Burton Township (part 7 of 7)

On quite my first witnessing a regimental muster at Burton, the old fashioned "general trainin," of that early time I was struck by a small squad of boys, from 7 to 10 or n years of age; in uniform, armed with neatly painted wooden guns, and to my militia eye quite perfect in equipment and drill. At their head was a fine spirited lad of the age of the seniors, in person, bearing and action, every inch a soldier and leader. I followed them about for two or three hours, and while they were at ease approached and addressed the captain, whom I found very accessible and pleasant. On inquiry I found he was Captain H. H. Ford of light infantry. Several years later, on a similar occasion, and when he was 17 or 18, I saw him again, then, with a bass drum in the drum corps, in a rifleman's uniform, and as I think, belonging to Capt. Ira Hoadle^s company. Of this last I am less certain. In the spring of 1838, I began the study of law under the late Governor Ford, and boarded at the Brooks', opposite Deacon Cook's, just below the old homestead, and became acquainted with * Cheshire Street. Col. Ford was then married, a thriving and driving young farmer. Charles Warren, a nephew of Mrs. Ford, worked with him that summer, and he and I quite at once became warmly attached young men, friends of the callow and plastic years of 21 and 22. I then, for the first time, became acquainted with Mr. Ford, an acquaintance that grew into a confirmed friendship, to continue unwaveringly to the end. For, among these years, when in Ohio, he has been the standard and type of excellence used by me in the estimate of other men I know, but few to be thus compared with him, of some I have said, "he is a Col. Henry Ford, kind of a man," and esteem this the best praise I can bestow. To me he always seemed the frankest and most transparent, natured of men. A man about whom no questions were ever asked, who never had to give references, who never had to contradict or explain things, who never had to take affidavits to support any statement of his own. In short, a man through and through every hair and fiber, a man one does not have to study to find out, nor to learn to like, but to be liked and trusted offhand and forever.

Nature was kind to him in the uncommon gift of rare, common sense, and in good measure. He might have enlarged its scope by more study. It could hardly have been more vigorous or more useful, a strong, tenacious, healthy natured man, who took hold of life with an honest, vigorous grasp, wrought and moulded things to good purposes, and applied them to good uses, who had an abiding faith in God, human nature and in doing right. A sagacious man, with enterprise and courage, kindly, just and generous. It has seemed to me that he is a type of men never too numerous, who are growing scarce and are passing away. The men of my years are apt to look with distrust on those of the new generation - men of new thought, new views and new methods. They will, doubtless, grow, develope and meet all the requirements of their time and in their way. The cities, the railroads and the new enterprises have robbed Geauga county of some of the choicest of them. Of those who remain, how many will reach the standard, fill the place and do the work of Col. H. H. Ford?"

This gentleman was born in the town of New Hartford, Connecticut, about the year 1786. He only had the benefit of a common school education, and he studied medicine with his brother-in-law, Dr. Thomas Brinsmade, and emigrated to Burton, Geauga county, Ohio, as we think, about the year 181 1, for the practice of his profession. At this time the country was almost an unbroken wilderness, and he was compelled to thread his way through the wilderness, only guided by marked trees, and, as he said in after years, when night overtook him, he would often be compelled to dismount from his horse, lay down on the ground, with his saddle-bags under his head, and thus await the morning. During the earlier years of his practice, his ride was very extensive, being frequently called as far north as Painesville, and as far south as Warren, and about the same distance east and west. The worst enemy to encounter in pioneer life was sickness. It was much worse in Ohio than it has since been upon our western prairies. Ohio was covered with a heavy growth of timber, and as it was cut down, and the sun let in onto the ground, and the soil upturned and exposed, it caused about the worst kind of malaria for the generation of diseases. Almost everybody was sick, and must have a physician, and the result was that Dr. Goodwin was compelled to visit almost every house and hamlet. He was compelled thus to endure a great amount of hardship and fatigue, and this told fearfully upon his vital powers in after life, during the last few years of w'hich, though not so old as to have caused any very great amount of mental decay, yet his mind was much impaired. In one of these long rides, he was one night lost in the woods west of Punderson's, but worked out to that hospitable house, rested, and went from there home in the morning.

At the breaking out of the war of 1812, there was a great call for volunteers, and a regiment was raised and started out about the month of August, 1812. It was commanded (as we believe) by Colonel Hayes ; the brigade was commanded by Gen. Simon Perkins, and all under the command of General Wadsworth.

Of this regiment, Dr. Peter Allen, of Kinsman, Ohio, was the surgeon, and Dr. Goodwin, surgeon's mate. The regiment marched up into the vicinity of Sandusky, and was there for a time, but did not join Harrison's army. Dr. Goodwin was in the vicinity of Sandusky for some time, located at Judge Abbott's, which was at the old county seat of Huron county, a few miles above the mouth of Huron river, near where Milan now stands. He was there at the time of Hull's surrender of Detroit. After that surrender, some of Hull's soldiers, released on parole, were sent down the lake in open boats, and they landed at the mouth of Huron river. Some of the settlers there saw them landing, and mistook them for hostile Indians. The news that a large body of . Indians had landed at the mouth of the Huron, was speedily communicated to the settlement at Abbott's, and they all prepared to flee. Dr. Goodwin was at the time lying sick of fever, and unable to go. Lyman Farwell came to him in the evening, just as the inhabitants were about leaving, and asked him what they should do with him. The doctor told him they would have to leave him, and let the Indians have him. He remained there that night, and all the next day alone - the only human being in the settlement. Towards evening, he heard the cows lowing, and the calves bleating, and he got up and crawled out to turn the cows in with their calves, when a man came along and told him of the mistake, and soon after, the citizens returned. At another time, he was riding across the prairie in the vicinity of Sandusky, and a shot was fired by an Indian, from the tall grass, and the bullet whistled past his ear. He turned his horse, and rode to the spot from where the firing came, but the Indian had gone.

It was while in the vicinity of Sandusky that he became acquainted with his wife. She was a Miss Dotia Gilbert, the daughter of Judge Gilbert, who had emigrated to Newburgh, in Cuyahoga, county, from Vermont. Miss Gilbert was teaching school at the time, and was the first female who ever taught school in the town of Milan. They were married at Esquire Ford's, in Burton. She died on the nth of November, 1846, and he afterwards married, as his second wife, Miss Lucy Wilder, of Painesville, and with her he was living at the time of his death. Dr. Goodwin had not the advantages for a medical education that are now afforded to young men, but he had what, at that time, was considered a good medical library, and always took some medical journal, by which he was enabled to keep abreast of the times, in medical knowledge. He was ahvays considered one of the first physicians of the country, and was sent for, far and near, in critical cases, both as attending physician and counsel to other physicians. He had been practicing over thirty years before he ever lost a case of parturition, puerperal fever. One of the ridiculous stories told of those marvelous days, is that a colored man died, was a good subject, and the doctors pickled his body in Edson's pond.

