Canton Township (part 1 of 62)

Canton City

To a great extent the history of tho oily pictures the oounty. A farmer at once needs supplies, and necoasilatca mcrobanta; and the growth of Canton ovidonocs neighboring resources in abundance. Prior to this the reader boa learned tho names of The earliest settlers, nnd become familiar with oity and oounty progress.

Tho township is in Range 8 and Township 10. It consists of thirty-six seclions; is well watered by the Nimishillcn and its tributaries, and is remarkable for a prevailing happy custom of giving names to farms, auioi g which ono bears - of the " Garden Grove," " Mineral Coal," "Meadow Brook," and " Our Father's

The greater part of tho eariy settlors oarao from Pennsylvania, and aro of Gorman descent. A German school was taught as early as 1800, in a barn during tbo summer, at a farm one mile and a half east of Canton settlement.

Two and threo-fourth miles northwest of Canton, in tho corner of tho township, is a fine sheet of pure soft water, known as Myers's Lake, Prom it Canton obtains its water-supply.

The lake is about fifty foot above tho oity. To obtain greater powor, ft permanent dam, with eighty feet overfall, was constructed on Woat Nimishillen, with head-lock and canal one mile in length, to conduct the water to the pipe, and secure a thirteen-foot fall upon two strong turbioo-wbccls, propelling two Holly rotary watcr-ongiuos.

This gives a powor warranted to throw six streams of water from as many hydrants ono hundrpd feet in tbe air, nnd is a reliance in ease of fire. One hundred of these hydrants are located on Canton slrcot-orossings. To obtain a pressure of eighty pounds to the square inch, hydrants are oponcd nnd tho governor at the engine-houso ; tho largo wheel-moves, and a stream spuria upward from ono hundred to one hundred and fifty feet.

Tho Pittsburg, Fort Wayne and Chicago Railroad traverses tbo township to the northwest, and many roads from every point of the compass oonlro towards the oity.

About 1833 an atlompt was made by John Harris to raise Ihc mulberry for silk culture, but it was unprofitable and soon abandoned. Small fruila arc raised in considerable t^uantilies by Thcma." Lloyd, J. R. Mathews, J. Myers, Peter Chance, and others. T. Lloyd raised two hundred bushels of slrawborriea from less than an aero of ground in the Bummer of J874, and sold them at four dollars per bushol. Six or eight coal-banks have been opened, and from Ihom ft portion of Canton's supply ia obtained. Farming is of a miacollaneoua character, as all grains and fruits which will prove romunorativo are raised.

City Of Canton

Canton is beautifully situated upon an eminence, in tho midst of an extensive plain ; it is one hundred and twenty milps northeast of Columbus, and lies between Ihe forks of the Nimishillou. It was laid out in 1800 by Bezaleel Wells, of Stcubonvillo, and the first house was erected in tbe summer of 1800.

Tho original plal, as recorded in tho clerk's office in Columbiana County, to which tbe territory then belonged, was bounded on tho north by North Street; east, by East Alley ; south, by South Street; and on tho west, by West Alloy. Disputes arose concerning boundaries, and Mr. Wells, in 1S23, had tho plat recorded in tho clerk's oflicc in Canton, and, as explanatory, appended a note, of which tho following is an abstract: "Said proprietor declares that in laying out said lots, in order to cover any inaccuracies which might bo made in measurements, the chain used was a few inches longer than tbo exact length of a common surveyor's chain ; by which it appears that there is an excess in the sizo of tho lots when they came to be subjected lo strict measuromcnts ; and lastly, the said proprietor docs dec'aro and make known that ho relinquished all claims lo said excess of ground, and desirod that it may he considered ae tho property of the ]>rcsent owners of said lots rcfpcctivcly, and such was his original intention in laying out said lota." The southwest block of lots wero donated for a " graveyard ;" tho last block on Tuscarawas Street, south side, " for a house of worship ;" and tho block opposite " for an academy or public school." Neither of those lots ia numbered in the original plat. The first building in Canton waa on Market Street, east side, between Fourth and Fifth, on the lot owned by Isaac Stripe. It waa a log cabin, about oightoon feet square, erected in tho fall of 1800, by Garrett Crusen, for a tavern. It contained but one room, and had two small shedadditions; ono was used aa a bedroom, and tbe other as a collar and store-house. Tho large room was appropriated for a bar, kitohon, dining- and sitting-room. Tho following summer, James F. Leonard erected tho brick house standing on the southwest corner of Market and Seventh, which was tho first building of that material in tho County. Vau Meter's saw-mill was running on the west branch of tho Nimishillen, and furnished tho lumber for several frame buildings erected during this season.

At this time tbo subject of a new oounty was agitated. Oannhnrg, five miles east, had been laid out, and got a start of Canton. Many ofi'ercd serious objections to tho latter place, because of its location in tho " Plains," tho supposed scarcity of building material, and tho imagined soverity of tho cold winds. A warm rivalry arose between the towns. Mr. Wells, proprietor of Canton, had an excellent reputation, nnd, having boon a member of the convention that framed tho first constitution of Ohio, had an extended and powerful infiuencc. This fact, connected with a proposal to donate lo the County ono hundred and fifty lots, influenced the Commiasionora lo locate the County seat at Canton. From the sale of the donated lota the County realized about five thousand dollars.

Tho first atoro waa opened in 1807, by Abraham Kroft, in a small building, corner of Market and Fifth Streets. The goods wore kept in a back room, and ouetomcra had to pass through the front room, which wa^ used in common as a kitchen, dining- and bodrooin. Tho stock was wagoned from Pittsburg, and comprised only such arliolea as would likely bo needed in a now country. John Shorb started tbo second store the same year, in Ibo brick house built by Mr. Leonard. Next spring Shorb removed his store to a buildiug bo had erected on tho lot now occupied by tho Eaglo Block. Tho prioea of staple articles at that time wero as follows: salt, three lo four dollars per bushol; naila, Iwenty-Gvo centa per pound; window glass, 8x10, twelve and a half cents per light ; colTce, fifty cents per pound ; iron, twenty cents per pound ; and sole leather, fifty cents per pound. A poat-oftico was established in ISOS, nnd Samuel Coulter was appointed to attend to its duties. Tho only mail roooived was from tho East, on horseback, onco a week.

In 1834 ft canal from Canton to Sandyvillc waa chartered. It was thought a groat enterprise, and real estate adjaconl sold enormouBly high. The canal was excavated the entire lougth of Walnut Street. Tbe Nimishillen, tapped near Rood's bridge, was lo bo bead feeder; but a Qaanoial orisia overran tho country, tho stookholdora failed to pay installments, tho work ooasod, and in timo all truoca of tho work have become oblitoralod.

The first addition lo the original plat of Canton was made by Honry Slua- Eor, in 1836. In 1840, Canton had a daily mail, which brought from six to twelve letters and n few papers, but no daily. .Vow, there aro four mails each week-day; two thousand letters mailed and received daily at the post-oflico, and two thousand two hundred and thirty papers daily each week (not counting papers printed in the County, and papers received by newsdealers and Snbbathschoola). Four hundred and fifty dnllico aro rooeivcd in tho eity. The real growth of the town seemed to commence about 1S50.

