Bath Township (part 2 of 3)

Manchester has had, in many essential repects, a widely different history. In September, 1815, Mahlon and Aaron' Stewart laid out the village, platting the same and properly recording it at the county seat. Lots were immediately sold, and the village began a permanent and rapid growth. The site was much pleasanter than that of Clinton, and in many I'cspects a better class of citizens located at the former place. Mr. Palmer opened the first store, not onlj- in Manchester, but also in the township, and John Snider opened the first tavern. The settlers poured into the neighborhood rapidly, manj' of whom built dwellings in the village, where they resided. Tradesmen mechanics, teachers, merchants, etc., appeared, and by the time the canal Avas opened through the township, three or four good stores and other industries to a like extent were in good running order. By this time, Manchester had become quite prominent as a trading-point. Its stores were well-conducted, and were capable of suppl3'ing almost an3'thing in the usual line of merchandise. Its citizens were enterprising and industrious, and withal Manchester was a pleasant place for country people to trade. When the proposed canal became a settled reality. Manchester suffered considerablv, as many of its citizens removed to the more favored villages that sprang up on this highway of water. It did not die, far from it. It suffered the drain from its vitals, and when the worst had been done, it slowl}' regained much of its lost strength. Of course, Manchester was never the grain point that Clinton was. Its removal from the canal rendered that out of the question, besides several industries that were conducted with great vigor at Clinton. On the other hand, Manchester enjojed the absence of many perplexing problems, proposed for the villagers at Clinton to solve. It was never captured b}- a brutal and drunken mob of reckless men, nor were its citizens insulted and persecuted. Whisky was sold, and men got beyond their reason, or in other words, drunk, but beyond a few light skirmishes at times, the citizens enjoyed the blessings of peace. Additions have been made to the village, and Manchester at its best has had about as large a population as Clinton. Hon. John Hoj^ lived at Manchester, and Hon. Hugh R. Caldwell at Clinton, both of whom served as County Judges after Summit was created. When this event occurred, or just before it, great opposition was manifested in the township, when it was proposed that Franklin should be severed from Stark County, and made a portion of the new county of Summit. The citizens opposed it to the bitter end, and emplo3'ed every means to prevent it, but without avail. They dx'eaded the idea of becoming a part of '' Cheesdom," as thej' called the Reserve, and clung with filial affection to '' Molly Stark," to whom they were deeply attached. They begged to be let alone, and, like Rachael weeping for her children, refused to be comforted because they were not. Notwithstanding their earnest and repeated protests, the dreaded change took place, and went into effect as silently and perfectlj- as the late financial resumption. Nobod}' saw any change save in their " mind's e3'e, Horatio." The Dutch mingled with the Yankees with impunity, and were not harmed. The Yankees visited the Germanic portion of the count}', and went back loaded to the muzzle with glowing metaphors in its praise. The change took place without a ripple, and the quiet waters of contentment laughed to scorn the words of prophec}', that had predicted unpleasant and even direful results.

day. The necessity for educating the pioneer children forced itself upon the attention of the early settlers, and, like the ghost of Banquo, would not " down." Some of the adjoining townships had been settled earlier, and had opened school, such as they were, at the time the township was first visited. Large scholars could traverse the long distance through the woods to these distant schools, but the smaller ones were compelled to remain at home until nearer schools were begun, or until they in turn had grown large enough to be trusted on the long journev. It is stated that a small log church had been built at Manchester as early as 1816 or 1817. This building was probably intended both for a church and a schoolhouse. At least, it is remembered that in the year 1817, a 3'oung man named Joseph Mishler, of Teutonic descent, taught in this old log building. The room was provided with a goodl}' number of roughly constructed seats. A large fire-place, capable of taking in a log of almost any dimensions, occupied one end of the room, and a small table was provided at the other, to establish for the teacher a permanent position from which to pronounce decrees, issue commands, and administer condign punishment to offending pupils, or, perhaps, it was intended as an altar, from which some pioneer preacher could thunder the anathemas of heaven upon the hj-dra- headed forms of infidelity, or pour divine blessings, in golden showers, upon the joyous hearts of the faithful. As was stated, Joseph Mishler was a German, and could handle the glib idioms of his native tongue with fluency and precision. Mr. Mishler had but one personal drawback - he was verj' homely. It is true he could not help that, although it may be presumed that be ruefully contemplated his ugh' features in that blessing of civilization - a looking-glass - and wished with all his heart that he could have the privilege of chiseling his nose to a more respectable shape, of rounding the irregular outlines of his face, or of taking all the features of his face apart and putting them together again after the ideal his aching heart had created. These things are to be presumed. Yet, throughout all his trials, Mr. Mishler remained as homely as ever. One thing is certain, he was a good disciplinarian and a competent instructor, and his school was liked so well that it was continued from that time onward. Mr.

^lishler enjoyed the honor of " boarding around." It is no wonder tii.it he vviis homely, and tliat gray liairs soon sliovved tliemselves in the auburn loclis on his brow. -' Boarding around " is a direful enough punishment among relined people ; but when that burden is thrust upon the unfortunate shoulders of a pioneer pedagogue by backwoods people, it becomes cruelty unspeakable. This old house was used but a few 3'ears, and was then replaced by a larger and better one. One or more other schoolhouses have taken the place of the old one. It is quite certain that school was taught in Savannah, although nothing definite on this point has been learned. Where fifty or sixty people resided for several ^ears, it is not out of place to presume that schools sprang into life. At all events, when Savannah was deserted, a building that had been used there, either for a schoolhouse or a store, was taken apart, conveyed to Clinton, where it was put together again, and used for a schoolhouse. This building was thus used until about 1836, when a "compromise" schoolhouse was erected about half a mile north of the village. This was caused by the fact that, from the shape of tlie school district, several families, living about two miles north, were unwilling to go so far to school, and insisted on having the new schoolhouse located nearer their i-esidences. It may be said here that, in early 3'ears, schools followed the scholars instead of the reverse. Two other schoolhouses have been built in Clinton. About the time the canal was projected through the township, two or tlu-ee school districts were formed. As time passed on, these were increased, and now Franklin can boast of having many good schools. Mr. Maranville, who located in Franklin in 1833, says, that at that time there wei'e but few competent teachers in the township. Large numbers applied for certificates to the Board of Examiners, and if any were permitted to teach, the grade of the teachers' qualification must be lowered. This was done, and persons not familiar with even the rudiments of the fundamental branches became teachers. Mr. Maranville says that, on one occasion, a " teacher " came to him for assistance, having become " stuck " on a problem in long division. Teachers assembled evenings and assisted each other on the next day's problems. Spelling schools were numerous, and afforded a 2:reat deal of amusement. It is related that one of the country spelling schools was once broken up b)' a gang of roughs, and the occasion ended in a pitched battle, although it is probable that some of the participants did not afterward designate the occasion as ainusive.

The early church history of the township is almost wholly lost in the shadows of the past, and man}' dates and interesting incidents relating thereto have faded from the memory of the oldest settlers. Many of the early settlers were members of various religious organizations, and these began to meet earl}^ at designated dwellings to woi'ship God. It was not long ere the propriety of erecting log churches began to be discussed. Itinerant ministers ap peared in the township as early as 1816, and held meetings in the cabins of the settlers. They traveled over large sections of country, and always stopped to preach where a few were readv to listen. At the close of the services, a collection was usually' taken for the benefit of the preacher. Some of these collections did not " pan out " as well as the minister desired, i^tany of the earlj' preachers were eccentric characters, singularly- gifted with a rude eloquence that fired the hearts of the pioneers. Man}' had renounced all social ties, save such as bound them to the house of praise and prayer. With hearts overflowing with love for Grod and humanity, they had come into the wildnerness to preach " peace on earth ; good will toward men." They were instrumental in laying the foundation of man}' of the fine religious organizations that are seen throughout the country to-day. So far as known, the first church was the old log building located at Manchester, as alreadv referred to above, unless

Meetings were conducted in this old house by local preachers, and by some of the more prominent of the early settlers. It is not certain which denomination, if an}', predominated at these gatherings. It is likely that all professors of religion, without regard to creeds or sects met here and worshiped in unison and harmony. An early minister in the township was Rev. J. ^Y. Hamm, an Old-School Presbyterian, who was a Grerman, and who could preach either in his native tongue or in broken English. If the German element predominated in his cono-regation. the word of God was preached in that language ; but if many were present who could understand German imperfectly or not at all, the sermon was preached in English. The Presbyterians built a church at Manchester a few 3'ears after the canal was opened, and this society, at times, has been quite strong, and has done much good in the neighborhood. It is impossible to estimate the great good done by a lively religious society. The nobler instincts of life are strengthened, many species of vice are shunned, and the result is an abundant harvest of pure lives and morals. May religious societies continue their noble work until -

' ' All crimes shall cease, and ancient frauds shall fail, Returning Justice lift aloft her scale ; Peace, o'er the world, her olive wand extend, And white-robed Innocence from heav'n descend. ' ' said to be doing well. About the same time, the Methodists constructed a church at Clinton. At the head of this denomination were Alexander Russell, Washington Heffleman, James Hile and others. The United Brethren also built a church at Clinton, during the late war. About four years ago, the English Lutherans started up, and built a church at Clinton. The most of these churches are doing well. When the Germans make up their minds to join a church, like a flock of sheep they go with a rush, and go to stay. The German Lutherans have a small church in the northern part. The congregation is considerably- reduced. Franklin is well supplied with good churches and schools, and no family of children need be raised to their ma,jority without a good common-school education, sufficient for the transactions of life, and the acquirement of that earl}' religious and moral training, which furnishes sober, intelligent and upright citizens.

