, 20
" 25, Wife of James Brown, 29
Feb. 11, Clarissa, wife of William H. Scott, 36
" 13, Lois, wife of Ezekiel Lamson, 64
" 21, Widow of ______ Benton, 66
Mar. 3, Mary, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Augustus Lane, 19
" 12, Child of Charles and Mary Onderdonk, 3
" 16, Child of Henry L. and Jane Hosmer,
April 15, Benjamin Goff, 69
" 16, John Dayton, pioneer, 63
" 30, Widow of John Whitman, 86
May 28, Franklin, son of Benjamin S. and Orinda Hosmer, 21
June 8, Jenny, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. R. Latham, 8
" 13, Child of William C. and Julia Hosmer, 3
" 18, Child of Mr. and Mrs. William Dunn, 3
Aug. 5, Rufus Lamb, pioneer, 62
Oct. 2, Sarah Titus, 65
Nov. 9, Alba Tinkham, 69
" 14, Polly, wife of Thomas R. Mumford, 67
" 21, William Turner, 25
Dec. 5, Pliny Alvord, 78
" 22, Clarissa Tyler, 24
1860--Jan'y 25, Julia Turner, 30
662
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
Feb'y 20, Sally, widow of John Wood, 55
Mar. 26, Arnold Harrington, 76
May 7, Eliza, wife of Victor Burroughs, 31
" 22, Abi C., widow of Silvenus Warner, 60
" 31, Martha, wife of Nathan E. Scott, 35
June 6, Wife of Oliver Pierson, 32
" 7, Mary French, 96
" 23, Betsey, widow of Timothy P. Hunter, 85
Aug. 9, Wife of Samuel Evans, 49
Oct. 30, Drusilla, wife of Oliver Green, 40
Nov. 8, Sarah S., wife Frank A. Clary, 28
Dec. 8, Child of Mortimer and Eliza Moore, 4
1861--Jan'y 24, Alice, wife of William P. Fobes, 33
Mar. 31, Oliver C. Olds, 75
May 25, Darius Barnes, (drowned), 17
" 22, Otis Thrasher, 40
Sept. 2, Wife of Abel Farr, 65
Oct. 15, Electa, wife of Leander Johnson 41
Nov. 3, Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. ______ Crosby, 3
" 17, Willie, son of William P. and Alice Fobes, 9
" 22, Jacob W. Burroughs, pioneer, 70
1862--Jan'y 7, Amanda, wife of Elijah Marcy, 62
" 29, Reuben Cook. 70
" 30, Elmina, wife of James S. Olds, 28
Feb'y 2, Leander Johnson, 43
Mar. 18, Gancelo Reed, 48
" 20, Child of Meriman and Celia Barnes, 10
May 14, " Lucien H. and Melissa Dayton,
June 5, Jane Reed, 21
" 16, Frank, son of L. H. and Melissa Dayton, 5
" 27, Cecil Parsons, 32
July 4, Lois, daughter of Richard P. and Harriet Lamson, 2 6
" 9, Philip Ellsworth, 53
Aug. 29, Ann, wife of Chester Lamb, 40
Sept. 17, Simon Davis, 77
1863--Jan'y 4, Willard W. Beals, 63
" 10, John F., son of B. F. and Elizabeth Abell, 20
Feb'y 4, Polly, wife of Elihu G. Corliss, 48
" 11, Child of Thomas and Martha Brown, 6
" 27, Isaac, son of W. C. and Isabella Thrasher, 9
April 9, Mary Jane, widow of Nathaniel Latham, 76
Mar. 28. Lavina, daughter of Hiram and Celia Satterlee, 8
April 23, Son of Addison and Caroline Loomis, 3
" 23, Wife of William Hall, 23 6
June 12, Olive, wife of Chester Barrows, 49
" 13, Wife of Virgil Lamson, 65
" 18, Alfred, son of George, Jr., and Jane Conrad, 11 6
" 28, Son of Mr. and Mrs. Jewett Randall, 2
July 4, Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jewett Randall, 8
" 6, Caroline, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ferrin Burgess, 9
Aug. 10, Mary, " " " " " 22
" 15, William Waterman, 41
Sept. 13, Olney Percival, 58
Nov. 22, Frances, widow of Henry Wales, 80
1864--Jan'y 18, "Benny," son of Otis and Frances P. Thrasher, 4
Feb. 26, Benedict Alford, 2d, 78
April 4, Sarah, wife of Charles Davis, 27
" 8, George Conrad, sr., 73
" 13, Widow of Reuben Cook, 65
" 19, Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Town, 3
" 20, Abel Farr, 69
May 4, Son of Roscoe and Mary Ann Bugbie, 9
" 6, Silvia, son of Ethan and Olive Bogue, 15
May 8, Daughter of Ethan and Olive Bogue, 4
" 12, Marvin James, 58
June 9, Daughter of William H. and Harriet Scott, 3
July 27, John Beals, pioneer, 97 6
Sept. 17, Daughter of O. L. and S. C. W. Latham, 6
Oct. 16, Loren, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Maltbie, 15
Nov. 8, Amos Ford, 65
" 18, John Morey, 65
1865--July 8, Daughter of William L. and Clarinda Chapman, 10
" 15, " " Barton and Mary Miller, 10
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
663
July 23, Jennie, daughter of E. B. and Eunice Turner, 10
" 30, Daughter of Volney S. and Sarah Sperry, 3 6
