Stark County, Ohio - Yil, 1881 (part 2 of 2)

As reference has been had to that excellent man. Rev. Edward Fenwick, it is deemed proper to state that in 1821 he was consecrated Bishop, his diocese being in the States of Ohio. Indiana, Illinois and the Western Territories, the diocese being known as the " Diocese of Cincinnati." In 1823, he administered the rite of confirmation to eight or ten persons in Law- rence Township, among whom was the respected Mr. Patton. so frequently- and necessarily named in this sketch. The 3-car 1832 will i)e remembered by some; yet livin<j as the first year of that frightful scourge, the Asiatic cholera. In that year, Bishop Fenwick went on an extensive Episcopal visitation through Michigan and Wisconsin, returning through Northern Ohio, taking Canton en route to Cincinnati, and traveling liy stage coach. On his arrival at Massillon accompanied b}' one of the Sisters of Charity, it was made known to the person having the hotel in charge at which the coach stopped that the Bishop was very ill. lie was urged to stop, and was assured of every attention the house could furnish, the proprietor being absent from town. The Bishop, however, thought he could go on with safety, and did go on. That night he died in Wooster. of cholera. He was attended by Drs. Bisscll and Coulter and a black boy. The hotel at which he died was kept by Samuel Coulter, one of the early residents of Canton. The rite of confirmation referred to, administered by Bishop Fenwick, was at the house of Mattliew Patton, about twenty rods west of the Stark County liue. At this time there are about one hundred families who compose the congregation of St. Philip and St. James, Rev. Father Zattman being the priest in charge.

The first Presbyterian preaching in the township was by Rev. James Adams, ivhose name appears elsewhere in these sketches. lie preached first at the house of John Morehead, and was a thorough believer in the doctrine that " by faith shall all men lie justified." At that time the Presbyterian Church was strong and inttuential on the west side of the river. The members were of the hardy Scotch Irish peojjle of Western Pcnn.sylvania, who, as has been said elsewhere in these sketches of the Quakers. " Bore with liberty and law the Bible in their train." With such antecedents, Lawrence coidd not nor has ever been a second-rate township. Us present population is G,000. It has the growing and enterprising village of Fulton, the post office of which is known as Canal Fulton, situate in the northern end of the township, and nearly in the northwestern corner.

Rowland, l']s(i., afterward prominent as a Justice of tlie I'eace, on the organization of the township and in the history of the county, and died in 1821. The township had a decided military taste, as it furnished no less than four Colonels of regiments, on what the late (Jov. Corwin, in his celebrated speech in reply to (Jen. Crary, called the " peace establishment." Their names were Isaiah Bowen. William Alban. William Ivlliott, and, at a later date, Jacob Harsh. Col. Bowen was a millwright by trade, and did much of the millwright work west of the Tuscarawas Hiver, in the now County of Stark, and also did the millwright work on the first mill built in Perry Township, known as Folger's mill. John Sturgeon, also a military man and millwright, worked with Isaiah Bowen, was a son-in-law of Matthew Rowland, Esq., and is believed to have erected the first dwelling house in the village of Milan. James O'Boyle, incorrectly written -Boiles," was Captain of a rifle company, made up of many of the young men of the township, and known as the '' Kendal llifle Blues. ' Their place for muster, exercisi! and drill was on the North square, in Kendal. The company retained its organization but a few years, but during its existence was regarded as a ' crack " company. To those who remember the military spirit called into existence by the war of 1812, with Creat Britain, it is a little remarkable to witness the degeneracy of that spirit in later days. In those early times, the citizen-soldier felt that he was the right arm of the Federal Government. Xo West Point graduate excelled him in patriotism or bravery, and as Indian fighters, the hardy pioneers of what was then the frontier settlements yielded to nobody, whether he regulated his ideas of fighting liy subtle criticisms on strategy and careful reviews of marches, sieges, battles, regular and casual, and irregular onslaughts, or whether he fought by the practical notion of the devil take the hindmost," the pioneer settler was always ready, and made his faith manifest by his works ; and of such were the men who peopled the Tuscarawas Valley, as soon as the right to take peaceable possession under the treaties already relerrod to was guaranteed to them.

Kerstetter, in 1814, alreaily referred to, and was finally destroyed by fire, while owned by tbe late Cyrus Young. At an early day, another mill was built, on Fox Run, by Col. Isaiah Bowen, which proved of little value.

Home three ye.irs before the organization of the township, (ieorge H irsh removed into the territory then known as Tuscarawas Township. In 1812, he had sent his son John from Washington County. I'ennsylvania, who purchased 100 acres of land from Col. William Goudy, who liad purchased the quarter-section, the same rroudy who had erected the mill. The hu;i Iri'd acres purchased b^' John is the same land now owned by John Jacobs, of Massillon, anil which has been most fruitful in its yield of mineral coal of the best quality. On the arrival of Mr. Harsh, the father, he entered the quarter adjoining the 100 acres already' purchased, on the north, at the Government land office. That quarter is now owned b}' the only surviving son, Hon. George H.xrsh, of Massillon, and on which is situate the celebrated Mountain Coal Mine." The father, George Harsh, died August IG, 1833, aged seventy-three years. His wife survived him ten years, and died at tlie age of seventy-six. He was married twicj, having by his first marriage two sons, Henry and John. Henry lived in Virgina, now West Virginia, and John in Wa3'ne County, Ohio. B,)th have been dead many years. By the second marriage he had Benjamin, Joseph. Jacob, Barbara and George, now sole survivor of the family, in his seventy-second year. Of the descendants of Leonard Kerstetter, but two grandsons ramain. David and D.uiiel, and one granddaughter, Mrs. Daniel Kleckner. Tlie descendants were numerous, and contributed largely to the growth and prosperity of the township. Leonard Kerstetter served in the war of the Revolution, and had two sons in the war of 1812.

