Camden Township (part 5 of 5)

Rescue Case

No proper history of Wellington could be written without reference to the so-called and ever memorable Wellington rescue case, which seemed the beginning here of those troublous times that crowded so rapidly upon it. On the morning of the 13th of September, 1858, the burning of a large portion of the business part of the town, heretofore mentioned, had called together a large crowd of people from the surrounding country. It was nearly noon before the flames were extinguished. The flames being seen to a great distance, the crowd was continually augmented. Shortly after noon it was rumored that a negro had been kidnapped at Oberlin, under the charge of being a fugitive slave, and that his captors had him confined in the Wellington House. This rumor received confirmation, and it was soon known that Mr. Jennings and Mr. Mitchell, of Kentucky, and U.S. Marshal Lowe and Samuel Dayis, of Columbus, were at the hotel then kept by O. S. Wadsworth, having in custody a negro named John, whom they claimed to be a fugitive from Kentucky arrested by them at Oberlin, and that they awaited the train for Columbus to proceed on their way to Kentucky. The marshal and assistants were quickly followed by numbers of men from Oberlin, who mixed in with the excited crowd already assembled, and svon made it the most remarkable day Wellington ever saw. The crowd rapidly grew by constant accessions from Oberlin. Men on horseback, men on foot, armed and unarmed, were seen coming from the north as far as eye could reach.

The hotel was surrounded; no avenue of escape was left unguarded; its halls and rooms were filled with men eager and determined. 'I'he slave-catchers were alarmed, and fled with their charge to the attic, which was difficult of access, while the public square and streets on either side were filled with men. .The marshal attempted to speak to the people, to explain to, them, as he said, the situation. Magistrates were sent for, law officers went busily through the crowd, which they cautioned and urged to do no violence, assured none was needed to rescue the man.

were told that no hurt was designed them personally - that the captive was all the crowd demanded, and that it was useless to try to get him away. 'The captors tried to make John make a speech, and say he wanted to go back - was tired of staying away from his old master. So John came upon the hotel balcony, with marshal and assistants on either side, and made his memorable speech: ''I want to go back, because - because, I 'spose I must," and was hurried back to the room in the attic. The door was barricaded, and, trembling with fear, they awaited behind it what fate had for them.

Such was the forbearance of the crowd, that the afternoon wore away in parleying on one side, and demanding the man on the other. There was a stern determination that the visiting Kentuckians should not be injured, and that the negro should not go south with them. The train south came in at its time and departed, but they were not on board, Towards evening a rumor was circulated that a telegram for troops had been sent to Cleveland. This seemed to decide the course of procedure. A long ladder was thrown up to the attic window, and two stalwart men, - one of them John Mandeyille, - ascended it. Others forced the door. on the inside, these, the window on the outside, and in an instant the negro man was seen borne high upon hands uplifted, with arms and legs sprawling over the heads of the crowd, into a buggy driven by Simeon Bushnell, and conveyed away upon arapid run. 'To the credit of all concerned, but especially to the cool men of Wellington, who exerted all their influence in that direction, no man was in the slightest manner hurt. No insult was offered to the marshal or assistants, Not a hair of their heads suffered, other than that occasioned by standing on end, which was inconvenient to each hair and owner. It was a mob of principle. It was a mob obedient to all law, except the fugitive slave law, and in resisting this, it did not propose to do murder, or even to commit an unnecessary assault. As soon as the man was rescued, the terrified slaveholders saw the crowd disperse, and greatly astonished at the forbearance manifested, walked to the next train of cars, and wended their way home again.

In December of that year, the grand jury of the United States district court for the northern district of Ohio, found bills of indictment against thirtyseven persons, for rescuing, or aiding in rescuing, the fugitive. Of the number, Abner Loveland, Matthew Gillett, Matthew De Wolf, Loring Wadsworth, Eli Boise, John Mandeville, Henry Niles, Walter Soules, Lewis Hines, and William Siples were citizens of Wellington, all of whom were immediately arrested. The government not being ready for trial, they entered into their individual recognizances to appear

On the 5th day of April, 1859, their cases were called, and all of the above named were present in court. The government finally dismissed all proceed-

Lawton Wadsworth was the third son of Jonathan and Deidama (Snow) Wadsworth, and first saw the light June 24, 1785, in Becket, Berkshire Co., Mass.

Mr. and Mrs. Wadsworth settled in Becket, and became the parents of seven children. In 1833 they migrated to Wellington, Ohio, where the ensuing year Mr. Wadsworth built the first brick house seen in the town, their first residence in Wellington having been a log cabin.

In common with the pioneers of the West they battled bravely for existence amid the hardships of frontier life, and, supported by strength of will and earnest purpose, prospered as time passed on, and lived to see fertile farms and blooming gardens where once a wilderness covered the vast expanse.

Mr. and Mrs. Wadsworth passed the declining years of their lives at the home of their son Francis, and when they were at last called upon to leave the scenes of their earthly labors the record of their lives bore upon it the satisfactory assurance that the duties of existence had been faithfully performed.

Their children, as already observed, were seven in number, as follows: Milo H., born Oct. 2, 1807, and married July 6, 1836, to Miss Huldah Andrews, of Winchester, Litchfield Co., Conn.; Oliver S., born May 22, 1809, and married to Miss Alma Van Deusen; Lorenzo Q., born Aug. 27, 1813, and married July 6, 1835, to Miss W. A. Whitney, of Pittsfield, Ohio; Elijah M., born Feb. 9, 1815, and married Feb. 9, 1840, to Miss Clarissa Batelle, of Wellington; Albert O., born Aug. 27, 1819, and married in 1849 to Miss Sarah Mason. Their other children were Francis §. and David L.

David L. Wadsworth, seventh son of Lawton and Nancy R. Wadsworth, was born in Becket, Berkshire Co., Mass., June 1, 1825, and in 1833 removed with his parents to Wellington, Ohio. Favored in early life with a good common-school education, he passed also a few terms at Oberlin preparing for duty asa teacher. Teaching school

'for about seven years, he also, in 1840, read medicine with Dr. Hall, of Orange; but soon acquiring a distaste for the pursuits of medical science, he retired to the homestead, where he busied himself with farming and trading in stock, and developed to a considerable extent an inherent speculative and enterprising spirit.

Oct. 20, 1850, he was married to Miss R. C. Woodworth, of Rochester, Lorain Co., Ohio. She was born in Bristol, N. Y., Nov. 5, 1831, and was the second daughter of Hiram and Caroline (Wales) Woodworth, who were married in Fenner, Madison Co., N. Y., Sept 20, 1828.

Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Woodworth moved to Rochester in 1832, and were closely identified with the first settlement of the township. He purchased a large tract of land, felled the first trees, built the first log cabin, and accumulated in the course of time-a handsome competency. After Mr. Wadsworth's marriage he purchased the old homestead, and devoted himself largely to farming and stock-dealing.

In 1856, May 20, the Wadsworth household was cheered by the presence of the first-born, - Kitty May, - who remaining but briefly upon earth, passed away April 6, 1858, in which year Mr. Wadsworth leased his farm, and with his family removed to the village.

In 1865 and 1866 the present homestead was erected. In 1869, Mr. Wadsworth purchased a planing-mill, and began the manufacture of doors, sash, blinds, etc., dealing also largely in lumber, shingles, laths, etc. Since then he has added to the mill an extensive cheesebox and butter-box factory. Among his other real estate possessions may be enumerated twenty-five or thirty dwelling and business houses which he erected in various parts of the city.

Mr. Wadsworth's present political faith was established upon the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, in 1861, when he became a zealous War Democrat, and materially aided at all times the work of enlistment by furnishing liberally of his means.

Since assuming a prominent part in local political history he has participated in all Democratic State and county conventions, and before the Democratic State Convention of 1875 he was a defeated nominee for the office of State treasurer, but by only a vote or two. Not long thereafter he was appointed by Governor Bishop to be one of the trustees of the Cleveland Asylum for the Insane.

Mr. Wadsworth was one of the early members of Masonic lodge No. 127, of Wellington, and filled in succession all of the official positions of the lodge. He is now a member of Oriental Commandery, No. 12, of Cleveland, Ohio.

Mr. Wadsworth's public spirit takes a wide scope of action, and towards the building of churches always reaches out an assisting arm irrespective of creed.

In 1875, Mr. and Mrs. Wadsworth celebrated their silver wedding with a regal entertainment, in which upwards of three hundred guests participated, and presented a multitude of costly silver offerings, precious mementos of a joyous occasion.

ings against Wellington defendants, except Matthew Gillett, Matthew De Wolf, Abner Loveland, and Loring Wadsworth, all of whom were men of means, and able to pay their fines. All of them, except Matthew Gillett, entered a plea of nolle contendre. Judge Andrews, of Cleveland, on entering this plea, addressed the court in their behalf in conciliatory remarks. The court fined them twenty dollars and costs of prosecution, which were high, and sent them to jail for twenty-four hours.

