Burton Township (part 3 of 7)

By industry and economy, he cleared up his land, and made for himself and family a comfortable and pleasant home. He had a peculiar fondness for bees, and a natural tact for their culture, and was never without them, from the time he purchased his first swarm, before moving on to his farm, until the day of his death.# He had, at one time, 200 swarms. He sold 75 swarms to go to California. One winter he lost over 100 swarms, valued at not less than $i.oco. $ In the dry season of 1845, Mr. Merriman met a man, in Cleveland, by the name of Chenneworth, of Harrisburg, O., who told him that he would furnish feed on which to winter 12 head of cattle, and give him seven dollars per month, if he would go to Harrisburg, and work for him during the winter. Having 15 head of cattle, and only about 600 pounds of hay, he accepted the generous offer, and took his cattle, returning with them in the spring, in good condition. The well, by his house, was singularly affected. One day the head of his father-in-law, Ezra Mertiman, was seen just at the top of the curb. He was asked what he had been doing, and answered: "I dropped into the well; can do it again;' and

Of their children, David, Henry, and Maria are now' living; Jonathan and an adopted daughter having died. He was for many years a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His strong voice, in songs of praise, will long be remembered in the meetings. He was a respected citizen ; a generous friend to the needy, and a kind neighbor.

1834. Joel Merriman - the father, was born in Cheshire, Connecticut, in 1777, and moved to Burton in May, this year, on to lot 8, a portion of which he had bought of Robert Hotchkiss. He first built a log house, and the following year, a frame house, in which his son, Lucius, now' lives. There was, at this time, only a small piece cleared, and on this many girdled trees were standing.

Lucius Merriman, son of Joel, was born April 17, 1813, and now lives on the old homestead, and is engaged in the dairy business. He is a Methodist, and a strong temperance man. He has often taken premiums, on cheese, at the county fairs. In the city of Newr York, he took the 2d premium of $1 7.00, on best dairy make, from forty cows.

Willard Hale - and his w ife, formerly Harriet Merriman, came to Burton, in 1834, and bought parts of lots 9 and 19, and moved into a log house, but a few years after, built a frame house. He was an expert chopper, and took jobs of clearing and fencing land, at ten dollars an acre. He was a great hunter, and he and Marcus Eggleston once agreed that they wrould do no more work, until they had killed a certain deer they had often seen. After following him two days, they gave up the chase. But, about a year afterwards, Mr. Hale saw him in the midst of a herd of steers, and shot, wrounding him only. He ran into a wheat field, and trampled down one-fourth of an acre before he was secured. This was the last deer killed in that section.

Hewitt - a neighbor of Merriman's, 'north, in Claridon, was killed, in January, 1841. He went into his stable, for his horse, and was found by Mrs. Hewitt, tramped to death.

1835. Johnson Sperry - came this year and settled in a house built by Augustus Benton, on lot 33, on the road to the Hayes' settlement. It was moved by Deacon Spring, and is now the residence of Phillip Silvernail. To the westward stood a house, built by Nathan Parks, and long occupied by a Barrett family, but deserted - lo, these many years! A great two story frame, with windows, doors and clapboards gone, it was cheerless as a skeleton holding its ribs, on the hill top, in a northwest wind, and seemed to the boys haunted with spooks and traditions. It is gone, but its shadows will live through the present generations. Mr. Sperry was a blacksmith, and had his shop on the comer near his house. The children were: Elison, Bennett, Lydia, Johnson, Charlotte, Volney, Edwin, and Ellen. Johnson studied and practiced medicine in the west, where he died.

Elison Sperry - a great reader, and, by profession and practice, a musician, Hives in Troy. He married Cynthia Benton, daughter of Esquire Benton. A good conversationalist, and full of opposition, he always had a fund of matter, gained by careful reading, and was ever ready for discussion of politics, theology, or general subjects. He still keeps up a lively interest in the stories of the anti-slavery times and days of Abbey Kelly and Foster.

He was a great debater, and on one occasion was walking behind Robert Edson, who carried a lantern. Mr. Sperry was busy in thought and argument, and did not notice carefully a plank laid for a footway across the race, but mistaking a ray of the lantern for the plank, stepped on the ray and off into the middle of the race, going down with a splash, and was wet through, but never, as Mr. Edson told it, for a moment closed his mouth on the abolition argument. Going to the mill, he sat by the stove until the water ran from his clothes in pools on the floor, and continued the debate until Edson refused to talk longer with him, unless he went home and changed for a dry suit. Such was the persistency of the early abolitionists that water did not chill their ardor.

Of the Flemings - there is little record. Matthew had the name of hunting Indians. It is said the red men were after his scalp, and his reputation had come from Virginia to the western lodges. He dared not camp two nights in the sarhe place. One night, as the story goes, he smelt Indian, and "slid out" of camp as silenly as possible. Returning, one day, he saw his own figure drawn on a tree, and the head gashed with a tomahawk. His shots were sure, and his stealth equal to that of the race he hel ped to drive off. At a training, one day, he brought his rifle loaded, which was pointed at a pigeon on tree, and he wagered to pick its head off. The claim still is, that, at the crack of his rifle, the pigeon fell headless. He died December to, 1831, aged 61, and his wife, Chloe, May 8, 1821, aged 43. His 2d wife is still living, and a daughter, Mrs. Root, lives in Thompson. Nathaniel Fleming died May 27, 1811, aged 93- They sleep by the river.

Some of the early settlers came, staid a little time, and went away again, leaving little or no record that can be found. Others came later, and soon passed away , while many left families settled, and more or less connected with the later cultivation and interests of the township. There is neither time nor space for notice of all, even if it could be obtained, and little more can be done than a mention of names, that may call up a recollection of some forgotten one. Vmos Andrews, Sherebiah Burnett, Guy Carlton, John Charter, Nathan Hanchet, and Frederick Loveland, all were said to have been in the rush for the defense at Cleveland in 1812. Gilbert Loveland, a son of Frederick, was on the farm near Pope's mill, on Oak hill. He fell from a load of hay upon a stump, and was killed.

About 1817 Nathan Ford came, and finally located in Claridon. Matthias I*ox was an old man. He died November 24, 1S46, aged 84. Ichabod Brooks and David, and the Smiths, Cephus and Russel, were here early. "Ceph."was a hunter, and his rifle shot echoed the w'ood ranges from Rocky river away to the corner of the township, beyond where Henry Avery now lives. The Herendeens - Solomon came early, Seth later, about 1832.

The Humiston family were early, and lived in the old Beard or Law house, by the spring. They were all prostrate with sickness at one time. Of the sons, Samuel, Russell and Dewitt are dead. Luther resides in California. Vanduzer was a trader, and the store was long called after his name. Doolittle made hats in the old house where the brick block now stands. Edward Collins was over west, and Deacon Septimus Witter stopped here for a time.

Silas Gaylord - the elder, lived and died on the corner where Mrs. Silas Gaylord, jr., now lives. - He was a shoemaker, a kind old man, and used to crimp and peg away in the back chamber of the story and a half house. His family were : Hiram, Hannah, Raymond, Silas, Lydia, William, Oliver, Samuel, Hiram| and Samuel.

Then there were the Stoddards, north of Hitchcock's, by the brook. The Tolies, on the farm where Seth Hayes, jr., had built, east of Russel's, and, from the family went out Goodwin S., now living in Michigan, and Colonel William R., so well known in the late war, now living in California.

John Tuttle - married "Abby" Tolies, and lived on Oak hill, and afterwards in the Stone house, "over the river," where Albert J., second son, now lives. Ransom, the eldest son, served as captain in the army, and is now at Knoxville, Tennessee, in the iron business.

Nathan - a brother of John's, was a partner with Silas Gaylord, jr., in trade. He had carried on tailoring. He was a singer, and fond of music.

Ezra Merriman - a hard working man, swept into the forests and did much clearing on the farm where Monroe Moore now resides. He had a bad taste for "old rye" and cider. Losing his wife, he gave w'ay to the monster, drink, and was squandering the household goods. One Sunday morning his daughters, Hannah and Chloe, started out with Almira Chatfield and her brother Lucius, and in company with Marcus, Garry and Abel Cramton, William ar.d Orrin Dickinson, went^our miles through the woods, half terrified with the thought of wild beasts, and more scared at the thought of the depredations they had premeditated. Coming to the log house, they broke the padlock and entered. Each one, loaded with beds, bedding, clothing, and other valuables, beat a retreat from that house, carrying their stores to the garret of Major Isaac Chat field's house, in Middlefield. From there they were afterwards distributed to Merriman's four daughters. This action, with felonious intent, might have landed all these youngsters at the mercy of the court, but the boys were brave, and the girls equal to so hazardous a Sabbath morning excursion. The affair passed off as a raid for the saving of property.

Merriman used scripture names, and his repeat of the Ammonites, the Jebusites, and the Canaanites - w'ell, well; here I say, the "Amelekites, and the Hittites" come back to the boys wrho heard his singular tongue when the imagination was fired up. "Rochester" Brown. What a rough man he was, with his drove of long-tailed colts down by the west branch. There he had a sill laid for a mill on the w'est road to Oak hill, and his house stood in the lee of the wood, w'here he built it, siding up with plank grooved and jointed together with J? inch strips for tongues, and pinned on and where he made red sleds, ox yokes, and cradles. Hiram, his son, lives east, by the old Fowler saw-mill. Janies Goff was here, and Titus Goff, a quiet and much-respected citizen, lived a long time on the Ephraim Clark place, north from Russels and is now in Troy, and Solomon Leach, wfho married a Fowder and raised five boys, all of whom served in the front rank of the Union army. Frederick Hotchkiss located on the

Punderson road, on Oak hill, and at an advanced age, is still where he settled. Beyond him was the home of Hopkins Johnson, with whom lived Ghauncy 11. Talcott, a faithful student and devoted teacher, who was lieutenant in the 41st Ohio, and Earl, his brother, the ox teamster, who still believes in a good pair of cattle, for a good day's work, or for mill and meeting. "Uncle Hopkins," as the boys used to call him, forgot not the church, nor the prayer meeting in his day.