The first Presbyterian Church edifice in the township was built in the northwest corner, and was known as Newman's Creek Presbyterian Church. The congregation was composed of members from the townships of Chippewa, Baughmau and Sugar Creek, in Wayne County, and of those living north of Newman's Creek in Stark County. The first Presbyterian minister was Rev. James Adams, who resided in Sugar Creek Township, Wayne Count}'. He was succeeded by Rev, James Galbraith and Rev. James Snodsfrass. on the west side of the river, who preached occasionally at Newman's Creek. Of the early Presbyterians tiie names of Porter, Lytle, McCaughey, McDowell, Fulton, Mo'reEead, 'VVilkins, Alban, Whitcraft. Tate and many others, Scotch, Irish and the descendants of Scotch-Irish Presljj'terians, from Western Pennsylvania, will alwa3's be found prominent. In June, 1812, the cliurch was reiUDVed to Fulton, Rev. Jonas Denton being Pastor, and James Lee, Richard Porter, William Alban, and Thomas Ritchie, Elders. During the long period that has elapsed since the organization of Newman's Creek Presbyterian Church, being more than sixty years, the Presbyterians have had the stated preaching of the Gospel in the township, and are now growing and increasing under the ministry of Rev. Mr. Carson ; D. C. McDowell. Andrew Lytle and John Porter, Elders. -

In 1826, under the impetus given to the improvement of the country generally, by the locating of the Ohio Canal, the village of Fulton was laid out b}' William Christmas and Jamjs W. Lathrop, both of whom resided at Canton, and was, on the opening of canal navigation, a most important point for the purchasing of produce of all kinds. Among its merchants, the first was Henry A. Stidger, a nephew of Gen. George Stidger, one of the first rasrchants of Canton, and also an Associate Judge ; he, however, did not remain. He went to Carrollton, in Carroll County, where he has remained, having been a prominent citizen of that county seat ever since its organization. During his long residence in that county he has been Brigadier General, and held other oiiiees of distinction, and it is said of him that he has on hand some of the identical goods which stocked his store in Fulton, fifty six 3-ears ago.

The Ohio Canal, when opened from Cleveland to Massillon, in 1828, was the great highway and medium of transportation through the State of Ohio, as far as finished. It brought a new people into the State, especially along its line, some of whom were of the hardy adventurers who, years before, had been traders up the Cuyahoga, from Cleveland to the Cuyahoga Portage, across the Portage to the head-waters of the Tuscarawas, and down that river through the navigable streams already described, as far as interest or enterprise might offer inducements to go. Once on the Tuscarawas, as far south as Clinton, in Franklin Township, in the now county of Smninit, the via.y was open to New Orleans and the (iiilf. One trader, who used to boast of liis enterprise and success, was Capt. Henry Chirke. well recollected by the writer, in ISliti, as an explorer along the line of the canal, and afterwanl as a hotel-keeper at New I'ortage and the now city of Akron. Capt. Clarke, in telling his experience, on one occasion while the building of the canal was progressing, said he had transported salt from Cleveland up the Cuyahoga in canoes, and packed it in sacks on horseback over the I'ortage, an<l taken it down the Tuscarawas Valley and sold it out by the half-pint to the retailers. Those who remember Capt. Henry Clarke will recognize the likeness of the man in the story just related.

Prominent among the (^arly business and successful operators in Fulton was the late John Uobinson, Ksq. Mr. Robinson was trained to the profession and business of a merchant, under tlie care of Judge William Henry, commencing his apprenticeship in the brick building on the extension of Cherry street, in the now city of Massillon, as early as 1823. On the locating of the canal and the laj'ing out of Fulton. Judge Henry, with that shrewdness that marked his character, established Mr. Robinson in business, the lirm being J. Robinsou <fc Co. Mr. Robinson, being a man of strict business habits, and e(iually strict in all other respects, commailded the business of the entire surrounding country, including the northern part of Wayne 0>unty. The post ofiice. which had been originally kept by iVmzi D. Mecse, and while, in his hands, discontinued, was re-established, and Mr. Robinson appointed I'ostmaster, and Fulton took a start and attained a prominence as a business point, that it has kept. Many of the best buildings for business purposes in the village, and which gave the plac^e a start, were erected by Mr. Robinson, or through liis influence. In 18:56, he purchased the interest of Judge Henry, who had never advanced any capital, or if any, it was merely nominal, and continued business in his own name up to to the time of his death, which occurn^d in the city of I'hiladelphia, April 14, 18t;o.

The merchant longest in l)usincss in Fulton at this time is John Mobley. vvho has resided there forty-six years, and has succeeded amid all the chansies of almost half a century, and

In 1858, a general law was passed liy the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, authorizing the forming of municipal incori)orations, and the citizens of Fulton availed themselves of its provisions and became an incorporated village, including tin- old town of Milan, under the name of the Incorporati^d Village of Fulton, since which its growth has [h-ou steady and permanent.

The first lawyer in Fulton was the late William 51. Cunningham, Ksq., who opened an office in 1842 ; was a Justice of the Peace, and acvpiired prf)perty ; removed to Akron, where he died.

The first teacher of a school in the township was Alexandei' Porter, who opened a school in a log house, built on the farm of William Alban in 1816. It seems he taught but one year, when George Waggoner took charge of the school, and wielded the birch and ferule, as the backs of the boys bore witness. Next to him was Stephen Casscl, who was First Lieutenant of the Kendal Rifle Blues, and was a man of taste and culture ; he removed to Holmes County, and remained until his life's work ended.