THE generations of to-day can scarcely realize the hardships passed through by their parents and grandparents more than half a century ago. The countiy was covered with an unbroken forest, through which wild animals and wild men roamed at will, and nothing but continued toil and privation could be expected if pleasant homes were to be created. The roads were mere paths through the woods, and these were in a state bordering on chaotic. Indeed, it is averred by the early settlers that during the spring of the year they could be traveled in but one direction - toward China - and during the remainder caused many a sober and moral man to violate his church vows. What caused the greatest anxiet}', however, was the extreme difficulty in getting supplies of every kind. Men who came to the back woods with but little money or property and a large family of almost helpless children, were, indeed, to be pitied, as, in nine cases out of ten, a mis- erable existence was before them, without any satisfactory promise of improvement for a score or more of years. Store supplies of all kinds were almost fabulous in price ; wages were reduced to a starving minimum ; crops raised under tr^'ing and adverse circumstances brought scared}' any return ; schools did not exist, even in name ; neighbors were far apart, each struggling to make a living, and the homes were cheerless, uninviting, and too often uncomfortable. This is the darker side of the picture. Some families came to the backwoods with abundant means. These succeeded in rendering their situation comfortable, and very often attractive, and, after a comparatively short period were independent and happy. 5lany times families were compelled to relinquish their farms and return to their former homes in the East.

by short distances, but extends across extensive valleys or basins, through which the principal streams flow. These valleys are not bounded by bluffs, but have a gradual ascent, in some cases, for several miles, and the higher lands, even after that distance, do not reach an altitude but little exceeding eighty feet. However, there is some rough land in the township, perhaps mostly in the eastern and southern portions. Wolf Creek enters from the west, crossing Lots 31, 32, 39, 42, 43, 48 and 47. Pigeon Creek rises in the northwest corner, and flows across Lots 11, 20, 19, 22, 23, 17, 24, 25 and 26. Shocolog Creek (an Indian name, probably) rises in the northern part, and crosses Lots 3, 8, 7, 14, 17, 16 and 25. The land bordering these streams, with some exceptions, is swampy even at the present day, and in eai'ly years must have been great bodies of muck and water. Wolf Creek, throughout the most of its course, is not so swampy. Shocolog Pond is an enlargement of the creek of the same name. White Pond is located on Lot 35, and Black Pond on Lot 36. In several places along the swampy valleys of these streams, there are what might be called islands. These are small, irregular-shaped bodies of land, rising in some cases fifteen or twenty feet above the level of the swamp, and presenting the appearance of having been surrounded with water at no very remote period. One of these, called " Fort Island," near the residence of Delos Bosworth, is the site of what is unquestionably the remains of an ancient earth fortification. A description of this interesting " fort " will be found elsewhere in this volume. An island near this is called " Beech Island," and is supposed to have been used in ancient times as a cemetery, and small mounds, resembling graves, are pointed out. Another body of land farther down the same stream (Shocolog Creek) is called "Sugar Island." Pigeon Creek, after leaving the township from Lot 26, takes a circuit in Portage Township, and returns, crossing Lots 36, 45 and 46. These three lots are covered with an extensive swamp, which, in early days, was the resort of countless millions of pigeons that came there to roost. In fact, all along the valleys of these streams, the pigeons were accustomed to assemble in spring and autumn. Large numbers were killed and eaten by our parents. It was dangerous to enter the swamps at night, as very often large limbs were broken from the trees when the birds settled upon them. An unusual noise would cause millions to rise,' and after they had circled around a short time in the darkness, all the time following a leader, they would suddenly descend, and, very likely, all would try to alight on the same tree, which would be broken down. In the northeast part is a small creek, called Sand Run. An abundance of excellent sandstone is to be found in the township. The traveler over Copley notices that the township is crossed by several prominent ridges, which have a general direction east and west. These ridges are a mile or two apart, and seemingly belong to that series of terraces or ridges, which extends across Ohio, south of Lake Erie and north of the water-shed, which geologists maintain was formed during the Glacial period. On the farm of William Wagner is a large mound, supposed by some to have been built by the Mound-Buiiders, and by others to have been formed by natural means during the Griacial epoch.

The whereabouts of the early records of the township is unknown or forgotten, and thus much interesting material is placed be^'ond the reach of the historian. -' What is everybod^^'s business is nobody's business," is verified in the case of the early records. The proceedings on the occasion of the oi'ganization of the township are alwa^^s interesting, and will continue to become more so as time advances. A few items are recollected and these will be recorded in their proper connection. The first settler in the township is said to have been Jonah Turner, who came from Pennsylvania and located on the Stony Ridge east of Miller's Tavern. He came in 1814, and built a small log cabin. A 3'ear or two before. Turner had marched along what is now well known as the Smith road with the battalion under Maj. Crogan, of which he was a member. The army had camped near where Turner afterward selected his farm, and on this occasion (as is related) he concluded that, if his life was spared thi'ough the dangers of war, he would locate in that vicinity. He lived here until his death. William Green also came to Copley in 1814. It is not known to the writer whether this man was a relative of Gardner Green, one of the purchasers of the township, from Connecticut, or not. The latter owned perhaps more than any other of the original proprietors, and in his honor the town- ship had been informally styled " Greenfield ; " but afterward, for some reason unknown, the name was changed to Copley in honor of Green's wife, whose maiden name was Copley. These two were probably the only settlers in the township until the foil of 1815, when Samuel Hawkins came from the Green Mountain State, and located in the northwest corner. His son, George Washington, was the first white child born in Copley, his birth occurring December 29, 1815. The following list is only approximately correct : Lawrence 3Ioore, a Scotchman who had come to x\merica in 1797, settled on Lot 1, in 1816. He was a sailor, and soon after coming to this country was impressed on board the British frigate, Tartar, where he served for six years, but finally purchased his release by paying $1,225. Moore built a small log cabin, and lived until a few years ago. In 1817, Allen Bosworth came from Rhode Island, and settled near the center. His son Delos was the second child born in the township, his birth occurring in January of the following year. Delos Bosworth is yet living, and it is due to his unusuall}' retentive memory that many of the events narrated here are rescued from falling into forge tfulness. In 1818, Jacob Spafford, Nathaniel Davis, Jonathan Starr antl Gat Yale ai'rived. In 1819. Chester Orcutt came. In 1820, Parker and Benjamin Taylor, and within the next ten years the first settlers came about as follows : David, Samuel and James Griffin, H. C. Aikens, Nathaniel Norville, Erastus, Flavil and Harvej' Beckworth, David Ta3'lor, Chauncey and William Davis, Smith and Austin Hull, Noah, Albert and Thomas Spafford, Budd Hopkins, Levitt and Peter Wicks, Benjamin Sandford, Noah Robinson and otiiers. There also came in soon afterward Henry Francisco, Jackson Chapman, Ashabel Chapman, H. D. Patch, William and Hiram Randall, James Smith, Frank Wilcox, Darwin and CuUen Clark, Lorenzo Russell, Joseph Younglove, William Hanson, Dr. Alpheus Babcock, S. P. Starr, Thomas Cole, Dow Hanson, Lawrence Brewer, Alonzo Coon, George Traver, William, Jacob and Thomas Weager, M. D. Pratt, John Mann and several others. Dr. Elijah Canfield and his bi'other William came in about 1824. Prior to 1835, there also came in Lyman Green, William Huxley, Chauncey Lease, Robex't Stimpson, Henry Begun, Daniel, Joseph and Richard Riley, Daniel Sandford, John Pratt, Salmon Haysington and several others.

In 1825, evidences of civilization were everywhere apparent. Log houses sprang up from all directions, and various industries began to arise. The settlers slowl^^ began to surround themselves with something more than the bare necessities of life. Schools, churches, mills, etc., began to appear, and something like pleasure was felt in living in the fast disappearing forests.

The homely ways and rude garb began to give way before the advance of the autocTat Fashion. Calico could be obtained for less than 75 cents a yard ; axes were no longer $5 or $6 ; all supplies steadily decreased in cost, as the roads and means of transportation became better ; wages for the poor man were soon higher, and the township, and indeed many other townships in Ohio, entered an era of prosperity unknown to it before. In 1281, a ball was given in the township, at which all attended. The girls came out with their calico dresses with flowing skirts, and the boys appeared in the rustic garb of fashionable pioneers. The entertainment was a financial enterprise, created in the brain of Smith Hull, who agreed to furnish everything necessary except whisky and music, provided each gentleman would chop wood for him two da3's. Roswell Barnett played the fiddle, for which each couple paid him a bushel of corn (not the juice). AH was gayety and enjoyment. Cupid, the little wretch, was abroad, armed with bow and arrows, whose barbed points had been dipped in the green poison of jealousy. His skill at archery was better than usual on that occasion, and even he, hard-hearted though he be, must have enjoyed the music and dance, as during the evening he shot several arrows into warm hearts - arrows that had not been poisoned with jealousy - hearts that wxre afterward united. The ball was a domestic event, as well as a financial success. "Scheming mammas" were present to select husbands for their daughters - at least they were present. There was snow on the ground, and what a merry time they had going home. How " eyes looked love to eyes," and each throbbing heart beat a responsive echo to the one near it ! How short seemed the walk through the woods, and how the parting was protracted, as the first warm kiss of love was given and returned !

