Bath Township (part 1 of 3)

Bath Township

THE greater share of Bath Township is extremely rough and preciiDitous. 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 account of the extreme roughness of Bath, the land was not considered desirable ; so that, in early j-ears, 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 tliis 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 I'ocks. One of the finest natural views in the county is in this valley, in the eastern part of the township. At a 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 iDluffs, 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. The}- are the white pine {Fiiius strobiis), 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 sawed into lumber, several of which measured almost four feet in diameter, though at present they are largely' of a smaller growth. Numerous springs of pure water are found in various parts of the township. A small stream, in the northeast part, drains that portion of the township, and flows directl}' 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.

Yellow Creek flows across Lots 80, 79, 78, 83, 77, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69 and 70. Its bed is stony, and the stream, through an unknown period of 3'ears, has cut its way deeply into the soil. This is rendered apparent by the steep, high bluffs, bordering the creek and the rapid flow of the water. The surface soil is largely clay, mingled in many places with pebbles, rendering tillage unpleasant and difficult. In basin-like portions of the township, the soil contains considerable decaying vegetation, and these portions are valued highly by the agriculturist. An abundance of excellent sandstone is easily obtained. The eastern half of the township is rich in mineral and fossiliferous remains. There is, unquestionably, a large percentage of iron oxides, or perhaps bog iron ore.

in the soil, as is proved by the character of the water and the peculiar coloring of earth when newl}' turned up. The most of the water is strongl}^ 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 an}- rate, the soil along the banks is discolored, and iron is the agent. Col. Riall McArthur, who originally survej'ed the township, made the following 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 lifted and held toward the needle had particular influence on it, and by passing through the deep hollows has had particular influence on the lines." Upon examination the stones, even on the surface, are found to contain a large percentage of iron, and the swampy portions of the township are usually underlain with a thick bed of bog-iron ore. Swampy tracts of land that have been drained are found to contain this ore. It is utterly improbable, however, that smelting works and iron manufactories will ever be erected in Bath. The iron ore is much too scanty and impure to ever be profitabl}' mined, although it is possible that future years may reach some vein of the requisite richness. Tn portions of the eastern part, there are also found large quantities of fossiliferous limestone. So far as the writer knows, this has not been classed, by those who have examined it. with an}' known group of rocks. On the contrary, the formation seems to have been placed there by local causes, the nature of which is difficult to deterniine. The rock seems to be made up almost wholly of the casts of animals that must have existed under the surface of water. A more detailed description of this I'ock will l^e found in the chapter on geology. The rock is covered with man}' feet of earth. It has been used for making lime, and is excellent for that purpose. 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.

Bath Township was not owned by the Grovernment until after the treaty of Fort Industry 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 Wheatfleld, 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 settlei's. 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 owned the soil. When the squatters first entered cannot be known with any degree of certainty. It may be that wandering hunters built their rude cabins immediately after the treatv at Fort Industry. At least, it is well known that when the first permanent settlers, who were owners of the land, appeared in 1810, there were then living in the township some six or eight squatters, several of whom 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 plight. 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 was largely venison, but this was extremely dry, so that the earliest settlers, when they could procure a piece of fat pork, thought they had secured a luxuiy indeed. Wild turkej-s were abundant, and were so fat, it is said, that sometimes when the}' fell to the eartli 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 settlers any amount of annoyance if sheep and other domestic animals were to be protected. Sheep brought into the backwoods had a sorry time of it, and usually died either under the sharp fangs of wolves or bears, or on account of the peculiarities of the food upon which 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. Bears seemed to relish pork better than 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, burj-ing 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, the}' always changed their minds soon afterward, and vowed future vengeance upon all members of the genus Ursus. 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 enjoj-ed. Sometimes they succeeded ; sometimes they died.

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 first 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. possibly, trapping, and some of them had begun to make improvements. The township was owned by several proprietors in Connecticut, among whom were Ezekiel Williams and Thomas Bull, of Hartford. In the Bull tract, Jason Hammond had first choice, and Jonathan Hale .second. Moses Latta had squatted near Ellis' Corners, and Aaron Miller had performed the same act on Lot 11. Mr. Hammond's lots were 26, 27, 28, 20 and 30. Jonathan Hale's were 11, 12. 13 and part of 14. The other squatters named above located mostly in the southeastern part. Abel Vallen also located in that portion, though whether as a squatter or an owner is not stated. A few jears later, this man was living on the Cuyahoga, in Northampton, where he opened adistiller}-. These and a few others were the first settlers, and for a number of years they were alone in the toAvnship. West of them was an unsettled wilderness of indefinite 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 scarceh' a hill or vale that has not echoed with the sharp report of his rifle. He became celebrated as a bear hunter, and subsequent 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 JMiller. in northeastern Bath. Night came on, and Cogswell, not wishing to proceed zx\y farther at that time, prepared a couch of branches, and, stripping the bark from a large tree, covered himself with it and laj' down to sleep. At daylight he awoke, and, throwing oft' his coverlet, arose to his feet, when he found that, during the night, about three inches of snow had fallen, cohering him 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. 3Irs. 3Iil]er furnished him with a quantity of cold boiled hominy, which he devoured with relish and satisfaction, apparently thinking his breakfast fit for a king. Indeed, it was no uncommon occurrence for settlers to live for weeks upon a single article of food. Sometimes venison was all the cabin could furnish ; at otlier times, especially in the dwellings of those settlers who were inferior hunters, meat would be lacking for man}' days. Hunters fared better as re-