Incorporation Of Canton

Under an act of March 12, 1838, Canton was re-incorporated, and divided into four wards. April 7, John Myera was elected mayor; Arnold Lynch, recorder ; Peter Kaufman. Mr. Bolti:. Harmon Stidger, Abraham Lind, Eli Sowora, George Broysacher, Daniel (Joltshall, and John Slusser, the first trustees.

On tho 17(h of March, 1851, an act of Legislature organised the town of Canton as a oily of the second olaas, and tbe recorder became clerk. In April, 1852, II. F. Lciter was elected mayor; J. B. Eslcp, recorder or clerk ; J. Hartman, treasurer; nnd Jonathan Oldfiold, marshal. A hundred additions have been aooopted by the City Council.

Tbe population in 1840 was 2138; in 1850, 2740; in 1800, 4442; and in 1876, about 12,000. There are fourteen oity churches, of which some history has been given. Tho City Union School consists of high school, grammar school, four ecoondaricB, and fourteen primaries ; four scbool-honaes and twenty-eight leachers, exclusive of superiulendent.

Manufacturing Interests Of Canton

or Ibo many, wo name ft few as samples. Ballard, Fast &, Co. organized in 1864. Makers of knives and sickles, seat-apringa, and saws. Valuation of ahcps, $200,000; annual labor account, $00,000 ; business done, $500,000.

Wrought Iron Bridge Co. began existence in 1805. Since then 1000 bridges of thoir make hnvo boon erected through tho country. Their largest bridge ia mo feet long. Ovor 200 hands aro employed. Valuation of works, $225,000; labor account, $00,000 ; business annually, over $500,000.

Buehor, Qibhs & Co. Imperial plow works, founded by J. Banner .t J. R. Bucher, in ISO 1. The first year 450 " Monitor" plows wero made and .sold. At present, 50 " Imperial" plows are made daily. There are 50 hands, whoso wages aroS:i5.0fln: sales, $150,000 ; value of works, $00,000.

Canton City Flour-Mills. Built about 1832; Ihoy aro tho oldest in tho city. Will grind 12,000 barrels por year. Besides, there are the Snow-Flake Mills, 40 barrels a day, and Buckeye Mills, 75 barrels every twenty-four hours.

C. Aultman & Co. manufactnre mowors and thrashers. Their stock is worth $1,000,000. They employ 475 men, and in 1874 turned out 5000 reapers and mowers nnd 1100 thrashers.

C. Russell A Co. manufacture reapers and mowers. Incorporated in 1870. Stock, $400,000 ; employ 150 hands ; will turn out 3500 reapers this season.

Diebald, Norria i: Co, Lock and safe works. Employ 300 hands; capital invested, $250,000 ; annual sales, ?1,000,OUO ; average a safe an hour. The company made for Ihe Deposit Company, of San Francisco, California, tho largest safe in tho world ; within it aro 4000 burglar-proof aafos.

It would require a volume thus briefly to notico all Stark's various industries. Commerce flourishes, all trades have developed as needed. For the sick, there are thirteen phyaioians; for tbo litigious, there are eighteen attorneys to chuosc from, and other professions accordingly.

With her rich store of neighboring mineral and agricultural resources, and her easy exit for manufactured products, tbo future of Canton is unclouded,

Deschiptiok Of Busihbss

Agent for patent rights. Commercial traveler. Blacksmith. Pbysician and surgeon. Dealer in wool, grain, etc. Boot and sliott maker. Carriage trimmer. Watch maker. Farmer and stock grower.

" and banker. Shoe maker. Furniture manufacturer. Dentist and real estate broker. Prnprielor of American Hotel. American Hotel, Carriage maker. Boot and shoe manufacturer. Dry goods.

Source changes here: from Old Landmarks of Canton and Stark County, Ohio, by Danner, John, published 1904; 966,911 words in this source stream.

Publisher'S Preface

TN i)l.icinf; tlie " OKI Laiulniarks of Canton and Stark County " before the citizens, the publisher can conscientiously claim that he has carried out in full every promise made in the Prospectus. He points with pride to the elegance of the binding of the volume, ami to the beauty of its typofjraphy, to the su])i'riority of the paper on which the work is printed, and the truthfulness dei^icted by its portraits and tlu' hif^h class of art in \\lii( h they are finished. The series of reminiscent articlis from the jiens of Mr. John Danner and Dr. I^ewis Slusser is a valuable collection and will prove not only of interest to the present generation, l)ut of inestimable worth to fultne historians, being the result of years of patient toil and deep research. Every biograjjlucal sketch in this volume has been submitted to the party interested for appro\'al and correction, and therefore an\' error of fact, if there be any, is solely due to the person for whom the sketch was prepared.

The publisher would here avail himself of the opportunity to thank the citizens of Stark count}' for the uniform kindness with which they have regarded this undertaking and for their many services rendered in assisting in the gaining of necessary information. Confident that our efforts to please will fully meet the approbation of the public, we are.

Old Landmarks

It is believed Vjy tiiose who make anthropology a study, that a race of people occupied and claimed title to the soil of Ohio anterior to the Indian. They are known as Mound Builders, taking their name from the mounds built by them in ditTerent parts of the state. From discoveries made in the exploration of their works, the opinion has been formed that many centuries must ha\e elapsed between the time of the occupancy by the Mound Builders and the appearance of the earliest of the Indian tribes. There is much speculation as to the status of their improvement - their approach to civiHzation. All agree that they were in advance of the Indians, that they had attained a hig'her ])lane of knowledge, that they were a numerous people, lived under a strong goxernment, had military skill, a knowledge of metals, cultivated the soil - in short, had made considerable progress in the direction of civilization. The causes leading to their extinction are yet to be le irned. There are mounds located in different parts of Stark county, in the townships of Bethlehem, Lawrence, Lake and Canton, but they have ne\-er been thoroughly explored to determine whether they are the creation of a prehistoric race or of laterday Indians. The most notable mound is at Congress Lake.

Coming to a time of recorded history, it may be stated that by a treaty - agreed upon at Fort Mcintosh (Beaver, Pennsylvania) in J 785, between tlie commissioners appointed by the go\'ernment and the Indian tribes then occupying western Ohio, known as Delawares, W^yandots, Ottawas and Chippewas, the latter relinquished all their right and title to the same, and agreed witli the commissioners that their eastern boundary should be from the mouth of the Cuyahoga river up to the portage, from the Cuyahoga to the Tuscarawas river, thence down the Tuscarawas river to the forks, near FT. Laurens, a few miles south of Boli\ar, thence west to the portage l)etween the Miami and Maumee ri\ers.

