Bath Township (part 3 of 3)

'My kingdom is not of this world, © etc.. after which Brother Seward read the coufession of | faith and covenant to the persons above named, and proceeded to constitute them a church, | regularly organized and entitled to all the priv- | ileges and ordinances of the (rospel. and solemnly charged then in the name of the © Lord Jesus Christ to work worthy of the high | calling. Being thus organized. the church was ~ put under the care of the Presbytery of | modation plan," at the Center, in about the year 1818. This building afterward became famous for its revivals. until about 1834, when a frame building was erected in its stead. The frame was used until 1870, and was then remodeled and converted into » town hall. The following is quoted from | the courch records: "Ata meeting previously | appointed to be held at Bath, November 24, | 1823, present Caleb Pitkin, John Seward and | Israel Shaler, missionaries, the meeting was | opened with prayer by Brother Seward, after which Robert Bell and Mary, his wife, from the |

Bath. Their confession of faith. covenant and articles of practice are the same that have been prepared and presented by the Presbytery in this section of the county (signed) Caleb Pit- | kin, Clerk of Organizing Committee. Although not so stated in the report of the meet- | ing, the session was held in the old log house | at the center of the township. The following | persons joined the church June 30. 1832: Ward K. Hammond and wife, Royal Hammond, | Robert McNeil, Nancy Smith, Aurora Piper, | Elisha and Ann McNeil, Mary and Jane Ful- | ton, Sarah Nash. wife of Phineas Nash, and Lavina Banks. Phineas Nash joined in December. 1823. It is stated that James Root gave | nearly 33,000 as a permanent fund for the use of this church. The truth of this is left to the reader. The church since its organization has not always been in good working order. Although there is no church building at Ellis' | Corners at present, the United Brethren have a society there. Among the members are William Reed, Abraham Spitzer, Lot Watson, Morris Lyon. Samuel Briggs and N. D. Hauser. | This society purchased a Methodist Church, | part. Their building was erected many years ~ ugo, and is known as * Moore's Chapel. It cost some $3,000. and is the best building of the kind in the township. 'This church is well There are many

PRANKEIN TOWNSHIP - PHYSICAT, FEATURES - COAL AND OTHER MINERALS - SETTLEMENTS OFF THE WAHITES--CRANBERRY GATHERING - INDUSTRIAL GROWTiL - VILLAGES - EDVCATIONAL AND RELIG OUS INSTITUTIONS.

the mysteries of the silent past do not end with the beginning of authentic history. but linger with multiplied beauty around the strange wyths and fairy tales that come to us the lapse of unknown centuries. Through the medium of ethnology, archeology and philology. a wonderful -vision of past years is revealed to the present age - one that haunts the inquiring mind of the historical investigator like the face of an angel, instead of locks at Macbeth. The vision reveals that, thousands of years before the Christian era - unknown centuries before a means of recording | human events had been invented - the human ; race lived a quiet pastoral life in Central Asia. ' located at Stony Hill, and moved it to the Cor- | this industrious class of citizens meet to con- ; ners a short time after the last war. | used by the society for a number of years; | duct their religious ceremonies in their characteristic way. The United Brethren started up at an early day, and first began holding meetings in the schoolhouse near Hurd's Corners. Here they assembled for some time, shifting their location, finally, to neighboring schoolhouses, to be as near as possible to the greater number of members. After a few years, this state of things became somewhat obnoxious, and the propriety of erecting a small comfortable church was discussed. Several objected, saying that the tax was greater than they desired to sustain. At last the voice of majority was in favor of building such a church, which was accordingly done, at what is known as Hurd's Corners. Although there are but four churches in the township, the religious

Ellis' Corners is a society, and a large portion of the citizens in the western part belong to a Disciples' Church, which is located in Granger Township, Medina County. The churches and schools throughout Bath are up to the standard of those in the country townships in the county.

Seen through the mists of years, their homes and haunts became the source of many a legend or poetic tale, that had its creation on the bold summits of the Scythian hills, or in the fertile valley of the Oxus or the Jaxartes. Every known field has been carefully searched to clear up the darkness that antedates recorded history ; but the sacrifice of time and labor by the assiduous inquirer has been almost wholly fruitless, and has met with continued disappointment and rebuff, and the early mythical traditions are believed to be an imperfect account of what actually transpired in pre-historic times. Since the origin of writing, the most valuable invention ever given to the human race, remarkable strides have heen made in intellectual and moral advancement, and in all that makes a people great. During the passage of time, though unnumbered events of | vital importance to the human race have been left unrecorded ; yet "line upon line and pre- | cept upon precept" of measureless value to | man have been written for his perusal and improvement. History is but an imperfect record of human experience, though, notwithstanding its defects. it is of almost infinite importance | to the race. for the probable events of the future can be foreknown only by a knowledge of the past. Men and nations are wise only as | they can look into the future and anticipate | coming events which cast their shadows before. | and this can be done only trom analogy with | what has taken place in the past. 'The proper ! study of mankind is man." and history in its | widest and grandest sense is such a study. This places the historian in the light of a public benefactor to succeeding generations ; but a prophet - one that can anticipate the future - labors on without the respect or honor of his own country and age. His name will become , embalmed in song as the cycles of time sweeps | by, will become colossal in the hearts of gen- | erations yet unborn. a sublime monument to | the departed genius of past ages. It is not expected that the simple narrative | of these pages will be prophecy, for the art of | divination is yet in its swaddling clothes. It | is difficult enough for ordinary capabilities to acquire a correct and comprehensive knowl- ! edge of what has taken place in past years, | without borrowing trouble by attempting to | peer with curiosity into some Pandora's box of | the future. Fictions and hopes and idealisms '! are thrown down. and facts of all hues are taken up to be woven into the gandy fabric of | local history. The historian. like the insur- | ance agent or the undertaker. has a thankless | task, but he takes comfort in knowing that | coming generations will fully appreciate the result of his labors. It may appear to some that the historian has an easy time in rummaging through dusty memorials, or following some Jack-with-the-lantern tradition that constantly eludes him, but knowing as he does that the weight of the responsibility of recording the truth. giving to each item of history its appropriate and comparative degree of importance, leaving no path partially neglected or wholly unsearched, resisting the demands of the bigots who insist in having their names enrolled high on the page of honor. rests upon | forth his greatest powers to encompass the situation and to hand to posterity an accurate and comprehensive record. Nothing but patient, protracted labor brings the desired information. It thus occurs that, in looking over enced in accumulating its past history. Traditions are vague and unsatisfactory, and an accurate knowledge of all the facts is out of the question. who are questioned give a similar account of the same event, thus adding much to the perplexity of the historian. or placing the subject beyond the possibility of a correct solution.

