Canton Township (part 5 of 62)

Among the oldest lawyers of those days were John Harris and Dwight Jarvis. Mr. Harris built and occupied the two-story brick residence now owned and used as a home by Mrs. Catherine A. Myer, at No. 917 West Tuscarawas street. In the grove on the north side of this fine old home many a 4th of July celebration was held, while speeches were made by men of all political parties, their hearts beating strong with that patriotism which overleaps the bounds of mere partisanship. Old and young enjoyed these gatherings. Dwight Jarvis at one time occupied a quite prominent position at the Stark county bar. He was a New Englander and an ardent churchman of the Episcopalian faith. He finally removed to Massillon, and it is recalled that his loyalty to his home town was of the most insistent order, as is evident when we revert to the fact that on se\'eral occasions he was heard to say that it was quite desirable after leaving this w-orld for all men to go to hea\'en, but that he would be satisfied if he could have as good a place as Massillon. He was in good circumstances, and was of great aid to his church in Massillon, being one of its most zealous and liberal supporters.

The old jail stood for many years on the southwest corner of Cleveland avenue and Ninth street. The lot on which this building stood is now occupied Ijy the office and residence of Dr. Edward P. Morrow. The jail stood back from the Cleveland avenue sidewalk line about fifteen feet, but on Ninth street it came close to the line of the walk. The barn or stable occupied the site of the present Disciples' church, and these two structures were the only buildings on the entire block running between Ninth and Tenth streets. The ownership of the block was vested in the county, and most of it was used for years as a garden and potato patch.

The jail building was two stories in height and about thirty-five by forty feet in lateral dimensions. The main entrance, on the east front, was the dividing line, opening into a hall that ran through the building. The north half was the prison and the south half the residence of the sheriff. The lower story of the north half was very substantially built of stone and the balance of the building was constructed of brick. In the north half were four rooms on the first floor and four on the second ; both below and above was a hall which ran westward and divided the prison rooms or cells, of which there were two on each side of the hall both on the first and second floors. The barred windows below were about sixteen inches high and thirty inches wide, there being one to each cell, affording all the lig^ht and outside ventilation provided. Upstairs the prison departments had window openings of the same size as those of the residence portion of the building, but the former were well guarded with iron bars with apertures between of about six inches square.

This building was erected in 1830, the contractor being Calvin Hobart, whose specifications and contract provided for the completion of the building for the sum of thirty-six hundred dollars, and it continued to be occupied for the purpose intended until the erection of the of the present county jail about thirty years ago. The first sheriff' to occupy the jail described was Henry Guise. In 1832 George N. Webb became sheriff", holding the office two terms, or until 1836. It was his misfortune to have been incumljent of the sheriffalty at the time when 1 Christian Bachtel was hung in November, 1833, ! for the murder of his wife. Mr. Webb was .a ' good officer. The writer well recalls how cold and bleak was the day on which the execution I occurred. Executions at that time were public and the one in point of discussion took place on the commons, which were then quite large in the neighborhood of the present Gilliam works, a little south of Washington avenue and east of Walnut street. The town was over-run with visitors, many of whom were attracted from considerable distances, while a large number arrived the day preceding the execution. The murder would not have occurred had not the assassin been intoxicated, and the writer believes that from that day to this every murder that has occurred in the county has had at the basis of the crime intoxicating liquor.

After Sheriff Webb's term of office expired Daniel Raffensberger held said office from 1836 to 1840. George W. Raff' was of the same family, but about a half century ago most of the family dropped all save the first syllable of the somewhat unwieldly name, and the name Raff has been commonly retained since that time. From 1840 to 1844 John Brandon, of iNIassillon, was sheriff, then Hemy Shanafelt, of Greentown, served until 1848, then George N. Webb was re-elected and held the office until 1852; Peier Deshong, of Greentown, thereafter served until 1856; R. A. Dunbar was next sheriff of the county, holding the office until 1858, from which year to 1862 General Samuel Beatty was the incumbent. I'rom 1862 to 1864 Daniel .Saylor, of Greentown, was sheriff; from the latter year until 1868 Peter Chance was sheriff, and from 1868 to 1872 R. A. Dunbar again filled the office, his successor being William Baxter, who was the last to serve in the old jail. Of those who have since served it is not necessary to speak in connection with this reminiscence of the old jail. Among those above mentioned the old residents will recall Mr.

Government Building. Canton

Saylor as an excellent lifer, there being few wlio could equal him in proficiency on this martial instrument. Mr. Dunbar, who was familiarly known as "Al" Dunbar, probably had more experience in the sherifif's office than any other man in the county, since, in addition to having served as sheriff for several terms, he was deputy sheriiif for three or four others.

The jail of which we have spoken, and which served its purpose as a bastile for about forty years, was not the first the county furnished for the incarceration of malfactors. The first was a wooden structure that stood on the lot now occupied by the Yohe hotel, northeast corner of Market and Third streets. This building was constructed of a double tier of good-sized logs with a frame on the outside, the walls thus formed being undoubtedly two feet in thickness. After it was abandoned as a jail the building was occupied by the late Thomas Cunningham, who utilized the same as a carpenter shop, and it was destroyed by fire during his occupancy. The writer well recalls the fire, which lasted f()r quite a time and created intense heat, by reason of the many heavy timbers used in its construction. The statement has been made, and is undoubtedly authentic, that prior to the erection of the first jail the cellar in the old Oberly corner was utilized occasionally to incarcerate evil doers, and sometimes used to imprison men for debt. In the early days there were laws which thus permitted the imprisonment of individuals for non-payment of debts, and in all probability if such laws were in force today we should need even much larger jail accommodations than we have at this time.

The Canton Postoffice

Jefferson, and Samuel Coulter was the first postmaster. He kept tavern, sign of the Green Tree, in the brick building at the southwest corner of the Square, the same later occupied by Oberly & Son. A small drawer inside the bar contained all the mail matter for years. There were no newspapers in circulation in this part of our government at that time. A mail was received but once a week. It was carried on horseback from New Lisbon, and went no farther west, as Canton, at that period, was the western terminus of civilization. Mr. Coulter retained the office some eight or ten years, and was succeeded by John Saxton. He kept the office in the same building in which the Ohio Repository was published. A small space was partitioned off for the accommodation of the postoffice. Mails were then received tri-weekly, and extended farther west.

On the accession of General Jackson to the presidency Sanders Van Rensselaer received the office and removed it to his residence, corner of Market and Fourth. About this time we had a daily mail cast and west, carried in four horse coaches. The driver, as he approached the town, blow ing his horn, displaying his skill and dexterity in handling the ribbons and cracking his whip, making gyratory movements around the square, was the wonder and admiration of all the boys and girls.

^^'llliam Dunbar followed Van Rensselaer, when the office was removed just across the street into a small building that stood on the Rothchild lot, and was used as a tailor shop. Mr. Dunbar resigned before the expiration of his commission, and Henry Kline was appointed. He removed the office to the one-story brick afterward occupied by Esquire Crevoisie, as justice's office. Kline was succeeded by O. P. Stidger, who was appointed in 1841. He kept the office in the building later occupied by Daniel Dewalt, on the east side of the pubhc square. This was in the administration of "Tippecanoe and Tyler, too," but as Stidger refused to be "Tylerized," he was removed, and Earnest Krakau received the appointment. He removed the otfice to his residence, a frame building- on the I 'aimer lot. On Polk succeeding Tyler, (ieorge Dunbar obtained the appointment, and kept the office in a small building on the lot later occupied by the Mathews block. At the next administration (Taylor's) Samuel Slankc" was the lucky man, and had the office in a frame structure on West Tuscarawas street, and for a short time in Dr. Whiting's old office. After Slanker was N. Bour, and he kept it in the building later used as a Methodist parsonage. Bour's commission expiring several months l^efore the close of Buchanan's administration, .\. McGregor was appointed, and he removed the office to the brick at the corner of Eighth and ]^Iarket. W. K. Miller succeeded bin'.

Postoffice Of Canton'S Early Days

The name of Nicholas Bour is familiar to many of the old citizens of Canton and the surrounding country. He came to Canton in 1S36 and was an acti\e and useful citizen until his death, in i8qi. He was a native of France, was well qualihed in the French and German languages when he came here, and verj' soon familiarized himself with the English language. He was born in 1809 and came to the United States in 1829. He remained in New York until coming to Canton, tie was a tailor by trade and soon gained the reputation of being one of the best in the county. In those early days we had clothing stores or merchant tailors. The Avy goods stores kept cloth and trimmings utilized in the manufacture of garments and it was a common practice for the tailor to accompany his customer to the store to assist in the selection of the necessary materials. After a time it became customary for tailors to carry their own stocks of goods and accessories, and ]Mr. Bour and Michael Weisert were among the first merchant tailors in Canton. For some time Mr. Bour had his shop in the frame building now owned and occupied by Dr. A. J. Douds, 214 West Tuscarawas street, but in 1846 he purchased tiie lot adjoining this property on the west and there erected a three-stoiy brick building, the same being at the time much in advance of its general surroundings. In

1859, when the old St. Cloud hotel, on the site of the present h'irst Methodist I-lpiscopal church was destroyed by lire, the Bour property was also destroyed, but the walls did not fall, so that the building was again prepared for use in

1860. In this Ijuilding Mr. Bour conducted his tailoring business. From 1852 to i860, during the administrations of Presidents Pierce and Buchanan, Mr. Bour was the postmaster of Canton, and the office was maintained in the front room of this same building. In those days we had no cheap postage. For a long time the ]")ostage \vas live and ten cents, then came the reduction to three cents on first-class matter, while it was long afterward that the two-cent rate was adopted, while the free delivery in such cities as Canton was an improvement of sti'l later date. Mr. Bour was fortunate in having two daughters who w ere a])le to render him efficient assistance in the work of the postolhce. h'irst was Miss Julia and later Miss Rose Bour, who were l)oth expert in the handling of mail. The latter served for some time as assistant to William K. Miller, who succeeded her father as postmaster. She afterward married General Serapliini Aleyer and is now living in California.

