Camden Township (part 4 of 5)

St. Joseph's Society was founded in the month of December, 1871, by members of the Catholic Church. Its object is benevolent. Members are entitled in case of sickness to the aid of the society, and in case of death assistance is extended to the family. The officers elected at the time of organization were: president, Rev. R. Reuchey; vice president, Herrmann Rauders; secretary, M. Z. Gach; financial secretary, Henry Plato; treasurer, John E. Plato. The present officers of the society are: president, Rey. Joseph Roemer; vice president, Henry A. Plato; secretary, M. H. Fehrenbach ; financial secretary, John H. Plato; treasurer, John E. Plato; Marshal, Joseph Wesbecher.

Fire Department

A volunteer fire department was organized in the spring of 1876, and a good hand engine purchased for the protection of the village from fire. H. OC. Smith was twice elected foreman, and then chief of the department. The first chief was one Steele, and the second Joseph Trost. He resigned and John Northam was elected to fill the vacancy.

The first post office at North Amherst was kept in a frame dwelling house on Main street. Judge Josiah Harris was the first postmaster, and his term of office extended through forty-one years. He was followed by Dr. A. A. Crosse, who held the position but eight months, and he by Homer Terrell, who occupied the office four months. The present postmaster, A. M. Crocker, has held the office for eleven years, and given universal satisfaction. North Amherst post office was originally known as Plato: The name was changed in 1866,

The first store in the village was built by a Mr. Mills, and now stands on Elyria street. William Walker built a store on this street in 1837. John Goodell, the first blacksmith, settled at the corners in 1828. The following is believed to be a complete list of the merchants, (firms and individuals) of North Amherst, down to the year 1878, and not including those in business during that year: Mr. Mills, Stanton Sholes, Orlum Winton, Harris & Dyer, Fury & Harris, Lewis Shupe, William Walker, E. L. Goodrich, Landon Rood, Mr. Prime, Hall & Moffatt, Hall & Carhart, Hall & Woolcott, Jackson & Baunnister, W. Parsons, L. Rood & Barney, O. Barney & Rood, M. Belden, J. B. Whelpley & Blackmer, J. B. Whelpley, L. P. Harris, M. Winton & Co., W. Norton & Brother, E. Norton, L. Sherman, Wilson & Houghton, H. Houghton, Houghton & Boyer, H. Osborne, Steele & Brother, Luther Rood & Brother, Luther Rood, Milo Harris, E. E. Mussey & Harris, Mussey & King, Mussey, Mussey & Steele, Hirsching & Harris, Hirsching, Clough & Sons, Hurst, Hirsching & Son, A. A. Crosse, J. B. Robertson, Huehire & Hirsching, William Jaeger & Son, Charles Jaeger, Jaeger & Huessner, R. Kelch, M. Jackson, A. Kline.

Manufactories, Business Houses, Etc., 1878 South Amherst

The little village in the southern part of the township, is known as South Amherst, though the post office is Amherst. Its early settlers have been noticed in the first part of this chapter, and as the village is not incorporated, and in fact consists of only a few people and a small cluster of houses, there remains but little to be said about it. The place was known many years ago by the unpoetical title of "* Podunk." It was also known as the 'Little Whig hole," for nearly all of its residents were whigs. All of the postmasters up to the time the party died, were of this political persuasion. Eliphalet Redington was the first. He was followed by A. H. Redington, his son, and he by Peter Lunt. Joseph Reynolds was the next postmaster, and then came J. C. Jackson. The present incumbent, Henry Jackson, followed him,

The first store at South Amherst was kept by Addison Tracey. Stores were kept later by R. E. Gillett, Eliphalet Redington, George 8. Everett, J. C.,

Following are the statistics for 1878, showing the amount of the most important productions of the township, also the population in 1870, and the vote for president in 1876: was born in Canterbury, New Hampshire, September 15, 1807. He was the fourth child of a family of fifteen, of Deacon John and Judith (Gerrish) Clough. His mother was granddaughter of Joanna Hale, who was a near relative of Captain Nathan Hale, the martyr spy of revolutionary fame, also a descendant of Sir Matthew Hale, of England. In childhood and early manhood he did not enjoy firm health; he attended the district school (which was two miles from his home), a limited time; and it may be said, that his only education was obtained by observation and reading, which his vigorous, thoughtful mind digested to good purpose. He was naturally inquisitive and inventive. Many incidents illustrating this are related; among the rest he discovered a living spring of the purest water near his father's residence, and brought it to the house and barn, which was of incalculable benefit. His father and grandfather before him had lived on the farm, and not suspected the existence of such a spring. Another time his father had his orchard grafted. Baxter did not think it was done in the best way, and thought he could do it better. In his father's absence he did it as he thought best. His father, on his return, very sorrowfully said, "Baxter, you have ruined my orchard;" but he saw his mistake when, in a few years, it supplied him bountifully with choice fruit, and it was an original idea with Baxter. His ancestors were eminent christians, and he was naturally serious and thoughtful; and at the age of fifteen made a public profession of religion, aud united with the Congregational church. He had a musical bass voice of great power, and was of great assistance in the church choir; was also quite a proficient on the flute. He assisted his father in the cultivation of his farm, and in his seventeenth year, his father, while overseeing the building of a church, left the management of the farm to Baxter, who employed men, and did the haying and harvesting without the use of rum, a thing considered impossible at that time. Much against nis parents' and friends' wishes, who did not give him any pecuniary aid, in 1830 he came to Ohio. The journey was made by stage as far as Albany, and from there by Erie Canal to Buffalo. Cleveland being his destined point, he took a sailing vessel from Buffalo, but the wind not being favorable for landing, passed by, up as far as Black River (now Lorain), and then returned to Cleveland. Soon after arriving there he was taken sick, when his clothes and the small amount of money he had were stolen from him. He recoyered, and with courage undaunted sought employment, and found an opportunity to peddle tin ware, which suited him, as he wished to look over the country before locating. He finally bought one hundred and forty acres of land in Solon township, in Cuyahoga county, thenan unbroken wilderness, to go into the dairy business. A cousin from New Hampshire, and himself, cleared a small place, and erected a log cabin, and commenced clearing the land of its heavy timber, keeping bachelor's hall in the mean time. July 19, 1832, he was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Gerrish, formerly of Boscawan, New Hampshire, at that time residing with her brother in Solon. It was the first wedding in that town, and their sufferings and enjoyments were many and peculiar to pioneer life. He was active, public spirited and enterprising in all that related to the future welfare of the town, such as making roads, He went into the work of promoting the worship of God and Sunday schools with all his heart. His feelings, however, were deeply injured by the lack of sympathy and hard criticisms of those less zealous than himself, so that for many years afterwards he did not take an active part in friend of the cause. He ownedand worked this farm with success for seven years, but during the time his health not being firm and strong, commenced traveling through Pennsylvania and other States, building hay scales, the exercise of horseback riding being beneficial to him. In 1839 he disposed of his farm, and moved to Cleveland; and commenced making scales of different kinds, and during this time was appointed city weigher. As he was unable to get such castings as he needed in the manufacturing of scales, he added a foundry to his business.

And now his ingenuity and inventive mind came into play, and enabled him to make many improvements. During this time he invented a stove called the Regulator, which was considered the best extant atthattime. In 1846 he moved to Berea, and engaged in the business of manufacturing pig iron. This venture was disastrous to him, as a change in the tariff caused a decline in the price of pig iron from fifty dollars to twenty dollars per ton. Here he was taken sick with typhus fever, and his life was despaired of for a time, but he recovered, and he always said and felt sure his life was spared in answer to prayer, that he might provide for his family. After his recovery he manufactured small grindstones for a short time, when his attention was called to the quarries at North Amherst, Ohio; where he moved in 1852, and formed a partnership with P. & L. Dean, which was of short duration, he having purchased the interests of the Messrs. Dean, when he commenced alone the manufacture of grindstones, which amounted to from two to four hundred tons a year. They were hauled by teams to Black River, and shipped by water to Cleveland, and exchanged for goods of various kinds. Up to this time, his career had not been specially notable, but peaceful and useful, winning for him the respect and esteem of a wide circle. He conceived the idea of obtaining for them a more extensive sale throughout the east, and in order to do that, went east, and introdnced them successfully among the large manufacturers of edge tools, and to increase the supply as was needed, invented machinery and applied steam for turning large grindstones, and from this time was continually inventing and applying different kinds of machinery to facilitate the working of the quarries. The trade increased rapidly from year to year until 1860, when the annual manufacture amounted to three thousand tons. About this time there sprung up a demand for block stone for building purposes, and he turned his attention more particularly to that branch of the business, which increased rapidly until the year 1871. During the next four years there were manufactured and delivered the amount of nine hundred and sixty-one thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight cubic feet, the greatest amount being shipped in 1872 - two hundred and seventy-eight thousand seven hundred and eighty cubic feet. During these years he built a dock at the lake so as to ship by water, hauling his products there some two and one-half miles with mule teams; but always progressive, went to work, and built a railroad, and equipped the same with steam engine and flats, having then what no other quarry owner possessed, a direct outlet of his own to ship by water. He was always making experiments with machinery to cheapen the manufacture of stone, the majority of which proved successful; other quarry owners waiting the results, thus reaping the benefit of his experience. Ile also purchased and developed what is known as the Independence and Columbia quarries; manufactured large amounts of both block and grindstones which found a ready market at remuuerative prices. He was loved and respected by all, especially the men in his employ. He always used his personal influence to help them to be industrious, steady and frugal, to save their wages and secure homes, which a large number have done. He died very peacefully, in November, 1872. A short time before his death he united with the Congregational church, of which for many years he had been a zealous friend, and liberal supporter. He was a man of fine person, good address, pleasing manners, strict integrity, faithful to the duties and requirements of a varied life. His wife survives him, and this biography would be incomplete if we did not add that through his married life, she was a true helpmeet, always labor:ng and economizing to promote his interests and the welfare of their large family. Their eldest son died in infancy; their youngest daughter, Ella J., died eight months previous to the time of their father's death, and Mary E., wife of O. P. Me- Millan, five months later. The sons, J. B. and H. H.,.continue the large and prosperous business left by their father. Mattie A., wife of N. C. Gibson, resides in Hamilton, Missouri. Sarah J., wife of J. K. Hunt, resides in Cleveland, Ohio. Hattie H. remains at home, and cares for the mother who, though now growing feeble, has always labored faithfully and cheerfully for the best interests of the society in which she moyed.