Aug. 9, Thankful, wife of Phidelus Pool, 34 6
Sept. 4, Emily, wife of David L. Pope, 40
" 36, Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Dunn, 1 6
Oct. 10, Meriman Barnes, 56
" 20, Rev. Marshall Terry, 59
Dec. 5, Son of Richard and Mrs. Slitor, 5
" 7, Josie, daughter of Rev. Marshall and Mrs. Terry, 16
" 9, Moses James, 77
" 22, Mary, daughter of B. F. and Elizabeth Abell, 21
1866--Jan'y 4, Vashti A., daughter of William H. and Helen Chapman, 10 7
Feb. 6, Samuel Evans, 57
Mar. 1, James Fairbanks, 75
" 24, Wife of ______ Hartson, 66
April 23, Benjamin F. Abell, 53
" 30, Hattie, daughter of J. G. and Elizabeth Durfee, 14
May 4, Lucinda, widow of Daniel Corliss, 76
June 15, Betsey, wife of Asa A. Spencer, 66
July 31, Widow of Charles Hinkley, 69
Nov. 16, Timothy Truman, 61
" 26, Bernice, daughter of L. H. and Melissa Dayton, 6
Dec. 2, Child of Marshall and Harriet Dresser, 1
" 19, Bertha, daughter of W. W. and Elizabeth James, 8
1867--Jan'y 2, Israel Whitcomb, pioneer. (Died in Auburn.) 78
Mar. 3, Melissa, wife of Lucien H. Dayton, 29
July 6, Son of Thomas and Maria Kimpston,
Sept. 2, Clarinda, wife of William L. Chapman, 23
" 18, Joseph Patch, 88
Oct. 13, Elijah Pike, 78
Nov. 4, Mary, wife of Alvah Reed, 52
Dec. 8, Sally, wife of Isaac Spear, 60
" 10, Comfort, wife of Capt. Thomas Scott, 82
1868--Feb. 8, Abigail, wife of Nelson Bentley, 56
Mar. 4, Philinda, wife of Samuel Davis, 45
" 25, Nancy, wife of George Fox, 45
April 1, Child of Phidelus and Emily Pool,
May 10, Sarah, wife of Volney S. Sperry, 37
July 6, Widow of ______ Reynolds, 73
" 24, Wife of B. H. Heath, 70
Sept. 17, Ollve, wife of Solomon Wells, 52
" 25, Polly, widow of Joseph Abell, 80
Oct. 8, Amy, widow of Amos Pool, 72
" 25, Widow of ______ Goodman, 56
Nov. 15, Ellen L., wife of Harrison Hoard, 23
" 20, Child of M. L. and Mercia Latham, 1
1869--Jan'y 29, Mary, widow of Anson Morris, 61
Feb'y 12, Polly, widow of Arnold Harrington, 86
April 13, Samuel Reed, 86 6
June 14, Dimon Barnes, 62
July 3, Orange Steele, 69
" 9, Harvey Corlick, 24
Sept. 6, Child of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Wilhelm, 11
" 18, Ezekiel Lamson, 71
" 23, Addie, daughter of Thomas A. and Augusta Scott, 6
Nov. 18, Rev. Joseph Fenton, 60
Nov. 23, Wife of George Edic, 49
Dec. 18, Elizabeth, widow of Dr. Jacob Thrasher, 78
1870--Jan'y 18, Frank, son of Edward B. and Eunice Turner, 22
Feb. 2, Catharine, widow of Moses James, 84
Mar. 9, Captain Thomas Scott, 88
Apr. 13, Salina, wife of ______ Fowler, 42
May 11, Chester Nash, 65
Nov. 16, Charlotte, wife of Ziba Harrington, 65
1871--Jan'y 17, Lyman Truman, 67
Feb. 8, Mrs. Betsey Waterman, 73
Mar. 6, Arthur, son of James D. and Harriet Godfrey, 3
" 19, Elijah Weston, 73
May 7, Widow of Jesse Markham, 78
1872--Feb. 17, Lucy W., widow of John Cutler, 74
Mar. 1, Artimesia, widow of Ashbell Gillmore, 78
" 2, Dudley Fox, 60
" 17, Nancy, widow of Joseph Patch, 86
664
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
Mar. 23, Sylvia, wife of Clinton White, 18
May 24, Widow of ______ Evans, 74
July 28, Orange L. Latham, 56
Aug. 15, Zilpah, wife of Samuel Knight, 82
Oct. 4, Orville Joiner, 54
" 18, Henry Luce, 64
Nov. 13, John Douglass, 84
Dec. 6, Son of Chester and Malvina Lamb, 8
" 14, William Mumford, pioneer, 78
1873--Jan'y 11, Aurelia, widow of Joseph Stockwell, 67
Feb. 4, Prescott Abell, 58
" 21, Child of Nelson Bentley, 4
June 7, Porter, son of Mr. and Mrs. Norman Burgess, 15
" 7, John Hopkins, 21
" 28, Susan, widow of Alba Tinkham, 73
Aug. 1, Hubert, son of John W. and Matilda Beals, 11
" 20, Child of Mr. and Mrs. Emery Keyes,
" 28, Polly, wife of Isaac Scott, 76
Sept. 12, Benjamin F. Lilly, 31
" 24, Sadie, daughter of Warner and Melissa Satterlee, 9
Oct. 2, Lodema Brown, 29
" 15, Augustus Burroughs, 39
" 25, Charles Davis, 36
Nov. 7, Anna, wife of Clark Vaughn, 66
" 22, Lewis, son of Horace and Abigail Davis, 22
Dec. 24, Rosa, daughter of Elijah and Achsah Percival, 4
" 24, Edward Green, 28
May 10, Adaline Davidson, 51
1874--Jan'y 25, Fanny, second wife of John Nash, 56
Mar. 18, Anson C. Doolittle, 62 6
April 6, Abigail, widow of Israel Whitcomb (died in Auburn), 86