Sherman Goodwin - who studied medicine and practiced in Burton, until 1848, when his health failed, and being threatened with consumption, moved with his family to Victoria, Texas, where he has since lived, practicing his profession.

In the office, as this goes to print, is a gentleman, W. H. Chapman, of Troy, w ho was at the post-mortem examination of Truman Allen, of Montville, in 1845, and then, a medical student. He says that Sherman Goodwin was regimental surgeon of the Geauga militia, and, in that capacity, conducted the autopsy. Allen's body was taken to Jonathan Brooks' harness shop, where the post-mortem revealed an ugly wound in the heart. The cut was one and a half inches deep. The excited crowd had to be kept from the building by a strong guard. At the preliminary trial, held in the church, which was packed with spectators, the excitement was intense. At the autopsy, Dr. Goodwin acquitted Iiimself to the satisfaction of ail parties.

Homer Goodwin and Lewis H. Goodwin, - third and fourth sons, both of whom, after going through college, studied law, are practicing together in Sandusky.

Sold his property in East Haven, Connecticut, fitted out a wagon, often called a stage, when on the road, hitched to it three dark gray horses, and on the 18th of September, 1814, set out for the west. Being first to start from that place, near New Haven, some of the wise people, who had not enterprise to go themselves, called him crazy.

The maiden name of his wife was Patty Ives. The children, Eliza, 10 years old; Julia, 8, and Elias, 6, walked much of the way, while little Charley, 3 years old, sat in the wagon, and oftentimes sang the hours away. Henry was a baby in his mother's arms. On the mountains the quakers helped their team, and when offered pay, said "Nay; when thou seest thy brother in like condition, help thou him." At Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, they found Judge Kirtland with his wife, who was sick of consumption. In the house opposite where they stopped she died that night. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes went to render the Judge all the aid they could, and brought the sad news back to Poland and Burton. From Warren, it was woods, and the teams mired. A pair of stags, from a cabin in the woods, pulled the wagon out, and the family staid with the owner, a Mr. Walden, at the cabin, that night. Coming on to Young's, six miles from Burton, the next day, they put up, and on the day following were met by a team, from Burton, to help them through. Ephriam Cook and his wife came to meet them, and Julia rode behind her "Aunt Sukey" on horseback; one of the hardest rides of her life. They visited with "Uncle Ephriam's" people a while, then moved into John Ford's old house, for the winter, and finally settled, in the spring, on the Dr. Miner place, lot 55, towards the West branch and Oak Hill. It was also called the Noyes place - where T. Brown now lives. The log house had part of a floor laid in it, and no chimney, so they cooked by a fire, on stones, and the smoke went out at the hole cut for a chimney, until after plowing and planting, when there was time to finish the house. They set out flowers, and soon had bloom on the hillside. Julia remembers hearing that Dr. John Miner, who was killed at Chester, often said he hoped to die suddenly.

It has often been told, that the children saw so few white people in the west, that when a stranger came, they hid away under the bed. Samuel Hughes and Mr. Atwater called at the open door one morning, on their arrival from the east, and began looking under the bed. Mrs. Barnes understood their motions, saying with a laugh, as she met them, you won't find my children under the bed.

Mr. Utley and Mr. Riddle are mentioned as men of fine appearance, and very intelligent, with whom the family formed friendships. Esquire Riddle worked in harvesting for Mr. Barnes. Grists went to mill those days, with two of the girls, holding the ends of the bags, and walking beside the horse to balance them, 5 miles in the woods to Punderson's. So they would go with wool cardings to "Hauchet's" in Parkman. Harriet and Meritta Cook often went with them.

The little boy, Charles, shelled some rye in the field one day, and swallowed a beard, choking badly. Everything was done for his relief, but it was only for a time. He coughed, and a year afterwards, in August he died. He would say, "Don't feel bad. I'd rather die now. If I lived to be a man, I would have to die then."

Mrs. Barnes was a woman of fine, social and intellectual qualities, and the children's love was great for her. In the sickly season of 1823, she fell ill, and died September 16th, and was carried to rest by the river, east of their house.

whose house was always a home to the children. After a time Mr. Barnes married again. He did the first shop work in coopering, in town, in the ground floor, side hill part of his house. Elias was a manly youth. He went with Esquire Hickox as clerk, to Coshocton, where the canal job was being worked. He died there. Henry became a millwright, finally moved west, and was lost on a steamer he was taking to St. Paul, being blown up on Lake Peoria, Illinois. He was much loved by all his friends. He was a fine mechanic, and obtained a patent on tools for mortising and tenons on timber, in 1838.

Charles was a captain on the Ohio river boats, and went into the war of 1861. He was, at one time, a colonel of the famous Pennsylvania Bucktails, a regiment of athletic men, and was breveted brigadier-general for gallant service in the eastern campaigns. His body carries scars from the fields of battle. A brave soldier arid a generous hearted man, he resides with his family in Pittsburgh.

Julia married Langdon Chase, of Concord, and moved to Painesville. She now lives with her daughter, Rosalie, in Hastings, Minnesota, and has, at the age of 73, furnished valuable written memoranda for history.

Caroline married Andrus Durand, a blacksmith in Burton, for some time, but who finally moved to Minnesota, where she survives him. He died in 1864.

Robert Edson

Secured the endorsement of his townsmen, before setting out for the west, and, in accordance with custom, had the signature of the justice, to be understood, in effect, that there were no debts or judgments against him, of the selectmen, that there were no charges, and of the inn-keeper, on fair, and gentlemanly conduct. It reads as follows:

"We the subscribers - having been acquainted with the bearer, Robert Edson, for several years past, do certify, that he has served a regular apprenticeship at the blacksmith business, and acquired a handsome knowledge of his profession; -that he has hitherto supported a character fair for honesty and integrity, and is a young man of regular and correct habits.

This strong recommend is given here, as an interesting document of the "old-fashioned" days, when such a paper was good capital to a young man.

He was born at Bellows Falls, Vermont, in the year 1794, and learned his trade in Chester village. On arriving in Burton, he started a blacksmitd shop - the year 1816 - and went at the work of building a grist-mill, in company with James Gilmore. He afterwards had a saw-mill, and also a distillery. A man of great executive ability, and of untiring energy, he could carry on the different branches at the same time, looking out for the feed in the hopper, then crossing the race to the saw-mill, "set a log," and go on to the distillery, across the road, then to the shop - set a shoe, or "pint nails," - then again to the mill, attending all at once, and for himself. The first blacksmith shop was under the first mill, and the family lived up stairs, over the mill. With the new mill, built about 1835, was used the ox-tread power, when the water was low. The mills and the shop, worked by the enterprise of this active man, were blessings to the people of that early day.