Men yet living, who were in the township at | the time of its creation. cannot recall any of : the incidents connected therewith. The names | of many of the earliest settlers have passed beyond the powers of recollection. and the gloom surrounding many important circumstances refuses to yield to the historian's re- |

States and the Indians, which was the reason why the balance of the township was not surveyed at the same time. [t will be recollected that the Indian title east of the Cuyahoga. the guished by the treaty (Beaver) in 1785. Their title to the territory west of those rivers was not extinguished until the treaty of Fort Industry. in 1805. Itis a singular feature of these treaties that the Indians. in the first treaty, ceded the territory east of those rivers, and, in the last treaty, all west of those rivers, but have never ceded the rivers, the fee of which is still in the Indians. This township is No. 2 ot Range 10 of the Ohio Land Company's purchase. In forming ranges, the United States began at the east line of the State, on the base of the Western numbering from the east toward the west' The townships on the east side counted from the Ohio River north to the base line of the Reserve. Thus the north township in the first range in Stark County on the base line of the Reserve is No. 19, Range 16, lying nineteen townships, or 114 miles north of the Ohio River, and 6 townships or 36 miles west of the east line of the State. The townships continued to be thus numbered until they reached the Ohio Land Company's purchase, when they count from the north line of that purchase. This regularity continues until Range 10 is reached, when the north township (Franklin) is numbered 2 from the following circumstances : In 1800, when the survey was made and the township and ranges numbered, there was but a fraction of Franklin lying east of the Tuscarawas and within the Government limits - all west of the river belonging to the Indians. In running the west line of Range 10, the surveyors struck the Tuscarawas in Lawrence Town. | required six miles east and west of those two townships. they named them Fractions 1 and 2 in Range 10. land west of the Tuscarawas became the property of the (rovernment. it was surveyed by Joseph H. Harwell, and enough was added to the numbers have never been changed : so that what originally stood for the numbers of fractions now stands for the numbers of the townships. Franklin is thus No. 2 instead of No.

pecially at places where the smaller ones entered the Tuscarawas. The river, then a much larger stream than it is at present, afforded fine communication with the southern portion of the State. Several lakes were in the township, in which an abundance of excellent, though small. fish abounded. The soil, though lying flat and very wet. was rich with decaying vegetable remains. and gave promise of boundless fertility, when the stagnant water could be and the action of the sun could be unchecked by the removal of the forests. The township is a fraction over five miles north and south, and exceeds that distance by a little east and west, although not quite six miles. The surface like the greater portion of Ohio is irregular, though in some portions is comparatively level. There are thirty-six sections, No. 1 being in the northeast corner, and No. 36 in the southeast. The northern and western tiers of sections are fractional. The Tuscarawas River enters the township on Section 4, thence crossing Sections 9, 16, 20, 29, 32, and leaving from 31. Chippewa River joins the Tuscarawas on Section 31. Nimisilla Creek drains the greater portion of

Tuscarawas in Stark County. The southeastern part is drained by several small streams which tlow into the Tuscarawas. Polecat Run rises in the northwestern part, and flowing southward joins the river about a mile north of Clinton. Mud Lake, a small body of water of about fifty acres, lies in the eastern part of Section 32. Turkey Foot Lake, probably the largest body of water in the county, lies near the northeastern corner of the township. It is said to have been named for a noted Indian chief. Its outline is very irregular, the lake consisting of

It probably covers about a section of land, and its extreme length is about two miles, while the greatest width will An enlargement of the outlet of this lake, in the extreme northeast corner, is used as a reservoir, where large quantities of water are stored up during the rainy months. to be gradually used for milling and over the township, though the number has greatly decreased since the township was first settled. Several have been drained, others have dried up, and a few yet remain to be subjected to the same fate. In traveling over the township. the chief characteristic which meets the | eye is the prevalance of depressed tracts of land, or more properly basins, that at an indefi- | nite period in the past were undoubtedly small lakes. Some of these contain fea and not a few of them contain a considerable quantity of bog iron ore. The township is rich in that valuable mineral deposit. coal. In 1838, there were three coal mines worked, but at that date a Prussian miner, named Michael Becker. came to the township and opened up several others, giving such impetus to coal mining that about fifteen years later the exports of coal exceeded 60,000 tons annually. There are now twelve or fifteen mines, and the exports are not far from 100,000 tons per annum. Side tracks

In early years thousands of bushels of cranberries grew annually in the numerous Franklin swamps. These cranberry fields were called marshes, and the berries were gathered by the Indians before the first settlers arrived. and taken to Pittsburgh and other towns in Pennsylvania and Virginia. where they were exchanged for ammunition, clothing, ornaments. etc. The berry is a member of the heath family. and is

