Stark County, Ohio - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 38 of those read), 1881

Establisiimen'Ts- Villaoes. Churches And Schools

\/\ ANY of tho more valuable portions of XVJ_ the history of Lake Township have been carelessly permitted to ])ass into forgetfiilni'ss, and the truth of the old saving, " Wliat is everybody's business is nobody's liiisiness" has thus been verified. This is to be de])lored, as not only are the early incidents interesting and even fascinating, but they often fiu'iiish important information, without which endless disputes would arise and extreme bitterness be engendered among quondam friends. The j)reservatiou of old records is often of great })ublic moment: yet, notwithstanding this fact, it is unfortimately too often the case that men, in whose keepingsuch records are confided, become negligent, whereby valuable material is lost or destroyed, thus entailing upon their successors and succeeding generations an infinite amount of trotible and annoyance. It is as if some person should eonti"ict some troul)lesonie and disgusting disease, and afterward transmit it in its most malignant type to his descendants through several successive generations. Such ])rocediire has a lasting effect, and guileless jiarties are made to suffer the consequences, that should have fallen like the ciu-se of Jove upon the offender. AVhile township records are not usually of general jmblic value, they oc('a.sionally are so, and should be preserved with that prospect in view.

ization as such, was for a time attached to Columbiana County, and in alwiit the year ISOf) was divided into two townships, Canton and Lake, which included all th(i present comity and more. The boundary between the two townships was the line running east and west between Canton <md Plain Townships. How they came to be called Lake and Canton is a mystery more profoiuid than that of Eleusis. Dr. Slusser thinks that Lake, which included all th<' northern half of the county, was thus named because it was nearer Lake Erie, or because a portion of it was drained by stresmis which flowed to that hike. It is the opinion of the wTiter, however, after much inipiiry, that th(> towushi]) derived its natue from Congress Lake. The presence of that lake was undoubtedly known, as it must have been discov(>red by hunters, and by those who were looking at lands with a view of settling. The hunters in Cohuubiana County can be imagined as saying, " I'm going up in the lake country to hunt bears,'" so that the region became designated as " the lake country." At all events, that jiortion of the coimty was known as Liike Township while it remained attached to Columbiana. When Stark was organized, the ]irescnt Lake Township was a part of Plain, and remained thus tuitil the 8th of April, 1^1 1, when all the noi-tli western portion of Plain, including the present Lake, was organized as Green Township. No other changes were made with Lake Townshi]i, as it now stands, until the following ju-oceedings relative thereto were enacted in June, l<Slt), by the County Commissioners: "Ordered, That the 1 l^th'Township, in the Nth Range, be, and it is herby, erected into a separate townshij) by the name of Lake. Ordered also. That the qualified electors of said townshij) meet at the house of Joseph Moore in said towusliip, on the 4tli of June, 1816, for the election of to^sTiship officers. Ordered further, That advertisements for said election in Lake Township be put up at the house of Peter Dickerhoof in the town of Union, and at the hoiise of Joseph Jloore. (Signed) James Latimer, John Krvder, and James Drennen, County Commissioners."

The name of the fu-st settler in this township is not known with certidntv. Among the earliest, however. wiTe Joseph Moore. Henry Schwaiiz. the Markleys, Jacob Brown. jVIr. Camp, John Fryberger. George Machaner, John Morehart. Martin Bachtel. Peter Beam. Ml". Wise. 'Mi. Meyer. Mr. Pontius and several others. It seems, upon examining the count\' records, that while the fii-st election of officers was ordered to lie held at the house of Joseph Moore, on the 4th of June. ISKi, the meeting was not thus held, which fact called out this fmther act fi'om the commissionei-s: Ordered, that an election be held June "29, 1816." at the house of Joseph Moore to fill the necessary township offices. The names of the fij-st officers cannot be recovered. The township soon became quite well populated, and the material condition of the settlers became more satisfactory. Land was rapidly taken up. and soon Government land became a thing of the past. The following were land-holders in the township in 18'2(t: Chi'istopher Auble, Jacob Bachtel, John Bnshong, Jacob Bauer, John A. Bauer, Jacob Brown, Conrad Broombaugh. John Creighbaum, George Creighbaum. John Clay. Christian Cbrist, Jacob Critshal. Peter Dickerhoof. George Everhard, Peter Eby, George Frank. Jacob Fouse. Jolui Fouse, George Nodle, Simon Harsh. William Holsinger, Anthony Housel. William Irwin, Jesse Johns(m. John Euder, George Myers. Joseph Moore, Jacob Mayer, Christian Balmer, Peter Pontius, Daniel Mai'kley, George Mai-kley, John Markley. John Morehart. John Muny, George Null. Benjamin Pontius. Solomon Pontius. Nicholas Pontius, John Raber. Thomas Piaber. Abraham Reem, Peter Reem, Conrad Raber. Philip Roser, Jacob Ruff. John Shorh, William Stripe, Jacob Sell, Jacol) Sholt. John Wise. John Weller, George Westerberger, Michael Snyder, Henr\- Swartz. Jonas Smith, George Stnt,

George Snyder, Jacob Schaffer. William Staddon, George Stidger, Daniel Smith, John Thompson, Jacob Warstler, William Wise, Henry Wise, and John Wise. This list is taken from the tax duplicate of that year, at the county seat.