The first white man known to have made his appearance in this section of our state was La Salle, a French explorer, who in 1670, accompanied by a few heroic followers, passed from Lake Erie to the Alleghenv ri\-er. The next was Colonel Bouquet, who, as an officer of the British army, with live hundred regulars and about a thousand volunteers, made an expedition from Fort Pitt west as far as the Tuscara- ^vas river. The object was to intimidate the Avarlike Indian tribes and inlluence them to more peaceful conduct. It is not, however, the nature of the average Indian to be peacefully inclined. They were continually making encroachments upon the nearest white settlers then living east of the Ohio river, in Pennsylvania and Virginia, stealing stock and carrying off prisoners. As a measure of protection to these people the general government authorized the formation of scouting parties, known as "scouts" or "spies,"' whose duty it was to reconnoiter the country beyond the Ohio and as far west as the Tuscarawas river. These scouting parties were made up of men inured to hardshii)s and accustomed to the privations and exposure incident to border life. Many of them had encountered Indians before and knew by experience their habits and mode of warfare. They recei\ed from the government monthly pay and ammunition, furnishing their own anns. It was their duty, on the discovery of any sign of Indians, to return immediately and give the alarm, that the frontier settlers might adopt measures for their own protection, either by collecting the families in a fort, or fortifying their own homes, as circumstances would admit.

There was a company of five, all of whom afterward became citizens of Stark county - James Downing, Sr., John Cuppy, Isaac Miller, George Foulk and Thomas Dillon. Dillon and Foulk had buth 1)een captured by the Indians Avben young, lived with them many years and knew their habits and customs. Downing was captain of the company.

On the occasion of the encc^unter we are about to relate, the party left their place of rendezvous for a scout, in April. 1793. They crossed the Ohio ri\er at the mouth of Yellow creek, followed up the north branch to near its source, then directed their course west to the head waters of Sandy. After reconnoitering this section of country for miles around without discovering any signs of Indians, they came to the conclusion that there were none about. Up to this time they had not discharged a gun, from fear of being discovered. The rations with which they had supplied themselves on starting were nearly exhausted and they concluded it would be safe to kill some game. Downing shot a deer, and another of the party a turkey. This was on the morning of the fourth day out, between Little Sandy and Indian Run. As they had not yet taken breakfast, they concluded to prepare the meal. Miller was kindling a fire; Foulk was cleaning the turkey preparatory to roasting. Downing was in the act of bending down a sapling upon which he intended to hang his deer, that he would be better able to skin it: Cuppy was sitting at the root of a tree with his gun on his lap. examining the lock. A party of Indians, numbering eighteen or twenty of the Ottawa ami \\'yandot tribes, heard the firing and detected the locality of the scouts. They divided their force into two parties with the purpose of approaching them from dififerent courses, one of which was from a direction the scouts would be most likely to take in an effort to escape. W'iiile Cuppy was engaged with his gun, be happened to look up and saw in the distance an Indian moving about peering through the underbrush. He immediately sprang to his feet and gave the alarm. As soon as the Indian saw he was discovered, he turned and ran, and as he did so Cupi)y fired at him, but without effect. Miller and Foulk snatched uj) their guns and gave chase. The ground was sparsely timbered. Miller was in the advance, when Foulk called to him to halt, as he knew just as soon as the Indian reached a more heavily timliered piece of ground he would stop behind a tree and shoot Miller as he approached. Thereupon Miller turned aljout and lie and Foulk started for tlie place the\- had left. ]\Iean\vhile the othtr party of Indians, numbering six or eight, made their appearance in another direction. They were bold and demonstrative. Downing said to Cuppy and Dillcjn : "Let us stand together and defend ourselves to the last." "No," replied DiJIon, "each one for himself," and suiting the action to the sentiment, started on a fun. Downing and Cupp}' kept together and mo\ed cautiously along the high ground or upper bench towards the forks of Sandy. As the Indians pressed upon them too closely, they would turn and raise their guns as though they intended to shoot. Then, the Indians would jump around, throw up their hands and run upon their hands and knees, evidently for the purpose of diverting the aim of the whites. By degrees they became bolder and advanced closer, when Downing, taking advantage of a good opportunity, shot the nearest, which had the effect of keeping the others at a greater distance. Soon after Downing and Cuppy caught up with Dillon, who appeared much exhausted as though about to fall. Dillon begged for "God's sake" that they would help him. and as Downing turned and saw his face he discovered that he was choking with his necktie. Dillon, in his haste to loosen it and to assist his breathing, pulled the Avrong end and made it tighter. Downing cut the neckerchief with his Ijelt knife, thereby releasing him, when Dillmi immediately took a fresh start and was soon out of sight. Downing and Cuppy were both past middle age and somewhat fleshy. They both had run until nearly exhausted and knew they coidd not hold out much longer. Downing said to Cuppy. "'I can't go any farther - I'll stand and fight under this thorn bush, if I die," and stand he did. At the same time Cuppy got behind a tree, and both awaited the approach of the savages, determined to make the best resistance they were able. They had not long to wait, for soon the

Indians were seen approaching. Downing re- .served his fire until the foremost Indian came with close range, then, taking deliberate aim, fired and brought him down. The others returned a volley which cut the bushes around Downing and Cuppy, but did not strike either. Miller and Foulk, hearing the firing, hastened in the direction from wdience it came, and before aware of it were among the Indians. Miller espied one of unusual size with a silver halfmoon hanging on his breast. He was in the act of loading his gun, and just as Miller was drawing a bead on him the chief saw him, gave a yell and sprang behind a tree. Miller soon discovered that he was so surrounded that it would be impossible to protect himself behind a tree, thereupon he determined upon flight as the only hope of safety for his scalp. Quick as thought he sprang from the upper bank and ran across the bottom or swamp toward the north branch of the stream. The Indians left Downing and Cuppy, threw down their guns, drew their tomahawks, gave the scalp yell and gave chase after Miller. At one time they were so near he recognized a tall warrior known among the whites as Tom Jilleway. After Miller crossed Little Sandy, and was in an open plain, he thought, as he afterwards expressed it, "now legs for it." He always considered himself swift on foot, and put in his best efforts for about a mile and a half until he reached the high lands or ridge, when he stopped to look back and listen. He could neither hear nor see anything of the Indians. After resting a short time, he concluded to return to the place where they were first surprised, in the hope of finding the rest of the company. As they were not there and the day was far advanced, he decided upon making for the company's place of rendezvous on the east side of the Ohio river. He continued to travel as long as he could see his way until he reached "S'ellow Creek. Here, under a fallen tree that lay upon the ground, he made a lied of leaves upon which he slept soundly amid the howling of wolves and the screeching of wild cats. Xext day he crossed the Ohio at the mouth of Yellow- creek and reached the place of rendezvous, where he found Downing, Cuppy and Dillon safe and unhurt, except that Downing's face was much swollen and his eyes bloodshot from exertion.

In the evening of the next day Foulk made his appearance, and reported that when the Indians started after Miller he hid himself in the brush. When they got out of sight he crossed over a branch of the Sandy, the same that is now called Indian Run from this identical tight, and secreted himself on a hill where he could overlook the plains south without being obser\'ed. He could see the Indians in camp not a mile distant, and from their performance was satisfied from his knowledge of their ceremonies that two ot their number had been killed. In discussing the matter, the company were of the opinion that they made a fortunate escape.

The next day (jeneral W'ax'ne and his staff, in a barge, with his troops in ninety-five flat boats, came down the river on their way to Camp Washington, afterward Cincinnati. As they came in sight, the scouts discharged their guns as a salute. General Wayne had his barge run ashore, and on learning they were government scouts, signalled a boat containing sharpshooters to land. He had a target set up and a trial of skill was had between his sharpshooters and the scouts, in which the sharpshooters came out second best. General Wayne complimented the scouts, saying : "My bra\e fellows, you are d - d fine shots." and treated them to brandy. A portion of the ground over which the contest occurred is now in Carroll county, but was formerly a part of Stark.