But the walk, so short and enjoyed so much, was ended - the sweet dream, like a vision of heaven passed awaj^ and the sober realities of pioneer life swept over the bright scene with their gloom and shadow. How many hearts that on that happy evening beat with love for the first time, could afterward cry out in sorrow as Burns did -

Is there anything more precious than the sweet recollection of a sainted face that was once s » bright in youth and health, but which now lies pale and cold in the embrace of death "? Ah ! how man}' hearts, in the morning of life, with every prospect delightful and ever}' impulse of heart and mind ennobled by the vision of divine ideals, have been stricken down in frenzied sorrow as their earthly idols were laid low in the dust - have gone weeping away, clothed in the mourning raiment of sackcloth and ashes. Then how kind is Solace to enter the sorrowing heart with sweet promises of the renewal of love in the shadowy world revealed to us in dreams.

Copley belonged to Medina County before Summit County was created. It was Township 2, Range 12, of the Western Reserve, and was one of six which composed Wolf Creek Township, the others being Norton, Wadsworth, Sharon, Guilford and Montville. It was organized into a distinct township, with its present boundaries and territory, in July, 1819. The first township election was held in the barn of Allen Bosworth, as is shown by the following, which is quoted from the records : " On motion, Thomas Beckwith was elected Chairman, and then the meeting was adjourned to the barn of Allen Bosworth for the purpose of doing business." A year or two before, Lawrence Moore had been commissioned one of the Justices of Wolf Creek Township, of which Coplej' was a part, and after the creation of the latter he served out his time. At this first election, Joseph Bosworth and Jonathan Starr were rival candidates for the position of Justice of the Peace (not much rivalry, however, as neither was anxious to officiate in that capacity). Thirteen votes were polled, of which Bosworth received seven and Starr six. Owing to some imperfection, either in the election or in the qualification, these proceedings were annulled, and a new election was ordered to be held June 10, 1820, at which time Starr was elected. From the fact that the official duties in early years were light or altogether wanting, it was customary to honor one man with the responsibilit}' and dignity of several offices. It thus occurred that Starr was the first Township Clerk. Thomas Beckwith was elected Supervisor in April, 1820, and Jacob Spafford and Lawrence Moore were elected Overseers of the Poor. The names of the other early officers are forgotten. The first lawsuit begun in Copley was before Justice Lawrence Mooi'e. Suit was instituted at the suggestion of David Point, whose wife had loaned a spinning-wheel to Mrs. William Green, the latter, as was alleged, refusing to return certain portions of the machine. The matter was compromised before trial through the influence of Moore, who advised Mrs. Point in this wise : " You keep the grass too well trod between your houses ; let it grow thicker, and you will agree better." Some years afterward, Gat Yale arose one Sunday morning, and going out, discovered a bear endeavoring to escort a member of the genus Sus. against its wishes and vociferous protests, into the forest ; whereupon Yale, regardless of the day, pursued the bear and shot it. He was prosecuted before Squire Moore for violating the Sabbath, and, upon conviction, was fined $1. Whether this had anything to do with Gat's subseijuent conduct is not known ; but he soon afterward joined the Mormon ranks, and was living, not many years ago. ;it Salt Lake City. From the fact that most of the earlier settlers of Cople}^ have passed awa}- like the twilight, and also that the township was settled later than others in its vicinit}^ it has been impossible to get possession of personal incidents of adventure, without which a township record lacks an attractive feature. That many exciting and interesting hunts took place in early years is well known to the citizens. A circular hunt was instituted in about the year 1823, and a large portion or the whole of the township was inclosed. The center was one of the lax'ge swamps. But little could be learned by the writer concerning this hunt, except that quite a large number of deer, bears, wolves, etc., was killed. It is related, that, in the disposal of the game after the hunt had ended, two men, each of whom entertained a bitter grudge against the other, became angry, and a savage and protracted fight occurred, in which both men were badly used up. William Cogswell, who settled in Granger Township, Medina County, was one of the most noted of the early hunters in this section of country. He often penetrated the swamps in Cople}'. and, if the fticts could be known, many an exciting and dangerous hunt, in which he played the role of a star actor, could be told. Almost all of the earliest settlers who had arrived at man's estate when they first came in could boast of having killed bears during the few earliest ^-ears. At that time, it was no trouble to kill deer, as even the most inexperienced could fire a rifle (if they had a rest), and often that was the only effort necessary to bring down the quarry.

It was not long ere Copley was well populated, with numerous industries and institutions, which arose to improve the domestic, intellectual and moral status of the citizens. The steady and extensive demand for alcoholic drinks gave rise (as it alwaj-s will) to numerous distillei'ies, which began to furnish an abundance of whisky, which numbers its victims by the millions. So prevalent had become the practice of drinking, and so manj' men had become confirmed drunkards, despite reiterated statements to the contrary, that efforts, made in a few localities to end the manufacture and consumption, atti'acted general attention, and were imitated throughout not only Copley and vicinit}-, but over the State and country. These efforts received a splendid impetus in about 1830, at which time almost every township in what is now Summit County organized well-attended temperance societies, and soon the various organizations could number its members in the aggregate by thousands. In 1828. the church societies throughout the country' recommended a day to be observed in humiliation, fasting and prayer, on account of the prevailing sin of intemperance. In accordance with this recommendation, a meeting was announced to be lield for the purpose stated at the old log schoolhouse, on the northwest corner of Copley. The house was filled with enthusiastic people, and prayers for the speed}^ termination of the prevailing evil were freely offered. Remarks were made b}^ several of those present, during which the pointed question was asked, " Is it consistent for Christians to pray for the abrogation of any particular sin, or evil, when their actions and influence favor its continuance ?" This question unmasked the whole situation, and led to a spirited discussion as to what should be done in the case b}^ consistent and earnest Christian people. A committee was appointed to draft a constitution, which was to be submitted for adoption or rejection at a subsequent meeting. On the 29th of January, 1829, the committee reported the following preamble and constitution, which is given in full, as it is said, on good authority, to have been the first one drafted and adopted in Ohio :

Viewing, with feelings of deep regret, the fatal consequences resulting from the intemperate use of ardent spirits, and believing that so far from contributing to health, happiness or prosperity, the immoderate use of ardent spirits has a direct tendency to destroy health, debase the understanding and corrupt the morals ; and that it introduces vice and misery into families, and has a demoralizing influence on the community at large.

We, therefore, the subscribers, professing to be friends to morahty and good order, and desiring to lend oin- influence to check the progress of an evil so fatal in its consequences, do hereby form ourselves into a Temperance Society, by adopting and adhering to the following constitution :

Art. 6. The members of this society pledge themselves not to use ardent spirits, unless necessary for the promotion of health or its restoration, and also to discoiu'age their use by others.

temperate use of ardent spirits, and shall use their endeavors to disseminate a knowledge of the direful and fatal effects of intemperance upon individuals and upon society generally.

John Codding, of Coddingville, is believed to have been the writer of this constitution. It was the first declaration of temperate independence in Ohio, and the first four persons who appended their -' John Hancock's " to this interesting document are, in order, as follows : Lawrence Moore, John Codding, Eurt Codding and Charles Goodwin. This organization did good work, and yet apparently, it did not decrease, in the least, the use of alcoholic drinks ; for, while some few signed and kept the pledge, many - through spite or otherwise - -resisted the movement, and encouraged the manufacture and consumption of whisky. The organization of the society' was largely brought about by the evil effects of several distilleries which had early been erected in the township, and which were doing a large business. The first one had been erected by Chancey and William Davis, about half a mile north of the Center, in the year 1820. Their grain was ground at neighboring mills, and finally at Akron, and, despite the establishment of temperance societies and the attack made on intemperance, this distillery was conducted for more than thirty years, turning out during its continuance large quantities of whisky, brandy, gin, and wine for sacramental and other purposes. It is said to have averaged as high as fifty gallons a day, and large quantities were shipped to distant points, and a fine revenue was returned to the owners. In about 1826, Allen Bosworth erected a distillery one-half mile west of the Center. He did a large, paying business for a number of years, and then rented the distillery to Alonzo Coon, who also conducted the business almost as extensively. It is said that the distillery averaged about forty-five gallons a day while it was conducted. The building and apparatus were purchased in 1842, by Heman Oviatt, who almost immediately closed out the business. About this time, Alonzo Coon built another on the opposite side of the road. He also manufactured extensively for some four years, when he severed his connection with the business. Daniel Arnold erected a distillery in about the year 1840, and for some ten or twelve years averaged about twenty-five gallons of liquor a day, at the end of which time he likewise changed his occupation. William Welhouse built an institution of the same kind about the same time, and averaged some forty gallons a day during the greater part of ten years. This sums up the record of these distilleries, and yet it is impossible to write their complete history. Who shall tell of the evil done by them, of the homes and lives made desolate, of the misery created in families that before were bright with the sunshine of happiness. The business was so common, that those engaged in it thought no evil of what they were doing ; and, in earlier days, the manufacture was considered respectable and even laudable, as the distilleries furnished a market for grain, and supplied whisky, which, on account of custom, was indispensable to farm management. It thus occurred, that many of the most respected and prominent citizens were engaged in the manufacture and sale of liquor.