And there was "Uncle" Robert Burnett, where Sherebiah now lives, who lived to be 88, 50 years of which, he spent in town, dying January 23, 1879, and then Justin Melvin, and now Williams and Young in that neighborhood. "Old Caesar," a colored man, settled down there, and was great on raising blooded colts. South was Evarts by the Little pond, and east, the Chapmans still take pride in the big pumpkins, high corn, and fat cattle of a good farm.

"Over the river" were the Hubbards, Hutchins, and Miles Williams came -in somewhere - Booth's was east, Bates' south, and Stephen Boorn, who wore no hat, was near the Run, and had a brother, Jesse, w*est of Beard's mill, where the hemlocks shaded his retreat, with the gang of counterfeiters, for so many years. James Slitor is named, and there was Reuben Brown, the father of James Brown and Thomas, who lives on the Miner place, and is a rich farmer, a lover of fine horses, and has been town trustee.

Nathan Truman - had his shop where the road turns to Punderson's mill, and made shoes. His son, Morris, still continues the trade, and has been in the service of the town as constable. Nathan was funny, and sent a boy, who was hunting for his dog which he claimed had been stolen, to Rev. Mr. Witter. He told the boy that Parson Witter would deny, but to charge him with it, and stick to it, and he would get his dog. Witter denied, but the boy persisted, until asked who sent him. He said " Nat" Truman. Witter laughed, undedeceived the boy, and took the joke in good part.

Samuel Forrow - who used to build houses here, the father of Asher and Lester. Their mother, Mrs. Lucretia Forrow, lived to the age of 81 - dying October 19, 1878. There were the Huffs - the father, a large bony man, with strong voice, and odd ways, and the son, Lawrence, a good workman, who was ever hammering away in his blacksmith shop.

It is said Abner Doolittle brought the first buggy in town, and Mr. Huff took pattern from it, and built one strong enough for the new roads. It weighed 720 pounds.

Beyond, on the hill, was Gould, who worked at wagon-woods, where George Strickland now lives; and below him, on the side hill, Baron, the harness maker, lived so long.

With that endless name - Smith - this chapter closes. It will be many a day before Burt is forgotten. Through past generations, he has walked all the ways of Burton. Houseless and homeless in his wanderings, he has never failed to need a little money for tobacco, which was always appropriated to suit his own tastes, and his wits have been so sharpened that his sayings have a droll sarcasm that invites men and boys to let him alone, if they have no pity for him in his forlorn and hopeless old age. Some households are kind to him, and Burt Smith will not forget them till the old hand is cold, and the last night's rest is come. %

Burton Early Record

1803. Sometimes a township took its name inh>norof some one of the original owners. Titus Street had a large interest in the first purchase. He was a father, and having his own claim, allowed it to be called after his son, whose name was Burton Street. Seth Burton (now living) is authority for this, and was corroborated by Ira Hoadley. Kirtland makes no meruit n of the set tlement in Mentor, in 1798, but it is claimed to have been in June, while here it was the 15th of June, and the Harpers were first at Unionville or Harpers field June 28, of that year. In 1800, "for, the purposes of better government of the scattered settlers," a committee of the court of Trumbull county set off, Munson, Claridon, Huntsburgh, Middlefield, Burton, Newbury, Auburn, Troy and Parkman, to Middlefield. On the formation of Geauga county in 1806, all this territory constituted the township called Burton, and probably Bainbridge, Russel and Chester were added. In that far away time its borders reached over the 1 2 southern towns, but now it names only the title to five miles square of the original land. The public square, on which have been held trainings, colt and cattle shows, circuses and many gatherings of interest, was a gift from the first owners, to the town, as was also the land for streets in the town plat. Oct 5, 1803, the deed was made to Ephriam Clark and the rest of the inhabitants of Burton for a valuable consideration :

"Beginning on the line that runs north and south through the center of said Burton at southeast , comer of lot No. 25, thence south to the south line of lot No. 45, and to be 4 rods wide on each side of said lipe; and to begin at the southwest comer of lot 35, thence^ east to the southeast comer of lot 36, and to be 4 rods wide on each side of said line. Also from the intersection of these two roads 40 rods north and 15 rods south, and 15 rods east and iq rods west, making 55 rods north and south and 30 rods east and west, for a public square. Plat to have 3 roads each way and onall sides. 40 rods distant from each other, the outer to be 120 rods from the centre." Signed by Andrew Hull ir., Benjamin Doolittle, Turhand Kirtland, Titus Street, Thomas Umberfield, Amoriah Beard and Simon Rose, of Burton, in the township of Middlefield. Law signed for Hull and Doolittle as attorney, Kirtland for Street.

Civil Organization

1802. The first election was held, at Middlefield, in 1802. It is probable that Benjamin Johnson was elected then, as he was the first justice of the peace; Joseph Clark, the second, and the third was Eleazer Hickox, commissioned September 12, 1806, as given in his recollections.

An old poll book, evidently written by Peter Hitchcock, certifies to an election, held August 31, 1809, at which Eleazer Patchin, Marmion Cook, and Thomas Heathman, were judges, and Peter Hitchcock and Samuel Hopson, clerks, attest:

That the election was for justice of the peace, and that the number of electors amcfcnts to sixtyfive, majority. The names of sixty-five electors only are given, as follows: Vene Stone, Eleazer Patchin. Marimon Cook, Benjamin Johnson, Chauncey Warner. David Barrett, Theodore Roys, Uri Hickox. Andrew Durand, Stephen Pomeroy, Joseph Noyes, Justin Bradley, Peter Hitchcock, Daniel Hayes, Jacob Burton, Freeman Hyde, Amariah Beard, Lyman Durand, Asa Wilmot, Simeon Rose. George Wallace, Samuel Burton, Henry Umberfield, Calvin Williams, Seth Hayes, Eli Hayes, Ebenearr Haves, Isaac Thompson, Eli Fowler, Daniel Townsley, John Bigelow, Bazalel Cohon, William Bar-

Eleazer Hickox had 41; Hyman Benton, 30; George Wallace, 16; Joseph Clark. 11; Thomas Heathman, 11; Samuel Hopson, 2; Peter Hitchcock, 1; Jedediah Beard, 4; Paul Clapp. 5; Isaac Thompson, 4; Gideon Finch, 3; James Thompson, 1. In all, 129 votes were cast. Hickox says he was elected.

The fact of there being votes cast for 12 different candidates, or persons, shows ns much difference of feeling, or interest, as has been manifest at any time since.

A constable's bond was put at $400, as early as April 2. r8io. Hetekiah King gave b ond, with John McNough surety - Marimon Cook and Thomas Heathman, witnesses.

1812. October 13, Simeon Rose, Marimon Cook, and Jonathan Brooks, judges; Benjamin Johnson, and Peter Hitchcock certify to sixty votes cast, and make returns:

Without further inquiry as to the interests, political or personal, so often awakened at town elections, the years are passed, and 1879 finds

Celebrating Independence Day - in the earlier years, called the people from a distance. Peter Hitchcock and Joseph Noyes are remembered as giving toasts, as far back as 1811, when the Indians gathered with the whites.

Whiskey - was common at raising of buildings and on public occasions. It came to be a custom on the 4th of July to have a "colt show." The people would range themselves on either side of the highway, north and south, through the square, and the owners of colts would lead, ride or drive them between the two lines, for exhibition. On the judges' decision, the owners of 1st or 2d best colts would pay a premium of one or two gallons of whiskey, and as there were colts of various ages passed upon, the whiskey flowed freely, and was generously consumed by the bystanders. It is an open . question whether the crowd came most to see the colts or drink a full supply of the enlivening spirits. So well established this custom became, that owners, confident in the success of their colts, would economize by taking full jugs from home, and if they won, or not, no whiskey Was left for them to carry home. What a contrast between the largely attended peaceable celebrations and well conducted fairs of this later more enlightened day.

1814. Anything like authentic record of these people is very meagre. They trailed along the river, and had stopping places or camps - one near the lower burial ground, by the Cuyahoga, and on the sand knoll across the river, south, a place for their dead. The tribe names remembered were the Delawares , Tonawandas , and Massasaugas. Red Jacket was here quite early.

Near where Nathan Truman now lives was a camp in 1804. One night a squaw went to the brook, east, for water, drank it and died. The Indians thought her poisoned. There was some little thought of civilization and change of custom shown in coming to John Ford and Asa Wilmot for a coffin. They made a box, and on Sunday went to see her buried. With the body, the Indians put in "nubbins" of corn and pieces of bread, to feed her on the way to the other world, and a pipe and tobacco to smoke. For burial they carried her across the bridge to the sand knoll south, and on the right of the road. After covering the grave with earth, five Indians raised their guns over the grave, pointed westward to the going down of the sun, and fired, to tell the friends in the other world she was coming. They drove stakes and put up poles, with a cover of bark above the grave, which was there when Stephen Ford came in 1807. No doubt, Harry Umberfield pointed out this spot to this wondering youth, with stories of wild red men, as he came, on the last day's journey from Warren, through the wroods. They made sugar on the flats southeast of Conant's, on the Hickox farm, towards the river. They had a fine "bush" of large hard maples, on the field where James Humiston had corn in 1878. He plowed through the boiling places and turned up charred stone and wood. Hickox says, the Indians helped to feed the first settlers the winter of 1798-9, or they would have starved.