" 20, Nelly, daughter of Harrison and Emily Hoard, 2
June 17, Jacob Cutler, 52
Aug. 4, Samuel Beals, 31
Sept. 14, Rosa Fowler, 14
Nov. 26, Alonzo Wood, 66
Dec. 24, Child of S. B. and Margaret Evans,
" 20, Polly, widow of Lewis Bedford, 88
" 31, Gracie, daughter of W. W. and Elizabeth James, 5
1875--Jan'y 6, Harriet, wife of Major B. Cook, 33
Feb. 12, Orinda, wife of Benjamin S. Hosmer, 73
Mar. 15, Marion, son of William H. and Clarissa Scott, 19
" 18, Son of George and Mary Fox, 3
" 21, Spencer Barrows, 88
April 3, Bertha, daughter of Orlo and Charlotte Doty, 8
" 9, Achsah, widow of John Douglass, 77
" 23, Delos Keyes, 9
" 24, Elmer, son of Plympton and Maria Stockwell, 10
" 29, Samuel Satterlee, 78
May 2, Child of M. L. and Mercia Latham, 1 2
" 3, Joel Bartholomew, 45
" 7, Child of M. L. and Mercia Latham, 3
May 11, Abram Barnes, 93
" 30, Wilbert P. Bissell, 22 6
June 22, Zachariah, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lanson Shaw, 22
" 26, Isaac Spear, 58
July 12, Fidelia, wife of Albert Herrick, 53
" 13, Child of Mr. and Mrs. David Boone,
" 21, Ira Steele, 46
" 29, Jonathan Phillips, 25
Aug. 3, Margery, widow of James Fairbanks, 80
Nov. 9, Lucius Fox, 27
Dec. 15, Cyrus Phillips, 30
1876--Jan'y 4, Avery, son of Barnabas and Gertrude Weston, 17
" 12, Albert Herrick, 65
" 14, Amos Burroughs, 77
" 22, Emily, wife of Olson Mumford, 32
May 7, Sally, widow of Marvin James, 66
Sept. 2, Son of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin F. Sager, 2
Oct. 7, Olson Mumford, 32
" 7, Elnora, child of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Nash, 9
1877--Jan'y 31, Elma, daughter of Emery and Ellen Woods, 26
Mar. 9, Amanda, wife of Richard V. Slitor, 77
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
665
Mar. 19, Jamie, son of James D. and Harriet Godfrey, 6
" 22, Child of Mr. and Mrs. ______ Randall, 4
" 28, Jenny, daughter of Rev. Hiram and Ruth Kellogg, 18
" 29, Jeremiah P. Scott,
April 19, Mrs. ______ Martindale,
" 19, Barney Torrey, 71
May 11, Cynthia, widow of Nicholas Silvernail (pioneer), 87 6
June 3, Shirley, son of Thomas A. and Augusta Scott, 9 6
" 16, Riall Fisher, 94
Sept. 3, Delia, wife of Myron Satterlee, 36
" 4, Willie, son of John and Emma Ridge, 2
Oct. 5, Maria, wife of Thomas Kimpton, 53
Nov. 10, Frank, son of Daniel H. and Fidelia Truman, 22
Dec. 5, Luther Sanford, 74
1878--Jan'y 12, C. Torrey Nash, 30
" 16, Samuel Packard, 87
Mar. 4, Sally, widow of Lyman Truman, 73
" 26, Betsey, wife of T. W. Esty, 40
April 8, Willie, son of Mr. and Mrs. Augustin Esty, 5
" 18, Leonard Stroud, 72
" 19, Phebe, widow of Leonard Stroud (killed,) 63
May 17, Bertie, son of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Dean, 2
" 18, Elizabeth, widow of Benjamin F. Abell, 58
Aug. 24, Chester Houghton, 71
" 27, Aggie, daughter of Daniel C. and Betsey Hill, 6
Sept. 9, Lucretia S., wife of Augustus Lane, 77
" 27, Letitia, daughter of Hiram and Celia Satterlee, 9
Oct. 9, Mary, widow of James Hatch, 72
" 11, Emeline, second wife of John W. Fox, 65
" 19, Sena, daughter of Eugene and Martha Slitor, 2
" 29, Rana, daughter of Horace and Anna Goff, 19
Dec. 19, Rev. E. D. Taylor, 61
" 29, Eliza, widow of Henry Luce, 70
1879--Jan'y 29, Volney S. Sperry, 51
Mar. 11, Nelson Patterson, 66
" 22, Elvira, wife of Norman Burgess, 59
April 22, Edward B. Turner, 76
June 5, Ziba Pool, 87
Oct. 15, Horace Hotchkiss, 70
Nov. 6, Charlie, son of John W. and Edna Nash, 3
" 7, Emily, wife of Seneca Parsons, 37
" 15, Lyman T. Bradley, 55
" 25, Eliza A., wife of O. G. Weaver, 55
Dec. 3, Willie, son of Dwight and Laura Barber, 6
" 31, Emily, wife of Benjamin Cooper, 43
" 31, Mabel, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Weston H. Brown, 7
1880--Jan'y 8, Theresa, wife of J. Hatter, 29
" 15, Mary, wife of Seth Burton, 64
" 27, Charlotte, widow of Joseph Durfee, 89
It will be seen at a glance that the above record is far from being complete in all the details. That some of the
dates of deaths, and statements as to age of the deceased, are incorrect, is probable, and that omissions may have
occurred is also probable, but in the main, it is entirely reliable. To Mrs. Emily Pike are the thanks of the township