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, the following arrivals, at about the dates mentioned, took place : Old man Jourdan and his sons 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 ; Theodore and Calvin 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 Darrow. Lemuel Hoadle}', James Hoot, Nathan Green, David Willey, Elijah Jacox, Joseph and Samuel Hawkins, Benjamin Bishop, James P. Baldwin. Mr. Heater. Mr. Boughton, Mr. Bradford, Mr. Seakons, Mr. Frost. John McFarland, William Williamson, Orville and William Mc- Farland, Deacon Crosby, Simeon Crosby, John Kent, Manville Thorp, E. W. Simmons! Noble Simmons, Asa Jackson, Mr. Collins, Mr. Hatch, George Phillips, a large family of Shaws, the father's name being Constant, and some of his sons, Sylvester, Samuel and Phillip, Mr. Doolittle, 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, William Davis ; after 1830, Deacon Smith. Abin Sage, Mr. Lloyd, and many others whose names have passed out of recollection. It may be said that the greater number of these men were Connecticut Yankees, and almost all came directly from that State to the Western Reserve. Several came from the settlements a few miles east, and undoubtedl}' a great manj' came in who afterward became dissatisfied and removed farther west, or went back to the East. The 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 howl and the Indian'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, irmumerable and venomous, wound their slow length along, and a multitude of circumstances, unknown to the present generation, presented themselves. And 3'et the early settlers were happy, or thought themselves so, which is much the same. They made enjo^^ment from their surroundings. But the cultivation of the higher qualities of mind and heart were omitted from the forest curriculum, and it may be wisely doubted whether the early settlers enjoyed themselves so well after all.

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 worker ! As was before remarked, the township was first called Wheatfield, and then Hammondsburg. At the time of the organization of the township, the settlers were called upon to select a name by which said township should be known in the future. Various names were suggested, but none seemed to give satisfaction. A few insisted on its being called Hammondsburg, whereupon Jonathan Hall called out, " Oh, call it Jerusalem, or Jericho, or Bath - anything but Haramondsburg.'' Bath was immediately selected and bestowed upon the township. Dr. Henry Hutson (or Hudson) was the first Justice of the Peace, if the writer is correctly informed, while Eleazer Ilice was the first Constable. Rice was a small man, and was not verjf well liked. One Sunday, Lewis Hammond and Isaiah Fowler, in sport, tipped over Rice's sled, and lo ! it was broken. Rice entered complaint before Squire Hutson. for a violation of the Sabbath, and as he was the 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. The Constable was in a dilemma. He linally started in pursuit, unfortunately, of the larger man. How the " trial" terminated, the writer has not been 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." Robinson one day said of Jacob Morter : Jake says. ' Abner, come and look at my pigs.' I went, and they were fine ones. Jake says, ' The youngest is the oldest - no - I mean the biggest is the littlest - no-o - I talk like a d - d fool ! Any liow, they. look so much apart you can't 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 early as 1818. He took in a great many shillings from travelers, and made considerable money.