When Ohio ^vas admitted to the Union as a state, in 1802. it was divided into eleven counties. Stark was included in Jefferson. In the organization of Columbiana county in 1803 it included Stark. At that time Rudolph Bair. better known as "Rudy" Bair, lived in Columbiana county. He was a meml - of the first constitutional convention, and upon its adoption was elected as a member of the legislature. As he afterward became a prominent citizen of Stark county, it is not improper to allude to his career as a legislator. He was a man of more than ordinary ability, inclined to talk, and at home regarded as a Sir Oracle. There was a bill before the house to reorganize the state militia. Rudy had given close attention to the discussion and got himself considerably worked up at what he considered an innovation upon the old custom of conducting the militia trainings. He felt it his duty to protest against this new measure, and is reported to have delivered himself as follows: "Mr. Speaker, I'm opposed to dis ting of bringing organs into de militia. I dinks de fife and de drum good enough for anybody." Other speeches of similar character are attributed to him. Whether true or false, we have had representatixes in the legislature since who reflected less credit upon their constituency than Rudy Bair.

James F. Leonard was the first white man who located upon land within the present boundary of .Stark county. He was born in Franklin county, Penu-syhania, in 1779, improved the best opportunities then afforded at his home for obtaining an education, and when of age engaged with a sur\e}'or, remaining with him until he had acquired a practical knowledge of the business. About that time the lands of eastern and southern Ohio were being surveyed by the go\-ernment and brought into market, a land office ha\ing been established in Chillicothe. The few who had explored the country returned with some wonderful accounts of the quality of the soil, value of the timber, the excellent springs of water, the lay of the land, and other attractions, so that everybody became excited and made it the common subject of discussion. It was the same old story, began with the first settlers upon the shores of the Atlantic, which will not end until every vestige of the public l?t"d to the Pacitic is pre-empted. Leonard was of those who caught the fever and he determined to go west. In 1802 he was clerk in the land office in Chillicothe and remained there about a year. Meanwhile an office was established in Steubenville, and on 1804 he came to Steubenville and obtained a like position in the office at that place.

The original survey of lands in this district was in sections of four miles square. To select and enter a less quantity required the services of a surveyor; as Leonard observed this want he decided to locate himself in the district where land was being sought, as he could make it more profitable than his employment as clerk. As he would require assistance, he engaged James and Henry Barber to accompany him. They were brothers and originally from Virginia. It was in the month of March, 1805, that the three men started from Steubenville. Their outfit consisted of blankets, salt pork and flour, cooking utensils, two axes, surveying instruments, with some other articles, packed upon two horses. Each of the party carried a rifle and ammunition. They walked and rode by turns. The route was by an Indian trail to a crossing on Sandy, thence through the unbroken forest up the Nimishillen to where the prospective county seat of the new county, yet in embryo, would be likely located.

A ;;pring was sought for and found on the northeast quarter of section 3, and here the party improvised a rude shelter of saplings, setting up forks and cross pieces and covering with bark. With this they managed to get along for several months, until able to construct a log cabin. In a few weeks Leonard returned to Steuben\-ille, entered the c|uarter upon which he was a squatter, advertised himself as a surveyor and land jobber, offering his services to persons in search of land in the new country. On the occasion of a visit to the land office in June following, he met James Culberson, also from Franklin countv, Pennsvlvania. He was of a good family, but had acquired habits of dissipation, and in a fit of desperation left a wife and three children determined to expatriate himself, or rather bury himself with some Indian tribe of the west. He asked for employment of Leonard, who engaged him, and together they came to the camp, where Culberson did such work as Leonard directed. The woods abounded in game, and it was no trouble to secure all the meat they wanted. Flour and salt were the most difficult articles to procure, as they had to be packed from the settlement east. Bear, deer and wild turkeys were plenty, and so were wolves and rattle snakes.

Up to this period the only land lying in Canton township known to have been purchased from the government were in sectiotis 2, 3 and 10, by Nicholas Firestone and Charles Long, lying immediately east of the city. These pieces were entered in the fall of 1804. Whether either of the party had seen the land previous to entry is unknown.

The following incident was related to the writer by Leonard as having occurred at the spring: A stranger from the east in search of land arrived at the station on Saturday evening. Leonard had gone to Steubenville to enter several tracts he had surx-eyed for parties, leaving the camp in charge of the two Barbers and Culberson. On Sunday the stranger engaged the meii to pilot him around the country, as far as was safe to venture from camp. He had three hundred and thirty-eight dollars in silver done up in a twilled bag, in which he had carried his bacon and bread, which, before starting, he deposited for safe keeping in a hollowlog, covering the hole with moss. Returning late in the evening, he concluded not to lift the money until next morning. When he went for it Monday morning, lo and behold, it was gone, bag and all. The man was distracted, took on terribly, and as there was a camp of Indians by, he charged them with the theft. Unable to obtain a clue to his lost money, he started home with a heavy heart. On his way he met Leonard, to whom he related his great loss, and his belief that the Indians were the thieves. Leonard assured him that the Indians had not disturbed his money - tiiat the wolves were the thieves, and he had no doubt but that some day the money would be found. About four months afterward three men from Pennsylvania were looking around in search of desirable land, when one of the espied a portion of the twilled bag. Having heard from the guide the story of the lost money, the company immediately instituted a search and very soon picked up nearly all the lost coin. .\ few pieces are still lying in the accumulated leaves of the virgin soil, within hearing distance of the busy hum of the city.

Tn October, 1803, Culberson made a visit to an Indian trading post, located at the nioutii of Sandy. They kept whisky and Culberson was led into his old habit, became intoxicated, and from exi)osure while at the post, and on his return to the station contracted a severe cold, which resulted in an attack of pneumonia. The men in cami) could do but little for him except administer warm drink. He lingered about two weeks and died. He was buried at the root of an oak tree and the grave marked with stones. There were present at the interment, besides Leonard, Hugh Cunningham. Henry Friday, James and Henry Barber.

It will not be considered out of place to relate, in connection with this event, that the writer in 1855 published a more minute account of the death and burial of the first white man in Stark county, in which the idea was suggested to the county commissioners of erecting over the grave a suitable monument, giving the name and date of death. This article was copied into other papers west, and finally met the eye of a son of Culberson, who at that time was a judge in Iowa. From him the writer received a letter containing the followincr extracts :

'T have just seen a communication from you, giving an account of James Culberson, i who I am satisfied was my father. He was the youngest son of my grandfather, and, as U I have been informed, was much indulged. 1 Near the close of the Revolutionary war there was a body of horse troops raised, of which he became a member, and during his connection with that service the foundation of the habit of drinking was laid, which finally ruined 1 him. * * In my youth I took a trip to what was then called the west, and happened in Steubenville when the proprietors of Canton were al)out making a sale of town lots. There were a number of persons going to the sale from Steubenxillc, and I went with them, intending to see the spot where my father was laid, but could find no person wIkj could give me any information."