There was quite a village on the east bank of the Cuyahoga swamp, northeast of where Obed Wicks now lives. It was on a sandy rise of land, and the marks of the camp can still be recognized. The knoll is seen from the Middlefield road, about 100 rods north, and near the east line of the farm. There they wintered, hunted aid trapped, having brought their corn and beans front the Sandusky region, where they went in summer to plant and fish. When elk were plenty, they were driven out of the swamp in great numbers and ran by the deer lick, where the Indians had sunk pits and hid within. From these pits they would fire on the running herds, and many an elk went down. After their shots, their savage whoops and yells filled the woods. Esquire Thompson, the hunter, told that he had shot 100 deer at that salt lick.

Daniel Dayton's house was convenient to the river. The Indians came there drunk, and ate everything in the house, and were so noisy as to alarm Mr. Dayton, who was in the field. He came, and with an "ox gad" threshed them out, and they went off. In a day or two they returned and apologized for their conduct.

As late as 1814, Julia Barnes saw two or three Indians sitting on a log near Freeman Hyde's house, as her father's family came up Burton hill, on their arrival in the country. They Indians did not remain long after the close of the war of 1812. The Flemings were called Indian hunters, and the Reddings are said to have followed the last of these departing "sons of the forest," down the Cuyahoga, and on nearly to Cleveland. Neither squaw, nor papoose, nor painted hunter appeared again.

1798. The first road was cut from lot n to lot 35, as has been noticed, by the company's men, June 25th, two miles, and finished the next day. It tan from the "Old Garden" to the "west branch," north of Eli Hayes', and across the Hayes settlement, east by the "Holbrook lot" and the creek, north of the bam now standing on the Governor Ford farm, and up to . the Umberfield spring, on 35.

Saturday, July 7th, Kirtland "surveyed north and south line, between lots 5 and 6, and found a good place for a road - no hills, gulphs, or mire." This was north from Calvin Williams'.

So necessary was it to have communication with other settlements, that, September 20th, this year, Kirtland set out with B. Rice to overtake his party cutting a road to Harpersfield. He tells that they drove a bull to Perkins' house, and tied him to tree, over night, with bass-wood bark. This was about one-half mile east of the "Old log tavern" that stood in Concord, on the oad leading to Painesville. "Friday, 21st, they overtook their team near Grand river, in Harperstown, and then cut the way for them to the river." On Saturday, he went to see the Harperstown people. It must have been to their camp at Union ville, as that was their first location June 28, 1798, Major Moss and Mr. Gregory agreed to cut the road from Grand river to the place where the Kirtland party had left it, south of their town. Nothing definite is said as to where the road first crossed, only of the Indian ford at the bend of Grand river, in Harpersfield, and it seems probable, as the company's road came on from Austinburg, direct to Harpersfield, then took south to Thompson, and west across Leroy, that it was this road which Kirtland's party cut, at what is now known as the Ransom bridge, south of Harpersfield. Thus early the people of Burton and Harpersfield joined hands in the work for the public good.

1799. July 1 2th, work was begun on the bridge over the Cuyahoga. Rose, Hopson, and. Eli Fowler were at work on the logway, in the swamp south of the Rose house, where Hiram Bishop now lives. Law, Doolittle, Beard, Pond, and Brooks worked on it, and the 29th it was so far finished as to be crossed safely. The 1 8th, the first pair of trussels were raised. In December, 1804, the east end of this. bridge went down, a whole section going off. Men rallied and worked in the freezing water and rebuilt the section. Umberfield lost his axe, in ten feet of water, worth $5, and it could not be replaced in the settlement. He offered 25 cents, cash, and Esquire Hickox endorsed for him, to recover the axe. Lyman Parks " stripped off," and went into the freezing water, going down by a pike pole, set near the axe, and brought it up. He dared the current, and risk of going under the ice, for 25 cents in silver - a large sum then. Parks had trouble in after years about dealing in spurious coin. After a time the road was changed, and the bridge built higher up the river, where jruns the present road. The road came onto a hard point, or land knoll, on what is H. H. Ford's lot 66, west of Leander Taylor's. August 17, 1799, it was laid out, thence easterly across the swamp, to Law and Doolittle's line, and where afterwards ran the Parkman road, just north of Marcus Cramton's present home.

In 1847. B. F. Curtis, of Parkman, was on this bridge. Ducks flew up and frightened his team, and they dashed off into the channel. He caught hold of a post in the water, and holding on to it, the team turned heads to him and he held one by the bit and saved its life. The off horse drowned. Keeping his own head above water, Curtis called loudly for aid - help came from the hill and pulled him out. A Mr. Tracy came onto this bridge, with oxen and cart, loaded with cheese. The cattle scared, and, with cart and cheese, went into the river. Mr. Beach had the cheese contracted at two cents per pound. Tracy fished out the cheese, but Beach heard they had been wet, and discounted the price one half cent. Mr. Tracy would not sell.

the Bently or Dickerman spring, east of William Cay's, and the Hoadley & Slitors mill, Henry Silvernail's and Mr. Fenns, and came on to the present road near Richard Slitor's. Mr. Slitor says Simeon Rose had a track across east of Rattlesnake spring and by the house in which Leander Taylor lives, and round to the Dickerman spring. This was called a road, but was private. Dickerman and Rose together owned the lot to which this track led. The present road, south to the Troy line, was cut through in the year 1829, by Richard Slitor, in fourteen days.

1800. Tuesday, July 15th, Kirtland mentions running a "line for a road to Young's road in Hillsborough [Middlefield]." It is probable that this was the first road east of the river, and it started where the present road takes off from the Parkman road, ran directly east, on south of Amariah Rose's house, and came on to the present road near Obed Wick's home.

Esquire Merriam remembers a road from the river to Fleming's still. It started from the present Cuyahoga bridge, northeast across the swamp on a logway, and north over the hard land on the east end of his home farm, and on north up to the still, a little east of the stone bridge by Austin Conant's. The upper bridge over the Cuyahoga, at Fowler's point, was built about 1830.

The Huntsburgh road - ran some rods north of Mr. Chellis' house, in Col Ford's woods, to get by the hill, and around the spring swamp, a little east, and came out by Pages, and on down by Luther Russel's old house, on lot 38.

North of Deacon Cook's another route was used, diagonal across to No. 9, north of where Joel Hale now lives, and on east by Anson Ford's spring to Dr. Clark's (now Durgee's) place, in Huntsburgh.

To the northwest, a road started in north of the brook near Williams'; went south of his saw-mill, and out by Amy Beard's, crossed the west branch some distance below Gilmore's mill, leading on up the hill across the meadow, and by the spring near which then stood Isaac Fowler's house, and on out south of the present house of Thomas Osborn, and on to Vene Stone's and North Newbury. In 1802 Justin Miner and others cut a road from Beard's mill, by Maple hill, 8 miles, to where he settled in Chester. The old State road,, from there south, ran along near the town line, and crossed the east and west center road, about 20 rods east of where it now crosses in Newbury. It crossed the gull about 1 5 rods east of the present bridge. A road tracked off southwesterly from Beard's mill to Punderson's, and the road leading east to the square went south of Edson's pond, along the bank, by (he mill, up by his house, through the woods, coming out near Charles Stickney's present house. Earlier, it ran as now, straight west, and through the valley of the pond on a logway. When the dam was built and overflowed it, after a time the road bed was raised above high water mark, and the travel was across the pond, on the road, where it now runs.

Just west of Dr. Lawyer's, say 20 rods, the road to Oak hill led off southwesterly, and east of the Gunn place, near Truman's shop, and east of the Barnes place, now Thomas Brown's, over the west branch at the Indian fording, west of the Fleming meadow, and on up to Daniel Dayton's. A track went on out to Punderson's mill. From there people came this way to Burton, as a "short cut." A path and team route led from Beard's mill to the Hayes settlement, and later a road, now closed, ran north from near Esquire Benton's, along the east line of lot 32, to the Hayes settlement. This was after the first road, by the "Holbrook lot," from the "Old Garden," which was not long used, bad been closed up.

Many other minutes as to the time of laying out roads, bridging, etc., could be given, but this will suffice. So change the ways of men, and the lines of their "going up and down" are forgotten.

1 799- June 8, Isaac Clark and his company arrived to build the mills. The dam was built this season, the settlers contributing labor upon it. In August, Seth Hayes bought the irons and gear at Pittsburgh, and John Moss brought them from Fort McIntosh, at the mouth of the Big Beaver, with an ox team. This was the gear for a saw-mill. In the fall of 1799, Col. Jedediah Beard traded for the property, and in June of 1800, the log mill was completed and started. It took the name, and has always been known as Beard's mill, and stood where Mr. Vicroy's now saws for customers, as did Beard's almost 80 years ago.

The grist-mill was begun the summer of 1800. Kirtland mentions going with Thompson to the mill, July 7th, to find a place for a sill. It was a separate building of logs, but only a few feet from the saw-mill, at the north end. It was burned down very early, and never rebuilt. Alfred Beard writes that it was used not more than three or four years. It is probable that Nathan Parks worked out the stones for this mill, from the granite boulders of the surface, as he came with the mill men. The saw-mill is said to have been the first one on the Reserve.

Kirtland mentions Isaac Fowler going to Abbottstown, Monday, the 17th of September, 1798, and July 16, 1799, Kirtland "put up" at David Abbott's, at Chagrin. A paper sent in by Orrin Harmon, of Ravenna, in September, 1878, says that his father, Elias Harmon, went with an ox team and sled, by way of Cleveland, to Abbott's mill to get flour for Ebenezer Sheldon, of Aurora, and that he was there July 12th, 1799, and that the mill was then in operation, and that it was built the fall before, being the year T798. Mr. Harmon often heard his father tell this, and finds the date of his being at the mill, in an old diary kept by his father. According to this date, Abbott's must have been the fir^t grist-mill built on the Western Reserve.