due, that there is any record of deaths, however incomplete it may be.
The names of our soldiers, who were in the war of 1861-5, and died while in the army, together with the several dates
of their decease, will be found in another place in this history.
Also the names of soldiers of the Revolution, and of the war of 1812, who are buried in our cemeteries, will be found
recorded elsewhere.
666
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
CHAPTER VII.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
REV. E. D. TAYLOR.
It seems fitting, that with the record of the township of Troy should be included that of one to whom it's people
and prosperity were very dear. With it, as well as the neighboring towns of Parkman and Newbury, his interests were
involved, and there was his chosen, and, as it proved, his last home.
Rev. E. D. Taylor, the seventh son, and youngest child of Deacon Nehemiah and Lydia Taylor, was born at Bristol,
Vermont, June 2, 1817. His mother, whose maiden name was Streeter, was an exceptional woman -- modest, kind, fervent
and unswerving in her devotion to truth, and the old, rigid faith, inherited from her New England ancestors. She
passed away before the conversion of her youngest son, but in the full confidence that her consecration of him would
be accepted, as was that of all the other members of her family.
Deacon Taylor was also a person of strong and decided piety; who was accustomed often to bear his children and
children's children before the Lord.
Though not rich in this world's goods, he was "rich in faith," and lived to see five of his sons become ministers of
the gospel, the other two having died in early life. Of the entire family, numbering seven sons and three daughters,
only one now remains -- Mrs. Allen Smith, of Iowa.
E. D. Taylor was, in his early youth, of an unusually mirthful, sprightly and buoyant disposition -- to such a degree,
indeed, that some of the long-faced ones entirely coincided with him in his oft-expressed opinion, that "there was one
of Deacon Taylor's sons who would never be a minister."
When he was five years of age, his parents removed to northern New York, and there he experienced many of the hardships
as well as pleasures, of life in a new country. He became quite expert at hunting, trapping, and fishing, and was very
fond of all kinds of out-door exercise.
He often said that the best meal he ever ate, consisted of some pieces of salt pork and corn bread, which he once took
with him, as rations, when out hunting deer. He was an excellent horseman, and always took great pleasure in riding
and driving.
There are many recollections of his having been wild and gay, but none that he was ever vicious or immoral.
At somewhere, from twelve to fifteen years of age, he went to Russell, St. Lawrence county, to learn the clothier's
trade, with a man who, although a professor of religion, was a whiskey-selling hotel-keeper. In the intervals of his
regular work, the boy was accustomed to "tend bar," and do all kinds of odd jobs about the premises.
One night, several of his associates assembled at the shop for a game of cards. They had, for light, a candle set
between two sacks of wool, and determined to play, until it should be burned down to the sacks, but morning came and
found them still absorbed in their amusement. He vowed, then, to leave so fascinating a game alone, and was never known
to indulge in it afterward. Situated as he was, it was impossible for him not to realize many of the evils of
intemperance, and he left the use of liquors there and forever.
One night, several of his associates assembled at the shop for a game of cards. They had, for a light, a candle set
between two sacks of wool, and determined to play, until it should be burned down to the sacks, but morning came and
found them still absorbed in their amusement. He vowed, then, to leave so fascinating a game alone, and was never known
to indulge in it afterward. Situated as he was, it was impossible for him not to realize many of the evils of
intemperance, and he left alone the use of liquors there and forever.