The plant is a creeper. or trailer, with slender. hardy. woody stems and small evergreen leaves. more or less white underneath. with single flowers. borne on slender. erect pedicles. and having a pale. rose corolla. The stems are from one to three feet long. and the flowers are lateral, rendering easy the gathering of the berries. The plants require very wet ground. and are often found growing where the soil is covered with several inches of water. The conditions for the possible life of the plant have been removed almost wholly. and cranberries no longer grow in paying quantities in the township or county. The berries. which get ripe in autumn. are red, with some yellow. and are very acid. The harvest begins in October. and is only closed by cold weather, or perhaps the quantity of berries fails. They are gathered during the spring months also, having remained out all winter. They are less acid when gathered in the spring, as the freezing the berries into sugar compounds, and in this condition the berries are valued more highly. as less sugar is required to fit them for the table. When the township wa' frst settled the berries were almost worthless, as there was no general use in the cahins of the settlers. settlers were compelled to forego the use of such luxuries. being satisfied often with the hare necessities of life. However. after a tew years they were worth 25 cents per bushel, and. in about 1830. had arisen to from 50 cents to $1 per bushel. The cranberry business then became very extensive. Thousandsof bushels were purchased annually by the merchants :t Clinton. Manchester. and other neighboring villages. and taken by wagon to Pittsburgh. Philadelphia and New York. the teamsters bringing back loads of dry goods. groccries. salt. notions. ete. Water-tight barrels were filled with tie berries. after which the remaining space ws filled with water. and the barrel closed. In this condition the berries kept fresh and bright for many months. Xo great became the quantity purchased at one time by Mr. Patterson. an early merchant at Clinton. that he either could not find market for them. or could not procure wagons in which to ship them East. and 300 bushels spoiled on his hands. and were thrown away, Very likely the same thing happenet to others. When cranberry picking was at the height of its prosperity many of the settlers were thus engaged, several of whom made n> little money. Those gathering the berries - - men and women- - wore long-legged hoots keep out the water. and as a precaution against snake bites. The berries grew on their short stems. on the under side of lone. wiry vines that crept over the mosses and sedges. growing in profusion in the marshes. A section plank from a foot and a half to two feet long and about a foot wide was taken. and around one-end was bound a tough band of hickory bark. forming a sort of box. The other end of the plank was serrated. the teeth being about eight inches long. Two handles were attached. and the rude implement thus completed was used in gathering cranberries. The teeth were placed over one of the long. slender vines. and the implement was held so that when it was pushed along the berries were scooped into the box at the other end. Fifteen or twenty bushels were often gathered in one day with this implement. Whole families turned out during the cranberry season. and the marshes swarmed with settlers. some of whom came many miles and remained several days, campie) ing in their wagons. tity of berries was gathered to fill the wagonbed, it was taken to some of the villages and sold. The berries when first gathered were full of leaves. moss and grass, and had to be cleaned before they were taken to market.

grass. etc., was collected on the slats. Large quantities of berries were cleaned in a few hours by means of this rude screen. Immediately after the Indian title to the soil west of the river was extinguished, a in Wheeling. purchased the land. and employed John Harris, Esq., and David L. Me- Clure to lay out a town at the junction of the rivers. Tuscarawas and Chippewa, the latter at was accomplished in September. 1806. and the village in honor of its founder was named Cartersville. It was located on the low land at the junction of the rivers, and at every freshet its uninhabited lots and unworn streets were

~ overflowed by the murky waters. [f any building was erected in this village. or if any improvement was mace other than laying out the streets and lots and platting the same on paper, such improvements are unknown. Very likely the village existed only in name, but the infer- paper, its ambitious founder made efforts to have settlers locate there. Like many another man in early years. his hopes were destined to be blasted. His village died out with the platting and christening, and nothing remains to

"Sweet smiling village. loveliestof the lawn. Thy sports are fled and all thy charms withdrawn. Amidst thy bowers the Tyrants hand is seen. 'And desolation saddens all thy green." wilderness. The forest was filled with wild game, and the swamps, rivers and lakes were the resort of many valuable fur-bearing animals, that afforded the trappers almost his only means of support. Small cabins were erected in which were domiciled their wives, who, to all appearances, were capable of living without any visible means of support, and who were | frequently left alone in the cabins for weeks at | on a long hunting excursion. The whole family were inured to privation, and if the cabin did not contain the needful supply of food, it was no unusual occurrence for the mother to go out into the surrounding woods and bring down a | deer or a squirrel or some other animal that | would afford food for the hungry children. This was true. not only of the families of the professional hunters who came to the most remote frontier; but also of families living in localities where considerable advancement had been made in settlement and civilization. A skillful hunter often made by the sale of flesh and furs, upward of a $1,000 during the hunting and trapping season, a large share of which, instead of being used in purchasing land, or in providing much needed comforts for the family. | was squandered at neighboring grog-shops and | distilleries. Traditions are in existence. that . several of these hunters lived for short periods ° in rough shanties or wigwams in the vicinity © of Turkey Foot Lake and on the Tuscarawas.

In the spring of 1814, Christopher Johnson, | or = Yankee Johnson." as he was called by the Dutch. came to the township and settled on the southwest corner of Section 24. He built alog cabin and made some improvements in the way of clearing and cultivation, but after a few - years he became tired of his home. and, disposing of his land. he removed his family to Steubenville. What finally became of him is not known. On the 20th of April. 1814. two men - Thomas Johnson, from the Keystone | State, and William Hallowell. from Eastern Ohio - arrived in the township. built their rude . dwellings. and began making improvements. Thomas Johnson located on Section 27. where ; he resided with his family several years. after which he moved to Norton Township, settling © at what. in his honor, was afterward known as © « Johnson's Corners." William Hallowell lo- | cated on Section 28, about a mile northeast 'Olen Clinton. Here he lived and labored until »