Some time before the burning of the Methodist church the late Cornelius Aultman had purchased of Mr. Boui" liis three-story building, together with the lot, and the Bour property was ])urchased by the church society at the time when additional menu became demanded for the erection of tiie present tine edifice, tlie Bonr bnilding- being at tlie time razed to the ground. CorneHus Aultman was the largest contriljutor to the erection of the new church, taking great jiersonal interest in its construction.

After thus disposing of the property mentioned Mr. Bour purchased the residence on the northeast corner of Wahiut and Fourth streets, commonly Icnown as the old Fogie property, and there he continued to reside until his death, in 1891. His children still own and occupy this residence. This house was erected about eightyfive years ago, by William Fogle, Sr., and was occupied by him until he built his fine mansion on North Market street on the site of the present residence of Mrs. Kate Aultman. On this same block of lots which the Bour homestead is located Mr. Fogle had also established a tan yard, which was removed many years ago. This same house was owned and occupied for a number of years by the late Robert Latimer, and there his father, Robert, Sr., died very suddenly. He had formerly lived in Osnaburgh township and was an exemplary member of the Presbyterian church. David Sherrick afterward owned and lived in this same house, and it may be said that very few of the old houses still standing in Canton as landmarks of a bygone day are as substantial as this historic two-story brick residence.

It should have been stated that the third story of the building on West Tuscarawas street was used as a hall. The Odd Fellows occupied the same for a number of years, and it is believed that the Know Knothings, who flourished as a political organization for some time, also held some meetings in this hall. They also held a number of meetings in the hall owned by Martin Wikidal, in what was known as the Farmers and Merchants' block. After Mr. Bour sold this property he did not give so much attention to the tailnring business as he had done in former years, though he still continued to do more or less work for his old customers, though this was not necessary, as he was in comfortable circumstances, being then eighty years of age. In the death of Nicholas Bour, Canton lost a good and loyal citizen, and the family is one most highly esteemed in this community. Thus the lesson is constantly repeated : one generation passeth away and another

Having been fortunate in obtaining a copy of the original muster roll of the military company which left Massillon in 1S46 to take part in the Mexican war, under command of Captain James Allen and Lieutenant -Samuel Beattv, the writer determined that no more fitting subject could be found for consideration in this series of articles. The muster roll contains the names of many who will be remembered by some of the citizens of the county today. Captain Allen was an old and honored citizen and was well known to many of the older residents of Canton and Massillon, where he had resided, having for a time been connected with newspaper enterprises in each of these cities. The Mexican war provided the opportunity for Captain Allen to raise a company and go to the front in defense of the stars and stripes. This war was occasioned by the cjuestion of the annexation of Texas, which was at that time a province of Mexico, extending to the Indian Territory on the north and on up to the Oregon territory on the Pacific ocean. Texas had been settled by former residents of the LTnited States, who saw that if the territory remained under Mexican rule that liberty which they had enjoyed in the more eastern states of the Union would be in constant jeopardy. They attempted at first to secede from Mexico and then asked the United States to sustain them and annex the country to this. The Whig party at that time, as well as many outside the ranks of that party, opposed this movement because they feared it would offer an opportunity for the extension of slavery. But the will of the American people would not yield to this view ; the war went on and finally Mexico had to succumb. The war continued from April 20, 1846, to May 30, 1848. By an act of congress ten~ million dollars was placed at the disposal of the President, James K. Polk, in order to carry on the war, and fifty thousand volunteers were called for by the executive. Ohio was then comparatively a new and thinly populated state to what it is today, and yet she came forward with fully five regiments of volunteer soldiers and took an honorable part in the prosecution of the war, while our Stark county, with Captain James Allen, was among the first and foremost to go to the front. It is to record this brave act of Captain Allen and his men that this article is brought out, so that the second generation since that time may know and honor the men that then enlisted.

The following is the muster roll of Company K, of which James Allen was thus captain, the same being attached to the Third Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, commanded by Colonel Samuel R. Curtis, and called into the service under the provisions of the act of Congress approved May 13, 1846, for a term of twelve months from the 28th day of February, 1847. ^^ connection with each name is given the respective age of the volunteer at ^ time of enlistment: James Allen, captain, 44; Samuel Beatty, first lieutenant, 25 ; Jacob G. Frick, second lieutenant, 21 ; Horace L. Brown, second lieutenant, 23 ; John L. Cross, first sergeant, 21; William J. Plartman, sergeant. 18; John Fitzsimmons, sergeant, 19; John B. Collins, sergeant, 23 ; Patrick Fitzpatrick, corporal, 21; John Matson, corporal, 24: Lewis Hemminger, corporal, 22 : William McCurdy, corporal, 18; Augustus F. Frederici, drummer, 46; , I>ouis Clement, fifer, 21. Privates: Thomas ' Brand, 26; Georg^e M. Bollinger, 19; Charles : Bradley, 31; Charles H. Coombs, 22; Hiram Correll, 24; John Cotwinkle, 40; John Cox, 19; 1 Jeroboam Creighton, 21; John Dickas, 27; Harvey Davis, 30; Isaac Doxsey, 18; Jacob Ebersole, 22 ; James Elliott, 29 ; Ambrose Essner, 24; Jacob Fentenheim, 20; Peter Finney, 27 ; Charles Floom, 23 ; Frederick Vogelgesang, 18; Andrew P. Gallagher, 19; John Ganett, 18; Theodore Gibbons, 20; Ferdinand W. Haack, 22; William \V. Hastings, 21; Isaiah Keltner, 18; Frederick Kissner, 36; George A. Klingle. 30; Christian Ledigh, 40; Jon Link. 22; Philip jMartin, 18: Findlay McGrew, 18; John C. Moloney, 2 1 ; John Mungrew, 30 ; Samuel F. Murrah, 23; Wesley Nugen, 21; Leander Preston, 19; Jacob W. Rex, 26; Jacob Sebold, 20 ; John Shannon, 20 ; Frederick Souter, 26; James R. Stall, 28; Samuel Stall, 22 ; John Stevens, 24 ; John Stone, 31 ; Thomas Thompson, 23 ; William C. Torrance, 21 ; John Ulam, 19; John W. Wagner, 23 ; John R. Walter, 22; Alonzo M. Waters, 20; Dewitt C. ^Vhiting, 20, and William Yawkey, 37.

Those who died in the company were Jacob Reed, who died at the age of twenty-two, in the hosjiital at Camargo, Mexico, April 8, 1847; Joseph Schlink, age thirty-six, in the hospital at Saltillo, Mexico, April 23, 1847; Robert M. Schilling, age eighteen, at Camargo, April I, 1847: .Vbraham Metz, age twenty, was discharged at Buena Vista, Mexico, on surgeon's certificate of disability, by order of General Woll.

The company was enrolled at Massillon by Major-General Jar\is. May 30, 1846, and was mustered into service at Cincinnati, June 25, following, by Captain E. Shriver. Captain James Allen was an able and fomiidable newspaper writer and was a brother-in-law of Mrs. Julius Whiting. Sr.. who is still a resident of

Canton. Lieutenant Samuel Beatty Iiardly needs any introduction to the present generation, having served in the late Civil war, starting out as colonel of the Nineteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and returning a brigadier general. He died only a few years ago. Jacob G. Frick, the second lieutenant, was a relative of the late Samuel Gotshall and during the time the latter conducted the Stark County Democrat we learn that Mr. Frick was employed in the office of the paper. He is a cousin of Henry C. Frick, the well-known steel manufacturer of Pennsylvania, and still lives in Pottstown, that state. Among the other members of the company who are well known to old Cantonians may be mentioned the following : Sergeant William J. Hartman, who was a son of Joseph Hartman, who was engaged in the tailoring business in Canton many years ago. Corporal William McCurdy was a son of the late John McCurdy and a brother of the late Martha McGregor. After the close of the Mexican war, in company with a number of others from this section, he went to California, at the time of the gold excitement, and was assaulted and killed by the Indians on Pit river, that state, in 1850. Isaac Doxey was an old resident of Massillon and died not many years ago. Jacob Ebersole was another of the Canton contingent, and he passed away within the last decade. Ambrose Essner was a German, and was a resident of Canton before and after the war, dying here a few years ago. Frederick Vogelsang is still a resident of Canton. Ferdinand Haack will be well remember^ by most of the present-day citizens. He was the old-time bailiff of the court house - a position that seems to have been pre-empted by him away back in the 'fifties. John C. Moloney was well and favorably known to our old residents, having been prominent in the painting trade in Canton. His two sons live in Chicago, and his daughter, Mrs. Judge Mong, still resides in Canton. Jacob \\'. Rex was a son of old Jacob Rex, a pioneer tailor of Canton, and for many years station master at the Fort Wayne depot when it was located on South Market street. John R. Walter is still living and resides in Tuscarawas township, where he has held the office of justice of the peace for a number of years. John Fitzsimmons was still living at last accounts, being numbered among the pioneer citizens of Lafayette, Indiana. There are many other familiar names on the muster roll, but it has been impossible to discover sufficient data concerning them to offer any record of accurate importance.