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
667
While at Russell, and amidst general spiritual declension, his mind was turned to his lost condition. Alone, the grace
of God so operated upon him, that he declared his faith in Christ, and at his own request, was released from trade,
and commenced preparing for the ministry.
He attended school at Potsdam academy, and taught at intervals, or worked on the farm.
After a time, he came to Kirtland, Ohio, and was connected with Dr. Asa D. Lord's school, first as pupil, and then as
assistant teacher.
He taught also at Rome, Ashtabula county, and, perhaps, other places, and was, besides, a successful teacher of vocal
music.
Among the recollections of his earlier years collected for this sketch, none has been more frequent or emphatic than
this: "He was such a beautiful singer!" The cultivation of music and especially, of church music, was always to him a
source of great enjoyment as long as he lived. Those who remember with what feeling he used to sing "Dennis," with the
words "How gentle God's commands," will understand the significance of it's being one of the selections sung before he
was laid away to his last rest.
Mr. Taylor was, for a time, principal of the "Shaw Academy" at Euclid, and was married in 1852 to Miss Mary Ann Lewis,
who was a teacher in the same school. She was a daughter of Edward Lewis, esquire, of Lenox, Madison county, New-York,
and his first wife, Olive Barnard. Mr. Taylor ever found in his wife a loving, faithful and efficient helper, and to
her influence and assistance must be attributed much of his subsequent success, during nearly thirty years of united
labor.
Three children, E. D. Taylor, Jr., of Stillwater, Minnesota, Mrs. Anna T. Treat, still a resident of Ohio, and Mrs.
Alice L. Armor, of Orange, California, live to bear witness to her many sterling qualities. "Her children rise up and
call her blessed."
After his marriage, Mr. Taylor completed his theological studies, and was licensed to preach, about the year 1847.
Although not a college graduate, he was a classical scholar, and always a reader and thinker.
His first sermon was preached at Euclid (now Collamer), on the parable of the "Prodigal Son," and yet will be
remembered by some, who listened to it there.
De Ruyter, Madison county, New York, was his first field of labor. West Stockholm (now Sanfordville) and Huvelton,
both in St. Lawrence county, the second and third. After a short pastorate in the latter place, Mr. Taylor, by the
advice of his physician, who feared disease of the lungs, came again to Ohio, and located at Chagrin Falls, where he
remained three years and one-half. During his residence there, he conducted, with the help of his wife, a select school,
numbering at times over one hundred pupils.
He removed to Claridon in 1855, where he performed the greater part of his ministerial work. He received into the
church in that place one hundred and twenty members, forty-four of whom, are still resident there.
It would be nearly impossible to find a home with whose joys and sorrows he was not identified. He did with his might
whatever his hands found to do, and from the seeds of good sown, there in his loving devotion and sacrifice, there has
been, and will continue to be gathered, an abundant harvest, both in time and eternity.
His influence and aid were always given, to further the prosperity of the whole community. He and his wife again
engaged somewhat in teaching, and were always interested in the educational affairs of the township. They were both,
for many years, members of the "Farmers' Club," and always did what they could to sustain its meetings.
668
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
During the late civil war, Mr. Taylor spent some weeks under the "Christian Commission," among the sick and wounded
soldiers at City Point and Washington, but found his health inadequate to continued labor of that kind. He was an
enthusiastic patriot, and never lost his faith in the government and the ultimate triumph of the good cause.
In February, 1872, Mrs. Taylor died, and in the following winter, Mr. Taylor closed his relation with the church at
Claridon, and took upon himself the care of three weak churches, at Troy, Newbury and Parkman -- one of them so nearly
dead, that it was believed at one time, it would disband and join other churches.
Another of these organizations was equally weak, and without a house of worship, but has now a house and is much
improved in numbers and prosperity.
For many years there had been a lack of friendly feeling between some of the members of the different churches in Troy,
but after Mr. Taylor's labors commenced, all this was changed; the old jealousies disappeared, and all became brethren
indeed. He was in every respect a Christian gentleman, beloved by all, but especially by the young, and the children.
One little one in Troy, being assured by her aunt that she would certainly give her away, if she were not a better girl,
responded, gleefully: "Oh, give me to brudder Taylor!" One of his chief delights was to make others happy, and he always
had a kind word for every one.
Mr. Taylor was married in 1874, to Mrs. Florence E. Wells, formerly of New Hampshire, a lady who merited all the wealth
of confidence and affection bestowed upon her by her husband, and who will long be cherished with him in the hearts
of their parishioners and friends.
Previous to his removal from Claridon, Mr. Taylor had been appointed a member of the board of school examiners, and so
continued to be identified with the educational interests of the county, until the time of his death.
During the summer of 1877, he was attacked with fever and ague, and from that time, his health seemed gradually to
decline. Yet he kept on with his work, riding through all kinds of weather, and over all varieties of roads, to his
appointments, both upon Sundays and week-day evenings. Finally, in the latter part of November, 1878, he sank from the
effects of overwork and poisonous night air, and lay down upon a sick bed.