Canton was located by Bezalcel Wells, in the fall of 1805, the ground surveyed ami a [jlat made in the winter following. Early in the spring of 1806 lots were sold and se\-eral cabins erected. ' Leonard bought the lot at the southwest corner of Seventh and Market, upon which he erected the same year a brick house. The house has a history which may be given in detail hereafter. Leonard was married to Sarah Earlier June 6, 1806, which was the first marriage ceremony performed in the county, and this previous to its organization. Leonard subsequently moved into Plain township, anil ihcn tn Jackson, in the organization of both of which he participated. Afterwards he removed into Summit county, and from thence into Cuyahoga, where he died at an advanced age. James and William Barber each Iniilt a cabin on section 16 in the fall of 1805. and brought out their families the following spring. James Crawford, also from Virginia, settled on the southwest quarter of section 15.

(since anglicized to Slusserj and William E\ving. These men, after completing their selections of land, returned to their homes east, but engaged Ruby Bair, who was of their number, to go to the land office in Steubenville and make the necessary entries and payments. So far as can be ascertained at this day, no white person remained in Stark county during the winter of 1805-6, except Leonard and the men in his employ. If there was any family they were located in Sandy township.

David Bechtel was from Maryland, came to Columbiana county in 1803 and lived near New Lisbon. In the fall of 1806 he came out to his land with a hireling, put up a cabin, cleared and fenced three acres and sowed it in wheat; went back to Columbiana county, remained there during the winter, married and returned with his wife to his new iiome in the -spring of 1807, where he remained until his death, in J 833. Mr. Bechtel was among the lir.>;t settlers who succeeded in raising fruit. Mis orchard was located upon high ground, where it was less likely to be injured by frost. He was fond of hunting, wore a hunting shirt edged with fringes, and always carried his rifle when from home, even at funerals. He also had with him a long knife attached to a belt at his side. One night the dogs treed three bears near his cabin and kept them up till morning, when he shot them. He once had an encounter with a buck, which would probably have been his last, l)ut for his trusty knife. He supposed he had shot the buck, as sinuiltaneously with the crack of the rifle the buck fell, and when Bechtel came up the animal lay apparently dead, not mo\ing a muscle. Bachtel drew his knife for the purpose of cutting his throat, and as he took hold of an antler to turn the head the buck suddenly sprung upon his feet and made for him, ran a prong of his antler Ihrou.gh his left hand, pinning him to an oak. when he soon would liave disabled him, had not Bechtel, by a superhuman effort, plunged the knife into the chest of the buck, causing him to relax, whereupon he followed up his advantage and soon despatched him. The bullet had only grazed the top of the skull, producing temporary concussion. Besides the game he killed, he was a successful trapper, catching otter and other fur animals in the Nimishillen.

There was an Indian burial ground, or mound, upon the farm of Bechtel. Relics, such as arrow-heads, stone hatchets and other implements of stone and iron, have been found. A dwelling that stood upon the place many years ago was said to have been disturbed at night by the spirit of dead Indians buried underneath. Bechtel had no love for the Indians who prowled around the neighborhood. There was one in particular who was in the habit of displaying" a string of human tongues and boasting that he had taken them from pale faces. On an occasion of this kind, in the presence of Bechtel, they both left the company about the same time, and that Indian was never seen afterward. It was said Bechtel helped him on his journey to the Spirit Land. Mr. Bachtel was strong in his convictions of right and duty, belonged to the Jacksonian school of politics, was a kind neighbor and an honest man. He served several terms as county commissioner.

Jacob Aultman was from Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. He came in 1806 with his family, consisting of wife and three children, - Christian, J'lcol) and Mary. Christiar» had a roving disposition, followed the river and died in the South. Jacob died in Osnaburgh, and Mary, who married Jonathan Holden (now anglicized Hohvick), died in 1861. Mr. Aultman had poor health, being an almost constant sufferer from derangement of the li\er. He consulted every physician within reach, but, receiving no benefit, was finally induced to go to his native home in Pennsylvania and put -himself under the treatment of a physician there. It seems there was no help

Old Landmarks

It is claimed that the first schocjl taught in the county was in a log structure erected in 1807 for that purpose. John Harris was the first teacher, the same one who in after years was a prominent and influential member of the Canton bar. The next teacher employed w-as Christopher Bair. The school books in use at that day were DilKvorth's Speller, Bible and Testament for readers and Gough's Arithmetic, which, in calculations of money, treated exclusi\ely of pounds, shillings and pence. There was no geography or grammar taught.

The first "barring out" of which we have any account occurred at this school building some years later. The teacher was John Criswell. a tall, raw-boned man, who prided himself in his ability to govern a school. It was the day before Christmas, and the larger boys concluded they must have a treat, and that the master must furnish the liquor. Whiskey was the only drink known at that day. It was arranged to commence at noon, when the teacher would be out of the building, as was his custom, and that before commencing the younger scholars should be sent home. Among the boys prominent in the mo\ement were the Reams, Aultmans, Latimcrs, Bairs, Sherricks and Trumps. As soon as the younger scholars left the balance collected in the room and barred the doors. The opening in the logs, which were covered w^ith greased paper and intended for windows, were too small to admit the body of a man. Thus fortified, they awaited the return of the teacher, nor had they long to wait. Criswell soon made his appearance and, finding the door barred, immediately took in the situation and became w-rathful. He demanded, in a peremptory tone, that they open the door. He was told by one of the leaders the conditions of surrender - that he furnish a quart of whiskev and dismiss the school. This he refused, and threatened dire vengeance if they persisted in their rebellion. Finding his efforts unavailing, he mounted the roof and began -tearing off the clapboards. At this he was compelled to desist, as every time he inserted his fingers to loosen a board they were ready to strike his hand. He undertook to come down the chimney, but was repulsed by fire and smoke. By this time he became desperate, and, descending from the roof with vengeance depicted in his countenance, he procured a heavy fence rail and, using it as a battering ram, succeeded finally in breaking in the door. The teacher having carried the day, was in condition to dictate terms of amnesty. Nothing short of severe chastisement would satisfy him. for the infliction of which the boys never forgave him. The attendance of the school after this occurrence waned. The larger scholars were insul)ordinate and several refused to attend. The "barringout" was an event long rememl>ered in the neighborhood.

William Ewing, from Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, located on the southeast c|uarter of section 2. He erected a cabin in the fall of 1805 and came in the spring of 1806 with his wife and five children. All the goods he had, and some furniture which he purchased at Beaver, were packed on horseback. For the first several years, in common with other early settlers, he was subjected to very serious trials and great hardships. It was difficult to raise money to pay taxes and purchase such necessaries of life as could not be dispensed with and which they could not themselves manufacture. Ewing was probablv the most successful hunter that ever lived in the county. He would kill on an average of seventy or eighty deer during a season, besides numerous bear, wolves and wild cats. He made it a source of revenue. The surplus meat he would sell to emigrants, and the skins he tanned for clothing and shoes, or rather moccasins. He and his boys wore bnck skin until sheep could be raised, which was not for some years, as the wolves \\ere so destructive. Buckskin pants and moccasins were in common use at that day. Females wore linsey, nor did they give much attention to fashion. For the first several years the family were bad off for bread stuff. They would pound corn in hominy blocks, or grate it, sift it through a dried deer skin, pierced with holes, and bake it on a board before the fire.

