Geauga County, Ohio - Chapter 5: Appendix to Previous History, 1880

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

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, andW. VV. James. The leading features of the display were the decorating committee, composed of thirtyeight 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.

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 bv 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 nd dusty, was pleasant, and a large audience was in attendance. Decoration day does not bid fair to pass unnoticed for years to come.

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.

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:

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 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, "3d* 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 bam belonging to L T. Bradley, and was burned during the night of July 3, 1872.

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.

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 i860 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.

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.

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 w?ere 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 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

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 La verne 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 Aw/ 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 superintend-

* 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.

ent, 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 route, 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

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" burglar)' 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 instances, 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 need. Those of our citizens who attended the burial of Reed Burroughs, in 1813, will, doubtless, observe a marked contrast between then and nou>, 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,f 88; Deacon Ziba Pool,t 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,t Thomas Scott, Nelson Bentley, Mrs. Luther Chapman and James Hoxter, 70.

Floating on the borders of seventy years are Williatn 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 prohably 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.

- 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.

§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.

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

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 yEsculapius, 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 n, 1879, and was first occupied by the remains of Emily, wife of Benjamin Cooper, which was deposited therein January7 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 wo 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

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 Welsh field 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 'overthe 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 w ith 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 thegiange. 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,

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) regtilarly 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 tw0 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 post-

*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, fora 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.

master, 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 Wiliam 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 4 4 son" - has been custodian of the United States mails at the "Welsh field" 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 Qf a half section of land. Among the larger farms, is that of D. L. Pope, containing three hundred and sixty-five 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 reducea 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 fiftythree acres.

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 bam, 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.

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, 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.

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 midale 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.

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.

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.

Punderson creek - an outlet of Punderson pond in Newbury - flows into a small pond, located near the northeast comer of section twenty-one. From this pond, a small stream traverses a portion of section twenty, emptying into Bridge creekl

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 i860, 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.

The "Troy Hotel" - D. M. Marcy, proprietor, - is a commodious building, having a front of twenty-five bv 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.