The township was an inviting locality for the settlers. The soil had every appearance of being very rich, and gave in its silent way ample promises to the prospective husbandman. An unusttal munber of small swamps abounded, but it was seen that the most of these could be drained in after years without any very great cost. An abundance of limestone was to be found by removing a few feet of earth, and coal. also, was soon found to be abundant in the western pai-t. The to\vuship is situated on the " Ohio Water Shed," as the waters of the southern part reach Nimishillen Creek, a member of the Ohio River basin, while the waters of the northern part flow into the Little Cuyahoga, a member of the Lake Erie basin. In the northeastern part is a fine sheet of water called Congress Lake. How it came to receive this name is not stated. It is likely that for many years the lake remained the [)roperty of Congi-ess, and finally became so designated. It is about a mile imd a half long by halt a mile wide, and is perhaps fifty or sixty feet deep. It is well supplied with fish. Since the Connotton Valley Railroad has been projected through the township, it is the design to make a pleasure resort of the lake. Suitable buildings are to be erected on the lake shore, for the comfort and accommodation of pleasiu-e-seekers. This will add to the attractions of the township as a locality in which to live.

Lake To^^^lship, on account of its swamps and bodies of water, was the resort, in early years, of large numbers ^ of wild animals, which found a safe retreat there when piu-- sued. It thus became a favorite hunting ground, for, in the winter, when the marshes and sti'eams were fi'ozen, hunters could ti'ace the quaiTy to its lair, ilany of the settlers were skillful hunters and trappers, and on account of the bounty ofl'ered for scalps and the market vahie of the fiu's, made considerable money. The country was destitute of everv kind of monev. When the settlers first appeared, they often had considerable means, but this was soon drained from them like blood. After that they were obliged to do without money as a medium of exchange, and substitute Uieir own wants instead. All commercial relations were caiTied on by a system of exchanges, the base of which wore the individual wants of the parties participating. This gave rise to what were known as the " trade price " and the " ca.sh price." Those who were fortunate enough to have considerable means at their command, and who were wise enough to invest it judiciously, soon amassed large fortunes, and their descendants are now reai)ing tie advantages. Men without money or property, and with large families dependant upon them for support, sufl'ered incredible hai'dships and privations, and were often compelled by the force of circiunstances to relinquish their title to their half-improved farms, and retiun to the Eastern States. The most of those who came to the West, however, made up their minds before stai^tingto undergo the coming adversities, and to be cheerful under the burden of difficulties and dangers. The taxes on their farms had to he paid in money. This money was often raised by the sale of fiu-s. There were the fiu-s of the mink, the beaver, the muski'at the otter; and the skins of the bear, the wolf, the panther, the deer, and various other animals. The pursuit of these animals, both for sport and profit, led to many an exciting adventure, as thrilling as any of those nairated on the page of fiction. Several of these incidents which transpired in Lake Township have never been made public. George Xodle, one of the earliest settlers, owned two cows that were permitted to roam at will thi'ough the woods in quest of iooA. On one occasion about sunset, the c<jws not having retiu'ned, ilr. Xodle started with his little dog in quest of them. He was an experienced and skillful hunter, and as usual when leaving home, took his rifle with him, although he had but four and a half bullets left. Reaching one of the streams which had overflowed its banks, Mr. Xodle was unable to proceed any farther, but sent his little dog across to start the cows, should they prove to be on the oi)posite side. Away went the dog, and was soon barking vigorously oflf in the woods, although after several minutes it did not appear with the cows. Mr. Xodle at last succeeded in crossing the creek, and hurried forward to ascertain what the dog had encoivntered. It was now almost dark, but as the settler approached the sjxjt where the dog stood at bay, he knew that something unusual was about to transpire. He cautiously peered through the twilight, and saw with astonishment a mother beai- and her thi-ee cubs. He instanth' di-ew up and shot the lai'ge beai-, and then, loading rapidly, shot in turn each of the cubs. He now had but half a bullet remaining, and it became a question of doubtful propriety in his mind whether he had better await the return of the sire of the bear family that had been slaughtered, or leave the spot immediately. He finally adopted the latter course. It is probable that the cows remained undisturbed in the woods that night On another occasion, a bear caught and partly consumed a member of the genus Sua belonging to Mr. Xodle, who, the following night, guarded it with his rifle in hopes of killing the marauder. During the night the beai' appeared, but was shot by the imeiTing himter. Many circumstances simihu- to the last occiuTed. The beai's were extremely fond of jwrk, and would often come boldly into a door-yard, in broad daylight, and in sight of the family, who were peering in fa-ight from the windows, seize and carry off a hog or calf. A very unusual and siuiirising incident occmred on one occasion - one that in many respects has no parallel in the history of the {>ast The incident is related on the authority of several prominent citizens of Greentown, and is as follows: An early settler, wht>se name could not be remembered, was one day in the woods without his gun, when lie was attacked in some manner by a bear, and compelled to ascend a small free for safetj*. Tlae bear was terribly enraged, and began making desperate efforts to dislodge the terrified settler, perched like a hawk ill the branches above. It began to te<ir at the tree with teeth and claws so savagely as to threaten, if continued, the speedy fall of the free. The settler hallooed repeatedly and loudly for assistance. The calls finally attracted the attention of a bov of about four- teen years of age (probably the son of the distressed settler), who started with gnn in hand to discover what was meant Ijy the continued calls. As he approached the sjiot, he was probably cautioned by the settler in the tree, and directed how to jiroceed. At any rate the boy caiitioixsly approached the place until the bear was seen, when he drew up, took deliberate aim, and sent a bullet crashing thi'ough Ihe bear, at which the animal fell over and gave u]) the ghost (if it had one). The settler, considerably relieved, descended from the tree, which was found to be completely girdled, from the effects of which it died. The settler would not permit the tree to be felled, but kept it standing, in remem brance of the occurrence, until it was blown down. Did not the boy display remarkable intrepidity in approaching and shooting the bear? Many other incidents of a similar natui-e could lie mentioned, but these will suffice to show that extreme danger often accompanied the sojourn in the backwoods.