By 1820, the township was quite well populated. Improvements were pushed rapidh^, and industries began to arise as the demand for various articles nearer home was created. In 1818, Maj. Hoadle}' built a saw-mill at Ghent. Excellent water-power was obtained, and the enterprise promised success. The following year the mill was purchased by James 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 of the township. An enormous dam, built on the " beaver principle," was constructed ; but some time afterward this was washed awa}- b}' 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 ? cowslips ? T 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 oft', and sold at the rate of from 12 to 18 cents per gallon. James P. Baldwin did more in early 3'ears to improve 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 wealth}' 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, "I have ruined the township; " meaning thereby that most of his enterprises had been of no use to the township. Yet this is not doing 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 b}- seventy feet, and in it were placed four sets of stone. It 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 liarrels of flour each day to Cleveland, by canal. After a number of yeai's, 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 is a 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. It was coimected by shafting, or otherwise, with the machinery of the grist-mill. This was also destroyed by fire. In 1859, Henry Harris, Jr., built a saw-mill on the same site. This is 3'et in operation. Baldwin built another saw-mill a sliort distaiujc down the creek from this mill. It did good work for a few years. Jason Hammond and his sons built a saw-mill, as early as 1820, on a branch of Yellow Creek, west of the center. The dam was so situated that thirty or forty acres of woodland was flooded with water. The trees man}" of them, fell down and began to decaj', and soon this dam was regarded as a breeder of malaria and pestilence. At last proceedings were begun in law to abate the whole thing as a nuisance. The proceedings were successful, and the water was let oft, 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 year 1838. It was operated some eight or ten years, and then was abandoned. William Barker bnilt one near the same place, in 1859. This mill has furnished considerable material, which has been shipped awa}', 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, Hemmingway. Hopkins & Burris and William Barker erected a hub, spoke and felloe factory within a lew rods of INIr. Barker's dwelling. The company and Mr. Barker each owned a half interest in the business. A planing-mill was connected with the factor}-, and for a number of 3^ears a good business was done, but the destruction of the dam caused it to stop. William Jones conducted a distillery for a number of years. tt was located back on his farm some distance from the road. It is said that the bears, on several successive nights, had carried oft' 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 seen. The Ghent Champion Mill was built by James Root at an early day. It was operated b}' him until 1853, when Alanson Barker assumed control, but a year later William Barker became owner, and remained so until 1871, when the mill went to Edward Heller, who now owns it. The mill has done a 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. i Peter and John Marshall erected a woolen | factory about a quarter of a mile east of the j Harris grist-mill. It was probably built in about 1840. A limited quantity of light cloth was manufactured, but in about ten or twelve years the Marshalls retired from the pursuit, and the building was transformed into a lath factory. The grist-mill west of Ghent was erected earl}', antl has been one of the best in the township. It has changed owners various times, and has done considerable merchant work. Several other mills have been built and operated along Yellow Creek and its branche.« ; and it may be said that on no other stream in the county, of the same size, has thei'e been so many mills and so good ones. Dams are easily 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 the 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 were heard howling dismally in the woods, through which they must pass, and Mr. Mc- Clellan, the cobbler, declared he would not go through the woods at that time for anything, and told the children they had better sta}' all night. But Alonzo said he was not afraid, and told Mr. McClelian to " get me a torch, and I'll go." A large torch of hickory bark was procured and lighted, and the three little children started out through the darkness for home. They had no sooner reached the woods than the wolves surrounded them with angry howls, 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 custo- mar}^ in early years, for cobblers to travel around from house to house to pl}^ their craft, often furnishing everything and making shoes for the whole family. Three villages proper have arisen in Bath - Hammond's Corners, Ghent and Ellis' Corners. The Hammonds were probabl}' 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 Whitcnift 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, whei*e 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. H. A. Robinson came to the township, and for man}' 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. Ghent 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 3'et standing, though altei'ed and remodeled, on the east side of the Center road, near the 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 foi'ests furnished abundant food for the cattle. The rich browse was abundant, and was eaten in large quantities with excellent results, as the animals 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 McFarlands 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. The oldest woolen factory in the State is located in the village. It was first started in 1832, by x\lleu & Bloom, but, three years later, was sold to Alpheus Babcock, and soon after this to Spafford Brothers. These men failed in business, and the property fell into the ownership of Johnson & Fuller. In 1801, the factoi'y was purchased by its present owner, Alonzo Coffin, who has conducted it, with the exception of five years, ever since. As high as 10,000 pounds of wool have been bought in one year. Yarns, flannels, satinets, fulled-cloth, cassimeres and other kinds of cloth, have been manufactured. Five or six years ago, Mr. Coffin removed to Akron, and the factory was idle. It is now in operation again. Soon after 1850, Thomas Pierson began 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 significantl}- called) in the village, in about 1828. Whether he built the mill is not stated. It was finally destroyed by fire. Mc- Farland & Leggitt were conducting an ashery 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 connected with the woolen factory for a few years, perhaps about 1858. He is now engaged 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. The mantle of Government position looked well on Mr. Pardee. However, he did not become afflicted with aristocracy on that account, nor did he believe himself a prospective candidate for said White House, because he had been honored(?) with an humble position under Uncle Sam. James Root is thought to have laid out the original surve}' of lots at Ghent. The date is indefinite. Some say that James Myers named the village, but wh}' 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.

Mr. Latta's tavern was the center around which the citizens of Latta's Corners congregated in early years. This man probably erected 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 Smith, Mr. Doolittle, Archibald Hubbard, Fred 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 village was at first Latta's Corners, but when Mr. Ellis became the central figure it graduall}' assumed the name, Ellis' Corners. Dr. Humphre}' Robinson located at the village not far from 1830. He continued to practice until his death, about thirty years ago. He was succeeded by Dr. Robert McNeil, who also died a short time before the last war. Dr. Sales was the resident physician just before the war, as was also Dr. Merriman. Dr. E. King Nash located permanentl}' in the village, and began to pi'actice his profession in 1865. He served the country during the war in sistant Surgeon of the Fortieth Regiment, but war came out as Surgeon, practiced in the village after until four years ago. Among the industries that have been conducted was an ashery at an early da}^ by Mr. Ellis. Also a wagonshop b3' 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 oflTspring 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 willfuUj^ and persistently remain unlettered, triumphantly quote, or rather misquote, " Ignorance is bliss ; 'tis folly to be wise."' The}' 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. Knowledge does not end with a revelation of cares and defeats. It reveals countless paths of happiness to be traversed, and points to the cultured a ready means to avoid those spots on the journe}' 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 humanit}' 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 enjoyment, divides those of sorrow, and adds to the happiness of human life. It is highly necessary for the preservation of the American Govei'nment that the people should foster and protect schools as the}' would their jewels. The nature of the government and the peculiarities of its institutions should be taughtin every school. Too many young men, and even those in maturer 3'ears, know comparatively 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 whoU}- unknown. The wonderfully rapid growth of educational advantages insures to the masses of the people a speedy and practically pei'fect knowledge of the fundamental principles of the government. Millions in mone}' are annuall}- expended in rearing that unpretending temple of learning - the sehoolhoase. The standard of scholarship is steadily rising in the United States among the great body of the people. This is the onl}' 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. Tlie 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 tendencies, and together with all these people must acquire wisdom.

