Stark County, Ohio - Chapter 31, 1881

WASHrNGTON TOWNSHIP - NATURAL FFATUKES - CA lALOGUE OF EAKLV SETTI.ERW - LOST CHILDREN - DISTILLERIES, MILLS AND OTHER INDUSTRIES AND IMl'ROVEMUNTS - EARLV .SCHOOL AND RELIGIOUS ADVANTAGES - FAIhMOCNT (HILD^IEN'S HOME - UNDEliOroUNl) UA ll.l'.OAl).

I^'HIS township, one of the best in the county for agricultural purposes, was not fully settled until comparatively late years. The land-buyers, who came fi-om the East, either to jim-chaso with the view of futui-e speculation, or to secm-e farms which would not become exhausted at the first few crojjs, were not such inferior judges as to jjass blindly by the rich woodland of Township 18, Range 6. Accordingly, men of considerable wealth and i)romineuce in Pennsylvania selected and entered their choice of the land in Washington Township, and returned to the Keystone State, to see their property in the West multiply in value. Then, if they desired, they came out West (caught the malignant Ohio fever, a very troublesome disorder, vrhich was verj' exacting in its requirements), and established themselves on their new farms. It occuired then, that, from the fact of the township being purchased largely by men who did not move West until after the county received its first rush of settlers, extensive early improvement did not take place imtil after other portions of the county were quite thickly poj)ulated. The most of the land was entered as early as any in the county, and more than one early settler, who came in late, and, having occasion to pass through this township, made inquiries regarding the land, but, finding it already taken, pushed on farther West. The forest, dark and heavy, covered the entire township, save where occasional glades along the streams had intruded. Here and there in the bosom of the forest was a pathway of tangled, fallen trees, telling of the mad visitation of some tcjrnado in past years. Large trees had been twisted off by the angry cloud, and tossed like straws from their former standing-j)laces. Some had been torn asunder by the fm-y of the wind, and the mangled debris scattered far and near. Save these occasional spots and the gludes, nothing distm'bed the heavy monotony of the deep woods. The land, though lying in the main level, was traversed by gullies and crossed by irregular ridges that were probably relics of the Glacial period. Small streams sprang from tiny fountains, and wandered away in search of sweeping rivers, or became lost in the bosom of some inland pond. From east to west across the center of the township, a ridge arose, which sejiarated the head-waters of Sandy Creek from those of the Mahoning. The ridge, though irregular, and severed here and there, is distinctly defined. The northern portion of the township slopes away toward the north, its waters quietly mingling with Beach Creek, a principal affluent of the Ma- honing, while the southern portion sends its waters into Hughes' Creek and Black Creek, head branches of Sandy Creek, which is itself a leading branch of the Tuscarawas. The entire township is di-ained by streams which ultimately reach the Ohio River. It is therefore within the Valley of the Ohio.

The names of the first settlers are unfortunately unknown. While they can probably be given among others, yet they cannot be distinguished, with few exceptions, from those who came in comparatively late. The following is a complete list of the land-holders of the township in 18"27. though this does not, of course, embrace the names of those who first located in the township and afterwai-d removed. It is also quite likely that some of the men whose names are given never resided in the township. The following is the list:

The reader is left to distinguish between those who Ciime early and those who came late. Beyond a doubt, there was one family or more living in the township as early as 1806. A few years ago. at the usual townshij) election, when a luimberof the first settlers had assembled to poll their votes, Ellis N. Johnson, who was present, asked the question. " Who was the first settler in Washington Township?" No one could give a satisfactory answer.

township, hearty and hale, at the unusual age of ninety-three years, says that, in the year ISIO, being thea of age, he left Washington County, Penn., for Ohio. He passed through Salem, following the section lines, which were easily distinguished by the blazed trees made by the surveyors, and at last entered the northern part of Washington Township, which was then known as Township 1 8, Range (i. When Section 14 was reached, Mr. Johnson heard the ring of an ax, and, movi g in that direction, saw a powerful man chopping. The stranger at the same time saw him, and each advanced toward the other. This man was Ezekiel Mai'sh. It did not tiike the two men long to become acquainted, as all fonnalities and evasions or concealments were cast aside. Marsh had made a small clearing of an acre or more, and had built a small log cabin about fourteen feet square. He had probably ei'ected the building without assistance, as the logs were small and the cabin was low. The stnictiu'e was fm'uished with a large, rough, mud-and-stone chimney, of unique design, and a window of one pane of glass graced one end. One door served the pui'poses of the master.

After remaining with Marsh a short time, Mr. Johnson went back to Pennsylvania, and did not return uutil ]8'23, at which time he brought out his family and located permanently in the northern paii of the township. During his absence in Pennsylvania, the greater portion of the townshij) was ent-i'ed, and many improvements had gone on. Each of the settlers had clewed from ten to forty acres, and fields of tossing grain wore growing where once, and but a short time before, the monarch of the forest reared his head.

After Marsh had lived a few yo!U-s upon the farm where he fu-st located, he sold out, or traded out, to Isaac Tinsman, and purchased another fann near there, upon which he lived until his death. He was a large man, with the strength of Thescuis. One day, as he was ])assing a neighbor's cabin, ho heard screams and oaths issuing therefrom, and, surmising that the wife was receiving a beating from her ckimken husband, concluded to enter and try I to adjust matters. As he entered, he saw the I wife prostrate on the floor, while over her was her half-drunken husband. With his left hand he y)inned her to the floor, and with his right wielded a heavy cudgel, which fell unsparingly on the unfortunate woman. Marsh stepped quickly forward, and. seizing the husband liy the shoulders, Svvung him away from the woman ; but, in the movement, the enraged husband caught up a butcher-knife from a table, and, with a quick stroke, ]>lunged it into Marsh's abdomen. The stroke was effective, and Marsh stagger»(d and sank upon the floor. He was conveyed home, but, after suffering great torments for a few days, died. The murderer was arrested, tried, convicted, and sentenced to pass the remainder of his days in the penitentiaiy. The sentence was carried into efi"eet. The murder occurred in comparatively late years.