Balmer, George Rex, Jacob Hollinger, Michael | Bradenburg, David Harvey, Mahlon Stewart. John Snider and others. By 1820, there were as many as thirty families living in the township. Other early settlers were the following. who obtained patents of their land from the Government: Samuel Burgner, Mr. Vanderhof, Mr. Smith, Mr. Himelright, Matthias Davis, John Swaisgood, Adam Marsh, and a little

: the early citizens have been unfortunately for- ' gotten. | township was very great, the settlers being _ largely Dutch. trom Pennsylvania, | sprinkling of Yankees from the Reserve and | from the Kast. | all directions. and waving seas of wheat and | corn could be seen where once the monarch of | the forest reared his majestic head.

the citizens then residing in Franklin, ordered the organization of the townsbip by the election of the necessary number of officers. The election was held in April. 1817, but only part of | the officers elected on this important occasion are remembered. Jacob Balmer and David Harvey were elected Justices of the Peace, and Jacob Hollinger, Michael Bradenburg and Mahlon Stewart, Trustees. From this time onward. the growth of the township was rapid. The settlers belonged mostly to that industrious and sober class of people of whom William Penn was a representative man. Instead_of endeavoring to make a living by their wits, or by hunting and trapping, they went resolutely to work, and their comfortable homes soon proved the wisdom of their course. In 1814, John Johnson, a son of Thomas Johnson, was born, being the first birth in the township.

ing the summer of 1815, the wife of Jacob - Balmer was bitten by a rattlesnake, and before | the needed relief could be obtained. she died © ical industries. During the winter of 1816-17. George Rex erected a grist-mill at the outlet of Turkey Foot Lake. The mill was a rude affair, but was the outgrowth of home demand. Notwithstanding the presence of a good mill at Middlebury and at other neighboring villages. the demand for one in the township resulted in its erection. The distance to Middlebury was built a dam across the outlet of the lake. lo- | cating it at a point where he could obtain the | advantage of as much fall as possible. He suc- | ceeded in furnishing quite a fair article of | flour, and was sutficiently well patronized to | built a saw-mill in the western part, on Polecat Run. He succeeded in obtaining a fair waterpower, and continued operating the miil some fifteen or twenty years. when it was abandoned. and a grist-mill built on the same stream a lit tle below it. After a number of years it was sold at Sheriff's sale. Prior to the erection of stream passing the site of the old mill, and apparently never was one. The location seems to have been a swamp, but this does not explain the nature of the motor. Its owner and operator are forgotten. At a point on the river just east of Clinton, Mr. Harvey built a gristmill in about the year 1820. He did a paying business until the canal was projected through the township. At that time some understanding was entered into between Harvey and the canal authorities as to the surplus water of the canal, in consequence of which Harvey went to work to build a large, strong dam; but the - canal, instead of being projected according to | agreement, was extended along the opposite : side of the river, and his mill-site was ruined. | He had conveyed large stones into the river - . where the dam was to be located. but all this _ labor was thrown away. Mr. Chapin also | built 4 saw-mill at an early day, on the waste times. entailing an additional cost for repairs of nearly $1,000. He then abandoned the enterprise that had lost him so much money. His mill was a good one, with patented re-action wheels, but was idle a large portion of the time, on account of the frequent breakage of Mr. Smith also located a saw-mill The mill

' operated it during the entire period of its continuance. It is impossible to estimate the enormous quantity of native lumber turned out by this mill. John Grill erected a saw- tance above the Caldwell Mill. He drove a thriving business for a numberof years. On account of the large number of frame buildings that were going up in early years, the mills, notwithstanding their number, ordinarily - though strongly built frame buildings soon | took the p'ace of the primitive log cabin, | though occasionally one of the latter is yet to | be seen, standing like a monument over the deeaying habitations of early years. The first cabins were usually built of round logs, but a | ' little later nicely constructed hewed-log build- ings could be seen, and later still, the present frames were erected. As soon as the canal was opened, much native lumber was sent to Cleveland for ship-building on the lakes, and for shipment to other cities. This no doubt contributed to the paying operation of the mills. There were several other mills in the township in early years, both for peradins grain and for sawing lumber. After Mr. Chapin died in 1841, his old mill is said to have been haunted. Strange sounds are said to have heen heard there by those who had occasion to pass the old mill during the solemn hours of the night. It was said by the credulous that Mr. Chapin's ghost would wander into the old mill, and a strange noise like the filing of a saw thrilled the hearts of listeners. There was a gristmill, which did a large amount of grinding, erected at an early day, either at Manchester or near there, but the name of the owner has been forgotten.

Three or more distilleries were erected in the township prior to 1833. A Mr. Wholf built one probably as early as 1820, but this was abandoned about 1830. John Hoy and Mr. Rex each built one as early as 1825, but these were likewise abandoned before 1840. The grain out of which the liquor was manufactured was probably ground at the nearest grist-mills. A certain aspect of respectability was conceded the distiller in early years. Whisky was upon every side-board, and the custom of dramdrinking was universal. It was no uncommon thing for women to indulge in this luxury, and many children may be said to have been raised on the whisky bottle. Inviewof this fact, and the fact that children largely inherit the appetite for strong drink from their parents, it must not be wondered at that the quantity of liquor consumed is so large. That the quantity consumed, on the average, per capita, is a great deal less at present than it was formerly is evident to those who have made the subject a study. Liquor will always be drunk so long as there is a demand for it, and the demand will only decrease as the appetite is denied or eradicated altogether. People must learn to control their appetites; until then the problem of intemperance will remain unsolved. The dis- built, as it was seen that an enormous demand for liquor would be made by the canal laborers. There is no neighborhood through which the eanal extended that did not have its drunken brawls and fights, often accompanied with serious injury to one or more participants. The expression, " Can drink as much as a boatman,"

It is likely that the distilleries turned out whisky or brandy at the rate of about a barrel per day each. The old settlers speak in high terms of the quality of this whisky. They say "It was no such stuff as we get now-adays." They also state that there was not as much drunkenness at the "rollings' and "raisings"' in early times as there is at present throughout the township. This is probably a mistake.