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 in the township. The building was about sixteen feet square, and the first teacher's name was Maria Lusk. The first terra was in 1811, and after that date schools 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. Tt 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 I'everent exclamation : " Who, in heaven's name, has been meddling with this chair ? ' Such questions were often asked in early j'ears, but seldom answered. So far as known, Mr. Wolcott shared the same fate as other early teachers. There were several 3'ears when no school was taught in northeastern Bath, but the scholars were sent to a wellattended school in northwestern Northampton. A veiy early school was taught in Mr. Hammond's house. Mr. Lucas was one of the first teachers in that neighborhood. Schools were usually taught b}- subscription, and at stated times teachers were accustomed to send in their bills for collection or settlement. Although it seems unaccountable, 3'et 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. Yallen's residence in the southeastern part, but unfortunately nothing definite could be learned of it. It ma}' 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 Grhent, although both the dates and the facts are uncertain. School was taught as earl}' 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, b}'^ William Wood. Mr. Wood had abandoned the house, which was then devoted to educational purposes. Henry Boot 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, and while on his wa}^ through the woods was confronted by a large, gaunt, hungry-looking wolf The animal, evidentl}- 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 teachers 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 succeeded it. The township was first divided ofi" into two school districts, and some alterations were made in these annually, until, at last, another one or two were added. Many disputes arose in consequence of the shifting of the districts. iVU 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 divided and subdivided, until they at present number ten.

Religious societies took root in the township in early days. It is always the case in a newly settled country, that the citizens, many of them, are members of churches in the land whence they came, and having experienced the blessings and reality of religion, ai-e desirous of renewing their devotions. This state of afiairs would result in numerous meetings at the settlers' homes, where either a local preacher or an itinerant one would be called upon to preside. The Presbyterians and Congregation alists built a log meeting-house on the " accommodation plan," at the Center, in about the year 1818. This building afterward became famous for its revivals. It saw continual use 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 a town hall. The following is quoted from the church records : "At a meeting previouslj' appointed to be held at Bath, November 2-1, 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 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 Grlastonbury, Conn.; Laura, wife of William Jones, and Samuel Petei's 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 to an examination of these persons respecting their doctrinal and experimental knowledge of the Christian religion, and their views of the duties and privileges of a Christian Church. Being satisfied on these subjects, the council proceeded to organize the church. Brother Pitken preached from the text, " Jesus answered, ' My kingdom is not of this world,' " etc., after which Brother Seward read the confession of faith and covenant to the persons above named, and proceeded to constitute them a church, regularly organized and entitled to all the privileges and ordinances of the Grospel, and solemnly charged them 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 Huron, as the First Congregational Church of Bath. Their confession of faith, covenant and articles of practice are the same that have been prepared and presented b}^ the Presbytery in this section of the county (signed) Caleb Pitkin, Clerk of Organizing Committee." Although not so stated in the report of the meeting, 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, Rojal Hammond, Robert McNeil, Nancy Smith, Aurora Piper, Elisha and Ann McNeil, Mary and Jane Fulton, Sarah Nash, wife of Phineas Nash, and Lavina Banks. Phineas Nash joined in December, 1823. It is stated that James Root gave nearly $3,000 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 L'nited Brethren have a society there. Among the members are William Reed, Abraham Spitzer, Lot Watson, Morris Lyon, Samuel Briggs and N. I). Hauser. This society purchased a Methodist Church, located at Stony Hill, and moved it to the Corners a short time after the last war. This was used b}' the society for a number of years ; l)ut the building was subsequently sold for $50, and is now devoted to other uses, and the mera- "i)ers assemble in the schoolhouse. Rev. William Whitney is prominent among the membership. A Methodist societ}' was instituted at Ghent as earl}' as 1818, some of the members being Messrs. Hoadley, Bradford. Seakins, Rice and Frost. They assembled in dwellings for a few years, and finally the organization was dissolved, or, perhaps, as some say, it finally started up again, and became the foundation of the present iVIethodist Church in the northern part. Their building was erected many years ago, and is known as -- Moore's Chapel." It cost some S3,000, and is the best building of the kind in the township. This church is well attended and prosperous. There are many Germans living in the eastern part, and this section of the township is familiarl}' known as - Germany." Many years ago, an Evangelical society was organized, and soon afterward a small chun^i was built in -' Germany. " Here this industrious class of citizens meet to conduct 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 Kurd's Corners. Here the}'^ assembled for some time, shifting their location, finall}', 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 majorit}' was in favor of Iniilding 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 element is not confined to these alone ; for at 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 count3^ the mysteries of the silent past do not end with the beginning of authentic history, but linger with multiplied beauty around the strange myths and fairy tales that come to us through the lapse of unknown centuries. Through the medium of ethnology, archgeology and philolog}^, 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 like the dismal shadow that shook its gory 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.