The year 1805 was dry. Eli Hayes and two boys went through Wooster (since called Chester) to Abbott's mill, on the Chagrin river. He was gone two days. Jonathan Brooks overtook him in Wooster, with 4 bushels of wheat, on horseback.

The 2d Grist-mill - was on the run near Austin Conant's, half a mile east of the square, and was operated by Matthew Fleming, who had there a whiskey still earlier than 1810, and it continued in 1826. Judge Taylor's address mentions Fleming's whiskey tax as $81.62 for the year 1818. It was used about 1830 by David Earl for "fulling cloth," and also worked as a carding machine. Edward Rice, when a small boy, brought the bunches of wool for some twenty neighbors here to be carded.

Cider brandy was about its last product. Only a few years since, still on its "last legs," one morning, a year or two ago, it fell down. Born a still, it died a still.

1816. This year the grist-mill known as Edson's, was built west of town, on Hopson's creek, by Robert Edson and James Gilmore, where the Burton center mill now stands. The Carlton mill was burned there in 1875. When the water was low, a tread power was used, and oxen went round to do the grinding. Edson had a saw-mill, distillery, and blacksmith shop near by.

1820. James Gilmore - built a saw-mill on the west branch, and soon after, his grist-mill, where Alderman now continues sawing and grinding. The gristmill was rebuilt south of the first location.

was built by Calvin Williams, Thaddeus Bradley, Asa Wilmot, and Selah Bradley. Adonijah Bradley was millwright. He worked #for Punderson, at the Rapids. Afterwards his mind was unbalanced, and he wandered in the woods three days, froze his feet, both of which had to be amputated. He was a good workman and continued his trade.

Selah Bradley - had the 2d still on the Claridon road, north of the fork, by the brook. On the stream west of the Chardon road, some distance, he had a saw-mill, pearl ash factory, wool carding works, and machinery for making wrought nails, all under the same roof, all of which were stopped by his death.

Another still is spoken of on the Wilmot place, by the brook, one and a half miles north of the square, but they have all passed, may it be hoped, forever away.

David Taylor and Anson Ford had a saw-mill about 1834, at the head of Welton's gulf, on No. 19. In 1840 the flutter wheel and its mill went down the gulf into the darkness of its great rocks.

South of the Cuyahoga, on Rocky run, Henry Stull, who was a great hunter, built a saw-mill in an early day. Later, below this, Merwin Hoadley and Truman Slitor built the 2d mill. The 3d was built by James Peffers; the 4th by George Boom, and the 5th by Asa and Amasa Carlton. It is now owned and run by N. P. Latham.

Michael Kinney - has had a steam saw-mill in operation some years, on lot 68, and another buzzes and whistles just west of Beard's blacksmith shop, in the shade of that grand old maple, owned by Beard & Hoxter.

At the mouth of the gulf, coming in from Newbury, north of Hickox's, Oliver . Olney built a carding machine. Solomon Herendeen lived there and helped to build the works. They used "teasels" for dressing off the cloth.

Woolen works were operated across the stream from Beard's mill, quite extensively at one time. Myron Burnett is remembered there. Finally, Deacon Spring came to control them.

In the fall of 1879, since the foregoing was written, Messrs. Wells & Co., of Pennsylvania, built a mill near the "old Umberfield spring," where they set to work, cutting logs into handles for forks, hoes, rakes, etc., and will no doubt add stave and other machinery, to run with humming saws that cut away, in the rapid round of manufacture.

A Mr. Scoville had the first shop in town, east near Conant's. Freeman Hyde opened first on Oak hill, about 1808, and his was the second shop. Afterwards he located at the turn of the road to Oak hill, just west of Dr. Lawyers, and hammered away. Later, set up right at the top of the hill near George Carltons. A Mr. Woolsey had a shop north of Eli Hayes, and later had a shop in the forks of the road north towards Claridon. He was a good workman. Then Rufus Hoadley's shop near Chellis, then Merwin Hoadley and Andrew Durand, and Weatherbee, Lawrence Huff, John and Amasa Carlton, Solomon Charter, Herendeen and Harlow Charters. All these about the Carlton's comers. Aaron Beard started a shop west of the Methodist church in the old academy. The last ox-frame, for shoeing, stood unused in Solomon Charter's shop, for many years.

Wagon Shops

The first was built by Augustus Rose and Lucius Chatfield, who began carriage making. This shop, at last wras used for a plaining mill. An explosion occurred June 15th, 1867, which threw the boiler over the tops of trees and 20 rods away, carrying with it the body of Hiram Carlton, who was killed. Lawrence Huff was so badly injured that he died. The Carlton brothers, Hiram and Asa, erected a large shdp at the corners, and for a time did a good business. Andrew Fowler carried on the trade many years and still has a bench there. George Carlton works there now. Beard's have a new shop and painting room "up town."

First in Burton was John Ford and Asa VVilmot, an apprentice, in 1804. Then David Hill, who built the Beals tavern for Gideon Finch; also, Thomas Davidson and Abel Cramton; then the Nettletons, Merritt and John, and Selden Brooks, of the early ones. Later, A. B. Carlton, G. Cramton, Henry Silvernail, Seth Herendeen, Monroe Herendeen, A. Johnson, R. Cramton, L. Crittenden, and other names not recalled.

Cabinet Makers

"Old Uncle Whitman," said to be the first, worked in the bar-room of the Peter Beals tavern; then had his shop where Mrs. Bishop now lives, and old furniture in several homes bears marks of his skill as a workman. Benjamin Judd and Mr. Spencer kept shop near the old Beach store; Johnson & Sherwood, then D. L. Johnson, where the Slitor store now stands, and then on the site of the brick block, and now Levi Johnson works at the trade. John Slitor occupies the Gaylord store, west side of the street, and does a flourishing business in furniture, and also in groceries. David Hitchcock worked at the trade, and sold the cabinet shop to Boughton, which was so long after used for a store.

In the cellar, or sidehill room, on the site where Thomas Brown lives, Asahel Barnes set up shop, and afterwards had shop on lot 8; then Eggleston on No. 9. For many years Porter and George Jaques coopered, and Elbridge Stickney wore a leather apron daily from the shop. Now, George Jaques and Asher Forrow shave and hoop. There were others, not recalled, and early settlers learned to bend and notch their own hoops.

The first was John Cook, with whom was associated, at a later day, his brother Hiram; then Marimon Cook. After him, 1816, was Shipman, in Edson's hollow, then at Gilmore's. He had a contract for thousands of shoes. On this contract worked Joseph Nash and Miles Williams, in John Cook's shop, who furnished the stock. Shipman bet he could bottom as many shoes in a day as both Nash and Williams. He did 22, and they 24 shoes. Truman Cramton was with Williams two years. Then Silas Gaylord, sr., and Nathan Truman, and after him Joseph Hinkston, and then Ansel Burnett; and now J. B. Newman and C. J. Heathman.

Stone Masons

Simon Moss is first mentioned. He was a workman considerably known in his time, and was employed on Dr. Goodwin's house. Later was Titus Goff, and now George W. Jaques cuts stone.

Brick Yards

Hayes says the first bricks were made by William Lyons, near to and on the south side of the Parkman road, across the river, and south of the present Troy road, about 20 rods. Mr. Grannison, a colored man, also worked that yard. Another, north and west of Williams' mill-pond - one west of Gilum Hotchkiss', where Goodwin's bricks were made; one by Eli Fowlers; another west, worked by Stephen Cook; another west of Beard's mill where Solomon Herendeen lived.

Cheese Factories

i st one stands near the spring, where the "Umberville Coffee House" was built, called Plymouth, built by L. J. Randall. The 2d, called Torrey, on lot 2, the old Wooster place.

Offices, Postmasters, And Mails

The nearest post-office, at first, was Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. There is no data showing that Gideon Finch was, but it is though he was postmaster, and about 1814 Peter Beals was appointed, and continued to 1830, then James Peffers had it 16 years; then John T. Johnson; after him, Sherwood and D. L Johnson; then Joseph R. Johnson (Taylor's administration); after him, George Boughton; again D. L. Johnson; after him H. S. Tolies; then Myron G. Manly; now, Chalmer J. Scott.

Hiram Fowler was a mail carrier, and on the route from Ravenna to Cleveland, the 7th day of June 1816, he encountered a severe snow storm and suffered with the cold. It snowed in Burton on the 6th. Crops were cut off, and great fears fell upon the people, because of the loss, and danger of scarcity of food for the next winter. Seth Burton says there were 12 frosts in June of that year. The winter of 1826 the mail boy came to Beals, minus the bag. It had fallen from the horse, and went down through the Cuyahoga bridge, on the ice. Elbridge Stickney, and others, went back with the boy. The ice would not hold him up. They lifted one of the puncheon planks, and letting him down, head first, held on to his heels until he fished up the mail, then pulled him out. Edward Rice carried the mail from Ravenna to Chardon, on the old State road, when but 12 years old, on horseback - a trip from daylight to 9 and 10 o'clock at night. Once four spirited horses started off from Pinney's tavern, with the coach and one lady in it. The reins were looped over the break. They ran to the top of the old hill, and straight down by where Freeman Brown now lives, and thundering onto the bridge, before they brought up, giving the lady a terrible fright, but doing no very serious damage.

1798. The first was the "Umberville Coffee House," by the Umberfield spring. 2d, by Gideon Finch, where Esquire Merriam now lives, and where Peter Beals kept many years; then Umberfield and Clark Howard, west side of square, on the corner where the Exchange now stands ; afterwards Clitus Pinney kept it in good style. It was burned in 1843. The fire was supposed to have been thrown in at the north door of the hay loft of the barn, and burned rapidly in the breath of the north wind.* Pinney lost a fine carriage. The mail coach and horses were burned - some seven horses in all. The intent was to injure the mail contractor, it was supposed. The house and barn was a total loss to Esquire Hickox of $1,500. He rebuilt in 1845. Hickox's brick house, built in 1838, was occupied as a hotel, while the new tavern was being constructed.