It is thought that Chancey and William Davis built the first saw-mill in the township. It was located a short distance north of the village. They put in the same building a turning-lathe and one run of stone for grinding grain. A dam was built across Pigeon Creek, and a fair water-power was obtained by means of a race. After operating the mill about ten years, it was sold to Reuben Lord. It afterward was owned and operated for short periods b^^ Col. John Stearns, Charles Fuller, Henry Clark, George Welhouse, Charles Crum, Henry Stimpson, Ransom Arnold, and several others. It is yet standing, and is owned by Mr. Arnold. While in the possession of Mr. Lord, the turning-lathe and set of stones were removed, and were not afterward replaced. The mill has always been a good one, and, in its time, has furnished large quantities of lumber, much of which ma}- yet be found in dwellings and other buildings over a large tract of country.

Lawrence Moore built a saw-mill in about the year 1830, locating it on Yellow Creek, in the northwest part of the township. It was abandoned at the end of some ten or twelve years. A saw-mill was built on Wolf Creek, in about the year 1832, by Col. John Stearns, but was sold a year or two later to Benjamin Stimpson, who, after operating it six or eight years, sold out to John Hetrick, upon whose hands it ran down, and was not subsequently rebuilt or re-operated. Parker & T3'ler built one on the same stream a year or two after the erection of the last mentioned, and after operating it quite extensively fifteen or twent}^ years, it was purchased by Allen Pardee, who improved it and built a grist-mill on the same dam. The saw-mill was soon afterward discontinued. Peter and Levitt Wicks also built a saw- mill on Wolf Creek prior to 1835. At the expiration of about five years, the mill was purchased by George Welhouse, under whose management it was conducted successfully for about fifteen years, when it went into the possession of Mr. Austin, who removed the machiner}' to another locality. Chancey Davis and Col. Stearns built a saw-mill in the swamps in the eastern part, in about the year 1844. It ran for a number of yeai's, and was burned down, but was rebuilt. It was abandoned long ago. Two or three others have been built in the swamps in later years, the most of which have been operated by steam. David Grill built one within the corporate limits of the village some seven years ago. It is operated by steam. A carding-mill was erected at an early da}- on Wolf Creek, but after two or three years, the enterprise was abandoned.

The grist-mill, conducted by the Davis Brothers north of town, was the first in Copley. Allen Pardee conducted his grist-mill, mentioned above, until some sixteen years ago. Charles Zeigler owns and operates the mill at present. It is said that Allen Pardee was the only one among the earl}' owners of grist-mills who derived a paying income from the business. The mill under his management is said to have been excellent, and a large amount of merchant work was done in addition to the regular custom work. Mr. Welhouse, at the time he got possession of the saw-mill on Wolf Creek, built a grist-mill on the same dam, wliich was burned down some ten years later. It was a good mill, and did good work. Col. Stearns and Darwin Clark built a grist-mill at the Center in about 1858, in which were placed three run of stone. The mill started finely, but.

In 1837, a stock company was formed for the purpose of furnishing teams and a stage, to be run from Cleveland to Massillon, by the way of Brecksville, Copley and Clinton. Some $2,500 worth of stock was subsci'ibed and paid in, and sixteen horses were purchased to be used on the route. The round trip from Cleveland was made in two daj's by a change of horses at the different stations. The Shepard Brothers, at Brecksville, had been largely instrumental in securing the subscription, and some twent}- or twenty-five men along the route had taken stock in the company, several of whom lived in Copley. About a year after the stage began running, for some cause which the writer was unable to learn, all the horses were taken to Cleveland, where they were detained, and the stage ceased its regular trips. The company was not incorporated, the members being simply bound together by a naked contract. The detention of the horses at Cleveland was probably a scheme to defraud the greater number of the members out of their stock. But this was not to be permitted, and several citizens along the route went to Cleveland and got at least a number of the horses, and the matter was finally adjusted.

The first building at the center was a log schoolhouse, located opposite Mr. Cole's Hotel, and was built in the year 1819. In referring to the village, the present corporate limits are not included, but simpl\- the clusters of houses at the geographical center. According to the reports, the next building was the Thomas store, built by Peter and Levitt Wicks in about the year 1826. These men, as stated by several, placed in the building about $500 worth of goods, which the}^ continued to sell until they were bought out by Oviatt & Baldwin. Other reports are to the effect that the Wicks Brothers did not keep a stock of goods at all. but that the storeroom was unoccupied until it was purchased by Oviatt & Baldwin. At least, it is known that the latter firm placed goods valued at about $2,000 in the room, in about the j-ear 1832, and continued selling some five years, when the partnership was dissolved, and the junior member entered the Cole Hotel, which had been erected by him two jears before, and formally opened the building for the entertain, ment of the public. After the dissolution of the partnership, Mr. Oviatt almost immediately retired, and engaged in other pursuits. Patch & Robinson succeeded him, probably' buying his stock of goods, which was increased ; but these men retired after about one }ear and a half They were followed by Robert Codding, who likewise engaged in other pursuits after two or three years. The room remained unoccupied for a short time ; but, in 1845, Augustus Warner entered it with a small stock, which was steadily increased, until, at the expiration of six years, it was worth at least $3,000. He kept a good store, and is said to have made considerable money, which he knew how to save. Nash & Stebbins followed Warner, but two years later they were succeeded by John Starr, who continued until the spring of 18G5, making in the meantime no little money. He then sold to Mr. Lame}^, who, at the end of eighteen months, transferred the stock to William P. Craig, the latter remaining in the business some six 3'ears. Nathan Furst was Craig's partner, at least, a portion of the time. He continued the pursuit after the retirement of Craig, but six months later failed, and his goods were sold at auction and otherwise throughout the surrounding country'. The building was then vacant a year or so, after which Mr. Gardner placed in it a small stock of goods ; but in about 1875, 0. T. Lane began with a new stock, and two years later sold to Callow & Leonard. The building is at present occupied by Mr. Thomas.

The town hall building was erected by Joseph and Henry White in about the year 1837. It was designed for a storeroom, but for some reason unexplained was not entered until about 1841, when Wicks & Parmele placed a stock of goods in the building, and conducted the mercantile pursuit some three years, when Parmelee purchased his partner's share, and soon afterward removed his stock to the Welhouse settlement, at which place he sold goods for a number of years. Two or three other parties were in the White building for a short time. George Babcock was in with a small stock some twelve years before the last war, but withdrew at the expiration of about two 3'ears, and the building has not been used since as a storeroom. This has been the extent of the mercantile pursuit in Copley Center, though there have been one or two country stores in the western part of the township. The tavern building has been used as such the greater portion of the time since it was built and opened b}' Andrew Baldwin. Since then, the following and others have kept public house in the village : Noah Robinson, Hiram Randall, Mr. Van Evera, Lewis Norton and Daniel Taylor. The building was used a number of years by Oviatt & Stearns as a cheese dry-iiouse. It is now occupied b}' Dennis Cole, an experienced landlord, whose personal appearance in every way resembles that of his fellow-countr3'man, the patron saint of boys (not girls), Santa Glaus, or Kurcht Globes. It is also true that -

" The stump of a pipe he holds tight in his teeth. And the smoke it encircles his head like a wreath, He lias a broad face and a little round body That shakes when he hiuglis like a bowl fidl of toddy,"

Various industries have flourished in the village. Isaac Moneysraith, as early as 1833, erected a suitable building, and began doing cabinet work. He emplo^^ed three or four workmen, and made bedsteads, tables, bureaus, chairs, etc., and continued until about 1837, when Douglass Storr became proprietor. This man continued the l)usiness perhaps ten years, or possibly longer, manufacturing coffins and running a hearse a portion of the time. The building was finally burned down. Dow Bennett was engaged in cabinet business for a short time. Soon after the last war, Coon & Son started a cheese factory, one-half mile west of the Center, and have continued doing a good business since. The White Brothers opened a wagon-shop in about the year 1832. They employed some four workmen, and continued the occupation ten 3'ears, when they sold to W. P. Craig, who, at the end of three or four years, transferred the property to William Whitehill, in whose ownership it burned down. It was rebuilt by Henry Leiby about eight years ago. Edward Voluntine now owns the shop, and is doing a fair business. The public green or square at the Center was the joint gift of four men. whose land in earlj- years cornered at the cross-roads. These four men were Heman Oviatt, Levitt Wicks, Simon P. Starr and Jonathan Starr, who gave the land in about the year 1832. It is said that Mr. Oviatt, about the same time, laid out a number of lots on the northwest corner, which were platted and properly recorded at the county seat. Additions have since been made to the original lots, and possibly some of these additions have been recorded. A Grange lodge was organized in the village a few years ago. Dr. Alpheus Babcock, who was among the earliest settlers, began practicing his profession soon after his arrival, and continued some ten years. Dr. Elijah Canfield practiced in the township for thirty 3^ears, over a large section of country. Dr. Samuel Austin was in for a few years. Dr. Jackson Chapman began about 1835, and continued twelve or fifteen years. Dr. Byi'on Chapman was the township phj^sician about thirty-five years ago. The township, since its creation, has had a resident physician the greater portion of the time, several of whom secured a wide practice and the confidence of their fellow-citizens.