An important item in the history of Fulton is the Stark County Orphans' Institute, a correct history of which has ne\ei- been written, and probably never will be. The following, however, is believed to be as nearl}- correct as will ever appear : In 1837 or 1838. there came to the then village of -Massillon :i merchant by the name of Osec Welch, and a certain Dr. John (!ook Bennett; there came also a produce dealer from Buffalo, N. Y., bj" the name of Henry Roop. who had a brother residing in Paris, Stark County, Ohio, and who had resided there many ^-ears. There was also in existence, at that time, an institution known as the Granville Alexandrian Society, having a charter as a literary society, which was granted early in 1807, and during the mania for banking, at the close of the war of 1812, it was claimed that the Library Company of Granville had banking powers, and it at once commenced to exercise those powers by opening an office of discount and deposit. In the (trash which followed the chartering of the Hank ol'thc I'nited States, in 1810. the Granville Alexandrian Society, and the bank established under the provisions of its charter, went down with a crash. Bv some means, Henry Roop got possession of the charter, and under it re-organized the Bank of Granville, and it appeared to be a success. Dr. Bennett and Osee Welch, seeing the probable success of Roop's eflbrt, got a charter through the Ohio Legislature for " The Universal School of Massillon." Bennett got into extremely bad odor and left for parts unknown, and was not iieard of for many years, when he turned up as Maj. Gen. John Cook Bennett, Commander-in- Chief of the Nauvoo Legion. He had joined the Mormons at Nauvoo ; he made an unsavory record there, renounced JMormonism and wrote a book disclosing the iniquities of the Latter- Day Saints. The appearance of the book was the last that is known of Maj. Gen. John Cook Bennett, M. D., and Commander-in-Chief of the Nauvoo Legion.

The charter of the " Universal School of Massillon," not being sufficiently liberal to allow all that Osee Welch desired as a banking institution, a new charter was obtained for the Stark County Orphans' Institute. The object as expressed in the charter was to found an institution for the benefit of orphans, somewhat upon the plan of the Charity School of Kendal. The first, almost, that the public knew of its existence was the issuing of paper of the likeness and similitude of bank notes dated at Fulton, liy wiiich the "Stark County Orphans' Institute" promised to pay the amount therein named to the bearer. It being an unauthorized banking institution, the paper would not circulate ; Welch was unable to give it credit, having none of that article on hand for himself Another difficulty was a defect in the engraving ; the notes were dated at Fulton, but the name of the State was left off, and the affair seemed to be still-born. It was not long, however, until new notes were engraved, dated at Fulton, Ohio, in which the " Orphan Institute's Bank '' promised to pay, etc. Welch, who was the first President, seemed to have stepped down and out. Marvin Oviatt, of Medina County, was President and John Black, Cashier. Almost every farmer in the neighborhood and many in the neighboring townships of Baughman, Greene and Chippewa, in Wayne County, were induced to take stock in the bank, and in order that all should go right, new men were to have the management. A man by the name of Richard Huliljell, represented to be a capitalist of almost fabulous wealth, was to be the manager, but the plan would not nor did not succeed. Many of the honest and unsuspecting farmers who went into it were ruined. In 1842, suits were commenced against them under the provisions of an old law then in force, prohibiting unauthorized banking, and finally the Stark County Orphans' Institute, and the Orphan Institute's Bank, with all its assets, real and personal, were sold Dut by the Sheriff. More than forty years have elapsed since the events connected with the institution transpired. Most of those who were connected with the unfortunate affair are dead. Their last days were embittered l)y relentless claimants, who brought suit in all the counties of the State wherein service of process could be had upon them. Many were reduced from a competence to poverty. Welch took the benefit of the Bankrupt Act of 1841, and finally removed to Galena, 111., and has been dead many jears. It took a long time for Fulton and the surrounding neighborhood to recover from the paralysis occasioned bj' the effort to establish a bank without authority of law and without pecuniary responsibilit\-. It has, however, long since recovered, and is the peer of an^' village of its population - now about twelve hundred - in Ohio. Its railway connections and mineral and agricultural surroundings assure its continued prosperity. The township contains several hamlets erected by miners, principal among which are Youngstown Hill, Maple Grove, and Williamsburg, which includes Aberdeen Coal Mines.

The village of Lawrence, laid out in 1852, by the late Hon. Arnold Lynch and Philip McCue, Esq., on the southwest and southeast (juarters of Section 20, is a village of growing importance. It is situate on both sides of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway, and is known in the list of post offices as North Lawrence.

Among the men of decided prominence in this township, of a later period, Cyrus Young will occupy an important position on the historic stage. He was, perhaps, as well known to the writer as to any person in the county, out of his own family or immediate connections. Mr. Young was descended from one of the oldest families in Jackson Township. His grandfather, Frederick Young, was born in Bedford County, Penn., in 1777, and moved from there to Jackson \ Township, Stark Co., Ohio, and settled near Mud Brook, where he lived until his death. Adam

Yoiini;,- fallun- of Cyrus Yonii^:. was born in Bedford County. Penn., Decenihor 28, 17!)9, and eamo to Ohio, wiiere he resided with his father until twenty -six years of ago, when he was married to Christina Sprankel. wiiose m:\iden name was Kirk, a sister of Jacob Kirk, one of the first two Justices of the Peaee elected in Jackson Township. Mrs. Young's first husband is supposed to have been Christian Sprankel. who was killed by the falling of a tree. Bv iier marriage with Adam Young she had two children - Cyrus Young and Julia A. Young, now Julia A. Myers. On removing into Lawrence Township. Adam Young lived for a short time near the mill erected by Col. William (^oudy, on Newman's Creek, since owned by Leonard Kerstettei. Alexander Culbertson. John Sprankel and others. After leaving that place, he removed to the farm known as the Stauflfer farm, in 1827; resided there two years, when he purchased the "Old Young Farm." now owned by John Myers, Esq.. where he resided until his death. Cvrus Y^oung was born in Jackson Township October 23, 1824. and lived with his parents in a log cabin until eighteen years of age. taught school from seventeen until nineteen years of age, went to Indiana and taught one winter, then returned and followed farming until twenty-four years of age. In 1848. he was married to Margaret Sheafl'er. and followed farming and threshing with a machine until 18,53. when he moved to the farm on which he died, and whicli was known as the old Kerstetter farm, and one of the first cleared up after the organization of the townshi)). The following notice of Mr. Young's death appeared in the Massillon Awrn'cini of April 27. 1881. and is deemed worthy of a place in the history of the townslii[).