Asahel Allen Crosse

Asahel Allen Crosse, physician and surgeon, was born in Cincinnatus, Cortland county, New York, on the 22d of August, 1824. His parents were in moderate circumstances, and he early learned the lesson of self-dependence and self-help. At the age of thirteen years he left home to make his own way in the world, and henceforth relied entirely upon his own resources. He went to work on a farm, and such school education as he obtained was by going to a district school during the win'er months, his summers being too much occupied in farm labor to give him any opportunity for summer study. Not long after leaving home he went to Ashtabula, Ohio, and there, in addition to the opportunities afforded by the district schools, he for a time enjoyed the advantage of attending the Ashtabula academy. -From thence he removed to Mentor, Lake county, Ohio, where at the age of sixteen he commenced the study of medicine. After having attended three full courses of medical lectures he graduated at the Willoughby university, in Lake county, Ohio, in the year 1842, and went at once to Amherst, Lorain county, Ohio. He had, when he arrived in Amherst, fifty dollars, and on the day after his arrival he made the uncomfortable discovery that forty-six dollars of his little fortune consisted of bills of a bank known as the Ohio Railroad Bank, located at Cleveland, Ohio, which had fuiled the day before, and were perfectly worthless, so that his available assets amounted to just four dollars. Fortune was not stubborn against him, however, for almost immediately he formed a partnership with Dr.

A. A. Crosse. M.D.

Luman Tenney, an old physician of the place, and so was introduced to a practice that speedily became large and lucrative. His partner died at the end of three years, and then he took the entire charge of the practice. His diligence, ability and skill, added to the high reputation he had already earned, made him well known as one of the most successful physicians in the county. Asa citizen, no less than a physician, is he appreciated in the community, and from time to time that appreciation has been shown by placing him in several of the elective offices of the township of Amherst. He has successively held the offices of township assessor, township clerk, justice of the peace, and was the first mayor of the incorporated village of North Amherst. He was postmaster of Amherst during President Johnson's administration. Politi- 'cally he is a democrat, and, although the requirements of his profession do not leave him much leisure to devote to politics, he is nevertheless one of the leading spirits of his party in the community where he lives. Although he has acquired a fair competence, his experience has not been one of unmingled prosperity. On the Ist of March, 1858, he was thrown from his carriage, and his right leg was broken at the ankle. Being a heavy man, the ends of the broken bones were forced through the skin and boot-leg, and were driven three or four inches into the ground by the violence of his fall. It was found impossible to save the limb, and it was amputated below the knee by Professor Horace A. Ackley, his former preceptor. He has been three times married. His first wife, Diantha Walker, he married in 1844, by whom he had four children, three daughters and one son, one of whom, Mrs. H. W. Barnard, is now living. His wife, Diantha, died in 1855. On the 16th of September, 1859, he married Sarah E. Post, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, by whom he had one son, now living. His second wife died in 1866, and on the 18th of November, 1875, he married Ella G. Pelton, of Vermillion, Ohio. The doctor has a vigorous constitution, and from present appearances he will feel of pulses, look at tongues, and deal poisons for many years to come; that is, he is hale and hearty, and the youngest in the community always find him a pleasant social companion.

Curtis Bailey

was born in Potton Township, Canada Kast, February 17, 1830. He was the fifth child in a family of ten children ; his father was Jonathan B. Bailey, who was born at Peacham,- Vermont, October 31, 1794, and died October 6, 1875.

He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and his father before him, Abijah Bailey, had been a soldier in the revolutionary war, and died at the age of eighty-four years.

and up to 1844, in Orleans county, Vermont. His occupation was farming, at which he was engaged nearly all his life. In the fall of 1844 he removed to Lorain county, first stopping at Brownhelm, where he remained four years. The next four or five years of his life were passed in Henrietta township, from whence he removed to Ransom, Hillsdale county, Michigan, where he spent the remainder of his life. He always lived an honest and industrious life, and- at the same time an humble and unostentatious one. His friends. and acquaintances will bear us out in the assertion that he was a man of irreproachable personal integrity and general worth. He married Hannah Dufur, who was born in New Hampshire, May 15, 1797, and died in Ransom, Michigan, January 3, 1879. They were

| both exemplary and consistent members of the Congregational church. They had a large family, to the bringing up of whom, in a proper manner, was expended almost all he could accumulate. He was

Curtis Bailey's early hfe was confined to agricultural pursuits, which he followed until he attained his twenty-fifth year. In the spring of 1855 he removed, with his family, to Amherst township, and entered the employ of Baxter Clough, to work in his stone quarries. At the end of the first year he became foreman, and has continued in his and the employ of the Clough Stone Company, as superintendent of their stone quarries, ever since, with the exception of one and one-half years, in 1864-65, at which time they lived in Hillsdale county, Michigan, one year, and at Wellington, six months. At the age of twentytwo years, and on the 30th of March, 1852, he was married to Lovina, daughter of Arvy Whitney, and Lucinda Remington, of Camden township, who was born in Sherbourne, Chenango county, New York, March 10,1802. She was born in Clarendon, Monroe county, New York, April 1, 1832. They have four children, namely: Ida J., born January 10, 1853, married Horace Seeley, of Amherst township, March 30, 1872; Edna ©., born December 11, 1857, married F. M. Lewis, editor of the Amherst /'ree Press, May 9, 1878; Florence H., born January 27, 1869; Warren C., born August 7, 1872.

The ancestors of both Mr. and Mrs. Bailey were of New England origin. 'The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Bailey was Elisha Whitney, who was born in Vermont, August 25, 1767, and died August 27, 1822. His wife was born in Connecticut. Her maiden name was Mariam Eaton. She was twice married, first to Ezra 'Taylor, January 16, 1786; second, to Elisha Whitney, March 24, 1791. Mr. Bailey's maternal grandfather was William Remington, who was born in Stephentown, New York, January 25, 1775; died in Sweden, New York, September 13, 1827. He married Lovina Hill, who was born in Stephenson,

New York, February 20, 1781; died in Sweden, New York, October 2, 1828. Mr. Bailey is quite extensively known in the community in which he resides, and his general good.

character, faithfulness and industrious habits have gained for him an enviable reputation. He obtained the respect of his employers and others by close attention to duty, and has retained the same by his continued faithful discharge of the same. He possesses ability and applies it ; he is honest and practices that quality always ; hence his success in life.

Joseph And J. J. Rice

A half century ago, when the territory embraced within the present limits of Lorain county was mostly an unbroken wilderness, with here and there, at considerable distances, a solitary clearing, Joseph Rice, with his wife and four sons, arrived and effected a

Amherst. We quote from a series of historical reminiscences, by ''Squib," published in the Amherst F'ree Press, the following information relative to these pioneer settlers:

<' Joseph Rice, son of John and Ann Rice, was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, May 6, 1788, After arriving at mature age, he married Betsey E. Ulery. In the spring of 1829, he came to Amherst, bringing with him his family, consisting of his wife and four sons. He purchased a farm, a little west of Kendeigh's corneis, and began clearing and improving it for his future home. But in 1835 his health failed, which resulted in his death, September 30 of that year, at the age of forty-seven. His widow continued to live on the farm, surviving her husband. thirty years, and died October 3, 1865, at the age of eighty years.

The four sons who accompanied their father to Amherst, we judge, were all the children born to Mr. Rice. 'Their names were as follows: Henry, born July 13, 1816; he moved to Crawford county, Wisconsin, where he died March 5, 1849; his family came to Amherst. Peter J., born February 19, 1818, who: lives at this date of writing (September, 1876,) about two miles west of Oberlin. Samuel B., born February 1, 1825; he went to Wisconsin in 1846, and from thence went to California in 1852, and died September 23, of the sume year. Joseph J., born September 17, 1828, and is living on the old homestead, which his father first purchased in Amherst.

J. J. Rice

son of Joseph and Betsey E. Rice, was born, as above stated, September 17, 1828, in Fayette county, Pennsylvenia. He remained with his father until the death of the latter. On the 29th of October,4857, he married Emily J., davghter of L. R. Cook, of Amherst. By this union were born three children, namely, Arthur J., Virgil HE. and Tracy J,, all of whom are living, and reside at home. Mr. Rice engaged early with his brothers, Henry and Peter J., in their foundry, first as a laborer, and subsequently as a partner; and finally, in 1857, he became sole proprietor of the business by purchase, and has continued to conduct the same ever since. He is also engaged in agricultural pursuits, owning about one hundred and forty acres of land, being the old homestead, which he has continued to improve from time to time, until it is quite a pleasant home and a highly cultivated farm. A neat and natural illustration of his place, together with the portraits of himself and wife, appears on another page of this volume.