There was a wonderful eclipse of the sun in June, 1811, of which the people of the west had no previous intimation. Evving and his sons were in the field hoeing corn at the time. It became so dark that the stars were plainly visible, and chickens went to roost. The familv gathered together in fear of an impending catastrophe. Judge Sowers, then an apprentice to the carpenter trade, with other workmen, were shingling the Kaufman house, corner of Ninth and Market. All hands thought the day of judgment had come and precipitately left the roof.

Stofle Bair opened the southwest quarter of section i. He sold it in 181 1 for eleven dollars an acre, to Wendell Holben, from Adams county, Pennsylvania. Bair, immediately after selling, purchased in Sandy, remained there a few years, again sold, bought in W'ayne county, removed there and died.

Dishonesty was practiced among government officials in early times, as well as at the present day. ^^' hen Robert Latimer called at the land office to pay the first installment on his quarter section, Dickenson, then clerk in the ofiice, made inquiry in reference to the quality of certain lands in his locality ; among the rest, the quarter section now owned by John H. Brenner. On learning that it was good land, he marked it "entered," which was in violation of law, no one having any official connection with the office being allowed to purchase. Not long afterward, David Carter made his appearance at the land office and signified his desire to enter that identical quarter. He was informed by Dickenson that it was already entered, but that he had the disposal of it. .\fter negotiation the land was sold to Carter for four dollars an acre, cash down, just double the government price, Dickenson pocketing three hundred and twenty dollars. A deed was given, but no patent was ever issued.

One of the earliest stations in the county was that erected l)y Butler Wells and Daniel L. McClure, surveyors from Steubenville, upon the land of Bezaleel Wells, about two miles northwest of Canton, at what was then known as the "Large Spring," the same that is now upon the land of the late Andrew Meyer, deceased. These men brought with them a few laboring hands for the purpose of opening a farm, which was one of the first attempts of the whites to cultivate the soil of our county. Those two stations were the principal stopping places at that time for emigrants who came west to select land, there being none in market further west than the Tuscarawas river. The land office was kept in Steubenville, and the price of land was two dollars per acre.

Notwithstanding the county alxiunded with Indians, who were more or less feared by the whites, there were quite a number who came west with a view of purchasing lands for immediate homes. .A land office was established in Canton as early as May, 1808, for the sale of lands west of the Tuscarawas river, which came into market that spring, extending through the west part of Stark, a part of Holmes, Wayne county and to the west line of Richland county. John Sloane was ap]5ointed

The first store in the county was estabhshed at Osnaburgh in 1806 by James Campbell, and tlie first in Canton in the spring of 1807, ^y Abraham Kroft. It was kept in a back building on the lot later occupied by the family of the late William Fogle. The front door led to the kitchen (which was dining and bedroom also), and from thence one had to enter the store. His stock of goods was small, consisting only of such articles as were needed by early settlers. Lii.xuries of all kinds were not indulged in.

}ily earliest recollection of Canton extends back to the fall of 1806. There were at that time some half dozen houses built or in process of completion, but two only were occupied. The first physician in the county was Dr. Andrew Rappee, \vho came in 1808. Previous to that time the inhabitants were thrown upon their own resources in time of sickness ; when medicine was needed they usually obtained it from their gardens, fields or woods. .\ few understood bleeding, which, in connection with the domestic remedies in use, seemed to answer all diseases then prevailing. Indeed, the habits of the people of that day rendered the.n much less liable to sickness than those of the present.

The first grist mill in the county was built by Philip Slusser on the site later occupied by Jacob Rowland, one mile east of Canton, and was .';tarted in September. 1807. Previous to this the settlers had to bring their meal and flour from the older settlements. Some, who lived principally on game and fish, used hand mills and hominy blocks to grind the little corn they raised in 1805. A mill was erected the same falf by John Nichols upon the site later occupied by Browning's mill. The first saw-mill and corn cracker was erected and put in operation in 1806. where Trump's mill later stood, by Abraham \'an Metre, but it was washed away the following winter. The first public worship was held in Reed's barn, by Father Slough. In the winter season it was held in private houses. The first church built in Canton was in the spring of 1S14, by members of the Lutheran and German Reformed persuasions, upon the lot later occupied by the Presbyterian church. It was never finished, and was removed for other purposes. The first school opened in the county was some miles north of Canton, in the neighborhood of James Gaff, lisq., and kept by Abraham Stevens, in 1S07: the same fall a log-cabin school house was erected on the court house lot and a school taught therein by Andrew Johnson. John Plarris. Esq., also taught a school a few miles east of Canton that winter. The first l;oard of county commissioners was elected in 180S and was composed of John Bower, James Latyimer and John Nichols. First sheriff, Joseph McGuggin. William Henry was the first representative, elected in 18 14. From the best of my recollections, the following were the only persons living in or about Canton in the fall of 1806 and spring of 1807, viz: Garret Crusen, the first tavern keeper; on the lot Thomas Patton later owned he had a log cabin about eighteen feet square, used as bar, dining, sitting room and kitchen, with two small shed-roof additions, one a bedroon> the other a cellar ; John Matthews, the first butcher, on the lot owned by Dr. Estep; John Bauer, the first blacksmith, on W^ikidall's lot. This is all that lived in Canton at that time.

The following, if not all, compose the greater portion of the families then living in Stark county, viz: William Capes. Henry Friday. Valentine Weaver. David Bachtel, Jacob Shoeneberger, Moses Andrews. James Brandon, Henry Louzenheiser. Michael Reed, Henry Shull. William and James \\'illiams, Tohn. Jacob and .\ndrew Xighman. Philip

City Hall, Canton

Ream, George Wertenberger, Abraham Rank, John and Henry Barber. Wilham Hill, James Downing, Jacob Kitt, John SIuss, Leonard Mowen, James Price, Peter Mottice, Jacob Aultman, George Poe, Peter Slusser, Frederick Oberlin, George and S. Baer, John, Jacob and Valentine Yant, Dr. Carter, W. Ewing, James Leeper, J. Nailor, J. Hartman, Jacob Shively, Michael Miller, John Guntz, G. Zaner. ^lichael Flora, J. and D. Mathias, Jacob Shidler, John and David Eby, Jacob, Christian and George Warstler. Thomas Hartford, George Miller, Robert and Thomas Lattimer, David Grabill. James F. Leonard. Philip Slnsser and Jacob Loutzenlieiser (the latter elected the first justice of the peace in 1806) and James Gafi'.

It has frequently been a subject of inquiry whether there were not in the early settlement of this county some remarkable incidents or noted adventure growing out of our intercourse with the Indians. It so happens that there were none worthy of record. The Indians who occupied this portion of the state were peaceable and well disposed. In their intercourse with the whites they were usually affable and kind, seldom, if ever, exhibiting any of those traits which often characterized their conduct in other sections of the west, and which so frequently led to sanguinary conflicts. The only difficulty of which I have any knowledge (and that is hearsay) was a skirmish in the fall of 1805, near where the town of Minerva is now located, which resulted in the death of several persons. The cause which led to the fight and the particular results are better known by James Downing, Esq., of Sandy township, whose father bore a conspicuous part in the affair.