William Shaefer was one of the earliest in the township, as were also Harbster, Dickey and Stuckey. The early settlement was gradual, but the township slowly filled u]i with Germans and others, many of whom came from some other settlement in Ohio farther east. A few Quakers settled in the township enough to spice it with industry and good morals. This country, in early days, was vastly different from what it is now. There were but few small clearings, and these were dotted with charred stumps. The soil was much damper than at present, and the streams contained twice as much water. Bogs, ponds, marshes and swamps, large and small, were numerous, and served as a retreat and a resort for large numbers of wild fowls and wild animals. Springs were numerous that have since gone dry. and some of tliem were

Some, also, were brackish, and were visited by deer, that seemed to like such water better than that containing lime. These springs were guarded during the night by the old settlers, and the sweet venison eaten by the family the next morning attested the success of the watcher. It is said that Mr. Tinsman, on one of these occasions, shot a large buck that dressed about 225 pounds. It came down to one of the ponds to drink, and, although it was quite dark. Mr. Tinsman, who was sitting in a small copse near by, could see it clearly outlined against the glassy siu-face of the water, and with one shot brought it to the ground. Mr. Dickey and Mr. Marsh brought sheep into the township very early, but these poor creatures had a sorry time of it. Some of them ate of a poisonous weed growing in the woods, and, after swelling up to an enormous size, finally died. No remedy could be found. Whisky was tried, and for a short time seemed to check the j)rogreBs of the poisi n through the system. All the larger carnivorous animals in the forest had a special " tooth " for mutton, and lost no ojiportunity of satisfying their greed. As sooi as the shades of night fell, the sharp howls began, and did not wholly cease imtil a short time before the break of day. Woe tinto the sheep that were carelessly left in the A-oods or were lost! It was no uncommon thing for the owner to find half his flock torn and mangled. Then was when oiugrandfather violated a certain commandment Of coiu'se, we cannot prove that charge on the old gentlemen, but there is a strong inference that our surmises are eoirect. There was a stroug demand for wool, from the fact that all kinds of wearing apparel called for exorbitant jirices, and, as the settlers had but little money with which to meet this demand, they were compelled, in many cases, to improvise clothing from buckskin, etc. This condition of things led many to bring in a few sheej), which were carefully housed and fed, and the wool therefrom was clipped, carded, spun, woven, and finally made into warm, heavy suits of clothing. The carding was done by hand; the spinning, on the old wheel; the wiaving, on a small loom; and the s'.iits were made by tailors who traveled from house to house to ply their craft. It was customary for families to get a considerable quantity of cloth on hand, and then to have all the members supplied at once with new suits or gowns. Linen suits were commonly worn in the warmer months. Almost every family had its small patch of flax, which was carefully tended, and afterward prepared by the flax-beater for the spinning-wheel. Almost every family had its own weaver; th(jse who did not, found no trouble in havinfj their woolen or linen cloth woven at some neighbor's. Wool and linen were quite often combined, and then the suit was called " linsey-woolsey." The cloth was often, and usually, highly colored with leaves or bark from the woods. The gaudy appearance of the suits and dresses at assemblages of the settlers l)rings to mind the Dolly Varden colorings of later years.

Ague and fever were seemingly much more common in early days thaa at present Doctors were few. and were abused then even more than now. Poor fellows! they have to bear the slings and arrows of uncharitable criticism, and are met everj'where with the sarcastic remark. " He kills more than he cures." The early doctors traveled over large sections of country. They rejoiced in various cognomens and schools not recognized in the systems today. There were Indian doctors, the tire doctors, tlie water doctors, the steam doctors, the i charm doctors, the " regulars," and various others, who dealt out their nostnims with a prodigality incompatible with the medical maxim of to-day, which directs that the desired results be attained with the use of the lepst possible quantity of medicine. Notwithstanding the quantity poured down the sick, the ague still shook whole families. In the words of a rural bard,

"And it shiKik liini, shook him .sorely. Shook liis lioots off and his lirccches, Shook his toiMh oul and liis hair off, Shook his coal all into tatlcrs, Shook his sliiil all into rihiions. Shirtless, hatlrss. coatlcss. toothless. Minus hoots and minus lin'fchcs. Still it shook him, shook him till it Made him yellow. },'aiint and li<inv, Shook him till it shuffled for hiin Off his mortal eoil. and then it. Ilaviiif; laid him cold and quiet In the cold and silent churchyard. Shook the earth all down upon him. And he lies heneath his gravestone. Ever shaking;, shakinj;. shaking."

The reader will observe that the" poet " treats of the sick as of the masculine gender, leaving conjecture tossed with doubt as to how the opposite sex withstood the sickness.

The old doctor was an important personage. His bottles and bags were regarded as wonders, his judgment was unanswerable and his jirescriptions implicitly obeyed. Ho was welcomed and fed at even' household. Time p.issed on, and the ]iractioo of medicine im proved.