In polities, Mr. Rice is a republican, and has been since the organization of that party, having been a whig prior to that event. He is a liberal minded gentleman, and has always contributed his full share to all public enterprises tending to promote social progress. 'To religions and educational interests he is ever a cheerful giver. He is now one of the oldest living settlers, haying resided in the place where he now lives for fifty years. He is a deservedly popular und much respected citizen.

Lewis Rodman Cook

For upwards of thirty years, the gentleman whose name heads these lines, was a prominent and well known citizen of Amherst township. He was born in Franklin, Delaware county, New York, August 5, 1814, and was the youngest of a family of six children. His father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and died when Lewis was three months old, leaving At the age of nine, therefore, it became necessary for Lewis to work for himself, and at the age of sixteen he learned the carpenter and joiner's trade.

In the year 1835, he was married to Miss Emeline Remington, daughter of Daniel and Nancy Remington, whoare of New England origin; her father haying been born in Vermont February 15, 1785; her mother, Nancy Rich, at Bristol, Connecticut, December 17, 1795. Myr. and Mrs. Cook had three children, all living and married, as follows: Emily J., now the wife of J. J. Rice, of North Amherst; Armina J., wife of John 8. Perry, of Brownhelm; and Newel, who married Miss Eliza Harley, of Camden township, Lorain county. After his marriage, Mr. Cook continued to work at his trade, making Franklin his headquarters, until the fall of 1843, when he moved to Norwalk, Huron county, Ohio, remaining there three years. In 1846, he moved to Amherst township, and purchased the farm on which he spent the remaining days of-his life.

At the age of twenty, he became a zealous christian worker, was baptized in the Baptist faith, and lived a consistent member of that body to the end of his days. Mr, Cook was a man of some faults; who is not? but his good qualities greatly predominated, charity being a leading trait in his character, and all who knew him can testify to his willingness ever to help those in sorrow, sickness, or distress. He was a scrupulously honest and economical person, and during his lifetime accumulated a comfortable competence; but liberality, in deserved cases of poverty. or trouble, was a leading feature of his disposition.

He was a faithful husband, a'kind and indulgent father, a liberal provider, and a highly respected member of society. His loss is not only felt in the church, where his zeal and activity were greatly beneficial, but his family, and a large circle of friends, will sorely miss his kindly presence and genial worth.

On Sunday, September 8, 1878, he was taken sick with jaundice, but was not confined to his bed entirely till six weeks later. From the commencement of his indisposition he seemed to have a premonition that his disease would terminate fatally. He sank slowly but surely, ever bearing up under his affliction with christian fortitude, and a longing to be with his God. At last, on Sunday evening, November 10, 1878, the soul returned to the God who gave it, and Lewis Rodman Cook passed quietly into eternity.

His widow and three children survive him. Mrs. Cook is a devoted and earnest member of the Baptist church, with which she formally united, at Franklin, thirty-eight years ago. She isan eminently christian woman, and a worthy relict of the good man whose faithful wife she was.

Casper Dute

was born in Ruttinburg, Germany, on the 28th of January, 1827. He was the only child of George and Ann Catharine (Miller) Dute. The latter (George) had one brother and four sisters;. the brother died in Germany and 'two of the sisters emigrated to this country, whither George Dute also came in 1834, landing at Black river on the 18th of. September of that year, and located in Black River township, about one mile and a half north of the present residence of his son Casper, and half a mile from the lake shore. A rude log cabin, floorless and generally dilapidated, was then standing on the farm, which, with slight repairs, was used by the family for a dwelling for nine years. 'I'hey then sold the place and purchased the one upon which Casper Dute now resides. An opening had to be made in the then unbroken forest, and a log house was erected for the use of the family. The farm contained fifty-one acres. 'The parents of the subject of this brief sketch are both dead. His mother died December 22, 1868, and his father August 9, 1875. They were a worthy and highly respected couple, and were among the pioneers of the town in which they passed so many years of their lives. Casper Dute married Mary Heidenreich March 1, 1850. By this union were born fifteen children, of whom fourteen are living, namely: J. George, Catharine, Elizabeth, John A., Anton, Ann Martha, J. Henry, Valentine, Julius, Annie Dora, Anton August, Mary Orelia, John Harvey, Henry Jacob, Casper Cleine, Orlie Ferdinand (deceased). Of these, two are married - J. George ayd Catharine; the former to Mary Shupe, the latter to Ferdinand Eschtruth.

In politics Mr. Dute is a democrat, and has always acted with that party. He has been a liberal contributor to religious as well as to educational interests. By unremitting industry and careful management of his affairs, he has become possessed of quite an extensive property, consisting of over three hundred acres of land. A sketch of his farm and buildings is inserted in this work, as one of the finest in the town. Mr. Dute has always held a prominent position among his own countrymen.

Captain E. P. Frink

Among the prominent navigators and ship owners on Lake Erie, none have had greater general success or enjoy a fairer record than the subject of this sketch. He was the son of Eli and Hannah (Squires) Frink, both natives of Massachusetts. They had eight sons and one daughter, of whom six sons and the daughter survive. At an early day they removed to Rochester, New York, where Mr. Frink erected the Strong's flouring mills. He died there about 1829, one of the most respected citizens of the then comparatively small place. Two: or three years after the death of her husband, Mrs. Frit k removed, with her family of seven children, to Elyria, arriving there in 1832. They came from Buffalo to Cleveland on the steamer Superior, the second steamer sailing on Lake Erie.

Captain E. P. Frink was born at Rochester, Monroe county, New York, December 27, 1822. He accompanied his widowed mother to Elyria when about ten years of age. From 1832 to 1834 he worked for a half sister in Carlisle township, and also for an uncle in Elyria township. During, or about that time, he was apprenticed to a tailor, but, not liking the trade, he only remained about four weeks, concluding to move and do for himself. He proceeded to Black River township, where he remained until about 1839, during which year he first went on the lake, busying himself in the meanwhile as best he could. He learned the caulker's trade about 1839. From that time until the present he has been interested in sailing and maritime matters, having an interest in four sailing vessels. He has been quite successful, never having lost but one vessel. He has bought and sold several farms, mostly at a pecuniary advantage.

In October, 1846, Captain Frink was united in marriage with Aurilla Gillmore, of Amherst township. Her parents were of New England ancestry.

She had eight sisters and five brothers, of whom five of the former and four of the latter are living. Her mother used to relate how she rode all the way through the woods to Elyria to get married. They* were among the pioneers of Amherst, and all their family were born in thgt township. The father was a farmer, and a good practical business man.

Captain Frink stayed ashore during the season of 1878, for the first time since he commenced sailing, about forty years ago. In politics he is a republican, and liberally supported the government during the war of the rebellion, being true to the principles of his party and the best interests of the country. He never affiliated with any religious organization; neither did Mrs. Frink, although both are true christians in the broadest and best sense. He has generally supported all religious enterprises, donating one hundred dollars toward the building fund of the Methodist house of worship at Black River, among other similar acts of generosity. He is noted for his boundless charity, particularly to the poor and needy. In his business career his motto has been square dealing, and the triteness of the phrase is significant of a broad interpretation; for personal honor and a regard for righteous dealing have characterized all the actions of his business life.

Mrs. Jacob Hildebrand

In THE thirty-eighth draft by the members of the Connecticut land company, April 4, 1807, Ephraim Root and James Ross drew township number three in range eighteen, with other lands, and in the division, Ephraim Root became the original proprietor of Wellington.

The township 'contains an area of twenty-two and one-half miles and a fraction over - by the orginal survey, thirteen thousand nine hundred and twelve acres of land. It was divided into forty-eight original lots. It was six lots deep, running from south to north, and thence from north to south, and numbered in this order consecutively. It is eight lots in length east and west. They are of unequal size; the lots west of the center road are the larger. The first tier of lots is on the east side of the township. The southeast corner lot is number one, numbering thence north consecutively; number six is the northeast corner lot, returning thence on the second tier of lots to the south line; so back and forth, ending with lot forty-eight, in the south-west corner.

February 18, 1812, the general assembly of the State of Ohio fixed the territorial limits of the county of Medina by an act of that date, wherein it was provided that all that part of the Connecticut Western Reserve lying west of the eleventh range, south of number five and east of the twentieth range, shall be attached to and be a part of the county of Portage.

The territory thus set to Medina embraced township number three, range eighteen - Wellington. On the organization of Medina county in January, 1818, it was a part thereof, and so remained until the organization of Lorain county, January 21, 1824.

- At the organization of Medina county, the sound of the woodman's axe had never been heard within the township, The only works of civilization were the blazed trees indicating the lot lines made by the surveyor's hatchet. 'The wilderness was unbroken. The Wyandots were still bere, and here remained for several years after the arrival of the first settlers. Remains of their old wigwams, near an orchard of wild plums in Penfield township, were seen as late as 1840.

The township is traversed by several affiuents of Black river, Wellington creek in the eastern, -Charlemont creek and the west branch of Black river in the western and northern parts. It is therefore well watered, and has a diversified soil of alluvium and upland. 'The surface is level, and much of it back from the streams was originally regarded as swale lands, but their adaptation for meadow and grazing purposes is unsurpassed. There is not an acre of waste land in the township. In the eastern part are still seen the remains of an old beaver dam, which in an early day served to flood an extent of fifty or seventy-five acres, and was known as Wellington swamp. It afforded a secure retreat for wild animals. It was the haunt of the bear and the wolf. Its impenetrable thickets afforded an effectual screen from the hunter's vigilance. The wolf, for miles away, when closely pursued, headed for Wellington swamp, and it was a struggle of skill and endurance on the part of the hunter to cut him off from that retreat. The east and west. center road, when constructed, crossed it in the middle. The road was made by felling the brush upon the surface of the morass, upon which stringers were placed length wise upon cross pieces placed on the brush; over these stringers the corduroy covering was laid. The road was literally a bridge, which, as used, would graduuly settle below the surface, when other stringers were placed and more corduroy was laid. It was too narrow for teams to meet and pass thereon. If two met, the lightest loaded was unhitched, load removed, wagon uncoupled and crowded to one side, team backed to ¢erra firma, while the other pushed on. Such hindrances rarely occurred, however, for the noise of the jolting wagon upon the rough corduroy gave timely notice that the road was occupied.

The Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Indianapolis railway traverses the township diagonally, from the northeast to the southwest corner. It is crossed by five roads running north and south, and by three east and west. It is about midway between Elyria on the north, Ashland on the south, Medina on the east, and Norwalk on the west, and on the most direct road to each. This fact, at an early day, gave Wellington importance as the center of local trade, and rendezvous for land owners and settlers.

Ephraim Root, the original proprietor of Wellington, sold the township to Colonel Francis Herrick, Harmon Kingsbury, Frederick Hamlin, and Norton and Stocking, of Berkshire county, Massachusetts. In the record of transfers of Medina county, for the year 1819, the first transfer from Ephraim Root to Francis Herrick of three thonsand five hundred and sixty acres, township three, range eighteen, is entered. From the same to Joseph Kingsbury, two thousand two hundred and seventy-eight acres. In 1820, the same to Amos Adams, six hundred and fifty acres; to Adams, Norton and Stocking, three thousand four hundred and seventy-eight acres; to Lyman and Sanford Brown and Frederick Hamlin, two thousand acres; to John Clifford, three hundred and fifty acres; to John Clifford, Jr., seventy-five acres; to John Howk, seven hundred and thirty-four and threefourths acres. These transfers were made to actual settlers. And it was a happy thing for Wellington that these lands did not fall into the hands of speculators, FIRST SETTLEMENT AND SETTLERS.

In March, 1818, the first settlers arrived. They were: Ephraim Wilcox and Charles Sweet, who came out in the employ of Frederick Hamlin; John Clifford and Joseph Wilson, of Berkshire county, Massachusetts; and William T. Welling, of Montgomery county, New York. The first four left Berkshire county in February, with packs and tools loaded upon a cutter, drawn by one old mare.. One drove while the others waiked.. Welling joined them en route. In March, they reached Grafton, the most advanced out-post in the direction of their lands. They at once commenced cutting a '' trail" to township number three, of range eighteen, and entered the township at the northeast corner théreof, and thence to the center lots.

the next day commenced and nearly completed a temporary cabin, which was to be their home for weary months. It was erected near the corner of lots twenty-one, twenty-two, twenty-seven and twentyeight, upon the ground where the house of Mrs. J. P. Nickles now stands. 'They made benches for chairs; matresses of dried leaves for beds, placed upon bedsteads made by driving four crotched stakes into the ground, with stringers stretching from stake to stake, and white oak shakes crossing from stringer to stringer, upon which the leaf matresses were laid. These rude beds soon gaye place to more luxurious couches, made by the pioneer with axe and auger, consisting of four posts, four straight poles for the side and foot rails, extending from post to post, of requisite length and width, inserted in auger holes and interwoven with basswood bark, which, until the bark got too dry and brittle, made a bed a king might envy, if prepared for its enjoyment by the toils of pioneer life,

Their temporary cabin completed, they at once commenced work upon their lands, finding them by the surveyor's plat, and. the marks upon the corner stakes of the lots, Ephriam Wilcox upon lot twentyeight; John Clifford upon lot sixteen; Joseph Wilson upon lot fourteen; and Charles Sweet, for Frederick Hamlin, upon lot twenty-seven. By the Ist.of April the ringing of the woodman's ax, the crash of falling trees, gave token of the advent of civilization, of the dawn of that struggle to plant the institutions of New England in the forest, which it took a generation to complete.

On the 4th day of July, of that year, they were joined by the family of Ephraim Wilcox, consisting of wife and child, Theodere Wilcox and sister, Miss Caroline Wilcox, accompanied by Dr. Daniel J. Johns, Frederick Hamlin, and Austin Kingsbury. The log house was ready for their reception, into after a separation of five months, passed by the husband and father in the depths of the forest, far from the sound of woman's voice, or children's prattle. These women were the first white women in Wellington. The site of their first home, - that first log cabin, - is still seen, about three-quarters of a mile northwest of the center of the township. An old peach tree, an apple tree, a hop vine, the ruins of the old stone and clay chimney still mark the place in a field now owned by Daniel J. Johns. It is remote from any road, for it preceded roads. No lovelier place for a home could have been chosen, facing the east, upon a gentle declivity, at the foot of which a bubbling brook sent up, in those days, the music of its unceasing murmur, and near by, an unfailing spring sent forth an abundant supply of the purest water. To such a home and such scenery were these women welcomed. The welcome and lovely scene was not unappreciated by them, which appreciation was manifested by Mrs. Wilcox in the most timely and fitting manner possible, to wit: by the presentation to her husband and infant colony of a man child, John W. Wilcox, born on. the twenty-fifth day of September, A. D. 1818, the first white child born in the township. He grew to manhood, and died here, leaving a widow and two sons, Stanley and Arthur,

The journey of these last arrivals was performed from Massachusetts, in just four weeks' time. They came with horses and wagons, bringing such household goods as were absolutely necessary. Dr. Johns was then just twenty-one years old, and from that day to this has been closely identified with every interest of Wellington and the surrounding townships. He was for years the only physician in a cireuit of fifteen miles. Here he purchased and cleared a farm, built a home, married and reared a family of children. He helped to organize the township and the county, filled various township offices, and was an associate judge of the Lorain court of common pleas from February, 1838, to February, 1845, inclusive.

No further accessions were made to the settlement until in the late fall of that year. One morning the tinkle of a strange cowbell was heard from the direction of the center. Curious to see from what it proceeded, the sound was followed, and an emigrant's team was found grazing, and the first shanty erected was found occupied, not by strangers, but by friends from their old Massachusetts home, Josiah Bradley and wife, John and Alanson Howk, and their mother, Miss Electa Howk, and a sister and ''Dean," a female servant, a relic of Massachusetts slavery, who had continued to live with her old mistress after the adoption of the constitution of 1780, and had fol- lowed her into the wilderness. They had reached the center of the township after dark the night before. Their trail ended there. The deserted shanty was found and occupied until morning should reveal the whereabouts of the settlers. They were never accorded a more joyful welcome than that which then was given them. The meeting of those pioneer women in the depths of the forest, months having intervened since two of them had looked upon any of their own sex save themselves, was one of intense emotion. Encircling arms, tear-dimmed eyes were the expression of a joy too great for utterance. Alanson Howk settled upon lot twenty-two ; John Howk upon lot fifteen, and Josiah Bradley upon lot number forty.

Frederick Hamlin, having completed his log-house on lot twenty-seven, that fall returned to Massachusetts for his family. The next year he returned with his wife, Mrs. Nancy Hamlin, and four children, viz: Frederick M., Lucius, Homer and Jane.

The providence that sent this family into the wilderness was beneficent to Wellington. Active in the organization of schools, earnest in promoting the interests of society, prominent in the civil affairs of the township and county, fillmg sume of the most important places of public trust in. both, the name of Frederick Hamlin, and after him of his son Frederick M., appears on every page of its history for the first forty years. 'The father was one of the first common pleas judges of the county, sat upon the bench at the first term of court ever held in the county, May term, 1824, andscontinued to serve until the March term, 1831. In after years, when the county had become populovs and wealthy, the son, Frederick M., was chosen treasurer of the county for two successive terms. He entered into the office in September, A. D., 1865, and retired September, 1869, and no man ever served the public therein more acceptably.

Homer Hamlin removed to Iowa after seeing the township all settled and a large village springing up around the very spot where the old. log house, the home of his childhood, stood. They have all passed away now, the work of their hands, and a fragrant memory are all that remain to speak for them.

On the 13th of November, 1819, Abner Loveland, from Otis, Massachusetts, came. He journeyed the entire distance on foot, reached the settlement on Friday, hired to Judge Hamlin on Saturday as a woodchopper, and commenced his job on Monday. He finally settled in Brighton, but returned to Wellington in after years, where he lived until his death, in March, 1879. Ata very early period of the anti-slavery movement he identified himself therewith, and suffered bonds and imprisonment because of. his devotion to the cause of human liberty. This same year came Lyman Howk, who located upon lot ten, where he continued to live until his death.

returned with his family, consisting of his wife and ten children, six sons and four, daughters, viz: John Clifford, Jr., Daniel, Luther L., Elijah M., George W., Benjamin F., Hannah, Theodosia, Harriet and Polly, 4 noble force for the work in hand. They at once commenced the erection of a log -house, and in one week their house was ready. Shortly after, an addition was built to it, and here was taught the first school, by Miss Caroline Wilcox, Mr. Clifford furnishing not only the house but over half the pupils. In this house was preached the first sermon, by Rev. Mr. McMahon, presiding elder of the Methodist Episcopal church. And here Rev. Adam Poe preached his first sermon. The old log house, in a few years, gave place to a substantial frame house, in which Mr.:Clifford lived from thence to the day of his death, September 17, 1869, aged ninety-two years, surviving his sons, Luther L. and George W. This was the first frame house built.

This year Mr. Hamlin opened a small store in a log house at the center, and here the first post office. was kept by. him, the first postmaster.