The gTjvernment sin^A^ey of the lands of Stark county, east of the Tuscarawas river, was made in 1799. The landi office for the district was established in Steubaiville in 1801. Tlie first entiy oif land was: made in 1804. Emigrants began toi settle in 1805, the first in the townships of Canton, Osnaburg and Sandy. Previously, in all legal transactions, it was considered a part of Columbiana county. It originally contained twenty-two townships, five since taken off, viz : Green and Franklin, now in Summit ; and Rose, Brown and Harrison, nO'W a part of Carroll.

Although the Indiians had relinquished all claim to the territory, and removed their personal effects west of the Tuscarawas river, making their headquarters in the neighborhood of the present site of Jeromeville, Ashland county, they were still in the habit O'f tramping over many portions of Stark, ostensibly for the purpose of fishing and hunting. Congress lake was a great place of resort for fishing and Meyer's lake a loafing place. The woods abounded in game, and fromi white settlers they could beg or barter for a change of diet.

Their chief, a lialf breed, went by the name of Armstrong. He was regarded with favor, having on several occasions befriended the whites. There were several prominent in the tribe who were looked upon with suspicion, for having been guilty of acts of hostility in former years. They were known as Captain Beaverhat, Tom Jileway and Long John. Beaverhat was jealous of his wife, and when drunk would cut the soles of her feet to prevent her from running about. He had a sort of necklace, upon which were strung a lot of human tnnoues. This, when under the influence of liquor, he would sometinaes display, at the same time indulging in threats against the whites. The story has been bandied down, that at a gathering at Slusser's mill on the Nimishillen, Beaverhat was present and made rather an offensive exhibition of his necklace. David Bachtel was also present, with his trusty rifle and belt knife, without which he was never seen away from home. He was not a friend of the red man, and on this occasion the conduct of Beaverhat excited his resentment. Beaverhat, observing that he had gone too far, took himself away. He had not been gone long before Bachtel likewise disappeared. Beaverhat was never afterwards seen, and Bachtel was suspected of hastening his departure to the happ\- hunting ground. The Indians had wild turkeys and venison hams for barter. A turkey for a pumpkin, and a ham for a bread Ijasket full of corn meal, was a customary exchange. It is characteristic of the Indian to be a beggar and a glutton. They never suffer from diffidence about asking, and will eat an incredible amount before being satisfied. Thev were extremely fond of sweet milk, and two would drink a gallon crock with very little ceremony. While the men wei-e away hunting, trapping or fishing the women would dig ginseng or make baskets of ash wood. The former was purch.ased Iw traders, who sent it east, from whence

As long as the Indians remained in the country they were treated by the whites with uniform kindness, and oftentimes lavish generosity. Unsuccessful as they sometimes were in the pursuit of game, their request for food was never denied. In fact when thev called in the absence of the man of the cabin the woman, being alone, rather feared to deny them. Four stalwart braves called at the cabin of William Henry, of Tuscarawas township, while he was absent on the hunt of stray cattle. His w-ife, a delicate woman, was alone with an infant. Their unusual boldness excited her apprehensions, but she had the presence of mind to conceal her fears and to impress them with the idea that she was not intimidated, took one of their guns and held it up as if taking aim. One of the number inquired, "Can white squaw shoot?" Her reply was that she could shoot as well as they. Hiereupon a mark was placed on a tree close by. Mrs. Henry took deliberate aim, fired and made what would be called a good shot. One of the Indians then tried his hand, but did not come so near the mark, upon which they gave a great whoop, one remarking, ''White squaw brave; good to shoot," and immediately all left. Mrs. Henry believed they premeditated mischief, and attributed her protection to the manner in which she handled the gun. The shot she made was entirel}' accidental, as she made no pretensions to skill in the use of fire arms.

In 1807 Joseph H. Larwell was in the employ of the government surveying the land west of the Tuscarawas river. The corps frequently came in contact with small parties of Indians. At one time a party of five or six met the surveying party and by their talk and manner gave evidence of anger and dissatisfaction at the encroachments of the whites and at their driving off the game. One of their numl)cr, who could speak tolerable English, said : "You run here - you run there - we cut your legs oft - you run no more," at the same time gesticulating earnestly, the more effectually to enforce his ideas. This threat, and the manner of the Indians, intimidated the party and several of the corps refused to proceed. Larwell despatched a messenger to their chief Armstrong at Jeromeville, informing liim of the circumstances and their fears. The chief returned assurances that they would not be molested, and in proof of good faith on his part sent as a spy one of his tribe, to walcli the rest and give information to the company upon the first indications of threatened danger.

Up to the war of 1812 with England, Indians continued to fish and hunt in parts of Stark county. During the exciting times preceding the declaration of war they manifested no disposition to join the tribes who had allied themselves with the British against us. That overtures had been made them by emissaries of Tecumseh was evident from their knowledge of preparations on foot for the war among the tribes located farther west. A well-known character, accustomed to fish in Tuscarawas, and a frequent visitor at the home of Stephen Harris, remarked during an evening's talk, that it would be a "big war," and that the "Indians fight like Devers."

After Hull's surrender, and the first squad of his paroled men reached Canton on their way home, there happened to be a few Indians in town trading. The sight of these Indians bringing to their mind the ignoble manner in which they had been treated, so exasperated them that they determined upon revenge, and approaching the Indians in a menacing manner, the latter made off, and as the soldiers quickened their pace the Indians increased theirs and soon outstripped the soldiers and were out of sight. As they approached the Tuscarawas river they gave several loud and peculiar whoops, which was understood by those encampetl ui)on the opposite bank, for soon the squaws had their papooses strapped and their camp utensils in readiness to move, which they did in hot haste - never again to return for the purpose of fishing or hunting.

During the continuance of the war, many of the inhabitants were in constant dread of being nightly l)esieged by the savage foe. Rumors were rife of a large body of Indians advancing from the west, led by British officers, who were hourly expected to be upon them. At one time the news came that a force of eight hundred had fortified themselves in the l>end of the river south of Bethlehem, making preparations for an attack upon the defenseless settlers. A company was made up in Canton, commanded by Colonel Sloan, another in Sandy, commanded by Captain Downing, who marched to the place of rendezvous, but no signs of Indians were discovered.

Many amusing incidents are told of some of the settlers, growing out of their fears of being attacked ; many abandoned their homes and crops and went east. It was a common custom for different neighbors to collect with their families at a designated house for mutual protection. Besides their fire arms, axes and scythes and all other instruments of defense that could be mustered were duly arranged that they might be convenient in case of need. A sentinel was generally upon guard, and every preparation made, that circumstances would aft'ord, for vigorous resistance. There are a few yet living who remember being awed to silence, or lullabied to sleep, by dreadful stories of Indian cruelty whispered in their ears. There were several block houses erected west of the Tuscarawas river, in Lawrence, Tuscarawas and Bethlehem townships, but they were never in requisition as such.

At the conclusion of the war, and the establishment at Sandusky of a reservation for the Indians remaining, they were in the habit of making annual trips through the towns east to the Ohio river. They would travel in squads of a half dozen or more, three or four bucks and several squaws with their papooses hanging around town a week or more, lodging in the market house. The men gave exhibitions of then' skill with the bow and arrow, ]jicking oft' shillings and sixpence at a distance of twenty to thirty steps, set in a forked stick placed in the ground. They wouldn't see a copper cent. The women gathered in considerable mone}- selling moccasins and bead work. In the evening they gave exhibitions of their different kind of dances. The music was furnished by their own band and it was not only peculiar Init horrid.

While the Nichols mill (Browning site) was being built the workmen were considerably annoj^ed by the Indians, who persisted in hanging around for the scraps left from dinner and in the hope of getting whiskey, of which they were passionately fond. The workmen, in the hope of getting rid of them, would insist in their helping in the work. This they disinclined to do. The Indian has an innate aversion to anything like work, outside of fishing, hunting and lighting. According to their ideas, anything beyond this belongs to the female members of the family. Occasionally an Indian could be persuaded to take hold of the handle of a cross-cut saw and help pull and push it, but it would not be long before he would quit, giving as a reason that it "made him sick arm."