Stock, when turned into the woods, wer<» usually carefully marked, and bells hung about their necks, that, when wanted, they could be found. Hogs re(]uired no care, as they were enabled to sustain themselves the entire year on the " mast " that at all times covered the ground. Diu-ing the autumn, they became very fat, but gradually got thin during the winter. They became s(j wild that no one could approach near them, and it was necessary to shoot them when the family were out of pork. They were often very savage, and would sometimes attack the settlers, whose only safety then Liy in flight, or in ascending a tree. The tusks on some of them attained a length of six inches or more. Trouble often arose regarding the o'wnership, and the practice of ear-marking was reduced to a sj'stem. Bears were very fond of fresh jiork, and were not particular whether the swine had been properly dressed or not. They would attack some unfortunate siis scra/a in the woods, tind, despite its struggles and squetils. tear it in pieces and devour the tender flesh. It is related that, on one occasion, a large bear, evidently made desjierate by hunger, attacked a liog in Williiim Shaefer's stable yard. The attention of the faiuily was flrst attracted by the srjuealing and commotion outside. Upon going out, they discovered that a full-grown bear had thrown a liog ujion the ground, and was busily engaged tearing it with teeth and claws. The meml)ers of the family ran out and shouted, whereupon the bear made ofT, stoj>[)ing every few ro«ls to rear upon its hind feet and show its white teeth, to resist any attack that might bo made uj)on it The hog Wiis so badly torn that it was shot Incidents of this kind were (piite fretjuent More than one settler was chased by wolves, or had his adventure with some other d.ingerous animal. The Commissioners of the County ofi'ero<i a bountj' for wolf and jianther scalps, and this led those who were fond of hunting, and were skillful, to venture out on loug excursions in pursuit of these animals. The earliest settlers often found great difficulty in paying their taxes. Every penny was carefully laid away for this j)urpose. Animals were trapped and caught, and their skins sold, and the mon'~y was used to satisfj' the Tax Collector.

On account of the miles upon miles of trackless forest that covered the country, it was a common thing for the settlers, or their children, to become lost. It seems strange, yet those who have been in that unfortunate situation, describe the bewilderment as maddening. The senses refuse to act in their ordinary manner, but take note of things in a new and singular way. Familiar objects are seen in a new light, and are no longer recognized. Ellis N. Johnson relates that, on one occasion, when out in the woods, he came upon a large fallen tree, that had probably been cut down for a beai-, in which he oliserved a large quantity of line wild honey. He placed as much as he could cany in an improvised bag, iind started for home; but he foiuid that the cardinal points of direction had deserted him, or, in other words, he was lost. He endeavored his utmost to ascertain which way he was going, but the effort resulted as it always does, in increasing the bewildemient. After wandering arovuid a long time, he finally came to a stable, in the yard of which was an old horse. The animal was poorer than Job's turkey, and Mr. Johnson wondered why in the name of luunanity the owner did not feed the poor creature, and take better care of the yard. He moved on a little farther, and saw a log house and near it a woman, who, when she saw him, asked, "What have you there?" It then dawned upon the bewildered Mr. Johnson, for the first time, that his own wife was talking to him, and that the horse and stableyard he had seen were his own.

About the year 1821, two small chikh-en, a brother and sister, the former six, and the latter eight years of age, belonging to a family in the southern part of Portage County, became lost while out after the cows. The children tried to drive the cattle toward what they thought was home, but which, in reality, was a different direction, and as the animals refused to go as desired, they were abandoned by the children. Had they been wise enough to have followed the cows, they would have had no trouble in reaching home. The cows went home, and the children wandered farther off in the tangled wilderness. As night and the cows came without the childi'en, the parents became alarmed, and immediately surmised that thsy had become lost. The coimtry was new and thinly settled, but the parents hiu'ried about and roused what few neighbors they could. Guns were fired, horns were blown, but no tidings came of the wanderers. The morning dawned, and by this time quite a collection of neighbors, near and far, had assembled to begin the search in a systematic manner. A few ti-aces of where the children had been were discovered, and a long line was formed to begin the march southward. If slight but sure signs of the children were discovered, the horn was to be blown once; if good signs, twice; and if the childi-en themselves, three times, when all the searchers were to gather together. The search was given in charge of an old himter, who had attained a wide reputation for his ablility to track game from very slight signs. All day long the search continued. D\iring the afternoon, the old hunter saw a footprint made by one of the children. The horn sounded the news along the line. The track was near a large tree that had been cut for a bear, and after a few minutes, the old hunter held up a bit of calico that had been torn from the dress of the little girl. The horn again earned the tidings along the line. The excitement became intense, but none were permitted to leave the line. The parents were excluded from the line and left at home, for fear that when a few signs were discovered, they would rush forward in their eagerness, and obliterate them. The line was ordered not to break until the horn sounded thrice in succession for the same reason. The old hunter, and a few competent assistants, took the advance, and anuoimced their success to the others, who were beating the bushes for a mile or more on each side. Darkness again came, and the search had to be abandoned, save continued soundings of the horns and reports of the guns. The line of march was taken up at daylight in the morning, and continued, with an occasional sign, until nearly night. The searchers jiassed southward, thnnigh Lexington Township, and thence into Washington, advancing as far as Socticm .14, very nesuwhere Mr. Tinsman lived. Hero the old hunter picked up a piece of spice wood that bore the marks of teeth upon it. One siiggestod that the branch had been l)itten by a deer: but the old hunter ])roved that to be impossible, as on the limb were the marks of upper teeth. The horn again rang oat its welcome note. The line moved on, and shortly came upon a " slashing," of some live acres. Here the old hiuiter saw ])laiuly where the children had walked in. They had followed an old deer ])ath that led to the center of the slashing. This was a splendid retreat for the animals when they were attacked by Hwarms of flies, as the place was thickly covered with weeds and undergrowth. " \Miat shall be done," was the questiim. The old himter was told to enter, which he did: as be passed along the path, he saw an object bound off a log and rush toward him. It was the little girl: she was utterly wild, paying no heed to his questions and seeming to fear him, although she had run into his arras. He asked her where her br.ither was. but she did not understand him, and made an eflbrt to leave and run off ia the undergi'owth. The search was continued in the slashing, by the hunter and his assistants, and in a few minutes the little boy was found, fast asleej), under the protecting side of a large log. He wius roused up, but was as wild as his sister. The horns rang out three times in succession, and the overjoyed settlers gathered together in a few minutes. The children were taken U) Mr. Tinsman's hoiise. but they refused to eat. and made coutimial efforts to rush out in the woods. A little nom-ishing food was forced down their throats, and then they were conveyed rapidly toward home. The parents heard the horns and shouts, and were overwhelmed with joy when their children were placed in their anus. The little lK)y and girl did not recognize them, nor their liora(>, but stared wildly around. They were put to bed and were soon asleep. Early the next morning, the little boy called out, " Where's my little ax?" The little girl awoke, and called for her calico di-ess (the one that had been torn in pieces in her rambles). The children were all right, but, strange to say, could not remember anything of li(>ing lost Other incidents of a similar nature are related.