Matthew Gillett refused to plead aught but 'not guilty." to get rid of the case as to him. The odium of the prosecution had aroused the indignation of the people. The old man Gillett, over seventy years of age, kept in jail, was a burning rebuke to the crime of human slavery, which demanded for its support fugitive slave laws, that transformed every citizen into a slave catcher, at the beck of any slave-holder whose chattels had fled. The old man refused to plead nolle contendre; he refused to give bail; he refused to go home on his own recognizance. ''If you are turned out of. jail, will you go?" asked the government attorney. '' If the choice lies between sleeping in the street and going home, I shall go home," answered the inflexible old man. '' Go, then," was the response, and the venerable man came home in triumph.

The remarks of Judge Andrews were published in the Herald of the same evening. Mr. Loveland, on reading them, instantly addressed the following card to that paper:

"Messrs. Editors: - After reading your remarks in last evening's Herald in reference to me, I deem it due to myself to ask you to state that I dia not authorize my counsel yesterday to give my views on Government to the Court, and disclaim holding to many of the doctrines expressed by him. I simply authorized hini to enter for me the plea of nolle c.ntendre, protesting, at the same time that I am not guilty of violating any law, and requiring the protest to be entered on the records of this court.

Of these men, who thus suffered for a cause, and who contributed to the upbuilding of that public sentiment that finally, by its irresistible force, made human slavery impossible in this country, none are now left. 'Two of them died without seeing the fruition of their hopes for freedom. Matthew Gillett died September 5, 1863, aged seventy-seven years. Loring Wadsworth died November 3, 1862, aged sixtytwo years Matthew DeWolf and Abner Loveland survived the war, and saw the emancipation of the slave, and the death, consequently, of the fugitive slave law. Abner Loveland was the last to go. He lived to give to the writer many of the facts which are here recorded, and passed away in March, 1879. Of him and his compatriots it may be said: "They did something for mankind and for their country."

Wellington In The War

In this work are already given the names of her soldiers and the history of her service, of her dead, and of her part in that fierce conflict, and it may be said in a brief word, she did her part well.

Of those who died, and who now sleep in her cemetery, there are twenty-six transferred from fields where they fell by loving hands to sleep their long sleep in the home they loved so well. Eleven more are in nameless graves on the hills of Virginia, at Chattanooga, at South Mountain and elsewhere, ''where men men died to make man free."

Every May day, garlands of flowers are strewn upon their graves, or offered upon the shrine of their memory by gentle hands, and moistened by teardimmed eyes. And so it shall be for ages hence.

"When spring, with dewy fingers cold, Returus to deck their hallowed mould, She then shall dress a sweeter sod Than fancy's feet have ever trod."

Finale

In this brief and imperfect record of Wellington there is but little to regret, and mueh to awaken just pride. On all the stirring questions of her time she has occupied advanced ground in the van of progress. Her people were the early friends of the temperance cause, and zealous advocates of the anti-slavery movement from the start. Knowing that good society is the outgrowth of a sound morality as taught in the church, she established churches, and liberally maintained them. Knowing that the sum of human happiness is increased by culture, she early established schools, and has generously sustained them. Knowing that prosperity is the reward of enterprise, she has evinced a stirring activity in the pursuits of the various industries, and has prospered. Knowing that intellectual vigor is begotten by intellectual activity, her people have always been upon the alert, and she has no inmates in the asylums for the insane or idiotic. Knowing that a manly independence is what makes the free man, her people have carved their own way, and are not place-seekers. Knowing that worth makes the man, her people do no homage to place or station and court no man for patronage. Her history is not yet made; the first half century of her existence was laying the ground work, from which history is hereafter to be constructed.

Francis 8. Wadsworth

He spent the greater part of his time on the home farm until his majority, gaining in the meantime a good common school education, with several terms at the select schools. For the next ten years his time was occupied in working at the trade of a builder and painter, excepting two years, spent as a student in Oberlin College.

September 20, 1854, he was united in marriage to Sarah A. Leonard, of Akron, Summit county, Ohio. She was born January 6, 1833, in Middlesex, Ontario county, New York, and was the youngest child of Truman and Roxana (Allis) Leonard.

Her father died February 24, 1846. In July following she removed with her mother to Akron to live with a brother and eomplete her schooling. September 12, 1846, l:er mother died.

In the days that followed, two children came to bless this union, a daughter and a son. Etta R. Wadsworth, born April 25, 1458, graduated at the Wellington High School, with theclass of 1877. She was married to B. B. Herrick, son of Hon, Lucius Herrick, December 27, 1877. Franklin L. O. Wadsworth was born October 24, 1866, and early developed a genius for mathematical and mechanical pursuits.

Mr. Wadsworth is an earnest worker, ever seeking to elevate the standard of agriculture, often contributing articles of worth to the leading journals of the day.

For the past twenty years he has been a prominent member of the Union agricultural society, located in Wellington, holding the office of president, vice

' In addition to the many duties devolving upon a farmer's wife, Mrs. Wadsworth finds time to contribute many articles to the press, corresponding regularly for two weeklies and occasionally for others. We judge the articles are not without merit, as they are nearly all promptly published, and others solicited by the editors to whom they are sent.

Mr. Wadsworth is an earnest, practical, thorough business man, carrying into daily practice the precepts and examples taught in youth by most worthy parents. His reputation for personal honesty and

Sereno D. Badon

Joseph Bacon was born in Gardner, Worcester county, Massachusetts, March 2, 1787, was educated in the common school; learned the carpenter trade, and was esteemed a most excellent young man. He married Miss Lucy Wood, August 26, 1813.

Miss Lucey Wood, wife of Joseph Bacon, was born September 30, 1782, in Gardner, Massachusetts. After marriage this couple settled at housekeeping in Grafton, Windham county, Vermont; Mr. Bacon carrying on the business of farming, as well as keeping up the practice of his trade as the opportunity presented.

During their residence in said locality, five children were born to bless their union, viz: Francis 8., born March 28, 1817. Aaron Wood, born Deraniban 28, 1818. Sereno D., third son, - see biographical sketch. Lucy Almira, born April 16, 1827. Mary M., born June 25, 1835. Francis S. married Miss Jane Ann Lee, of Burlington, Vermont, December 20, 1840, now resides in the city of Brooklyn, New York, and is the father of two daughters, Ellen and Marion.

Lucy Elmira was married November 22, 1847, to Elijah Rose; settled in Carlisle, and has three sons, viz: Dr. F.. A. Rose, who settled at Olmstead Falls, Ohio; George E. and Charlie E., who are both single. Mary M. was married July 9, 1864, to Howard Fisher, and settled in Adrian, Michigan; died November 22, 1876, leaving three little boys: Carl, aged twelve years; Robbie, aged ten years; and Elwin C., aged two years.

Joseph Bacon died in Carlisle, August 29, 1865. Lucy (Wood) Bacon died in the same place, September 20, 1871. Their record through life was brightened by good deeds, and 'their works do follow them."

8. D. Bacon, third son of Joseph and Lucy (Wood) Bacon, was born in Grafton, Windham county, Vermont, June 23, 1825. Seventeen years of his boyhood were spent in this home among the hills, receiving in the mean time a good common school education, as well as acquiring a knowledge of farming.

In the year 1842 the family removed to Carlisle, Lorain county, Ohio; founding a new home in the then most settled portion of the township, and as before following the business of farming.

Mr. Bacon was married to Mary Ann Bailey of Carlisle, February 26, 1846. She was born April 19, 1827, in Gowanda, Cattaraugus county, New York. She was the youngest child of Asa and Mary (Cox) Bailey. Her mother dying soon after her birth she was adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Morehouse, residing in Hanover, Chautauqua county, New York.

En Hall

At the age of twelve years she came with her adopted parents to Medina, Medina county, Ohio. In 1843 the family removed from Medina to Carlisle, where they made a permanent home. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Bacon rented a farm in Carlisle and went to house keeping, making dairying their principal business. In 1851 they removed to Pittsfield, Lorain county, stopping for a few months on a rented farm. In December 1851 they again moved, this time to Wellington, buying a farm on which they now reside. The fruit of this union was one son and two daughters. 'The dates of births were as follows: George Bacon, born June 13, 1851. Euphame Bacon, born August 22, 1853. Ada Bacon, born November 12, 1863. George Bacon married Miss Ida Peck of Pittsfield, Lorain county. Their present home is in Penfield, this county.. Euphame Bacon was married to Charles Findley, January 13, 1874; both living at home till her death, January 19, 1875. She left an infant son five days old. The child lived a few months only, dying March 17, 1875. The two were buried in one grave, and slept in the silent city of the dead. Miss Ada Bacon, now in her teens, resides at home, the hight and joy of the household. At school she has ever stood at fhe head of her classes, and bids fair for a bright record in the future.

By industry, economy and perseverance Mr. and Mrs. Bacon have accumulated a nice property, and their residence (see engraving) is fair to look upon.

In politics Mr. Bacon is a staunch republican; standing by his party with firmness and fidelity. He was elected to the office of town trustee in 1870, and has retained the same office ever since. He was also elected infirmary director, in October, 1875. This office also, is still in his keeping. In reputation, he stands a representative man.