Opinion is divided in the township as to where the first school was taught, and where and when the first house was built. The old log schoolhouse at the Center, as before mentioned, was erected in 1819, and the first term therein was taught the following winter by Jonathan Starr. Other reports are to the effect that while Starr might have taught the first school in the township, he was not the first teacher in the old house at the Center, this honor being accorded to John Codding, Esq. They were both verj- early teachers, and it may be that the first school was taught in the old log schoolhouse in the northwest corner of the township, instead of in the schoolhouse at the Center, as it is known that the Hawkins Schoolhouse was built very early, some accounts fixing the date before that when the log house was built at the Center. The subsequent township historian will be allowed the honor and pleasure of uni'aveling the mystery. The old house at the Center was used for school and many other purposes some tea or twelve years, when a frame building was erected on the square to take its place, after which it was abandoned. The frame building was used as a schoolhouse until the erection of the brick building in about 1858, and possibly several terms were taught there after the erection of the brick. It is said that two or three years before the last war was begun, two or three schools were in session in the village at the same time. The frame building is now used as a shop, and the brick was disused in 1872, when the present house was devoted to school purposes. This building is located in the southern part of the village, and since it has been used the village has had an excellent school. In truth, no other village in the county of the same size, except, perhaps. Peninsula, in Boston Township, haa had so much to do with school ventures and enterprises as Copley Center. A short time before the last war, the villagers became dissatisfied with the appliances made of the township school fund. They saw that, while the village had no better schools than those in suri'ounding districts, the Center District was paying a much greater amount of school tax than any of the others. New schoolhouses in neighboring districts were erected, and the villagers were burdened with a tax which seemed out of proportion, and which they paid only under remonstrance. The subject was freely discussed, and it was at last resolved to secure the incorporation of the Center School District, which was accordingl}^ done. This procedure freed them from anj^ school tax, save that necessary for the maintenance of their own school. The interest in school affairs had arisen to high-water mark, and while at the flood the tide was turned in the proper direction, and it ma^' be said that, since the incorporation of the district for school purposes, the interest in educational progress has been strong and steady. In about 1858, the building now used as a town hall, which had been built at an early day for a storehouse, was purchased for $1,000, by ten men, each of whom furnished $100. These men were M. D. Pratt. Cyrus Wicks, J. H. Lyon, John C. Stearns, Peter Wicks, James Hammond, Aaron Oviatt, Lorenzo Chamberlain, Delos Bosworth and Alanson Foster. They fitted up the building for a schoolhouse, and employed Rev. John Ensell, a capable instructor and a scholarly gentleman, to take charge of the school, which was then opened. A goodly number of scholars was enrolled, and a moderate tuition i)aid, and it seemed as if the school was destined to exert a wide and beneficial influence. But the war came on with its damaging influence, other discouraging events arose, and the school ended some five years after it began. The school in the northwest corner has always been a good one. It is a union district, comprising parts of Copley, Bath. Granger and Sharon. It was an early settled neighborhood, and on account of the interest which centered there, became well known and largely attended. One or more new houses have taken the place of the old log one. In other neighborhoods than the northwest corner and the Center, schools were not taught until about 1828, and in some districts even later than that. It was about that period, also, that the township was first laid out into school districts.

Two religious societies were organized in tlie township, but the date when this occurred can not be given, at least with certainty. The Methodists and Congregationalists started up about the same time, and the date is not far from 1830. Among the leading Methodists were Joseph and Henry White, Parker Tyler, Alpheus Northrup and others. In the winter of 1836-37, this society had the greatest revival probabh' ever in the township. The sweeping statement is made, " Why, everybody' joined church." Two ministers of State reputation - Dr. Cone and Elder Poe - had charge of the meetings, and under their experienced and able guidance and management, scores were converted and the churches strengthened by large additions to the membership. Alpheus Noi'thrup was a local minister, about whom a curious incident is related by M. D. Pratt. Pratt was converted - at least, he joined the Methodist Church - and one day Northrup came to him and wanted to borrow one of his horses, of which he owned several, some of them being idle. The request was readily granted, and the local man of Grod rode the animal away. After two or three weeks had elapsed, several of the neighbors' boys, at different times, spoke to Mr. Pratt, saying that the horse which had been borrowed was getting poor and did not appear to be well taken care of, upon which the owner conferred with the minister about the matter, the latter confessing that the animal was getting thin, and saj'ing that he would get some grain and see that better care was taken in the future. A few weeks later, the minister called on Mr. Pratt, saying that the horse was dead, and expressing his desire to pay for the damage done. He also insisted that, under existing circumstances, the price should be cut down at least half Mr. Pratt, glad to get an3'thing for the animal from the minister, who was in extremely indigent circumstances, agreed to the proposal, and the price was fixed at $25. Northrup gave his note for the amount, and took his departure. A few days later, Pratt was astonished to see the minister riding the animal which was reported to have died, and he perceived that he had been outflanked. He kept still, however, hoping to realize on the note ; but time passed awa}', the day of maturity came around, but nothing was paid, and thus the matter rests today. It is said that Mr. Northrup's mind was injured in some wa}', and that he often did peculiar things - things which otherwise would reflect seriously on his honest intentions. Mr. Pratt tells the tale with some bitterness, which, under the peculiar circumstances of the case, may be permitted. The Congregational society grew in strength and grace, and among its early members were the following : Lawrence Moore, Heman Oviatt, Joseph and Samuel Hawkins and Andrew Baldwin. In the year 1844, the two societies united means and erected the church at the Center. Here they have continued to assemble alternately until the present. Each society has had its years of adversity and prosperity, sometimes rejoicing in the strength of a large memberstiip and an abundance of funds, at other times reduced in numbers, funds depleted, and a noticeable lack of religious zeal. That the societies have done a great deal to improve the morals of the community and control the wayward tendenc}' of youth, is apparent to all who will soberly think of the subject. However skeptical a man may be, though his opinions may be those of Diabolus himself, he cannot successfuU}' deny the beneficent effect of good morals on society. He may denounce the church and traduce its servants, yet he cannot truthfully deny that it creates a world-wide benefit to the human race. A Methodist Church was built at quite an early daN' on the northern line of the township, the members living both in Cople}- and Bath. The The building is now used as a dwelling in the village of Ellis' Corners, if the historian has been correctly informed. Citizens in the western part of Cople}' attend church in Medina County, while man}- of those on the opposite side attend the Akron churches when the weather is fair.

Source changes here: from History of Summit County, Ohio, by William Henry Perrin, published 1881; 21,228 words in this source stream.

Bath Township

BATH TOWNSHIP - DESCRIPTIVE - THE PINERY - SQUATTERS AND EARLY SETTLERS - PIONEER HARDSHIPS - ERECTION OF MILLS - AGRICULTURAL IMPROVEMENTS - VILLAGES - SCHOOLS - CHURCHES.

Geos greater share of Bath Township is extremely rough and precipitous. Its central and northern portions, though far from being level, are not as rough and irregular as the balance of the township. The eastern third, and all the land along the valley of Yellow Creek are cut, divided and subdivided into innumerable bluffs and hills of all shapes, sizes and altitudes. Deep gorges wind around the bases of the bluffs, and in some cases are fully 300 feet below the summits of the conical knobs, which appear almost mountainous, when viewed from below. On accourt of the extreme roughness of Bath, the land was not considered desirable ; so that, in early years, settlers passed on, and it was only after the lapse of time, that large additions were made to the original pioneers. The principal and only stream of note is Yellow Creek. In many respects, it probably has no equal in the county. It is reported that, either from actual measurement or careful estimation, this stream, in flowing across the township (five miles), has a fall of 400 feet. While the stream does not afford any noticeable natural falls, almost its entire course is characterized by a succession of rapids, rendering the creation of first-class water-power an undertaking at once easy and permanent. Since the earliest settlement, these facts have been well known, and this will account for the large number of saw and grist mills that have been located along the stream. During the warmer months of dry seasons, the water becomes almost or quite insufficient for milling purposes ; but, in ordinary years, and especially during the rainy months, the creek is a rushing torrent, which sweeps noisily down the valley over its bed of rocks. One of the finest natural views in the county is in this valley, in the eastern part of the township. Ata place where the creek takes a sudden turn toward the north, a basin of two or three acres is formed on the western side of the creek bottom. Looking southward from the northern part of this basin, the beholder sees an attractive picture. The bluffs, which extend upward at an angle of forty-five degrees, form a graceful curve, and are covered with a fine forest of pine trees. These trees are found nowhere else along the creek, and form a beautiful contrast with the neighboring oaks and maples, which greets the eye of the spectator with pleasure. They are the white pine (Pinus strobus), and extend along the creek, mostly on the south side, for a distance of about eighty rods. The larger ones have been cut down and northeast part, drains that portion of the township, and flows directly into the Cuyahoga. Another interesting creek rises near the northwest corner, and takes a southeasterly course, flowing into Yellow Creek at Ghent. On the northwest corner of Lot 37 is quite a large pond, drained by the last-named creek, which, so far as the writer knows, is nameless.