Then G. Cramton built, first, where is now the Brewster house, north of the brick block. It w*as enlarged to the present size by Almon Carlton, now owned and kept by Seth Brewster.

The Exchange was rebuilt by John B. Corey, a graduate of Oberlin, who used it for boarding students. 1878, it was a temperance house, conducted by George Thompson.

1802. This year, the first storekeeper, J. S. Cleveland, had goods in the frame house where the Hickox brick now stands. It is claimed he came in

1800. Then Hickox, 1804, south of Peffer's house. About 1807, Hall & Bradley, hatters, came to start a shop. Hail was disappointed in business and hung himself. After Bradley came Doolittle. Almon and Hiram Clark were here early. James Converse, Hickox, and Jacob Vanduzer, all traded in a store on the comer where Parmele's hardware now stands. Vanduzer died in 1836, and Samuel Humiston kept in the same store. Noah Hall was in trade here, where Carlos Williams now lives, He removed to Canton, Ohio, and was robbed and murdered in his store. James Peffers began early where Dr. Lawyer now lives, and afterwards long continued trade in the front of his own house.

1831. Richard Beach - came to Burton, and was in partnership with Boughton and Peffers. The Beach stores still stand on the west side of the street, and Boughton's is now used for a banking office. Both these men continued steadily in trade, and became rich. Joseph Johnson, a man highly esteemed in all circles, was a partner with Boughton about 1850, and after his death Silas Gaylord; then S. C. Ford and Marcellus Cook, and then George H. and R. N. Ford. Gaylord was a thorough business man, on hand early and late. He built the store where John Slitor now trades. Mr. Beach associated with him the Tolies, and also, for a time, Silas Gaylord. He was a remarkably good business man, and conducted for many years a heavy trade. Unassuming in manner, and pleasant in his ways, his customers found him prompt and attentive to business at all hours. He erected a large house on the corner next to his store. In digging the cellar for it, a great chestnut stump, said to be eight feet across the top, was removed. George Strickland was at one time working for him in digging a well, by the house. It was 33 feet deep. Strickland fell from the top to the bottom, striking his feet on solid rock. He was crippled for some time.

G. Cramton, S. C. Hotchkiss, R. Tuttle, J. Johnson, the Hydes, and others, did business. W. J. Ford started the first hardware and tin store in 1855; Dr. Cleveland the first drug store about 1857.

The first tailor was William Neal, a Manxman; afterwards Reuben Welton, Wicks, Tuttle, Dyke, and others, and now Tolies & Tuttle keep a man employed. Long ago many a woman pressed the "goose " on her "cut and fit" of homespun.

In the brick block P. W. and Frank Parmele, brothers, are selling hardware; Tolies & Tuttle, clothing, and boots and shoes ; Scott & Burleigh, drugs and groceries; E. E. Nash, dry goods; Cleveland & Crittenden, drugs and groceries; S. M. Dayton, jewelry, and Forshee, harnesses; and across the way: Mrs. Milo White, millinery; Turner & Hungerford, meat market; E. J. Slitor, furniture; Miss Alice Smith, dressmaker; Miss Mills, milliner, and W. H. Reed, livery stable.

Boughton, Ford And Co., Bankers

1872. This firm, as organized in 1856, was composed of George Boughton, S. C. Ford, and John M. Cook. Their business was that of a general country store, dealing in produce and wool to a considerable extent. In 1862 the firm was dissolved by the death of Mr. Cook. In 1864, S. C. Ford withdrew, to enter the wholesale business in Cleveland. Mr. Boughton then associated his two nephews, George H. and R. N. Ford, with him, and the business was confined, without change of name or style of business, until 1872, when Col. H. H. Ford entered the concern, and a banking institution was organized under same name. The bank was a result of two things: First, the great decline in value of merchandise had rendered merchandising unprofitable; second, a portion of the large amount of money then in circulation had already found its way into their hands asv deposits, and the business grew upon them in snch a way that, before they were aware of it, the Internal Revenue officers were upon them, and informed them that they were liable to the government as bankers. This, more than anything else, suggested the idea, or rather the necessity, of changing their style of buisiness. So it was a result of growth of business, and of the need of an institution of the kind, rather than of any design or premeditation on the part of the firm. Miss Ella S. Dayton has been their efficient, reliable and faithful bookkeeper since October, 1874. The business is larger than would be expected in a place of the size of Burton.

Professional Men

It is possible that the two foremost men of the township, Judge Peter Hitchcock and Seabury Ford, had so extensiive a reputation as lawyers, and in the wider field of politics, as to dw'arf the aspirations of succeeding generations. Since their day, no lawyer has held to a regular practice in Burton. Of their eminence and ability, notice is made in the biographical sketches. G. H. Ford practices occasionally. C. E. Ward opened an office here in October, 1879. Reuben Hitchcock, Homer and Lewis Goodw'in, started out from here, and began at other places, a successful practice.

1804. The first was Dr. Joseph Clark, this year, who occupied Law's house. He was elected as one of the trustees in 1806, and, in connection with him, appears the name of George Wallace (with whom Hickox lost in the canal contracts), with Justus Miner. Dr. Clark afterwards lived where Edward Beardsley now resides, and, in 1812, went to Painesville. He returned to the Durgee place, on the old State road, in the corner of Huntsburgh, where travelers used to stop. He died there, and Mr. Witter preached his funeral sermon, in 1828. He treated horses as well as people, and a balky one had come to him in £ trade. He started it for Burton, and on the w ay it stopped, and would not go, but commenced backing. He turned the buggy round, saying: "If she won't go forward-wise, let her go hind-wise."

Dr. Kennedy was the 2d, and occupied Hickox's store prior to 1810. Dr. Erastus Goodwin came in 1811. A man of very marked character, he had an extensive practice, and continued a lifetime in the profession, as an allopath. (See biographical sketch.) His son, Dr. Sherman Goodwin, studied, and practiced here until 1848. Losing health, he moved to Victoria, Texas, and is still living in that country.

Dr. Burritt, one of the most successful practitioners, was the apostle of homoeopathy, who startled the community, and the dispensers of calomel, by a regular can nonade of little pills, about 1840. For years it was a battle of "Sugar-coats and water," blue-mass and drugs aud blood-letting." How the practice has changed and progessed since that day.

Drs. Coulter, Sumner and Pond, had a good practice, after Burritt, as homceopaths. Dr. Colbert, A. Canfield, a graduate of Hudson, gained something of a ride, as Dr. Goodwin grew' old, but finally went to California.

Dr. Lawyer, a well-read physician, commenced here in 1855, and gained a good practice. He had a drug store, w'hich was lost in the fire of 1871. Of good judgment and attention, he has been faithful in his calling, and serves the people yet. In the educational matters of the towm he has taken a lively inter-

Dr. Aaron McGraw - who went to California, this year (1879), was a surgeon in the service, in 1864. Thoroughly read, keeping to the front with the advance of science in his profession; a man of determined purpose, always cool and skillful, he controlled an extensive practice, and gained the strong attachment of his friends. His ability was undoubted, and to-day he is the surgeon-in-chief of one of the great mining companies of California, at a large salary.

These last five were allopaths, and in that practice now is Dr. Steers, who was an army surgeon. He has a large practice, and with him is Dr. Dixon. Dr. Rider, who was in the army, practices homoeopathy; as, also, does Dr. Hargett.

Only one has arisen. J. B. Coffin, formerly of Hudson, New York, established the Geauga Leader , in December, 1874; a fair-sized, eight-page weekly, which aims to be up to the times. He is proprietor and editor, and conducts the working of a job office, and, by strict attention to business, is making a success of the enterprise.

Town Hall

Unfortunately, for the beauty of the park, it was built on the northeast corner, in 187 1, at a cost of $4,000. Of fair size (36x54), it is not large enough to accommodate, with comfort, the audiences that gather, on many occasions. It is to be hoped it may be removed to a more eligible site, and enlarged.

Burned

1871. Wooden buildings, occupied for stores, shops and offices, and a Masonic hall, stood on the east side of the main business street m Burton. A cold frosty night, the 5th of December, when the wind was sweeping in a fearful storm, at 1 o'clock, the cry of fire was heard. Miss Emily Wilmott first discovered it and gave the alarm. The excited people roused suddenly, and saw the flames in possession of the row. The cold was intense, and work against wind and storm was almost impossible. Buckets and ladders came with the crowd of men, women and boys, and with heroic determination, the battle against the elements began. Lines of men, with buckets, were formed, and water was thrown where there seemed any hope. It froze on everything it touched, and helped to stay the flames. The tremendous efforts of the citizens fighting the blaze, fanned by the angry winds on the hill top, conquered when it reached the house where D. L. Johnson resides, next south of the Brewster house. It swept all the buildings from the south corner to this point. The loss was without insurance, and said to be upwards of $20,000.

Stock was subscribed, a company formed, and the summer of 1872 work was begun, and in 1873 the ^ne brick block of seven stores, took the place of the burned ones. The large window fronts of these stores, light up in the evening with an array, that is a "City set on a hill that cannot be hid."

Education

The New England idea of a school-house first "and all the time," came to the west. Elijah Hayes remembers going to school through the woods two miles by marked trees, to the weaving-room built near Mr. Umherfield's house, and that within its wall of logs, in the summer of 1802, Sallie Miner, a daughter of Dr. John Miner, was teacher. Rufus Beard was naughty, and was led round with his arm pinned to the school "marm's" apron.