In June. 1807, there was a great freshet. The Nimishillen was swollen far beyond its banks. I have never seen it so high since. It thundered and rained without intermission for two davs and nights. My father's cabin stood between the creek and the race, and had about four feet of water upon the floor. It was about the same depth over the entire bottom on the west of the stream. Everything in the cabin was removed to the loft, except a large pounding table and a barrel of whiskey, the latter then an article of common use. It was considered unsafe to attempt crossing \\\k creek for several days. After it had fallen several feet, a man by the name of Brown, an acquaintance of the hands working at the mill, arrived from some settlement east of us, on his way to Canton to purchase some tools, and requested to be taken over the creek. Mr. Fishel and son, now living in Carroll county, crossed over witli him in safety, but in recrossing with Brown, after sunset, they were carried down where the current was rapid, struck a log and were capsized. John Fishel swam to the eastern bank; his father was carried by the force of the current upon the western bank: Brown was drowned. His body was recovered several days afterward about fifty rods down the stream. The millwrights made a coftin and we buried him one hundred rods below the mill, upon a high bank of the stream ; it was inferred that he was in some way disabled in being thrown against the log, or he might have saved himself. He was the second white person buried in the county.

The first body interred in the public burying ground in Canton was the wife of John Matthews, the butcher, mentioned heretofore: she died in the spring of 1808 in childbed, and her oft'spring was the first white child born within the limits of the town. John Bouer, the blacksmith, died in June the same year, and was the second person buried there. He commenced ta\ern keeping on Wikidal's lot. Provisions were scarce those days, and to supply his table he ex'posed himself by fishing at night, caught a severe cold, took fever and died.

At the time of locating Canton tliere was, nortlieast of the town, upon the land later owned by David Sliriver and others, a large pond, covering from twenty to twenty-five acres of land, supplied from Shriver's and other springs. That pond was a great place of resoi't on Sundays for the boys, to fish in the summer and skate in the winter. As it was thought to occasion sickness during the summer season, it was drawn off in 1815 or 1816, by virtue of an act of the legislature, and not a vestige of it is seen.

In the fall of 1807 John Shorb brought the second store that was opened in Canton ; it was kept in a small room of the brick house, southwest corner of the Diamond, later occu- ]>ied as a grocery by Mr. Oberlin. In the following spring Mr. Shorb closed his store and removed to a building he had erected,. and then just under roof, upon the lot later occupied by the Eagle tavern. As ^Ir. Shorb left Samuel Coulter moved into the house and opened a tavern, sign of the Green Tree, and that summer erected the frame building attached to it, and in the winter dug a well ; the town hart from 1805 up to this time but one well. It was generally believed then that stone for walling could not be found here. Mr. Coulter's house was the principal place of resort. The barroom was also used as the dining and sitting room, with a shanty for a kitchen. A ladder led to the second story, which, too, was in one room. Here the first singing school was started, but as getting up and down was difficult, the ladies refused to attend, and it soon ceased. A debating club was then formed, which was well attended, and here our friend, John Harris, first appeared on the stage as a public speaker.

A postoffice was established in the winter of 1808. and Mr. Coulter appointed postmaster: a mail once a week, on horseback from New Li'ibon. was received, and then went no

In the fall of 1808 Philip Dewalt came to Canton, and moved into the log building of Mr. Shorb, who removed to the farm adjoining town, later owned by Adam Shorb. In the \Vinter Mr. Dewalt opened a tavern, sign of the Spread Eagle. Several of the first courts were held in the upper story of this house. Next they were held in Mr. Coulter's back building, which, having a secure cellar, was used as the first jail. In 1812 they were held in the brick, west of the public offices later occupied by (iotthold, erected in 181 1 by George Stidger. They were continued here until the commissioners erected a log jail and court house on the lot now occupied by Mr. \\'ernet, and within the recollection cf many still living here. In the spring of 1808 Mr. Stidger came to Canton and started the first hattershop, and shortl)- afterward a tavern. James Campbell removed his store from Osnaburgh to Canton, and in the fall was elected major of the militia, over the entire county, then containing four companies; ^^'illiam Raynolds was adjutant, and in the fall of i8og John Sloane was elected colonel. In the fall of 1807 the people met in Canton and elected the first company officers, viz : Thomas Hurford, cajjtain ; James Drennan and Daniel L. McClure, lieutenants. In the fall of 1809 John Sterling came, and in the winter bought a store; William Fogle came in the spring of i8to with a store; Jacob Slusser erected and commenced a tavern the same year, in the house now known as Begge's; James Hazlett came with a store in 181 1. We now considered Canton cjuite a town ; fi\-e or six taverns, w-ith as many stores, various mechanics of the most needful kind, and quite an active social population.

per barrel, and when the roads were bad, three to four dollars per bushel, or fourteen or fifteen cents per pound; nails, twenty-five cents; window glass, eight by ten, twelve and onehalf cents per fight, and fifteen dollars to eigliteen dollars a box ; coffee, forty-eight and fift}- cents a pound, though rye was commonly used except on special occasions. Produce of all kinds was cheap, there being no market or demand, save for home consumption. Then the customs of the people were more simple, and in the same proportion more happy. ^luch time was spent in hvmting horses and cattle, helping each other build cabins, roll logs and open roads, etc.

The first town in the county was in the northeast part, on what was then called the Thomas road. A town was laid out on land owned by James ]\[oftlt and brothers, by Daniel L. ]\IcClure, surveyor, and named Nimishillenfown, but, being too far from the center to contend for the county seat, it did not improve and was soon vacated. The prominent idea in new counties then was and now is til obtain the county seat. The next town was Osnaburgh. Emigrants flocked to it in confident expectation that it would be the successful town, it being on the Great Western road and possessing what was regarded at that time great natural advantages. Soon afterward Canton was located. The situation and name were quite a favorite with some influential persons then in the neighborhood. Lots were first sold in the fall of 1805, and in the following summer there was another public .sale. At this time Osnaburgh had three times as many inhabitants as Canton, a store, tavern, tan yard, hatter-shop, and several families besides ; though the dwellings, as is usual in newly settled countries, were but cabins. Osnaburgh would, in all probability, had been made the county seat, had the proprietor, James Leeper, been a sober, enterprising man - but such he was not. Bezaleel \\"ells. the proprietor of

Canton, on the contrary, was a worthy and influential man, and had been a venerated member of the convention which formed the constitution of Ohio, but before his death became embaiTassed by an extensive woolen manufactory. At the same time he had a number of good and competent men in his employ that gave him character with strangers. On th.e location of the count}" seat Mr. \\'ens donated to the county one hundred and fifty lots, which yielded on the sale about five thousand dollars.

The objections urged against locating the county seat at Canton were that building material, particularly timber and stone, were too far off, and that it was so intolerably cold in the open plains that no one could live there in the winter. Such was the common opinion of many, so ignorant were they of the nature of plain lands. Had there been a vote taken at the time the result would have been two to one in favor of Osnaburgh. The establishment of the county seat at Canton ga\e an impetus to the increase of population and improvement of the place that has ever since kept pace with the wants of the county. Timber was found abundant, and stone, which at first was thought scarce, was also found in abundance and of good quality.