sin-like portions of the township, the soil con- . tains considerable decaying vegetation, and | these portions are valued highly by the agri- | in the soil, as is proved by the character of the water and the peculiar coloring of earth when newly turned up. The most of the water is strongly ferriferous, and even the streams deposit along the banks a reddish precipitate, or. perhaps, this peculiar coloring,is produced by the action of the iron held in solution in the water, upon the clay along the banks. At any rate, the soil along the banks is discolored, and iron is the agent. Col. Riall McArthur, who lowing entry in his note-book : " The attraction of the needle on these lines (in the eastern part of Bath), is on account of the vast quantity of iron ore that lies in the earth. under where the lines pass or near them. There is all the appearance of ore in the rivulets. Small pieces

Bath Township was not owned by the Gov- | ernment until after the treaty of Fort In- - dustry in 1805. If any persons other than the Indians, and, perhaps, French. lived upon the soil, they were squatters. and only held a "squatter sovereignty" in the land. The township is No. 3 in Range 12. and was originally called Wheattield. and is so named in the field-book of Rial McArthur and R. Warden, who surveyed the township into lots in 1808. The name is said to have been given by these men from the fact that the soil looked as though it would raise excellent wheat. How long the name was used is not definitely known. but it went out of use in two or three years. and then the township became popularly known as Hammondsburg. named thus for one of the earliest and most prominent settlers. Letters from Connecticut with this address were received. They also came directed to Township 3. Range 12. Western Reserve. Ohio. In fact. this was the ordinary way of addressing letters that were sent to this section of country.

Bath was not settled as early as some of the neighboring townships. at least by those who When the squatters first entered cannot be known with any degree of It may he that wandering hunters

At least. it is weil known that when the first permanent settlers. who were owners of the land. appeared in 1810, there were then living in the township on geology. The rock is covered with many feet of earth. It has been used for making It would pay the owners of the land where it is found to burn it and ship the lime by rail to distant points. Large quantities of coral of the honeycomb and sponge varieties are also found, not only on the surface but far under the soil.

had made no little improvement. It was not customary. however. for squatters to bother themselves much about the clearing of the land or other improvements. All they wanted was a small garden. wherein their half-clothed. half-starved wives and children could raise a few potatoes and other vegetables. Many of these squatters lived in the rudest and most primitive fashion. They apparently copied the customs of the Indians, and many of them : existed in about the same miserable pligh' - The Indians got so they built small bark shanties, but little better than deer-skin wigwams. and many of the squatters erected and inhabited the same kind of dwellings. The meat

5 { had secured a luxury indeed. Wild turkeys , by several proprietors in Connecticut, among were abundant, and were so fat, it is said. that , whom were Ezekiel Williams'and Thomas Bull, sometimes when they fell to the earth after being shot from the top of high trees, the skin upon their backs burst open like a ripe pod. Wolves were very troublesome, and gave the they were necessarily compelled to subsist. Even cattle and horses suffered greatly on the latter account. The poor oxen were annoyed by swarms of flies and gnats that thirsted for their blood. It is even asserted that oxen were killed by these flies, so great was the annoyance. any other kind of meat, and woe unto the porker that fell into their hands (or rather claws). A bear would attack a hog in the woods, would mount upon its back. burying the sharp teeth in the neck. and tearing the sides of the fated swine with its powerful claws. Piercing squeals would re-echo through the forest. sometimes reaching the ears of the owner, who would seize his rifle and rush to the rescue. and then it often fared hard with Mr. Bruin. Sometimes the owner would be glad to give up the swine and call the account square; but. in a case of this kind, they always changed their minds soon afterward. and vowed future vengeance upon all members of the genus (7rsus. The bears were usually so well satisfied with the terms of settlement that they afterward undertook to obtain a renewal of the account. that a similar settlement might be enjoyed. Sometimes they succeeded ; sometimes they clied.

Prior to 1810. there lived in the township the following squatters: Aaron Miller. Gibson Gates, Hezekiah Burdit. Aaron and Moses Decker and Moses Latta. When these men tirst entered the township has not been ascertained, and probably never will be. Two or more of them. at least. came in during the spring of 1810. but the date of the arrival of the others is missing. These men had erected rude shanties in different parts of the township. and were busily engaged in hunting and. possi- of Hartford. In the Bull tract, Jason Hammond had first choice, and Jonathan Hale second. Moses Latta had squatted near Ellis' Corners, and Aason Miller had performed the same act on Lot1]. Mr. Hammond's lots were 26, 27, 28. 29 and 30. Jonathan Hale's were 11, 12, 13 and part of 14. The other squatters named above located mostly in the southeast- | ern part. Abel Vallen also located in that portion, though whether as a squatter or an owner is not stated. A few years later. this man was living on the Cuyahoga. in Northampton. where he opened adistillery. These and a few others were the first settlers. and for a number of | years they were alone in the township. West | of them was an unsettled wilderness of indefi- : nite extent, while east of them various settlements had been made. some of them ten years - previous. William Cogswell. one of the most | expert hunters ever in this part of the county. | lived in the township for a number of years, | and there is scarcely a hill or vale that has not | echoed with the sharp report of his rifle. He | became celebrated as a bear hunter. and subse- | quent generations have listened with interest to his recital of daring acts. that. beyond doubt, actually transpired. On one occasion. he started. late in the evening, from Granger to go to the cabin of Aaron Miller. in northeastern Bath. Night came on, and Cogswell. not wishing to proceed any farther at that time. prepared a couch of branches. and. stripping the bark from a large tree. covered himself with it and lay down to sleep. At daylight he awoke, and, throwing off his coverlet, arose to his feet. when he found that, during the night, about three inches of snow had fallen. covering bim | completely, and rendering his situation warm | and comfortable. He started on toward the | cabin of Miller, where he soon arrived with an | excellent appetite for breakfast. Mrs. Miller | | hominy, which he devoured with relish and sat- | isfac..on, apparently thinking his breakfast fit | for a king. Indeed. it was no uncommon oc- | currence for settlers to live for weeks upon a | single article of food. Sometimes venison was all the cabin could furnish ; at other times. | especially in the dwellings of those settlers who were inferior hunters, meat would be lacking |

The settlement and improvement of Bath were at first slow. The war of 1812 no doubt had something to do with this state of things. A few came in during the war. but no extensive improvements were made until a short time prior to 1820. As near as can be remembered.

tioned. took place: Old man Jourdan and his sous James, Moses. Joseph and John, 1813 ; old man Dunbar and his sons Lewis. Thomas and two or three others. 1814; Isaac Hopkins, 1813 ; Salmon Skinner and Eleazur Rice. 1816 ; Hopkin Nash. 1817; Hammond. 1814: Phineas Nash. 1819; and besides these. there came in during the same years. or perhaps later. the following wellknown men: George W. Story, the first blacksmith in the township. William Jones. Junius

Levi Bissell. Asa Hurd, Adam Vance, Seymour Ganyard. Benjamin Damon. Dr. Henry Hutson. two or three Whitcrafts. some of whom became prominent in the township. Henry Vansickle, Mr. Fowler, Lyman Nash, John Duryea, who afterward became dissatistied and removed farther west. or went back to the East. The settlers were usually industrious. and it was not long before cabins could be seen in great numbers over the township, and the busy hum of human life took the place of the wolf's dismal how! and the [ndian's wild whoop. In every direction forests could be seen going down. that were afterward burned in great conflagrations, that rivaled the sweeping prairie fires of the West. Small fields of corn and wheat waved their green plumage in the summer air; deer bounded past within easy rifle shot ; the peculiar howl of wolves could be heard ; the ring and echo of ax and rifle awoke the sleeping voices of the hills; snakes, innumerable and venomous, wound their slow length along, and a multitude of circumstances, unknown to the present generation. presented themselves. And yet the early settlers were

The township was organized in 1818, and, when that is said. about all the tale is unfolded. Where the first election was held. who were the first officers, what action was taken on that interesting occasion. and many other important things. have been locked forever in the jeweled casket of the Muse of history. Some other historian will be allowed the privilege of prowling through the township to quicken into life the dying embers of the fires of recollection. Until then, many events will remain in the gloom of forgetfulness. Success to the patient As was before remarked. the township was first called Wheatfield. and then Ham- At the time of the organization burg, whereupon Jonathan Hall called out, * Oh, call it Jerusalem, or Jericho, or Bath - anything but Hammondsburg." Bath was immediately selected and bestowed upon the town- » Dr. Henry Hutson (or Hudson) was | ship. the first Justice of the ~ vace, if the writer is correctly informed. while Eleazer Rice was the first Constable. Rice was a small man, and was not very well liked. One Sunday, Lewis Hammond and Isaiah Fowler, in sport. tipped over Rice's sled. and lo! it was broken. Rice only Constable, the warrant was placed in his hands for service. The two men went willingly before the Squire to answer to the charge ; but, just as they got there, instigated by a little of the spirit that Jesus once cast out of a Syro- Phenician woman's daughter, they both started and ran in opposite directions. wasinadilemma. He finally started in pursuit, unfortunately, of the larger man. How informed. This was the first "case" in the township. Abner Robinson, the poet, mentioned elsewhere in this work. lived in Bath for a time. He had a peculiar manner of speaking, which Gen. Bierce characterizes as '* crawfish." youngest is the oldest - no - I mean the biggest is the littlest - no-o - I talk like a d - d fool! Any how, they look so much apart you cant tell 'em alike.' A petition for a road leading from Boston to Old Portage, was presented in 1811, to the Commissioners at Ravenna. This was the first authorized road that touched Bath. Perhaps the next was the one on the southern line of the township, called the Smith road. This was well traveled in early years, and numerous taverns for the accommodation of travelers were erected. one or two of them in Bath. Moses Latta opened his house for a public tavern as He took in a great many shillings from travelers, and made considerable money.