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 whollyfruitless, 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 tlie origin of writing, the most valuable invention ever given to the human race, remarkable strides have been 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 liuman race have been left unrecorded ; yet " line upon line and precept 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 b}' 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 onl}^ from analog}' 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 C3'cles of time sweeps by, will become colossal in the hearts of generations 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 knowledge of what has taken place in past years, without borrowing trouble by attempting to peer with curiosit}' 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 gaudy Miric of local historv. The historian, like the insurance agent or the undertaker, has a thankless task, but he takes comfort in knowing that coming generations will fully appi'eciate the result of his labors. It may appear to some that the historian has an easy time in rummaging through dusty memorials, or followingsome 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 his shoulder like the sphere of Atlas, he puts 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 Franklin Township, much difficulty is experienced in accumulating its past history. Traditions are vague and unsatisfactor}', and an accurate knowledge of all the facts is out of the question. It often occurs that no two men 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. A cheerful readiness to tell eveiything known, and to volunteer much information of events of doubtful occurrence, is met with everywhere. Men yet living, who were in the township at the time of its creation, cannot i-ecall 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 repeated and emphatic injunction, "Let there be light ! " It is again necessar}- to call the attention of the reader to the fact that history at best is but a partial narration of events.

In 1854, Lucius V. Bierce wrote: "The portion of Franklin Township lying east of the Tuscarawas was surveyed in February, 1800, by Kbenezer Buckingham. The Tuscarawas was then the boundary between the United States and the Indians, which was the reason why the balance of the township was not surve5"ed at the same time. It will be recollected that the Indian title east of the Cuyahoga, the Tuscarawas and the portage path was extinguished by the treaty of Fort Mcintosh (Beaver) in 1785. Their title to the territor}' west of those rivers was not extinguished until the treaty of Fort Industry, in 1 805. It is 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 of 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 Reserve, and ever}- six miles west was a range, 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 tlie 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 nortli line of that purchase. This regularity continues until Range 10 is reached, when the north township (Franklin) is numbered 2 from the following circumstances : Li 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 Grovernment 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 Township, next south of Franklin, and, as they could not cross the river to complete the required six miles east and west of those two townships, they named them Fractions 1 and 2 in Range 10. In 1807, two years after the land west of the Tuscarawas became the propert}^ of the (xovernment, it was surveyed b}^ Joseph H. Harwell, and enough was added to the fractional townships on the east to make two full townships each six miles square, but 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. 1, as it should be to conform with adjoining townships.

In early years the situation of the township was looked upon with favor by the settlers. An abundance of excellent water-power could easily be obtained on almost ever}' stream, especially 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 ver}' wet, was rich with decaying vegetable remains, and gave promise of boundless fertility, when the stagnant water could be turned into some of the neighboring streams, 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 the southern part, and finally unites with the Tuscarawas in Stark County. The southeastern part is drained by several small streams which flow 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, pi'obabl}' 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 several distinct bodies of water, joined by straits of different width. It probably covers about a section of land, and its extreme length is about two miles, while the greatest width will not exceed half a mile. 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 other purposes in dr}' portions of the year. The lake is quite deep, though the water is inclined to be ' drumlie," as Robert Burns says of the streams about the Castle of Montgomer3^ However it is a fine lake, and its value will be slowly developed as time passes. There are several small lakes, or rather ponds, scattered 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 l)e subjected to the same fate. In traveling over the township, ihe chief characteristic which meets the eye is the prevalance of depressed tracts of land, or more properly basins, that at an indefinite period in the past wei'e undoubtedly small lakes. Some of these contain peat, 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 raining that about fifteen yeai's later the exports of coal exceeded 60,000 tons annually. There ai-e now twelve or fifteen mines, and the exports are not far from 100,000 tons per annum. Side tracks are laid b}' the railroad companies to many of the mines, thus favoring extensiA^e and rapid work. The coal deposits are enormous and are practically inexhaustible.