Rudy Bair happened to come across a squad of Indians camped on Black's creek, Paris township. They were just ready to partake of a meal they had prepared and insisted upon liis joining them. Fearing lest he might offend them by refusing-, he reluctantly consented. The meal consisted of bear's head, stewed or boiled in a camp kettle and thickened with hair and corn meal. The Indians gave Bair to understand by grunts and, signs that he must pitch in like the rest, which he did, but. as he afterward frequently said, it was the most unpalatable meal he ever attempted to gulp down. The hair choked him so that it was witli the greatest difficulty he could keep from vomiting, though the Indians swallowed it with a will.

Early Measures For Safety

The other night I passed Jacob Bachtel, special night watchman in the public square, and I was reminded of the first watchman employed in Canton. That was many years ago, and these were the circumstances which led to the employment of a watchman at that early day.

The town had a bank, the second organized in the town, known as the Farmers' Bank of Canton. It was a recuscitation of the first and did business in a one-story brick building at the northwest corner of the public square. The officers were Orlando Metcalf, a prominent lawyer, president, and William Fogle, Sr., retired merchant, cashier. This was Ijefore the day of burglar-proof safes. The substitute in this bank was a walled room, ten feet square, built of cut stone. The door was made of heavy oak plank, covered with plate iron, with an enormous wooden lock that had a hey hole large enough to admit four fingers at one time. The key was like what in imagination we regard a Bastile key, although too large and heavy to carrj- on your person without discomfort. The clerk or teller of the bank was William Fogle, Jr., and one morning while opening up for business he detected bits of putty sticking around the key hole of the safe lock. Suspicion being excited by the appearance of this putty, a council of the ofticers and directors of the bank was called. Being satisfied that there was a movement on foot to rob the bank, it was decided to erect a guard house and employ a watchman. A wooden structure of octagonal form, about five feet in diameter, was put on the comer of the pavement immediately in front of the bank. A pane of glass was inserted as a look-out on each side and a cannon stove occupied one side, by which it was made quite comfortable in cold weather. The watchman employed was Valentine Bockius, a man passed middle age, who was with Napoleon at Moscow and Waterloo. At that day a man who had served through the Revolutionary war or with Napoleon was considered invincible, of unquestioned courage and daring - at least by the boys. Bockius was a hatter by trade, but as the business was not remunerative he accepted the position of bank watchman, as it was looked upon as one of responsibility and trust. His armory or means of offense and defence consisted of a flint-lock musket, generally with fixed bayonet, a horse pistol and a heavy cavalry sword. Much of his time while on duty he employed in picking or carding wool.

The boys living near the public square, and who were wont to congregate around the old court house to play "hide and go seek," "wolf" and such like juvenile sports, would often linger around the watch house and drink in the wonderful stories the old man would tell of accidents by flood and field, of hair-breadth '"scapes" and the like. He would frequently from the court house pavement cry the hour of night and the character of the weather. This could be distinctly heard several squares distant. His call for instance was : "Twelve o'clock and a starlight night," or "Two o'clock and all's well." It is needless to add that while this watch was kept up, to the time of the removal of the bank to the corner of Tuscarawas and Popular, no attempt at robbery was made.

There are but few citizens of Canton left who did business with the Farmers' Bank at the time of which I write. O. T. Browning, John Laird and Daniel DeWalt are the only persons left who have not had their last check discounted. Banks and currency was much more of a disturbing element then than now. The country was full of all sorts of what was then designated "wild cat" and "red dog" currency and you were at a loss to known whether what you received at par today would not be c[uoted at a heavy discount or announced broke tomorrow. Every business man took a bank note reporter, which he was obliged to consult daily. Schemers were starting banks in every nook and corner of the country. The Mormons had a bank of issue at Kirtland, on the Reserve, and a syndicate started "The Orphan's Institute" bank at Fulton, and the "Owl Creek," and numerous other swindling concerns that played sad havoc with the farmingcommunity in the purchase of produce. It is to be hoped the country will never again be subjected to such a crisis.

Some Pioneer Reminiscences

Valentine Weaver, better known as "Felty" Weaver, came from Washington county, Maryland, in 1806, and settled in Plain township before it v.as organized, while the territory of Stark was yet a part of Columbiana. He had ten children, and the five older were girls, Nancy, Elizabeth, Magdelena, Sarah and Christina. Nancy was always delicate and died soon afer her marriage. The rest of the girls were healthy and stout. At that time hired help was scarce and the money to pay for it scarcer still. The help of these girls was necessary to open the farm, nor did they hesitate to give it. They could do, and did, whatever a man could do - cut down trees, burn brush, split rails, plough, sow. cut wheat wnth a sickle, and hay and clover with a sythe, thresh w-ith a flail, in short do an_v kind of farm work. Elizabeth, the second daughter, known as Betsy, who married Joseph Essig, Avas the boss of them all. She could excel most men in the management of horses. As an illustration : A young- brother hauling out manure was unable to start a load. Betsy, noticing his inefl-'ectual efforts from the kitchen window. same out, took the whip out of his hand, remarking, "Ous em waig; luss mich de gowl handle," spoke kindly to the horses, cracked the whip, ordered them to move, and the load moved out of the rut. Upon another occasion, when they were building a barn, the driver of four horses came with a load of sill timber, and insisted that it was impossible to drive where the timber was to be unloaded without barking some fruit trees, ^t that time fruit trees were an object and it became a perplexing question among the men standing around how the timber could be taken where it was wanted. While the subject was under discussion, Betsy made her appearance and soon entered into the spirit of controversy. She proffered to drive the team to the place desired without touching a tree and her oft'er was accepted. Mounting the saddle horse, riding sideways, she took up the line, spoke to the horses, started them up. and made the twists and turns to the place desired without touching a tree. Betsy attained her ability to manage horses bj' inheritance, for her father had the reputation of being the most skillful driver and best horseman in the country around.

One of the first constables of Plain township was a man by the name of Packer. He was a great braggart and at every opportunity boasted of his bravery and wonderful achievements. Pie had a sow and a litter of pigs that were kept in a pen near his cabin that they might not be molested l)v wild animals, bears and wolves. Early one morning, l>efore Packer and his wife were out» of bed. they heard a noise like a pig squealing. They were quick to take in the situation and both sprang out of bed. The wife naturally waited for the husband to move out to the rescue ; but the husband hesitated, loath to move forward, and said to his wife "Betsy you go foremost and Fll follow." Betsy, obedient to the command of her lord and master, went foremost, shook her skirts at the bear and he left. The story got out, and e\-er afterward, when Packer would commence to brag, some one in the company would drop the remark. "Betsy you go. foremost," and it effectually squelched him.

During the summer and fall of 1810 more emigrants and land specidators came from the east and the ^vest than had previously come from the time Ohio was admitted into the Union as a state. This was soon after the lands west of the Tuscarawas river were open to entry. The land office was then in Canton. The Eag"le taA'crn, a two-story structure, comer of Market and Tuscarawas, was the popular stopping place for man and beast. It was well known east and as far west as white people dared to venture. The supply of horse feed was limited in this locality and Mr. Dewalt had difficulty in procuring sufficient to satisf}- the demand of travelers. The neighlx)rhood of New Listen had been longer settled and the }-ield of farm products was there more abuntlant. In order to supply the demand, Mr. Dewalt sent his two daughters, Nancy and Mary, the oldest of his children, the former fifteen and the latter fourteen, to New Lisbon, a distance of thirty-five miles, for oats. It was a dismal road, along which the settlements were few and far between, and "Holm's Bottom." midway, the dread of travelers and teamsters, not to mention the fact of coming in contact with roving Indians then traveling the country. The girls made the trip, each riding horseback and between them leading a horse and brought back ten bushels of oats. This performance would not be considered anything extraordinary at the present day. but at that time, when the country was comparatively new and unsettled and there were no well-defined

Canton And Stark Count V, Ohio

Peter Dickerhoof came to Stark county in 1806, and settled in Plain township. His daughter Betsy (recorded Elizabeth in her Taufschein) was a woman in a thousand. She early evinced a spirit of independence and an ambition to do work equal to a man. Although not particularly stout in appearance, she was well knit and capable of great endurance. She secured the contract to open the road from Berlin to Greentown, and it is said she cut down more trees than an}' man she had employed. She was never content with doingordinary housework such as would satisfy most \\omen. but was always on the lookout for contracts. l-'elling timber and clearing up ground seemed to be her delight. She never married, though many offers were presented. She feared being curtailed in her liberty. She seemed determined that "no pent up Utica should contract her powers."

Mary Marks, wife of John Marks, of Sandy township, had nineteen children in twenty years, all living when last heard from. JNIarks was a common laborer and, finding himself unable to provide for so numerous a household, cowardly deserted his post. Mrs. Marks, like Niobe of old, was fond of her offspring, and shed tears because her husband had left her before she had the twentieth.

It was in the 'forties that a friend of mine engaged passage in the stage coach at Canton for Pittsburg. The route was through New Lisbon to Smith's Ferry, on the Ohio river, thence by steamboat to Pittsburg. Thirty-six hours was required to make the trip, which was then considered fast traveling. Fare, five dollars. At the time the incident occurred which I am about to relate, the stage left Canton at four in the afternoon. W'lien it arrived from the west there was but <ine vacant seat, and that was taken l)y my informant. It was in the spring of the year, the roads muddy and traveling slow and laborious. But, that the narrative may be better understood, I'll let my informant tell it in his own language.