By 1820, the township was quite well populated. Improvements were pushed rapidly. and industries began to arise 1s the demand for various articles nearer home was created. In 1818, Maj. Hoadley built a saw-mill at Excellent water-power was obtained.

Root, but was sold again in two or three years to James Myers. The mill was located so far from the dam. that. on account of the great fall of the stream, the lower part of the race was a wooden trough, resting on posts. The wheel was overshot. A few years later, Mr. Root built a new saw-mill about a quarter of of a mile west of Ghent. 'This, in after years, proved a valuable mill. David Parker built one about the same time. locating it down Yellow Creek. not far from the eastern boundary a sudden freshet. James Root built a distillery at an early day. It was at the height of its prosperity when the great temperance revival swept over the county. Some of the citizens asked him to stop his distillery, whereupon he turned suddenly upon them with the pointed question, "Stop! what am I to live on? cow- I can't stop the distillery." And he | did not stop, but whisky flowed from it at the rate of about two barrels per day. Much of this was shipped off. and sold at the rate of trom 12 to 18 cents per gallon. James P. Baldwin did more in early years toimprove the | township than any other man. He built many mills, both for sawing lumber and grinding grain, and filled every enterprise that he touched | with life. James Root built several mills. and | was quite a wealthy man. but he did not put the energy into his undertakings that was necessary to make them highly successful and useful. He is said to have remarked in later years, - "T have ruined the township; meaning thereby | that most of his enterprises had been of no . use to the township. Yet this is notdoing Mr. © Root credit. It is certain that his improvements drew intelligent and enterprising citizens to the township. Many mills were built in early years, and very likely errors will occur in attempting their description. In about 1826, J. P. Baldwin built the Miller grist-mill. It was a frame building. three stories in height. about thirty-five by seventy feet. and in it were placed four sets of stone. [t was one of the best mills ever in the township. In addition to custom grinding. it did a large amount of merchant work, sending. during its best years. about three hundred and fifty barrels of tlour each day to Cleveland. by canal. After a number of years. the mill was purchased by Henry Harris ; but a few years later it was destroyed by fire. The present one was built on the same site in about 1846. It isa large frame building, and has done good work. It is at present owned by W. C. R. Miller. Baldwin also built a saw-mill the same time his grist-mill was built. [t was connected by shatting, or otherwise. with the machinery of the grist-mill. This was also destroyed by tire. In 1359. Henry Harris, Jr., built a saw-mill on the same site. This is yet in operation. Baldwin built - another saw-mill a short distance down the creek from this mill. It did good work fora few years. Jason Hammond and his sons built a saw-mill, as early as 1820, on a branch ot Yellow Creek. west of the center. The dam was so situated that thirty or forty acres of woodland was flooded with water. The trees ' many of them, fell dcwn and began to decay. . and soon this dam was regarded as a breeder - of malaria and pestilence. Atlast proceedings , were begun in law to abate the whole thing as a nuisance. The proceedings were successful. ; and the water was let off, much to the relief of families living in the neighborhood. A Mr. Beach built a saw-mill near where William Barker lives. in about the vear 1838. It was operated some eight or ten years. .nd then was aban- ' doned. William Barker built one near the ' same place. in 1859. This mill has furnished ; considerable material. which has been shipped away, among which «are railroad ties. three-inch ' plank and flitch. A year or two ago. the dam ; Was washed away. and the mill is not running ' at present. Just after the last war. Hemming- , way. Hopkins & Burris and William Barker . erected a hub, spoke and felloe factory within : a few rods of Mr. Barker's dwelling. The com-

A planing-mill was con- ' nected with the factory. and for a number of years a good business wus done. but the ' destruction of the dam caused it to stop. William Jones conducted a distillery for 2 number |

. carried off his hogs, and he determined to | watch. He summoned a few convivial spirits, | and with those already at the distillery, had a | loud time of it during the night. No bears were seep. The Ghent Champion Mill was ! built by James Root at an early day. It was until 1871, when the mill went to Edward Heller, who now owns it. great deal of good work; not only custom, but merchant. Mr. Root also built and operated a saw-mill. near the grist-mill, at an early day.

County

about 1840. was manufactured, but in about ten or twelve years the Marshalls retired fromthe pursuit, and the building was transformed into a lath factory. The grist-mill west of Ghent was erected early, and has been one of the best in the township. It has changed owners various times. and has done considerable merchant operated along Yellow Creek and its branches ; | and it may be said that on no other stream in | the county, of the same size. has there been so | Dams are easily - inany mills and so good ones. built from the stone and timber along the creek, and owing to the narrow bed of the stream and the narrow valley. short dams. strongly built, furnish splendid water-power. We will now leave the imperfectly treated subject of mills and notice ihe growth of villages.

Unlike other townships. Bath's Center never grew to the dignity of a village. A small shoeshop, opened there at quite at an early day, was about the only attempt toward villagemaking. Shoes were taken to this shop for repairs. but probably before this was opened, the following circumstance occurred: One day, Alonzo Coffin, his little sister and another girl of about her age. none of whom were older than ten years. were sent to Brandywine to have their shoes mended. The families lived near there at that time. The shoes were mended, but by this time darkness had thrown her sable curtain over the earth. Just as the children were about to start for home, the wolves

Clellan, the cobbler, declared he would not go through the woods at that time for anything, and told the children they had better stay all night. But Alonzo said he was not afraid, and told Mr. McClellan to * get me a torch, and Til go." dren started out through the darkness for home. They had no sooner reached the woods than the wolves surrounded them with angry ho~'3, but kept at a respectful distance on account of the fire. The children hurried on, keeping close together, and the wolves continued to follow them until they were within a few rods of home, when the savage animals, disappointed at not getting the expected feast, ran off through the dark forest. It was customary, in early years, for cobblers to travel around from house to house to ply their craft, for the whole family. Three villages proper have arisen in Bath - Hammond's Corners, Ghent and Ellis' Corners. The Hammonds were probably the first residents at the former. It is thought that Royal and Horatio Hammond brought the first stock of goods to the village, but the date is indefinite. If there at all, they probably opened up before 1830. John Rhodes was there with a small stock soon after 1833. Reison Randolph sold goods there for many years. Joseph Whitcraft is there at present, and has been doing a good country store-trade for quite a number of years. Himself and store are highly spoken of. <A few others have sold goods in the village. Among other industries may be mentioned the wagonworks of Clem Jagger. This man has followed the occupation for many years. A post office was secured at the Corners in about 1838. Prior to that date, the office had been at the Center, where Phineas Nash, Theodore King, and probably Lewis F. Lane and others, had served as Postmaster. Various parties have held the office at the Corners, the present one being Mr. Whitcraft. Dr. Hutson, who came to the township in about 1819, was the first practicing physician in the township. His residence and office were a short distance north of the Center. He was a kind old man, and would preach to the settlers in their dwellings. or in the schoolhouses. Some time after 1833, Dr.

many years he prescribed for the temporal disorders of the citizens. He was quite skillful with ague and the typhus fevers, and secured a lucrative practice. (shent has had a different experience and a different growth. In 1818, there were three or four families living at what is now Ghent. Mr. Boughton opened a small store about the same time, placing his goods in a small. rough, frame building that is yet standing, though altered and remodeled, on bridge. This man had considerable money, which was invested in young cattle. The animals were herded in the woods and along the open spaces near the streams. The forests furnished abundant food for the cattle. The rich browse was abundant, and was eaten in large quantities with excellent results, as the ani- mals gained rapidly in weight, until at last they were driven to the Eastern markets. Others engaged successfully in the same pursuit, Mr. Boughton did not continue his store but for about four years. As near as can be ascertained, the village, after he left, was without a store for a number of years. Moses McFarland was in with a stock of goods in 1844, and had probably begun as early as 1840. Mr. Leggitt was connected with him in business, and, in about 1848, bought McFarland's interest in the stock and store. A few years later, he sold to Francis Husong, who probably had about $1,500 worth of goods. Finney & Fairchild succeeded Husong, but closed their store after a few years. Thomas Pierson sold groceries about thirty-five years ago. Henry Pardee opened a store during the last war. This he conducted until 1881. when he sold out to James Greenleese, the present storekeeper. Mr. Pardee kept a good store, and has been an energetic and respected citizen. tory in the State is located in the village. was first started in 1832, by Allen & Bloom, but, three years later, was sold to Alpheus Babcock, and soon after this to Spafford Brothers.