The First School-house - was made of logs, on the north side of the road, east of the creek, near where runs the present mill-race, and that spring and summer, Charity Hopson, afterwards wife of Judge Stone, taught the first school in it. Stella Umberfield was one of Elijah Hayes' playmates there. The Indians had a camp by the big spring, near where the old Edson house stands, now owned by Caleb Johnson, and from their two or three huts, the younger ones used to wander out and startle the school by throwing' clubs upon the roof above the heads of the children.

The 2d district school-house was located near to Eli Hayes', on the west side of the road,, on lot 13. Col. Beard's family, Stephen and Anson Ford were with the Hayes boys, at this school. The winter of 1808-9, Peter Hitchcock, afterwards a supreme judge, was teacher. He took pork and provisions for his pay, and thus found support for his family in the time of scarcity.

Seth Burton was at school in 1812 in Esquire Hickox's store. Jerusha Guile taught. Burton, a lad 6 years old, was sent to the Hickox spring for water, and was complained of for soiling the water. On examination it was found he had tumbled into the spring. He gives the names of his classmates: Orson Finch, 6 years; Addison Hopson, 5; Harriet Cook, 5; Julia Russel, 5.

The First Frame School-house - was built on the northwest comer of the square, a little east of where the Congregational church now stands. Thomas Davidson helped to build it in the memorable year of 1813, when the war and rumors of wars kept the people excited.

The Academy

1804. It is not an unnatural thing that men deprived, in early life, of culture, should see to it that those coming after them should have opportunities for education. With what thought then went down the clips of John Ford's broad axe, as he hewed to the line on the timbers for the great academy, began in 1804. With Asa Wilmot on the score, he laid well the work, and his first blows in the new land were for education. The building was 25 by 50 feet, large for that that day, with rooms 20 by 25, and a 10 foot hall below, and a room for church above. It was to be sealed throughout with pine, and had brick chimneys and fireplaces. It was considered the most elegant building on the Reserve, at the time, and was the first erected for a literary institution. Not only was this material work begun, but as early as 1801, the territorial legislature had been petitioned by Rev. Joseph Badger, and others, to grant a college charter, so anxious were the settlers for education. The year 1803, the act was passed incorporating the Erie Literary Society. The first corporator named was Joseph Hudson, and the last Rev. Joseph Badger. Lands were donated in July, 1806. William Law gave 1,130 acres - the land to revert to his heirs, if ever the college should be removed from Burton.

The building began in 1804, was not so far completed as to be occupied until 1806. Ford and Wilmot working again upon it the latter year. Esquire Hickox says, Peter Hitchcock was the first teacher in the academy, and this winter of 1806 - '7 the scholars were very few, some of them walking 5 and 6 miles and returning home at evening. The first attendance being so small, it was probable there was no school in the academy the following winter. Stephen Ford relates going to school in Esquire Hickox's store building the winter 1S07

The winter of 1809-10, Edwin Ferris says he was in attendance at the academy, and remembers Anson and Seabury Ford, a daughter of Judge Stone's, afterwards Mrs. Patchen, then under Judge Hitchcock's instruction. The next summer and winter Gilbert Ferris taught, and the names of Theron Graham, Stephen Worthington, and Solomon Charter are recalled. One of the lower rooms and the hall had been finished. Mechanics had been at work, in the daytime, in the unfinished room. At night, in the early winter [December, 1810] fire was discovered in that room, before it had burned through into the hall. It was concluded to be the work of an incendiary, who had fired the shavings. The building was an entire loss. Ferris lived in a large log house. The inhabitants immediately built a smaller one adjoining, for his family, and he finished his school term, in his own house.

A string of red peppers hung on the wall, left there by the family. One boy offered another boy, much older, a jackknife if he would eat a pepper pod. It was done, and the knife claimed. The small boy said it wasn't worth the knife to eat the pepper, but admitted the bargain to the teacher, who asked the other boy if he would release the claim to the knife if the younger would eat a pepper. He said yes, and the younger boy was asked which he would do, eat or give up the knife. "Eat the pepper," said the younger boy, and with heroic will the little fellow ^wallowed it down. He was afterwards governor of Ohio.

Ralph Cowles - always beloved, taught in the house of Bradley, the hatter, below John Punderson's, and also in Lyman Durand's house, near where Dr. Lawyer now lives. He was skilled with the pen. This was after the first fire. He taught in 1814, and for two or three years thereafter.

The loss of the building, the coming on of the war, with its uncertainties, had a depressing effect, and it was some years before the trustees decided to rebuild. The foundation, from which it was burned, will be remembered by many a school boy, forty years afterwards, as being on the west side of the square, and almost in front and a little north of the present union school building.

In 1817, a new building, similar to the first, was commenced on the east side of the square, near where Almon Carlton's house now stands. It was finished and dedicated in 1819. In May, 1820, Mr. David L. Coe, a graduate of Williams College, Mass., opened school in this new building and the college work for all northeastern Ohio, went on under the care of the Erie Literary Society, and in charge of Mr. Coe, until 1824, and was continued under the original charter until 1834. The Presbyterian and Congregational churches of the reserve decided to add a theological department under the charter. Sickness incidental to a new country, had visited Burton the years 1823 and 1824, and this, with other causes, led to a decision of the churches to build, under religious control, at Hudson, Ohio, and for this purpose a charter was obtained February 7, 1826. This change of base was strongly opposed by Judge Hitchcock and others, and the success of the academy here and health of the country in after years, proved the fears against Burton groundless. Students came in from all directions, and to the thorough acedemic work of those years, in the early time Burton owes much for its high reputation throughout the Reserve and the State. The Tods, David and Ingersoll, the Wicks, Henry and Samuel, from Youngstown, attended, and there were the Austins and Hawleys from Austinburg, and Joseph, Jacob and Charles Perkins, of Warren, Moses Hampton and Birchard, afterwards both supreme judges, Walter H. Bidwell, an editor of New York, the Wallaces, of Brandywine in Cuyahoga county, and Joel T. Case.

Aaron Austin tells of walking from Austinsburg, through the Windsor woods and swamp, by Huntsburgh, in early winter, wading in deep snow and mud, with his pack of clothes on his back, and getting on to Col. Stephefi Ford's

David Tod, the war governor of Ohio, got on well in his classes, but always had time for fun. It is told how, one winter day, when a deep cut had been shoveled through a snow bank, he led others to fill the cut with wood, and when Mr. Coe returned from dinner, he had to climb the pile to get into the academy.

David Smith, now living at Chagrin Falls, tells of a liberty-pole that stood at the south end of the square the winter of 1821. Tod bantered Case to climb the pole, and Case pulled off his shoes and stockings, and climbed 20 feet when Tod caught up the shoes and stockings, and ran to Peter Beals, leaving Case to come barefoot in the snow, which was cold and deep. He was not too old when in the governor's office, to laugh over- the story of his fear of a large flock of geese which were always hissing at him, as he passed from John Ford's, where he boarded, by Hiram Cook's, on his way to school. One day he espied Arvilla Cook, a fascinating young lady, starting up town. He caught a brush, and went at the geese, making frantic efforts to pass the squalking flock, but all the time, careful to keep them yelling close behind her, most ridiculously, through the village. The boys, perhaps rougher then than now, but none the less generous, made grand men, as has since been known, in their day of trial Mr. Coe was much liked, and his school prospered. Beside the governors, who had a start in the academy, there were Judge Reuben Hitchcock, Rev. Dexter Witter and Lawrence Hitchcock, afterwards president of Hudson College. These three taught in the academy, as did, Dr. Ludlow, who afterwards practiced medicine in Auburn; Dr. Sherman Goodwin, Homer Goodwin, esq., the Hon. Peter Hitchcock and others of influence - whose names cannot now be recalled. This second building was burned on January 18, 1842. It was in a very shabby condition. The Disciple church offered to help pnt it in repair, and use the upper room for meetings, the town to have the school rooms below, but the whiskey party's jealousies were aroused, and the incendiary's torch made ashes of the house, and smoke of the plans. The lands reverted to the heirs of William Law, as shown on Recorder's books at Cleveland, vol. 30, p. 29. For much information, relating to the Erie Literal}' Society and the early action in removing the college, the writer is indebted to President Cutler, of Hudson College.

Another academy was built in the year 1845, west °f Methodist church. Of late, used for a wagon shop, it was burned down December 28, 1878, since the first chapters of this history were written.

At the close of the term in the winter of 1850, February 7 and 8, Thomas had an exhibition in the Congregational church, a large stage being erected in front of the pulpit. People gathered from the surrounding towns and crowded the church. How the memories come back from that far away time ! S. C. Ford recalls Delos Baxter and himself, in all the pomp of school-boy aire, repeating "Lochiel's Warning," and the writer, with trembling knees, flourished, oratorically, his high notions of uTrue Greatness." How has the ifleal vanished in the awful roll of the swift passing years! Other names come up: Le'ns Goodwin, Henry Cramton, Lawrence Bradley, Charles Miller, Chauncey Talcott, Lester Patchin, Samuel Cook, Harriet Johnson, Rhoda Herendeen, Lorilla Dayton, Permonaand Augusta Edson, Julia Thomas, Libby Cook, Emily Ford, Emily Brooks, Augenette Wright, and others, all big boys and girls then.

The evening of the 8th a party and supper was held in the academy. Mat responsibilities, what rivalries, what "pit pats" of the heart, as the big boy loves, saw the girls "playing off" with some "other fellow," espied over the shoulder, in that social gathering.

In 1868 a union school building was erected by D. Woodard, on the west side of the square. It cost $4,000; is 36x48 feet, and two stories high. The township board of education established a high school in 1866, which is conducted on the upper floor, and below is a primary and intermediate. The first term in the building was held the winter of 1868-9. A young man who has, by settled determination and energy, worked his way up to an education, and to the respect of his fellow-citizens, and who is now one of the county board of school examiners, has been for three years, and is the principal of the high school now, a working educator - Mr. Edward Truman. Those who preceded him were in the order as follows : J. A. Wood, one term ; B. S. Dean, one year : J. VV. Crenshaw, one year; F. A. Snow', one year; W. P. Cope, one year; Miss O. A. Udall, two years; J. F. Rodifer, one year.