Industries began to spring into life immediately after the township was first settled. Saw-mills and grist-mills of primitive fashions began to appear on the various streams, to supply for the increasing demand articles nearer home. Roads were a])pareutly bottomless, and the sticking qualities of the mud were demonstrated to the settlers - often to their infinite annoyance and sorrow. The continued impassable condition of the roads (if they can be properly called such), led to a demand for mills, stores, etc., near home, and led to their speedy erection. Whisky was an article found on the mantel in every household, for to be without liquor was thought to be without one of the necessities of life. Men at work in the field must have it: and, when visitors appeared, it was deemed a gruss breach of hospitality to restrain from setting up the drinks. No house or other building could be raised without it. It is asserted that there were fewer drunkards then than now; but this is undoubtedly a mistake. The custom of imbibing was so ctmmou and drunken men were so numerous that people did not notice the evil effects as they do now. Time has wi'ought a wonderful change in this, as in manv other things. Saw- mills started up as early as any industry, but these, like those of the gods, were compelled to move slowly. The streams were sluggish, though there was double the volume of water th^n than now. George Creighbaum erected his saw-mill on a branch of the Nimishillen some time before 1830, and for many years did extensive work, as there was a steady and increasing demand for lumber to be used in the const niction of dwellings and bams. His son William operated it after him imtil but a comparatively short time ago. when Elias, son of William, and grandson of George, assiimed ownership and control. This mill in its time has been a good one. Simon Harsh also built an early one, not far from the year 1825. This was also a good mill in its time. Other mills will be mentioned farther along. The following men have, at various times, conducted distilleries in the township, some of them beginning in veiy early years: Jacol) Harbrook. George Everhart, Lewis Hanshalter, Mr. Shriver, John Bushong, Andrew Pontius, George CreighViaum and Henry Swartz. More than one of these men owned the same distillery. There were certainly enough to supply the township with all the licjuor needed, which is saying a good deal, as the Gennan element of humanity can carry as much liquor without staggering as any other. They are cold and phlegmatic, and not easily persuaded to fall, when King Alcohol beckons. There are fom- villages in the township - three of th(m wholly, and one partly in Lake and partly in Plain. These four are Cairo, Hartville. Greensburg and LTniontown. The origin of these names is obscxwe or perhaps altogether unknown. Cairo is numerically the weakest, although it began its career many years ago. D. T. Machamer has been condiacting a store there for a number of years. The village has a post office, and a church, built by the Lutherans and Reformers perhaps forty years ago. When these few things have been said, the past history of Cairo has been almost wholly unfolded. The records of Hartville are not much more voluminous. So far as could be learned, neither Hartville nor Cairo was ever properly laid oiit and recorded. Hartville has had a population of some twelve or fifteen families, while Cairo can scarcely boast of having had that number. As nearly as can be remembered. John Houghton opened the first store in Hartville soon after ISHd. His stock of goods was small, but included many useful articles. Joseph Brown omb;u'ked on the mercantile sea some time afterward. Peter Shellenberger was another early merchant. It is likely that t)thers have sold goods in the village, Init their names arc locked forever in the casket of forgetfulness, and the key is concealed. Some futm'e historian may discover it. John Morehart opened a tavern about the ye;ir 1888. Daniel Baum is the present landlord. George Machamer and Hem-y (Trossenbaugher are the present merchants. They have a fair country ti-ade. and iire presumed to be making some money. Dr. Hoflfman was located in the village quite early. Some other things might be said of the village, to its credit. Some thirty years ago, Elias Shriver erected, in the northern part of the township, a large grist-mill, in which were placed five sets of stone. The cajiacit}' of the mill, which is operated by steam, is said to be 3(30 bushels daily. The present owners are Bitter Brothers. The mill is in operation both day and night, and not only does, it have an extended custom tr;.de, but it ships considerable flom- to distant {wints from the station at Uniontown. It is probably the best mil] of the kind ever in the township.