the factory was idle. again. Soon after gan making barrels, buckets, kegs, etc., and doing a general cooper-wook, which he continued some twelve or fifteen years. James Myers conducted a small grist-mill (or " pepper-mill," as it was significantly called) in the village, in about 1828. Whether he built the mill is not stated. It was finally destroyed by fire. Mc- Farland & Leggitt at Ghent in 1858. Archibald Hubbard owned and conducted it before them. How early he began is not remembered. James Root is said to have built the first house in Ghent. This was the Boughton store-building. In 1846, there were about twelve families living in the village. It may be stated that Mr. Pardee was gaged in manufacturing water-proof goods, according to some new and valuable recipe. Thomas Pierson was very likely the first Postmaster at this point. Mr. Pardee assumed control of the office about the time Mr. Lincoln went into the White House.

original survey of lots at Ghent. Some say that James Myers named the village. but why the particular name Ghent was selected is not known. Dr. Cooley lived and practiced in the township before 1820. Dr. Darling and Dr. Chaffee were in the township at an early day.

the first building in the village. Other tavernkeepers were Mr. Ellis, Parvin Delong, Milo Fuller, Moses McFarland. James Moore. Carter Smith, and others. Orrin Walker was selling goods in about 1835. After him were Frank

Nash, N. D. Hanson, A. R. Damon and Albert Beach. All these, except Walker, were east of the hotel, and some of them kept excellent stores. Morris Lyon is the present merchant. The assumed the name, Ellis' Corners. Dr. Humphrey Robinson located at the village not far from 1830. He continued to practice until his death, about thirty years ago.

at an early day by Mr. Ellis. Also a wagonshop by Burris & Son. This, in outline, has been the growth and decay of business industries. A post office was secured at an early day, and letters came directed to Montrose. Schools are the offspring of civilization. They are unknown among barbarous people, and are found numerous and perfect in the degree of the removal from the savage state. The ignorant, those who willfully and persistently remain unlettered, triumphantly quote, or rather misquote, "Ignorance is bliss ; 'tis folly to be wise.' They assert that extended education only opens the eyes and heart to disappointments and defeats, and that nothing but absolute ignorance of the great majority of surrounding circumstances can give satisfaction and the resulting happiness. That mode of conduct, carried into effect by actual experiment, would reduce man to the savage state, and lead to the utter extinction of the race.

the journey of life. over which the dark clouds of sorrow and sin pass. Knowledge is the shield that wards off the strokes of unpropitious surroundings. At the same time it protects the shrinking form of humanity from the bitter blasts of adversity. It amplifies the vision of the intellect, widens the moral and social capabilities, and elevates the enchanted observer to mountainous heights. from which countless glittering domes of beauty and excellence are seen. It multiplies the sources of before the last war. physician just before the war, as was also Dr. Merriman. nently in the village, and began to practice his profession in 1865. He served the country during the war in the capacity of Assistant Surgeon of the One Hundred and war came out as Surgeon. Dr. Merriman practiced in the village after the war, and until four years ago. Among the _ industo the happiness of human life. It is highly protect schools as they would their jewels. The nature of the government and the peculiarities of its institutions should be taught in every school. Too many young men. and even nothing of the aim of the government as outlined in the constitution. There is seen the strange paradox of citizens voting for officials to administer laws, the nature of which, though vitally important to them, is almost wholly unknown. The wonderfully rapid growth of educational advantages insures to the masses of the people a speedy and practically perfect knowledge of the fundamental principles of the government. Millions in money are annually expended in rearing that unpretending temple of learning - the schoolhouse. The standard of scholarship is steadily rising in the United States among the great body of the people. This is the only salvation for our government, but the people must learn to control their excesses, or the nation we all love so well will go down in darkness like Rome. The morals must be educated, the appetites must be controlled. the passions must be checked. the desires must be directed to proper objects. pursuits and practices must be elevating in their

The first school in Bath was taught in the northeastern corner. in a log house that had been built in 1810. by Aaron Miller. one of the few first settlers inthe township. The building was about sixteen feet square, and the first teacher's name was Maria Lusk. The first were held quite regularly in the neighborhood. sometimes in one house and sometimes in another. depending for location on their proximity to the homes of the greater number of children. In truth. the schools for many years continued to follow the scholars, going as_ near as possible to where the greater number lived. Alfred Wolcott was one of the early teachers. It is related that on one occasion. that genius of mischief. the school-boy. in the absence of the teacher at intermission. fortified the chair of the latter with pins bent in a fiendish manner. The result was a sudden bound. and the following reverent exclamation: * Who, in heaven's name. has been meddling with this chair?" Such questions were often asked in early years. but seldom answered. So far as known. Mr. Wolcott shared the same fate as other early teachers. There were several years when no school was taught in northeastern Bath. but the scholars were sent to a wellattended school in northwestern Northampton. A very early school was taught in Mr. Hammond's house. Mr. Lucas was one of the first Schools were usually taught by subscription. and at stated times teachers were accustomed to send in their bills for collection or settlement. Although it seems unaccountable. yet it is asserted that the first schoolhouse in the northeastern part was not erected until after 1830, but that schools continued to be held in dwellings and abandoned houses. This house was a frame, about 16x16 feet, and the first teacher, as near as can be ascertained, was Edward Brown, a nephew of John Brown. whose soul is yet supposed to be marching on. This house was used for some twenty-five years, when the present one was built. A school was taught very early at Mr. Vallen's residence in the southeastern part, but unfortunately nothing definite could be learned of it. It may be said, in general, that all schools, prior to 1820, were held in buildings that were temporarily devoted to that use. It is probable that the first building erected for a schoolhouse was either near Hammond's Corners or at Ghent. although both the dates and the facts are uncertain. School was taught as early as 1816. at Latta's Corners, and at Ghent a few years later. In 1820. the citizens living at (Ghent sent their children to school in a log house that had been built about thirty rods from the present residence of Mr. Spitzer, by William Wood. Mr. Wood had abandoned the house. which was then devoted to educational purposes. Henry Root was one of the first teachers in this house, and the following circumstance is related of him by Benjamin Bishop : The teacher started one cold morning for his schoolhouse, 2nd while on his way through the woods was confronted by a large, gaunt, hunery-looking wolf. The animal, evidently rendered desperate by hunger. advanced with open mouth and glaring eyes upon the apprehensive teacher. who, having no weapons save a jackknife. caught up a heavy club, and backed against a rail fence as the wolf continued to approach. When the animal was within reach, Mr. Root struck at its head, but only succeeded in giving it a partial stroke. The wolf caught the end of the club in its teeth, and for some moments Mr. Root was unable to withdraw it for the purpose of delivering another blow. Several blows were struck, all of which the wolf avoided, but finally a fortunate stroke disabled the animal, which was then quickly dispatched by repeated blows on the head. How many teachers would now enjoy such an encounter ? Do not all speak at once. Mr. Root then dragged the dead wolf to the schoolhouse. where it remained during the day. The historian is also compelled to record that the teacher complained of the confusion and whispering in the schoolroom, and of the almost | universally imperfect lessons on that day. A young lady named Eveline Hall taught in this | same building as early as 1818. School was early taught in Mr. Rice's house. There have | been three different schoolhouses at Ghent, the | last one being built a few years ago. In the | Hurd neighborhood, in a building that had been | | vacated by Mr. Banks, school was taught as | early as 1828. The next year a schoolhouse ~ | was erected near by. and one of the first teach- | ers was Robert McNeil. The building was used | | aS a meeting-house, but after a number of years | , it took fire and burned to the ground. Two. / Other houses in the neighborhood have suc- , : ceeded it. The township was first divided off into two school districts. and some alterations - were made in these anaually, until. at last, another one or two were added. Many disputes _ arose in consequence of the shifting of the districts. All desired schools within a few rods of their own dwellings, and when this was | found to be impossible, the vials of their wrath | were freely poured upon the naked heads of | all opposers. The districts continued to be church in Stow; William Jones, from the church in Randolph; William and Hannah Smith, from the church in Sandsfield, Mass.; Mrs. Mary Heater, from the church in Canfield; Mrs. Mercy Hall, from the church in Glastonbury, Conn.; Laura, wife of William | Jones, and Samuel Peters and Esther. his wife, | from the world, presented themselves with the , request to be organized into a Church of Christ. | As a preparatory step, the council proceeded | their doctrinal and experimental knowledge of | the Christian religion, and their views of the » duties and privileges of a Christian Church. | Being satistied on these subjects, the council | proceeded to organize the church. Brother | Pitken preached from the text, ~ Jesus answered,