He married Polly Umberfield. The first house' was a log one, north of the east and west road, and near the bank above the creek. A large frame house, built later, stands by the spring, south, and is now occupied by Caleb Johnson's family. Here his family of four daughters was raised.

Mr. Edson was an uncommon governor of his family, never harsh, but in kindness having obedience. His parents died when he was 1 1 years old, leaving him to struggle on alone in the world. He came to be a reader of books, a clear-minded thinker, and debater of public questions in a friendly way, with those who came to his mill. In politics a Democrat, he is spoken of by Ellison Sperry, then a strong abolitionist, with this kindly feeling and memory, as a man who was too much of a gentleman to ever get angry when discussing with his opponents.

Watching the advance westward, in 1840 he set out for Chicago. With broad views, he went north of the city, and obtained an eighty-acre farm, about one mile north of what is now Lincoln park. His first hbuse was on the corner of Clark and Superior streets, being almost the only house between that point and the bridge. Now, the city extends three miles beyond. He spent much of his time on the farm, and kept there a blacksmith shop, with tools, while he lived. When a young man, he made, with skill, a long hunting rifle, mounted with silver figures of deer, etc. It went, as a trusty companion, to Chicago, but was lost in the great fire, which swept down some of his buildings. In 1854 the family moved to Chicago, where Mrs. Edson died March 17, 1857.

Exercising a clear business judgment, he bought and sold real estate, and did something in the loaning of money. At one time he had property where the court house stands. His purchases and sales amounted to millions, and were conducted with profit.

He died in Chicago, May 21, 1870, and was noticed by the press "As a man of marked and peculiar character, of great energy and resolution, and came to be called eminently a peacemaker, a man of remarkably clear and just judgment." He became, without doubt, the wealthiest man that ever migrated from Burton, his estate being valued at more than half a million dollars. Thus, the youth, starting out with a simple paper of character, gained a great capital, and the respect of men.

Came from Guilford, Connecticut, to Batavia, Genessee county, New York, in the year 1 8 1 1 . The spring of 1818 found him with pack on his back wending his way on foot to Batavia, Ohio, now Middlefield, where he took up eighty acres of land, at $1.25 per acre. His location was near where Haney Robb now lives, and afterwards in Burton, east of Erastus Johnson's, on lot 70.

In raising his log house, he had three fingers cut off. In the fall he returned to "York State," and sent his wife and four children, with their goods, through in a lumber wagon, while he stayed and worked all winter, to pay the teamsters for moving the family to Middlefield. The spring of 1819 he came on the "Walk in the Water," the first steamer on Lake Erie, on her first trip, and was four days from Black Rock to Fairport. The next spring he made 400 pounds maple sugar, which was sent to Buffalo, and sold for three cents per pound, bringing $12, $10 of which was paid for a barrel of salt. Nails were worth 25 cents per pound, and wheat 25 cents per bushel.

Mr. Cramton was a joiner by trade, and also an undertaker, and made coffins for one dollar each. In fastening the lids, he nailed them down, as screws could not be had. In building his second log house, he took a novel way to get mud for the chinks. He shoveled up the ground, penned it around, threw on water, and turning in his hogs, gave them shelled corn, The hogs rooted the mud, and mixed it. He raised hogs to work.

He donated 45 days' work in building the Congregational church, and his family came often to church with cart and oxen. The children were: Truman, Marcus, Garry, Abel, Fanny, and Eunice Ann. Marcus still lives across the river. Garry, always an active business man, resides in the village.

In the academy, southeast of the square, Priest Humphrey preached Garry's funeral sermon, about 1825. The story was told by one Blinn, to annoy a girl living in Madison, Lake county, that an ugly black horse had kicked and killed Cramton. It was not contradicted, and the sermon was preached. Garry came home, after a while, and his mother sprang up, saying, "Garry, are you alive?" When traveling in Mississippi, with a menagerie, the end of the lion cage was smashed in, by the wagon upsetting. Garry sent on the proprietor, for the lioness' cage, and he stood in front of the broken cage, with a black whip, and kept the lion in until the other cage came. He rode the horses to water one night, and when in the deep gulley, he heard a panther scream overhead. The horses were frightened, and went out quick, escaping the beast after it yelled. Garry says there were but six frame houses when he came here (1818), and of all the men who were of age at that time, only Colonel Stephen Ford is now living in Burton. Teachers were paid six shillings a week, and taught in log school-houses.

Came, with his wife, to Willoughby, and rented Wert's mill ; afterwards moved to Mentor; thence to Burton, the year 1827, and located on the Ferris farm, lot 84, on Oak hill, where he remained most of his life. Their children were: Phebe Ann, Margaret, William, Eliza Jane, Andrew L., Simeon, Cordelia* Jenette, and Wheeler. For many years members of the Presbyterian church, they now both rest beneath the hill.

Andrew L. - the second son, was born in Willoughby, July 12, 1821. He was on the farm to the age of 20; then, in March, 1841, went to Cleveland, where he learned the wagon-maker's trade. In the Carltons' shops, on the comer, he carried on the trade for several years, and was successful, doing at one time quite an extensive business. Having a large interest in the cheese factory at Andover, Ashtabula county, his time is now much engaged there. His musical talent was utilized by the church several years.

The grandfather of this Fowler family was Andrew L., and he lived in affluence, on a large estate, at White Plains, in the time of the Revolution. Washington's headquarters was in his house. The general was at breakfast, when the bugle sounded for the battle. He said to his officers: "We are to have a hard fight to-day," and surely they did. The Federals used everything in the house, emptying feather beds and taking the ticks to use in dressing the wounded. The fight waged fiercely. Mrs. Fowler went to close a door, when a cannon ball struck the post, and carried it into the room, the ball falling spent upon the floor. The farm was large, and the battle swept up towards the house. The negro servants in chaige of the "plantation," confiscated what the soldiers had left, and one, mounted on Fowler's own horse, rode to the door, and, in a commanding manner, inquired "If Andrew L. Fowler was at home?" The old man leveled his rifle, but the darkey dashed off. The hogs, from a large lot, were driven into the cellar, and were all killed for the troops. His daughter had married a British officer, and while Mr. Fowler was, in principle, with the Colonies, the relationship caused him to stand neutral, and, between the Continentals and red-coats, his property was sacrificed.