In 1847, Rev. Ansel R. Clark delivered an historical sermon to the First Congregational church of Wellington. Speaking of the progress of the settlement, he said that in the beginning of the year 1821, there were thirty-seven inhabitants in the township. That year came Amos Adams, Milton Adams, and their sister, Miss Atlumira Adams, who marricd Austin Kingsbury, Russell B. Webster, Ithel Battle, Whitman De Wolf, Loren Wadsworth, Judson Wadsworth, William Foote, Daniel Smith and Josiah B. Munley. The latter, with his wife and three children, journeyed from Massachusetts with an ox team, and was forty days in making the journey, the last night of which was spent in the woods within four miles of the settlement, without food for themselves or team; surrounded from dark till dawn by legions of howling wolves. 'They arrived at the settlement at early dawn, and found every man absent.

The word had beerf sent the night before:from Sullivan, that a child was lost in the forest, and help was wanted to search for the wanderer. These tidings, by faithful messengers, were forwarded to adjacent settlements in Brighton and Pittsfield, with-a request that.all should engage in the search and they assembled at Sullivan at sunrise on the next morning to organize. Many had come a distance of fifteen miles. It was a bleak November day, but that morning beheld a column of men three miles long, assembled at the place of designation. As the child had last been seen east of the dwelling of its parents, the commander of 'the forces conceived the idea that the little wanderer was to be found east. The order to march was given, and the line moved forward into the depths of the wilderness. They crossed Black riverand penetrated into the wilds beyond, where no child could possibly go. In the afternoon a violent snow storm came on.

It was thought the child must perish; a backward march was made and the child was left to his fate. The next spring its remains were found, partially eaten by the wolves. The child had crawled under the body and upturned roots of a fallen tree, evidently for shelter, and there had perished, west of the house and within half a mile thereof. Among those from Wellington was Russell B. Webster, a young man of stalwart frame, with great powers of endurance, and possessed of mental force to match. Exhausted with the long tramp to Sullivan in the night, the fruitless march, and the return tramp home, some of the company sank down exhausted by the way. Webster lifted, led or carried these to places of safety, where rest could be had. Webster besought the leader to let the company search the woods around the house on all sides first, but was unfortunately overruled.

To get lost in the woods was no uncommon occurrence to the pioneers themselves, but over children such careful watch was kept that it was rare, and but few instances of the kind happened. Ifa man at nightfall did not return it was surmised he was lost. Tin horns were blown and guns were fired to direct his course, should the sound reach him, while the man himself would climb a tree the better to catch the sound he knew his, friends would make, and if no sound reached him the branches of the tree were his resting place till morning, unless the rigors of the season demanded constant walking to prevent freezing. The craft of the experienced woodmen soon taught them when the sun was hidden to follow the water courses; sooner or later these would lead toa settler's path. Every man's house was a home, the latch string always hung out, the wanderers, the weary and the hungry always were welcomed with a hospitality that puts to shame the cold civilities of more modern life - the hospitality of the heart.

Wolves were numerous, their nightly howls were hideous, their havoc among sheep and domestic animals ruinous. The sheep, for better protection from them, were nightly housed in folds, and woe to the flock if this precaution was neglected. They often followed at a safe distance the pioneer's footsteps, rarely, if ever, attackinghim. Their attitude was one of perpetual threatening, but like all cowards, never executing, ready and willing to make an attack, opportunity presenting, and hunger pressing. At last the legislature of the Siate legistated the wolves to that land from whose bourne no wolf returns. A state bounty of four dollars and twenty-five cents for the scalp of every wolf over six months old, was offered and paid, and for those under six months, two dollars and fifty cents. As this was about the only way of getting money, except counterfeiting, which latter method was confined to Akron, mainly, every man, theoretically or practically, became a wolf-hunter. Old worn out horses and diseased cattle were conveyed or driven into the loneliest depths of the forest and slaughtered, and their carcasses surrounded with wolf traps, hidden among the leaves, chained to heavy clogs, that would prevent escape, but not hold the animal so fast he could not drag itafter him. If caught by the leg and held immovable the wolf would escape by gnawing off the leg. The other way he could barely crawl, leaving a broad trail behind him made by himself, trap and clog, to some thicket where he could be easily found. Wolf scalps, black salts, for. pearls were the only products the settlers had to sell, these afforded their only means for getting money to pay their taxes, which was about the only use they had for money.

Clothing And Food

They made their own cloth from yarn spun from wool raised from their own sheep, or flax raised themselves and dressed by themselves; -carded and spun by the women. They wore hats home made from braided straw, or caps from the skins of animals, with a well preserved suit, brought from New England, for Sundays. The rock maple afforded an abundant supply of sap, which in March was gathered and boiled into sugar sufficient for the wants of a year. For the first few years their wants, outside of home productions, were few indeed. The forest supplied them with the choicest venison for substantial meat, while for delicacies, they had wild turkey, duck and pheasant. The woods furnished grazing for cattle, and though the butter and milk had a flavor of garlic from the leeks with which the woods abounded, upon which the cows fed, yet they learned to make that 'do with an onion." - For early vegetables the streams afforded water cresses, the marshes, cowslips fer greens. Fox grapes, wild gooseberries, and wild plums were abundant. The curculio was unknown. Hogs fattened upon hickory nuts, beech nuts and acorns, without cost or trouble to the owner, and of all the domestic animals thrived the best.

Large numbers of cattle were annually lost from murrain, taking often the settler's only cow or team, and he without the means of replacing the loss. Such misfortunes were common to every neighborhood and were at that time a real calamity,-the extent of which can not now be apprehended. This disease gradually disappeared as the country became older, and is now nearly or quite extinct.

Travel And Its Dangers

The new roads for the larger portion of the year were almost impassable; nearly all travel was with ox-teams hauling loads, and on horseback for journeying.

The streams were not bridged, and crossing was dangerous in high water, even after bridges were constructed; for the overflow of the flats obscured the track, and washed it away, The crossing of Black river, on the northern boundary of the township, was particularly hazardous in high water, and numerous anecdotes are told of accidents and hairbreadth escapes here. Here President Fairchild came near losing his life by flood. Here Russell B. Webster, in midwinter, saved his, by the vigorous exercise of the great strength with which nature had endowed him, and that remarkable fortitude and self command through which his presence of mind never forsook him. Under the floating ice, and on the ice, unable to swim, he succeeded in drawing himself out of the jaws of death into the branches of a tree, there to remain, chilled to the bone, until help came. He saved himself, but lost his team.

Ague and bilious fever were the prevailing diseases, before which many a hardy pioneer succumbed, and moss-grown tombstones mark their early graves, cut off in the prime of their manhood in 'their stern battle with nature's forces.

Death Roll

The first death occurred on August 21, 1824. Josiah B. Munloy, at the early age of thirty-two, died of disease incident to the new country. It was a great shock to the infant settlement, and a grevious loss to the community, and irreparable to his family, consisting of a wife and three children.

Miss Caroline Wilcox married Dr.-Hiram Hamlin, and lived at Wellington most of her life. She died December 4, 1861, at the age of sixty-two years.

Ephraim A. Wilcox, after filling various responsible township positions, died August 28, 1835, aged forty-four years. His widow survived him ten years. One marble slab marks their resting place, on which are incribed their names and date of death, and these words, "'The first family of Wellington settlement. Erected by early settlers of Wellington."

John Howk lived until December 24, 1869. He died aged seventy-cight years. On the headstone to his grave is inscribed, '' Here lies an honest man," and in his case it was no unmeaning compliment, but a deserved tribute to worth.

'drowned while bathing in Black river, and his loss was a grevious one to Wellington. He was active in all matters of public interest, and a friend to progress. His early taking off, his untimely fate, his prominence, all conspired to make the event one of especial significance in the history of Wellington,

Colonel Francis Herrick lived until 1855. He died at the advanced age of eighty-six years. Though one of the original proprietors of the town, he did not remove here until several years after the arrival of the first comers.

Loring Wadsworth died in 1871, seventy-two years of age. His father, Benjamin Wadsworth, died December 30, 1844, aged seventy years; Amos Adams, June 19, 1836; Josiah Bradley, September 1, 1869; David Webster, October 14, 1867; Alanson Howk, April 9, 1850.

Organization, Name, Etc

The township was organized in the year 1821. The records of the first years are lost. They were kept upon slips of paper at first, and when a record bock was opened in 1824, the transcribing was neglected. The first township officers were John Howk, Josiah Bradley and Austin Kingsbury, trustees; Ephraim Wilcox, justice of the peace, and Amos Adams, township clerk.

In selecting a name for the township, the honor of naming it was put up and struck off to the highest bidder. The bid being an offer to chop out roadway, the highest offer to chop, linear measurement, to win. Charles Sweet bid eighty rods, and the naming of the township was accorded to him. He named it Charlemont, which was not acceptable to the rest. They offered to do Sweet's job for him, he surrendering his right to name. He consented, and Wellington was the name agreed upon, to the satisfaction of all concerned, some favoring that name through admiration of the Iron Duke, others through a desire to honor their compatriot, William 'T. Welling, one of the first five who came, so that all were gratified.