The death of ilr. Young occurred under circum- .stances so peculiarly distressing a.s to almost ren der description impossible. In the morning of the day of his death he was seen on the streets of this city, attending to his ordinaiy l)usiness and in usual heidth, and went from here to Lawrence to attend to so.nie l)usincss in connection with the ruiniiiig of a portable sawmill near that place, and wliile. as is siip|iosed. endeavoring to adjust some of the niaeliincry eiiiHiected with tlie steam engine, his clothing was e:iuglit. and he was drawn in and crushed to deatli ill less time than can he imagine<l. Leaving his house and lioniein the niorniug, in perfect liealth, he was taken back before noon - a corpse! Althougli there were tlu-ee persons, at least, about the mill, not one saw the terrible accident, and how it occurred is left to tlieories lliat may, or may not, be correct.

Such was the niiiidity with which the machinery was running that he was stripped of all his clothing, except his iieik-hiuidkerc.hicf and a small portion of his uiidenlolluini. Mr. Y'oung was a native of .Jackson Township: born October 23, 1824. By means of large eoal interests, he had acquired an ample fortune, consisting of farms in Stark, Wayne and Medina Counties, and heavy coal interests in Stark County and in Hocking Valley, the entire value of which is variously estimated. He was a man of positive character lind more than ordinaiy native ability. Starting out in life without any means, or but little, and inariying early, he met his responsibilities by liard labor. "in which he was aided bv a most faithful and excellent wife. who. with nine cliildieii, survives him, and who. in their sorrowstricken condition, have tlu' sympathy of hosts of friends. Few gentlemen, iiiiy wliere, have any more of life's comforts aroiiii<l theiii than had Mr. Votnig, and no one provided for his large family with more princely generosity, 'fakeii away in the prime of his life, he leaves, in his circle of relatives and friends, a void that can never be filled. On Sabbath day his remains were laid away in the cemetery in this city, in the picseiice of aii immense concourse of people from city and coimtry, and where

On moving on to the Kerstetter farm, which which was the southeast quarter of Section 36, Mr. Young soon ascertained that he had a fortune iu the far-famed Massillon coal. Mines were opened on the tract which yielded sufficiently to lay the foundation of the fortiiiu' wliici Mr. Young had at the time of his dc^ath which was very large, there being few in the county equal to it.

Another family prominent in the settlement anil organization of the township was that of Hichard Hardgrove, who settled on the west side of the Tuscarawas River in 1812. He was one of the first two Constables elected iu the township, and held other important positions, until his death, which occurred in 1843. He left a large family of sons and daughters, many of whom still reside in the township.

I the earliest Abolitionists in the township. On the subject of human slavery he was outspoken, I and aided in organizing the old Free Soil and j Liberty Party in tlie county, of whom so few are left. These brothers were farmers, and did I as much to give character to the township as I any whose names are found on its I'ecords.

Fulton, like every other place where the I ubiquitious newspaper has a "local habitation I and a name, " lias been called on to witness the I changes that follow in the wake of that great factor in advancing civilization. In these latj ter days, no one thinks of being without his I newspaper, daily nr weekly, as circumstances I maj' justify.

I In 1S72, a Mr. Roberts, from somewhere in Richland County, commenced the publication of a weekly newspaper at Fulton, called the Times, but being without means, did not get I beyond tiie third number, and it is said that the thiee numbers he did issue were printed at I other offices, and tiiat ended the initial enterprise. In July. 1873, a stock company was formed, known as "The Herald I'ulilisliing Company;'' A. J. Baughman,of Manstield, Ohio, was secured as editor and general business manager. He published the Fulton Herald for two 3ears, l)Ut giving little attention to the business, the Hinthl went the way of the Times, and ceased to exist. Its circulation was always light. In August, 1875, J. P. Yockey, Escj., took the material of the old office, added to it a complete outfit for a job office, and other new material, and commenced the publication of the Fulton SiynaJ, and has continued it and made it a success. By close attention to his paper, he has got a steadily increased subscription list, does good job work, and is doing a paying business. The SignaJ has become an important factor in the business relations of Fulton, and will retain its position while under the management of its present energetic editor and proprietor.

NIMISHILLEN TOWN.SHIP - ITS EARLY SETTLEMENT - NAM KS OF THE I'lO.NEKKS - LNCIDENT.S - RELFGIOX AND EDUC.VnO.V - E VRLY FRENCH SET I'LKyiS -TOWNS, Er(.;.. ETC.

"I^IMISHILLEX was named after the creek 1 \i which takes its rise mainly in the township. There is a tradition that the stream was named from the black alder which grew verjabundantly along the bank, the Indian name of which is said to be Missilla. Prefix to this word ni, which probably meant stream, or water, and you have Nimissilla, since changed into Nimishillen. Col. Bouquet, a British officer stationed at Fort Pu Quesne (now Pittsburgh), in his published narrative of an expedition through this section in 17()4. gives the orthography of the stream as Keiiienchelus. Whatever ma3- have been the original meaning of this word, it was evidently the one from which the present name has been derived.

half of Section 32 in 1805. and in the following spring, moved out with his family, and commenced an improvement on the east quarter. In the winter of 180(5-7, his son John, then a stout boy, was taken sick with a fever. There was no physician within reach, and, as the boy grew worse, and the family had exhausted their efforts to relieve him without success, the}- sent for the few distant neighbors, who were prompt to respond to the call. Their added experience and domestic remedies proved alike unavailing, aud the poor boy died. It was a terrible shock to the familj'. The mother blamed it all upon the new country, and regretted having left their Eastern home. In this their hour of affiiction. the neighbors were doubly kind, and did what they could to console them. A rough coffin was made out of an old wagon box, and the boj' buried in the woods, some distance from the cabin. It was a solemn occasion, long remembered by the few in attendance. A tiee was cut so as to fall across tho grave, in order to protect the body from tile \voh"es. Bowers sold this quarter to BoUiuger, and made a settlemcut upou the adjoining quarter west. While here, he was elected County Coramissiouer, and afterward Ta.\ Collector, when the ottice was distinct from that of Treasurer. He is yet remembereil passing over the counliy from house to house with a cylindrical tin bo.'v strapped on his back, collecting the taxes. Some j-ears later, he sold the balance of his laud, and purchased a small improved tract in Canton Township, where he died. He was buried in Osnaburg.