The men who early took hold upon this land, to possess it, were of strong will and unflinching courage, brave in lonliness, in resistance to suffeiingand disease, determined to overcome and to enjoy. Of such was this comer to Burton, in 1829, James Peffers. Born in Kingsbury, Washington county, New York, September 4, 1800, at the age of 21, he packed all his effects in a handkerchief, and with 50 cents in his pocket, started west. With his brother Michael, they pitched upon a tract of land, near Chautauqua lake, cut a field, and sowed it to wheat, were dissatisfied, sold the crop, and moved on towards sunset. Relatives had preceded, and gone on to Illinois. He traveled on to the great prairies, and in several of the western States, but finally returned to Warren, Ohio, about 1827. He taught school one winter in Champion. A wagonmaker by trade, he worked at building plows, and April 15, 1828, went into Mr. Adams' employ, at $12.00 per month, in the store in Warren, and in buying stock. With the family of Mr. Adams his attachments were strong and life-long. November 26, 1829, he married Julia Bough ton, a lovely lady, sister of George Bough ton, and soon after moved to Burton. In company with George Boughton, he set up store, in the house where Dr. Lawyer now resides. "Eb" Stickney thinks he could have transported their entire stock in trade, that early day, in three wheelbarrow loads. Small beginning upon which to build a competence, such as these men both acquired. His wife died August 15, 1834, leaving three children ; Julia, who married E. J. Estep, a lawyer of large practice, in Cleveland; died there December 2, A78; Emily, married to D. J. Merriman; and Ellen, married to James Herendeen, both living. In October, 1831, at Franklin (Kent), O., he married the second wife, Amanda Wright, a lady highly esteemed, who now survives him. Lucy, their only child, was marrred to W. P. Russell, in 1863. They remained with the old people, in the care of the farm.

His family occupied a frame house, where the Hickox brick now stands, during the building of the present home on the five acres southwest of the square.

He continued in merchandizing about 25 years. Through the influence of Elisha Whittlesey, he was appointed postmaster, successor to Peter B; Beals, and continued 16 years, through four administrations, beginning in Jackson's time, 1830. Eighteen years he served the township, as justice of the peace. On Rocky run, he built a saw-mill. Long after it went do.wn he tilled his farm, along the bank of the stream. Part of the Rose property, and finally the Hickox farm, was his purchase. In later years, his time was much given tp agriculture. He was an interested supporter of the county fairs, served as chief of police several years, and always had cattle or something to exhibit. From Maryland, in 1858, he brought a full-blooded Devon heifer, and bred the stock. Since then, he has also raised Ayershires and Alderneys, doing much to improve the breeds. A man of integrity, and good judgment, the esteem of his townsman was expressed by his long continuance in office. In the State militia ol New York he was an ensign. In that State he had membership with the Baptist church.

October 21, 1879, suddenly, in the night, scarcely awakening him, the lnngs were paralyzed, and death came, claiming another of the early pioneers.

His funeral was attended, October 23d. Many citizens gathered at the house, to pay their last respects to the dead. Had he been sleeping, the face could have worn no pleasanter look than it did in this last rest, at the age of 79. In the closed hand were leaf and blossom, and on the coffin, a cross of flowers. Old men came to look upon him, who had long been one with them. Tears expressed unwritten words, "passing away."

The old pastor, Rev. Dexter Witter, conducted service. To this home had come the angel of death, and at the midnight hour the shadow had fallen, bringing sorrow and lamentation to the household. Text - Psalms, xc : 10. After service, beneath the hill, the young people sang sweetly, when he was laid to rest

In Danbury, Connecticut, a trading town, a trader was born April 6, 1808. This was the merchant whose name heads the page. His father, Eli S. Boughton, moved into Canfield, Mahoning county, in 1809, and carried on tailoring, employing several journeymen, and finally went into general merchandising. At the age of 10 years, George was clerk in the store, and at 14, book-keeper. Thus early he developed the talent of managing, which afterwards brought success. With one oi his father's men, he crossed the mountains, at the age of 18, taking to market fourteen horses. When the country was yet rough and wild, the girls were equal to many a brave performance. The Hon. Judge Newton's wife, now living at Canfield, used to aid George most heartily in breaking colts to ride. In the stable, she would hold a colt for him to get on, and in time, he would quiet and pet the 3-year-old, while she mounted for a ride. She took a seat in a wagon behind a wild Kentucky horse, and he began rearing. She was told to get out, but naively replied: " No, not until the horse gets in." A quick and active youth, he took delight in training young horses. One winter, his father had 40 horses in keeping, and a large number of cattle. George took two droves east, for market, encountering the rough life and exposure with vigorous energy, and doing the business well. In December, 1829, he reached Burton. In the store, then kept in Dr. Lawyer's present house, he was in company with James Peffers about two years, when they were joined by Richard Beach for a year. About the close of the year, Mr. Peffers sold out to Boughton, who continued on with Mr. Beach some ten years in the old Beach store. Finding reason for change, a cabinet-shop was bought of David Hitchcock, and in the small front room of it, Boughton opened store. Diligent and obliging, his trade increased, and he built up a fortune in this same store, which he enlarged to be a very convenient and roomy concern.

Lola Cook - born February 25, 1814, a lively girl, tall - with preposessing dignity and wondrous eyes - attracted the young men to John Cook's, and among others, Henry Ford, whose mischief and fun were irrepressible. Boughton, dressed with taste, and a Sunday neatness of style, wandered that way, of an evening, with some show of regularity, and visited at "Uncle John's. " The owls, when the evening grew long, hooted and disturbed Lola. He took down the old gun, and the woods echoed With reports of burnt powder, and the " terwhoots - her-whoo," were echoed again and again. The boys charged that Henry needed no more night sleep than an owl, and Lola knew it . Boughton continued his attentions, and they w*ere married September 10, 1834. With him, much in the store, when he was east for goods, she used to direct affairs at home, and often tried lard, and worked the butter, in those days of a cash and barter store. She foddered the cow, milked, looked after the chores, and did anything to help him along, but he did the breaking of colts. It was no less a credit then, to do all these things, " to make way in the world," than now, to make embroidery, and delicately touch the piano, to aid the husband along. She remembers the deer jumping the logs on the square, when she was a school girl, in the second academy. The pine trees, standing in front of their pleasant home, and opposite from the Dr. Goodwin brick, they brought from Oak hill, in 1835, in a buggy.

Somewhat of a hunter, he shot deer on the Umberfield lot, west. Harry Umberfield called him early one morning, and, east of Burton hill, his rifle brought from a tree a hen turkey. Imitating the call of the mother, he decoyed four of the young ones from their hidings, and the unerring rifle added them to his morning count. Under the old militia system, he was aid to General Ford, and, on the staff, did duty in the " general muster days."

In the saddle, he was master. No horse, though often it was tried, dismounted him. Many will recall those times, and his style, as a fine rider and good officer. On one occasion he and the general made a. brilliant display, both mounted and dashing away on cream-colored horses. The trips East for goods were long and tedious, taking four or five weeks to get around, and were made by boat on the lake, and by stage. On one trip, the stage was 1 2 hours making 14 miles, in the Cattaraugus woods. He handled all kind of produce, pork and cheese. In the early making of cheese, he paid 4 and 4^ cents per pound for it. After Mr. Beach, Silas Gaylord was in company with him; then Joseph Johnson, afterwards S. C. Ford, and then Marcellus Cook, and lastly, G. H. and R. N. Ford. He was postmaster for some time. The position of secretary and treasurer of the agricultural society was tendered him, and, on acceptance, he found 18 cents in the treasury. When he retired, the debts of the society were paid, and there was a balance of $500 on hand. The only suit ever brought against him, was by a railroad company, that came to be known as the "Clinton Air tight." He defended twice, and was sustained, but did not appear in court, only by his attorneys.