The first election of which any record is preserved wus a special election held July 5, 1824, for electing a justice of the peace. The record certifies that the result was a tie between E. Wilcox and R. B. Webster. It seems a second balloting was had, which resulted in ten votes for Wilcox, seven for Webster, and two scattering. 'This election was declared irregular, another was called and resulted in the election of Mr. Wilcox. At the annual State election, on the 12th of October, A. D. 1824, Benjamin Wadsworth, Judson Wadsworth and James Wilson acted as judges of election, and D. Z. Johns and E. A. Wilcox clerks. There were but ten votes cast at this election. A copy of the poll list shows that there were ten electors, as follows: Loring Wadsworth, Whitman DeWolf, James Wilson, Frederick Hamlin, Judson Wadsworth, E. A. Wilcox, D. J. Johns, Benj. Wadsworth, Silas Boly and Amos Adams. Allen Trimble had ten votes for governor and Alfred. Kelly ten votes for representative in congress. As these were the candidates of the federal party, it is inferred that these electors were all federalists. The democrats did not vote; they perhaps forgot the day, for it was before the times when electors were kept from the polls by bulldozing. The next election of which a record is kept in the township records, was held October 14, 1828, and Allen Trimble, out of the whole number of votes cast, which were thirty, had thirty votes. Again Wellington patriots all voted one way. But at the presidential election, on the 31st of October of that year, there were forty-five votes cast, of which the federal candidates for electors had thirty-eight votes and the democratic electors had seven votes.

At the October election, 1830, there were thirtysix votes cast, of which Duncan McArthur had thirtyfive votes for governor, and Robert Lucas had_ one vote. At an election for justice of the peace, in 1833, there were fifty-five votes cast. At the October election, in 1836, the total number of votes polled was one hundred and thirty, of which Eli Baldwin had sixty-nine, and Joseph Vance sixty-one for governor. Joseph Vence was the whig candidate At the presidential election that year, there were one hundred and sixty-three votes polled, of which number the whig electors received eighty-seven votes, and the democratic seventy-seven, making one more than the whole number of votes cast. At the election, in 1837, Eber W. Hubbard, democrat, and Daniel T. Baldwin, whig, had each sixty-seven votes for representative in the State legislature. At the State election, in 1838, Joseph Vance, whig, had seventy-four votes, and Wilson Shannon, democrat, had seventythree. At the State lection, in 1840, the total vote was one hundred and fifty-six, of which Thomas Corwin, whig candidate, had ninety-five, and Wilson Shannon, democratic, -fifty-nine votes for governor. Sherlock J. Andrews, whig candidate for representative in congress, had ninety-six votes, the highest number cast for any candidate at that election. At the presidential election of that year, the Harrison electors received eighty-nine votes, the Van Buren electors sixty-five votes, and the electoral ticket for James G. Birney, the candidate of the anti-slavery party, called the liberty party, for president, receiyed three votes.

Wellington Village

On the 14th of March, A.D., 1836, the legislature chartered the Cleveland, Columbus & Cincinnati Rail Road Company, but the charter became dormant by non user, and an act of revival was passed in 1845, March 12, After this, active steps were taken to push the enterprise. Several routes were contemplated by the company, among which was one via Elyria and west of Wellington; one via Ashland and east of Wellington, through Penfield; another through Wellington, touching no large towns, vn route to Columbus, even leaving Delaware to the west about two miles. The struggle to secure the location was spirited. There is but little doubt that Elyria was a dangerous competitor to Wellington, had she seen fit to exert herself. The latter place did her best. Dr. D. Z. Johns, in its behalf, was instant in season and out of seasbn. He was untiring in exertions to arouse the energies of the town. He called meetings, he gave time and money, he secured the right of way by donation wherever possible. He gave valuable lands himself, and all the people who had means subscribed liberally to the stock of the company. They succeeded in securing the location through the center of the township, within twenty rods of the stone that marks the center. The credit of this achievement belongs to Dr. Johns more than to any other. It was the turning point to the fortunes of the place. The road on either side would have blasted all village prospects, and where the village now is would have been four farms and nothing more. As soon as the location was secured and the line of the road established, the company began the work of construction and pushed it most vigorously. One of the deepest fills on the road is in Wellington, at the crossing of Charlemont creek, and was quite an obstacle that had to be overcome, in securing the location of the line. Clouds of workmen, in the summer of 1849, with shovel and pick entered the township, and the work of grading went forward with vigor. From the hour of location the growth of the village'has been most healthful; not rapid, but steadily increasing from year to year.

visited the place - one on the 13th of September, 1858, which consumed the entire business portion of the town on the west side of Main street, burning five stores and much of their contents. The other fire occurred on the Ist of May, 1865, and burned the store of Foot & Van Deusen, on the corner of Main and Liberty streets, with adjoining buildings. ' The corporate limits embrace about one thousand two hundred acres of land, being original lots numbers twenty-one, twenty-two, twenty-seven and twentyeight. The organization of the village as a municipality was effected August 6, 1855. The first corporate election was held the 3d of December, 1855. John M. Swift was chosen Mayor. The following is a list of the incumbents of that office from that date to 1879, inclusive, to wit:

The population of the village at the census of 1860, was one thousand and twenty-nine; in 1870, it was one thousand two hundred and eighty-one; in the census of 1850, covering both township and village, the population was one thousand five hundred and fifty-six; in 1860, it was one thousand seven hundred and twenty; in 1870, one thousand eight hundred and ninety-one. The village, in 1879, estimated by the vote, two thousand two hundred; the township and village, three thousand.

. The business of the place is mainly commercial - large quantities of merchandise are annually retailed. At the time of the incorporation of the village, the

Flptar Os Tue

His attention was directed early in life to the possibilities embraced within the scope of high legal attainments, and entering accordingly upon a course of study, he found that his earnestly directed and energetic ambition urged him rapidly forward upon his chosen path, and graduating eventually with conspicuous honors, he was, in August, 1852, admitted to the

Hon. Joseph H. Dickson Residence Of J.H. Dickson, Wellington, Ohio

He was chosen to represent Lorain County in the Fifty-eighth and Fiftyninth General Assemblies of the State of Ohio, whereby he was enabled to contribute something toward the legal recognition of the equality of all men before the law by voting for the adoption of the joint resolution ratifying, on the part of Ohio, the adoption of the fifteenth amendment to the constitution of the United States.

principal merchants were CO. 8. Foote and I. 8S. Van Deusen, under the firm name of Foote & Van Deusen; J. H. Wooley and D. Reamer, urider the firm name Wooley & Reamer; William Runnells, W. F. Herrick and 8. F. Wolcott, under the firm name of Herrick & Wolcott.

There were several manufacturing establishments, among which were the following: Mills of the Wellington Manufacturing Company; carriage factory of E..8. Tripp; Bennett, Kirk & Co., wood work and agricultural implements; cabinet work and furniture store of A. G. Couch.

The Dairy Interest

Soon after the completion of the Cleveland and Columbus railroad the business of buying and shipping cheese at Wellington was opened by R. A. Horr, then residing in Huntington. Mr. Horr built up a large order trade. Others soon went into the business; which rapidly grew. The first cheese ware house or shipping house was opened by B. G. Carpenter. Others were speedily established until, in 1878, there was a number of different houses and firms engaged in the business of manufacturing, buying and selling cheese and butter. Among the principal ones im that year were Messrs. Horr, Warner & Co., Baldwin, Laundon & Co.; George W. Crosier & Co.; Palmer & Lewis. The first-named firm that year sent Mr. Horr to Europe, where he formed business arrangements whereby this firm have since been making large shipments of butter and cheese to Liverpool and Glasgow. The amount of cheese shipped from Wellington in 1878 was six million four hundred and sixty-five thousand six hundred and seventy-four pounds; butter, one million one thousand six hundred and sixty-one pounds.

section in Huntington township, and from the start proved a successful undertaking. In the year 1878, from that beginning there were over forty cheese and butter factories owued by Wellington dealers, the produets of which were all delivered at Wellington for nfarket. This interest has built up a large business in the manufacture and sale of dairy inyplements and utensils. The dealers in cows in February, March and April do an extensive business in buying and selling to supply the demand for dairy purposes. The number of men in and around Wellington, engaged in this business directly or indirectly, is numbered by thousands, so that at this day there is

United States, where Wellington cheese is not found. The industry shows no signs of decline as yet, but the promise of enlarged demand and increase in the product is good.

Banking

. On the twenty-fourth day of June, A, D. 1864, the charter for a national bank to be called The National Bank of Wellington was issued. It was organized with a capital stock of fifty thousand dollars. Hon. S. 8. Warner was chosen its first president, and R. A. Horr, Esq., its first cashier, which positions they have continued to fill from that time to this. On the twenty-ninth of November, A. D. 1871, the capital stock was increased to one hundred thousand dollars.

The second year of its existence the safe of the bank was burglarized and robbed of sixty thousand dollars in government bonds and currency. A large reward was offered for the apprehension of the robbers. The police of the cities, stimulated by the reward offered, became vigilant; finally trace was found, so in Charleston, South Carolina, whither an agent of the bank followed and apprehended him, armed with a requisition from the Governor of Ohio upon the Governor of South Carolina, which was the first made, and recognized after the close of the war upon that State. Nearly forty thousand dollars of the stolen bonds were recovered.

Life Insurance

In 1874 there was organized a life insurance association on the co-operative plan. The charter members were 8S. S. Warner, W. R. Wean, R. A. Horr, A. K. Hand, J. H. Hood, Alfred Elwell, A. Y. Waters, W. W. Boynton, J. H. Dickson. The growth of the association has been rapid, and at the close of the corporate year, A. D. 1819, there were five thousand members thereof. It had paid about sixty thousand dollars to the families and heirs of deceased members. Hon. 8. 8. Warner was chosen the first president of the association, and W. R. Wean, secretary, which positions they still fill. The association has agencies in almost or quite every county in the northern part of the State extending south to the central. It confines its operations to the State of Ohio entirely, and mainly the northern part.