Abner Loveland, Jr., was born November 5, 1796, in Berkshire county, Massachusetts, was educated in the common schools, and followed the avocation of a farmer. In 1819, when the frosts of autumn were tinging the foliage of the wide-spreading forests with golden gleams, Mr. Loveland came to Lorain county, Ohio. In 1820, he purchased land in Brighton township, and commenced the toil of a hardy pioneer, in full faith that the future would yield a rich return. March 28, 1826, he was joined in wedlock to Miss Pamelia DeWolf, of Otis, Massachusetts. Pamelia was the oldest daughter of Captain James and Naomi (Ames) DeWolf, born July 16, 1794. Soon after marriage they commenced housekeeping in Brighton, and, eight years thereafter, purchased a farm in Wellington, one and a half miles south of the center, where he pursued his avocation according to the most approved methods in use, making it their home for eighteen years, and rearing their children, four in number, two sons and two daughters. In 1850 he erected a nice brick dwelling house in the village of Wellington, removing thither in 1852, where he might secure the best advantages for completing the education of his children.

For integrity, honer and sterling worth, Mr. Loveland had no superior. He was of a quiet, retiring disposition, never seeking notoriety; yet, when duty called, he wavered not, but was firm in defense of right, however great the sacrifice. Politically, Mr. Loveland (in his younger days) was an old line whig; later, a zealous-and devoted abolitionist, or friend of bondmen; later, a staunch and faithful republican. Offices of trust were given him by both county and town, and were always administered with fidelity and zeal. Though honor and distinction were sought not, yet the people award him a record of worthy merit.

Mrs. Pamelia, wife of Abner Loveland, Jr., died June 5, 1862. Before marriage, Miss P. DeWolf spent her time in teaching. Edwin died November 4, 1866. Mr. Loveland died March 2, 1879, and the people mourned his loss. By loving hands this tribute of respect is dedicated to loved ones gone before: '' Blessed are they who die in the Lord, for their works do follow them."

Roswell Smith

The subject of this sketch was a son of Jocl and Naney Smith; was born in Sandisfield, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, June 1, 1797. Very little is known of his early life, aside from the fact that his parents hyed upon rented land, and were in indigent circumstances. There wasa large family of children, which made it necessary for Roswell to shift for himself at an early age. Record of family: Joel Smith, born 1767, died February 4, 1824; Nancy Smith, born 1772, died August 29, 1829. Children: Catharine, born November 7%, 1793, died 18 - ; Phebe, born June 1, 1795, living; Roswell, born June 1, 1797, died October 26, 1866; Daniel, born February 27, 1799, living; Lovisa, born September 19, 1800, died

/ 30, 1840; Martha, born September 12, 1803, died August 12, 1877; Eunice, born April 4, 1806, died May 7, 1859; Emily, born July 18, 1807, died April 24, 1867; Lucinda, born May 10, 1810, died February 8, 1854. Roswell, soon after becoming of age, left home, and for about three years was employed in the salt works near Syracuse, New York. Here he contracted chills and fever, and becoming rather reduced in circumstances, he resolved to push on farther west, arriving in Wellington, December 25, 1822, with very little capital to begin life with, and ina half dead condition from the effects of the ague. For the next five years he made it his home with his brother Daniel. At that time it was one unbroken wilderness, with few, if any, thoroughfares. The red men were far more numerous than the white, were friendly, and often came to the house for the- purpose of exchang- ing venison, etc., for salt, bread, and other commodities of civilization. Game was plentiful, including deer, bear, wild cat, wolves, etc. 'The latter were very bold, coming uninvited many times to the settler's home, making it necessary to confine stock nights in enclosures built of logs. In May, 1823, Roswell bought seventy-five acres of land of Frederick Hamlin, for the consideration of two hundred and sixty-eight dollars, being part of lot forty-one, in Wellington township. Several years after, he bought seventy-five acres adjoining, on the south of said lot, of Milton Hamlin. Ile married, November 7, 1827, Jane G., youngest daughter of Luke and Elizabeth Whitlock. He moved on his farm in 1828, erecting a log cabin in the northeast corner. They lived here ten years. In 1837 he built a more commodious dwelling, ina more central location. At this time, he took corn to Captain Remington on the ridge, exchanging a bushel of corn, even, for a pound of nails; the price of a yard of factory muslin, being the same. In 1824, his father dying, his brother Daniel returned east, bringing back with him the widowed mother and five sisters, leaving three sisters there, viz: Catharine, Lovisa and Lois. The mother lived with Roswell after his marriage. She died in 1829, and was buried in the old cemetery, in Wellington. Although the pioneers did,. of necessity, see many hard times, there were also bright sides to their lives. During one year there were five marriages out of the Smith household, viz: Roswell, to Jane Whitlock, November 7, 1827; Daniel, to Marie Humphrey, in 1828. She dying, he married for his second wife, Mrs. Mary Bell. Eunice married Calvin Adams, October 7, 1828, Rey. Joel Talcott officiating. Mr. Adams died, March 1, 1864. Martha married Ransom Foote, March 19, 1828. Emily married Selden Hall in 1828. Mr. Hall died November 28, 1878. The other children married as follows: Lucinda to Almond Green; Phebe to Josiah Arnold; Loyisa married Elisha Smith, January 22, 1824. Mr. Smith died east, September 7, 1844. About 1856 his widow moved to Ohio, where she resided until her death. Catharine married Morgan, and died east. Lois was the only one who led asingle life. She died in Colebrook, Connecticut.

To return to Roswell: In politics, he was first a whig, then a freesoiler, and afterward a republican. He was a strong anti-slavery man, and when the war broke out, himself and sons contributed over one thousand dollars in money toward suppressing the rebellion. His brother, Daniel, took a prominent part in the underground railway system, and many a slave has cause to be grateful to him for food and shelter, and a free passage to Oberlin. He came to Wellington in the spring of 1821, his labor for three years being compensation for one hundred acres of land. Roswell, when but eighteen years of age, embraced christianity, and soon after reaching Ohio, united with the Presbyterian church, of which he was one of the original members. He afterward became a Congregationalist. He paid freely toward building the different churches of the place. He not only believed it to be his duty to support the church, but nothing but sickness prevented his regular attendance at public worship. He died October 26, 1866, beloved by all as an upright, conscientious, christian man, a man who was a peace-maker in the broadest sense of the term. He left two sons, Philander W., born April 30, 1830; Orlando E., born November 27, 1839. His widow, April 29, 1868, married Selden Hall, but continued to reside at the old homestead. Mr. Hall died time. Jennie E. Whitlock, a niece of Mrs. Smith, came to live in the Smith family in 1856, and has had a home there since. She was born in Brighton, Lorain county, November 22, 1853.

Jane G., wife of Roswell Smith, was the youngest daughter of Luke and Elizabeth Whitlock, was born May 15, 1813, in South Brunswick, Middlesex county, New Jersey. Luke Whitlock was of French descent. Te was married November 2, 1799, to Elizabeth Griggs, in South Brunswick, Middlesex county, New Jersey. Luke Whitlock was born July 28, 1779; he died May 16, 1847. Elizabeth Whitlock, born January 28, 1782; she died March 15, 1845. Children: John V., born December 20, 1800, died January 31, 1877. Margaret V., born September 10, 1802; died October 3, 1860. James G., born May 23, 1806; died November 20, 1807. Ellen S., born November 27, 1808; living. Sarah, born September 29, 1811; died November 10, 1811. Jane'G., born May 15, 1813; living. In April, 1844, John was married to Hannah Jones. She died December 25, 1846. In April, 1847, he married Eliza Jones, a sister of his former wife. She died April 22, 1856, leaving three children, the youngest of whom, Jennie E., was taken and cared for by her aunt, Mrs. Smith. Margaret was married to Leonard Loveland in 1820. Ellen 8S. was married to Elijah S. Fox, in 1825. Mr. Fox died February 28, 1875. Jane G. married Roswell Smith, November 7, 1827. The family arrived in Brighton, Lorain county, April 13, 1822. The father's occupation was teaching. While on his way home from a school he was taken ill, died, and was buried at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The mother died, and was buried in Brighton.

She was born in Colebrook, Connecticut, January 29, 1833. George Cowles and family came to Wellington in October, 1836, and have since resided on their farm known as "'Maple Hill." For nearly ten years after his marriage Philander W. lived at the old homestead. In the summer of 1861 he erected a house on the corner of the old farm, where he has since resided. They had two children, Arthur G., born May 8, 1853.

to try the effect of the climate upon members of the family. After spending eighteen months there, with little or no material benefit, they returned to their old home. In politics, Mr. Smith has always been a republican since that party had an existence. He contributed freely towards carrying on the war. Although never taking an active part in politics, he was ever in full sympathy with the Union army. In 1866 he purchased what is known as the James Spellman farm, adjoining the homestead on the south. He has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1873, himself, wife and son united with the First Congregational church, of Wellington, Dr. L. B. Lane being pastor at that time.