To-day every case is noted and criticised, and the careless comparison magnifies the present number of drunkards. Almost every early settler, soon after he came in. set out a peach

_ heavy timber throughout the State modified the _ climate. rendering this condition of things pos- | sible. The distilleries made an excellent quality of peach brandy that was rapidly consumed by In addition to this, large quantities of peaches were dried and shipped East, so long as the demand was lucrative. These distilleries closed as stated, and there has been but one in the township since. This

Ridge, with occasional side tracks. Prominent Officials on this road were Alexander Russell. James Hile, Harvey Maranville, Washington Heffleman and George Wirt. These men lost no opportunity of assisting runaway slaves to Canada. Maranville were notified that five slaves - two women and three men - were west of Clinton, in the heavy woods on Chestnut Ridge. waiting

The fact that liquor-drinking was so ° common removed all cases of debauchery be- | yond observance. except the more serious ones. | | them several days at his residence, placed them so, "It's against the law for nig's to carry a gun." Two or three of the men mentioned above informed this settler to return the gun to the negro immediately. or trouble would ensue, whereupon the fellow reluctantly did so. When questioned as to where the gun was obtained, the negro replied that '"' Massa Wales." of Massillon, had given it to him to kill partridges and other game, upon which to subsist while traveling North. Wales was probably train-dispatcher on this road. He was a good one. and no collision has since been computed to his fault. John Hall, of Springfield Township. often took negroes who were closely pursued by their masters, and, having concealed in his close carriage and conveyed them the entire distance to Cleveland. where he saw them safe on board Canada-bound steamboats before he parted from them. This man was a prominent official on another line. Mr. Hile was a Methodist. and a poor man, as far as this world's goods were concerned, but in many of the cardinal virtues. was a millionaire. Itis said that * He would run his legs off any time to assist runaway slaves." The reader is cautioned against construing this statement in a literal sense. It simply means that Mr. Hile would fly around the township when escaping slaves were in trouble. The reader is further cautioned not to render the last sentence in a literal sense. for Mr. Hile would have been a pura avis indeed. had such a condition of things tran- Spired.

"mind's eye' of the projector. In the extreme southwestern part of the township. on the north side of Chippewa River. David Harvey .aid out a village as early as March, 1816.

small shop, where "" patching " cured on short notice. He probably kept a small stock of shoes for sale. A tailor also located in the village, and passers-by on the streets could see him sitting cross-legged in his little shop, busily engaged on a suit of clothes for some one of the settlers. It is likely that a saw-mill was started on the river in the village, although this is not certain. The village, which had been named Savannah, grew that the coming canal would not touch the town, in which case the latter would be supplanted by its more fortunate rivals. The location of the village was not healthful, as some of the citizens were shaking or ailing almost all the time. In addition to these. arose. and, about 1825, a grand rush was made for Clinton and other points on the canal. and Savannah became entirely deserted. The stores and the trades were the first to leave, and soon afterward the villagers. seeing the impending fate of their village, likewise * took up their beds and walked." It is stated that, in 1827, no family resided in the village. although several deserted buildings were yet standing. Many of the buildings were taken apart and removed, after which they were again put together where they had been conveyed. Thus were the hopes of Mr. Harvey blasted. However. he had cause to be grateful. as his son. William Harvey. who had laid out Clinton in February. 1816, owned valuable property at that place, and as the rush from Savannah was mainly to Clinton. the loss to the family was not so serious after all. Clinton, from 1825 to 1840, did more business compared with its population than any other village in Summit County. The village had no sooner been laid out by Mr. Harvey than William Christmas and J. W. Lathrop made additions to it. and industries of various kinds made their appearance immediately. Stores were opened. hotels were erected. mechanics and tradesmen. appeared, numerous dwellings were built. and finally the rush from Savannah and the opening of the village immediately entered upon a career of prosperity unknown to it before or at present. Three good storerooms were built, and were constantly occupied by fair stocks of goods, in charge of capable salesmen. Tradesmen and mechanics began their needed labors. Blacksmiths, carpenters, shoemakers, tailors. gunsmiths, wagon-makers, merchants, doctors, lawyers, butchers, tavern-keepers, liquor-dealers, millers, warehousemen, preachers, teachers, and a variety of others, entered upon the prosecution of their individual duties. and the village soon gained wide reputation as a lively | trading-point. Three large warehouses were built quite early. and the quantity of grain purchased and shipped north on the canal seems marvelous. All three buildings were 50 feet square ; one was three and a halt stories in height and the others two and a half. Mr. Maranville, who kept books and purchased largest warehouse was filled to the roof with | wheat, and contained 100,000 bushels. and the | other two were almost as full. He says that he purchased as high as 1.500 bushels of wheat from sun to sun, and that several other buyers at the same time did about the same. Farmers from as far west as Mansfield brought their grain to the village. In fact. a large share of the producers in Richland, Ashland, Wayne and Medina Counties sold their grain at Clinton. The presence of so many farmers in the village afforded the merchants an exten- | sive trade. From 1840 to 1850, more wheat | was purchased at Clinton than at Akron. It is said that lines of teams extending into the country a mile waited their turns to unload, and many a man sat in his wagon patiently waiting until after midnight. An | average price of about 40 cents per bushel | was paid for wheat. Clinton became a point

