Wayne County, Ohio - Chapter 19: Wooster, 1878 (part 1 of 8)

Chapter 19: Wooster

The seat of justice of Wayne county was laid out in the fall of 1808 by the proprietors, John Bever, William Henry and Joseph H. Larwill, and is 377 feet above Lake Erie, and was made the seat of justice for the county May 30, 181 1.

It was so named by Hon. Joseph H. Larwill, in honor of the celebrated Major General David Wooster of Revolutionary renown, and a member of the old and distinguished family bearing that name.

David Wooster was born at Stratford, in Connecticut, March 2, in the year of our Lord, 17 10, The strictest scrutiny of his earlier record furnishes but a meager detail of his boyhood. He was a man of prepossessing personal appearance, of rare intellectual culture and accomplished education. His collegiate course was exact and scientific, answering the punctilious curriculum of Yale in 1738.

When the colony constructed what was then called "the guard-a-costa, " to be employed defensively in case of assault by Spanish cruisers in 1739, he was designated as second in command, and shortly was appointed Captain. At the close of this service he married a daughter of President Clapp, of Yale College, a lady said to have been admirably suited to encounter the dangerous scenes which were already flinging their dark and ominous shadows upon the future. Valiant women always make braver, courageous men ; and Mrs. Wooster had firmness, power and res-

In 1745, when Colonel Burr raised a regiment in Connecticut to join the troops destined to act against Louisburg - a seaport village on the eastern coast of the Island of Cape Breton, an insular colony of British North America - Captain Wooster was appointed to the command of a company in that regiment, and occupied an active place in the reduction of that considerable fortification. After its capitulation, he was ordered to take charge of the cartel which was sent to France for exchange of prisoners. He was not at that time permitted to land in France, but hastened to Great Britian, where he was received by aristocrats, the dwellers of the Court, and velvet-sandaled Royalty itself. He even became a favorite of King George, who presented him with a Captain's baton in a regiment of Sir VViUiam Pepperell, with half pay for hfe.

After one of the Aix-la-Chapelle treaties, and the recession to France of the fortress mentioned, Captain Wooster retired to the serenities of home and the sanctities of private life. For awhile he lived in tranquil seclusion in New Haven, when the sky lowered again, and the mutterings of the Titans of war were heard in the distance. In 1750 he was made Colonel of a regiment, but was not fated to remain there long, as he was soon advanced to a Brigadiership, which office he held until the peace of 1763, when once more he withdrew to the pensive shades of retirement.

We find him next in New Haven, an enterprising, public spirited man, engaged in commercial pursuits. We believe, at one time, he was appointed Collector of Customs of the port of New Haven. And now beams, in faint but terrible lines upon the horizon, the test- hour to men of place and power. The cloud, not larger than a man's hand, grew rapidly, and men had to decide. General Wooster named his position from the beginning, and when the bloody logic of Concord and Lexington was sought to be taught in the school of despotism, although courts had received him, kings had honored him - honored him with office - and although he held the king's seal, he renounced everything, and poured out " the tinkling crimson tide that plays upon the heart's red brink " for freedom from oppression and the independence of his country. And with the forethought and prescience of a wise man, he comprehended the necessity of the hour, and while Ethan Allen and Arnold executed the drama of the capture of Ticonderoga, we must award to General Wooster a full share of the honor of the conception of the plot of that hazardous and momentous enterprise. He even went to Canada with Montgomery, and for awhile after that gallant soldier fell had supreme command.

In I775> after a successful vote for the creation of an army,. Congress appointed him third in rank among the Brigadiers upon that occasion. In 1776, the epochal period of the national life, he saw much bitter service, though as it was in the inception of the Revolutionary contest, few substantial laurels were achieved, the contest raging long afterward. In the same year he was appointed Major General of the militia of Connecticut, with a supervisory control of the military stores, which were kept near Danbury. The British had a jealous eye upon these provisions, and with a force of two thousand men under Tryon, sought their capture, and succeeded. General Wooster, with seven hundred raw recruits, attacked them April 27, 1776, but, forced to retreat, received a fatal wound. He had, however, the comfort of dying in the sacred circle of his family, on the 2d of May, 1777. His last words were, "I am dying, but with the strong hope and persuasion that my country will gain her independence."

His remains were ensepulchered at Danbury, Connecticut. On June 17, 1777, Congress voted that a suitable monument should be erected to his memory, but measures never were inaugurated to execute the resolution. His grave was not identified until 1854, when, by an Act of the Legislature of that State, the corner-stone of a monument was laid. No wonder our independence was achieved when such intrepid spirits leagued and fell for it ! What a priceless boon they have bequeathed to us ! What a

We discover, then, that illustrious and patriotic memories surrounded the baptism of Wooster. It started in its infancy with the inspiration of the Revolutionary spirit. May it, in the sublime and noble aspirations of a riper and maturer life, glorify the magnificent achievements that spirit prompted!

Wooster, it may here be remarked, was not the first countyseat. The place designated by the first Commissioners was on the eminence east of south of the city, on lands then owned by Bazaleel Wells & Co. , and was called Madison. Dissatisfaction accrued from this selection, whereupon the Legislature appointed new Commissioners, when the present Wooster was chosen as the county-seat. But a single cabin was erected in Madison.

Bazaleel Wells, John Shorb and Joseph Dorsey, proprietors of the town of Madison, in the county of Wayne, having, according to the conditions of the sale of lots in said town, returned the sums of money heretofore received of the purchasers of said lots, and taken up their respective certificates therefor, whereby they are the sole proprietors and owners of said town, and the lots therein, by John Goodenow, their attorney, applied to the Court, then in session, February 2i, 1814, to vacate the same, according to the provisions of the statute in such cases made and provided.

The first house erected in the town or county was a "log-temple," on East Liberty street, directly west of what was subsequently known as the William Larwill property. The principal tools employed in its construction were a broad-ax and drawing- knife. It was raised at the time that the town was being laid out, and its first occupants were William Larwill and a young man named Abraham Miller. Benjamin Miller, the father of this young man, removed, in the spring of 1809, from Stark county with his wife and family and opened a house of entertainment.

He was the father of the first white child born in the town or county. It was a girl, and was christened Tillie Miller, the honor of naming her being awarded to Hon. John Bever. She grew to womanhood, married a son of John Lawrance, father-in-law of the pioneer editor, Joseph Clingan, by which union there resulted seven children, one of whom (Harrison) distinguished himself as a Disciple minister.

The first store started in Wooster was by Wm. Larwill. In 1 8 10, the first brick house built in the town or county was erected by John Bever, on the corner now occupied by J. S. Bissell & Bro., dry goods merchants.

In 181 1 Hon. Benjamin Jones, leaving Youngstown, Trumbull county, passed through Wooster and on to Mansfield, in search of a location, in the interest of Priest Jones. He selected Wooster and reported so to the "Priest." Duringthe following year (1812) Priest Jones and his family, Benjamin Jones and Betty Scott, arrived at the county-seat. They bought goods and started a store, Constant Lake, father of Constant Lake, of Wooster, hauling a load for them. They opened up in a rough, wooden building, erected by Robert McClarran, father of Rosswell and Clinton Mc-

The first minister was Thomas Grififith (Priest) Jones, arriving in 18 1 2 (Baptist), and this denomination built the first church in 1 8 14.

The first 4th of July celebration held in Wooster, or the county, was west of town on Christmas's run, the water for cooking purposes being procured from a spring at the base of the hill, on the premises now owned by Judge Downing. The dinner was under the supervision of Wm. Hughes ; the Declaration of Independence was read by James Hindman, and "Priest " Jones made the oration.

The first Court of Common Pleas held in Wooster was in 18 12. The first election held in Wooster was on the first Monday in April, 1 8 10. The following is the list of electors :

Josiah Crawford, Jesse Cornelius, Jacob Matthews, William Larwill, Paddy Chest, Robert Carn, Benjamin Miller, Jacob Wetzel (relative of Lewis Wetzel, the renowned Indian hunter of Western Virginia), Luke Miller, Samuel Martin, Matthew Riley, John Driskel, William Smith, John Rodgers, John Wright, Christian Smith, Joseph Hughes and William Riter.

The first fire company was established in 1827, though as early as 1825 a committee, consisting of Gen. Cyrus Spink and Thomas L. Grilling, was appointed to either go to Philadelphia, or correspond with parties there, in regard to the purchase of an engine. In 1827 Thomas Wilson was appointed a committee to contract for, and superintend, the sinking of a reservoir or well on the public ground, in the angle of Liberty and Market streets, on the north-west corner of the south-east quarter of said public ground, two pumps to be placed in said well or reservoir.

Howe says : " When Wooster was first settled there were no white inhabitants between it and the lake ; on the west, none short of the Maumee, Fort Wayne and Vincennes ; on the south, none until within a few miles of Coshocton, and those on the Tuscarawas were the nearest on the east." The city is located 86 miles north-east of Columbus, and 52 miles south of Cleveland, upon the line of the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne and Chicago Railway. It lies at an altitude of 50 feet above the Killbuck valley, and is surrounded by a highly cultivated, beautiful and fertile country.

It was incorporated October 13, 18 17; advanced to a city of the 2d class September 9, 1868, and divided into 4 wards February 24, 1869, and has a population of over 7,000 souls. It is distinguished for its healthy and excellent location, and during the business days of the week it presents a fine picture of commercial activity. The country surrounding it is replete with rich and diversified scenery, and is under the highest conditions of successful and remunerative tillage. The city government is vested in a Mayor and Common Council.