Benevolent Societies

The order of F. and A. Masons established a lodge September 27, 1844, called Wellington Lodge No. 127. The first master was Jabez L. Wadsworth; Daniel Tillottson, the first secretary. A Masonic Chapter was subsequently organized. O. Herrick was the first high priest. The lodge now numbers eighty members; the -ehapter forty-five. W. S. Ste-

The order of Odd Fellows organized a lodge known as Lorain Lodge No. 281, May 25, 1855. The first noble grand was R. H. Holeomb. The present officers are Ransom Peabody, N. G.; Henry Wood, V. G.; C. N. Christy, secretary; Levi Bowman, treasurer.

In 1849, Gideon Adams erected a building for school purposes. It was designed for an academical school. The school was opened that year by Miss Mary Ann Adams, an accomplished instructor, who had been for a number of years at the head of the female department of Oberlin College. Under the management and charge of Miss Adams, the school prospered and acquired a liberal patronage, and was highly serviceable to those desiring an academical course of instruction. ~ Under other management this school was continued a number of years after the incorporation of the village, after which the schools were organized on the graded plan of the Ohio union school system. Much effort-was put forth to concentrate all interests in the public schools.

W. 8. Eversole was the first superintendent, and, under his advice, a most complete course of study was prescribed, the different grades established, and the schools well started.

In September, 1870, W. R. Wean became superintendent, under whose efficient management and thorough instruction the schools have acquired a just celebrity.

The marked progress of the Wellington schools, under Mr. Wean's administration, has afforded a practical illustration of the benefits of the graded system, that has greatly endeared it to the people. They haye become the pride of. every patron, and have been the source of inspiration to many young men and women who to-day are manfully fighting life's battles. The healthy ambition infused into the minds of the students is evinced by the number of the graduates of the Wellington high school, who are found in the higher universities of learning throughout the country.

The growth of the village is quite fairly illustrated by the growth of the schools. The superintendent's report for each successive year, from the year ending June 30, 1871, showing the whole number of pupils enrolled, is as follows:

First Congregational Church Of Wellington

On the 20th day of April, A. D. 1824, the Rev. Lot B. Sullivan and Rev. Alfred Betts, being commissioned by presbytery, organized a church, which they styled the church of Wellington. 'The names of the members were Joseph Kingsbury and wife, Martha Kingsbury; Amos Adams and wife, Huldah Adams; Dayid Webster and Harmon Kingsbury, from Otis, Massachusetts; Nancy Hamlin, Sarah Wilcox and Sarah Battle, from Tyringham, Massachusetts; and Lydia Sullivan, from Lyme, Ohio. Letters of dismissal and recommendation were granted to Mrs. Sullivan December 20, to Joseph Hunnon and Martha Kingsbury June 13, 1825, leaving the church composed of seven members - two men and five women. In October, 1825, there was an accession of four members, one of whom, Mrs. Orpha Webster, still survives - April 1, 1879. The first place of meeting was a log school house at the center, where the brick block on the northeast corner now stands. In June, 1826, Austin Kingsbury and Milton Adams joined, the latter of whom, through all the changes and vicissitudes of fifty-four years, has continued his church membership, and at this date is still a consistent member thereof. In 1827 the accessions were six by letter; in 1828, six; in 1829, five, in 1830, thirteen, of whom Deacon John L. Case still continues; in 1831, forty-two, mostly by profession of faith; in 1832, eight, among whom were Russell B. Webster; in 18383, four; in 1834, twenty-four. In the first ten years there were one hundred and twenty-four members added to the rolls. On the 29th of November,

A. D, 1828, Rev. Joel Talcott was settled as pastor over the church. He was the first settled minister, and remained as such until September 4, 1837. It was during his ministry that the above exhibit of growth mainly occurred. During the nine years of his pastorate there were one hundred and fifty-two accessions to the church; in which connection it should be porne in mind that the number of inhabitants in the township was but small from whom to recruit its ranks. On the 5th of October, 1838, the church and society extended a call to Rev. H. W. Fairfield to become its pastor, the pulpit having been filled, during the interval since Mr. Talcott resigned, by temporary supplies from Oberlin, mainly by Professor Henry Cowles. On the Ist of April, 1839, Mr. Fairfield requested the church to release him from his engagement, which was not acceded to, but Mr. Fairfield's name, as minister, does not appear but a few times thereafter. In 1841, Horace A, Taylor, of unenviable subsequent notoriety, preached, residing in Oberlin, and on the 8th of December, A.D. 1841, the church voted to settle him as its minister by a light yote of thirteen to one, but in those days only men voted in church and society meetings. They, the same year, voted to raise four hundred bushels of wheat for the support of the gospel; whether to be

Manufacturer Carriages, Wagons, & Sleighs North Main St., Wellington, Ohio

Mr. Taylor never became a settled minister to this church. In accepting the call he imposed certain conditions, which were rejected by the church, and his ministrations being soon after interrupted by confinement in jail for a year, no more is heard of him as a preacher. The next settled minister was Rev. D. W. Lathrop. He came in April, 1843, and was settled in September of that year. During his ministry certain radical differences among the membership, upon doctrines and church polity-which had been for a number of years growing to a head, culminated in what seemed a hopeless estrangement and division.

The inception of the difficulty was probably first in the difference of views respecting Presbyterianism and Congregationalism. The church was organized by agreeing to adopt the congregational mode of discipline, but yet was connected with presbytery, in accordance with the very general usage among the churches of that day in the new communities.

On the 30th of August, 1842, Harvey Grant offered in church meeting a preamble and resolution, as follows: 'Whereas, it has come to the knowledge of this church that there are persons who wish to join this church who cannot fully subscribe to the fourth, seventh and thirteenth articles thereof; therefore, resolved, that we will not require an assent to these articles asa qualification." The resolution was adopted by a vote of fifteen yeas to nine nays. After the adoption of the same, ou the 4th day of September, 1842, Mathew Allyn, Clara Allyn, Lawton Wadsworth, Nancy R. Wadsworth, and Benjamin Warren were reecived into the church, assent to the said articles being waived in their behalf. The fourth article was a doctrinal belief in God's sovereignty. The seventh was the enunciation of a belief ''that God did, from eternity, choose some of the human race tv salvation through sanctification of the spirit and belief of the truth; and that all of those whom he has thus chosen he will renew and sanctify in this life, and keep them by his power through faith unto salvation." The thirteenth article was a formulation of the doctrine of infant baptism.

On the 14th of December, 1842, Philo Herrick offered the following preamble and resolution in church meeting: ''Whereas, we are a Congregational church and believe in true congregational principles; resolved, therefore, that we take the first opportunity to ask leave of presbytery to withdraw and unite with Lorain association, and that we appoint delegates for that purpose, and that a committee be chosen to recommend the best course to be pursued in the premises.""

This resolution was adopted, and on the 2nd day of January following, a most vigorous protest was spread upon the church records, signed by eighteen members, all leading and influential men in the church.

At the next meeting of the church a reply to the protest and to the presbytery was made, and also spread upon the records. Out of this difference a fierce controversy arose, and was most vigorously sustained on either side. Strong intellects and iron wills grappled ina manner more creditable to brains than to piety.

On the 27th of March, 1843, thirty-nine members withdrew in a body, and organized a new church, called the Independent church. This body took advanced ground on the subject of slavery, and were followed by others from the First church, until some fifty-seven members had withdrawn, They built a mecting house of their own, settled and sustained pastors, and kept up a stated preaching, and all the institutions of the church.

In that year, through the efforts of Rev. H. E. Peck and others, a union of the two churches was effected. Rey. Mr. Bartlett was chosen the first pastor of the re-united church. He was followed by Rev. Fayette Shipherd. On the Ist of April, A. D. 1865, Rev. L. B. Stone was settled as its pastor, and remained with the church as such until April, 1877.

This church, since its organization, has erected three houses of worship, - four, including the house erected by the Independent church. The latter, after the re-union, was sold to the township for a town hall, and served for that purpose the wants of the township for some fifteen years, or over.

The first meeting house was erected in the year 1839. It was completed, and accepted by the society in November of that year. A series of revival meetings was being held the winter following. A Mr. Ingersoll, from Ashtabula, was preaching, when the house was discovered to be on fire. As the congregation- began to raise the alarm of fire, the preacher cried out, '' Never mind the fire that water will quench, the fires of hell are what you need to fear," which admonition had but little effect upon the moving congregation that seemed intent upon escaping the fire the most imminent.* The house was burned to the ground, and the loss seemed irreparable. The cost of the house was about three thousand dollars.

The next season the church and society entered upon the work of rebuilding, and put up and finished a new one, upon the same site, and upon the same plan as that destroyed, at about the same cost.

In May, 1877, the Rev. James A. Daily came to this church and was engaged as its pastor in August of that year. Under his ministrations a new impetus was given to the church and society. The old wood structure of almost forty years' standing was seen to be insufficient for its congregation. The work of building a new one on a new site was entered upon. The first blow was struck in March,.A. D., 1878. The edifice was completed, and the church dedicated April 3, 1879. Rev. Thomas K. Beecher, of Elmira, New York, delivered the dedication sermon. The total cost of the structure, exclusive of the site, was twenty-four thousand nine hundred and eighteen dollars and five cents, the whole of which was provided for before dedication.

The erection of this beautiful church was the result of Mr. Daily's efforts. A live man, earnest, energetic and persistent, he gave himself to it with an ardor that no obstacle could daunt, no discouragements could flag.