Julia Chase taught in the district east of Page's about 1824. She received six shillings a week, and boarded 'round. Now ladies' wages average $16 per month, and men teachers $20.

Ed wan Ferris w'as a noted teacher, and had order and obedience in school. An instance of governing in the log school-house time, is related of him. He began a school in district No. 9, in K inland, where rowdy boys had generally broken up the school. The two ring leaders staid away for several weeks. At length they came one afternoon, spent their time whispering and laughing, making mouths and cutting up generally, until near time to close school, when he enquired of them what their object wras in coming to the school. They replied " we come to see the school." "Very well," said he, "you have seen the most of it. There is one thing to show you, that is of more importance than anything else we have here." So taking a good whip from the closet, that he had procured for an emergency, he fastened the door, and, taking one at a time, gave them a good thrashing. " Now," said he, "you have seen all, you can go."

The first settlers wrere of Puritan stock, and the same trust in God, manifest by those who sailed an unknown ocean in the "Mayflower," came to this border land.

Joseph Badger proclaims the everlasting gospel, for the first time, in Burton. One of his hearers, Elijah Hayes, now venerable, still is able to attend church, and he is the only one left. Among the scattered settlers of the great forests this herald of the cross traveled hundreds of miles, and sought to save souls. No settled pastors then. It is told of him, that traveling in the woods he was abstracted in thought upon some theological question, and his horse took a bridle path or trail, and wandered off the road. Started from his reverie by the howl of wolves, the missionary found darkness closing on him, and that he was lost. Tying his horse to a limb, he climbed a tree. The wolves snapped at the heels of his horse, were kicked, and went yelping away. Thus treed during the long night, he had full time for debate of mind, and no rest. At day dawn he w'as in the saddle, and traveled to his appointment

1808. Congregational. - August 2 2d, the Rev. Enoch Burt, sent by the missionary society of Connecticut, organized this church with eight members - Andrew Durand and Lowly, his wife, Marimon Cook and Lowly, his w'ife, Joseph Noyes, Easter Ford, Elizabeth Patchin, and Elizabeth Durand. Marimon Cook and Joseph Noyes were chosen deacons. Deacon Cook lived past the 50th anniversary, and died a few days after.

On Sunday, August 28th, the Lord's Supper was administered for the first time by Mr. Burt. Mrs. Parnall Bradley and Mrs. Eunice Beard united.

In this early day, occasionally came a missionary, and the names of Scott, Darrow, Leslie and Barr, are remembered. When there was no minister, lay public worship was maintained. Judge Peter Hitchcock, Esquire Hickox, Esquire Benton, and Judge Stone officiated as readers, and Jonathan Brooks as choirister.

The first meetings regularly held were in the academy. After it was burned, the ball-room of Peter Beals' tavern was occupied ; also the school-house on the square, and the 2d academy, southeast corner of the square. The present large edifice was dedicated August 30, 1836 ; cost $4000. About 1850, it was moved westward, off from the square, to its present location. This building was a matter of township pride, and a great many citizens bought slips. Carpenters of limited means, such as Thomas Davidson, Asa Wilmot, and Abel Cramton, gave $100 each and more, in work, and $5 to $25 for the bell.

It was first used for the funeral of Mrs. Vanduzer, and the bell, not yet in the steeple, was raised from the ground on timbers, and tolled. And from the belfry now, it numbers the years of those that pass beyond the verge of time.

Early used as a hall, when the fairs were held on the square, and a hundred yoke of red oxen were driven in front of it on exhibition; it was afterwards famous as the place of the trial of Luther Britton, for the killing of young Allen, of Thompson, a militia man, doing camp duty under General Paine. This was in 1845. The soldiers were marched from the camp ground, west of the church, and, stacking their arms in front of it, filed in, filling the galleries and floor. The trial was held before M. D. Merriam and John A. Ford, justices of the peace. Merriman Carlton made the arrest on warrant. Britton was under the influence of liquor and had been set on by others. There being some disturbance, a patrol guard was sent out, of which Allen was one. The fatal blow went to the heart. Col. W. R. Tolies was the first to reach the falling man. O. G. Hotchkiss was detailed, and went with Deputy-sheriff Stocking to Chardon with the prisoner, who was bound over. This trial in the church was solemn and the sad event cast great gloom over the county. The county court trial took place in the spring of 1846, in Chardon. Britton was pardoned by Gov. Bebb, in 1848.

In it Governor Ford, after the close of his term in Columbus, sat anxious to listen, for the last time, to Mr. Humphrey. During the sermon the life currents of his left side were clogged, and the Governor was never again *a well man. Paralysis had begun its work. In the year 1876 the building was rebuilt and thoroughly modernized, at an expense of $3,500.

Among the names, held with reverence, as officers, are those of Deacons Cook, Tomlinson, Hotchkiss, Linson T. Patchin, Gervase Spring, a<id Chauncey H. Johnson. The later ones, John C. Chillis, H. S. Tolies, S. L. Beard, and H. E. Ford.

The change in church or public sentiment is interesting to note. On the 1st day of Aug., 1836, a warrant was issued by John Cook, esq., an active supporter of the Presbyterian church, and served by W. M. Mastick, constable, as appears by the returns, on Marcus Cramton, chargedwith cradling wheat on the Sabbath day, July 31, 1836. At a later date, J. S. Cook, son of John, was called to account, by the church, for hauling in wheat on Sunday, to save it from growing, and M. D. Merriman, esq., a member, "was visited," and asked to relieve the conscience of the church, for allowing the towns people to gather at his hotel, on the opening of it as a "Temperance house," and dance until midnight, when, under the wholesome rule he had adopted, they quietly retired. He could not confess to any wrong, but did not afterwards allow fires built in the hall for a visiting party from Chardon, because of the conscience of others. In the year 1876, a grandson of John Cook's, the Hon. George H. Ford, was president of a dancing club, in which several of the younger church members took prominent part, and were known as fine waltzers. Now, men go unblusingly about their work on Sunday, in violation of law.

Ministry

The Revs. John Field, Simeon Woodruff, William Hanford, and other missionaries sent out by the Connecticut Missionary society, rendered occasional and temporary preaching services, during the first seven years after the organization of the church. In August, 1815, the Rev. Luther Humphrey, under commission of the above named society, commenced preaching in Burton and Claridon. On the 25th of October following, he was installed in the pastoral care of the church, and retained that connection until November, 1828. He was the first settled minister in Geauga connty. Mr. Humphrey was a graduate of Williams college, a man of moderate ability, genial, social qualities, and devoted piety. Mr. Riddle says: "He was a stout, sedate, solemn man, who wore the old-fashioned cocked hat, when he appeared as chaplain at regimental musters, and was always called 'Priest Humphrey.'"

Mr. Humphrey was a pioneer in the temperance reform. One of the first, if not the firsts in the vicinity, who publicly advocated the principles of total abstinence from all that can intoxicate. The novelty, and, at that day, unpopularity of the doctrine, brought on him much obloquy and even abuse. The advocates of rum are, perhaps, none the less abusive now than then, but where he stood alone, thousands, and tens of thousands, now stand in support of the position he then occupied. The following from his pen states a fact worthy of preservation: "The first, if not the three first buildings erected in Ohio, without whiskey, were in Burton. It cost a severe struggle, but the results have been beneficial to many thousands in different parts of the country." This first house referred to was Parson Humphrey's, and the same building in which Mr. Witter now lives, and has lived from the time Mr. Humphrey left. Under his labors the church had a slow, but constant, healthy growth. He died, a few years since, at the advanced age of more than eighty years.

Dexter Witter

so long a resident pastor in Burton, and so intimately associated in all the varied efforts for the mental, moral and religious improvement of her people, demands more than a passing notice. He was the son of Dr. Septimus Witter, and born July 18, 1803, in Hinsdale, Berkshire county, Massachusetts. In the fall of 1809, he came with his father's family to Aurora, Portage county, Ohio, where were spent most of his boyhood days. Here he commenced preparation for college, under the tuition of the Rev. John Seward. At the opening of the academic school in Burton, he came there and continued his studies, under its preceptor, David L. Coe, until the fall of 1821. At this time, in company with his school-mate and friend, Seabury Ford, late governor of Ohio, he entered Yale college. The two, in company, made the journey to New Haven in a onehorse wagon, being three weeks on the way. Completing his course, he graduated in the class of 1824.

Returning to Burton, for the next two years he taught the academy in which he had completed his preparation for college. Next he spent two years in studying theology, in Auburn, New York. He was licensed to preach in October,

1828, preaching his first sermon in Burton. The writer, then ten years old, well recollects hearing Peter Hitchcock and John Cork, as they were returning from church after this sermon, discussing the young minister. The esquire thought "he was not one of the noisy ones," while the old judge concluded, therefore, that "Aunt Polly Russell would not like him very well." Soon after, Mr. Witter was ordained and installed over the church, having accepted an invitation to assume its pastoral charge. After twenty years of service, in 1848, on account of failing health, his connection with the church was dissolved. During his pastorate many awakenings occurred, notably in 1831, and in the winter and spring of 1833-34. At this time a very general and deep religious interest prevailed throughout all the region.

In Claridon a revival meeting of great power was held, conducted by an evangelist - Rev. Mr. Foote. Mr. Witter aided, and the Burton church shared, largely in its results. The work of grace pervaded the entire town, and, as the result, fifty-seven were added to the church, March 16, 1834, and subsequently others, nearly, or quite doubling its membership. During these twenty years the number of church members was increased nearly five fold.