The plan of the city is principally in squares. It contains numerous well-built churches, of different denominations. Many of its private dwelling are expensive, tasteful and elegant, and itspublic edifices are costly and substantial. It has the best system of natural water works in Ohio. Its fire department is divided into hose companies, although two first-class steamers' are retained, the latter seldom being called into operation, as any single hydrant, with hose attached, is equivalent to an engine.

The city is illuminated with gas ; an ordinance has passed for the establishment of a complete system of sewerage, and the chief business streets are soon to be macadamized. Manufacturing, though in its infancy, is carried on to considerable extent, and of the ordinary mechanic trades there is a fair representation. Its police arrangements are excellent at present, and the cleanliness and general good order of the place are remarkable. The ' ' Independent Order of Mechanics" have a library and reading-room in the city, and a membership of leading mechanics of all the trades. This is one of the most worthy orders of the city, and is noted for the intelligence, zeal and good character of its composition. A fair quantum of the secret or mystical societies are represented.

The public press of the city consists of two weekly newspapers, the Democrat and Republican. It may safely lay claim to one of the best opera houses in the State. Its Missionary and Bible Societies are worthy institutions, sustained by earnest men and women.

The public schools of the city are well managed and efficiently sustained. The buildings are of brick ; that of the High School, on North Market street, being a gem of architectural art, and an ornament to any city. The course of instruction is graduated, and when the pupils are sufficiently advanced, they are promoted to the High School, where they [are instructed in natural science and in the classics. But the University, a history of which, by President A. A. E. Taylor, appears elsewhere, is the crowning glory of Wooster. It ornaments an imposing eminence - the site being donated by E. Quinby, Jr., of Wooster - north of the city.

with a commanding prospect in every direction, and environments embracing splendid drives and gorgeous distances, leaving the city below like a nestling infant, in the midst of gentle slopes and a blooming valley. Its construction was an enterprise of which the citizens of Wooster and Wayne county may be proud, and future generations will point to it as a monument of the wisdom and sagacity of the men who projected it and bore it on to successful completion.

Coeval with the laying of the corner stone of the great Republic was laid the solid foundation of literary and religious truth. Our fathers were not forgetful of this primal duty. There was great need for such an institution as this in Ohio. A college established in a State or community multiplies the number that would seek a liberal education, and imparts to that State or community its general features and nobler aspects of character. Its influence creates an atmosphere around it, and stirs the aspirations, as by an irresistible agency, of those who seem destined to high positions. Princeton made New Jersey ; Harvard, Boston ; not Boston Harvard ; and Germany, in its moral aspects, is but the product of what her renowned universities have made her.

Not the least remarkable of all the noble features of this institution is the co-education of the sexes, and the disposition and determination to advance the standard of female culture. The man, who, in this age of the world, antagonizes the complete and thorough education of woman, should have no ancestry short of the darker eons of mankind. Man now pursues science in her expanded and expanding sphere, and woman must progress and attain her possible elevations. She must and will, if opportunity is afforded, seek and achieve them, and

On the first Saturday in March, 18 18, an election was held at the house of Joseph McGugen, in Wooster, for the purpose of electing, according to law, a President, Recorder and five Trustees for the incorporation of the town, with this result : Isaiah Jones was elected President, John Patton, Recorder, T. G. Jones, Thomas Taylor, Joseph Eichar, Thomas Robison and Benjamin Jones, Trustees. On the 12th of March of this year the above officers met at the house of John Patton, and after having produced their certificates of election from the clerk, and taken an oath to support the Constitution of the United States and the State of Ohio, as also an oath of office, adjourned.

At their next meeting, in the month of March, the President having taken his chair, the Board proceeded to the choice of a Marshal, Treasurer and Collector, when Daniel Hoyt was elected Marshal, Thomas R. McKnight Treasurer, and Henry St. John Collector. The first step taken was to appoint a committee to draft By-Laws for the government of the Board, which committee designated T. G. Jones and Benjamin Jones. A committee composed of Thomas Taylor, Joseph Eichar and John Patton was next appointed to prepare and bring in a bill for the abatement of nuisances, and another composed of Benjamin Jones and Thomas Robison was appointed to bring in a bill to prevent horse-racing and shooting.

On Friday, April 3, 18 18, the Board met, and on motion it was resolved that a committee of two be appointed to prepare and bring in a bill for the prevention of immoral practices.

At a meeting of the Board, Thursday, April 9, 18 18, a bill for the abatement of nuisances, by John Patton, with some amendments, became a law, and as such, is the first on record.

Was held on the first Saturday of March, 1820, at the house of Joseph McGugen, for the purpose of electing corporation officers, William Nailer and Thomas Robison acting as judges, and John Patton as clerk of election, there being thirty-nine votes polled. The names of electors are as follows :

We do certify that Samuel Quinby had 53 votes for President, and William Larwill had 30 votes for Recorder, and Edward Avery had 52 votes for Trustee, Thomas Robison had 37 votes for Trustee, William McComb had 30 votes for Trustee, William Nailer had 20 votes for Trustee, and Thomas Townsend and John Patton had each 19 votes for Trustee.

Ordered, That Nathan Warner be allowed to spend $200.00 of the three per cent, fund allotted to this county, on the State road, west of Wooster, for which he shall receive $8.00.

Ordered, That Benjamin Thompson and Ezekiel Kelly, Trustees of the Baptist Church at Wooster, be allowed $50.00 for use of same, to hold court and transact other public business in, for the term of two years, ending in June, 1831.

Ordered, That David Woolley, Deputy Assessor, be allowed $24.75 fo"^ assessing the townships of Sugarcreek, Baughman and Chippewa. June, 1830.

A contract will be sold at the Auditor's Office, November 17, 1830, to the lowest bidder, for the safe keeping and providing for of an idiot called " Crazy Sam."

t At this election the vote was taken for or against what was then called the Akron School Law, in pursuance of a law passed by the legislature of Ohio, on the 19th day of March, A. D. 1850, which resulted in 194 votes for the law, and 252 against the law.

At a meeting of the Wooster Fire Company, No. I, convened at the house of William Nailer, Esq., on Saturday, the 20th day of January, 1827, Captain John Smith called the company to order, and Samuel Quinby was appointed Secretary.

On motion, it was resolved, That said Company appoint two persons to act as engineers ; six persons to act as ladder-men ; two persons to act as pikemen, and two persons to act as ax-men for said company.

Thereupon Wm. Goodin and D. O. Hoyt were elected engineers; Samuel BarkduU, David Lozier, James Nailer, John McKracken, Calvin Hobart and Benjamin Jones were appointed ladder-men ; Wm. H. Sloane and C. H. Streby were appointed ax-men, and I. E. Harriott and were appointed pikemen.

On motion, Samuel Quinby, Moses Culbertson and William Goodin were appointed a committee to draft by-laws for the regulation of said company, and report the same at the next meeting of said company. On motion, resolved, That this meeting adjourn, and that said company meet at the house of Wm. Nailer, on Friday next, at I o'clock P. M.

Friday, January 26, 1827 : Agreeable to adjournment, the members of the Wooster Fire Company, No. i, met at the house of Wm. Nailer, and adjourned to the Court House. Captain John Smith was called to the chair, and Samuel Quinby was appointed clerk of the meeting. The committee appointed at the last meeting to draft by-laws for the government of said company, made report to the meeting, and, after the clerk had read the by-laws, as reported by the committee, they were amended and adopted. On motion, Joseph S. Lake was appointed Clerk, and John Miller Treasurer of said company, and the meeting adjourned.

The first white man who died in Wayne county was Alexander Crawford, brother of Josiah Crawford, the owner then of what is now known as Bahl's mill. Shortly after his arrival in Wooster, his horse was stolen from him by the Indians. He immediately started in pursuit of the savage thieves, going on foot, which was at that time the popular method of travel. He persevered in his search as far as Upper Sandusky, but failing to overtake or capture them, he abandoned the pursuit. On his return he could obtain no water to drink, save what lay in pools in the woods and by the roots of fallen trees, and being very dry, was compelled to slake his thirst with this green-scummed and poisoned water. This was in 1808, and his pathway was amid the solitudes and stolid glooms of dense and dreary woods. On his return to Wooster, he was burning with a violent fever, when he found a stopping place, and to him a dying place, under the protecting roof of William Larwill.

He was sick but a few days, and died in the small office of Mr. Larwill's store, which was situated on the grounds known now as the drug store of Harvey Howard, No. 4 Emporium Block. Mr. Larwill describes his sufferings as being terrible. He had no medical aid. For him "there was no balm in Gilead, there was no physician there."

How, and Where Buried. - "n^^x the present First M. E. church the proprietors of Wooster, William Henry, John Bever and Joseph H. Larwill, had laid out and donated to the town what was called the "Public Graveyard." Here his remains were interred.

John Larwill, Benjamin Miller, William Larwill, Abraham Miller, and one or two others dug the grave and buried him. His coffin was made of rough boards by Benjamin Miller and his son Abraham, and he was carried to his final repose upon spikes of wood on which the coffin rested. His grave no one can identify. The sombre years have swept over it, and it casts no shadow unless upon some stricken heart. The death-ground holds him, and his sleep is as sweet as if under the granite shaft.