The town of Union was laid out by Elias Brenner and Thomas Albert, owners and proprietors, in April, 1816, from portions of the northeast and the northwest cjuarters of Section 7, Township 12, Range 8. Sixty lots were laid out, and immediately offered for sale. Albert was an old baclielor, and like all members of that class was pussessed of ciu-ious or eccentric ti'aits of character. A few houses were immediately built, and as many families resided therein. As early as 1825, George Myers and W. H, Whitney opened a store, and not long afterward secured the location of a post office at the village. It is said that George Guisweit was in with a small stock of goods before these men, which, if true, would make him the first merchant in the village. \Mieu he first began selling goods is not so well knovra. He peddled his goods all over the suiTounding country, which fact secured for him the universal and homely appellation, " Cheaj) George the peddler." He did not have altogether more than $200 worth of goods, and although a ])ortion of these was sold at his house in the village, the greater portion was peddled as stated. He became known to everybody, who seemed to think that he was a proper subject for their jokes. All was taken in good humor by him, aud he was well liked and well ])atronized; so that, although he sold his goods very low, he contrived to make considerable money. After him came Myers & Whitney, who kept a good countr}' store, and had an extensive trade. Other merchants in the village have been Aultman & Holwick. Samuel Woods, J. B. Woods, D. T. Frank, William Steese, Feather & Glasser, M. & M. Josejih, Woolf & Foust, Stutzman & Price, W. H. Nees, Nees & Price. Ml'. Nees is yet in business in the village. It is probable that others than those named have followed the mercantile i)ursuit in Uniontown. Charles Brown is one of the present merchants, as is also the firm, Hunsman & Schick, Some of the earlier stores were inferior and short-lived, while others were well filled and had an extensiv(> trade. There have been times when Uniont«iwn was a lively business village. In early years, when there were no railroads on which to transport goods and thus vwy the cost of conveyance, one store was aliout as good as another. Stores in small villages could sell as cheaply as those in large villages, and in consequence, if they were well filled, it was better to patronize them, for they were nearer. Some of the early stores had on hand as high as §1(XOOO worth of goods, and probably Hunsman & Schick have more than that quantity at present. John Bolender built a cabinet-.shoj) in 1868, which he has since conducted. He fm-nishes work for some three emjiloyes, and manufactures burea\is, tables, chairs, 1>ed-steads. secretaries, etc.. and has a fair trade. Jose])h T. Halloway ])receded ^Ir. Bolender at the occujiation, for .he began not far from the year 18;?(t, and continued a number of years. John A\'oolf was another, who made spinning-wheels, etc. Samuel

Woods opened a tannery many years ago, beginning with some ten vats, which were afterward increased to more than twenty. Large quantities of leather were prepared, and whal could not be used at home was shipped to distant places. There were no such persons in early times as commercial travelers. Merchants in the West were in the habit of going East twice or more times a year to pnrchase their goods, which were then hauled by wagon to their destination. Then it was that settlers crowded in to have their choice of the stock on hand. Weai'ing apparel of all kinds was not ready made, but made to order. Farmers were obliged to buy the cloth with which to clothe their families, after which either a tailor was employed to do the cutting, or the task was tm-ned over to the wife and mother. Some of the latter became proficient from long practice, and could furnish a neat fit every time. Joui-neymon tailors ti'aveled tlu'oughout the country to secure engagements at cutting, fitting, or making. Shoemaker's did the same. Leather enough to make shoes for the whole family was piu'chased at the tanneries, after which the services of a shoemaker were called into requisition, and the family provided with shoes for the coming year. In this manner, Samuel Woods' tannery secm'ed a lai'ge trade. His son, J. B., succeeded him. Chai-les Glasser also conducted an early tannery, as did William Motz. There were two of these in the village at the same time, but it is thought that Mr. Woods' disposed of the most leather. George Winters began hatting in the village in about the year 1883; he was an adept at the occupation, having followed it in the East before coming to Ohio. Except, perhaps, by means of a few rude mechanical contrivances, all his work was done by hand. During the month of June, he visited the surrounding farms where sheep were kept, and selected the finest article of lamb's wool to be found to be used in hatting; he owned a small shop in which his goods were kept for sale; he continned some ten or twelve years, manufacturing, in the meantime, large ntmibers of excellent hats; his hats became celebrated for their capability of resisting rough usage and continued wear; he finally left for other fields.