Members of the Congregational church, both he and his wife are its liberal supporters, and they gave quite a sum when the building was remodeled, in 1876. Having no heirs, they live quietly, in the enjoyment of a liberal income, and are much interested in . the two nephews with whom he is associated in banking. He closed business as a merchant in 1872. With others, he has done much for the upbuilding of the town.

In the seashore State of Connecticut, at Watertown, this unpretending man was born August 26, 1801. Beginning with the century, in his quiet way, he has lived up to the front of its advancement, in that he has seen some of the early purposes of his heart accomplished. He has known the resistless sweep of the oncoming tide of human events, bearing high on its waves, all races and classes of men, however proud, or however humble, to a common shore and common level, and thereby made equal before the highest tribunal of his country, and so recognized before all mankind.

Far back, when the doctrines of abolition began fermenting society, and pulpit and bar were hurling anethamas on the "Old Advance Guard " in the days of Garrison, Gerrit Smith and Douglass, he was on the picket line. From his house acrosss the way, he brought candles, got fuel, and "lit up" Carlton's wagon shop for the first Abolition meeting. Rev. Isaac Winans is said to have been the speaker. - Men came miles to hear, and they began to think. A newspaper, published at Oberlin, came to his house, and to two or three other families who were inquiring for light. The matter was serious, and excited his church to discussion. In one of their religious meetings, these Congregationalists debated the advent of the Oberlin papers in town, and charged that the "Devil with his cloven foot had come." The old Whigs stood off with dignity, and went "by on the other side," fearful that a Free-soiler might stain their garments, and the Democratic party laughed at so weak a thing.

Elder Peepoon came and spoke of th£ nation's sin, admonishing that the year of jubilee was coming. He went home with others of the then despised few, and dined with Esquire Merriam and his family. In some sense the family felt ostracized from society by the stand they had taken, but it was right, and they stood firm. Willard Beals, of Troy, was early with them in the work. Squire Benton, Mansel Wicks, Sperry and Taylor, with him, made a vanguard of strength, in the new debate that was finally to silence all opposition, and at last, to still the cannon's roar on the field of battle. Along the ways of his neighbors, when they met, the squire argued for man, equal before God, and at the shops talked of wrongs, oppression and fugitives. The suns rolled on, and a score of years went by. The squire's hairs were grey, and the bloom of youth had faded from the patient face of the wife, but the victory had come. The sword and the shield of the Union was the black man's weapon, freedom his boon, and the ballot, the right he had won before the world. The early Abolitionists were often sneered at in this intelligent town of the Reserve.

His wife, Emeline, a daughter of Johnson F. Welton, was born March 14, 1803. The marriage occurred January 1, 1823, and they emigrated to Burton in 1831, settling in the woods south, on lot 67, where M. Adams now lives. After a time, they moved from this farm to the Seth Hayes place, east of Russel's, and afterwards to the Beal's tavern. He built a commodious house, and now resides there. He had the contract of rebuilding the lower bridge over the Cuyahoga in 1853, doing a large job that summer. Always held in high esteem by his townsmen, he served them, in the office of justice of the peace, from 1837 to 1846, and several years as assessor.

One night Elisha Carlton hitched his oxen to a sled, Merriam, Marc Dickerman and Marc Cramton each a pair on a head, and, with their wives, drove to town and attended a temperance meeting held in the old academy. Squire Merriam was called to be president of the society when organized. The pledge was circulated and signed by the women and others. Dickerman and Cramton would not sign, and the women refused to let them ride, but the two "Marcs guided the team off by Umberfield's tavern, and went in to get the drinks, and

"steam up." The other drivers started the team on, and left the thirsty ones to overtake them as best they could. As they were left behind that night, so the influence of the tavern has ever held men on the road of life. Write it now, on the finger-board by the wayside, to be read of all men - the bar-room walk is the way of ruin to every young man who seeks it. In the various efforts favoring temperance, he was always ready, and opened the "upper hotel" without a baT, and kept it strictly on principle, a good and well patronized house, a public benefit and honor to his town. The children are:

Mary A. - born November 28, 1823. She married Arthur H. Thrasher [see biography], December 19, 1850, and to them was born a son, Albert J., May 3, 1858.

Martha K. - Girls at home, in the unrestrained freedom of the farm, these two sisters grew up bright of eye and light of heart, with a natural ease of manner to which culture gave the tone of gentility. Firm in their opinions, they came to the support of the father in his decided stand for human rights, and were not ashamed to be known as abolitionists.

Joseph R. Johnson, son of the old hunter, John Johnson, of Middlefield, came to be a clerk in George Boughton's store. A young man of larger views than many of his friends knew, he was too broad, in mind and disposition, to be cutting ribbons and tape, but he had stepped into the work, and how much ever he might have dreamed of the wide world and the walks of higher cultivation, his duty must first be well done here. His bold, heavy pen stroke, still drawn on the store books, denotes how strong a man he was. By and by he became a partner with Mr. Boughton. Martha might have deftly culled the newest styles of prints, the gay patterns of which he was happy to «how to so pleasant a customer. I don't know as to that, only the record is, that one of those balmy days of spring, they were married. It was May 24, 1849, and this is true, that in one of the coziest little homes, next south of the store, they were happy and content. To them was born Anna, February 24, 1853, now grown to womanhood, a young lady of culture, and possessed of the good sense inherent in both father and mother, and that rare independence of the grandfather, which held him to principle rather than policy. Joseph Johnson was a friend to the youth of his time, and ever ready to aid any one, having pure motives, to rise higher. Sickness came, and he died, when his work had just begun, alas too soon. The day was September 9, 1856. He sleeps east of the village, and the afternoon of the maple tree's shade falls on the grave of one of the best of men, who went down in the morning of life. The widow is at home in the house of her father,, and the granddaughter enjoys the old mansion and its stories of yore.