John Bever, * one of the original proprietors of Wooster, was a native of Ireland, and emigrated to America when quite young. His two brothers, William and Sampson Bever, and his sister Jane, also, emigrated from Ireland, but whether in company with the subject of this sketch, we do not know, and settled in Beaver county. Pa. John Bever settled in Georgetown, in Beaver county. Pa., along about the year 1788. He got into employment of the Government, and furnished supplies for the block-houses kept for the security of the adventurous settlers, on the southern side of the Ohio river, from the invasions of the Indians.

After the State of Ohio was organized, he was employed as a surveyor by the Government of the United States. He surveyed Columbiana, Stark, Wayne, and other counties in the State, and was likewise one of the parties that laid out the county-seats of Columbiana, Stark and Wayne.

With these opportunities presented to him, he secured considerable property in the different localities, that in time became very valuable, and, at his death, his wealth was estimated at a quarter of a million dollars in money and lands.

*John Bever, William Henry and J. H. Larwill each owned a quarter section of land, on which was originally laid out the town of Wooster, and are referred to as the original proprietors of the city. We are able to produce brief sketches of Messrs. Bever and Henry, the latter prepared by Hon. Robert H. Folger, of Massillon, Ohio. No biography of J. H. Larwill appears in this work, and for reasons entirely too frivolous to be mentioned.

His first marriage was to Miss Nancy Dawson, of Georgetown, about 1790, by which union there resulted five children. One daughter grew to womanhood, and married James L. Bowman, of Brownsville, Fayette county. Pa. Both she and her husband are dead. His first wife died about 1818, and in the fall of 1820 he was married a second time, to Lydia Vaughan, who bore him one child, Henry V. Bever, who now lives in Paris, Edgar county. 111. She died September 22, 1849, in her 69th year. He built, in connection with Thomas Moore, the first merchant's flouring mill west of the mountains, on Little Beaver creek, and the first paper mill in Ohio; and the second west of the AUeghenies was erected 1805-6, on the same stream. Its proprietors were John Bever and John Coulter.

John Bever* died May 26, 1836, near the State line, in Columbiana county, Ohio, on what he called his "Springford" farm, and in the house which he had built shortly before his death. He was about 80 years old when he died, and was buried on his farm, which was his expressed wish, about forty rods from his residence. In the year 1855 a land-slide occurred on the face of the hill where he was buried, which badly wrecked the brick wall enclosing his grave, when his son, Henry V. Bever, removed his remains to the burial place of his second wife, on her farm, one mile east of Oneida, Carroll county, Ohio. He was a member of the Episcopal church, and had been many years prior to his death.

When orders were given by the Government to the Surveyor-General of the North-western Territory to have a portion of the public lands therein surveyed and subdivided into sections, many applications were made by persons for situations as deputies. Among the number was a young man from the extreme western part of Pennsylvania, who had, without pecuniary means or the facility of instruction, but

* John Bever's father was a German by birth, and our best information is, that his mother was Irish. John spoke the German language fluently. It is claimed that religious troubles caused his father to remove from Germany to Ireland. The Irish invariably spell the name Beaver, and the Germans Bever, pronouncing the E as in ever.

Clad in a hunting shirt and moccasins, the usual habiliments of the backwoodsman of the day, he presented himself personally to General Putnam, at Marietta, O., and made known his desire to have a district to run out. The General replied that there were so many applications he was afraid he could not gratify him, and that he could give no decisive answer for some time. "Sir," said the applicant, "I have come a considerable distance, and am dependent altogether upon my own exertions for my support. Have you any work for me to do by which I can get a support until you can give me an answer?" "Yes," answered the General, "I have some wood to cut." "Sir," answered the young man, "I can swing an ax as well as set a compass ! " and doffing his hunting shirt, went at it with full vigor, the General occasionally looking out to see how he progressed. The job was completed. "Sir," again said the applicant, "have you any drafting or platting in your office that I can assist you with ? " "Yes," said the General, " I can give you some of that to do." In due time the plat was completed and handed to the General, who examined it carefully, and with apparent surprise, alternately looking at the plat and the applicant, thus responded: "Young man, you may go home; you shall have the district you desire, and so soon as the necessary instructions are made out I will forward them, " which was complied with, and so satisfactorily executed to the department by the young surveyor that at subsequent progression of surveys three districts were awarded to him by General Mansfield, the successor of Putnam. The young man thus represented as presenting himself was the late John Bever, Esq., formerly of Georgetown, Beaver county. Pa., and who has stated to the writer of this article that that incident was probably the foundation of the ample fortune acquired in after life and possessed at the time of his death, in 1836.

Among the pioneer settlers of the counties of Wayne and Stark, no one is entitled to more honorable mention than the late Judge William Henry.

When the "New Purchase" came into the market, after the treaty of Fort Industry, on the 4th day of July, 1805, the first surveying party, on the lands now included in the tenth range and extending to the sixteenth range, inclusive, was composed in part of the late Hon. Messrs. Joseph H. Larwill, John Larwill, John Harris and William Henry, then young men who had come to the frontier, as the West was then called, to find a fortune. They have all passed away, leaving the memory of a good name.

The "New Purchase" included the lands west of the Tuscarawas branch of the Muskingum river, those east having been included in the treaty of Fort Mcintosh, made on the 2ist of January, 1785. A glance at the county maps shows the territory surveyed by the young men above named, all west of the tenth range being in the now county of Wayne ; the tenth range, in Stark county, including the western portions of the township of Franklin, now in Summit, and Lawrence, Perry and Bethlehem, in Stark, and the whole of Tuscarawas and Sugarcreek.

In addition to being one of the original proprietors of the city of Wooster, it so happened that Judge Henry, when the lands west of the Tuscarawas river, in the now township of Perry, in Stark county, came into market, entered fractional section six, upon the south end of which is now built portions of the second and third wards of the city of Massillon.

The older citizens of Massillon who were acquainted with Judge Henry from the time of his coming to Ohio, having passed away, but little can be traced of his early history beyond the fact that he was a native of Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and that his appearance in the district now embraced in the counties of Wayne and Stark was with the surveying party, already referred to, in 1807, from which period to 1814, during which both counties were erected by acts of the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, he resided in the Tuscarawas Valley, in a log cabin, which is well re membered by the writer, as standing where now is erected the station buildings of the Cleveland, Tuscarawas Valley and Wheeling Railway Company, in the third ward of the city of Massillon; and also in the toll house of the toll bridge, which crossed the Tuscarawas river at the present crossing of Cherry street. Judge Henry was largely interested in the toll bridge company as a stockholder, the bridge being erected on the great territorial road running west from Pittsburg.

In 1 8 14 he was elected a member of the House of Representatives, in the State Legislature, for the counties of Stark and Wayne, and served his constituency most acceptably, ever after-

The acquaintance of the writer with Judge Henry commenced in 1818, and continued until his death. After his term of service in the Legislature, he was elected Associate Judge for Stark county, and as such was highly esteemed for his uprightness and integrity of character. At the period above named, 18 18, he was a successful merchant in Kendal, now the fourth ward of Massillon, where he continued for many years, removing from there to the brick building erected by himself, near what is now the west end of Cherry street bridge, remaining there until he sold out his possessions in the Tuscarawas Valley, and removed to Brookfield, in Tuscarawas township, where he engaged largely in the mercantile business and in the merchant milling. On closing out his interest there, which passed into the hands of his son-inlaw, C. B. Cummins, Esq., he removed to Wooster, where he continued to reside until his death.

Judge Henry was closely identified with the growth and prosperity of that portion of the Tuscarawas Valley in Stark county for more than thirty years. He may be said to be one of the founders of the Methodist Episcopal church in that locality, and of which he was life-long an active and worthy member. He was a man of strong will, rarely surrendering his judgment, when once his mind was made up, to that of any other person. Being a man of an order of talents and education far above mediocrity, he was so recognized and respected in all business and social circles. As a merchant no man's integrity stood higher. In the city of Massillon he was one of the first to embark in merchandizing in 1827, while yet the ground plat of which was covered with the leafy honors of the forest, as a member of the firm of A. McCully & Co., and a few years later in the well known firm of J. Robinson & Co., at Fulton, in both of which firms his name was a tower of strength, and a synonym for the commercial integrity which marked the history of his entire life, and in both of which firms he was emi- nently successful. At his death he left no surviving family, except his second wi/e, his first wife and all his children having gone before.

Of Judge Henry it may be well said he was a representative man, a representative of the class of men who, in the early settlement of Stark and Wayne counties, endured the hardships of forming new settlements and communities ; but of that class it must be said that they laid the foundationsof civil and religious liberty, and succeeding generations are reaping the benefit of their labors.

John Larwill was born in Deptford, County of Kent, a Parliamentary borough and naval port of England on the Thames, three miles south of London Bridge, in what is London now, on the 27th of September, A. D. 1792.

He descends from sterling old English stock, both on the paternal and maternal side. His parents immigrated to America in the year 1793, when the subject of this sketch was but a year old. They embarked in a sail vessel, and after a tedious passage of ten weeks, in which they were shaken by tempests and adverse gales, landed at Chester, ten miles below Philadelphia, where unfortunately they were quarantined for several weeks, on account of yellow fever, which so disastrously prevailed that year as well as in 1798.