In about the year 1855, C. W. Lane erected suitable buildings and began manufacturing plows, kettles, pots, skillets, etc., an occupation that he followed a number of years, when he sold the foundry to H. B. Richards and John Fritch. These men built a large shop and greatly increased the scope and capacity of the undertaking. They attempted the mauufactm-e of cultivators, but failed to pi-oduce satisfactory imj)lements, and finally the whole project was either abandoned or trausfeiTed to some other locality. The following doctors have practiced in the neighborhood, while residing in the village: Devaux, Reed, Zollers, Parlimau, Weimei', Buchtel, Ashman, Steese, the present physician, Allen, Hatcher, McConnell, Waldron and Richards; this may not be a complete list. George Bolinder opened a tavern in about the year 1825; he had for a sign a large blue ball; in 1827, this sign was removed, and an ordinary signboai'd erected in its jilace, bearing the date 1827. Other tavern-keepers have been William Waguer, Isaac Statden, Samuel Swinehart, Joseph Dreese, J. W. Creighbaum, John Bender, Leonard Ral)er, Amos Johnson, James Woolf, Urias Weitman, Euos Fasnocht and John Leed, the present landlord. Joseph T. Halloway is said to have been the first Postmaster, receiving his appointment about the year 1825. The office is now under the control of Mrs. Dr. Steese. This concludes the brief history of the village of Uniontown. Greentown has had a similar histoiy, varying only in names and dates. No one can realize the truth of the maxim, "History repeats itself," until he has made history a study. Hiunan natm-e is the same the world over, and as history is but a record of human exj)eriences and achievements, it necessarily rejieats itself. Greentown was laid out in February, 181(5, by Henry Wise jmd Peter Dickerhoof, owners and proja'ietors. A total of sixty-f(jiu' lots was laid out, thirty-two of which were on the land of each proprietor. The lots were laid olf from the northeast and the southeast quarters of Secticm 30, Township 12, Range 8. In accordance with a peculiar freak of the owners, the village was unusually and peculiarly laid out. Each square was divided by two diagonal alleys.

and at the four corners of the central square were four small open parks, or squares, the one at the northwest beinc; called Jones' Square, the one at the northeast. Burrow's Square, the one at the southeast. Blakely's Square, and the one at the soutliwest. Allen's Sijuare. Mr. AVise owned the northern half of the village, and Mr. Dickerhoof the southern half. Both men. in after years, did a p^eat d(»al to build up the village. It is said that the daughters of Mr. Dickerhoof worked regulai-ly in the fields. One day, Betsey, his daughter, while busy in the field, suddenly felt something touch her shoulder, and. turning quickly wound, saw a tall Inchan standing laughing at her side. It is also related that there was a man at th(> village, in early years, who had lost an arm and a leg. both from the same side of the body. One day Betsey asked him how he came to lose his limbs, but he avoided her repeated cpiestiouing for some time, and at last said; ""1 will tell you, if you promise not to ask another question." This she agreed to do, whereupon the man said: "'They were bitten off." As may be imagined that answer made the wli(jle subject more mysterious than it was before; but her promise prevented Betsey from asking any fiu-ther qtiestions. But to retiu-n to Greentown. It is said that James McNabb built the first house in the village. When this building was torn down, a few , years ago. the air-dried body of a rat was found between the walls, in such a position as to show that it must have been inclosed there when the building was constructed. It is thought that this building was erected immediately after the village was laid out. Other btiildings were soon erected, and erelong, several families were found residing in what may be called ancient Greento\vn. It is probable that a man named Goodwill o])(>ned the fu-st store in the village. The date is not given, although it was not far from 1820; he did not own over S'iOO worth of goods. Hiram Myers, who succeeded him. had a very good store, and made some money, devoting the most of his time to this pm'suit. Other merchants have been: Ej)hraim Ball, who failed, and "became $1,000 worse off than nothing," G. & M. Wise, W. J. Lininger, Henry Nunamaker, Wylie, Smith & Co., Henry Clemmer,