William Cay

Yes, sir! "Grandpap" Umberfield brought the first pigs into town from Warren, and the first cat. fretting up early one winter morning he found seven Indians lying on the hearth. They had crept in, and said they didn't want to "sturb white man Umberfield." One of them claimed to be pious, and said " grace" at breakfast that morning. On a hunt, they shot a bear and he fell into the crotch of a tree, one Indian tied his feet together, and climbed up the tree like a squirrel. He poked away with a pole, and the bear was so fat as to split open when he fell. " Pos -t-i-v-e fact." One day the lightening struck a cherry tree with scythes in it, and dashed things flying, knocking Harry Umberfield into the mud. Grandpap came hurrying out and saw the young man before he

Mr. Cay was born in Cheshire, Connecticut, August 3, 1803, and Mrs. Cay in Watertown, September 17, 1804. The children, Frederick and Willis, were born in Cheshire, and John in Burton, whither the family arrived June 28, 1833. The goods were put in a one-horse wagon (weight 1,100 pounds), and with the family came down every hill to Albany, Buffalo and Painesville without locking a wheel. In crossing Grand river the water ran into the wagon. With $163, less expense of journey, buying one meal a day, at taverns, and bed at night, they made the journey in 16 days, sound and right, and stopped at a house just north of Deacon Cook's. In early winter he moved to a log house by a spring, half a mile east of his present home, on the Bendy farm. His first purchase of good land was a farm of 60 acres, at $5 per acre, and afterwards upwards of 40 more at about $20, or 100 acres at $1,200. Present value of 140 acres, he at $9,000. He cleared, by means of his own hand-labor, 75 acres of his farm, and some 100 acres for other people.

With his wife, who had ague one season, he went east in 1837, by lake and canal, and returned in September. Working by the day, he was at Deacon Cook's early in January, called him up in the morning, threshed out 9 or 10 bushels of wheat in a day, with a flail, bound the straw, and at sundown, would walk home, 3 miles, and feed his cattle. What would some of the hard worked laborers of this day, who begin at 8 and quit at 5, say to 50 cents a day for such work. In his early morning calls, from his house over the river, he was mortified in disturbing Deacon Cook at family prayers. At the age of 64 he dug from one-third of an acre, in one day, 92 bushels of potatoes. " Pos-/-/-p* fact; leave it to Fred." This was in 1867, and the potatoes sold for $1 25 per bushel.

Rested, on the 26th day of May, and gathered his family about him in Burton. How much of misgiving laid clouds above the green wood of that day, or how much of hope was in the sunshine and rainbow of promise that came with the passing showers, it matters not. In the high noonday of his life, this great worker, strong in experience, changed from the business of the East to Ohio, with a large family, determined to raise them well, on that noblest field of development, the farm. One hundred and sixty acres of lot 68, where Albert Tuttle now lives, was bought at $8.00 per acre, and on it he settled. In "old Worcester," Mass., that beautiful city of the grand New England hills, he was born, in 1779. Thirza Tredway's birth was ten years later - 1789. Their wedding took place in 1804. In Rutland, Jefferson county, New York, they owned a large farm, and, in connection with it, he conducted an extensive trading and store business. He was a "cutter" by trade, and "did away" with piles of goods, busying several hands at the tailor's bench. He did something at it here, and careful was the clip of his shears, even in the coarser homespun of this new country. In the society's rooms is an illustrated "fashion plate," ot the styles used when he was in trade. The fit of a gentleman was drawn as closely then, as now.

Mason in the time of the excitement created by the mysterious disappearance of Morgan. A faithful and attendant member of the Methodist church, and a strong leader, it came about that the brethren decided he must give up Masonry, or be cut off from the church. He did neither, but demanded a letter from the church, which could not be refused to him or his wife. On coming to this country, it was not presented to any organization, but he kept his religious faith firmly to his death, which occurred December 5, 1846. He had reading of the Bible and family prayers. Mrs. Johnson survived him many years, dying April 16, 1874. They sleep by the river.

Daniel L., - the 4th son, married Minerva Brown, March 1, 1846. He began the cabinet business, and worked first in what had been Jonathan Brooks', jr., harness shop, on the spot where Slitor's store now stands. What changes in life. Two sons were born to them - William, athletic like his grandfather Brown, and Charles, a bright boy who died young, and the mother, a few years later, April 10, 1874, followed him to the long rest The father married her sister, Harriet Brown, January 22, 1877, and now the shop in which he first worked, stands across the street, north of the brick block, remodeled into a neat little cottage house, and in it he finds the quiet of home.

He continued in the furniture business, with success, for t6 years; was 12 years postmaster, coming in after Mr. Sherwood, who was a partner in the cabinet work; elected justice of the peace in 1874, he served three years. At one time he conducted a flourishing trade in general merchandising, but in the depressing times after the war, troubles came. A fair-minded man of high tone, he has held the respect of his fellow-men and their suffrage, more than once, as justice and trustee. His time is now engaged in one of the brick stores, in the employ of S. Ehrlich 8: Co. With the first band, he was ready to do his part, as now he is with the Citizens' band, and was always a lover of music. His step behind the great bass drum, is always with the tremendous beat of its heavy resound. In the service of his country, with the 100 day men, he was ready and prompt to duty, in the 171st Ohio national guards. He holds his certificate from Abraham Lincoln, expressing the thanks of the president to each of the members of the regiment for their patriotism in the days of the nation's great peril.

The middle name of this man, dates back to the blood of the revolution, shed on Bunker Hill. General Warren, who fell in that battle, was an ancestor on the mother's side. His great-great-grandfather was one of the original settlers at Providence, Rhode Island, and lived in those dark days when houses were supposed to be "bewitched." He was captured by the Narragansett Indians and burned alive. His wife's father, Edvvard Ellis, was in the battle of Bunker Hill, and recollected seeing Putnam ride back and forth, urging the raw militia to cross the neck onto the hill. Mr. Wicks was born in Halifax, Vermont, December 15, 1786. He emigrated to the Blackriver country in New York, and volunteered in defense of Sackett's Harbor, in the war of 1812. Going to Massachusetts about 1808, he found Miss Sabra Ellis in Deerfield whom he married, and the newly made pair rode to the Blackriver country on horseback. In the fall of 1832, he came to Bundysburgh, Ohio, and during the month of March, in the following spring, settled on lot 40, in Middlefield, just east of, and near Abel

Cramton's, and was considered a citizen of Burton. He began clearing the deep woods, and was helped by his youngest son Obed, in turning the wilds into a well-improved farm. From the woods north of Eli Fowler's, the deer had a run-way to the south woods - a heavy body of timber lying east of Monroe Moore s, Jolly's and the Bartholemew's farms. This run-way w'as about sixty rods east of Wick's house, and the beech trees now standing by the roadside, were used by the hunters to hang the deer on. One day James Pierce, from the east, went out with John Johnson, who had loaded Caleb Johnson's shot-gun with seven balls. Pierce was no hunter, but took the place assigned him, to wait for the deer when started up. Obed, then a boy, who was with the party, took the hdunds away north, and drove out the deer in a herd. When they came in sight, along the run-way, Pierce was told to fire. The flash of the gun blinded him, and its kick laid him on his back. Getting up, he growled out something about his shoulder being broken, but John, at this moment sang out, "you've killed a deer." His shoulder was well in an instant, and he ran to the fallen animal. He felt extremely proud of the gun that brought down game at both ends.