Orlando E., youngest son of Roswell and Jane Smith, was born November 27, 1839, at the old homestead. During his boyhood he did not enjoy good health, but as he approached man's estate he became more healthful. He was married December 23, 1862, to Lydia J., youngest daughter of William and Polly A. Hall. She was born in Brighton, Lorain county, December 23, 1842. After living with his father's family three years, he purchased fifteen acres of what was known as the Lyman Marshall farm, where he has since resided. In 1873 he thoroughly remodeled his dwelling house, and in 1876 he purchased the remainder of the Marshall farm. 'Two children were born to them: Roswell, born September 20, 1871; Ralph W., born January 10, 1875. Little Roswell brightened their home only four days; he died September 24,1871. In 1863, during the war of the rebellion, Mr. Smith was drafted. His health unfitting him for active service and the exposure of camp life, he hired a substitute. In politics he has always been a republican, casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, in 1864. Of late years his occupation has

_been dairy farming. In 1873 himself and wife were converted, and received into the First Congregational church of Wellington, during the ministry of Dr. L. B. Lane.

Homer Mason And Family

Sampson Mason, father of Homer, and twelfth son of Sampson and Mercy (Baker) Mason, was born in South Adams, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, April 15,1799. He was brought up on a farm, and received a common school education equal to the times. The first of May, 1822, he was marrfed to Miss Hannah Childs, and commenced farming in the town of his birth.

Miss Hannah Childs, fourth daughter of Stephen and Zilpa (Brooks) Childs, was born June 20, 1792. The births of children were as follows: Nancy, born March 4, 1823; Stephen C., born March 28, 1826; Angeline, born August 13, 1827; Minerva, born December 15, 1831; and Homer, born September 18, 1833.

Nancy married Henry Allyn; she now resides in Hiram, Portage county, Ohio. There have been five heirs, three now living. Henry Allyn died December 11, 1878.

Horace married Ellen Lyon, of Wellington, August 22, 1858, continuing to reside at the old homestead, where their children were born as follows: Harry B., born November 20, 1860; Hattie M., born October 1, 1867; Willis L., born November 21, 1869; Annah E., born July 16, 1876; and Arthur D., born April 18, 1878. These children are receiving the advantages of a good education, as age permits, and bid fair to become an honor to their parents.

Hannah, wife of Sampson Mason, died May 16, 1858. Mr. 8. Mason still resides at the old homestead, bearing the honorable title of grandfather and great-grandfather - a venerable man, whom the children delight to honor.

Mr. and Mrs. Homer Mason received a good common school education, and their home is one of culture and refinement, where many people are hospitably entertained. Mr. Mason's politics is republican. He has' been a prominent member of the Union agricultural society of Wellington. He is an excellent farmer, a good citizen, and held in high esteem by all acquaintances,

James Shelden And Family

Benjamin, father of James Shelden, was born in Delaware county, New York, July 7, 1791; married Lovisa Rice, January 22, 1815. Miss Lovisa Rice, born in Delaware county, July 6, 1796, settled in Lock, Cayuga county, New York, and engaged in millinery quite extensively.

Benjamin, Sr., died in LaGrange, Lorain county, July 17, 1870; Lovisa, wife of Benjamin Shelden, Sr., died September 9, 1870; united in life, they were not long separated, and their children rise up and call them blessed.

James Shelden was educated in the common.schools, learned the joiner's trade, and in 1857, February eleventh, was joined in wedlock to Miss Adeline West, eldest child of Amasa H. and Maria West; Amasa H. West was born in Hartwick, Orange county, New York, May 24, 1810. Miss Maria West, born in the same place, May 27,1809. They were married February 24, 1834, and moved to Ohio, soon after, where the children were born, as follows: Adeline, born October 19, 1836; Henry, born, October 24, 1838; Franklin, born September 8, 1846; Charles, born June 5, 1853.

Henry West enlisted in the war of: the rebellion; was wounded in battle April seventh; died May 2, 1862, at St. Louis. Remains brought to Wellington for burial.

Amasa H. West, father of Adeline, died June 24, 1872. Mrs. Maria West, mother of Mrs. Shelden, married again O. J. West, November 11, 1873, and settled in Wellington village.

After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Shelden commenced dairying on a farm in Wellington. In 1860 he purchased the farm where he now resides, and continued dairying. In 1867 he built his present residence. (See engraving). 'Two years later he erected suitable buildings, and commenced the manufacture of cheese, according to the factory system, extending and enlarging his conveniences and facilities until three millions of pounds and over were manufactured at the home factory in 1878.

Mr. Shelden, at the present time, owns an interest in five other factories, and has in his employ seventeen men. As a factoryman Mr. Shelden stands at the front, giving as good, or better satisfaction to patrons, than others engaged in the same business; and as dairying is the principal business of the farmers of Wellington and vicinity, the rivalry with which Mr. Shelden has to compete, may readily be seen. Children - Jessie, born January 5, 1862; Lettie, born June 5, 1867; Charles, born April 3, 1869. Mr. Shelden's children are receiving excellent advantages for education, and bid fair to become ornaments to society, and are true blessings in the household.

The family are most hospitably inclined; there seems always room for one more, and guests are wont to enjoy their visits there most heartily, as the host and hostess are merry-hearted and desirous of ministering to the pleasure of their friends.

Silas Miller And Family

Ephraim, second son of Ephraim Miller, was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, June 8, 1774, and married Rachel Buttolph March 13,1800. - Rachel Buttolph was born in Stonington, Connecticut, October 2,1773. After the marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Miller settled in Chester, Massachusetts, pursuing the avocation of farming, the same as his ancestors. In Chester all their children were born, to wit: Silas, born April 13, 1802; Emily, born February 5, 1804; George, born February 28, 1806; Moses, born January 8, 1809; Ephraim, born October 26, 1811; Edmund, born January 27, 1814; Fordis, born April 12, 1816; died August 18, 1829.

Ephraim Miller died, at his son Silas' house, in Wellington, March 30, 1868, and had reached the remarkable age of ninety-four years. Rachel his wife died in Mindon, Michigan, September 27, 1869, the year following her husband's death. This couple lived together sixty-eight years, never being separated over a week at a time, their affection being like that of Ruth for Naomi.

Silas Miller was born, as stated above, April 13, 1802. He received a good common school education, and beside the knowledge of farm life, acquired at at home, he learned the trade of tanning leather, of William Hubbard, Cummington, Massachusetts. Being a youth of much enterprise and true grit, he was bound to get on in the world, his motto being: ''Tf I fall, I will get up again."

He married Miss Cynthia Holeomb, in West Huartford, Connecticut, December 25, 1828. Cynthia IT, daugher of Asel and Martha (Flagg) Holcomb, was born in Granby, Connecticut, July 29, 1799. They settled at housekeeping and farming in Chester, Massachusetts. The record of births in the family are as follows: Caroline S., born October 2, 1832; Fordis N., born April 3, 1835; and Sarah E., born May 26, 1838. Cynthia, wife of Silas Miller, died February 16, 1840. The family having moved to York, Medina county, Ohio, the year previous, May 26, 1839.

August 20, 1840, Silas Miller married Miss Lydia Branch, of York, Medina county, Ohio. Lydia Branch, third child of Nathan and Polly (Capron) Branch, was born in Gratten, Tompkins county, New York, January 16, 1810. The birth of children are as follows: Silas F., born June 23, 1842; Herman, born November 9, 1843; Lucinda, born February 18, 1847; Nathan, born June 18, 1849; George, born October 8, 1852.

Fordis N. married Augusta Howe, and settled in Noble county, Indiana, and carries on a mercantile trade. The fruits of this union are four daughters and one son, viz: Oynthia, Carrie, Laurie, Emily and Silas. Augusta, wife of Fordis N. Miller, died March 3, 1877.

Silas Miller. Lydia Miller Photos. By H.M. Platt, Oberlin.O.

Herman, also a soldier, served three years in the United States artillery, suffered as many other soldiers suffered, and contracted a disease (chronic diarrhea), of which he has never fully recovered, and which will, no doubt, be the means of shortening his life. Herman married Mrs. Mary Knapp, of Wellington, February 8, 1868. Evelyn L., only daughter of Herman and Mary Miller, was born July 23, 1871.

'Lucinda married Jerry Whitehead, of Wellington, December 28, 1875, settled in Ogden, Michigan, and her husband follows the avocation of farmmg.

Nathan (the bachelor,) resides with his parents; a youth of enterprise, spirit, and ability, well qualified to keep up with the progress of the age.

From York the family moved to Lorain county, settling in Wellington April 9, 1864, where they now reside, on the farm formerly owned by O. 8. Wadsworth, engaged quite extensively in dairying as well as farming.

Mr. Miller has been an active, stirring man, possessed of a remarkalle memory, retains events, dates, names, and places in mind, as the famed Napoleon. He is known far and near, as his journeyings have taken him into many States. In politics he is a republican, and his general character is good, as his code of morals, as well as those of his family, is most excellent.