The family, on their arrival, consisted of three boys, Joseph, William and John, and two daughters, Julia R. and Mary B. Larwill. After landing at Chester they proceeded to Philadelphia, where they remained three or four years, removing from there to Pittsburg in 1798. A somewhat patriotic incident was related to the writer by Mr. Larwill, which transpired soon after their arrival at the latter place, which we here introduce : dren of the city, and among them Mr. Larwill, then a youth of seven years, were organized into a column and marched to the Court House, to attend a sham funeral of General George Washington, who had died on the 14th of the same month. Mr. Larwill remembers it as being an exciting and afifecting demonstration, and as having for its object the solemnization of the great event upon the juvenile mind.

The family remained in Pittsburg until the year 1802, when they removed to Columbiana county, Ohio, settling at Beaver Bridge, one mile from the mouth of the Little Beaver, near the State line, but in the spring of 1804 going to what was then called Fawcettstown, now known as Liverpool, in the aforesaid county.

His father, W. C. Larwill, was appointed first Postmaster in Fawcettstown, retaining the ofifice for ten years, or until 18 14, when he removed to Wooster. Though his residence was in Wooster, he died in Wheeling, Virginia, with his daughter, Mrs. Julia R. Fawcelt, wife of our former townsman, John Fawcett. His death occurred November 12, 1832, having attained the age of eighty-five. He had been admitted to the bar in 1803, in New Lisbon, General Beall being clerk of the court ordering his examination.

Mr. John Larwill came to Wayne county as early as 1807, and while his father was yet living in Fawcettstown. He packed provisions on horse-back to his brother, Joseph H. Larwill, and his assistants, who had preceded him, and who, under the management of John Bever, were then running the county off in sections, for the United States Government. Whilst making one of these trips, John Harris, subsequently of Canton, Ohio, overtook Mr. Larwill in the Sandy Valley, now in Stark county, and desiring work, was permitted to take the place of John Taggart, a member of the company who grew frightened and panicky concerning the Indians. To illustrate the difficulty of making it, a boy not fifteen years old then, had to cut a tree across one of the streams to carry his burden over, and was compelled to swim his horse. After delivering his cargo he remained but a week with his brother, then in camp on what was called Madison Hill, for a few months the seat of justice. After Joseph Larwill had completed his survey, in the early part of 1808, he returned to Stark county, William 'remaining here. In the following year, or 1809, John Larwill returned again, bringing with him a cow and two calves, and assisted in clearing the grounds at the angle of the streets where he now lives, and putting it in corn, the first planted in Wayne county. The grass for his cattle he cut on the meadows now owned by Hugh Culbertson, the first grass mown in Wayne county.

Rattlesnakes, copperheads and other varieties of venomous reptiles, were thick as Bible frogs, or leaves in Vallambrosa. The use -of the primitive " leggins " was the only guaranty of protection. Bears and wolves were plentiful, and turkeys and deer were seen by hundreds. A Mr. Benjamin Miller, father of the first white born in the county, and hotel-keeper, frequently visited the "lick" in front of the residence of Henry Myers, and killing a would have venison served at breakfast for his guests. His tavern was located on the spot where Thomas Power has his dry goods store, and that building is now used for a rear appendage to John Hanna's present residence. And this was the first frame dwelling-house ever built in Wooster, with the exception of one made with a broad-ax and drawing-knife principally, erected probably a httle while before this, by William Larwill, in which he kept a few articles, chiefly to trade with the Indians, such as powder, lead, tobacco, blankets, etc.

In 1809, John Larwill returned to Fawcettstown, and engaged as an apprentice in a paper mill, near the mouth of Little Beaver, -Columbiana county, Ohio. In this capacity he served three years and a half, when he returned to Wayne county, in 18 13, since -which time he has resided here.

In 1814, Mr. Larwill went to clerk for "Parson" Jones, in the dry goods business, staying with him six months. He then engaged with his uncle, Edward Jones, of Pittsburg, received a supply of goods, and opened a store at the grocery corner now owned by Daniel Black ; and so muddy and swampy were the streets that log walks had to be laid to some distance east of where the Public Square now is, for the accommodation of the people. Remaining about a year with his uncle, the business was closed out. In 1 8 14, Joseph and John Larwill brought on a load of goods from Philadelphia, for the transportation of which they paid 1^14.00 per 100 pounds, and sold out the same in what afterwards was the parlor of William Larwill's house. In 18 18, they and Thomas Watson and Thomas L. Girling, of Philadelphia, formed a partnership under the business style of Larwill, Girling & Co., their rooms being on the corner where Mr. Larwill lived thirty years, and now owned by Benjamin Bowers. This partnership existed for a space of five years, when it was dissolved. Girling taking the goods and John Larwill the outstanding accounts. At the end of three years, spent chiefly in collecting, Mr. Larwill, in 1826, entered the dry goods business, in the frame building adjoining his then brick residence, where he continued till 1862.

Other things in proportion. Transportation was ;^io.oo per hundred from Philadelphia, and $"^.^0 from Pittsburg, brought in wagons. It took thirty-five days to make the trip from Wooster to Philadelphia. The teamster obtained one-half of his pay for the trip before he left here and the remainder at the city. To the city he carried the furs and skins of bears, beavers, otters, coons, deer, together with dried venison-hams, and such other commodities as

While Mr. Larwill never sought politics as a means of self-promotion, or personal agrandizement, he, nevertheless, was tempted, at times, to mingle in its turbulent waters, but with the steadypurpose, at all times, of subordinating the politician to the man. He abhorred the petty strifes, nasty jealousies and sinister tactics of political wars. He was a puppet in the hands of no man or men, and when promoted to honors, did not permit himself to be carried passively around the circles of public policy without the exercise of an independent presiding will.

In 1820 he was elected Justice of the Peace for Wooster township, holding said office a period of six years. At the end of his term, the docket was cleared, all collections closed up, constables all paid off, an appeal from judgment having been taken but in one instance. During his official career he married sixty-two couples. In 1824, he attended the first Democratic Convention ever held in the State of Ohio, at Columbus, in the month of July, William McFall and Hon. Benjamin Jones being the other two delegates. The convention was composed of seventeen delegates, who formed the electoral ticket for Jackson, all of whom are dead but Mr. Larwill. On motion of Mr. Larwill, Benjamin Jones was nominated as elector of this Congressional district. In 1832, he was chosen as elector to Baltimore, when General Lewis Cass was a candidate for the Presidency. He was elected to the Legislature in the autumn of 1 84 1, during the great currency excitement, but was defeated for re-election by a Mr. Willoz, because he was opposed to a re-chartering of the bank of Wooster. He was elected member of the Constitutional Convention in 1850, from Wayne county, engaging in the animating discussions of that session and serving acceptably, both his constituents and the State.

Wayne & Chicago railroad to the city of Wooster, is fresh in the memory of the people. His intimate relation to that colossal scheme ; the commotions that threatened it and shook it ; the opposition he encountered and the ultimate victory that he achieved, are all fully set forth in another chapter of this work. In public life Mr. Larwill adopted the independent course ; in fact it would have been difficult for him to have done anything else, in view of his strong convictions, positiveness of character, and native dislike of all speciousness and pretention. He is a ready talker, and his public speeches are characterized by sterling common sense, pointedness of expression, and impressive energy. He never addresses himself to expectation, and has that other facility, so rare among men, "dares to displease." His conversation is agreeable and instructive, interspersed often with flashes of humor, and again with whole salvos of sarcasm. When aroused, his denunciations are " caustic as frozen mercury." When he assails an adversary, it is not with a penknife, but with a sword. His intellect is clear, incisive and quick.

A severe dignity and rigid decorum characterize the man. He despises the glitter which invests the summits of society, detests nonsense, sensationalism, all vaporing, pretense and sham. Domesticity, and a warm, fraternal feeling toward his family, are exemplified in him. His page of life, now nearly written to the edge, enshrines many a worthy and virtuous deed. Although advanced to his eighty-second year, he possesses considerable muscular energy, and retains to a remarkable degree his mental strength.

He was married January 31, 1826, to Miss Ann Straughan, of Salem, Columbiana county, Ohio, by "Parson Jones," who rode horse-back from Wooster to perform the ceremony. He is the father of seven children, three boys and four girls, one of the former dying in infancy, and another in his third year. John S., his only surviving son, is located in Fort Wayne, Ind. , and is a partner in the Perkins Engine Works of that city. He is an accomplished business man, a fine scholar, and graduate of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island.

Mr. Larwill is living in tranquil retirement, in the city of Wooster - his permanent home for over sixty years - with his aged wife, and three daughters, in the enjoyment of

Robert McClarran was born in Lancaster county, Pa., and removed from Westmoreland county to Wooster, Ohio, in 1811. He was then a young man, energetic and industrious, and was a carpenter by trade. Many of the first houses in the town of Wooster were built by him, some of which are still standing, and are solid, substantial dwellings.

In 1 8 12 he was married to Grace Cook, of Columbiana county, Ohio, who accompanied him to his new home,- to share with him the privations as well as the romance of life in the wilderness.

He was a soldier in the war of 18 12, and after its close he purchased a large tract of land adjoining Wooster on the south, on which he moved, built a saw-mill and made improvements.

He was the first Justice of the Peace elected in Wooster or Wayne county, and as such married the first couple ever married in Wayne county, and solemnized the majority of the first marriages. He was elected to the Ohio Legislature December i, serving therein from December i, 1823, to December 6, 1824. He held various positions of public trust, the duties of which he discharged with ability and to the satisfaction of the entire community. He was the father of Roswell and Clinton McClarran, the former of the city of Wooster, the latter of Wayne township. He died March 7, 1831.