"It was dusk by the time we reached Osnaburg. There the dri\er stopped and watered the horses. I should mention that I knew but one of my fellow passengers, a merchant from Navarre, wliose name I would have you withhold from the public as well as my own, but shall call him Navarre. He and I. and a commission merchant from New York, did about all the talking that was carried on between the passengers. When we reached Shull's tavern, halfway between Osnaburg and Paris, the dri\er again sto])ped to water the horses. As we drove up a man came out of the house with a lantern and followed him. Two other rather rough looking customers came up to the coach, looked in and inqtiired whether there was any room. When tcild that ever}- seat was occupied one made an expression of disappointment. One of the men mounted the box and the other climbed on the top of the coach, allowing his feet to hang over the side to the annoyance of the passengers.

"It was after Ijed time when we got to Paris, where we changed horses. The passengers all got out of the stage and went into the bar-room, where there was a fire. The landlord came out of a back room, rubbing his eyes and blinking as though he had just been awakened from a sound sleep. The driver came in anfl handed him the way bill. Just then one of the drovers said to the landlord that he wanted to engage passage to New Lisbon. At this, my friend from Xavarre remarked to the landlord : 'You had better look over the way bill and see how many passengers are on. The coach is full.' 'You keep your mouth shut,' replied the driver. "I wasn't speaking to you.' rejoined Navarre. No sooner said, than the driver drew back and struck Navarre square in the face, staggering him back against the wall. Navarre straightened up and at it they went, pell mell, knocking each other right and left. Then New York put his foot on the seat of a heavy arm chair standing by and taking hold of an arm with both hands, wrenched it ofif, and with this commenced on the second drover, who had hold of Navarre. The other passengers ran from the room. In the melee the stove and pipe were knocked down, then the counter on which the candle stood, and then all was darkness, but the fight continued. It was a rap and a kick and a curse, and when the drivers came from the stable with a lantern, New York was dragging the landlord over the floor by the hair and he was bellowing at the top of his voice, 'What have I done that I should be so abused?" I'he drovers were nowhere to be seen. Finding they were likely to get the worst of the fight, they took advantage of the darkness and slipped out ; nor were they again seen, although for miles on the way we anticipated an attack from them.

"I should have pitched in, but the fact was, being on my way to the cit\' to purchase goods, and having on my best clothes, I disliked the idea of having my appearance spoiled. Navarre was much mortified that he should have a black eye, but \ve did our best to console him. New York came out of the" fight without a mark.

"We reached New Lisbon in time for breakfast next morning, and Smith's Ferry for dinner. Here we took passage in a stern-wheel boat for Pittsburg, secured berths and when we awoke in the morning found the boat tied uj) at the wharf. I shall never forget the fight in Paris. It excited considerable talk in the neighboi-hood, and, as I afterward learned, the two drovers were young men from Tuscarawas township, who afterward attained some prominence, but are now both dead."

Memories Of Olden Times

While to know how people lived in the days of ancient Greece and Rome may be interesting to many of the present day, it should be more interesting to know how our own grandparents lived - to know how the habits and customs of their day differed from our own. It is questionable whether the most advanced pupils of the high school have an adequate conception of the wonderful change that has been wrought in our domestic habits and customs within the last half gentur}'. When we contemplate the marvelous advance that has been made in arts and sciences in that time we wonder at the stupidity of the people who lived in the huadred years previous. 'Tis said necessity is the mother of invention. Very true, and was there not as much necessity for a friction match one hundred years ago as today? Yet in my schoolboy days a friction match was a thing unknown.

Canton was twenty-five years old and had a population of over two thousand people before there was a cook stove in town. There were a few tin-plate sto\'es, as they were called, used for heating and cooking light meals, but general cooking was done by an open fire. The tea kettle was hung over the fire on a crane; the meat and potatoes fried in a skillet set on the coals ; pot-pie and biscuit were baked in a dutch oven, the lid covered with live coals. The same vessel was often used for baking bread and frying faustnachts. Potatoes were sometimes baked in the pshes, wood alone being then used for fuel. Those were the days referred to bv the poet when was heard "the cricket on the hearth" not my days, but of generations preceding, when young people did their courting liy the dying embers. It is now done by electric light. Our chief light by which to read at night was the tallow candle, and it required snufifing about every fifteen minutes. Habits and customs change and we change with them.

To return to the ways of living in the time of which we write. The tableware was decidedly plain. Queensware was expensive, and many families used pewter plates. The children as a rule ate at the second table. Why they were not allowed to sit down I am unable to tell, unless it was then as now, people were particular to observe fashion whether it was agreeable or not.

High bedsteads were the style. This was necessary in many cases, as trundle beds in which children slept were kept under them and at night rolled out for use. It was the fashion to pile the bedding up high. On top of a thick straw tick would be a feather tick, making it so high from the floor that a short-legged woman would require the assistance of a chair to get in, and then it was anything but a comfortable place to sleep in on a hot, sultry night. Education has done much toward emancipating us from meek submission to an objectionable habit. In early times a feather tick was a part of the bride's outfit. Now it consists of tnany articles quite as superfluous, but not so unhealthy to use.

Hotels in those days were called taverns, but "what's in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet." And so it was with many of the earl)- taverns of this country. Food of the staple kind was cheap and plentiful. W illiam Hawk, the grandfather of William Hawk connected with the Windsor of New York, was proprietor of the Eagle tavern, from whence the Eagle block takes its name. His house had a reputation for good living not excelled by any between Pittsburgh and Mansfield. There was no Chicago then. His table was always supplied with the best of everything that could be had. He had no printed bills of fare, but there are a few of the old guard still living and they testify to the following ordinary course : For breakfast, ham and beef steak, fried potatoes, warm cakes, waffles, spreads of all kinds, excellent coffee with rich cream. For dinner, chicken, roast beef or kidney, roast of veal, roast turkey, vegetables, sauces of all kinds and tea or coffee. For dessert, pie or cake. Supper, beef steak and ham, mashed potatoes, sauces, coffee and tea. And this for twenty-five cents a meal ; regular boarding, with lodging, two dollars and a half a week. A cold check of cold meat, boiled eggs, bread, butter and a .spread, pie and milk, one shilling. Lodging, a shilling, and horse feed the same. There was no oysters or ice cream, napkins or music, but customers were as well satisfied as they are now at the Windsor or Fifth Avenue, where they pay three to five dollars a day.

This was the day of the stage coach. When Culonel Cribbs advertised that he had established a daily line of four-horse post coaches running east and west from Canton, he was looked upon as a greater man than General Grant. L&iving Canton after dinner and arriving in Pittsburgh by the next dinner hour was regarded the ne plus ultra of fast traveling. The arrival of the coach at the tavern was an e\ent calculated to attract everybody of leisure \\ itliin convenient distance. Passengers took their meals while there was a change of horses. As the stage approached from the east, on reaching the rise opposite the Lutheran church, the driver commenced blowing his horn and kept it up until he reached Cherry street; then cracking his whip with a few extra flourishes, he came in on a brisk trot up to the public square and around the market house to the front of the tavern, when the landlord would make his appearance, place steps to the door of the coach and invite passengers to alight.

The tlriver, as well as the proprietor of the line, was an important character. Having charge of the United States mail, artistic in handling the ribbons and the whip, he was a masher of the hired girls at the taverns along his route.

Hotels Of Olden Times

Three score of years ago there were live hotels, between Canton and Alassillon. The county had no railroads at the time; Massillon was the great wheat market of this section, by reason of being located on the Ohio canal ; the tide of emigration was moving westward and the stage coaches passed back and forth, as did also the Conestoga freight wagons, and these conditions conspired to render necessary the conducting of hotels all along the route. The first of these hostelries on the road from Canton to Massillon was known as the Floom hotel. It was a frame building and was located on the west side of what is now known as Reedurban, while it is occupied by descendants of F. X. F'loom, the original proprietor. Both he and his Avife were well adapted to their business and had many friends. Mrs. Floom was a very devout Catholic and seldom failed to attend tiie services of her church in Canton. She was a \er\- benevolent and kind-hearted woman. "This hotel was opened in 1825 and was utilized as a place of puljlic entertainiuent about forty years.

The next caravanse on the rcjad was known as Rhodes' hotel, and this stood about half a mile west of Floom's on the north side of the road, while the latter was on the south side. This liDuse was opened to the public about 1830 and was conducted as a hotel about fifteen years. Several hundred yards west of Rhodes" hotel, and on the south side of the road, was a hotel which had lieen opened in 1829, bv Jesse Band, who was its proprietor until 1842, after which several other parties there continued in the same business. The old building has within late years been removed to a point a litth west of the village of Genoa and is now untilized as a private residence. The fourth hotel was about a quarter of a mile west of the one just described, and stood on the north side of the road, the property being now o\vned by George Locke. The old hotel buillding stood close to the road, and had a well and pump in front, as did also Floom's. This place was first known as Wertz's hotel, but later was owned by Jacob Bahney, who conducted it about forty-eight years ago. the same liearing his name at the time. On the opposite side of the road was the large barn of the hotel property, the same having long since been demolished.