- - - - - - - - SelinSananaee « aren . 3 = eres " = fr purchased by parties in the village. The | sent to Cleveland and purchased a dozen reenormous grain trade infused life into every | volvers, or perhaps pistols, and warned those industry in the village. It soon becameagreat | who were in the habit of creating a disturbance coal center, and large quantities were shipped | that such conduct must cease. It gradually by boat to Cleveland, to be used on the lake | did. Like all places where miners are in the . steamers, and to be taken to cities on the lake | habit of congregating, fights and drunken shore. Large quantities of iron and salt, and | brawls have been unpleasantly frequent. The leather, and merchandise and other articles, | village at its best has had a population upward came to the village, to be used throughout the | of five hundred. At present it is about three | country by the farmers, mechanics and dealers. | hundred. Clinton was first laid out on the west A large wool business was also done at the vil- | bank of the river, but, in 1835, Gorham Chalage. A carding machine was started, but, for | pin, on the opposite side, laid out another vilsome unknown reason, abandoned the contem- | lage, which he named Orradeen. The lots were | plated project. Among the merchants have | so low and wet, however, that but few persons been Mr. Chapin, Hardy & Moffit, John Patter- | located there, and two years later William and _ son, Sorrick and Welhouse, Filson & McCon- ' Francis Pumroy laid out the village of Pumroy, nell, Alexander Russell, M. D. Wellman, Henry on the east side of the river, adjoining Orradeen Davis, John Price, and many others. Mr. Rus- : and a little below it. Here it was that the sell kept store many years. He died a few | business centered, and Clinton proper, on the | years ago, and his business was gradually west side, was almost deserted. many of the closed by his daughter Maggie. Dr. Alexan- lots being sold at Sheriff's sale. The post of- ' der Porter located in Savannah when that vil- fice is Clinton, but, in conveyances of real prop- | lage was at the zenith of its prosperity. Some erty, the names Orradeen. Pumroy and Clinton » _ of the Clinton followers of Esculapius have are employed, depending where such property . been Dr. Chapin, Dr. Richie, Dr. David Chi- | is located. chester (the last two keeping drugs), Dr. Ed-'| Manchester has had, in many essential re- | wards and Dr. Andrew Oberlin. Dr. William ' pects, a widely different history. In Septem- | _ Bowen, of Massillon, practiced in the township, | ber, 1815, Mahlon and Aaron Stewart laid out _ as did also Dr. Dolbear, of Fulton, and Dr. ' the village, platting the same and properly re- | _ Armstrong, of Doylestown. Charles Rinehart, | cording it at the county seat. Lots were im- _ a lawyer, lived at the village a number of years. | mediately sold. and the village began a per- | | Several pettifoggers, the most prominent being | manent and rapid growth. The site was much _ Jacob Bradenstine, have also practiced Jaw. A | pleasanter than that of Clinton, and in many | | post office was secured about the time the canal _ respects a better class of citizens located at the | was opened. Mr. Rosseter, who kept a small former place. Mr. Palmer opened the first | ' tavern on the bank of the canal, in 1833, was store, not only in Manchester. but also in the . one of the first Postmasters. He made out township, and John Snider opened the first tavthree different reports for the same time, all of | ern. The settlers poured into the neighbor- | which were returned marked " incorrect." He hood rapidly. many of whom built dwellings said to Mr. Maranville, "I've made out three in the village. where they resided. Tradesmen | _ Teports, and can't make'em stick." Mr. Maran- ; mechanics. teachers, merchants. etc., appeared, | | ville assisted him, and the next report "stuck." | and by the time the canal was opened through the | _ Some of the merchants employed five or six township, three or four good stores and other in- | clerks, although the stock of goods kept on dustries to a like extent were in good running ' hand was usually not very large. Clinton, like order. By this time, Manchester had become , almost every other village, has heen in its time quite prominent as a trading-point. Its stores a "tough place." Large quaatities of liquor were well-conducted, and were capable of supwere drunk there in early years, and several plying almost anything in the usual line of times the crowds of half-drunken men have merchandise. Its citizens were enterprising taken possession of things. Squads of miners and industrious, and withal Manchester was a : would come to the village, get drunk, and con- pleasant place for country people to trade. vert themselves into beasts generally. The When the proposed canal became a settled recitizens were imposed upon, until, finally, they ality. Manchester suffered considerably, al many of its citizens removed to the more favored villages that sprang up on this highway of water. It did not die, farfromit. It suffered the drain from its vitals, and when the worst had been done, it slowly 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. other hand, Manchester enjoyed the absence of villagers at Clinton to solve. It was never captured by a brutal and drunken mob of reckless men, nor were its citizens insulted and persecuted. Whisky was sold, and men got bebeyond 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.

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 journey. It is stated that a small

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 bitter end, and employed every means to prevent it, but without avail. They dreaded the idea of becoming a part of " Cheesdom." as | they 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 perfectly as the late financial resumption. Nobody saw any change save in their" mind's eye, Horatio." The Dutch mingled with the Yankees with impunity, and were not harmed. The Yankees visited the Germanic portion of the county. and went back loaded to the muzzle with glowing metaphors in its praise. The change took place without a schoolhouse. At least, it is remembered that in the year 1817, a young man named Joseph Mishler, of Teutonic descent, taught in this old log building. The room was provided with a goodly 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 hydra-headed forms of infidelity, or pour .

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 very homely. It is true he could not help that, although it may be presumed that be ruefully contemplated his ugly 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 respect- | 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.