Many are the stories handed down of the fun and frolic the settlers had in Mc- Clarran's days. The following is an instance : At the north of town stood the old block-house, in which lived an old lady the men had nicknamed "Widow Blockhouse." Suddenly she surprised the little community by announcing that she had concluded to doff her mourning and take to herself another husband in the person of an old fellow who had neither money nor home. This was fun for the " boys " of that period, and they made Widow Blockhouse's marriage an extra event that passes into history. All the jovial spirits of the settlement vfere present on the evening of the vi^edding, It was a lively occasion ; 'Squire McClarran, an inveterate joker, performing the ceremony with the greatest humorous solemnity. In the beginning, after a few remarks on matrimony in general and this case in particular, he asked if there was any one present who had objections to this lovely couple "renewing their hearts" in marriage; whereupon a gentleman impressively arose, and in a complimentary speech withdrew all his claims upon the affections of the bride. Then another arose, and another, until every man present had made remarks and given his consent to the marriage, it being made very evident from their words that they felt they had a sort of personal claim upon the affections of the charming widow, but felt forced to give way to a more favored suitor. The ceremony concluded, the 'Squire ordered every man in the company to kiss the bride. This was complied with by all, until it came to the turn of the last, a gentleman who is yet a citizen of Wooster, who emphatically refused, saying he "would be if that was not asking too much ! "

Amongst the earliest settlers in Wayne county was Andrew McMonigal, who visited this section with his father, in 1807, fol" lowing the Indian trail from the Ohio river, prospecting for land. He, however, after a short stay, returned to Pennsylvania, where, in Carlisle, on April 21, 18 14, he married Miss Sarah Glendenning.

In May, the following year, 18 15, Mr. and Mrs. McMonigal emigrated to Wayne county, coming in a four-horse wagon, via Pittsburg, and settled two miles west of Wooster, on what is now known as the Lawrence farm, which land McMonigal entered from the Government.

They lived there, farming, for three years, then moved into the Wooster settlement, and kept a " general store," Mrs. McMonigal waiting on customers jointly with her husband. Their business place was where John Taylor's brick grocery store building now stands, on West Liberty street, and their residence was on South Buckeye street, opposite Farnham's present livery stable, and was the only house at that time erected on the street.

removing two miles south-west of town, where he had entered a tract of land. On this place, called the " Old Homestead," which they wrested from the wilderness and wild prairie, and which property still remains in the family, they lived and reared their children until 1839, i" which year they moved back to Wooster, where Mr. McMonigal died May 9, 1846, aged fifty-five years, leaving a large estate. His remains were interred in the Seceder church-yard, on Buckeye street, but were afterwards removed to Wooster Cemetery. Mrs. McMonigal is still living, and in possession of excellent health for one of her years.

Andrew McMonigal was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, April 22, 1 79 1. His father was born in County Derry, Ireland ; his mother American born ; her maiden name, Nancy Mahattan. Mrs. McMonigal was born near the town of Fintona, in County Tyrone, Ireland, November 11, 1793, and emigrated to America in 1801.

Their children were nine - Nancy, who married John Black; James, married to Sarah E. Hall ; Jane, married to John P. Jeffries ; Sarah, married first to John R. Wilson, and second to John Copland ; Martha, married to Henry G. Saunders ; Mary, married to William C. Rice ; Eliza, married to Elias Cosper ; William, married to Kate Carr; and Andrew, married to Mary Hess. Of these, Nancy died in 1835; Mary, 1843; Sarah's first husband, 1853; James, 1865; Martha, 1868; Andrew's wife, 1872. The rest are still living.

Andrew McMonigal was an active business man, and ever recognized as of the strictest integrity. He was one of the founders of the Seceder Church in Wooster, of which he was an exemplary member for many years and until his death.

John McClellan, Sen., was born in Westmoreland county. Pa., March 3, 1785, his father being a native of Ireland. Nancy Elder, his wife, was born in Franklin county, same State, December 4,

In 18 13 Mr. McClellan and wife emigrated to Wooster,. Wayne county, with their two children, John and Rebecca. Heremained in Wooster, making it his home until 1824, when he removed to a farm five miles south of Wooster, where he lived until 1 83 1, then removing to Greene county, near Xenia, where he died March i, 1867.

Besides John and Rebecca, already named, Mr. McClellan had six children born in Wayne county, to wit: James, Jane, Clark Beveridge, William E., Mary Ann and Harvey Robert.

John McClellan, his oldest son, was born June 2, 18 10, near Greensburg, Beaver county, Pa., and came to Wooster with his father when a child. His first entrance upon business was at the age of eighteen years, when he commenced clerking in the dry goods store of Hon. Benjamin Jones, with whom he served for one year. He next engaged with J. P. Coulter, M. D., who was then in the drug business, with whom he acted in the capacity of clerk until 1 83 1, when he negotiated partnership relations with him. In 1842 he began the sale of goods on his own account in Fredericksburg, where he continued until 1853, when he removed to his farm, four miles south of Wooster, remaining there four years.

He was married November 14, 1837, by the Rev. Samuel Irvine, of the Seceder church, to Maria M. Mitchell, daughter of Samuel Mitchell, of Franklin township, one of the pioneers of that section.

from old English stock. His father was a merchant tailor in London, and at an early period immigrated to America, and settled in Washington county, Pa., where he died about 1786.

Joseph Stibbs, the subject of this notice, left Pennsylvania about the year 1803 and went to New Lisbon, Columbiana county, Ohio, where he went into business with William Hogg, of Brownsville, Mr. Stibbs, however, remaining in Lisbon. He continued the partnership with this gentleman in the dry goods business until the spring of 1813, when he removed to Wayne county, settling across the race and west of what is now called Naftzger's mill, having been out in 1809 and built the grist mill * and a cabin.

He now took possession of the mill which he had constructed four years before, superintending it personally, and as it was the only one then in the county its patronage came from all quarters. Soon after his arrival, and in about 18 16, he added a carding machine to his mill property, having made the necessary arrangements for this addition. This was the first carding machine constructed in the county.

James Miles was the first carder, and frequently would facetiously offer Mr. Stibbs six and a quarter cents to pick packages of wild thorns to pin up the rolls.

After the building of the woolen factory he built an oil mill for the manufacture of hnseed oil. A grist mill was also run in connection with the oil mill, and he had an interest in the old Plank grist mill.

He was married September 21, 1809, to Elizabeth, daughter of Reasin and Rebecca Beall. He died, August 19, 1841, after a brief illness. At the time of his death he owned 1,200 acres of land on Apple Creek, the principal part of which was in Wooster township. Mr. Stibbs was an active, enterprising and useful citi- zen, and his various public improvements were of incalculable value to the early settlers. He lived a consistent Christian life, and died in the faith of the Presbyterian church, of which he had long been a member.

His sons, Reasin, Joseph and Thomas, are dead. Reasin B. Stibbs was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, September 12, 18 12, and was married to Miss Sprague, sister of Lindoll Sprague, of Wooster. He led an active business life, engaged in numerous public enterprises, and had various banking connections. He was a moral, earnest working man of most agreeable and fascinating manner, a member of the Presbyterian church, whose life was exemplary, and whose death was the occasion of a general sorrow.

Mr. Lake was a native of the State of New Jersey, and was born at Salem, on the 30th day of June, 1800. His parents, Constant and Ann Lake, both being consistent members of the Baptist church in that place, then under the pastoral care of the Rev. Horatio G. Jones, a great and good man. Hence it may be inferred that their son Joseph had, from his earliest years, the example of right living set before him.

In the spring of 181 5 Mr. Constant Lake, with his family, took up his residence in Wooster, Ohio, where the subject of this sketch began his active business life. By close application and persevering industry, he became prosperous and acquired an honorable reputation as a merchnnt. One of the old and well known energetic firms in Wooster was that of Jones & Lake. It was a step in the right direction for Joseph S. Lake, in the beginning of his business career, that he became associated with Mr. Benjamin Jones, a man of good judgment, and correct principles, kind and liberal. His generosity was not often seen in the highways ; but his helping hand was opened and help bestowed where worthily needed, unknown and unseen by the public.

Eichar, daughter of Joseph Eichar. His wife and five of his children still survive him, three of his children preceding him to the " Spirit land."

During his long residence in Ohio, Mr. Lake was frequentlycalled on to fill positions of trust and responsibility. He was appointed by President Jackson Register of the land office at Wooster, which office he held until the land belonging to the Government was nearly all sold, and the office at Wooster closed.

Subsequently he was chosen one of the Fund Commissioners for the State of Ohio, General McCracken, of Lancaster, and Kilgore, of Cadiz, being his colleagues. During his term of office he was distinguished for his activity, integrity and efficiency as a business man. He was among the foremost workers in establishing the Bank of Wooster, and nearly succeeded in carrying it through the most perilous times for banking in Ohio that ever tried men's souls.

In the year 1841, Mr. Lake removed with his family to Cleveland, Ohio, and in 1845 he removed to the city of New York, commencing the banking business in Wall street, and in 1846 became a member of the New York Stock Exchange Board, and remained a member thereof until his death. During his connection with the Board he experienced both prosperity and reverses. It might truly be said of him, that he made two or three fortunes in Wall street, if he could have known the right time to retire. He was ever conscientious in regard to keeping within the legitimate bounds of business. One who knew him well from the beginning to the close of his business in Wall street, said of him at his departure, "Mr. Lake was transparent as glass, yet solid as marble."