His last sermon was preached at Parkman, on Thanksgiving day, and upon December 19, he was called to his rest. He
"walked with God, and he was not; for God took him."
His remains were taken to Claridon for interment, and memorial services were held at Troy, Claridon, Newbury, and
Parkman, in which many friends participated, irrespective of denomination.
The following from the columns of the "Stillwater Lumberman" seems a fitting conclusion of this tribute to one so
respected and beloved.
"Death has recently stilled a true, brave heart, and relieved from duty on earth a faithful soldier of the Cross.
Readers in our immediate parish, will pardon us if we devote a little space to thoughts of the departed, for the
perusal of our more distant friends.
"He who has been called to a wider sphere of usefulness, was a good soldier, because of his fidelity. Where he
understood duty to call him, he was ever present. At the bed-side of the sick; in the house of mourning; on the tented
field; in public debate, or in private study, his only aim in life seemed to be, fully to acquit himself of the
responsibility placed upon him.
"Neither the rage of the elements, fear of the scorn of men, nor lust of gain stayed him from such measures, and such
positions as he believed to be right. He was a knightly soldier. He had, for all who differed from him, the broadest
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
669
charity. He stood manfully by his colors, for love of the Master who had placed them in his charge, but never
struck at any opponent a blow nerved by hate, or edged with prejudice. He was so honestlyloyal to the truth, as he
understood it, that he could afford to recognize love of truth, in any honest opponent.
"He was a sagacious soldier. His daily walk and conversation proved to the world, the pleasure he found in the
service in which he had enlisted, and were more powerful than any set discourses, in making that service appear
inviting to others. Although given to debate, it was through zeal for the right, rather than through love of
contention, and he could argue without quibbling, and contend without quarreling. He assailed no position, without
first going thoroughly over the ground.
"He aimed to know, not only the movements of his friends; but every advance among his opponents, and this constant
vigilance frequently led him to be among the first to see in measures, theories, propositions, or movements feared
by his comrades, much, favorable to the truth and to the cause he upheld. He believed himself engaged in a service
worthy his highest possible efforts, and demanding his utmost skill.
"In no direction was he more diligent, than in thoroughly equipping himself for his duty. He was a tireless student.
He sought not only the facts which fortified positions already taken, but he aimed, conscientiously, to give just
weight to facts, even when they seemed to make previously assumed positions pregnable. Thus he could not fail to be
a progressive man.
"His record in these particulars, is one which may be remembered with tender pride by the friends he left behind, but
the sweetest consolation memory offers, is in the thought that he was a thoroughly lovable man.
"He drove no man from him. At his funeral, and by the side of his grave, were no divisions of sect. While there was
mourning among the churches of his own denomination, there was no less mourning among churches of other denominations,
and among people belonging to no denomination.
"His religion had been a religion of sunshine rather than shadow; of earnest striving that all souls might be saved,
rather than speculations as to how many must be lost; of responsive smiles for all happy hearts; and of quick sympathy
for all poor, afflicted and distressed; of brave championship of the weak; and of rare self-sacrifice.
"The drifts of winter cover his grave, but the memory of his life is as the memory of a summer day, rich with songs of
birds, and the beauty and perfume of flowers."
A. T. T.
LEONARD PERKINS BARROWS.
The pioneer settlers of the Western Reserve, as is generally known, were directly or indirectly "New Englanders."
Among others, who emigrated to the then "New Connecticut" in 1828, we find the name of Spencer Barrows, a man who was
born in the State of Maine, and reared in sight of Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts, from the age of six to nineteen years,
when fortune placed him in the "Old Granite State," in a township known as Grantham, and where, at the age of twenty-two,
he married Lydia, daughter of Jacob Thrasher. Two years later, we find him located in Crown Point, New York. Here he
lived until 1828, additions from time to time having been made to his household, until nine children made up the sum of
his family circle. With these he made his way to the then "far west," (except one, who died in infancy), and took up his
670
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
abode in Shalersville, Portage county, Ohio. Here he remained until the spring of 1831, two daughters having, in the
meantime, been added to those imported, when he came to Troy, and settled on the northeast quarter of section eight,
known as the "Mead section," and here, on the 12th of May, 1833, the subject of this sketch was born. Passing over
his childhood and early youth, which was mostly spent in what is known by the general name of "devilty," we find him,
at the age of eighteen, a carpenter's apprentice, and which trade he followed until he was master of its details.
January 1, 1857, he married Caroline, daughter of Ziba and Charlotte Harrington, and this event, as with thousands of
others, proved the turning point of his life. The spring following, he was elected constable, and in performing the
duties of that office, he first turned his attention to the study of law, and this, together with the advice of friends
who were following that profession, led him to take up the study in earnest. Farming some, and studying more, we find
him in the winter of 1859-60, in the Ohio State and Union Law College of Cleveland, intending to enter the graduating
class of 1861-2. This arrangement was frustrated by the Fort Sumter affair, and its consequences. In the first call for
three hundred thousand, the Ninth Ohio battery was organized, in which, at the instance of Gen. W. B. Hazen, he was
commissioned first lieutenant, was mustered into the United States service October 11, 1861, and received his commission
the 20th of November following. Remained in the service until August 3, 1862, when he resigned, and returned to Troy.