Bert B. Herrick And Family

Philo Herrick, second son of Amasa and Polly (Robison) Herrick, and father of Hon. Lucius Herrick, and grandfather of Bert B., was born in Tyringham, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, January 15, 1794. He received his education in the common schools, and developed the character of a model young man. January 1, 1816, he was joined in marriage to Sophia Blodgett. Sophia Blodgett, sixth child of Caleb and Ruth (Lombard) Blodgett, was born in Brimfield, Massachusetts, September 27, 1788. After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Philo Herrick went to live in Watertown, New York, where he pursued the business of tanner, currier and shoemaker. From there he removed to Hounsfield, same State. Record of birth of children as follows: Loring, born October 5, 1816, in Watertown, Jefferson county; Amasa B., born April 26, 1818, in Hounsfield; Lucius, born November 8, 1820, in Hounsfield; George F., born November 11, 1824, in Hounsfield. In the year 1835 the family moved to Wellington, Ohio (then denominated the far west), and settled on the homestead (see engraving), where a few years were spent in active service to secure the comforts of a home in a pioneer settlement, the children in the meantime securing the best advantages for education provided in the township, ere they separated to work out their future fortunes and establish homes for themselves. June 3, 1844, Loring married Miss M. Bronson, a teacher among the Winnebago Indians, Towa. April 23, 1846, Amasa married Lydia Ann Young, in Rockton, Winnebago county, Illinois. A record of ten births graces this union. George F. Herrick left home for Wisconsin, June 9, 1845; died, September 15, the same year. Lucius Herrick, remaining at home, married, April 15, 1844, Miss Mary KH. Griffith. Mrs. Mary E., wife of Lucius Herrick, died January 15, 1845, leaving an infant son, Luther G., born January 11. April 8, 1851, Lucius Herrick was united in marriage to Miss Harriet HE. Bidwell, of Brighton, Lorain county, Ohio. Miss Harriet E. Bidwell, daughter of Truman and Eveline (Doty) Bidwell, was born October 26, 1827. Truman E. Bidwell was born September 20, 1806; died March 31, 1876. Eveline (Doty) Bidwell, born 1802; died October 27, 1848. Harriet E., wife of Lucius Herrick, died February 28, 1854; Bert B., son of Lucius and Harriet Herrick, was born December 27, 1851. July 3, 1802, Mr. Lucius Herrick married Miss Sarah West, of Elyria, third child of Francis and Fanny West, born in Elyria and educated in Milan and finishing in the academy at Stockbridge, Berkshire county, Massachusetts; is a lady of culture and refinement. July 8, 1862, Luther G. Herrick died. He was a young man universally beloved, possessed of rare talents, and was pursuing a course of study at Oberlin when the fatal hand of disease sapped the current of life. Philo Herrick died March 15, 1866. Mrs. Philo Herrick is still residing at the old homestead - the oldest person in town; is active, wonderfully well preserved for a lady of her years, retaining her memory remarkably well; and it is to her the writer of this sketch is indebted for the principal dates found in this biography.

Since the family of Philo Herrick came to Wellington, Lucius has been identified with the continued progress of the township. Being a representative man, active in business, he has held important offices by the gift of the people of Lorain county. For several years he was county commissioner, and is now representing the county of Lorain in the State legislature. :

Bert B. was united in marriage to Miss Etta R. Wadsworth, December 27, 1877. Miss Etta R. was born in Wellington, April 25, 1858; and is the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. 8. Wadsworth; is a graduate of the class of 1877 of Wellington high school; average school report, for five years, ninetyseven and one-half - first grade; motto, excelsior; aim, to do well. After a short wedding tour, Mr. and Mrs. B. B. Herrick commenced housekeeping on the home farm, March 28, 1878. His father purchasing and removing to a new residence near by, the farm and its belongings fell to the care of B. B. In connection with other business matters in the line of farming, a dairy of thirty or more cows is kept, and the milk manufactured into butter and cheese, at home, and marketed by Mr. Herrick. The excellent advantages for an education, and the opportunities for travel bestowed by a fond parent, have fitted him for an active business life, giving a fair outlook for future prosperity and renown. March 29, 1879, a daughter was born to Mr. Herrick - Ella R. Herrick; christened by grandma, ''the light of the household " - by its parents, Sarah Ethel.

The genealogy of the Herrick family can be traced in a direct line back to one Hric, a Danish chief whe invaded Britain during the reign of Alfred. For particulars, see genealogical history, published by Zedekiah Herrick, giving statistics from 1629 to 1846.

Dr. John W. Houghton

Dr. John W. Houghton, of the Wellington ZAiterprise, is the son of Asa Houghton, deceased, and Clara Cole Houghton. He was born in Batavia, New York, and is now in his forty-fifth year. He studied two years at the University at Delaware, Ohio, taught several terms, protracted his classical-course so as to keep up his musical studies parallel with it, graduating at Baldwin University in 1860, and from a Cincinnati Medical College the same year. In 1863 the degree of A. M. in course was conferred by his Alma Mater.

Soon after graduation he commenced the practice of his profession at Wellington, continuing for ten years when he was obliged to abandon it from impaired health. He has since devoted his time principally to the drug and book trade, established some years previously, until in 1876 he took the additional care and labor involved in the publishing and editing a weekly newspaper, in connection with a job office.

William Henry Harrison Sutliff

This gentleman was born in Erie county, New York, in July, 1815. His father's name was Solomon, his place of nativity being New York State, Genesee county.

The subject of this sketch received a good conimon school education. At the age of twenty he left his father's home and came to Oberlin, Ohio, where he resided for three years., In 1838 he went to Michigan, where he remained thirteen years, except an interval of nearly a year in 1840, which he passed in

Ohio. While in the former State he entered government land. Returning to Ohio in 1852 he made his residence in Carlisle township for two years, when he remoyed to Wellington, where he has since resided.

In 1840, he married Miss Phoebe D. Gott, of La Grange. Mr. and Mrs. Sutliff have been the parents of twelve children, seyen of whom are now living, viz: William H., Charles E., George W., James Alfred, Frederick M., Emily Jane and Franklin P. Mr. Sutliff has held a number of township offices, both here and in Michigan, and is a worthy and highly esteemed citizen.

I was born in Winchester, Virginia, March 18, 1818, of free parents. My father was the grandson of Lord Fairfax, and my mother the daughter of Colonel Nevel, of revolutionary fame. Myself, with my parents and other children, was allowed the privilege of common schools, although denied to other colored people. My father died in 1836, and in the same year, at the age of seventeen I removed with my mother and the rest of the children, six in number, to Illinois, settling in Springfield, where I opened a barber shop. Among my customers were Abraham Lincoln, Stephen A. Douglas, and Edward Baker. November 31, 1837, I was married to Sarah Ann Wigins, of Macdonough county, Illinois, the first colored marriage west of the Illinois river. In 1840, I moved to St. Louis, Missouri, but was arrested for coming into the State without license, and returned to Illinois and became a citizen of Alton, where I remained until 1860, when I removed to Wellington, taking up my residence here in April of 1861. I have eight children, five boys and three girls. My oldest son Jonathan was captured by the rebels in 1861 and kept a prisoner two years. My son Joseph enlisted in company F of the one hundred and twenty-third regiment, but was 'killed at Frankfort, Kentucky. My son James enlisted in Company G, third regiment U. 8. colored heavy artillery, and was discharged March 9, 1865, by reason of expiration of time of service. My children have all received a practical education. My oldest daughter is a gradu_ ate of Oberlin College, is married, and lives in Washington, D. C.

I was forty-three years old when I was permitted to cast my first vote. It was cast for Abraham Lincoln. I can say that I have only been free since I came to this place. Here, thank God, I am in an open field, in pursuit of life, liberty and happiness, and where I intend to spend the remainder of my days.

Situation, Soil And Water Courses

BouNDED upon the north by Russia, east by La Grange, south by Wellington, and west by Camden, lies Pittsfield, township number four, in range eighteen. Its surface, except in the northwestern part, where it is almost a perfect level, varies from the gently undulating to the moderately uneven. The soil is. principally a soft clay, though a clay loam is found in many places, and occasionally, in the northwestern quarter particularly, there appears sandy and gravely loam. A very good article of sandstone appears in the bed of a small creek, half a mile west of the center, and the same geological formation is observable in lot twenty-one, in the northeastern portion of the township. The stone comes to the surface in the latter place, rendering quarrying practicable. This industry, by the way, has been for some time carried on in a small way, though large enough to mect all demands, by V. McRoberts.

The principal stream within the limits of the township is the west branch of Black river, which, entering the territory at the southern line, midway between the eastern and western boundaries, winds a tortuous course toward the extreme eastern corner. Wellington creek flows from south to north along the eastern boundary of the township, and several small brooks diversify the western half of the town.

The original owners of Pittsfield, with the number of lots they possessed, were the following: Elisha Tracey, seventy-five lots; Lewis Devotion, twenty lots; Joseph Barnham, nine lots; Richard McCurdy, twenty-one lots; Samuel Dorrence, twelve lots, Wm. Perkins, thirteen lots; John McClellan, four lots; and J. Ward, six lets - whole number of lots in the township, one hundred and sixty.