" We hear that Mr. Joseph S. Lake died suddenly, on last Tuesday, of apoplexy, in New York city. Mr. Lake, some years since, was a political and financial power in the State of Ohio. Belonging, in those days, to the Democratic party, Mr. Lake was, perhaps, the most influential politician in Ohio. He was not an office-seeking politician, but he wielded an influence over the politics and legislation of the State of Ohio that was well nigh omnipotent in the party to which he belonged. He was largely interested in the banking business at Wooster twenty-five or thirty years ago, and no man's name in the State was more prominent in financial circles than his. Since he left Cleveland he has been residing in the city of New York, more retired from public notice. He was a man of great energy of character - having a remarkable character for controlling men ; his personal sympathies were warm, he was genial, and his generous hospitality was proverbial. His death will be a severe blow to his family, and deeply regretted by large numbers who formerly knew him, when in the hight of his prosperity and power."

In the winter of 1854, Mr. Lake being in Galveston, Texas, he became interested in "the one thing needful," and gave his heart to his Savior, and was immersed in the Gulf of Mexico by the Rev. James Huchins, pastor of the First Baptist church in Galveston. He lived and died a consistent member of the Baptist faith, a pious believer in Christ, and when the call came he was ready. The chariot had come, and he went up without a farewell ! while his wife and son stood, as it were, stunned beside him.

We arrived at Wooster, April 15, 1814. Levi Cox and Carlos Von Julius Hickox were the editors of the Ohio Spectator, the first newspaper published in Wooster. It never wanted contributors to its columns, and called out a great amount of talent, so that, by general consent, it was conceded that Wooster was the "Athens" of Northern Ohio.

posed a very interesting poem, entitled, "The Artist,'' in wliich many of the old masters had honorable mention. I remember but these four lines :

" Rembrandt, to whom the rules of art were vain. Too proud to mingle in the imitating train. Like some bright meteor of the no'rthern skies, To amaze the vulgar and confound the wise," etc.

Then Mr. William Robison (no relative of Mr. David Robison) was considered a very gifted poet. He wrote some pleasant little verses on Mr. Joseph Stibbs' mill, the first one in the county, only one verse of which I can recall :

Mr. Robison was a tanner by trade, his tannery being near the residence of Mr. Quinby. Upon one occasion he put a dunning notice in the paper, the following lines of which I remember :

" Come, you that owe, and pay what 's due, Or give your notes, or we will sue, Or something else that's equal - still Bring slaughtered hides to our bark-mill - Still buy of us in usual manner. But mind to pay the needy tanner."

Mr. "William Larwill, father of the then young men, Joseph H., Wdliam and John, was a good writer in both prose and poetry. Upon two occasions - 1817 and 1818 - he wrote the Carrier's Address for the Ohio Spectator. I can well remember several other contributions, and one or two Fourth of July orations, of which Wooster might be proud to-day.

Ithamar Spink was a splendid poetical genius, gifted by nature and education. Occasionally he stirred the whole town, especially when he wrote on politics, or the suffering Greeks. On this subject we all believed he wrote about as well as John Randolph of Roanoke.

Permit me here to give an invitation to a thanksgiving dinner more than fifty years ago, in Wooster, about the time when Turkey was oppressing Greece:

Much sympathy is felt for the struggling Greeks, while little has been done by any part of the civilized world. We have concluded to make an expedition against Turkey, on next Thursday. General B- is expected to make an attack on the main body, at one o'clock; the right wing is assigned to your wife, the left to mine. Gravy, a well-known ally of Grease, will be with us, from whose presence the most sanguine expectations may be anticipated. Come! Come!

This is a very small part of what should be recorded of the early times of Wooster ; and yet, it is enough to carry you down the stream of time to Greece - and to Rome, also. The school girls, when they spoke of the junior editor of the Ohio Spectator, always called him Carlos Von Julius Csesar Augustus Pompey Hickox.

About this time there was living in Wooster, Xenophon Christmas, who was a charming little boy, and when we wished to speak to him in honeyed words, we called him " Xennie Lycurgus Eichar," but he seemed too good for earth, and was called to the spirit land in 1821.

Solon Spink was a lovely child, who died in early life, and after the death of these two children, Mrs. Nailor, a very intelligent and pious woman, was heard to remark to a friend, " that this looked to her like a judgment upon the parents of these dear children for giving them heathen names."

He was a native of York county. Pa., but at a very early period emigrated, with his father's family, to Washington county, in the same State. From there he removed to Jefferson county, Ohio,, before the admission of Ohio into the Union, and afterwards changed his residence to Columbiana county.

Upon the admission of Ohio into the Federal Union, Colonel Sloane, though a young man, attracted public attention, and soon achieved the reputation of a gentleman of decided talent and intelligence. In 1804, he was elected a member of the lower house of the General Assembly, and was re-elected in the fall of 1805-6.. In the winter of 1807-8, while still a member of the Legislature, President Jefferson appointed him Receiver of Public Moneys of the new land office, soon to be opened at Canton, and which was probably opened in May of that year. From about this period, in charge of the Receiver's office, he made Canton his residence until April i, 18 16, when he, in conjunction with General Beall, under instructions from the Government, removed the land office to Wooster, where Colonel Sloane continued to reside, unless when absent upon public business.

He remained in the Receiver's office until March 4, 18 19, when he resigned, having the fall preceding been elected to Congress. During the ten or twelve years he held the office of Receiver he became extensively known throughout the State. By his public spiHt and enterprise among the settlers of a new country, his faithful attention to his office and his urbane manners to persons doing business with him, he acquired a universal and deserved popularity, which manifested itself in his election to Congress in the fall of 1 8 18, from a district embracing a large territory, over a prominent and talented competitor then holding the seat in the National Assembly. For ten years in that body he was a popular and influential member, maintaining and vindicating the interests of his district and the country with signal power and ability. Jn 1825 he supported Mr. Adams for the Presidency in preference to

General Jackson, and notwithstanding the cyclone of excitement that grew out of Mr. Adams' election, such was the powerful grasp which Colonel Sloane had upon the affections of the people of his district that he was elected for a fifth time to Congress in the fall of 1826, and although the excitement alluded to continued to gather strength for the succeeding two years, yet such was Mr. Sloane's popularity that, in the Congressional race of 1828, he was only beaten by a very meager majority.

After his term expired in Congress, in 1829, he was appointed Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, of Wayne county, on the 5th of March, 183 1, which place he held for seven years. The Legislature in 1841 appointed him Secretary of State for three years, for which period he performed the duties of the office.

The last office which he held was that of Treasurer of the United States, by appointment of President Fillmore. During the war of 1 8 12, he was a Colonel of militia, and an ardent and patriotic supporter of the war, even advancing his own private funds to feed and clothe the soldiers who were in need. In all his official relations he discharged his duties with strict, scrupulous fidelity and distinguished ability.

The most renowned of worthy wights of yore. From a base world at last have stol'n away. So Scipio, to the soft Cumaean shore Retiring, tasted joy he never knew before."

The life of Colonel Sloane remains to be written. We have not space upon these pages to devote to it. He is a part, not of ours, but of the State's and Nation's history. The public confided in him, and showered upon him a pentecost of honors. The government which he so ably served was not ungrateful to him, and we can not repress a feeling of pride as we record the appointment

In the month of June, 1808, he removed to Canton, Ohio, and there for a season pursued the occupation of a carpenter. From there, in 1809, he went to Wooster in company with a friend, who was engaged to build a small frame house for John Bever, on a lot adjoining the public square. On the arrival of Mr. Patton at Wooster, "the only white men," says he, "that we found were Benjamin Miller and his son, Abraham, who were engaged in a trafficking business with the Indians, and Matthew Reily and Jack Whitzel who were employed in excavating a mill site on Apple Creek, near Wooster, for Joseph Stibbs. Miller and another man, whose name I do not recollect, were building a log house. We all messed together in an Indian camp, enclosed with bark peeled from green trees, until Miller finished his house."

After the completion of Mr. Bever's house, Mr. Patton returned to Canton. The Secretary of the United States Treasury having directed the land office at Canton to be removed to Wooster, Mr. Patton was sent to the latter place, April 9, 1815, in charge of the office, in consequence of Colonel Sloane, the Receiver, being detained by sickness. In the fall of 1818 he was appointed postmaster of Wooster in place of Rev. Thomas G. Jones, which office he retained about 11 years. He was one of the Associate Judges of the Court of Common Pleas with John Nimmons and William Goodfellow, the latter receiving his commission from Governor Jeremiah Morrow, in 1827.

From Wooster he went to Massillon and engaged in business with Hiram and Michael Wellman ; thence to Bolivar and Navarre, where his wife died about 1844. From Navarre he went to one of the Western States, where he lived with his daughter, Mrs. Winchester. He died but recently.

Mr. Patton was a man of intelligence, and in his earlier years was a sharp, ready political writer. He had good business habits, but was unfortunate in some of his transactions. He was a generous and benevolent man.

General Reasin Beall was born in Montgomery county, Maryland, on the 3d of December, 1769. In a few years thereafter he accompanied his parents to Washington county. Pa., where they made a permanent settlement. This was probably in 1782, for in that year his father, Major Zephaniah Beall, was an officer in the unfortunate campaign made by a body of volunteer militia from Western Pennsylvania, under the command of Colonel Crawford, against the Indians of Upper Sandusky.