Ezekiel Marsh built the first gi-ist-mill in the township. It was located on one of the small streams, at a point where the natiu-al siu^-oundings favored a limited though strong and constant water-power ; a dam of stone, brush, earth and logs, was built across the stream, and fi-om this a race conducted water to the strong breast- wheel that communicated motion to the machinery of the mill. Two sets of stone were i)laced in the mill, one for gi-inding wheat, and the other for corn. The exact date of its erection is not known, but it was probably befoi-e IS'iO. He also built a saw-mill on the same dam, and operated it in connection with his gi-ist-mill. Both mills were well jjatronized, and were a great accommodation to the settlers. Sawing was ordinarily done on shares, the sawyer taking half the lumber for his work. Settlers fi-om a great distance around came to the mills for their lumber and floiu-. Marsh, with the assistance of his sous, conducted both mills until his tragic death, after which they went to his son, Ed, who, after a few years, jiermitted them to run down. Soon after the village of Mt Union was laid out. Hale Brothers, of Steubenville, erected a large woolen factoiy. They had talked the matter over with the citizens, and had at first a)ncluded not to build, thinking, doubtless, that they might have an elephant on their hands; but when the citizens had come forward, and had promised to erect the building for them, they furnishing the luml)er, etc., the brothers concluded to utidertHke the enterprise. No sooner was the building erected and ready for occupancy, than it took fire and burned to the ground, consuming all the apparatus, machinery, etc. The brothers went to work and erected another in its place. This was ojterated for a time, and then sold to Solomon Teegarden, who did (juite an extensive work at carding, fulling, etc., for a few years, when the establishment was again destroyed by lire and was not afterward rebuilt. The enter-

Henry Schooley, of Salem, at ijuite au etu'ly day, came to the village, looking for a site for the establishment of a flouriug mill. The citizens desired such an industry at the village, and agreed to build the mill for Mr. Schooley, and have it ready for operation within thirty days. This was agreed to, and accordingly doie. Two sets of stone were placed in the ).^ill. and a small steam engine furnished the motion. Good flour was furnished, and the mill grew in favor and soon obtained a flattering patronage. Finally, four good sets of stone took the place of the two old ones, and the owners began doing a combined merchant and custom work, which has continued until the present time. TSli: Schooley, at last, sold out to Mr. Bard, who yet owns and operates the mill. A grist-mill was also built at Ht'-asbiu-g suon after the location of the railroad station at that point. It is a large frame building, and, under a change of owners, has done good work from the start. It is yet in operation.