Mr. Wicks left the farm in the care of his son, Obed, and was for some time in the employ of George Boughton. A quiet man, full of stories, and a smoker, his pipe will be remembered in that store.

His trips, of 1,000 miles, to visit his sons, at Council Bluffs, Iowa, were often made; and on the last round, returning from there the twelfth time, he stopped at the call of a Higher Power than that of man. From the wilderness of Ohio to the wild prairies of the west, by boat and by river, he went, and when railroads were built, he took the trains. Returning home, to see his youngest son, at Cleveland, he left the cars, on the night of July 3, 1866, and becoming bewildered, walked off the dock, near the old depot, into the lake, and was drowned. The body was found on the 7th, and the writer, then living in Cleveland, was called, with S. C. Ford, to identify the remains, which had been placed in a room on Water street. Word was immediately sent to his son, Obed, at Burton, who came quickly on the sad errand, and returned with the remains, which were buried in the cemetery, at Middlefield, on July 10th. He was a generous man, and always kind to his family. His wife died P'ebruary 10, 1837.

Mansel - the second son, went to the same place, in 1847, and still lives there. He was one of 'Squire Benton's converts to the Liberty party, and stood, a first and fearless advocate of equal rights. He was prominent in the building of the Union Pacific railroad, and is now quite well off. When here, he worked at tailoring, over Boughton's store, and could argue, with his legs crossed, as well as sew, and the boys used to go in and beg him to tell stories of whaling voyages, and the sea.

Obed - the youngest son, was born January 1 1, 1825. He kept the old farm for many years, and cultivated it in an intelligent way - reaping profits therefrom. Finally, after having sold, he located on the place where Ira Hoadley so long lived, on lot 49, where he now resides. The clearing of this lot was commenced by Deacon Fabian Beard, who had worked for 'Squire Law until it was paid for. Obed has cleared up the swamp part of the farm, which was utilized by hunters and trappers only, and has made of it a large pasture field.

Probably the biggest day's chopping ever done in this township was by Obed Wicks. It is remembered by William P. Russell. Wicks having bought a pair of fine boots from Russell's father, which were to be paid for in chopping, be started for the woods at sunrise, chopped until noon, and, without stopping for dinner, concluded he could finish the job in one day. When night came, be

Came this year and located on the Barnes place, and afterwards moved where Corlos Williams lives, on the square, where he died in 1844. He did considerable business in the loaning of money. Frederick occupied the farm many years. Lewis J. lived on lot 18, near the gulf, where he died in 1846. Mr. Wei ton was married to

Sarah Bronson - the year 1794. She was bom in Waterbury, Connecticut, December 15, 1767. At the residence of M. D. Merriam, esq., December 18, 1867, there was a family gathering to celebrate her centennial birthday. She was active and lively, enjoying the occasion, in good health, and having a clear eyesight. Sixty friends sat down to dinner with her, and beside her sat Susan Bronson, a maiden sister, aged 84, who had come on from Connecticut to be with her at this centennial gathering. Many letters and sentiments were sent in and read on the occasion. At so advanced an age, a few days later, she rode one day comfortably in a sleigh, with her son Frederick, from Chardon to Colamer, a distance of some 22 miles. She was the mother of ten children, eight of whom survived her. Mrs. M. D: Merriam and Mrs. Sarah Ford, two of the daughters, live in town. Her death occurred March 23, 1870, at the remarkable age of 102 years, 4 months and 8 days, the oldest person ever dying in the township. Her age was exceeded by Mrs. Waters, mentioned by Judge Taylor as dying in Claridon, at the age of 104 years and 10 months. At the time of her death, the oldest of her children was 72 years, the youngest 55. Her grandchildren were 40, great-grandchildren 56, and great-great-grandchildren 3, making, in all, living and dead, 109 lineal descendants. She was a member of the Episcopal church.

Mr. Gaylord was born in Cheshire, Connecticut, in the year 1812, and at the age of 22, was married in Cheshire, October 8, 1834, to Miss Mary, 'a daughter of Capt. Stephen Tuttle, who had decided to share, with this wellproportioned, fine looking and resolute young man, a wedding trip to Ohio, and help to build his fortunes in the west. How the days of the honeymoon went swiftly by, as they journeyed on the "Old Canawl in York State," with a gay and social party, in the cabins, and on the decks of the famous regular line packets. When past Erie, the woods and rough staging, had in it much of adventure, while hopes for the future, kept bright the pathway of the young couple. They went east the next spring, and he traveled and sold goods in New York. In 1836 he was again with Mr. Griswold, and they carried on an extensive tin business, keeping several teams, busy selling through the country. Jamison, of Warren, worked for him, and William Gaylord learned the trade in their shop. His brother, Raymond, built the house, afterwards owned by John A. Ford, west of the square. Silas and his wife boarded there.

There was great demand for brass kettles, and this enterprising firm sold them extensively. The Mormon settlers at Kirtland were large purchasers, and paid for the kettles in Mormon bank currency, the sum of $500. This was presented at the bank counter, and the coin demanded. It was paid, and the bank soqn failed, creating great excitement in the country. Gaylord found it convenient to be in the east until the storm was over. He always claimed that this $500 gold, removal, "scooped the bottom rock," of that famous institution.

In 1841 he lived in Chardon, and conducted a tin-shop. On account of health, he went to Maine, and off the coast in a cod-fishery excursion, and also went south. Returning, he employed Mr. Miller, an Englishman, and set up the tanning business in John Cook's shop. To compel out-door labor, as he needed, for some years he bought and kept stock on the farm north of Chapman's, on Oak hill, and worked there. Going again into trade, his partner was Nathan Tuttle, and they occupied a new store, on the east side of the street Afterwards he was' in a Farmers' store, in the Beach building, then in company with Mr. Beach, and, later, with Mr. Boughton. Finally, he built the new store, next to Boughton's, and, in partnership with his son-in-law, C. A. Hawthorne, occupied it. During the war, they carried on an extensive general mercantile business. Henry Tuttle was last in company with him. Elected commissioner, he was very active and useful to the county in the time of the war, spending money and labor in the recruiting service.

With persevering industry, and by large business capacity, he labored faithfully through all the "ups and downs " of life, and gained a competence. Occupying the old homestead, where his father lived, with a house full, of three families - the father's, wife's father's, and his own - his choicest nature shone out at home. Genial in his social intercourse with all, they gathered about the fire, when he came in the evening, for the later hours' chat, or for reading of books, aloud, as was often done by one of the family, for the circle, and in that finer, and more exclusive sense, were happy with him at home, where all real social life should find its foundation and its enduring strength. Independent in action, he was a good citizen, and his social ways drew to him many a traveler along the roads of trade and commerce, for enjoyment in story-telling, whiling away the moments of rest.