Isaac Hiinsberger, Thomas Gorgas, Pollock & Hayes, J. H. Wise & Co., Henry Shanafelt, Young & Stine, Feather & Glassor, Willis & Baugh, H. Shanafelt & Co., Peters & Shafer, Prance & Bair, S. S. Bumberger, who failed, ( ). P. Shanafelt, Shanafelt & Shafer and Isaac Hall. Some of these kept large fine stocks of got)ds on their shelves, and received excellent j)atronage. Others had small stocks and small patronage. It has in all cases been true that a good store at the village has done well; it is the case in all small villages, and in large ones, also, that poor stores, miserably conducted, apparently poison tlit* public confidence and respect. They vitiate the public taste for good ones. This is true everywhere. Too many men undertake the mercantile pursuit, as a result of uncontented dispositions, who were never cut out for John B. Astors or A. T. Stewarts; knowing nothing of this interesting occupation, they blindly peg along for a few years, perhaps, after which the significant words, "failed" or "busted" could bo appropriately inscribed on their banners. This is true in every occui)ation in life. Men should search for the ]mrsuit best adapted to them; when foimd, it should be followed to the exclusion of all others. The system of skilled labor has become both a science and an art. E.\j)erience teaches that it is better to seek excellence in few things than mediocrity in many. Various industries have flourished from time to time in Greentown. In about the year 1S57, Hovick, Morgan & Co. purchased the old Methodist Church, intending to use it as a shop in which to begin the manufacture of engines, etc. One was really constmcted, several othera repaired, and then the undertaking w;us abandoned, much to the disappointment of those men at the village who may be looked upon as capitalists, and who had expected to be financially benefitted by the presence of the industry. After the enterprise was abandoned, the owners built the grist-mill, which is yet in oi)eration in the village. The mill is operated by steam, and has two run of stone. A small custom trade has been the extent of the mill's operations. It has changed owners several times; one of the owners, finding that ho could do better with the mill elsewhere, threatened to remove it to Alliance, in case he could not sell it. The citizens did not wish the mill removed, and to prevent this disposal of it, finally formed themselves into a company with the title. Wise, Housley & Co.. and pm'chased the mill projierty for $('),()(*(), paying much more than it was really worth. These men were Leidigh Housley, John H. Wise, Michael Wise and Abraham Miller. Several changes in the ownership were afterward made, until the mill is at present owned by Housley & Ball. It is doing a limited custom work. A number of years ago. Christian Kryder and Henry Shanafelt, Sr., started a furnace on Section 36, and began manufacturing stoves. plows kettles, pots, skillets, ete. They at fii'st bought their pig iron at Hanging Rock, and had it shipped by canal to Massillou, wheuce it was hauled by wagon to the furnace. The enter])rise was begun soon after 1840, and was continued by these men some twelve years, when the j)ro]>erty went to Levi Kryder, son of Christian, who conducted the business until ten or twelve years ago, when it was purchased by Wise & Acker. The present owners are Wise, Acker & Hissner. who manufacture scrapers, cultivators, some hollow- ware, plows, making a specialty of plow points, of which they manufacture great numbers. Col. Ephraim Ball, who resided at the village about forty-five years ago. had his attention called to a new threshing machine, and, after he had examined it, he concluded to engage in the manufacture. Himself and brother finally formed a jiartnership, and purchased the right for Wayne County for |'2()(), giving their written obligations for that amount. After some maneuvering, they finally built ap])ro])riate buildings at Greentown, and Mr. Ball made the first machine with his own hands, having scai'cely any tools, or other suitable im])lements: he had no money nor credit in the undertaking, for all the neighbors looked upon the prjject as erratic and visionary, and liesides Mr. Ball was in debt over $1,000. This first machine was sold to John Miller, of Greentown, for $102. It was not portable, which was considered a serious drawback to the value of the thresher; so Mr. Ball set his wits to work to devise one that was portable. The necessary jtatterns for the castings were made and taken to Messrs. Hart & Brown, of Massillon, where they were criticised imd j)ronoimced satisfactory, if about §2r> worth of jiaint and varnish was added. Here it was that, from the criticisms on his labors, Mr. Ball became a skilled pattern-maker. About this time he began wooding cast-iron plows. A horse-power for the thresher was made, but the machine had to be sent out of the coimty to be tested, to escajie an execution in the hands of the Sherift". After being te'^ted, the machinery was pronoimced imjierfect and unsatisfactory, and was finally sold, and the proceeds used in paying off" the execution. In February. 1840. IVIi-. Ball and his three brothers, having obtained a ])romise from their father for §400, concluded to build and conduct a fovindry. Their intentions were ridiculed by the citizens, who looked upon the undertaking as wild and visionary. Everything was got in readiness, and, finally, in June, 1840, the citizens, to the number of several hundi'ed, assembled to see the "big fizzle" at the first casting. When the castings for three plows, a dog- iron or two, and a few skillets, were taken in good shajie from the moulds, it is said the citizens would scarcely believe their eyes, but handled the various articles to see if indeed they were genuine pot-metal, and sound. It is said that Mr. Ball. Sr., was so pleased with the result that he bought a bottle of whisky and treat.ed all hands. It was extremely difficult to get ])atterns for the different articles of machinery, as the ])rices were very high,' and the Ball brothers were without money. Necessity compelled Mi\ Ball to devise some for himself. He finally made one for a plow from a piece of tough, knotty majile plank: and. so excellent were the plows made from this pattern, that hundi'eds were sold all over the county, and even in distant places. All this business was done in the face of executions and judgments that poured in as soon as it was discovered that Mr. Ball was handling a little money. There were eleven executions held against him at one time. The brothers manufactured cooking stoves, plows, hollow- ware, and a few threshing machines. One day several men came to Mr. Ball and offered him $000 for his foimdry; but the latter, knowing that it was worth much more than that, refused to take less than $1,000. Thev threatened that if IVIr. Ball did not sell for !?(500 they would build a rival estaMif^limcut. This was linall}- done, and the first thin^' >Jr. Ball knew, his rivals had purchased the rif^ht to manufacture the plow upon which h(^ had been engaged. This left him almost helpless, but he went to work, and finally devised a jiattern of his own, which, in the end, jiroved as valuable as the one he had lost. After a time Mr. Ball began manufacturing the Hussey reajier, six being made at one time. Three of these were sold in the county, and three were taken to Illinois. This was in about the year 1S4S. Twelve were constructed in 1S4U, and the haiTest was almost over before one was sold. One was taken to Louisville, where a public exhibition of its workings was given before a motley crowd of men. wcmen and children. The farmers saw with astonishment how uicely the standing grain went down before it. The owner of the held immediately purchased the reaper, but his cradlers were so bitterly opposed to it, declaring that it would leave them, like Othello, without an occupation, that it was finally returned to keep peace in the family, as it were. Other public exhibitions were given amidst much o])positiou and numerous discouragements Vnit, in the end, ten out of the twelve reapers were sold, at low prices, and on time. Mr. Ball constructed a few separators about this time. The motor for his foundiy was an old horse, nannd '"Brince." This now venerated animal ^\as apparently subject to fits and starts, sometimes running the motion of the machinery up to a frightful rapidity, and then suddenly lowering it so that no motion, or but little, could be perceived. At last a ten-horse-j)ower engine was ]>urchased, at Cuyahoga Falls, for S-IOO; this proved to be a great improvement on the old horse. In January, 1851, Mr. Ball's partners sold their interest in the foundry to C. Aultman and David Fouser, and, in Aj^ril of the same year. George Cook and Lewis Miller were added to the ])artnership, which then became known as E. Ball & Co. Soon after this, the whole business was transferred to Canton, but just before this occurred. Jacob Miller became a partner, and the firm name was changed to Ball, Aultman & Co. The subsequent wonderful career of this jtartnership will be found in another portion of this volume. The eiiterjtrise l)eguu by Mr. Ball tmder so many discoiu'aging circumstances, and against such o])position, has 8j>road its branches over all the earth. More than 11,- 000 reapers have been mamifactured in a single year, and shipped to ail parts of the woi-ld. A valuable lesson, well worthy of perusal, may be read in the history of this enterprise.