Distilleries and temperance movements, to check their eflect, have played a prominent part in the history of the township. George (ioodman conducted a distillery, about two miles southwest of ML Union, at f(uite an early day. While in operation, his distillery turned out some twenty gallons of good whisky per day. He owned but one still. The most of his liquor was sold at the still, and the balance probably found its way into some of the neighboring tavern bar-rooms. Michael Miller also built one, about five miles south of Mt. Union. His still was a little larger, and he is said to have manufactured about a Itarrel of excellent whisky jier day. Ezekiel Marsh probably conducted the most extensive distillery ever in the township. It was built at a spring, near his house, and the surroundings and apparatus were such that Marsh found no difficulty in distilling over a barrel of whisky per day. In order to insure the excellence of his liquor, he was in the habit of re-distilling it, and for this reason it gained repute for excellence and concentration. These thi'ee distilleries were erected prior to 1838. Everybody drank liquor in early years; it was a rare thing to find a house where it was not used, and that, too, by every member of the family. It was kept on the side-board or mantel-piece of almost every house, and when visitors called it was customary to take a horn to kindle friendship and hospitality into a flame. Many an old settler has said to the writer. "Why, I was raised on the whisky bottle." It was given to children to quiet them, or to make them noisy, as the case demanded. W^omeu took it to steady their nerves, and to give them coiu'age. Everybody used it in warm weather to secure cooling effects, and in cold weather to secure warming efi'eets. It was used by all in sickness and in health, and was looked ujjon like the Montebank's " Grand, Elliptical, Asiatical, Panticiirical, Nervous Cordial," as a jjauacea for all diseases incident to humanity. In about the year 1828, a movement was inaugurated in the Eastern States, which asserted that whisky was not a " necessity," that its use as a beverage was degrading and shameful, and that it became all lovers of morality and sobriety to discourage its use in every proper way. Such theories were, at tirst, boldly and confidently contradicted; but soon thoughtful people saw truth and good advice in the theory, and all over the country temperance societies sprang into life. The wave of revolution swept over Ohio, meeting, everywhere, strong opposition, but slowly and surely outriding it all. Ellis N. Johnson was a gifted speaker. He had that hap[)y faculty of being able to tm-n everything which transpired while he was on the stage to his own advantage. He never hesitated for a word, but "talked right on," with the eloquence of conviction and the force of reason. He instantly took the lead in the temperance reform. His first temperance sj>eech in the old sclioolhouse, near his farm, attracted wide attention, and roused thoughtful, moral people into action. People discussed the subject at their firesides and at public places. All the better class of citizens spoke boldly in favor of the refoi'm; but di'am-drinkers and ownei-s of distilleries discom'aged the movement, and continued their practices. Mr. Johnson received abundant encouragement, and was invited to speak in all the adjoining schoolhouses and townships. People were, at first, Burprised at his views rej^arding liquor drinking, and flocked forward by the hundreds to listen to him. A strong temperance society was inmiediately organized at Mt. Union. The following is the preamble and constitution prepared and adopteil:

Whekk.\s. The use of anli'iit spirits is not onl_v iin Mfcessarv aM<l injuriou.s to the social, civil and moral interests of men ; Imt tenils to promote pauperism, crime and urelcliedne.ss. and to hinder all ellorts for the intellectual and moral lienelit of .society; and. as one of the liest means to counteract its deleterious effects is the inllueiice of united e.xainple;

Therefiin\ We. the suliscrihers. inhabitants of Mount Union and vicinily, rccofjni/ins; the i)rinciplesof alistineiice from the Use of ardent spirits and from il.s traffic, do hereby', a.s the basis of our union, to form ourselves into a society, and for this purpose adopt tlie following constitution:

Sec. 0. The ol)ject of the society shall be by example and kind moral intluence to discountenance the use of ardi^nl spirits and the traffic in the same, except as a medicine or for mechanical purposes.

Sec. 8. Any person who practically adojjts the important principles of this society may become a member by signinir the constitution, or by requesting the Secretarv to do so for him.

Sec. 4. The Officers of the society shall be a President, two Vice Presidents, a Recording Secretary, and a Coi ns|iondin,:r Secretary, each of whimi shall 1m rli(i-rn annually, shall continue in office until his Mirci-v, II i> elected, and shall perform the duties customarily assigned to such offii-e.

Sec. -"). The society shall annuallj' appoint five members, who. toLTcther with the officers, shall constitute an executive committee, three of whom shall form a ijuorum, for the adoption of such measures as shall be best calculated to render the society the most useful.

Sec. 7. The society at any time may strike the name of any member from its lists, on being satisfied that such member has violated the principh^s of the society.

Sec. 8. This constitution may be amended by a majority of the members present at any annual meeting of the society, providing that such simendment does not materially alter the principles (U^clared al)ove.

Sec. 9. The President (or either of the Vice Presidents in ciuses of the sickness or ab.sence of the President) is authorized to call a meeting of the society at any time he may deem proper.

This constitution was read at every place where Mr. Johnson spoke, and at every meeting scores appended their names to the rap idly increasing lists. The Quakers were the first to enter the refonn. heart and soul, and finally the church societies in the vicinity did likewise. The list of names is yet in exist euce, but is too long to be ins(>rted here. Soon the work of the society began to be felt by the liqtior sellers and manufacturers. Job Johnson was engag(>d. at the time, in keeping otore and tavern in the village of Mt. Union, and like till other tavern-keepers kept and sold liqtior in his biir-room. His brother, Ellis N.. continued to lecture, and he to sell, until at last he was converted to the temperance faith by a lady living in the neighborhood. In conversation with hei. he had s.iid, by way of excuse, that he no longer sold to drunkards, whereupon she j)roceeded. with cutting language, to tell him that course was the worst he could pursue, for he sold to young men and boys all the time, and was continually creating a new stock of drunkards. The thought went to his heart like an arrow, and he soon aftei^vard stopped selling, and became a standard bearer of temperance. In consefjuence of his conversion, as above stated, he published his change of opinion under the caption. "My Last Excuse Gone."' If the writer is correctly informed. Robert Hilton was. at this time, selling licjuor at Mt Union. He attended one of Ellis N. Johnson's strongest meetings, and the vivid colorings of the subject by the speaker went home to his heart; for the next day. meeting Johnson, he said: '' I can't stand everything: what shall I do?" He was told to stop selling, and, with that sudden resolution which takes possession of all true converts, he went to his desk drawer, and taking therefrom $400 worth of notes that had been given him for liquor, advanced to the fire with the intention of btirning them. Johnson told him to wait Hilton replied: "If it's wrong to sell, it's ^vrong to collect" Johnson then told him to postpone the destruction of th(> notes until the morrow, when it could be done publicly to a large iv^seniblage. The day was an important one, and (jver four hundred people were present Hilton had on hand .'J14 worth of whisky: the hat was pa-ssed. and Slli were raised and given him. The liijuor was then taken and placed on a heaj) of fagots, and the whole was set on fire. While it was burning.