In June, 1829, Mr. Witter married Emily Moss, daughter of Jared Moss, of Oneida county, N. Y., formerly of Cheshire, Connecticut. She was also a niece of Judge Hicthcock. After a happy and helpful union of twenty-six years, she died suddenly, of dysentary, September 16, 1855.

The next eight years of his life, following his retirement from the Burton pulpit, were spent in efforts to regain health, and, so far as he was able, in supplying the churches in Middlefield, and South Newbury.

In the summer of 1857, on resignation of the late pastor Rev. E. Bushneffhe was invited to resume labor, and for the next ten years served the church, with such constancy as his impaired health would allow. Since then, until now, he has identified himself with the spiritual interests of the congregrtion, and met occasional calls for service, as health would permit. He is one of the most regular attendants upon the sanctuary, his seat rarely being vacant, and each successive Sabbath finds him at the head of his class in Sabbath-school.

For half a century he has been identified with the religious and social interests of Burton, a man respected and beloved by all the community. During the period of 50 years he has solemnized much the larger portion of all weddings occurring; has been welcomed at the bed side of the sick, and called by hundreds to perform the last sad rites at the burial of departed ones. His wonderfully clear voice, in winning accents, has told to this people the story of the Cross for nearly two generations, and he is affectionately known as the "father in Israel " by all the people, irrespective of creed. On the occasion of the semicentennial anniversary of the church organization, August 22, 1858, he preached a sermon of remarkable appropriateness, from Psalms xx, 5 : " We will rejoice

Miss Mary DeForest - of Cincinnati. This woman, early so gifted, and entering so much into Mr. Witter's later life, -should not be overlooked. Of New England origin, early in life thrown upon her own resources, she chose teaching as employment, and bent every energy to fitting herself for the work. At twenty years of age, in the fall of 1831, she came west, stopping at the young Queen City of Ohio. The journey, by canal and stage, occupied nearly four weeks' time. The spring of 1832 was marked by a great flood in Cincinnati and the surrounding country, as was the fall of that year by the first visitation of the dreaded cholera. This terrible disease, by its widespread devastation, caused so many to flee for safety that Miss De Forest's business was very much interrupted thereby - so much so, that she came to the northern part of the

State, teaching for a year, or more, in Talmadge and Wooster. From thence she went to Harrodsburgh, Kentucky. This place was noted for its springs, and as a summer resort for Southern people. Her home was with a family, on the paternal side of northern extraction, in high standing, to which came that summer a girl baby, afterwards the wife of Secretary Belknap. However, subsequent criticisms caused by her thoughtlessness may have been just, certainly nothing should attach to her family on this account, for none at home stood higher in the public estimation.

In the fall of 1835 Miss DeForest took charge of a large academical school at ML Sterling, Kentucky, thirty miles east of Lexington. Here, for a number of years, she was engaged in training to a higher education hundreds of fair Kentucky girls. An accomplished equestrienne, she took much pleasure in horseback riding, sometimes extending her rides to journeys of fifty miles. In this way she rode one or more times between Mayville and Mt. Sterling, it being fully that distance.

In the early part of 1842, impaired health forced her to take rest, but after a few months at the sea shore, the fall of that year found her again at her life work, in the city of Cincinnati. Here, for seventeen years, she labored in the " Wesleyan Female College," the first female college chartered in Ohio. Connected with it, when under another name, before its charter, to it she gave these best years of her life, devotedly and efficiently working, rejoicing and sharing in its growing enlargement and success, thus largely helping to establish it upon a permanent foundation. During these years, large numbers were added to the Alumnae and under-graduates. Of the three thousand in the institution from its commencement until i860, a great portion, for more or less of the time, received instruction from the subject of this sketch. Among these are noticed Mary R. Grant, of Covington, Kentucky, sister of General Grant, and Miss Simpson, a niece of the general, also of Covington, who graduated about 1848. Not least, if last, Mrs. President Hayes, then Miss Lucy Webb, of Cincinnati, who graduated in 1850. Thirty years have since passed, but her memory is still green in the hearts of her teachers and college companions, as does admiration for her, now fill the hearts of the American people. Miss DeForest, always decided in her convictions, and fearless in their expression, so carried herself in the many years she taught upon Kentucky soil, that, with her known aversion to slavery, she was still given a warm welcome to the homes and hearts of the kind-hearted, hospitable, and enthusiastic people, among whom she lived and taught. Once, riding in the stage with a leading politician, and others of that State, conversation was upon the subject, and, without hesitation, she said: "Slavery is legally right, but not morally." The Southerner's quick reply was valorous: "If you were a man, I'd hang you to the first tree."

She was a literary writer of some note, frequently contributing to leading magazines. The appended extract is from a poem by her pen, read before the Alumnae association of the college mentioned, in June, 1868, which was much admired, both for its sentiment and execution :

Since coming to Burton, as the wife of Mr. Witter, Mrs. Witter has been active in all those good works commanding woman's effort; as, religion, benevolence, temperance, etc. Especially, with her life-long habit of teaching, she has been very active in the Sabbath-school, still maintaining a large class of young, middle-aged, and older women, through which she has had much to do in training, developifig, and guiding their religious life and character. She still lives with Mr. Witter, at their pleasant home in Burton.

After Mr. Writer's forced retirement, on account of ill health, the pulpit was supplied, for one year, by Rev. George Kearcher, followed by Revs. L. Rose and B. S. Page, each occupying it several months. Next, Rev. Ebenezer Bushnell, a graduate of Western Reserve college, accepted an invitation to preach, and on the 15th day of January, 1851, was constituted pastor, continuing this relation until the last Sabbath in March, 1857, he closed his labors, having yielded to a call from another field. Under his labors, during the fall and winter of 1853-541 occurred quite an interesting revival, by which were added to the church-roll about forty names. In the fall of 1866, the Rev. Wm. H. Rice, of Oberlin, undertook the supply of the pulpit, but failing health forced him to abandon it. In the winter of 1867, the Rev. D. C. White was invited to occupy the pulpit: continuing in this service four years. Following him, was the Rev. G. C. Reed, for two or more years, and then Rev. James B. Hoyt, for three years, followed by Rev. Charles Cutler, the present incumbent - a clear-headed, thoughtful pastor, and pleasant Christian gentleman.

1811. Methodist. - The date of the founding of the Methodist Episcopal church is not clear. Mrs. Polly Russell fixed it, and Rev. Witter states it in his semi-centennial discourse, as about 1806. It seems more probable a Methodist exhorter appeard about that date. The Revs. Charles and Ewens are mentioned as first regular preachers. They were sent out by the venerated Bishop Asbury. Elijah Hayes well remembers hearing them preach in the first academy, he thinks about 1808. The first class was started by Elder Winans and a Mr. Riley. After the society was formed, Samuel Burton was the first class leader.

Seth Burton says he was baptized by " pouring," at Luther Russell's house, the year 1812, by Elder Young, and thinks the church was organized about 1811. He names the members at that time: Lybbeus Herrick, Priscilla Herrick, Seth Hayes, sr., Elizabeth Hayes, Ira Hayes, Enos Hayes, Lorin and Daniel Hayes, Mrs. Eli Hayes, Mrs. Joseph Hayes, Oliver and Sybil Hayes, Samuel Burton, Olive Burton, Polly Moss, Betsey Moss, and Susannah Babcock. Elijah Hayes gives the same date as Burton - 1811.

The first camp meeting was held in the woods south of Russell's house, a few rods, and near the spring. The underbrush was cut out and cleared away. The same great trees that shaded that meeting, are still standing. At a later day a camp meeting was held in a grove just northwest of where the present church 6tands. The tremendous voices of some of the preachers then, were so clear and strong as to be heard at Col. Stephen Ford's residence, nearly a mile east. Rev. Green preached in the 2d academy, southeast comer of the square, and in the summer his words, some of them, could be heard at Gilum Hotchkiss' house. Another meeting was at the foot of Weltorn's gulf, on lot 19. Lucius Merriman tells that the voice of the preachers followed up the gulf, and was quite plainly heard at their house, on lot 8, more than a mile away.

Cosiderable prejudice existed against the Methodists. It is related that Mr. Coe lectured his students and advised them in school, not to attend the meetings. When he was through, David Tod rose up, and in his cool way, announced a prayer meeting at Brother Durand's that evening and invited all who were present to attend.

One of the early preachers, long known as " Billy Brown," was preaching at the house of Andrew Durand. Harriet Cook and other girls, accompanied by Edwin Ferris, came in with ribbons on their bonnets. Brown turned his attention to the display, and reminded the young ladies that they would one day wear other dress - a "winding sheet and shroud." Then Methodists were known by their plainness; now, says "Father Mitchell," an old preacher, over eighty years of age, "they are known by the extravagance of dress."

Billy Brown was a rare preacher. In dead earnest he plead for the repentance of men. His eccentric ways and strange illustrations sometimes provoked mirth. He was an interesting speaker, and people turned out to hear him. Dr. Goodwun called him an educated man, and said he could give the whole anatomy of man, better than any surgeon he knew. His vigorous mind dealt with wrongs, dangers and damnation, with such force as only a remarkable tongue could utter. Old residents describe him talking of hell, his arms beating wildly, with fists clinched, and his tongue licking from corner to corner of his mouth, lopping out almost to his ears, while he told, in flaming words: "Brethren a-h, there is an impassable gulf a-h, between heaven and hell a-h. I see it a-h, with a long pole a-h across it a-h; people a-h a trying to cross over a-h. Unbelievers and scoffers a-h get on the pole a-h, and it begins to wiggle a-h and a wiggle a-h, and there is a great black dog a-h way down below a-h, and they tumble off a-h down to the black dog a-h, and he gives them the itch a-h, and they scratch and they scratch a-h for all 'etarnity' a-h."