Mishler enjoyed the honor of "boarding around.' It is no wonder that he was homely, and that gray hairs soon showed themselves in the auburn locks on his brow. "Boarding around" is a _ direful enough punishment among refined people; but when that burden is thrust upon the unfortunate shoulders of 1 pioneer pedagogue by backwoods people, it becomes cruelty unspeakable. This old house was used but a few years. and was then replaced by a larger and better one. One or more other

» people resided for several years, it is not out of | place to presume that schools sprang into life. , At all events. when Savannai was ceserted. a half a mile north of the village. - caused by the fact that, from the shape of the . _ school district, several families, living about two | and insisted on having the new schoolhouse It may be said here that, in early years, schools followed the scholars instead of the reverse. Two other schoolhouses have been built in Clinton. About time there were 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 | Mr. Maranville says that, on one , occasion, a " teacher'' came to him for assist- | ance, having become "stuck" on a problem in | battle, although it is probable that some of the participants did not afterward designate the occasion as amusive. ae The early church history of the township is almost wholly lost in the shadows of the past, and many 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 early at des- | began to be cliscussed. 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 ready to listen. collection was usually taken for the benefit of the preacher. not * pan out" as well as the minister desired.

as bound them to the house of praise and prayer. With hearts overflowing with love for God 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 many 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 already referred to above. unless 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 Rey. J. W. Hamm, an Old-School Presbyterian, who was a German, and who could preach either in his native tongue or in broken

; 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 years 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." Some eight or ten years after the Presbyterian Church was built, an Evangelical Church This society is

. 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 education, sufficient for the transactions of life. : and the acquirement of that early religious and - moral training, which furnishes sober, intelligent and upright citizens.

Chapter Early

HE generations of to-day can scarcely realize the hardships passed through by their parents and grandparents more than half a century ago. The country was covered with an unbroken forest, through which wild animals and wild men roamed at will, and nothing 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 anxiety, 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- - yContributed by W. A. Goodspeed.

: erable existence was before them, without any satisfactory promise of improvement for a. Store supplies of all | | kinds were almost fabulous in price; wages |

| picture. Some families came to the backwoods | ' with abundant means. These succeeded in ren- | | dering their situation comfortable, and very often | _ attractive, and, after a comparatively short pe- | farms and return to their former homes in the East. The long slopes of land in Copley Township render it one of the most beautiful tracts of | land in the county. The vision is not bounded 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 early years must have been great bodies of muck and water. Wolf Creek. throughout the most 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

| 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 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 much interesting material is placed beyond the reach of the historian. "* What is everybody's business is nobody's business,' is verified in the case of the early records.

ship are always interesting, and will continue 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, the Stony Ridge east of Miller's Tavern. He came in 1814, and built a small log cabin. year or two before, Turner had marched along 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 through 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 ; 6 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 fall of 1815, when Samuel Hawkins came from the Green Mountain State, and located in the northwest corner.

white child born in Copley, his birth occurring December 29, 1815. The following list is only approximately correct: Lawrence Moore, a Scotchman who had come to America in 1797, 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.

following year. Delos Bosworth is yet living, and it is due to his unusually retentive memory that many of the events narrated here are rescued from falling into forgetfulness.

1818. Jacob Spafford, Nathaniel Davis. Jonathan Starr and Gat Yale arrived. Chester Orcutt came. In 1820. Parker and Benjamin Taylor. and within the next ten years in cost, as the roads and means of transportawere soon higher, and the township, and inan | 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 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 neces- | sary except whisky and music, provided each gentleman would chop wood for him two days.

each couple paid him a bushel of corn (not the | juice). All 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

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 brother William came in about 1824. Prior to 1835, there also came in Lyman Green, William Huxley, Chauncey Lease, Robert Stimpson, Henry Begun, Daniel, Joseph and Richard Riley, Dantheir daughters - at least ward united. The ball was a domestic event, " Scheming mammas" were present to select husbands for 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 !

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

' divine ideals, have been stricken down in fren- | _ zied 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 betore 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: "QOn 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 | dates 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 qualifica- .

tion, 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 responsibil- |

Poor. The names of the other early officers are forgotten. The first lawsuit begun in Copley was before Justice Lawrence Moore. 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 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 it. for violating the Sabbath, and, upon conviction, was fined 31. do with Gat's subsequent conduct known: but he soon afterward joined the Mormon ranks, and was living, not many years township was settled later than others in its vicinity, it has been impossible to get possession of personal incidents of adventure, without which a township record lacks an attractive 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 : venter was one of the large swamps. But lit- : tle 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 enter- ' tained a bitter grudge against the other, became angry. and a savage and protracted fight _ oecurred, 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 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 years. 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 neces- ' sary to bring down the quarry.

Tt 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 always will) to numerous distilleries, 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 many men had become confirmed drunkards. despite reiterated ».atements to the contrary, that efforts, made in a few localities to | end the manufacture and consumption, attracted - general attention, and were imitated throughout not only Copley and vicinity. but over the State ' and country. These efforts received a splendid - impetus in about 1830. at which time almost

| In 1828, the church societies throughout the _ country recommended a day to be observed in | humiliation, fasting and prayer, on account of feature. That many exciting and interesting ~ 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.

the prevailing sin of intemperance. In accordance with this recommendation, a meeting was announced to be held 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 speedy termination of the prevailing evil were freely offered. Remarks were made by several of those present, during which the pointed question was asked, "Tg 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 by 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 morality and good order, and desiring to lend our 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. 3. 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 discourage their use by others.

Art. 5. The members of the compact shall make use of the means in their power to prevent the intemperate 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. ; Art. 6. (Refers to the time of ase meetings). | Art.7. Each meeting shall be opened and closed ' by jee : T. 8. Any person may be a member of this society, by signing the foregoing articles and adhering to the same. ART. 9. This constitution may be altered by a majority vote of the society, notice heing given to that effect at a previous meeting.

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, Burt 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 dis- | tillery averaged about forty-five gallons a day while it was conducted. The building and ap- | paratus were purchased in 1842, by Heman | Oviatt, who almost immediately closed out the - About this time, Alonzo Coon built , 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 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. 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 aceount 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 arace. After operating the mill about ten years. it was sold to Reuben Lord. It afterward was owned and operated for short periods by Col. John Stearns, Charles Fuller, Hen- | ry Clark, George Welhouse, Charles Crum, Henry Stimpson, Ransom Arnold, and several others. It is yet standing, and is owned hy 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 may 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 & Tyler 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 twenty 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 machinery 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 fora number of years, and was : burned down, but was rebuilt. It was aban- | doned 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 day on Wolf Creek. but after two or three years, the enterprise was ahandoned.