The fifth and last of these wayside taverns was owned and conducted b_\- .Vustin Allen and was kmnvn as Allen's Hotel. The house was a two-story brick structure and was situated about two and one-half miles east of Massillon and on the north side of the road, the same being located close to the road. Mr. Allen was an intelligent and genial Irishman and a strong F'ree Mason, having joined the order in his native land, the Emerald Isle. It is stated that at this house the Masons often met for counsel and fraternal and ritualistic work before they had lodge rooms in either Canton or Massillon. Mrs. Allen was given more or less to despondency, and while in one of these states of mental depression she committed suicide, this being more than a half century ago, and slmrtly afterward Mr. Allen abandoned the hotel business.

In Massillon there were four hotels that paid special attention to the farmers and the emigrant travel, while the two larger ones catered to the coach and carriage trade. One of these more pretentious hotels was the Commercial, which was located on the northeast corner of Main and Erie streets, being conduct- ed by William M. Folger. It was constructed of brick and was two stories in height, while it was long since razed to give place to the present three-story business block which occupies the site. In its last days the Commercial was kept by Samuel Hawk, formerly of Canton, and after leaving Massillon he located in New York city, where he became proprietor of the old Manhattan hotel, on Murray street, and later of the St. Nicholas, on Broadway. The other leading hotel of Massillon was the Franklin house, which was located west of the canal and one block south of Main street. The proprietor for many years was Thomas S. Webb, who later conducted a hotel in New York city for a siiort time, after which he was engaged in the same line of enterprise in Philadelphia, where he remained a number of years, eventually returning to Massillon, where he lived retired until his death, a few years ago. Both Mr. Hawk and Mr. ^Vebb were capable and popular hotel men.

Of the four minor hotels in Massillon it may be said that Jacob Miller had a good twostory brick house on the southwest corner of Main and Mill streets, opposite the present Conrad house. He was the father of the late Cieorge Miller, who was quite prominent as a Democratic politician about a half century ago and who served as a member of the state senate. On West Main street, where the Bee Hive dry goods store is now located, was also a two-story brick hotel, which was kept b}' various persons in the early years, and this building is still standing. A full block further west, on the north side of Main street, was Spuhler's hotel, a two-story brick, which was utilized for hotel purposes for more than sixty years. Tn West Massillon was a twostory frame hotel conducted by Dr. Abbott, "ivho was well known to many of the older residents of Massillon.

Tippecanoe And Tyler Too

All old citizens refer to the presidential campaign of 1840 as the most tumultuous, exciting and memorable in the history of the nation. A log cabin was utilized as the Whig headquarters during the noted campaign and here many fervent political harangues and able forensic addresses were arranged and delivered, favoring the election of "Tippecanoe and Tyler too." This primitive building stood on the lot at present occupied by the Hannah block, being located about midway down the block and facing Dewalt street. The front part of the lot was at the time marked by a large walled-up cellar, which had been placed there a number of years previously b}- Thomas Cunningham, who had intended to there eredt a house. He was a carpenter and joiner by trade and his shop was located in the old jail building that occupied the site of the present Yohe hotel, on North Market street. The material was all in readiness for the erection of his new house when the old jail burned to the ground, entailing a total loss of its contents, and as Mr. Cunningham carried no insurance he was unable to complete his house on West' Tuscarawas street. The two-story brick hcMise which was occupied for many years by Alexander Hurford, and which was located on the site of Mr. Cunningham's projected dwelling, was erected by Jacob Schaefer, the drygoods merchant, be being a brother of the late Louis Schaefer and of Mrs. Martin Wikidal.

The memorable campaign whose .slogan was "Tippecanoe and Tyler too" occurred fifteen years prior to the birth of the Republican party, and hard cider and coon skins were brought into distinctive evidence by the Whigs during that campaign, and although Martin Van Bitren was the Democratic presidential candidate, the memory of "Old Hickory,"" Andrew Jackson, was still fresh in the minds and affectionate regard of the party, and many a hickory sapling was seen in the political processions and celebrations of the campaign. Never from that day to the present time has the writer seen so great and so general political enthusiasm and excitement. Processions of both parties a mile or more in length were frequently seen, with bands of music and great platform ^vagons, while on the same blacksmiths, tinsnn'ths, threshers with flails and other artisans were represented at work, while other vocations also were shown in full complement. It was during this campaign that the Canton Independent Band was organized, this being the hrst in the county. H. J. Nathnagle was the leader and instructor. It is recalled that he composed a very popular musical selection, entitled the "Ladies' Reception." This was written in honor of and for the use in connection with the eflforts of a band of }oung ladies who were dressed in uniform, each representing one of the states in the Union. In that memorable campaign these ladies rode in a large wagon similar to that occupied by the band, «ach being drawn by four horses. They made tlieir first public appearance on the 4th of July, 1840. In the same year was organized the Democratic band, and both of these musical organization were equii)ped with fine band wagons, which soon became familiar at all great political gatherings in the county.

During this campaign William Henry Harrison, the Whig candidate for President, spoke at Alassillon, while Tom Corwin and Salmon P. Chase were also present at the meeting, which was held in a little grove north of the present passenger station of the Fort Wayne Railroad. It was on quite a knoll or hill, which has since been graded down. At that time Stark count\- had nothing in the way of railroads. On General Harrison's way east from the Massillon meeting he stopped for a short time at the Eagle hotel ( Hawks"), in Canton, and the writer recalls that he was among inany other young boys of the village who gave the distinguished guest a hearty greeting. The Whigs of the county had quite a company of young men mounted on horseback and dressed in uniform, and usually on the occasion of political meetings of this sort they wore white trousers and dark coats, while their sashes bore the familiar words, "Tippecanoe and Tyler too." There were about sixty persons in this escort. The writer was about seventeen years of age at the time and was a member of this organization, the major portion of its contingent being somewhat (jlder. On occasion of popular meetings campaign songs were sung with a will and unbounded vigor, often winding up with the words, shouted in stentorian tones. "Old Tip's the boy to swing the flail and make the 'Locos" all turn pale." The term "loco foco"" was quite jjopular among the Whigs as against the Democrats, the expression having originated by reason of the early introduction of the friction matches thus named in historic old Tammau}- hall, in New York city.

The Democrats also evolved some hard hits against the Whigs, and both parties spareil no effort to draw together large crowds in Stark county and to arouse the maximum enthusiasm, while the displavs in \'arious lines were wonderful for the period and locality. The tide, however, turned in fa\or of the \Vhigs, and General Harrison was triumphantly elected, though he lived to occupy the presidential chair only one month, to a day, from the time of his inauguration, on the 4th of March, 1841. More than three days elapsed ere the news of his death was received in Canton, since there were no telegraphic or ra'ilroad facilities at the time, and the most expeditious medium of communication was that afforded by the lumbering stage coaches or express messengers mounted on horseback.

In the early history of Stark county our pioneers hati no other means of transportation than the ordinary wagon roads, and these were mostly in a poor condition, with very few bridges. Pittsburg, one hundred miles to the east, was the principal market; Cleveland in those days was in its infancy. Wheat had no cash market at home. It was often used as barter or exchange for other articles, but for money it could not be sold. In 1825 an act was passed by the state legislature giving a charter for the building of the Ohio canal, to run from Cleveland to the Ohio river. In December of that year the line was located between Massillon and Akron, while from the latter place to Cleveland the route had been located a short time previously. The work was contracted all along the line and progressed very rapidly, so that by 1830 the canal was opened from Cleveland to Portsmouth. This was looked upon as a wonderful enterprise and as one of the greatest importance to all citizens, especially to farmers, who could thus secure an outlet for their wlieat and other produce.

V\'Tien the canal was first built through Massilion there were but a few small houses or cabins in the place. Kendall, which is now one of the wards of the city, was then an older and more populous place. But very soon mai of enterprise and business tact came to Massilion and at once erected large warehouses and opened stores, and were ready to buy for cash all the wheat that was offered. Among these inen were L. and S. Rawson, H. B. and M. D. Wellman, Jesse Rhodes., the Johnsons and others, so that many others were soon attracted to Massilion, which soon became known throughout this region as the "Wheat City." The thrift and growth of Massilion from 1830 to 1850 were wonderful. Very soon after the coming of the merchants mentioned C. M.

Russell, the pioneer of the Russells who afterward became the great manufacturers of the town, located there, and the success of the Russell works runs parallel with the history and prosperity of the city from that day to this.