At the age of fourteen Mr. Beall entered the office of Hon. Thos. Scott, at one time a member of Congress, a gentleman of considerable note in the public affairs of Pennsylvania, and then Prothonotary of Washington county. With that gentleman he remained until he was 21 years of age, and on quitting his employ received the most flattering testimonials of good conduct. The privations which were experienced by the hardy and intrepid pioneers who first undertook to tame the forest west of the Allegheny mountains has no parallel in anything of the kind that has ever existed. Favored with no government aid or protection; without roads other than such as they opened by their individual efforts ; having to scale a rugged mountain wilderness of more than an hundred miles in extent, on their arrival on the western borders for a long time they had to subsist mainly by the chase. But this was not all. The treaty of peace which acknowledged American independence brought no peace to them. The Indian nations, who espoused the cause of the British during the war, were not content to desist from their depredations upon the Western settlements ; and such was the inefficiency of the government, under the confederation, that it was not until the new organization, under the present Constitution, that measures were taken to

The command of this corps was given to General Harmar. Mr. Beall served in this expedition as an officer in the Quartermaster's Department, and was with the army when a severe action was fought between a detachment under Colonel Hardin and the Indians near Fort Wayne in 1791. That expedition having failed of its object, the troops returned to the Ohio river, near where the city of Cincinnati now stands, arid Mr. Beall returned to his friends in Pennsylvania. Subsequent to this General St. Clair marched a second force on the same route, and, unfortunately, met with an entire defeat. These repeated disasters determined the government to put forth all its energies in order to secure peace by the chastisement of the savages.

On General Wayne's being appointed to the command of the North-western Army, Mr. Beall received a commission as ensign, and after some time spent in the recruiting service, repaired to head-quarters, then at Legionville, on the north bank of the Ohio, near the site of the present town of Economy, in Beaver county. Pa. It was in the campaign which succeeded that Mr. Beall became acquainted with General, then Captain, Harrison, and subsequently President of the United States. Mr. Beall remained with the army until some time in the year 1793, when he resigned and again returned to his friends in Pennsylvania to consummate a matrimonial engagement of long standing. Soon after his return he married his late wife, then Miss Rebecca Johnston, with whom he lived till her death, in 1840. Like many enterprising men of his age, Mr. Beall fell in with the current of emigration, which has constantly set to the West, and consequently several times changed the place of his residence. In 1801 he removed to Steuben ville, from which he emigrated in the fall of 1803 to New Lisbon, where he remained till 1815, in which year he removed to Wooster.

On his settlement at New Lisbon, he received the appointment of Clerk of the Supreme and Common Pleas Courts, which offices he held nearly the whole time he remained in the county. Al- though Mr. Beall had served but a few years in the regular army, it was sufficient to give his mind a military bias. Previous to the war of 1 8 12, he took much pains to infuse into the militia of his county a mihtary spirit, confidently anticipating that the difficulties then existing between this country and England would ultimately end in war. Soon after his settlement at New Lisbon, he was chosen Colonel of a regiment (being at that time the entire militia of the county), and in a few years thereafter a Brigadier General. The war of 1812 found him in that capacity. On the surrender of General Hull at Detroit, a general panic seized upon the people, many of them fleeing from their homes and seeking places of safety. In this state of things much confidence and expectation was centered in General Beall. He immediately organized a detachment, and in a few days put himself at the head of several hundred men, and marched to the support of the frontier inhabitants of Wayne and Richland counties, and ultimately continued his route to camp Huron, where he joined the troops from the Western Reserve, under Generals Wadsworth and Perkins. At that place they were visited by General Harrison, the Commander-in- Chief, who attended in person to the re-organization of the corps ; and as the whole was not more than sufficient for a brigade, the command devolved on General Perkins as the senior officer. After this General Beall returned home.

In the spring of 18 13 President Madison issued his proclamation for a special session of Congress, and the seat for the northern district being vacant by reason of the death of Mr. Edwards, the member elect. General Beall was at a special election chosen to fill the vacancy. He served in Congress during that and the succeeding session, assisting, to the full extent of his abilities, in providing ways and means for a vigorous prosecution of the war, then rendered extremely difficult by the prevalence of a reckless party spirit in various portions of the country. But his domestic inclinations being strong, the Congressional life did not suit him.

The office of Register he resigned in 1824, when he retired from all public employment. At the great Whig Mass Convention at Columbus on the 22d of February, 1840, he was chosen to preside over its deliberations, and was afterward chosen one of the electors of President and Vice-President, and had the honor, as well as the pleasure, of casting his vote in that capacity, for his old friend and military associate. General Harrison. This was one of the pleasantest incidents of his life, and was the last public trust he discharged for his fellow citizens, his death occurring on the 20th of February, 1843.

In disposition General Beall was peaceful and unobstrusive. His watchword was uprightness and fairness, for if there was any offense he condemned and hesitated to forgive it was that of dishonesty.

He was munificent in his contributions to all objects of general interest, especially such as tended to the advancement of morality and religion.

General Beall was for many years a member of the Presbyterian church, and died in the full and calm conviction of its truth, reality and genuineness, together with an unshaken and moveless confidence, that he was a subject of that salvation which was pur-' chased through the atonement of the Author and Founder of our most holy religion.

About the first of June, 18 14, the Rev. Thomas G. Jones and! Joseph Eichar, Sr., went around among the people of the settlement to ascertain who would be willing to send their children to school. They found that all in the place, both boys and girls, would only make up a small school.

Wooster Female Seminary now stands. A little before this time a young lawyer, by the name of Carlos Mather, came from New Haven, Conn., intending to open a law office in the enterprising town of Wooster. But la ! there was no law business to do there. In those early times we had no need of locks or bolts ; everybody was honest then. This Mr. Mather had been educated at Yale ; was said to have been a finished scholar, a promising, industrious, good young man, wanting to be doing something to make our town a little better for his having lived in it, and possibly wishing to be doing a little something for himself. He was offered the situation, which he accepted, of the first schoolmaster. The first morning the school was opened the children first at their post were Enoch and Lucretia Jones (children of Rev. T. G. Jones), Eleanor and Nancy Eichar (daughters of Joseph Eichar) ; next came Wm. Nailor (Mrs. Judge Dean's brother), John Griffith (son of the church clerk), John Smith, Nancy Crawford, Josiah Crawford, Polly Welch, and besides these there came, also, the children of the very earliest settlers - almost semi-Indians. I can name only a few of them - the Driskels, Poes, Meeks and Feazles, etc. Allow me to illustrate what I want to say of them by repeating a little anecdote we heard : Just a few days ago, at a school anniversary, to show how susceptible children were to the power of kind words, the speaker told of three boys, picked up in the purlieus of this city, who were taken to the Industrial School. The teacher, in a kind, gentle voice, asked the first, "What is your name?" He roughly roared out, "Dan ! " The teacher said, in kind, silvery tones, "You should have said Daniel." To the second, "What is your name?" He answered, "Sam!" "You should have said," added the teacher, "Samuel ! " To the third, "What is your name ?" who gently replied, "Jim-uel!"

Our school was opened by reading a chapter from the New Testament. All who could read were arranged into a class. Our second lesson was from the introduction to the English Reader, which was our common reading book.

body entertained a high respect for him. We school children believed Mr. Mather knew everything. He would, not permit us to say the "master," neither would he allow the children to call vaxa^?. for short, such as "Bill," "Pete," "Bob," etc. After about a year and a half, our good, kind teacher began to talk of leaving Wooster. We all returned home with heavy hearts, after hearing this, and told the sad news to our parents. While we were talking. Priest Jones dropped in, and father told him that Mr. Mather was going to leave, and how sorry his children were to lose their good, kind teacher, and he was afraid that it would be no easy matter to fill his place. Mr. Jones said his children were much attached to Mr. Mather, and, besides, he had the faculty of making them feel pleased with themselves and all the world. The whole school believed Mr. Mather knew everything.

He said it reminded him of a little place up in the country, not far from Philadelphia. The settlers were greatly annoyed by some kind of a wild animal coming at night and carrying off their chickens. They finally resolved to go out en masse and try to capture it, whatever it might be. They did so, and caught a fox. They brought it in alive, when everybody was asleep, and put it under a hogshead, raising it a very little. from the ground, to give it air. In the morning they soon had a crowd around it, trying to guess what was under the hogshead. After a little while one cried out, "The schoolmaster knows everything. If only he was here he could tell." He was brought there, and, taking off his hat, walked round the hogshead and knowingly said, ''Well, and so the old fox is caught at last!" Then the whole crowd raised a tremendous shout. The boys, one and all, threw up their hats, and with one voice, roared out, " T knew the master could tell, for he knows everything. "

Mr. Mather returned to New Haven, Connecticut, but he left the impress of his kindly, genial nature upon the children who attended his school at Wooster.

block-house stood, which, with its stockade, was taken down, all its heavy timbers removed, every vestige of this noted land-mark taken away. It was almost a sacred spot; in time of danger it had sheltered defenseless families from an attack of hostile Indians ; in it Priest Jones had prayed like a prophet ; the first church was constituted in it, while a few armed men stood guard to protect them from the scalping knife of the Indians ; and lastly, in 1812 the first school was organized in it. Why! O, why! had it to be torn down? Colonel Sloane wanted that beautiful location on which to build his family residence, and which, after about three years he did erect. It looked like a very grand mansion to us in those days, and there Colonel and Mrs. Sloane dispensed a very generous and whole-souled hospitality.