John (rans, of Fayette County, Peun., entered the southeast quarter of Section 3, in 180U, and settled thereon same year with his family, consisting of a wife and four children. His son Benjamin, now a resident of hake, was born in Nimishillen in 1807. Mr. (ians belonged to the religious sect known as Tunkers (from the (Jerman tuulccu, to dip), more propei'ly, (Jenuan Bai)tists. He was a preacher among them, and a man of consideraable influence, (^uite a number of the same denomination followed him from Pennsylvania, and settled in central and eastern portions of the county. The Tunkers are a peculiar people ; don't vote or have au3-thing to do with politics ; avoid lawsuits, and in giving testimonj-. do not swear, but always atHrm. They are opposed to war, and evade a draft. Usually wear the hair and beard long from a sense of religious duty, and the dress of both sexes is always plain, and never changed to conform to a popular fashion. As a class, they have not had a very high appreciation of education, especially an educated ministry, believing the Lord would inspire. It was their custom to hold preaching in barns. Latterly, they have taken to church buikhngs of plain construction, and favor a more liberal etlucation.

The .Mathias brothers. Daniel and Jacob, and their father, then a widower, came the same year and from the same county in Pennsylvania as did Gans : they settled on Section 14. Inloading their cooking and farming utensils, the families h!c(>ttncki<t under a tree, until the men erected a cabin. In October. 180G. a child was born to Mrs. Daniel Mathias. the first white child born in the township. Henry Sanor made an opening on the same section. Fie and Jacob Mathias often told the story of hearing the sound of a horn in the north, when the wind was from that direction, and how they were puzzled to know whence it came, or what it meant. At length they determined to find out. So one Suuda}- morning, they started in the direction they had heard the sound, and with an ax blazed their course on both sides of trees they passed, that XX\ny might be able to tinil their way back. In this way, they proceeded between three and four miles as they supposed, when they heard a dog bark. Following this sound, they came to the clearing and habitation of Jesse VVileman, and his son Mahlon, which place is now in Marlborough Township. They had been there some weeks, and thinking there must be other emigrants settling in the vicinity, they bethought themselves of occasionally" blowing the horn, in order to communicate to others tlieir whereabouts.

At this period, Indians were njamiug over the country, and during the season of hunting and fishing, it was their custom to camp along the creek. They were inoffensive, but persistent beggars. They were particularly fond of whisky, and when once indulged with a taste, there was no cessation to their importunities for more " whisk," as they called it. Daniel Mathias brought a keg of several gallons trom Pennsylvania. On the occasion of a call from several of the tribe, he treated them each to a drink. This soon spread among the rest, and it was not long until he was besiegeil by such numbers that liis supply of the stimulant was soon exhausted ; nor would they accept his statement that he had no more, until he exhibited the empty keg, when they made fruitless etlbrts to eke out a few more drops.

There was an Indian trail running east and west, that passed through the township. John Thomiis, a resident of Columbiana County, with the help granted by the Commissioners, had this trail widened so as to make it passable for teams. It was afterward known as the Thomas Itoad," and was the first highway through the county. Much of the road still remains in use, from Lexington, tin Freeburg and Louisville, to Canton. I'enticost & Scott, reputed lawyers, but more properly land speculators, laid out a town on this road, on the southeast quarter of Section 28, and called it Ximishillentown." Daniel L. McClure. the surveyor, made a beautiful plat of the town, which was exhibited to everylwdv from the east as the count}- seat of the new county of Stark. It was laid off in rectangular form, with wide streets, a large square in the center intended for the court house and jail, and other lots appropriated for church and school purposes. They erected a large story and a half log house, which did not have a single piece of sawed timber; all was split and hewn.^ The enterprise proved a failure, mainly because it was considered too far away from the center of the county. The ground was level, had been cleaned of all underbrush, and for years, during the summer months, was a place of resort on Sundays for the young men and boys living miles around, to play ball and pitch quoits.

Henry Loutzenheiser and John Rupert, brothers-in-law, from Westmoreland County, Penn., came out in the summer of 1807. and. with the help of a hireling, made a clearing on the southwest quarter of Section 11, and erected a cabin about twelve feet square. Rupert made a clearing on the adjoining quarter, and built a cabin the same year. Loutzenheiser sold his land a few 3'ears after to Martin Houser, who had been a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and bought the quarter section with all of Ximi shillentown. Michael Rupert, uncle of Henry Loutzenheiser. married or lived with an Indian squaw ; she had by him several children. His brother, .Alartin Rupert, and cousin, Martin Houser, were both taken prisoners during the Revolutionary war by the Indians, while driving cattle to the ai'my.

In 1825, Henry Loutzenheiser built the twostory brick house yet standing in Louisville, the first building of brick in the township. For many years he kept tavern here, sign of the spread eagle ; the house was well known, and was a popular stopping-place for travelers. At that day, most of the traveling was on horseback, and the usual charges for man and lieast over night - supper, breakfast and lodging. :md two horse feeds - was 50 cents. The hicalitjwas known as " Loistzenheiser's,' and was one of the places where " general muster " was held at stated periods. John Augustine was the General ; David Bair. of Paris Tow-nship, the Colonel, and Henry Loutzenheiser, Major. Those were gala days, both for old and young. The parade usuallj- closed with a few figlits, and in the evening there would be a dance.