A little son, Freddie, born September 17, i860, was prostrated, as were the whole family, by dysentery. He died August 24, 1865. Old Mrs. Gaylord followed him, September 9th; then, Elizabeth Tuttle, at 9 p. m., September 14th, and young Hawthorne at 10 p. m. the same day. Captain Tuttle died September 26th, and Silas Gaylord, sr., November 17th, the same fall, and Mrs. Tuttle the next spring - May 31st. This awful desolation left only Silas, his wife, and daughter, Mrs. Hawthorne - only three of a family of ten. He died June 2, 1872. The older ones, from the care of his strong manhood, so kindly given them, had gone first. Vacant the places, the circle swept away, and in the shadow only two - the mother and daughter - remain, still expressing to the passers at their door, in cheery way and act, the influence of independent culture in that home. Mr. Gaylord, and the three families, were all members of the Congregational church. They were laid to rest in the upper cemetery.

Almon B. Carlton

Was bom on lot 79, in a log house, February 19, 1815. The loss of his father occasioned a change in the family, and Almon went to live with Hiram Cook, when he was 7 years old, and remained with the family until he was 16. His uncle, Hiram, was a kind man, and cared for him as a father, and his boyhood recollections of " Aunt Lorinda," in those far away years, bring to his heart, the home-feeling of care and sympathy in that family.

With Rufus Hulburt, in Claridon, he worked to learn the carpenter's trade, at the age of 19. In the winter of 1835-36, he helped finish the inside of the Congregational church. An energetic workman and builder, he was the contractor in the construction of the last academy, and also built the Brewster house, and many privateresidences, continuing to do something at the trade until about i860.

His first marriage was with Caroline Herendeen, January 9, 1842. Their children - a son, Charles, and a daughter, Marcia - are living. Three others died young. The wife died May 29, 1858. After four years, he was married to Mrs. Clarissa Case, of Randolph, Portage county, February 23, 1862. On the spot where the second academy stood, on the east side of the square, he put up a neat dwelling in 1863, where he now lives, enjoying, quietly, the autumn of life. From the first he has made headway in the world, and has always been a good liver. Offices of the town were frequently pressed on him, but, desiring to be free in action, and independent in the expression of opinion, he would not accept office, only serving as trustee a short time.

In 1863, while Salmon P. Chase was secretary of the treasury, Mr. Carlton was appointed assessor of internal revenue, for the south part of the county. The duties were so faithfully performed, that, in a subsequent change of officers, he succeeded to the charge of the whole county. He served in the latter capacity four years, making a total of eight years of public service. The secret service agents made no call on him, and while all just dues went direct to his superiors, the delicate points were so well adjusted with tax-payers, as to leave Mr. Carlton strong and faithful friends throughout his district.

Always active in the up-building of his town, he has given five years of service, as agent for the Building company, free of charge, and has always been ready to act for what he deemed the public good. Taught temperance by his father, he has helped many a poor fallen one up, and encouraged them to regain position, and has been an active worker in nearly all societies for the suppression of the liquor traffic and intemperance.

*A mason, in religion orthodoxy is [more of that church than any other, and, though not always a regular attendent, his money has been given in support of the regular churches. His early recollections of the people here, have cast light upon many facts for the Pioneer History, and revived the story of occurrences long since forgotten.

Jacob B. Coffin

The subject of this sketch was bom in Hudson, Columbia county, New York, May 4, 1842, and was the eldest son of Simeon L. and Phebe A. Coffin, who were lineal descendents of one of the oldest and most respectable families in the city. The ancestrial line of the father, follows back to the "Old Admiral Coffin,'' of the British navy. His father went to California in 1848, and died there a few weeks after his arrival. His mother, thus widowed, was left with meager sreources on which to support herself and only son (two other children having died), and was compelled to labor hard in order to provide the necessities of life, hoping in the future he would be able to lift the burdensome load from her shoulders - a hope which she lived to see fulfilled. He was apprenticed to the printer's trade at the age of 12, entering the office of Alexander M. Webb, of the Hudson Daily and Weekly Star. Here he served his time, and then accepted a position on the America, (N. Y.) Times . When the war broke out, he became restless, and finally, in August, 1862, enlisted in the 128th New York volunteer infantry. This regiment served with distinction under General Banks, in Louisiana, and General Sheridan in the last Shenandoah valley campaign in Virgina. Coming out of the war somewhat shattered in health, Mr. C. sought rest, and by careful treatment regained his usual good health. He once more entered upon his professional duties. He was married November 30, 1866, to Cornelia G. Miller, and the year following, moved (with her father's family) into Onedia county, New York. He continued at his trade until August, 1873, when he came to Ohio and became a partner in the publication of the Andover Enterprise. The following year he disposed of this interest, came to Burton, and founded The Geauga Leader , the first number of which was issued December 18, 1874. He has been successful in business, and is now free of debt. Truth and honesty have been his guiding stars, and consequently he has a reputation that none can gainsay.

Years gone by, Deacon W. W. Beals commenced to write a history of Troy, in the form of what he was pleased to designate as a "Lay sermon," taking for his text, Psalms xliv, i, to wit: "We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old." It is my purpose to follow, somewhat, his plan, but will adopt a text not found in Holy Writ, and which contains but three words: "Then and now." And first, let me say, if any one desires to "pursue knowledge under difficulties," to such I can cheerfully recommend the attempt to collect reliable data, whereupon to write a history of Troy. In writing, I labor under three great difficulties : I do not write with the "pen of inspiration;" I was not here to see, and "the half has not been told me." Those who knew most, are all dead. But one is now living who was here in "early day," and he was but a lad of ten years when he came. I refer to Mr. Osman Beals. To make township history interesting, anecdotes are needful to serve as "chinking," and of these but few have been thus far furnished me; which deficiency, it is hoped, will be supplied at some future time.

Just a word or two to the lads who are new merging into their "teens." If, instead of ruining the "feather edge" of Alonzo Hubbard's bench planes, on "Granny Hunter's" old cast-iron tea-kettle; or scattering "Uncle Zeke" Lamson's pumpkin vines, which he had so carefully gathered; or making "witch quills," and discharging them through cat-holes, to the utter dismay of neighboring children - I say if, instead of all this, and much more, I had been occupied with my books, I should be able to give to my readers a much more presentabje sketch than I now can do. If at times I shall "murder the king's English," please bear in mind that, during the past thirty years, I have had a far more intimate acquaintance with cast-steel than with "Kirkham." If, at times, I shall misapply words, please also bear in mind that when I was a youth, t* Webster's Unabridged" was not in the hands of the masses, if, indeed, it had an existence.

In compiling the following historical sketch of Troy, the writer cheerfully acknowledges the assistance rendered by Deacon Beals, Mrs. Emily Pike, Mrs. Caroline Nash, and many others, in collecting data whereupon to indite; and, finally, let it be borne in mind that Troy was settled at least ten years later than some of the surrounding townships, consequently the more terrible hardships which they had to encounter, our pioneers did not experience.