J. Ward probably sold out to Simon Perkins, and Perkins sold or gave the tract to the Western Reserve College. Milton Whitney bought the Dorrance tract of one Keeler.

The first white men ever known to have been inhabitants of this township were a man by the name of Baker, and his two sons. As early as 1812 or 1813, they cleared a small spot of ground on the northeast corner of lot ninety-six, and built a log cabin. They yemained here for some time, but fear of the Indians and the British soldiers, who were at that time scouring the country, induced them to leave. The father is known to have gone into the army of the United States, and whether his sons also entered the military service is a matter of conjecture. They remained in the vicinity some time after his departure. It is not improbable that these men made the original survey of the township. A fact pointing to this conclusion was the discovery of a lot of surveyor's instruments in their cabin a number of years after they left. Their names were also mentioned as surveyors in some of the deeds given the first settlers.

In 1819, when the township was surveyed into lots and divided between the purchasers, Milton Whitney became a large owner. He came from the east in the following year, made an examination of his land, and induced a couple of enterprising young men to settle upon it. Thomas Waite, of New York State, originally settled in Amherst township, but, after a short stay, removed into Russia. His sons, Jerry and Thomas, were the first men who went into Pittsfield with the intention of permanent residence. Milton Whitney gave each of them fifty acres of land in lot one hundred and seven, and they took up their abode upon it in the spring of 1821. Jerry Waite died in' Thomas Waite is in his seventy-eighth year, and resides upon almost the exact site of the rude tog cabin which he erected half a century ago.

fifty acres, as remuneration for cutting twenty acres of timber. Both removed from the township before 1830. Chauncey died in Henrietta in 1860. His widow married Lucius Washburn, of Henrietta, with whom she is now living, aged seventy-five years. Henry is in Amherst. About the same time, in all probability, though possibly before, came a man named Smith, and his sons, Charles and Joel, from New York. Joel settled on lot twenty-four with his father, and Charles took up a farm in lot forty-four.

Following the Smiths came John Norton, who settled on lot one hundred and twenty-eight, and who, it is said, built the first frame barn in the township. Norton died some time previous to 1830.

L. D. Boynton, father of Judge W. W. Boyntén, became a temporary resident of the township soon after the Smiths and Norton came in. He built a cabin upon lot one hundred and thirty, but made no purchase of land and remained but a short time.

Samuel Rathburn and two sons, Daniel and George, came from New York State in 1828, the father and younger son settling upon lot sixty-four and Daniel upon lot fifty-seven.

About the year 1830, Wm. Butler and five sons from the Empire State, settled on lot thirty-seven, and, in the same year, came Samuel Wightman, who located on lot seventeen, and Peter Beam and his son Joseph, who took up their residence on lot twenty-five.

William Matcham and his son-in-law, Levi L. Rowell, came to the 'township in 1831. Sullivan Rowell and his sons, John L., James, C. B. and Levi, came later from Granville, Massachusetts, and settled on lot one hundred and nine. The Matchams were from Pittsfield, in the same State. Edward came the year before his father, and settled upon lot one hundred and twenty-five, on the old State road, about one mile south of the center, where he still resides. He married Abigail Tinker, of Rochester township, April 8, 1835.

Peter McRoberts was the first arrival after the organization of the town. About this time settlers came in quite fast, and it is impossible even to name them all. There are in Pittsfield three families of Whitneys, and a circumstance that seems somewhat singular, is that they bear no relationship to each other. Milton Whitney came from Pittsfield, Massachusetts, in 1820, the year after the survey had been made, and, after making arrangements for the Waites to settle, as has previously been related, returned to his home in the east. He took up his permanent residence in this township in 1834. He had five sons, 8. D., Oliver W., Asa W., Henry and Frederick, and two daughters; the first-named son now lives upon lot one hundred and sixteen. Joseph Whitney, the head of another distinct family, came about the year 1833. His sons, Ira E., Cepha, Mark and Augustine, live in Pittsfield, and Loren and Aaron Tl', in Oberlin, and Norman in Florida, Nathan Whitney, the third original settler bearing the same name, but no relation to the other two, came into the township about the same time, and is represented by his son Ira, who lives upon lot seventy-two; another son, Abram, is in Oberlin.

Cornelius Gifford and sons, John Nye, Cornelius F. and Sidney, came about the year 1835. John Nye had one son and three daughters by his wife, Roxy Messenger, of Windham. four daughters, the youngest of whom is the wife of Mark Whitney. Daniel and Sally Wilder came in 1835 from Vermont. Jesse Bradley came about the same time, and settled upon the center road toward the southern part of the township, afterwards selling out to Bethuel Phelps who is the oldest man in the township at this writing, (1878) being in his ninety-second year. William Lucas and sons, William, Ira and Dayid, and his son-in-law, Hiram Welch, came

Cornelius Gifford had alsoabout the same time as the above. David W. Davis came in about the year 1834, and in the following year John Ives moved from Portage county, where he had emigrated in 1815, and settled upon lot fiftyeight. James R. Ward came in 1836 from Vermont, and settled upon a farm of one hundred acres in lot one hundred and three. ILis wife is Lucinda, daughter of Ira Smith. The Worcesters, Samuel, his sons John, James, Frank, Joseph, David and Emerson, were early settlers. Henry is now living on lot seventy-eight, and Horace H., a son of John, on lot seventy-seven. Samuel A, Root came in 1837 with his father, mother and one brother from Massachusetts. He settled upon lot seventy-nine where he still resides, but owns land, also, in lots eighty-two and eighty-three. Jared Watkins and wife came from Morristown, St. Lawrence county, New York, in 1835, and settled on the State road north of the center. In 1842 came R. $8. Sheffield. He lived in Camden a number of years, but has been longest and most prominently identified with Pittsfield township. He married Delia H., a daughter of Jared Watkins. Denis Horton and wife, F. 8. Horton, settled, several years later, upon lot ninety-one. They were from Rutland, Vermont. Gaylord Ferris came in 1834, Orlando Hall came in 1835 from Vermont, and settled in the northeastern part of the township. His wife, Lucetta Hall, is still living. The Proberts, James and Sarah, were from England. Their descendants were Eliza, John, George W., James W., David G., Albert B. and Sarah A. (Mrs. Watkins, of Pittstield). George W. Probert also lives in this town ship, lot seventy-three, and owns a farm of about two hundred acres. James W. is dead, and the other descendants of James and Sarah live in Oberlin.

'Lewis Shaw came into the township in 1847, and settled on lot one hundred and fifty-two or one hundred and fifty-three, but now resides nearthe center. Edward Rogers, a native of England, sixty-two years of age, settled first (1845), in the eastern part of the town, on lot fifty-nine, but removed, several years since, to a comfortable home near the junction of the north and south center and State roads. In 1845 came, also, Joshua West and his sons, Oliver, Washington and Amasa, from Massachusetts.. They settled jn Wellington in 1832, but did not remove to. Pittsfield until the year first mentioned, Oliver West lives at the center; Mrs. Polly, the widow of Washington, with her son, W. West, on the center road, half a mile west of the center, and Amasa is in Henrietta. Carlos Avery came in 1843, and settled on the State road (lot one hundred and forty five) south of the center. Ephraim K. Avery, a Methodist minister, came from Connecticut in 1851, and from the time of his settlement up to his death had much to do with the Methodist church of Pittsfield. His son, Edwin K., and a daughter, Mrs. R. T. Worden, now live in the township, the former upon lot ninety-five, on the north and south road, a short distance south of the center. E. R. Bement, son of Nathaniel Bement, of

LaGrange, came into the township about 1840. Wm. Billings came in 1836; also L. D. Glynn and F. E. Parsons. Erastus Campbell settled on lot one hundred and eleven, the old Remington farm, in 1857, and though not as old a resident as many others, is deserving of mention, because a representative man of the township.

Of the settlers who may properly be called pioneers, those who came into the township before its organization, only two remain to relate the incidents of their early days - Thomas Waite and Edward Matcham. Death has been, for the past few years, fast thinning the ranks, and a very large number have moved away. Mr. Edward Matcham counts upwards of a hundred and fifty heads of families who were in Pittsfield prior to 1840, and who are now either dead or removed to other parts of the country.

Early Incidents

'"'The annals of a 'quiet neighborhood' would not be an inappropriate title for the history of Pittsfield township. It has been said that 'all of history, which is not biography, is the recital of deeds of violence and wrong doing, of rapine and ruin, of bloodshed and of war.' Pittsfield truly has no such history as this. He who asks the oldest inhabitant for thrilling anecdotes of adventure with wild man or wild beast, asks in vain. No romance but the everywhere existing romance of live and love, no tragedy but the oft and ever recurring tragedy of death, has been the cause of sensation or of horror. The dramatic is not here. The history savors only of the honest homespun, of simple, sincere, strong characters, who began bravely in the heart of the forest a hard fight for the comforts and conveniences of life. How well the fight was fought is shown by the condition of the community to-day. One has only to think for a moment, to see that a really vast victory has been won wherever city or village has been made, or where the earth has been dotted with human habitations. Every such place has a history which cannot be put into words - the history of man's efforts and achievements, and more than all, of his joys and sorrows, glad realizations and bitter disappointments - the hidden history of heart and soul.