product of three wives. Notwithstanding latterday achievements, this feat stands unrivaled in the history of Stark County. His first wife was Elizabeth Rupert ; second. Polly Hoover ; third, Polly Spangler. Daniel Brown, living on Section 25, same township, was the father of eighteen cLiildren. During the summer of 1814, two of them, a boy and girl, the former eight, and the latter ten, were lost in the woods. Thej' were sent to bring up the cows. Taking a path which led in tiie direction where the cattle were in the habit of grazing, they came to where it forked. Here they disputed which was the right path, and as thej" would not agree, separated. It appears both were mistaken, as neither led in the direction of the cattle. As a consequence, both of the children wandered on until lost, neither being able to find the way home. The cattle returned without them. The parents, becoming alarnied at their long absence, started to find them. Night overtaking them, they aroused the neighbors, and everybodj' that was able and could be spared turned out. Through the long and dreary night they kept up a din of noises, by shouting and blowing horns, in the hope of attracting the children, but no response came. It was feared they had fallen a prej- to some wild beast, as at that time there were bears, panthers and wolves roaming the forest. Daylight came, and yet no tidings. More persons were procured, and the search continued. About noon, the boy was found at a cabin, in the eastern part of Washington Township, which place he had reached but a short time before. The girl was not found until the .second day, and when first seen was in a thicket gathering lierries, apparently as unconcerned as though she had just left home. When questioned about how she had spent the nights, her reply was, that she had slept on a bed of leaves. It appeared that she anticipated being looked for, and was apparentlj' very little disconcerted.

Nimishillen Township was organized in 180!*. The early records are lost, so that it is impossible to give a list of the first officers elected. There are those still living who remember Daniel Mathias as one of the first Trustees, and Jacob Tombaugh as first Constable. John Hoo\er was an early Justice of the Peace. The northeastern |)art of the township attracted the most settlers, mainly because of the beautiful timber. No larger chestnut and poplar trees coukl lie

Ibiiiul ill thu county. The locality also abounded in ginseng, large quantities of wUicli were collected and sold to the stores, from whence it was shipped East. It was quite a source of revenue, and. at that lime, there was a popular belief that in China it was worth its weight in gold.

The lirst grist and saw mill in the township was built by John Kb)- iu 1811. on Nimishillen Creek, in Section 81. As the country cleared up. and the supply of water began to fall oft', the power became insufficient, and both the mills were linalh' abandoned.

Among the early settlers not already mentioned were .Mathias Bowers, brother of John ; George Werteuberger, Ulrich Shivel3'. John Thomas (the lirst blacksmith), Henry Breyfogle, Henry Warner, John Eby, Michael Trump (the tirsl cabinet-maker and undertaker), John Weller, llarman and Jacob Koontz, Dewalt Buclier (the first tailor), Daniel, David and John Brown (brothers), John Haney, John Hildebraud, Jacob Baughman, William Hoover, Jacob Tombaugh. Michael Ringer, Christian Sollenberger, the Obenours, Hiveleys and Warners. About the first marriage was Abraham Metz to Sally Shively. They were the parents of Dr. Metz, of Massillon, who was born in this township.

The great eclipse of 1811, created (juite a consternation among the settlers. As they had no previous knowledge of its approach, the_\ were at a loss to account for the sudden darkness. Some thought it indicative of an earthquake ; others, that it was the end of the world. Mrs. Mathews was awaj- from home on that day. and, on her reluru, it began suddenly to change Irom sunshine to darkness. It soon became so dark, that she was unable to see the path, and had to stop until the darkness passed away. She was terriblj' frightened. The falling stars of 1 832, was another phenomenon that seriously disturbed those who had the opportunity of witnessing it. It occurred between midnight and daylight, and some, who were out engaged in business not legitimate, regarded it as a manifestation of divine displeasure.

Edward Carl, direct from Ould Ireland," settled in the township in 1811. He was a shoemaker and tanner, and started the (irst tanyard. The Motlit brothers, James, Patrick, Richard and Thomas, early settlers, were clever men. and influential. They were the first Catholics, and fre<iuently hohl worship in jjrivate houses.

In the spring of 1 826, five French families of Alsace, by occupation agriculturists, gathered together their household utensils and farming implements, took ship at Havre de Grace, and, alter a six weeks' voyage, landed in New York. Before the colony were ready to leave New York, one family had only a single five-franc left, nor were any of the rest in a condition financially to help them, so the destitute family was compelled to remain in the city, and engage in work until they could earn sufficient to pay their way farther West. The balance left via Hudson River, New York & Erie Canal to Buf falo, and thence by schooner to Cleveland, a small town on a hill," as described by one of the couqjany. Here the families remained a month, (juarlered in a Ijarn, while the men were traversing the country, looking up a place to settle. It was in the heat of summer, that Theobald Frantz, the leader of the colony, and one other approached Canton from the north, when, at the first view of the town, he saw the cross on St. Johns Catholic Church, and exclaimed, ' ,/e n'irai jjos jjIus loin ; c'est ici que j'ai trouve la premiere croix depuis que nous avoni quitte A^ew York, et c'est ici, pres de cette croix, que Jc metal)/ irai.'

They straightway returned to Cleveland, and began making preparations to move their families and goods into Stark County. This was before the construction of the Ohio Canal, and, as their route was overland, and as they had brought along wagons and harness from France, the lirst business in order was the purchase of horses. In these, they were shamefull\ swindled, as, of the five purchasetl, not a single one could be relied upon as a true puller. They would all balk, and several were vicious kickers. In the first elforts to break them to work, Joseph Badeau was kicked in the bowels, from the effects of which he died in a few hours. Notwithstanding these misfortunes and all their mishaps, they kept up courage and persevered. In their trip to Canton, the horses in going up a hill, would frequently balk and refuse to pull, exhausting every effort to persuade them to pull, and failing, there was no alternative but to unload, and then all hands would assist, and by dint of pushing and pulling succeed in attaining the top of the hill, after which the wagon had to be reloaded. 'J'hey finally reached Canton, and obtained possession of a vacant house on East Tuscarawas street for the families to occupy until the men could purchase permanent homes. After recoiinoiterins; the countr}- on foot and on horseback, Theobald Frantz, Louis Garrot, Jean P. Moinet and the widow of Joseph Badeau all settled in Nimishillen Township, purchasing in Sections 10 and 15. One of the five, named Jonare, purchased and settled in Jackson Township. These were the first Catholic French who settled in the county. There were a few Ornish (Mennonite) French in the county a year or two before. The reports they wrote back to their friends in France of their impressions of this country induced others to follow, and among the early French settlers of Nimishillen may be mentioned Franc.ois Bellot, Zeidor, Faufaunt, Pierre Cunira. Perrot, Chenot, Gerandeau, Favier, Barlet, Abadie, Garandot, Duprea, Favier, Cuniea, Adie and Mongary.