In earl}' 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 I'or ammunition, clothing, ornaments, etc. The berry is a member of the heath family, and is known to liotanists as Oxycoccus macrocarpus. 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. Tlie 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. Tlie berries, which get ripe in autumn, are red, with some 3'ellow, and are ver}' 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. The}' are less acid when gathered in the spring, as the freezing converts portions of the starchy substance of 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 was first settled the berries were almost worthless, as there was no market for them in the west, and the lack of sugar required to sweeten them prevented their general use in the cabins of the settlers. The settlers were compelled to forego the use of such luxuries, being satisfied often with the bare necessities of life. However, after a few 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. Thousands of bushels were purchased annually by the merchants at Clinton, Manchester, and other neighboring villages, and taken by v/agon to Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and New York, the teamsters bringing back loads of dry goods, groceries, salt, notions, etc. Water-tight barrels were filled with tlie berries, after which the remaining space was filled with water, and the barrel closed. In this condition the berries kept fresh and bright for many months. So great became the quantity purchased at one timeb}' 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 happened to others. When cranberry picking was at the height of its prosperit}' many of the settlers were thus engaged, several of whom made no little money. Tiiose gathering the berries - men and women - wore long-legged boots to keep out the water, and as a precaution against snake bites. , The berries grew on their short stems, on the under side of long, wiry vines that crept over the mosses and sedges, growing in profusion in the marshes. A section of 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 tlie berries were scooped into the box at tlie 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 man}' miles and remained several days, campe) ing in their wagons. AVhen a sufficient quantity of berries was gattiered 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. A sort of ladder was made, having the cross pieces about an inch apart. When emptied upon this rude seive, the berries fell through the slits, and the grass, etc., was collected on the slats. Large quantities of berries were cleaned in a few hours b}' means of this rude screen.

Immediately after the Indian title to the soil west of the river was extinguished, a wealthy Quaker, named Richard Carter, living in Wheeling, purchased the land, and employed John Harris, Esq., and David L. Mc- Clure to lay out a town at the junction of the rivers, Tuscarawas and Chippewa, the latter at that time being known as Indian Creek. This was accomplished in Septembei', 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 ever}- freshet its uninhabited lots and unworn streets were overflowed by the murky waters. If any building was erected in this village, or if an}' improvement was made 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 inference is that as soon as it had its origin on 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 mark the spot where it once was located. It surpasses in loneliness the " deserted village " of Groldsmith :

"Sweet smiliug- village, loveliest of the hiwn. Thy sports are fled and all tlij' eliarms withdrawn. Amidst thy bowers the Tyrants hand is seen. And desolation saddens all thy green."

After this event, no permanent improvement or settlement was made until the spring of 1814. Prior to that time, the township was the home of those wandering hunters, who kept moving westward as the tide of settlement advanced, and whose practical training in woodcraft and in the arts of the chase could furnish pleasure onl}' in the depths of the uninhabited wilderness. The forest was filled with wild game, and the swamps, rivers and lakes were the resort of man3M'^aluable 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 a time, while the husband and father was off 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 a log 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 liim 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." Wdliam Hallowell located on Section 28, about a mile northeast of Clinton. Here he lived and labored until

History Of Summit Couxty

1833, when he sold out and moved to Richfield. After this, the settlers came in quite rapidly. Among the settlers who came in at this time, or soon after, were Jacob Sour, Joseph Mishler, John Hick, Mr. Hai'ter, Jacob Balmer, George Rex, Jacob HoUinger, Michael Bradenburg, David Harvey, Mahlon Stewart, John Snider and others. By 1820, there were as many as thii'ty 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 later, Mr. Ludwick, Christian Clay, John Spidel, Mr. Waltenberger. George Righley, Mr. Wholf, Mr. McMurray, William Harvey* John Scott, Ephraim Brown, Mr. Wise, Mr. Greenhoe, Jacob Hook, Gorham Chapin, Mr. Rosseter, Jacob Grove, John Stump, John A. Stump, Charles Herring. JohnTeeple, Mr. Bliler, George Wirt, Mr. Wagner, John Hoy, J. W. Hamm, Dr. Levi Brooks, Dr. Troup, Henry Troup, Mr. Dailey. Mr.Wiltrout, Benjamin Bear, Jacob and John Row, John and Adam Sorrick, and many others. The names of some of the most prominent of the early citizens have been unfortunately forgotten. From 1815 to 1820, the rush into the township was very great, the settlers being largely Dutch from Pennsylvania, with a sprinkling of Yankees from the Reserve and from the East. Improvements were begun in all directions, and waving seas of wheat and corn could be seen where once the monarch of the forest reared his majestic head. Villages sprang up as if by magic ; the forests echoed with the hum of industries ; schools and churches began their mission of intellectual and moral improvement, and the aspect of the township became materially altered.

Early in 1817, the Commissioners of Stark County, having been properly petitioned by the citizens then residing in Franklin, ordered the organization of the township by the election of the necessarjf number of officei's. The election was held in April, 1817, but only part of the officers elected on this important occasion are remembered. Jacob Balmer and David Harve}' 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 mostlv 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. The parties to the first marriage, which occurred in 1815, were John Hick and Catharine Flickinger. The second was in 1816, between Jacob Sour and Mary Hartner. During the summer of 1815, the wife of Jacob Balmer was bitten b}- a rattlesnake, and before the needed relief could be obtained, she died from the effects, her death being the first.