Hilton went forward, and, in the presence of the audience, cast his $400 worth of notes in the fire. It was a day of great rejoicing, success and enthusiasm. Ellis N. was, at that early day, called the "Old Pioneer." Michael Miller, who owned the distillery in the southern part, invited the "Old Pioneer" down to his neighlxirhood to hold a temperance meeting, saying that he " wanted to see the elephant." The result was that Miller was completely convei'ted. A few days before he had made a contract with a man from Deerfield, named Hartzell, to fui'nish 400 gallons of whisky, and part of the consideration had jiassed. He made up his mind to annul the contract, and not furnish the liquor. The malt vvas fed to the hogs, and wheu Hartzell apjieared for his liquor, he received no satisfaction, nor whisky. He immediately instituted suit before Ellis N. Johuson, Justice of the Peace, for damages sustained, and obtained judgment for $27.50, much to the chagrin of the Justice, who, though bound by duty to apply the law as he understood it, did so reluctantly, saying in conclusion, as he decided the case: " The money is yoiu's, legally, but morally you have no right to touch it." The moral as})ect of the case did not trouble i Mr. Hartzell, for he coolly pocketed his damages and walked oft". The temperance organization saw the sale of liquor in the towuship almost or wholly cease; saw everj' distillery close its doors, and saw confirmed drunkards reform and lead sober lives.

Mt. Union was the first village properly laid out and platted in the township. Four men owned the land at the corner where the lots were laid out. Richard Fawcett owned on the northeast; John Hare on the southeast; E. N. Johnson on the southwest, and Job Johnson on the northwest. Forty lots were laid out, twenty in "Washington Township and twenty in Lexington, ten being on the land of each of the above men. The lots were located on Sections 1 and '2, in Washington, and on Sections 35 and 86, in Lexington, and all were laid out under the directions of the owners, in August, 1833. At this time, there was but one house standing on the site of the village. This was the residence of Job Johnson, and was located on the corner of Main and

Mt. Union sti-eets. Job Johnson, immediately after the village was laid out, erected some three or foiu" other residences, on some of the lots, which, wiih the buildings, were ofiered for sale. In a short time several buyers appeared, and Boon the town had all the appearance as such. Job Johnson opened his store and tavern; carpenters, blacksmiths and ai'titicers of various sorts appeared; industries sprang up and business miiltiplied rapidly. The old settlers say that Mt. Union was an unusTially promising place in early years. A more detailed accoimt of the improvement will be found in the chapter on Lexington Township.

Freebm-g was laid out on the southeast quarter of Section 28, in February, 1842. The land was owned by Isidon Can-illon. and thirty-two lots were siu'veyed and ofiered for sale by the owner. The growth of the village was quite slow, and nothing but the presence of a railroad or an important industry could alter its fate of comparative obsciu-ity. Stores have come and gone like spring blossoms, and have been about as numerous, though not as sweet. There have been times in the history of the village, when Goldsmith's lines were peculiarly appropriate:

"Sweet smilinf; villagp, loveliest of the lawu, Thy sports are tied and all thy charms withdrawn ; Amidst thy bowers the tyrant's hand is .seen. And desolation saddens all the green."

At other times the prospect has seemed as bright as a May morning, and the hearts of the citizens have throbbed in anticipation of the futm-e. WTiy cannot Freeburg have a railroad as well as any other town? If it "shells out" enough the road will be built. Money will buy in this case as it has in others. That fact may be relied on.

Strasburg was laid out in August, 1842, by Gregory Gross and Jacob Sardier. owners and ]iro]irietors, on the south half of Section 8, Township 18, Range 6. Thirty lots were laid off" by the siuTeyor, and these were immediately thrown into market by the owners. They were sold slowly, as there was no great inducement for capitalists to invest money. Stores were opened one by one, industi'ies flourished in succession, and hopes were kindled into flame in the breast of the owners that their names might be sung by unborn millions, like those of Romulus and Remus. But they, like others of earth's chikh-en, wore doomed to disa])pointment.

They saw other villages around them repeat the multiplication table; but they, with all their striving, could never reach addition. They became familial' with the rules of subti'action. mtich to the division of their interest. The village is subject to fluctuations in pojjulatiou and prosperity. It has lost all probability of fame and renown, though its ambition is mountainous and measureless. It received its greatest im]ietus when the railroad station was located there. At that time improvements advanced quite rapidly. Some grain and stock are shipped on the railroad from this point.

It is a Imown fact that the tirst schools in the township were taught in the settlers' cabin, though dates and distinctions cannot be given with certainty. It is said that Marsh permitted his cabin to be used as a schoolhouse, and that a yoimg man just f om the East. ]iassing through the townshij), was employed to teach a term or more there, which he did, receiving his pay by subscription, and boarding aroimd. It is also stated that be yond a doubt several terms were taught in the townshi]! prior to 1820. If jwssible, when the settlers living in a neigliborhood wished a school, a double log cabin was selected, the school being tatight in one room, while the owner's family resided in the other. Or. it was quite common t(j find a cabin that had beet) deserted by th(> owTier. and this was taken and supj)li<>d with rude desks and seats, and devoted to the cause of education. One of the first schoolhouses liuilt, if not the first, was the old log l)nilding at Mc^unt Union, which was erected in about th(> year 182'). It was constructed of hewn logs, and wiis quite a large building, having been built with the design, as all early schoolhouses were, of b<>ing used for a variety of piirjHJses. Job Johnson was one of the first teachers in this house. The management of schools sixty years ago differed essentially from that at present. The discii)line was different, and so were the modes of imjiarting instruction. There was what were known as '- loud schools " which may be understood as those where the scholars studied at any pitch of voice they chose. They ustially chose to be heard, and the din iind confusion in the room in stich a case can be imagined. It was probably some teacher of these schools who wrote the following lines:

"Since when the devil templed .Job With all the troubles on Die globe, And strove to put him in a passion, School-keeping was not then in fasliion; For, had he tied him to a seliool, .Job had not kept his temper eool."