It should be mentioned that bj' the time the families who came over first were settled, their money was exhausted, and some were compelled to engage in labor from home, in order to obtain means for support. Frantz had eight children ; two of the girls worked out. and two of the boys helped to dig the Ohio Canal, at $14 a month. The father tramped out wheat for the neighbors, for the tenth. Mrs. Badeau was endente at the time her husband was killed. She invested her means in the purchase of forty acres of land, and was working in the clearing when taken in labor. In the woods, without shelter and alone, slie had her child, now Frank Badeau, over fifty years of age. He is probably the first Frenchman born in the county.

There must be, at this time, several hundred French families residing in Nimishillen Township, forming an observable feature of the population. As a class, they are industrious, social, inclined to hilarity, law-abiding, honest, pay their debts, and make good neighbors. Tiiey readily assimilate with our native-born, and about the third generation their distinctive peculiarities are obliterated.

Harrisburg was the first town in the township. It was laid out in 1827. by Jacob Harsh. A lame man by the name of Patterson brought the first store. Following him, Jacob Wolfe and Jonas Hoover started a store and tavern together. Wolfe took special charge of the tavern, and it is said to have been kept not unlike the one run at a later day, by his namesake in the West, of which it is presumed our readers have heard. David W. Kowan had a store in Harrisburg, in 1832, and after him, H. H. Myers, both from Canton. The early physicians of the town were Dr. Aberham Stanley and Dr. Soloman Shrive. Henry and Jacob Stambaugij, both farmers, supplied the preaching in the neighborhood. They belonged to the United Brethren Church, and held worship in schoolhouses and barns. Harrislmrg was a more important place and was more widely known fifty years ago than it is now. The i railroad towns have drawn away the trade. A post oflflce was established under the name of Barry ville. May 18, 1830, and Jacob Wolfe appointed Postmaster. It was called Barryville because there was already a po.st office in the State named Harrisburg, and there cannot, under the rules of the Post Office Depai-tment, be two offices of the same name in the same State.

Louisville was located in 1834, by Henry Loutzenheiser and Frederick Faint, joint proprietors, as land belonging to each constituted a part of the plat. It was originally named Lewisville, after a son of Loutzenheiser, but on application for a post office, it was ascertained there was already an office of that name in the State, and at the suggestion of the Post Office Department, the orthography of the names was changed to Louisville. The post office was established March 11, 1837, and Solomon A. (rorgas made Postmaster.

The first organized church in the township was Catholic. It should be mentioned that before this, a building designed for a church and schoolhouse was erected near Harrisburg, through the united efforts of members belonging to the Lutheran and Reformed Churches. Services were held in this building at irregular intervals, by both these denominations, but there never was a legal organization of either. There was a Methodist Church erected in Harrisburg at an early period.

About 183G, a building was erected in Louisville, upon land donated by James Moflit. under the supervision of the Dominican Father at that time in Canton. The first priest stationed in Louisville was Rev. Mathias Wurtz, from Lorraine ; next came Rev. L. de Goesbriand. During his pastorate, the congregation consisted of about forty French families, twenty German and twelve Irish - in all about 400 communicants. During his stay the church building was enlarged, a tower built and a bell pur- chased. In 1846, Rev. I*. Peiuleprat otliciated. lie remained lour years, and was succeeded b^- Rev. Mareclial. who remained but one year. Then came Rev. L. F. D'Arcy. wlio was an enterprising, liberal and zealous man, as he built a scliooliiouse, repaired the church and improved the j^rounds around, spending liis private funds for the benelit of the congregation. Rev. li. Iloffor. the present incumbent, succeeiled |)'.\rcv in ISOI. Since his ailvciut. an academy and college has been erected, and the congregation materiallj- increased.

There were living in the township as early as 183(!. professors of religion who take the name of Brethren in Christ." Jacob SoUenberger, and a neighbor by the name of Rothrock, were among the first. They did not have a building of their own until a late period.

What is known as a Reformed (Muirch was organized in Louisville in Ifid.'i. The lirst members were Jonathan Slusserand wife. .Vdam Fogle, wife and daughters, Elenora and Krama, John and Andrew Sell. The first pastor was Abrani Miller, who served five year.s. He was succeeded by Joshua H. Derr. who remained two and a half years. Following him came J. J. Lebernian, who has continued since, now over eight years. Number of communicants, 100.

Ximisliillen Township has. up to the present time, enjoyed but little of the county oflicial patronage, and that little was more in the way of honor than profit. John Bowers was County Commissioner from 181!) to 1821!, when the pay was from ;>;20 to §25 a year, and no per- (juisites. John Hoover served as Associate Judge one term, and two terms as a member of the Legislature, in 1S22 and 1828. At that time, the Legislature met on the first Monday in December. With a few changes of underclothing, packed in a pair of sacldle-bags, the member-elect would sUirt from home on horseback a week before the opening of the session. It would take him four or five days to make the journey. Then he wanted several days to look around for a boarding house, and find a place to winter his hor.se. Once settled, he never thought of leaving his post of duty until the close of the session. Such was the custom of our legislators in those primitive days. Contrast them with the present.