From the year 18 15 to 18 17, several prominent families moved into Wooster, to-wit : Mr. William Larwill, General Reasin Beall, Colonel John Sloane, Judge Coulter, Mr. Matthew Johnston, Mr. Constant Lake, Sen., and Mr. John Wilson, and many others, too numerous to mention here. But as events shadowed forth, the most important arrival to us was a young man from the east, Mr. Cyrus Spink, a gentlemanly man, and very prepossessing in his personal appearance. While he was looking around, he was offered, and accepted the situation of teacher in our school. The bio ck-house was gone, and our school under our second teacher Mr. Cyrus Spink, was opened in the Baptist meeting- house, a small wooden building, near the spring on the extreme north border of the town. Mr. Spink was an excellent teacher, and took great pains to improve our reading. The first thing in the morning was always the reading of a chapter from the New Testament. He promoted us from the Introduction to the English Reader, which was then our reading book.

Occasionally "Priest Jones," and sometimes Doctor Townsend and Mr. Larwill and others, would step in to hear us read. These visits contributed not a little to inspire us with confidence and self-respect. I well remember once, when Mr. David Robison. Senior, and Mr. Edward O. Jones called in, Mr. Spink called up the class in the English Grammar to read the Apostle Paul's noble defense before Festus and Agrippa. We all did our best, and after they had left our teacher complimented us, and took the book and read a few sentences himself, to show where there was room for improvement, and then remarked that "this was one of the most powerful speeches that we have in the English language." He then told us the next one would be the speech of Adherbal to the Roman Senate, imploring their protection against Jugurtha. When the time came, we read this great speech so -well that Mr. Spink said he was "proud of us." Not long after this we were promoted to the Sequel to the English Reader. About this time Mr. Spink gave up his school, for which there was grievous mourning. He had received the appointment of surveyor, or a position in the land office, I don't remember which. Business men spoke of him as a rising young man.

Our next, and third teacher, was Mr. Samuel Whitehead. He was considered a scholar of the first order, and quite a distinguished linguist; his object was to prepare boys and young men for college.

Enoch Jones, Edward and James Thompson, Joseph S. Lake, Elisha Garrett, of Garrettsville, Jabez Larwill, Thomas Jefferson Bull, of Kendal, and many other honored names, too numerous to mention in this brief history, attended this school. By this time the citizens had built a brick school-house for Mr. Whitehead, and so many educated men, so much culture and moral worth, took up their residence at Wooster, that it was considered the Athens of the West.

Our next and fourth teacher was the Rev. Thomas Hand, who came to Wooster from London, England, bringing with him his wife, a very accomplished lady, and his brother Samuel H. Hand, afterward of Jeromeville, Ashland county. Soon after his arrival, I think, in the autumn of 1817, the citizens of Wooster engaged him to take charge, as Principal, of the Wooster Female Seminary, that was to be, and which was. It was commenced on South Market street, in a house nearly opposite to where E. Quinby, Jr., now resides, and was opened under very encouraging prospects. The three English readers - the Introduction, the English Reader, and the Sequel to the English Reader - were now laid aside, for which we were very sorry. The series of school reading books by Lindley Murray were the best I have ever seen in any school. Geography and history were our principal studies ; in ancient history, especially, we made great proficiency. It was said of these young misses, by those who were supposed to know, that they were the most industrious and persevering students in the State of Ohio.

And now I have a kind of weird spell on me to embrace this opportunity of transmitting their names, or some of them, to posterity. Allow me to do so, viz : Hannah and Mary Sloane, daughters of Colonel John Sloane; Jane Thomson, sister of Bishop Thomson ; Nancy and Harriet Beall, daughters of General Reasin Beall ; Eleanor and Nancy Eichar, daughters of Joseph Eichar ; Emily C. Bull, of Kendal, Stark county ; Ella Wilson, and other names equally deserving mention.

Near the beginning of the year 1819, the Rev. Thomas Hand, Principal of the Wooster Female Seminary, received a unanimous call to the pastorate of the Franklin Street Baptist church, in New York city, which call he accepted, and bade farewell to this model school. For the time being a part of the younger of the ladies were sent to Mr. Whitehead's school, but, alas ! for the older ones, that was the last of their school days in Wooster.

Following upon these events several schools were organized in the town of Wooster and in the vicinity. Mr. Alexander Mc- Bride's school-house was a well-known preaching place ; a short distance south of town, and a little further on was Dunbar's school- - house, and east of town Mr. Joseph Stibbs had a school near his mill.

In the summer of 1868 I stood upon the spot where the old block-house stood in Wooster over half a century ago ! But the friends of my youth were gone. I could have groaned aloud;

John Cunningham, M. D., was born in Washington county, Pa., February 19, 1792, his father emigrating to America from Londonderry, Ireland, in 1783, marrying soon after his arrival Miss Elizabeth Scott, daughter of Hon. Thomas Scott, the first representative of that district in Congress, during the administration of General Washington. His death took place May 12, 1804, aged fifty- eight years. Dr. Cunningham graduated at Washington College, Pa., under the Presidency of the elder Dr. Brown, and began the study of medicine in the office of S. Murdock, M. D., where he remained three years, with the exception of the time engaged in attending the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, from which institution he graduated.

He came to Wooster, July 5, 1827, making the trip hither on horseback, his horse dying in five days after his arrival. Here he practiced his profession for several months, when he went to Jeromeville, and where he married Miss Maria Stibbs Beall, March 20, 1830. He continued practice for some time thereafter in Jeromeville, when he returned to Washington county. Pa., where he devoted himself to professional pursuits until 1848, when his determination again impelled him to Wooster, where he re-established himself in practice. His wife died June 20, 1846, of typhoid fever, and is buried in Washington county. Pa. His family consists of four children, all of whom are living. He became a member of Dr. Brown's church at an early age, and joined the Presbyterian congregation at Wooster on his arrival, then under the pastoral care of Dr. Barr. Drs. H. Bissell, Hoyt, Day, and probably Shaffer, were his professional competitors when he came to Wooster. Judges Edward Avery, Levi Cox and Ezra Dean were the principal if not the only lawyers. The area of Wooster was then quite diminutive, as contrasted with now, as the doctor says there was but one house built at that time east of the present residence of Samuel Woods, Esq. It was a boarding-house (since burnt down), kept by Mrs. John Wilson and a Mrs. McMillen, where Messrs. Avery, Cox, Bissell, the Hacketts, etc., were handsomely entertained.

Dr. Cunningham is an affable, worthy, intelligent citizen, a good and exemplary Christian, of excellent qualities of mind and disposition. Near three-score years of his life have been consecrated to the service of his Master,

General Cyrus Spink was born in Berkshire county, Mass., March 24, 1793. Both on his father's and mother's side he came of Revolutionary stock. His father, Shibuah Spink, served through a large part of the Revolutionary war, and was at the bloody struggle known as the Battle of Long Island, and passed through the memorable scenes of suffering, privation and patriotism of the winter encampment at Valley Forge, 1777-8. His mother. Delight Spink, had a brother in the American army at Valley Forge, and he died during that terrible winter. The parents of General Spink were of the Quaker denomination, and his father was one of the few of that belief who took up arms in defense of the rights of his country. One of General Spink's sisters ultimately became a preacher among the Quakers. Shibuah Spink and family removed from Berkshire county, Mass., to Chautauque county. New York, somewhere about 1800. From thence General Spink set out to seek his fortune in Ohio in the spring of 18 1 5. He made some excursions through the State, but for the time being engaged in teaching school at Kendal, in Stark county, he then being 22 years of age. Hon. Joseph H. Larwill, who was County Surveyor of Wayne county, in the fall of 1815 came across General Spink at Kendal, and without any acquaintance, other than perhaps a kindly word from Judge Wm. Henry, subsequently an honored citizen of Wooster, at once appointed him Deputy County Surveyor. The appointment and oath of office bear date October i8, 1815, and he continued to act as Deputy Surveyor under Mr. Larwill until December, 18 16. All the recorded surveys during that period, or nearly all of them, are in his hand, and were made by him.

In December 18 16 he was appointed County Surveyor, and continued to fill that post until December, 1821. During a part of this latter period he was also District Surveyor. In the meantime, from September 26, 1820, to October 15, 1821, he performed the duties of County Auditor for more than a year, and for such service received pay for 72 days' labor at ,^1.75 per day, or ^126 for the whole period. The contrast between the expense of the Auditor's office then and now is very suggestive. He was married to his surviving companion, then Nancy Campbell Beall, daughter of General Reasin Beall, February 19, 18 19, fifty-nine j'ears ago. In the fall of 1821 he was elected a member of the House of Representatives of the Ohio Legislature, and faithfully served in that capacity during the winter of 182 1-2. During a portion of the time from 1816 to 1822 General Spink was clerk in the Land Office, then located at Wooster, either under Colonel Sloane, in the Receiver's office, or General Beall, in the Register's oifice. From 1822 to 1824 he was with General Beall in the Register's office, and on the resignation of General Beall, in 1824, he was appointed his successor. His first commission as Register was issued by President James Monroe, and bears date January 14, 1824. He was reappointed by President J. Q. Adams for four years, by commission dated January 28, 1828. He was removed by President Jackson in 1829. He was one of the Presidential Electors for Ohio in 1844, and met with the College of Electors to cast the vote of Ohio for Henry Clay.