Before 1830, several schoolhouses were erected in the township. It is thought that the township was tirst divided into school districts in about the year 1824, and that immediately afterward, two or more schoolhouses were erected. As time passed on and the township became more thickly jwpulated, the districts were divided and subdivided until the present number - ten - were created. It was the case in almost everj' district, that log buildings were at first erected, and, when these had served their day, fi'ames or bricks took tlieir places. In some districts three or more schoolhouses have been built.

*The Fairmount Children's Homo for the district of Stark and Columbiana Counties of Ohio, is located in the eastern portion of Washington Township, on Section 13, four miles south of Alliance and one mile west of the Columbiana County line. The farm contains 154 acres and is very favorably locat(:>d, in a good neighborhood and e.isy of access. The object of the institution is to fiu'nish a home and ''home-training" for indigent children under sixteen years of age, of the two counties, where they can be supported and provided with jihysical, mental and moral training until suitable homes can be provided for them, or until they liecome capable of earning and providing for themselves, or their parents or guardians for them.

passed a law authorizing counties to establish Children's Homes, prominent citizens of Columbiana and Stark Counties commenced agitiitirg the matter with the view of seciirin<^ action fi"om the Ct>mmissionei>> in regard to an institution of this character. It was originally intended tliat the counties of Columbiana, Mahoning, Portage and Stark should form the " Home disti'ict," and, with this end in vii>w, the Commissioners of these counties held their first joint meeting at Alliance, on September IS, 1874, at which time a Board of Trustees was appointed composed of the following memboi"s: Hon. J. K. Riikenbrod and Joshua Lee, uf Columbiana: Dr. G. W. Broke, of Mahoning: William Barber, of Statk, and William G-rinnel, of Portage. Mr. Rukenbrod being a meml^er of the Ohio Senate was ineligible to the office and shortly afterwai'd resigned, and James Davis, of Columbiana, was chosen to till the vacancy. The trustees visited several institutions of like character and during the next four months arrangements were perfected for a Home, but in the meantime the counties of Portage and Mahoning withdrew from the district and Messrs. Levi Stum)» and C. K. Greiner, of St;irk,were aj)] >ointed to the vac.mt trusteeships. The Commissionei-s of the two counties on May 4, ISTo, signed the deed for the land which they |)urch;used from Thomas Rackstraw, paying him $18,770 for the farm. H. E Myers, an architect of Cleveland, prepared the plans and specifications for the building, and the contract for erecting it was awarded to Messrs. Parkinson & Morrison, of New Lisbon. The entire cost of the IniildingK and fm-iiishings was about §()r),(l()0: the real estate is now valued at ^1 .").()()( I. making a total of $SO,(KII) which have been devoted by these two counties for charitable purposes in this form.

Fainnount Home consists of the main building, two cottages, the farm house, the bake house and a large l)oiler house in which is generated steam for heatiug the several apartments. There is also a bam, wagon house, ice house, a slaughter house and the ntHSes sarj- outbuildings. The main building is three stories high above the basement; the greatest width is 82 feet and the greatest length is 115 feet. In the basement are large fruit, vegetable and dairy rooms, the kitchen, laundry and industrial roouLs. On the first fiwir are the office, reception rooms, pai'lor, dining rooms, pantries and store rooms. The Superintendent's family rooms, guest rooms, store rooms and thi"ee large school rooms are situated on the second floor. On the third flot>r are rooms for em])loyes and large tanks for hard and soft wat(>r. Centrally located on the first three floors are fire plugs connected with the tanks. Situated in the rear of the main building are two cottages each thirtytwo feet in width and thirty-nine feet long. In each cottage on the fii-st floor is a nursery, a sitti og room for chikhvn, a bedroom for the nurse and cottage matron, a wash room and a bath room. On the second floor of each cottage are two dormitories and a wiu'drobe. The cottages are connected to the main building by a covered passage. In the " farmhouse" is a large family of boys, a sitting room, a large airy dormitory, a bedroom for the matron and family, the necessary rooms for the kindergarten - accommodating the chikh'en from four to six years of age.