Moral Questions

This church very early took advanced grounds upon the subject of temperance and slavery. In 1833, on the subject of temperance the following preamble and resolution were adopted: ''Whereas, the use of distilled spirits as an artiele of drink has been the occasion of great trouble to the church, and is destructive to vital godliness; therefore, resolved, that this church will require a pledge of entire abstinence in the use and traffic of this article for the above purpose, of all members which are received in future. And we who vote for this resolution pledge ourselves to abide by the same rule which we prescribe to others.

In 1836, the following resolutions on the subject of American slavery were adopted: Resolved, 1st, that slavery, as it exists in the United States, is a heinous sin against God, and ought immediately to be abolished.

2d. That inasmuch as the church is deeply involved in the sin and guilt of slavery, it becomes the duty of all who love the christian name publicly to bear testimony against this heinous sin, and to use all scriptural means to eradicate it from the church."

When consideration is had of the very early day in the anti-slavery movement at which this action was had, the record is one of which the church may take just pride. There were twenty-five male members whose names are recorded as voting upon these resolutions and in favor thereof. To-day it may well be said of them: Stalwart men! in che van of human progress !

Discipline

They were strict disciplinarians and the names of male members are few against whom, at one time or another, charges were not preferred, trials had thereon, and confessions extorted from recusants. There are many incidents that at this day provoke a broad smile in the contemplation thereof. One case should be preserved. In 1834, the standing committee preferred a charge against B for "'making use of ardent spirits to intoxication," on the last of July or first of August 1833, also about the same time of year

1834, and for using profane language at those times. The defendant was cited to appear. He sent word to the church "to proceed without delay in this case of discipline" but remained absent himself, neither confessing or denying the charge. So the chuch gave him the benefit of the legal presumption of innocence, assigned him counsel, and proceeded with the trial. Witnesses were examined, and the evidence seemed quite clear that on these occasions, which it will be perceived was just at the close of haying and harvesting on each of these years, the old gentleman "af not full, just had plenty," and duly, or unduly, celebrated ''harvest home," and recklessly said '"'damn it," and 'I swear." So they voted him guilty, and after reasonable expostulation and due delay, to give an opportunity for repentance, they proceeded to pronounce the sentence of expulsion, which is recorded in these words: 'On motion, voted unanimously, that B be, and he is hereby, excommunicated from this church, and is henceforth to be regarded by us as a heathen man and a publican."

This pretty effectually '"'got him out." While he might not have been ''cut out" for a very good church member, all who knew him will unite in saying he was a. good neighbor, citizen, and friend. He was genial, kind-hearted, and generous. His love of fun led him doubtless to the '' celebration' that seundalized his brethren.

Of the early members but few remain. Among the few who are left are Milton. Adams, Russel B. Webster and wife, Mrs. Orpha Webster; of those whose names are upon the rolls some have moved away, but most have gone to their rest.

It is said that as early as 1823 Rev. Zarah (Hzra?) Costin came to Wellington, as he was traveling the Black River circuit, and preached in the log school house then standing on the corner, north-eact of the center of the town. In 1824 the circuit was traveled by J. C. Taylor, and in 1825 Elijah Field succeeded to the work. It seems that at Rev. Costin's first visit a class-meeting was held, but a regular organization of the church seems not to have taken place till 1825, In 1826 Rev. Ansel Brainard and H. O. Sheldon were the preachers, and during this year the log church

-was built, about twenty rods west of Mr. Caso's tannery, three-fourths of a mile west of the center. At this time, among the members were John Olifford, Sen., and wife, Charles Sweet (who brought a letter from Massachusetts), John Clifford, Jr., and wife, Daniel Clifford and wife, a daughter of John Clifford, Sen. (who married a Mr. Knox), Theodosia Clifford, Lyman Howk, Josiah Bradley and wife, and Asa Hamilton and wife. The preachers afterward were: 1827, Orrin Gilmore; 1828, Shadrack Ruack; 1829, Cyrus Carpenter; 1830, Cyrus Carpenter and E, C. Gavitt; 1831, Wm. Runnels and - - Elliott; 1832, Wm. Runnels and Jno. Canular; 1833, A. Billings and - - Barry; 1834, Jno, Morey and Jas.

The old brick church was erected in 1835, at the center, though not finished for nearly two years thereafter. It was built where the present church stands, on ground bought of Lyman Howk. At the time, it was considered the best Methodist church in Ohio.

In 1837 the preachers were Jno. T. Kellam and Cyrus Sawyer; 1838, H. L. Parrish and Jas. Brewsier; 1839, John Mitchell and Philip Wareham; 1840, John Mitchell and Myron T. Hurd; 1841, M. L. Starr and Joseph Jones; 1842, M. L. Starr and Jno. 8. Ferris; 1843, Wesley J. Wells and C. C. Graves; 1844, Wesley J. Wells and Jos. Santley; 1846, Wesley Broch and Wm. Goodfellow; 1848, Wm. Thatcher and J. M. Morrow; 1849, Wm. Runnels and H. Safford; 1850, Wm. Runnels and H. Chapman; 1851, 'T. Thompson and J. Matlack; 1852, H. Humphrey and L. F. Ward; 1853, H. Humphrey and S. Fairchild; 1854, C. L. Foote and W. C. Huestiss; 1855, C. L. Foote and N. B. Wilson; 1856, C. Hartley and R. H. Chubb; 1857-58, A. K. Owen and C. Thomas; 1859, H. Safford and T. L. Waite; 1860, H. Safford and D. Stratton; 1861, G. A. Ruder and A. C. Hurd; 1862, L. F. Ward and W. M. Spafford; 1863, L. F. Ward and J. H. Close; 186465, Uri Richards and S. D. Seymour; 1866, Wellington, made a station, and Q. W. Pepper, pastor. New brick church built in 1867. First subscriptions by Miss Armenia Herrick and J. H. Woolley, five hundred dollars each. The dedication sermon was preached by Bishop Kingsley, July, 1868. 1867, Rev. E. H. Bush, pastor; 1868' - 70, F. M. Searles; 1871-'72, E. Y. Warner; 1873, J. W. Mendenhall; 1874-75, Geo, Mather; 1876-77, A. Pollock; 1879, Rev. Albright. The church has - beginning of 1879 - two hundred and seventy members and an average attendance in its Sunday school of two hundred and thirty-five.

Disciple Church

This church was organized October 5, 1853, with eleven members. In 1861, they built their first meeting house. It was dedicated in October, 1861. James A. Garfield, who at that time was a Disciple preacher, delivered the dedicatory sermon. The number of the present membership is eighty. Rev. Mr. Thompson came to this society as its preacher in 1877. Rev. Mr. Allen preceded him and preceded Atwater also.

The growth of the church has been gratifying to its friends. It is established upon a firm basis, and is regarded as one of the permanent institutions of the place. Its liberality towards others has been one of its marked characteristics. John Pierpont, when other churches were closed against him, preached from the Disciple pulpit. Mr. Forbush, Liberal Unitarian, delivered a series of discourses from the same pulpit; so that, while it retains its standing among sister churches of the place, it has obtained a broad sympathy in the community among those outside of all churches.

"The first catcher made and put in operation was made at Wellington, this county. The wants of the post office department were communicated to me by G. B. Hamilton, Esq., then a route agent on the Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati railroad. Hamilton invited me to go with him, in hope that I could devise some machine or way in which the mail could be caught by the agent when the train was in rapid motion. After going to Columbus and back with him, I saw my way to the irvention, and immediately made a catcher and went to Cleveland and applied it to the car. Jt worked well from the first. I made, or caused to be made, several catchers, each of which was an improvement. They have been in constant use on the Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati railroad to the present time. This was late in the year 1864. It was a desideratum with the post office department to obtain a catcher that could be used. Numerous trunk lines of railroads had built postal ears (traveling distributing offices), but as they could do no local work, they stood idle in the shed, or were made into baggage cars. This was on the Erie railway, on the New York and New Haven, on the old Michigan Southern and Northern Indiana, as well as on the Michigan Central and other roads. Special agents were sent to this road, from Washington, to try this new catcher; and after repeated tests by different parties, in December, 1866, the post office department definitely agreed to adopt it so far as a full trial was concerned. G. B. Hamilton was appointed special agent to put the catcher in operation, which office he held until the Ist of June, 1867. In January, 1867, and after the department had adopted the' catcher, I obtained a patent for the same. Mr. Hamilton started the catcher on the Washington branch of the Baltimore: and Ohio railroad, and on the Erie railway, which was completed about the 1st of June, 1867. The October following, I was detailed to superintend the catching service, started it in October on the Lake Shore, and Cleveland and Toledo railroads; on the Vermont Central, Northern New Hampshire, Concord, Boston and Lowell railroads; and during the winter on the Boston and Albany, Hartford and New Haven, and New York and New Haven railroads; since which time over: sixty-one thousand miles of railroads are using the catcher - catching thousands of mails daily, and at the highest rates of speed.

"Before starting the 'Fast Mail,' Mr. Geo. S. Bangs, Genera! Superintendent of the railway mail service, sent for me to come to Washington, and asked me to get up an improved heavy catcher for that special service. I devised and brought out: Ward's improved heavy catcher, with cast head, which works so finely as to have superseded all the lighter and earlier ones.

mail service. To briefly show the advantages of this invention, I may say, before its introduction, mails were carried on local or accommodation trains, and at short distances. For instance, to begin at New York, the first day, the local service was done to Albany, New York; the next to Syracuse; the next to Buffalo, New York; the day following, from Buffalo to Cleveland; the day following, from Cleyeland to Toledo; the next day, from Toledo, Ohio, to Chicago, Illinois - six days for the local work from New York to Chicago. By the use of the catcher, the work is now done in less than thirty-six hours; and the rural districts are favored with all the facilities of rapid mail exchanges, as well as the larger cities."