He occupied his time on the farm until the call for five hundred thousand in January, 1864, when, although offered a
commission, he again enlisted as a private in the same battery, in which he had previously held command. He was
appointed corporal June 9, 1864, and promoted sergeant November 20, 1864. He was one of the renowned "squirrel hunters"
called by Governor Tod, to defend Cincinnati in September, 1862, having command of a company, and was first sergeant
of the company of State militia organized in Troy, July 4, 1863. Was finally discharged from the United States service,
July 25, 1865, when he returned to the pursuit of farming, and study of law.
At the fall election of 1867, he was elected justice of the peace, commissioned as such by Governor Cox, October 23d
of same year, for the term of three years.
At a term of the district court of the State of Ohio held in Chardon, on the 21st of August, 1868, he was admitted to
practice law in the several courts of the State of Ohio, as attorney-at-law and solicitor in chancery. Continuing the
practice and study of the law on the farm and over the cheese vat, he was admitted to practice as an attorney and
counsellor-at-law, and solicitor in chancery; and as proctor and advocate, in the circuit court of the United States,
for the northern district of Ohio, said commission dating at the city of Cleveland January 14, 1875.
A post of the G. A. R. organized in 1871, elected him as its first commander.
From 1872 till 1876 inclusive, he was proprietor of the Maple Grove cheese factory.
When the "Murphy wave" reached here, in the spring of 1877, he became an ardent advocate of the principles of
temperance, and at the organization of the Murphy society, was made chairman of the executive committee, which
position he yet holds.
Mr. Barrows is also a respected member of the Masonic fraternity, is an Odd Fellow, and an ardent granger.
In summing up this sketch, we find a strange anomaly. We find a man fitted by nature to do honor to his constituents
in the legislature, shoving the bench plane. We find a man of a logical turn of mind, compounding rennet, anatto, and
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
671
milk. We find a man who might, if he should choose, step into the front rank of his profession, engaging himself
in agriculture. We have no word to offer against his occupation as a farmer (he is a good one), if that occupation
is congenial to his taste. Yet it seems almost wasteful, that the talent of which no one denies to him the possession,
should be allowed to remain, comparatively, inactive.
In person, Mr. Barrows partakes largely of the Thrasher type; straight and tall, standing over six feet in his
stockings; eyes black, to the assistance of which, he usually calls a pair of spectacles. Hair nearly black, now well
sprinkled with frost.
Having reached the age of nearly forty-six, he, doubtless, has no aspirations toward the judicial bench, but will be
content to spend his days in the town of his birth, known by the familiar name of "Perk," respected and confided in,
by his townsmen and acquaintances at large, and lending aid to every good work.
W. H. C.
>small>SIMEON L. CHAPMAN.
Instances are by no means rare, wherein an accident may have been the means of changing the whole current of an
individual's personal career through life. The subject of this sketch, is a case in point. Simeon L. Chapman,
youngest son of Orsamus and Margaret Chapman, was born in Newbury, Geauga county, Ohio, August 23, 1847. He was one
of quite a numerous family, nearly all of whom live within an easy distance of the homestead. All the sons are farmers
by occupation, with this one exception, and there is no good reason why he would not have followed the same vocation,
but for an accident. The winter following his ninth birth-day, he, with other lads of his age, engaged in the pastime
of snow-balling, on a day so warm that the balls packed to the hardness of ice. The following day the sport was
resumed, the boys using the ammunition of the day previous, in the course of which one of those congealed missiles
struck Simeon on one of his legs, and which culminated in a fever sore. After his partial recovery it was urged upon
his father to send him to school, but for some reason the parent did not endorse the proposal. When he was about
seventeen years old his father died, and Perry Morton, then of Parkman -- a brother-in-law -- became his guardian.
Mr. Morton at once sent him to school, and his proficiency was such that he shortly found himself engaged as a
pedagogue. Teaching and study were his occupation, till about the first of November, 1868, when he married Flora,
eldest daughter of Orrin and Julia Morton. He had at this time so far recovered from his injury as to feel competent
to engage in farming, and to this end he purchased a farm of some fifty or sixty acres, situated in Troy. The
experiment proved that he had miscalculated, as he could not bear the strain which that class of labor demanded, and
returned somewhat to the occupation of school teaching.
In the spring of 1873 he was elected constable for Troy township, and was re-elected the following year. In the spring
of 1875 he was elected township assessor, the duties of which he performed so satisfactory that he held that office
four consecutive years. At the county convention held in Chardon, in the fall of 1877, he was nominated to the office
of treasurer on the first ballot, and, of course, was elected. September 1, 1878, he assumed the duties of his office,
and, as a consequence, removed to Chardon. Whether flattering to himself or not, it is a simple fact, that his bond
for one hundred thousand dollars, required by
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HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
the commissioners of incumbents of that office, was cheefully endorsed by his fellow townsmen and others. At the
county convention, held in August, 1879, he was re-nominated by acclamation, and in October, of the same year, was
reelected as his own successor. He is a man of generous impulses, and is seldom known to refuse a favor, which he
can consistently grant.