We have already given the names of those early settlers who bore the brunt of the struggle against the stubborn obstacles to progress which a new country always presents. The duty now remaining to the historian is the presentation of whatever he has been able to glean in regard to early occurrences, and the building up of the social fabric. The pioneers of Pittsfield had but little experience with the Indians, and industrious interviewing fails to elicit description of bear hunt or tale of dangerous adventure with fierce animals.

A few Wyandot and Seneca Indians roamed through the woods, but they had no extensive encampment in the vicinity, and seldom appeared in bands of more

Mrs. George Rathburn had quite a scare soon after she became a resident of this small community. She was all alone in the cabin, one day, when suddenly the doorway was darkened by the form of an Indian who demanded bread, brandishing a large knife fiercely as he did so, and pointing to the bake-kettle which was upon the fire. The woman made her unwelcome visitor understand that he could have some bread as soon as was it done, and he waited in stoical silence until the steaming loaf was turned out; then cutting off a large portion, he gave utterance to the customary grunt of satisfaction, and strode away into the forest as silently as he came.

Thomas Waite once killed a full-grown elk upon the farm of Edward Matcham, which, so far as can be learned, was the only animal of the kind that ever fell victim to an early settler's rifle. He shot the stag several times before he brought him down, and finally drove him into the bed of a small creek, where a well-directed shot finished his life. Mr. Waite, otherwise known as '' Uncle Tommy," haa the antlers in his possession many years, and was very fond of the trophy.

Fire And Water

The great ordinance of earth and heaven that makes man and woman one, was first celebrated in the year 1823 or 1824. The bridegroom was Jeremiah Waite, and the bride Clara Smith. The officiating clergyman was the bride's father, the Rev. Nathan Smith. A happy party assembled upon this occasion and a feast was served, of which potatoes are said to have formed the leading luxury. The wedded life began by this couple, was not of the character that fond lovers are wont to picture as their future, for if popular report is to be accredited, the young wife, when the blissful honeymoon had become only a recollection, applied verbal blister to the soul of Jeremiah. He sought advice and consolation from his father-in-law, who briefly and quietly replied to the husband's complaint: ''When your wife throws fire, you must throw water." It was not very long before the practical minded man had an opportunity to act upon the suggestion given him, and as he had interpreted it literally, the result was somewhat startling to the wife. She began one day to pour forth 'thoughts that breathe, and words that burn," and the husband immediately seizing two buckets, started for the brook, back of the house, and filled them. As soon as he returned to the cabin, he dashed the ice cold contents of one pail over the astonished woman, and then explaining that her father told him he must throw water whenever she threw fire, applied the second bucketful to thoroughly quench the embers of her wrath. Cotemporary chroniclers have failed to note, carefully, the result of this phase of the water cure treatment, and so the value of the experiment is, in'a measure, lost to the world.

The first life given, and the first life taken away, must in any household, be incidents fraught with the fullest intensity of joy and grief, respectively, that the human heart can appreciate. And these events occuring in the midst of a small community, newly grown, in a strange and lonely forest country, where individual lines are more closely knit together by the chords of sympathy, than they are in the bustling, selfish, sordid city, bring happiness and sorrow to all, friend, neighbor and kindred. When we mention here the date of the first death that occured in Pittsfield, we place our finger upon a day: in a calender more than half a century old, which brought a vast burden of sad and solemn feeling to every person then in the scattered little settlement. "Mary, wife of Chauncey Remington, died August 18, 1822. Her remains were laid in lot one hundred and eleven, the second farm cleared in the township, and had their resting place there for many years, but were finally removed,

The first log house was the cabin built by the Bakers, - father and sons, - spoken of as the first white men ever known to have come into the township. Thomas Waite built the second. The first framed house was built by a man named Terry, in 1833, on lot ninety-five, and is still standing. The present residence of Edward Matcham is the second framed house still remaining. The first brick house was built in 1851, by Harris R. Sheldon.

The first tavern was presided over by John Sibley. It was upon lot forty-four, upon the old State road. The date of its erection was probably 1832. Horatio Harmon built a tavern not long after, on lot thirtyseven. David H. Ranney kept the first store, in connection with a hotel, south of the center.

Lewis Barnard received the first postmaster's commission, and kept the post office half a mile east of the center. The present postmistress is Mrs. Climena Kingsbury.

The first cemetery laid out is now the resting place of many of the early settlers of the township. It isa well fenced and well kept enclosure; about a quarter of a mile east of the center, and belongs to the town. There is a small cemetery at the junction of the north and south center and State roads, owned by a private corporation, and still another in the northeast corner of the township.

Fugitive Slaves

There was a branch of the '' underground railroad " through Pittsfield. Here, as elsewhere, obstructions were occasionally placed upon the track, for the purpose of stopping trains. We have not the date, and it makes but little difference in the relation of the incident, but any way, during the days when the road was doing its largest business, two fugitive slaves, - aman and a woman, - were arrested in Pittsfield, by persons of pro-slavery feelings, and brought before the bar of justice, which, in this case, was the bar of Squire Asa W. Whitney, and also, it may be said, the bar of Harmon's small but quite popular tavern. A question arose as to whether a justice court was a court of record, the squire having no right to hold the fugitives, if it was not. Squire Clark, an eccen- held, and at the same time to have a little amusement, said in answer to Justice Whitney's anxious query. "Is my court a court of record?" **Why, Squire, you keep a record, don't you? What more do you want to make a court of record?" But the proof that he had power to hold the fugitives was not strong enough to thoroughly convince the justice, and the captives were finally, after considerable discussion, sent to Elyria, where they were placed in the jail, from which they soon after made their escape, much to the joy of their abolition friends, and discomfiture of the sympathizers with slavery. There were in Pittsfield quite a number who held stock in the '' underground railroad."

Raisings And Whisky

About the only thing that the early settlers of the Western Reserve regarded as impossible, was raising a barn or building of any kind without whisky enough to more or less stimulate the muscles that managed to do all other kinds of work without its aid. So general was the belief that a man must drink liquor when engaged in a "'rasin' bee," and so nearly universal was the custom of providing it on such occasions that it was almost a literal impossibility to get a building erected without conforming to the popular prejudice and throwing away principle for policy's sake. There was only one among fifty men, perhaps, upon the average, who had any decided aversion to whisky thirty or forty years ago, but when the majority tried to bend down that man's will, they generally found it too stiff to yield a hair's breadth, though the refusal might cause him a large inconvenience. Edward Matcham was; and is a strong temperance man, and when he built his barn, there were not enough temperance or total absistence men in the crowd which assembled, to raise theframe. He refused to furnish the necessary spirits, and finding him resolute in his refusal, the men dispersed, after partaking of other refreshments. Soon after a neighbor - Ebenezer Parsons - had a raising, the liquor being duly brought forth. The building went up quickly, and then the owner standing upon a beam, made a brief address to his assistants, of which (as the newspapers say) the following is a verbatim report: ''Men, I tell you what it is; we all acted like a lot of fools over at Matcham's the other day, and now I'm going over there for one, and I want all of you that's willing to raise that barn whisky or no whisky to follow me." He started, and one by one the good-natured farmers followed after, strung out in a procession ten rods long. They started slowly, then walked faster to keep up with their leader, and arrived at Mr. Matcham's upon a double-quick, took hold of the work with a will, tugged and pushed, and pulled and lifted with all of their

Just here it is not inappropriate to say that Pittsfield is to-day the equal of any of its sister townships in point of temperance and general morality. There is not at present, nor has there been for the past thirty years any saloon or place for the sale of liquors, ale or beer within the town limits.

The town was early annexed to Wellington for township purposes, and later to other townships for military purposes. In 1831 it was detached upon the petition of its inhabitants, and incorporated as a separate and independent township, the name of Pittsfield being bestowed by Asa Whitney, who, with many other settlers, was from the town of Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

Judges and clerks were appointed or chosen in December, 1831 - so the record states - and in April, 1832, the organization of the township was completed by the election of officers. Thirteen ballots were cast, and ten officers elected. Neither of the clerks was qualified for his position. One was a legal nonresident of the State; the other not arrived at his majority. Their names were Asa W. Whitney and Edward Matcham. The Judges were George Rathburn, Lewis Barnard and Charles Smith. Following are the officers elected: clerk, George Rathburn ; trustees, Joseph Terry, Samuel Wightman, John Sibley; supervisors, Charles Smith, Thomas Waite; overseer of the poor, Charles Smith; constable, Isaac Butler; fence viewer, George Rathburn; treasurer, Peter Beam. The officers elected in 1878 are the following: clerk, C. A. West; treasurer, Lewis Shaw; trustees, Mark Whitney, E. Campbell, Delos Sanders; assessor, Jumes CO. Clarke; justices of the peace, Richard Mills, Henry McRoberts ; constables, Adam Hanmer, William J. Rogers.