Fainnount Home ^vas completed and erected in 187(5 and dedicated with appro])riate exercises in October of that year. The Board of Trustees employed Dr. J. F. Buck to take charge of the institution. This gentleman had been for the j)revious seven years connected with the Ohio Reform Farm at Lancaster: he brought with him to the Home much valuable expiirience and has lieen the means of making the Home a great .success. The building was opi'ned for the reception of inmates October 81, i87t), on which day sixteen children were received from the Stark County Infirmary. From that date until October 81, 1880, a ])eriod of four years, 8y2 children were received into the Home; 108 the first year, 7 1 the second, 110 the third and fill the fourth. Of these chiUlren 140 were in the Home October 81, 1880; 1*J4 have been ])laced in families where they have found desirable homes; 17 have died and 41 have been retm-iied to fi'iends, discharged or sent to other charitable institutions of the State. These chi Idren have l)een gathered from the two coimties of Stark and Columbiana Thev have been supported and educated at an expense to these counties of less than $10,000 each year. But a money vahie cannot be placed on that which will be gained by these children wlien placed under good influences in jirivate families, where their chances for becoming good and useful men and women will be enhanced, and the probabilities of their becoming burdens upon society will be greatly diminished. Fairmount Home, however, is to a great extent self-sustaining. The farm embraces 154 acres, a considerable portion of which is cultivated and yields a bountiful harvest: the work of the farm is largely performed by the older boys, wlio are re<juired to assist one-half of each day fi-om May to October in the general farm work. The smaller children are a gi'eat help in marketgardening and cultivating small fruit. These duties are part of the practical education fiu'nished by the Home, for as the gi-eater nnmlier of those who leave the institution are indentiu-ed to faiTQers the principal thought kept in their minds while at work is not " how much" but "how well." The farm also contains rich ])asture lands for cows which furnish an abundant supply of milk and liutter. The jiractical household education of the girls is not neglected, for they are taught to be handy with the needle ]>y a lady who has charge of the industrial department, and many articles of use are manufactured in this room by the older girls who work one-half of each day and during the year make all the clothing needed liy the inmates of the Home. The assistance of these older girls is also of great value in the kitchen, laundry and dining rooms of the Home, and the instruction which they have received in these several departs meuts will be of great importance to them in any sphere in which they luay be placed in future years. The money saved in consequence of the amount of labor performed by the older girls in these departments as well as in others for so large a household is an item of no small importance: but, when compared with the importance of this training to habits of industry and order, the money value sinks into insignificance.

be able to support themselves, but their education receives due attention both physical, intellectual, moral and religious. Believing that sound minds can be best developed in sound bodies, everything which has a tendency to develop the physical organization receives close attention by the Superintendent. Wholesome food, pure air, cleanliness of person, healthful exercise on the play-gi'ounds, and moderate labor about the buildings, garden and fields, are the means relied upon for bxiilding a symmetrical temple for the mind. Many of the children receive their tu'st lessons from books while at the Home. Those of school age are divided into two separate grades according to their proficiency. Both grades are in session diu-ing the entire school day. The older scholars who work half the day attend school during the other half, but those from six to ten years of age have attended school regularly duri og school hoiu-s without vacation. All who are of sufficient age are required to attend the Sabbath school exercises, which consist mainly in reciting portions of the Scriptures and singing. Ministers of diflerent denominations and the Young Men's Christian Association of Mount Union have, dm-ing past years, favored the Home with sermons and addresses on Sabbath afternoons without any compensation. Fairmount is emphatically a home for those who otherwise would be homeless, and it is a wise economy for the citizens of Stark and Columbiana Counties to take these poor, friendless children and provide them witli a good home training so that at majority they will be able to take care of themselves, rather than have them homeless and hardened criminals or confirmed paupers. Fairmount is doing a work, the value of which cannot now be estimated, but must be acknowledged in time to come. Were it nor for the fostering care of the Home, the majority of its inmates would be smTounded by baneful influences growing up in ignorance and vice.

Owing to the fact that several families of Quakers resided in the township, a station on the Underground Railroad was established there. The Johnsons were prominently connected with this road, and assisted more than one fugitive to the Dominion of Canada.

Unknown to those who made it their business to apprehend slaves on their way north, there were several secret places on the shore of Lake Erie, where vessels from the Canada side landed on certain days for the fufjitives wh<; were concealed in the adjacent heavy forests. These places were known to the Quakers, who very likely j>a)d the owners of the vessels for their trouble. It is stated that, on one occasion, a fugitive family, that had stopped in the woods in the northeastern | part of the county, were surprised by their [ owner and conveyed to Virginia before the Quakers had become fully aware of the state of aSairs. This was the result of not seeking ' the assistance of the Quakers. When the ! latter were trusted, the slaves invariably reached their destination in safety.

The quantity of timber land, of land imder cultivation, of meadow land, and of swamp land, has been constantly changing since the earliest day. The following table explains itself: Number of acres of arable and plow land

The Baptists and Methodists began holding meetings in the township alx)ut the same time. This was not far from the year 1817. Meetings were at lii-st held in the old log dwellings, and at such places where ample room could be had by traveling the least distance. Our grandparents required a gi-eat deal of sjjace when they got down to business at these early religious meetings. This can be said of the Mettiodists at any rate. The few Quakers were (juiet, and waited for the spirit to move them. The spirit was pretty lively sometimes, judging from the activity at the Quaker meetings. The Baptists built a small brick church cjiiitt* eai-ly at Moimt Union, neai' the graveyai'd, but jjrior to this their meetings were held in the old schoolhouse. The church was built not fai- fi-om 1830. It is thought the Methodists held meetings before the Baptists, and that their small frame church, located just across the line in Lexington Township, was built after the Baptists built theirs. Job Johnson gave the lot upon which the Methodist Cliufch was built. Other chinches have succeeded these. School was taught in the old brick Baptist Chm-ch. The Catholics have a neat chtu-ch and cemetery at Sti'asburg. The building was erected many years ago. The United Brethren have a chiu-ch on Section 11. It was erected in comparatively late years. The Albrights have a chiu-ch on Section 22. The Methodists have one at Freebm-g. Some of the church societies have died out: others have suffered much from lack of funds and membership. Some have l)eeu strong since their organization. Many of the citizens belong to churches located just without the limits of the townshi]). The people are generally moral, and many belong to the chm'ches.