Among the leading attractions of Loui.sville is the woolen factory of Taylor it Stewart. It was during the spring of 1872 that a Joint stock company was organized for the purpose of establishing a woolen mill at that place. The stockholders were C. L. Juilliard, II. T. Finney, John Werner, Ellas Kssig, J. W. Wertenberger. Dr. J. P. Schilling, L. T. Myers and Etlward Schilling. The mill was erected at a cost of about $17,0(M). including a H.'i-lKn-se power steam engine. The mill was sold to William Taylor in 1877, and he has remained the owner to the present. Mr. Taylor took as a partner in the business, William Flinn, and two years afterward their connection was dissolved. Owing to a desire on the part of Mr. Taylor to retire from business, the factory was leased to his son, John H., and John Stewart, who have actively carried on the business ever since. 1 'nder the management of Messrs. Taylor & Stewart, the partnership has been (|uite successful, producing a superior quality of flannels and yarns. They are making the manufacture of fiainiels a specialty, adhering to the plan of producing pure woolen goods, and this, no doubt, is one of the caiuscs of their success. Their fabrics are found in all the leading dry goods houses of Stark and adjoining counties. Although young men. the proprietors of this establislnnent have, by their luiilivided attention, made it one of the best mills in the county, and one of the chief attractions of tln^ place in which it is situated.

In 1808, I). .M. Shisser and J. W. Werlenberger commenced the mannfactureof Ellis' patent laaskets in what is now the plaining-mill of Essig & Shengle. After a partnership of about eighteen months. Elias Essig was admitted into the (irm. Shortly after this, Mr. Shisser withdrew, and Wertenberger it Essig carried on the business until they were succeeded by Essig & Sluss. It is now in operation under Essig & Hang in the same building in which it first originated.

Elias l';.ssigand Jacob Shengle formed a partnership, in 1875, for the purpose of establishing a planing-mill where Essig & Hang have their basket factory. They occupy a two-story franu' building, :iOx.")((, with an engine house and boiK'r-ioom 18x:5ll, also a warehouse about 20x40 feet. They have all the re(iuisite machinery for carrying on their business in its various branches, which is operated by a 20- horse power steam engine. They tlo a general lumber business, supply building material, latb, shingles, sash, doors, blinds, etc. The firm handle annually an average stock of (100,000 feet of rouij;ii and dressed lumber, 1,200,000 shingles, ], 300, 000 lath, and they transact an annual business of not less than $15,000. The wagon and carriage shop of C. Bonnot & Son was first started as a Champion Plow manufacturing establishment bj- J. H. Penney, M. Gibbs and Monroe Siberling, in 1871 ; but after a short period, the business was discontinued. In 1874, this building was leased to Keira, Finne3' & Newhouse, who placed in the proper machinery and commenced the manufacture of liuseeil oil. In 1876, Juilliard & Co., purchased the business, and this firm in turn was succeeded by Keim & Sons in 1877. Owing tda disadvantage in shipping, together with considerable breakage of machinery, this firm discontinued the business in 1878, and oil manufacturing in Louisville has not since been revived.

The flouring mill of S. Flickinger was established in 1851 by Daniel Chapuis, who conducted the business a number of years, and was succeeded by Louis Faber, wlio in turn was succeeded by Xavier Paumier. After him, the mill passed into the hands of the present owners, S. Flickenger and C. A. Newhouse. Tills partnership continued about ten years, when Mr. Newhouse withdrew from the firm, and Mr. Flickinger has since been sole owner and proprietor. He is a first-class miller, and with the help of his son, carries on a large trade of custom grinding.

Geib & Pontius have a large merchant mill now under construction. This building will be a two-story frame with stone basement, 40x60, and a one-story engine room attached, 20x40 feet. Tliere will be a run of five stone in this mill ; three for wheat, one for chop-feed, and one for middlings, all to be operated by a 70- horse power steam engine. The resources of the surrounding country' will prove this to be one of the leading mills of its kind in the county-.

P. B. Moinet erected a brewery in 1865. He was succeeded by George Dilger. in 1876, who admitted Simon Menegay in 1878. This firm turns out about about 2.000 barrels of beer per annum.

Rogers & Warstler, druggists of the place, manufacture the Peerless Condition l^owders, a drug that is considered, among leading stockmen, the best of its kind in the market. It has a wide sale, and is steadily growing in public favor.

Besides the above, cigar making is carried on to a considerable extent b}' Peter C. Newhouse, J. C. Hartman, William Weber and Jacob S. Oberdorfl['. Rinehart & Sons and C. Bonnot & Sons manufacture and repair wagons, buggies, etc. G. F. Baumann & Sons, tin and copper smiths, dealers in stoves, etc., have a large run in roofing houses with slate and tin. S. Paquelet deals in and manufiictures furniture, and J. G. Prenot is the Louisville harness maker. There are two hotels in the town - the Commercial and the Washington House. The former is kept bj- J. D. Baker, and the latter by Geo. Nuuainaker. Both are doing well.

The place supports two first-class livery stables ; one owned by Lycurgus Wilson, the otUer by Mathias Walker. They both keep first-class turnouts, and are reasonable in their charges. The merchants of the place are Keim & Sons and Pierson & Metzger, hardware ; Julius Thurin, Julius Schwob, D. M. Sluss and L. F. Davis, dry goods and groceries ; D. M. Slusscr and J. M. D'Ostroph, groceries and provisions ; Schilling & Son and Rogers & Warstler, druggists ; Hannah Conrod and 0. Clark, restaurants. Mrs. A. Fritla_y and Slusser & McCoy supply the neighbohoord with millinery. Louisville Deposit Bank was established the spring of 1881, liy Keim & Sons. They do a general banking business For the past ten years tlie Keims iiave done more to build up the town than any other firm. They are enterprising and intelligent citizens, and a credit to the town in which they reside. Taking in consideration the wealth of the surrounding country, and the enterprise of the citizens of the town, Louisville can truly be said to be one of the leading towns of its size in the State. Its present officers are - Mayor, J. H. Penney ; Clerk, R. T. Rotlirock ; Treasurer, Joseph Jloinet; Marshal, C. Gaurae ; Street C<>mmissioner, M. S. Stambaugli ; Councilmen, C. L. Juilliard, Ellas Essig, Lewis Newbauer, A. Poupney, L. P. Menegay and N. Bonvolot.