The rapid settlement of the township between the 3ears above mentioned, led to the immediate erection of mills and other mechanical 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 practically double that at present, owing to the almost impassable condition of pioneer roads (if the}' deserve such a dignified title). Rex built a dam across the outlet of the lake, locating it at a point where he could obtain the advantage of as much tall as possible. He succeeded in furnishing quite a fair article of flour, and was sufficiently well patronized to warrant continuing the pursuit for many years. Finally, when the lake was converted by the State into a resorvoir for feeding the canal, the mill-site was ruined, and Ptcx was paid for the damage done him. His mill was one of the best in the township in earl}' years. In about the year 1825. or perhaps later, Mr. Caldwell built a saw-mill in the western part, on Polecat Run. He succeeded in obtaining a fair waterpower, and continued operating the mill some fifteen or twenty years, when it was abandoned, and a grist-mill built on the same stream a little below it. After a number of years it was sold at Sheriff's sale. Prior to the erection of Mr. Caldwell's saw-mill, another had been built very early above it, on the same stream. It was located on a low piece of ground, and how it was operated is a mystery, as there is no 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 conve^'ed large stones into the river where the dam was to be located, but all this labor was thrown away. Mr. Chapin also built a saw-mill at an early day, on the waste water of the canal. It was located at a point where there was considerable fall, and the result was that the dam was washed away some five times, entailing an additional cost for repairs of nearly $1,000. He then abandoned the enterprise that had lost him so much monej'. 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 the dam. Mr. Smith also located a saw-mill on the canal, using the waste water. The mill has been operated almost all the time until the present, and has been one of the most valuable in its time ever in the township. Mr. Smith and the members of his famil}- have owned and operated it during the entire period of its continuance. It is impossible to estimate the enormous quantity of native lumber turned out b}' this mill. John Grill erected a sawmill on Polecat Run, locating it a short distance above the Caldwell Mill He drove a thriving business for a number of 3'ears. On account of the large number of frame buildings that were going up in early years, the mills, notwithstanding their number, ordinarily did a thriving and paying business. Roughly 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 decaj'ing habitations of early 3-ears. The first cabins were usually built of I'ound logs, but a little later nicel}' constructed hewed-log buildings 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 grinding 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 been heai'd 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 18-40. 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 luxur}', and many children ma}' be said to have been raised on the whisky bottle. In view of 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 (}uantity 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 formed}' 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 distilleries mentioned had a large custom trade, though it is not remembered whether their products were shipped away or not. They started up about the time the canal was being 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 canal extended that did not have its drunken brawls and fights, often accompanied with serious injmy to one or more participants. The expression, " Can drink as much as a boatman," became familiar to settlers living along the canal. It is likely that the distilleries turned out whisk}- or brandy at the rate of about a barrel per day each. The old settlers speak in high terms of the qualit}' of this whisk}'. 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. The fact that liquor-drinking was so common removed all cases of debaucheiy beyond observance, except the more serious ones. 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 orchard, and in a few years enormous quantities of peaches were raised. The prevalence of heavy timber throughout the State modified the climate, rendering this condition of things possible. The distilleries made an excellent quality of peach brandy that was rapidly consumed by the early settlers. 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 was built in about 1854, and located about half way between Clinton and Manchester. It did not amount to much, and closed at the end of about three years to the joy of all.

Prior to 1860, a well-traveled line of underground i-ailroad crossed the township, being confined to what is known as the Chestnut Ridge, with occasional side tracks. Prominent oflScials 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. On one occasion, Messrs. Russell and Maranville were notified that five slaves - two women and three men - were west of Clinton, in the heavy woods on Chestnut Ridge, waiting for food and clothing. They were accordingly supplied, and directed on their course to the next station. On another occasion, a settler in the township who had come from Kentucky, seeing a negro traveling northward through the woods with a gun on his shoulder, ran after him and took away the gun, saying as he did 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 them several days at his residence, placed them 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 oflBcial on another line. Mr. Hile was a Methodist, and a poor man. as far as this worlds goods were concerned, but in many of the cardinal virtues, was a millionaire. It is 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 ai'ound 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 rara avis indeed, had such a condition of things transpired.