But little more remains to be told of Greentown. Among the j)hysicians at the village have been Stough, Ogden, Parliman, Dolwick, Chittenden, Ashman. Jones, Stephens, Bomberger, Belding, and J. E. Dougherty, who has been at the village for some thirty years. His son, L. E., a graduate of the Cohmilms Medical College, is at i)resent associated with him. Almost every physician in the township has been of the allopathic jiersuasion. Anioug the tavern-keepers have been "William Ruj^p, Mr. Eoberts, G. H. ^Vise, Henrv Shanafelt, Sr., Peter Shanafelt, Israel Schlott. C. F. Dunseizen, Samuel Getz, H. B. Herr, Gerhart Leed, Benjamin Eby, I'rias Wei(hiian, Samuel Miller. Samuel Botz. Samuel Shriuer, Haak & Shanafelt, Buck & Haak and Mr. Gre(nwalt. H. P. Houek Iniilt a saw-mill in the village twenty-five or thirty years ago. It has changed owners several timi s, but is yet in operation. The Greentown Coal Company and the Mogadore Coal Ccmpany rre mining black dionionds near the village. The former employs seme fifty hands, and mines not far from one hundred tons daily, while the latter is yet in its infancy. Ferdinand Schumacher, of Akron, has lately completrd a large warehouse at the station, where a little \illage is in the act ui siiriiiging into life. About six years ago, Isaac Strife began burning drain tiles, red and fire bricks, near the station. Hiram and James Stripe have just began to manufacture sewer-])i])es, tire bricks and roof tiles. Daniel Myers buys and shi] s quite a number of cattle during the winter ni( nths.