Chapman is a member, in good standing, of Western Phoenix lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and of Chardon Chapter,
No. 106, R. A. M. also of Auburn Lodge, No. 226, Independent Order of Odd fellows, in which he has acceptably filled
all the offices except two, and those he declined, although urged to accept them -- the one, treasurer; and the other,
permanent secretary. He is also a charter member of Welshfield grange, patrons of husbandry, No. 1,293, and filled
the office of secretary from the date of its organization, till his removal to Chardon, and all this, perhaps, in
consequence of a ball of ice. Mr. Chapman is now in full manhood, and there seems to be no reason why he should not
in the future, as in the past, gain and hold the confidence and respect of all who may come to know him.
W. H. C.
EDWARD PAYSON LATHAM.
By the express command of Judge Taylor, who -- without consulting Mr. Latham, assumes the responsibility -- the
recording pencil is again sharpened, in order to transfer to the pages of this history a very imperfect sketch of
the man whose name appears at the head of this paragraph. What is written is entirely from memory, not a scratch of
data or record being at hand.
E. P. is a son of R. R. and Amanda Latham, and was born in 1839. His childhood, boyhood, and youth, were passed,
without any special incident, other than his marriage, which event occurred in 1858, before he had reached his majority.
His wife is only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Vanzandt, and their only child is a daughter, now the wife of Mr.
Adelbert Truman.
When the first call was made for 300,000 men, Mr. Latham was one of the many who responded in Troy, and selected the
Ninth Independent Battery as his choice of service. He applied for, and was given, the position of "No. 1," in a
detachment of cannoneers. His experience as a soldier, was nothing unusual, until the 18th of June, 1862, when he met
with a terrible catastrophe, which deprived him of both his hands and an eye, the details of which are given elsewhere.
As soon as he was able to leave the "Gap," General G. W. Morgan placed an ambulance at his disposal, giving his
father (who had gone after him), instructions to "take his own time in making the trip to Lexington.
Before his enlistment, he had followed the vocation of peddler, but being now physically incapacitated for resuming
that occupation, he invested his limited means in purchasing the old Latham homestead, on section ten, and employed
his time in the business of cattle dealer.
After a few years, he had accumulated sufficient wherewith to close out his payments on his real estate, when he sold
it, and negotiated for the ownership of a large portion of the original John Dayton farm, and took up his residence
thereon.
In 1869, a stock company built a cheese factory in his immediate vicinity, known as the Spring Brook Factory. After a
few years, the company saw fit to disband, when Mr. Latham became owner of a controlling number of shares, and
eventually of the whole property, which he yet retains.
His success as a business man is all that he could desire. His "handwriting,"
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
673
is fair, and legible, and his signature is decidedly business-like, and, what is more, it is readily taken at the
banking house of Boughton, Ford & Co., as an endorser. He is called to hold important positions among his fellow-men;
has been at the head of the county agricultural board; has been commander of "Pool Post," G. A. R.; has been master of
Welshfield grange; is now one of the township trustees; and is usually a delegate to the district and county conventions.
He can "handle" a horse, or a span of horses, better than half the men who are endowed with two good hands. He was
"grandfather" before he was forty -- an incident somewhat unusual.
It would be difficult to find another man who would bear the deprivation, which he was compelled to do, with as much
cheerful philosophy.
Mr. Latham's income, together, with his pension, are ample to support him and his, through life, yet it is doubtful
if any one could be found, who would voluntarily change placces with him.
Known familiarly among a large circle of acquaintances by the abbreviated name of "Payes," he bids fair to spend his
days in the township, wherein he first saw the light.
W. H. C.
CONCLUSION.
To the people of Troy, let me say: My efforts as a "historian" are completed. Every word--excepting the biographical
sketch of Rev. E. D. Taylor, and the resolutions adopted by Welshfield grange, at the time of his decease -- was written
by "my mine own hand."* After having seen the "matter" as it appears in type, and having had an opportunity to scan
its grammatical construction, the writer feels, more than ever before, his lack of literary culture; and, were the MS.
again in his possession, in the condition of "live copy," it would be consigned to a place under the traditional
"fore-stick," before it should run the gauntlet of the printer's scrutiny.
But it is now in "print," and will soon be in the hands of its readers. Some will, doubtless, receive it with silent
satisfaction; more will subject it to sharp criticism; while the majority will greet it with supreme indifference.
To each and all, let me say: I have done the best I could.
CLEVELAND, OHIO, March 11, 1880.
W. H. C.
___________________
* It will be seen that many repetitions occur. These, for apparently good reasons, were seemingly
unavoidable. Repeated demands for the MS. by the county publishing committee, and as repeated
return of the same, are among the reasons.
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