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 early 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, which 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 subscribed and paid in, and sixteen horses were purchased to be used on the route. The round trip from Cleveland was made in two days by a change of horses at the different stations. The Shepard Brothers, at Brecksville, had been largely instrumental in 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 simply 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 they 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 year 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 years before, and formally opened the building for the entertainment of the public. After the dissolution o 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 year and a half. They were followed by Robert Codding.

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, 1t 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 War- by John Starr, who continued until the spring of 1865, making in the meantime no little money. He then sold to Mr. Lamey. who, at the end of eighteen months, transferred the stock to William P. Craig, the latter remaining in the business some six years. 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, O. T. Lane began with a new stock. and two years later sold The building is at present occupied by Mr. Thomas.

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 settlement, at which place he sold goods for a 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 years, 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 a3 such the greater portion of the time since it was built and opened Since then. the followvillage: 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-house. It is now occupied by Dennis Cole. an experienced landlord, whose personal appearance in every way resembles that of his fellow-countryman. the patron saint of boys (not girls). Santa Claus. or Anecht Clobes. 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 has a broad face and a little round body That shakes when he laughs like a bow] fuli .* man continued the business perhaps ten years. or possibly longer. manufacturing coffins anid running a hearse a portion of the time. The building was finally burned down. Dow Beiinett was engaged in cabinet business for a vear 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. have since been made to the original lots. aud

; COPLEY TOWNSHIP. a ee ee SS ee possibly some of these additions have been southern part of the village, and since it has recorded. A Grange lodge was organized in been used the village has had an excellent | the village a few years ago. cock, who was among the earliest settlers, began practicing his profession soon after his arrival, and continued some ten years. Dr.

thirty years, over a large section of country. Dr. Samuel Austin was in for a few years. Jackson Chapman began about 1835, and continued twelve or fifteen years. Chapman was the township physician about thirty-five years ago.

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 very early teachers. and it may be that the first school was taught in the 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. quent township historian will be allowed the ' honor and pleasure of unraveling the mystery. The old house at the Center was used for school and many other purposes some teu or twelve years. when a frame building was erected on . the square to take its place. after which it was _ abandoned. The frame builditig was use as a schoolhouse until the erection of the brick building in about 1858, and possibly several

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 | school. In truth, no other village in the county | of the same size, except, perhaps, Peninsula. ~ in Boston Township, has had so much to do with school ventures and enterprises as Copley Center. A short time before the last war, the schools than those in surrounding 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 accordingly done. This procedure freed them from any 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 may 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 31,000, by ten men, each of whom furnished 3100. 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 paid, 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. Itisa union district. comprising parts of Copley. Bath. Granger and Sharon. It was an early seitled 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 the 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. were Joseph and Henry White, Parker Tyler, Alpheus Northrup and others. In the winter of 1836-37, this society had the greatest revival probably 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 Northrup was a local minister, about horses, of which he owned several, some of them being idle. The request was readily granted, and the local man of God 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 of, upon which the owner conferred with the minister about the matter, the latter confessing that the animal was getting thin, and saying 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.

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 | away, the day of maturity came around, but | nothing was paid, and thus the matter rests to- | It is said that Mr. Northrup's mind was : day. tee in some way, 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 aiternately until the present. Each society has had its years of adversity and prosperity. sometimes rejoicing in the strength of a large membership 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 tendency 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 successfully 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 day on the northern line of the township, the | members living both in Copley 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 Copley attend church in Medina County, ~' ile many of those on the opposite side attend the Akron churches weather is fair.

Source changes here: from Centennial History of Summit County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, by Doyle, William B., B, published 1908; 429 words in this source stream.

Bath Township

Of the early settlers of Bath Township there are two families which stand out preeminent - the Hfxles and the Hammonds. The influence of the Hale family during the years subsequent has been stronger and wider felt than that of perhaps any other family in the county. It has been of incalculable benefit, exerted, as it always has been, in behalf of high thinking and clean living. The fact that for a long time this region was called "Hammondsburgh" shows the prominent part Jason Hamimond played in the performance of its early affairs. The hamlet of Hammond's Corners still bears the name of this first settler. The first real settlement of the township was made in 1810. During the summer of that year, Jonathan Hale and Jason Hammond, both Connecticut men, came to Ohio to settle upon the land they had recently purchased. They were obliged to dispossess other white men whom they found living upon their land without color of title. A survey of the township had been made in 1805, and the name "Wheatfield" given to it by Rial McArthur, the surveyor, probably becau.se his eyes had been gladdened that day by a .sight of a waving field of that grain. It is a pity the name did not survive. Fine fields of wheat may be seen on all hands, today, in season, and it is one of the success- ful crops of the township, while the name of Bath is of no significance, locally, whatever. It is said the name was given to the township in joke. It is now firmly affixed and "Bath" this township will ever be. Bath was organized as a township in 1818, and Jonathan Hale was made the first trustee; Jason Hammond, supervisor; Henry Hutson, justice of the peace, and Eleazer Rice, constable. Bath sent nearly one hundred men into the Union Arrny during the Civil War and many of her citizens have occupied prominent places in the county and State. Among them' may be mentioned Gen. A. C. Voris. Peter Voris, R. 0. Hammond, J. Park Alexander, Sumner Nash, C. 0. Hale, Jared Barker and 0. W. Hale. The principal plac&s in the township are Botzura, a station on the Cleveland and Terminal Valley branch of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad; Montrose (formerly called Latta's Corners and sometimes Ellis' Corners) ; Hammond's Corners and Ghent. At the picturesque village last mentioned there are extensive saw-mills, gristmills, a general store, etc. P. A. Ganyard is the township clerk in 1907, and William Davis and C. S". Parsons are justices of the peace.