Religious Development

A Methodist class was formed in Pittsfield as early as 1824 or the succeeding year, through the efforts of the Rev. Nathan Smith. Meetings were held regularly and irregularly, and the interest so increased that in the winter of 1831 two services were held once a month by a circuit preacher - the Rev. Wilham Runnels. Rey. Mr. Smith left property, which, upon certain prescribed conditions, was to aid in the erection of a church edifice, but the society did not comply with the conditions, and so lost the benefit of the funds. It was not until many years afterward that this denomination had a house of worship in the town of Pittsfield, and in fact it was not until 1845 that the present Methodist church was ushered into organic being and entered the arena as a part of the sacramental host of God. To the Congregationalists belongs the credit of founding the first of the two churches at present existing.

The Congkegational Church

was organized April 25, 1836, under the'name of the Evangelical Union Church of Christ. This church owes its being to Deacon William Lucas, a goodly and godly man, who, from the first, was unsparing in his efforts to promote the interests of morality and religion. He rode through the then sparsely settled township and personally interviewed the pegple, to discover how many were favorable to the &tablishment of the church, and iafluenced, at one time and another, many men and women to identify themselves with the organization after it had been completed. The Rev. John J. Shipherd, the founder of Oberlin, officiated at the organization of this church, assisted by the Rev. John Ingersoll. There were only nine constituent members, as follows: William Lucas, William W. Lucas, Sarah Lucas, Ann Lucas, Daniel Wilder, Sally Wilder, Joel Wilder, Mary Matcham and Mary Welch. William Lucas was the first deacon of the church, and Joel Wilder was clerk. The Rev. Ira Smith became pastor in 1842 or 1843, and three or four years after the present church building was erected. Previous to that time the society worshipped in various private houses, in school houses and in new barns. Barns were preferred to dwellings or school houses, because larger, and nearly every bari built in the township, prior to cne construction of the first church, has, at some time, sheltered a devout but small congregation, and echoed the earnest voice of the itinerant preacher as it rose in praise or was lowered in supplication. During most of the years intervening between the organization and the time when the first pastor was settled, there was stated preaching, and though the roads were often in an almost impassable condition, and tire farmers had a long distance to come, the congregations were almost always larger in proportion to the population than those that now-a-days assemble to hear popular preaching. The Congregational church has, at this writing, a membership of sixtyeight persons. The pastor is Rev. C. C. Baldwin; the deacons, Oliver West and R. T. Werden; Miss France E. Young is the clerk and treasurer. Of the nine original members of this church, only three or four are now living, and only one resides in the township - Miss Sally Wilder, nearly ninety-nine years old, but still retaining her faculties to a remarkable degree - as bright and cheerful an old lady as can be found in the county, or, for that matter, in the State.

About the same time that the Congregational church was organized, the close-communion Baptist and the free-will Baptist churches came into being. The former had a very small membership, and the latter numbered nearly as many members as the Congregational church. Both are now extinct. The Universalists also had, for some time, a considerable

The present Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1845, Rev. Hugh L. Parrish officiating. The original members were R. Mills, Edward Rogers, Ann Rogers, John Wilton, Eunice Staples, Cynthia Sheldon, Susanna Stone, Abigail Avery, Eliza McRoberts, Mary Brandyburg, J. Whetan, John Wright, Ann Wilton and Mary A. McClelland. R. Mills was class leader. The first four mentioned in the foregoing list, and also Cynthia Sheldon, are still living and members of the church. The church received several accessions in 1820, and there was a general revival in the winter of 1859, under the preaching of Rey. G. A. Reeder, the then pastor. Many young people, together with the heads of families, were converted. Over sixty persons united with the church at one time, upon a beautiful Sunday morning, the service being held in the maple grove upon the farm of R. T. Werden. to distant states, some lost their lives in the service of their country, and some - many - have died in the service of their chosen Master; and gone to receive the promised welcome, '' Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." At present the church has fifty-four members. Following is a list of the officers of 1878: trustees of the church, R. Mills, E. Rogers, H. A. Cole, G. D. Matcham, Wm. Daniels, J. Newcomb, 8. Jordan; class leaders, R. Mills, H. A. Cole; stewards, D. G. Matcham (recording steward), J. Jordan, E. Rogers.

The first school in Pittsfield was located on lot one hundred and thirteen, and was held in a small log cabin built for the purpose. Miss Minerva Loveland was the first teacher. Edward Matcham began teaching in 183] or 1832 and continued ten seasons, passing at this vocation, as he says, some of the most pleasant and profitable years of his life. His wife, Abigail Tinker, taught in 1833, receiving for her services, the then very fair sum of one dollar per week. Mr. Matcham had ten dollars per month.

There are at present eight regular school districts, and a special district at the cen.er, A handsome brick house was built here in the fall of 1878, and furnished with the latest and most approyed styles of desks and seats. The directors who constitute the board in this special district, are David W. Davis, Mark Whitney, and Bradford Blackmer. Whitney is president; David W. Davis, clerk; and Richard Mills, treasurer. The teacher employed in 1878 was Miss Mary Whitney.

Dr. Daniel Howard was the pioneer physician of Pittsfield. He came into the township in the year 1835, and remained for a number of years, having quite a large practice. Previous to his taking up his residence here, the people made Dr. Eber W. Hubbard, of La Grange, their main reliance, in case the services of a physician were needed. Dr. Evans had a short experience of practice in the township, and was followed by Dr. D. M. Young, who commenced practice in 1845, and continued until his death, in 1870, winning the very general esteem of the people, alike by professional good qualities and his fine traits as a man and citizen.

Dr. C. H. Beech, the resident physician in 1878, was born in New Jersey, in 1812, and came' to Ohio in 1836, having graduated at the Jefferson medical college of Philadelphia. He first located in Wellington, where he remained until 1860, when he left, and spent ten years in various parts of the United States, as widely removed as New Orleans and Long Island.

Cheese Faotory

The cheese factory and creamery now owned by William Crozier, was built in 1869, by J. W. Worcester, It is located upon lot number eighty-three, about one and one-third miles east of the center. It was first operated by E. L. Tucker, and afterward by W. D. Fuller, of whom Mr. Crosier purchased in the latter part of July 1877. The factory has taken, most of the time, the milk of about four hundred cows, and has turned out from five to thirty cheeses per diem, beside a large quantity of butter. The amount of milk received per day has varied from fifteen hundred

The first saw mill was built by Parsons & Whitney, on lot number one hundred and thirty-five, as early as 1835 or 1836, and continued in operation for some time, supplying the neighborhood with lumber. There are at present two mills; one, the property of Ira Whitney, on the center road, two miles west, and the other, owned by Ebenezer Parsons, on lot one hundred and twenty-four. Whitney's mill has been running for about twenty-five years.

the old fashioned necessary evil of corduroy road, made of split rails and small logs laid side by side, like the ties of a railway, but close together. These roadways were anything but pleasant to travel over, but were made because travel in any kind of vehicle would have been almost, if not quite, an absolute impossibility without them. In 1832, there were but

Errata

Elyria to Wellington, crossed the township almost | Wheat, - 431 acres.........66. cesses ae Pesaran 7,718 bushels. ; to He Litt GOREN a oe eee nee aes Re 5,658 directly from north to south, and was the road most Airy me sas Lae i Disco in use. There was a rude, rough road from Russia | Orchards, 821 " ........... ccssecesseesaeeceeeeeeenees 4,511 : . . Corn, oan RCgune Ga ne NNR e Nay aa fea 6 une wn 92,695 township, down through Pittsfield, about half a mile MSAD Whe Gay tee ies muah anddiieeca Mpa 8,255 tons. from the western boundary; and a roadway was chopped | Butter...............c.ccceecseeeeceeeneeeneeeceeaennnneees 28,860 pounds. out, but unfinished, from this to the State road, about Saaueeened Haigschnlwconiniewdvsvinen sitbinnasusvaniniserenanens Pies 5 a mile south of the center. It was upon this road that POPU HOM A TOTO; Foe across cin clary'civiesslelstely'bia's'al t rtare Sipnisin sl WT eve w'slern m) [a ATE St WYO 980 most of the early comers to the township toiled, to Shed wan PReanccn On pay their property and poll taxes. PLAY OH pe sc ysten amen ee tenn ees LES] Wilder alae woueeasesteatese 72 ERRATA.

-On page 103, second column, thirtieth line from the bottom, read Fort Loudon for "' Fort London," On page 103, in the second column, twenty-eighth line, read Yohoghania for *"* Yohoguina."' On page 103, in the second column, fourteenth line from the bottom, read Canasauga for '' Cunasataugee."' On page 105, where the name " Brace" occurs, read Bruce. In the second line from the bottom of the second column, page 106, for ''Gulpin"' read Galpin. In the twentieth line from the bottom of the first column, page 110, read Parmely for '' Purnley."' In the second line from the bottom of the first column, page 111, read John F. Butler for " John M. Butler," On page 131, first column, twenty-second line from the top, read Natural for '' national." On page 246, first column, twelfth line from the bottom, read Congregational for "' congressional."