The Sandy & Beaver canal was constructed a few years after the opening of the Ohio canal. It touched Stark county only in the southeast corner, Waynesburg and Magnolia being on the line. It was intended as a feeder in the supply of water as well as commerce to the Ohio canal, but for various causes it was abandoned nearly fifty years ago. The canal that interested the people of Canton more particularly in those days was known as the one to be operated under the corporate title of the Nimishillen & Sandy Slack-Water Navigation Company. It was the intention to build this canal from Canton via the Nimishillai and Sandy creeks to the Sandy & Beaver canal and to a point a few miles east of the confluence of the latter with the Ohio canal. In order to reach Cleveland by canal it would have been necessary to go about thirty miles around before they would reach Massilion, their competitor, which would have greatly militated against the trade of Canton. All of the business men of Canton took a great interest in the project. When the ground vras first broken, on Walnut street, for the construction of this canal, the largest plow that could be obtained was brought into requisition, the same being drawn by ten yoke of oxen, making a furrow large enough to float a little boat. The contractor for building the canal in Canton was the late Rodman Lovett, father of Mesdames John H. Smith and John A. Hay, who still reside in Canton. Mr. Lovett performed his work well, so that the canal, running from North street south on Walnut to the present Pennsylvania Railroad and thence directly westward across the property occupied by the present works of the Aultman Company, cross- ing Market street at Navarre street, and thence running south on tlie west side of Market street to the south creek, was all finished ready for the water. After all this work was done it was found that the Sandy and Beaver canal was not a success, and that for the want of funds the project was likely to prove a failure. It was also discovered that Shriver's run, from which it was expected to supply the canal with water down as far as the south creek, was not sufficient, and this, with other difficulties and complications, caused the work to cease right there. Many thousands of dollars were lost in this operation and Walnut street stood for years as a witness of the folly of those early days. It was more frequently called Canal street than Walnut. Finally the old ditch was graded to the ground level, but not until after much inurnniring and complaint on the part of the :itizens who lived on Walnut street. The :anal was never filled with water, and much less was it ever used for floating wheat and other products to market.

For many years after the above failure to secure for Canton canal facilities ]\IassiIlon controlled the heavy produce of not only Stark county, but of quite a number of other counties, including Wayne and Holmes, and even Carroll, Columbiana and Jefferson counties sent much of their produce to the Massillon market. From 1840 to 1850 the great tide of trade that went through Canton to Massillon was such that three or four country taverns between these two places did quite a profitable business in entertaining the farmers and providing accommodations for their teams, when they were thus en route to and from the great wheat market that had lieen created at Massillon. The tide was so largely in favor of Massillon and against Canton during that decade, that an effort was made to secure the removal of the county seat to Massillon, and at one time it seemed very probable that this farther obscuring of Canton would be accomplished.

The writer was at the time a resident of Massillon and often heard it said, "Canton is about finished and ready to be fenced in, so that the grass may grow in its streets," and so it almost appeared for awhile. But in 185 1, when the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad became an assured fact. Canton was put on a level with other towns, and Ball, Aultman & Company located their manufacturing establishment here. Conditions began to rapidly change in our favor, and from that day to this Canton has had wonderful prosperity and growth, so that it is now one of the leading inland cities of the state, while Massillon also has grown to be a city of great wealth and influence. Both of these cities have manufactories that send their products not only through this nation but also to foreign lands, so that they largely contribute to the export trade that is becoming so great from this country to all parts of the civilized world. The old-time jealousy of the two cities has passed away, and our interurban system of electric lines brings us in close relation to each other, and every hour in the day we are mingled together and rejoice in each other's prosperity and happiness, while from the rapid growth of surburiKui districts it looks as though the two cities would eventually join each other and become as one great city. From the great changes which have taken place in the last half century it is difticult to conjecture what may occur in the next fifty vears.

The question has often been asked, who were the first physicians to locate in Canton and vicinity. It is undoubtedly certain that the first practitioner t6 locate iii Canton was Dr. Andrew Rappee, who came here fr6m Balti- more in 1808. He was a native of France and his wife, Mary, was a sister of John and Joseph Shorb, who were among our first merchants, and of Adam A. Shorb, the potter. Dr. Rappee was the father of the late Mrs. Henry H. Myers and Mrs. George Faber, who after the death of Mr. Faber became the wife of V. R. Kimball, a leading merchant here, John S. Rappee, the only son, settled in Little Sandusky, and was quite successful in trading with the Indiai;is, who then abounded in that part of the state. Dr. Rappee opened the first drugstore in Canton. He lived and had his store in a two-story building that stood on the north- W'cst corner of Seventh and Market streets. He attained quite a reputation for his eye salve, known somewhat extensively at one time under the name of "Dr. Rappee's Invaluable Eye Salve.',' Old Mrs. Rappee was fond of telling the story. that when this first house was built on the site mentioned the cellar was dug by an Indian squaw. At one time Dr. Rappee was working with some chemical in his drug store and an explosion took place, destroying one of his eyes.

Dr. William Gardner was probably the next physician to settle in Canton, while his wife, whose maiden name was Sarah B. Earl, came here from Kendall, now a part of the city of Massillon. He had his office and residence in a two-story frame building that stood on South Market street, on the lot now occupied by the grocery store of Louis Dumont. Dr. Gardner died about 1833, and his office and residence building was thereafter used by Dr. Robert Estep and after his death by his son, Dr. Joseph Estep. Then there were Drs. John and Thomas Bonfield, who also came from Baltimore or that vicinity. Dr. John Bonfield had at one time been a surgeon in the army and was a well-informed man, but rather eccentric in certam ways, careless in tlie makeup of his apparel and slow of speech. As he was more or less of an office seeker he never became very popular as a physician. His wife was a sister of Thomas Cunningham, the carpenter, whom many of the old citizens will remember. Dr. Thomas S. Bonfield, a brother of John, was quite popular and successful as a physician and built up a very large practice. He built the two-story brick house which stood for many years on the lot now occupied as the residence of A, B. Walker, on West Tuscarawas street. Dr. Bonfield was the first to improve the fine farm jiow known as the Raff farm, two miles west of Canton.

Dr. Thomas Hartford settled in this town in 1 81 8, having come here from Connecticut. He was very kind hearted and very considerate of the wants of the poor. W^hen they came to him for medicine or advice he did all he could for them, regardless of whether or not any pay was forthcoming. After he left Canton, about 1830, he manifested his great interest in the poor by leaving his entire property here for their benefit. Thus it is that Canton has what is known as the Hartford poor fund. The Doctor was a true Christian and a member of the Baptist church. Dr. James Jerome came to Canton from New England about 1820, and died about five years later. He had as a student Dr. John Coulter, who is remembered by a few of our old citizens. Dr. Joseph Simmons was one of the early doctors in Canton, was competent in his profession and a man of fine . appearance. He did not succeed, however, in securing a very large practice, and within three years he went to Cincinnati and several years later removed to St. Louis, where he built up a large practice, which he continued until his death, about twenty-five years ago.

Dr. George Breysecher, a German by birth and a brother-in-law of the late John C. Bockius, settled in Canton as early as 1820, possibly a year or so before that time. It was claimed that he had been a 'surgeon in Napoleon's army. In those days deer and other game abounded in this section and as Dr. Brey- secher was an expert horseman and fine marksman, he often went into the plains of the county for game of various kinds. In later years, and well known to many of the present day, was Dr. L. M. Whiting, who came here about 1836. He had a large practice and was one of our most progressive citizens. Some years thereafter Dr. A. W. Whiting also settled in Canton, becoming associated in practice with his brother and continuing there for a number of years after the latter's death. Dr. Perkins Wallace at one time had quite a practice in Canton, as did he later for several years in Massillon, and he finally returned to Canton, where he passed the remainder of his life. The late Dr. J. H. Matthews first studied with Dr. Wallace and eventually built up here an extensive practice, continuing his professional labors here until his death. In 1812 a physician and surgeon by the ilame of Justus Scott located ni Kendall, which is now a part of Massillon, and he there enjoyed an extensive practice for a number of years. Dr. Joseph Watson, of Massillon, will be remembered by many of the present day. He located there in the early history of the city and while he was an able physician and much liked, he much preferred to give his attention, to his drug store and to not respond to many professional calls. He was a most excellent and conscientious man. a Quaker by birth and early education, but in later years he identified himself with the Methodist Episcopal church in Massillon. He was more than ninety years of age at the time of his death. In Massillon was Dr. John Shertzer. who had a good practice tmtil his death, when he was succeeded by his son. Dr. J. V. Shertzer, who also controlled an excellent practice. Dr. J. P. Barrick, of Massillon, was likewise a successful medical practitioner of Massillon and was quite well known in Canton and vicinity. Dr. D. L. Cans, of Sparta, had a wide practice and acquaintanceship. He died a few years ago. having lived in that vicinity for more than half a century. His wife was a woman of more than ordinary ability, was active in religious and temperance work and had an extensive acquaintance throughout the county. She passed away a few years prior to the death of her husband. Others could be named, but this article has already reached sufficient length. It may be added that changes in methods of practice and in the use of remedial agents have been radical in the intervening years and apparent to all, whether versed in the science of medicine or not.