Franklin has been the site of four or more villages. The first laid out has already been referred to. No house was built there, and consequently the '' village " existed only in the '' mind's eye " of the projector. In the extreme southwestern part of the township, on the north side of Chippewa River. David Harvey laid out a village as early as Mai'ch, 1816. It was platted, and properly recorded at Canton, and one or more additions of lots were afterward made. Lots sold quite rapidly, and erelong the Aallage could boast of a population of about sixty. One or more small stores were built and filled with a small stock of goods each. A blacksmith came in, and the sound of his hammer re-echoed through the muddy streets. A carpenter appeared, and began to ply his craft. A shoemaker built a small shop, whei'e " patching ' could be secured on short notice. He probabl}- 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, busil}' engaged on a suit of clothes for some one of the settlers. It is likeh' 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 quite rapidly - not so much so, perhaps, as " Jack's bean stalk " or " Jonah's gourd " - yet improvements went on until it was seen 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, other circumstances arose, and, finally, in 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 Februarj-, 1816, owned valuable property at that place, and as the rush from Savannah was main- 1}' to Clinton, the loss to the famil}- 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. Harve}- than William Christmas and J. W^. Lathrop made additions to it, and industries of various kinds made their appearance immediatelv. 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 canal tripled improvements of all kinds, and lifted Clinton to prominence and wealth. 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 b}' 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 quantit}- of grain purchased and shipped north on the canal seems marvelous. All three buildings were 50 feet square ; one was three and a half stories in height and the others two and a half Mr. Maranville, who kept books and purchased grain for the owners, saj's, that at one time the largest warehouse was filled to the roof with wheat, and contained 100,000 busliels. 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 3Iansfield brought their grain to the village. In fact, a largo share of the producers in Richland. Ashland, Wayne and Medina Counties sold their grain at Clinton. The presence of so man}' farmers in the village afforded the merchants an extensive trade. From 1840 to 1850 more wheat was purchased at Clinton than at Akron. It is said that lines of teams extending into the countr}' a mile waited their turns to unload, and many a man sat in his wagon patientl}- waiting until after midnight. An average price of about 40 cents per bushel was paid for wheat. Clinton became a point to which merchants living west in the counties above referred to ordered their goods to be shipped. Upon their arrival by boat, an arrangement was made by which they were deposited in the warehouses until the owners could send teams for them. A small commission was charged for the storage. Teams loaded with grain, coming from distant villages, returned loaded with goods for the merchants. Corn, clover-seed and other grains and seeds, were purchased b}' parties in the village. The enormous grain trade infused life into every industry in the village. It soon became a great coal center, and large quantities were shipped b}' boat to Cleveland, to be used on the lake steamers, and to be taken to cities on the lake shore. Large quantities of iron and salt, and leather, and merchandise and other articles, came to the village, to be used throughout the country by the farmers, mechanics and dealers. A large wool business was also done at the village. A carding machine was started, but, for some unknown reason, abandoned the contemplated project. Among the merchants have been Mr. Chapin, Hardy & Mofflt, John Patterson, Sorrick and Welhouse, Filson & McConnell, Alexander Russell, M. D. Wellman, Henry Davis, John Price, and many others. Mr. Russell kept store many years. He died a few years ago, and his business was graduall}' closed b}^ his daughter Maggie. Dr. Alexander Porter located in Savannah when that village was at the zenith of its prosperity. Some of the Clinton followers of Esculapius have been Dr. Chapin, Dr. Richie, Dr. David Chichester (the last two keeping drugs). Dr. Edwards and Dr. Andrew Oberlin. Dr. William Bo wen, of Massillon, practiced in the township, as did also Dr. Dolbear, of Fulton, and Dr. Armstrong, of Do3^1estown. Charles Rinehart, a lawyer, lived at the village a number of years. Several pettifoggers, the most prominent being Jacob Bradenstine, have also practiced law. A post office was secured about the time the canal was opened. Mr. Rosseter, who kept a small tavern on the bank of the canal, in 1833, was one of the first Postmasters. He made out three different reports for the same time, all of which were returned marked " incorrect." He said to Mr. Maranville, " I've made out three reports, and can't make 'em stick." Mr. Maranville assisted him, and the next report " stuck." Some of the merchants employed five or six clerks, although the stock of goods kept on hand was usually not very large. Clinton, like almost every other village, has been in its time a "tough place." Large quantities of liquor were drunk there in earl}- years, and several times the crowds of half-drunken men have taken possession of things. Squads of miners would come to the village, get drunk, and convert themselves into beasts generally. The citizens were imposed upon, until, finall}', they sent to Cleveland and purchased a dozen revolvers, or perhaps pistols, and warned those who were in the habit of creating a disturbance that such conduct must cease. It gradually did. Like all places where miners are in the habit of congi'egating, fights and drunken brawls have been unpleasantly frequent. The village at its best has had a population upward of five hundred. At present it is about three hundred. Clinton was first laid out on the west bank of the river, but, in 1835, Gorham Chapin, on the opposite side, laid out another village, which he named Orradeen. The lots were so low and wet, however, that but few persons located there, and two years later William and Francis Pumro}- laid out the village of Pumroy, on the east side of the river, adjoining Orradeen and a little below it. Here it was that the business centered, and Clinton proper, on the west side, was almost deserted, many of the lots being sold at Sheriff's sale. The post office is. Clinton, but, in conve3'ances of real property, the names Orradeen, Pumroy and Clinton are employed, depending where such property is located.