Schools were early instituted in Lake Township. It is probable that several terms were taught before schoolhouses were erected, the sessions being held in dwellings or in deserted buildings. Much of the early school history has been forgotten. Too bad. If accounts are correct, the first schoolhouse in the township was a hewed log building, erected in Unioutown about the year 1820. This house was used miiny years and for all purposes; it had a broad fire-place, and iiide seats that soon became smooth and polished by continued Use. When the weather was cold, and a blazing fire was roaring on the hearth, the room was pleasant to contemplate. More than one old settler will remember this old house, as the first place where he heard the word of Grod preached, or where he received his first instruction of a literaiT character. It was a homely room, but within its venerated, if not classic, walls, minds that have since shaped the records of the township, first caught glimpses of the multiplex afl'airs of the busy world. In about the year 1S26. another schoolhouse was erected, but it was not intended to take the place of the former. The citizens were not willing that their children should forget, or be deprived of learning their native language. One of the schools was to be English, and the other German. Teachers were employed, and for a niunber of yeai's the villagers boasted of having two schools in session at the same time. Some fifteen or twenty years later, both houses were abandoned, and an old church that had been built bj- the Methodists was secured and devoted to school purposes. However, it miist not be understood that before this both the English and German schools were kept in session continuously. The German school was somewhat irregular, and did not continue many years after about 1826, when it first started. The present school building was erected some twelve or fifteen years ago. It is not remembered with certainty when the first school building was built in Greentown. It is likely, however, that it was erected soon after 1820; at least, in 1835, a respectable log schoolhouse. in which was a ten-plate stove, was used by the villagers. Inasmuch as another house was built between 1840 and 1845, it is tij be jiresumed that the building referred to was the first erected, and had been used since soon after 1820. A man named Guss was one of the eai'ly teachers in the old house; he was accustomed to adopt un visual modes of pimishment, compelling troublesome scholars to stand or sit in extremely unpleasant and excniciating positions. It is said that he sometimes put red pepper in the mouths of bad childi-en. On one occasion of this kind, while he was administering the pe])per punishment, the scholar, in a rage, bit his fingers severely. The teacher did not die of hydi'ophobia, neither did the scholar sufier fi-om the bite he had taken, other than by means of the that probalily followed for the unscholarly act. N. W. Goodhue, an attorney of Aki-on, taught the first school in the second building. This house was a comfortable frame structure; it was used until a few years before the last war, when the present building was constructed, at a cost of about $1,800; it is a one-storied building, and has two rooms. Two teachers are employed a portion of the time. The country schools sprang into existence between 1820 and 1830. Some of these were German schools, and it was only after the lapse of time that their character was altered. The to%vnship is well supplied with good schools. The Methodist Church, in Gi'eentowu, was erected a short time before the last war, and cost in the neighborhood of $2,500; it took the place of one that had been built in an early day. A short time before the second house was built, the old house was purchased by Houck, Morgan & Co., who converted it into a machine shop, mention of which was made a few pages above. The present membership of this society is large. The Reformers and Lutherans built a church in the western part of Uniontowu some fifty years ago; this cluu-ch is yet in use, although a short time ago the members remodeled it so that it now has the appearance of a new chiu'ch. It is a large, fine- looking frame building, with a steeple that rises, perhajis, seventy-five feet in the air. The membership is quite large. The Methodists early built a chiu-ch in Uniontown. The building was a small concern, and, as stated above, was finally converted into a schoolhouse. After that the Methodists had no organization worthy of notice until about twenty years ago, when two societies - the English Methodists and German Methodists (or Albrights) - united means, and built a comfortable chvtrcli; this is yet used, and the two societies are in a thriving condition. The English Iteformers built a chm-ch in Uniouto^vn nearly forty years ago, which was used until during the last war, when their present building was consti'u<'ttxl. Some thirty years ago, the Methodists built at Hartville, but after about twenty years, sold to the Reformers, who are now in ])08sessiou of the chiu^ch, and are (juite strong. About six years ago, the Lutherans also built at Hartville; this society is in a prosperous condition. The

Dunkards built a church north of Hartville a few years ago. Another society of this denomination, about twenty-five years ago, built a fine little chiu-ch south of Hartville. These societies are said to be |>rosiierous, with a good average membership. The Lutherans and Keforniors have a church at Cairo, which is said to have been built at an eiu'ly day. The townshi)) has some ten cluu-ch sociiities, and twelve school districts. This speaks well for Lake. Can any <jther township equal it in this respect? If so. we will pause for an answer.