Early Fourth Of July Celebrations

It will not prove inappropriate to enter into a brief record concerning the methods employed in observing the anniversary of our national independence in Canton and the county in the early da}S. In the early times there was a universal obsen^ance of this holiday and, simple and primitive as were the means at hand, the observances ever showed the utmost loyalty and patriotism to the best government on earth. In Canton for many years Harris' grove was generally the scene of such celebrations. This was the premises now owned and occupied by Mrs. Catherine A. Meyer, 917 West Tuscarawas street. John Harris, who built the old mansion and lived there until his death, \\as a prominent lawyer and most excellent citizen. The few patriarchal oaks yet standing north of the house are reminders of a number of such trees that stood in that vicinity. The reading of the Declaration of Independence was always the keynote to the exercises. A few appropriate religious services and patriotic speeches were always on the program. Very often dinners were provided, sometimes basket picnics were the order of the

There were occasional celebrations held in Shorb's grove, on the Fulton road, and also in the Hartford grove, at the east end of town, while the writer recalls several instances when the dinners were served and the speeches delivered on the block of lots now occupied by the old Harter homestead, on South Market street, between Tenth and South streets. That block was vacant for many years and the many trees standing thereon formed a pleasant little grove, making the place very suitable for use on such occasions. About sixty years ago there was living among us an old Revolutionary soldier known as Grandfather Capes. He made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Langley, who lived for many years on the northeast corner of Cleveland avenue and Fourth street. This old veteran was often called out and given a position of distinction on the occasions of the 4th of July celebrations. He was buried with military honors, in the old cemetery on Mc- Kinley avenue and near the entrance to the same.

The celebrations were usually conducted without regard to political partisanship, but sometimes the campaigns became soi spirited that party divisions would occur in observing the patriotic holiday. This was especially true in 1840, in which years occurred probably the most notable campaign in the history of our nation. A record of the proceedings of the Whig contingent of the county on that occasion is available and is here given in an epitomized form. On Tuesday evening, June 16, i<S40, the Whigs assembled in the log cabin, which stood on the site of the* present Hanna block, on Dewalt street, to make arrangements for the 4th of July celebration. F. A. Schneider was called to the chair and Hiram K. J^ickey was appointed secretary. In opening the meeting Mr. Schneider made a few remarks in German, and S. C. Frev followed with more extensive remarks in English. The committee appointed to appoint a permanent committee to make suitable arrangements reported the following names : William Herrick, Isaac Hartman, Martin Wikidal, John Malline, George Raynolds, Oliver P. Stidger, John Koontz, John Black and John Reed, Jr., of Canton ; Francis J. Meyer, of Plain township; Colonel Thomas S. Webb and Francis Worthouse, of Massillon; Jesse Slusser, of Osnaburg; and John S. Rutter. of Waynesburg. The committee on invitations comprised Lewis Vail and John Meyers, of Canton, and H. Wheeler, of Massillon.

The Democrats had a great gathering ora the 4th of July, but the writer of this article has been unable to find a record of names or particulars. He recalls, however, that on that occasion the town had all it could do to accommodate the people who assembled. During the campaign of that year the Democrats all over the county were raising hickory poles, some of them very tall, but hickory was the only timber that would suit thesir purpose, being selected in honor of President Jackson, known as "Old Hickory." The Whigs trie! to some extent to imitate their opponents but,- as a matter of course, never used hickory, employing usually pine or hemlock. This same year also was the one in which the first brass bands were organized in Canton. The Whigs brought about the organization of the first and called it the Canton Independent Band. Very soon afterward the Democrats organized the Democratic Band. Each had a band wagon built for the special purpose and more or less ornate, and these were usually drawn by fourhorse teams and made a fair appearance, while the members became excellent players.

Not only on the 4th of July celebrations but also on other festive occasions, the cannon was generally brought into requisition as a part of the demonstrations, but several very serious accidents occurred in the countv as a result of the use of such ordnance, and the same gradually fell into disfavor. One accident from this source, of which the writer was an eye-witness, occurred on what was known for man\' years as Griswold hill, on North Market street and at a point about opposite the home of the late President McKinley. As nearly as can be recalled it was on the occasion of the Democratic celebration of the passage of the subtreasury bill. By the premature discharge of the cannon, John B. Taylor, commonly known as "Buck" Taylor, of Canton, and R(.)bert Montgomery, who lived between Osnaburg and Pans, were badly injured, the former losing an arm, while the latter was badly crippied for life. In Massillon sometime afterward there was a similar premature discharge, in which Frederick Donsise, formerly of Canton, was badly injured, so that he was a cripple for the balance of his life. Ferdinand Haak, who w'as known for many years as a helper around the courthouse, was crippled for life by the premature discharge of a cannon on the old fair grounds, in the east end of Canton, and Peter Chance, who was afterwards elected sheriff of the county, lost his arm in a similar accident in Alliance. All of those thus injured lived a number of years afterwards, but all have now passed away. After these various and serious accidents in the county, there has been but little disposition to resort to the use of cannon as in former years, and it is well that it should be so. But the proper observance and a rational and patriotic celebration of the day in which our forefathers "pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honors" for the purchase of our liberties should not be forgotten. We should all enter heartily into this great inheritance and use our best endeavors to put far from us all things that tend to degrade and ruin our fellow men, and if we are loyal to the great principles of which our government was founded, and true to God and

Early Flouring Mills

In the early settlement of Canton and Stark county, quite a number of flouring mills were put up, and perhaps the major portion of these have long since ceased operation, having failed to keep pace with improved methods and processes. Among the large mills erected between 1830 and 1833, were the Shorb mill, in Canton ; the Slanker mill, about ten miles northwest of this city on the Fulton road, and commonly known as the High mill ; and the Goodwill mill, at North Industry.

The Shorb mill was built by John Shorb, who at that time conducted a store on the west side of South Market square, where David Zollars & Son are now located. The two^ story frame building which Mr. Shorb occupied for his store and lesiderice was later used for a similar purpose for a number of years after his death by Isaac Harter, and when the latter erected the present three-story brick building on the site, the frame building was removed to the northeast corner of Young and Tuscaraw-as streets, where it is still in use, for residence purposes. At the time when Mr, Shorb erected his mill most of the lowlands between the same and Tuscarawas street was covered with tamarack, cedar and pine, the trees standing quite thickly in some spots, while nuiskrats abounded there and were a source of revenue to the trappers of the day, as the hides commanded good prices. The hatters of the period were always ready to buy fur skins. The dam for turning the water of the west creek into Shorb's mill was built about one hundred feet south of Tuscarawas street, and the race leading from that point to the mill was about three-fourths of a mile in length, leading quite straight from the dam to the mill and on the east side of the lowland, or "swamp," as it was then called.

At the tmie this mill was erected it was considered to be out in the country. There was no house between the mill and what is now the Alelchior store, at 8ii South Market street. About where the line of the Fort Wayne railroad now passes the road bore off in a diagonal direction directly to the mill, Navarre street not having been opened at that time. The mill was originally operated by water power, and the great wheel must have been at least twenty feet across the face. When Alfred Huntington controlled the mill steam was introduced, but the water power was retained in part. After the property passed out of Mr. Huntington's hands the water power was entirely abandoned and more adequate steam power introduced.

The county records show that in 1831 John Shorb and John Myers bought the land occupied by the mill, and very soon thereafter the latter gave a quit-claim deed to Mr. Shorb. The mill was built about 1832, and in 1853 Mr. Shorb sold the property to the Farmers' Union, .which failed in i860. In the following year the mill was purchased by Reuben Sellers, while in 1863 W. Bucher & Company acquired the property, which they sold two years later to Alfred S. Huntington and James H. Ball. Ver}' soon thereafter these gentlemen sold to A. C. Tonner, who later sold the same to Mr. Huntington and Robert Kuhns, the latter's interest being acquired by Morgan G. Huntington in 1868. The mill was operated for a time under the ftrm name of Huntington Brothers, who failed in business in 1876, assigning to Julius Whiting, Sr., while in 1880 the mill was sold to Upton Rank and Henry Corl. Rank sold to John F. Blake a half interest in 1882, and in 1888 Mr. Blake acquired the other half interest of Mr. Corl and thus became sole proprietor in that year. In 1899 he sold to the present owner, Jacob N. Shaub, who is doing a successful business, the mill being now equipped with the most improved machinery. When the mill was erected it was somewhat higher than at present, having a much steeper roof. About 1865 fire destroyed the upper part of the mill, so that the top story had to be rebuilt, and in so doing the pitch oi the roof was made less than that of the original. The old-style process originally used in the manufacturing of flour in this old mill has been abandoned all over the country, and it is safe to say that very few mills in the Union have i passed through the changes and improvements that has the mill under consideration.

The large mill at North Industry, known for so many years as the Goodwill mill, was built by William Fogle, Sr., and afterward became the property of Bradley Goodwill and O. T. Browning, both of whom were sons-in-law of Mr. Fogle. After the death of Mr. Goodwill the mill was operated for a time by Mr. Browning and his son, Orrin F.. who is now a resident of Canton, gave his time and personal attention to the operation of the mill for several years. O. T. Browning was for many years one of Canton's largest and most popular dry goods merchants. The mill was a good frame structure, six stories in height. Part of the old Sandy & Beaver canal was used as a race to convey water to the mill. Nearly twenty years ago the mill was sold to the brick company located there and was never afterward used for milling purposes. This large structure, which at one time attracted so much attention for the quantity and quality of flour turned out, was destroyed by fire several years ago.