In connection with the subject of early births in, and professional men, etc., of Canton, I should have mentioned that Mrs. Allen, wife of James Allen, Esq., and daughter of (jen. Stidger, was the third child born in Canton. I might also mention that Roswell M. Mason was the first lawyer who located in Canton; he came in iSu. The seoind was Jeremiah H. Hallack. who came the next year and was afterward our president judge. Dr. Thomas Hartford, later of Pittsburg, located in the place about the same time. Then it was not uncommon for physicians to ride twenty and twenty-five miles to see a patient. Anthony W'evre. Lutheran, was the first nn'nister who resided in Canton. He came in 1814. We had visiting ministers of various denominations some years earlier. Jn the spring of 181 5 the Ohio Repository was estabhshed.

Kendall was the ne.\t town located in the county, being founded in 181 1 by Thomas Rotch, a man of considerable wealth from Connecticut, with a number of mechanics in his employ. The town started with bright prospects, and for several years flourished vigorously. Thomas Rotch purchased of the government a large tract of plain and wood land in that vicinity and imported the first Merino sheep into the county. In 1815 he erected a woolen factory, which seemed to do well, but suspended operations at his death, in 1824, the machinery then being sold, and the building was afterward demolished. The death of T. Rotch. the projection of the Ohio Canal, with the location of Massillon, with its advantages, not only conspired to retard the growth of Kendall, but contributed to its decline. In 1S12 or 18 [3 James Duncan and May hew Folger located at Kendall, and the next year the former bought and commenced improving the beautiful Estremadura farm. It was there 1 first saw a strong plow, attached to the fore wheels of a wagon and drawn by several yoke of oxen, breaking up a one-hundred-acre field, tearing up brush and sapling root"? of plain land. Mayhew Folger, after the location of Massillon, remo\ed to that town, and died not long afterward. James Duncan survived him, and no man ever labored harder for the prosperity of that region than he. Both were intelligent, enterprising and worthy men.

Most of the plain lands lying between Canton and Kendall were not entered until after 181 1. They were considered unproductive, having no timber. But the reason of this was that the prairie tires, as they were called, yearly passed over them, destroying the growth but producing fine grass and strawberries in abundance. Since the fires have been kept out they are producing fine young timber. John Meyers, Esq., purchased some plain lands near Canton, had them cleared and stocked with common and Merino sheep, and about the same time Mr. Rotch brought his to Kendall and was among the first to prove the value of these lands for farming purposes.

Of the improvements in the Sandy \'alley, the particulars of locating the town of Pekin (then in Stark) and Waynesburgh, I know but little, save by hearsay, other tlian that they were located about the same time or later than Kendall. There early existed a jealousy between the inhabitants of that section and those residing at and near the county seat, which on parade days exhibited itself in broils and fights, and as a consequence there was not much intercourse. The origin of this I never could ascertain, the trading and milling of the Sandy settlements being done principally at Xew Lisbon and Yellow Creek Saltworks.

Just before and immediately after the last war with Great Britain the county settled fast. People in the east received high prices for their land, and there seemed to be quite a mania fur this portion of the west, it being then considered the western border of civilizaton. As the land in the county west of the Tuscarawas river had not been offered for sale until 1 80S, the year following emigrants i)egan settling upon it, and they were generally of a more wealthy class than those in the eastern part. The northwest portion was the last improN'ed, and good land could be had in that part, at go\ernment prices, years after all in the balance of the county had been taken up. The reason, no douln, was this : Indians kept roving over the county up to the time of Hull's surrender in 1812. They usually came from and returned by that direction, and some fear of them still existed among the whites, but

Those who have been reared in an old settled country can form but a faint idea of the privations and hardshijis incident to the opening of a new country ; and yet, with all the hardships to which they were exposed, there was a feeling growing out of circumstances incident thereto, that not only rendered their situation tolerable, but agreeable. If a cabin was to be raised, a log rolling to come off or a new road to be opened, the willing hearts and strong hands of the men and boys from all the region round alx)ut made the job easy. That selfishness and exclusiveness so characteristic of old places was unknown. A comniunitv of feeling and interest existed ; a help-one-another spirit that made humanity god-like in the woods. E^-ery newcomer was welcome, and all with alacrity lent a helping hand to install their neighbor family in this wild forest home.

Old Alolly Stark has been somewhat contracted in her original dimensions. Three and a third townships were taken from the southeast and two from the northwest. It now contains but sixteen and two-thirds townships. The soil is suitable for all kinds of products cultivated in this latitude, and in ordinary seasons furnishes a great abundance of all articles of comfort and the means of support to a denser population than any other territory of the same extent in the state, and its products exported will compare with those of any other county.

Among the early settlers of our county there were a few who had served in the war of the Revolution, and when party lines were closely drawn, in the days of Jackson and Adams, and each party had their Fourth of July celebration, great efforts were made by both to secure the attendance of these patriots. The roll of Revolutionary sires, so far as I have lieen able to collect them, is as follows: William Capes, Coni'ad Henning, Moses Nelson, Christopher Burgert, Martin Houser and Benj. Page. John Klippart, who came to the county in 1807, was called a "Hessian," wdiich appellation he always denied, and his grandson, John H. klippart, secretary of our State Agricultural Society, writes me that his grandfather enlisted in Europe under Lafayette. On his way over the vessel was driven by adverse winds into Nova Scotia, where he was made a prisoner of war by the British; afterward exchanged, he was assigned to the Pennsylvania troops, and was present under Washington at Yorktown at the surrender of Cornwallis. Casper Gephart and Henry Friday, who were here before Klippart, were Hessians, without a doubt.

The first minister of the gospel located here was Anthony Weyrc, who came in 1814. He was a Lutheran. Joshua Beer, Presbyterian, who lived in Sandy Valley, preached here at stated periods several years after. Religious services were held in private dwellings or barns in cold weather, and in the summer in the open air under the spreadhig branches of the trees, where, seated on rough benches hastily prepared for the occasion, the pioneer settlers listened attentixely to the welcome messages of the traveling preacher, who was either an independent missionary or sent on a missionary tour by the body to which he belonged. Regular circuits were established by the Methodists as early as 1810.

The first lawyer located in the county was Roxwell M. Mason, who came in 181 1. The next year came Jeremiah H. Hallick, afterwards circuit judge of the district. James W. Lathrop came in 1816, and about the same time John Harris opened a law office. Orlando Metcalf was here in 1820. As in all new counties, there were lawyers who at times regularly traveled the circut. Among those from a distance, who practiced at the Stark county bar. were Andrew W. Loomis, John C. Wright. John M. Goodenow and Benja-

In tlie practice of the healing art Dr. An- (h-e\v Rappee, who came in 1808, from Europe, was the first. In 181 4 Thomas Bonfield came from Baltimore, and soon afterward his brotlier, Jolm came. Dr. Hartford, Dr. Jerow, Dr. Brevsacher, and Dr. Gardner were all resident physicians before 1820. Dr. Watson came at an early day and settled in Dalton, Wayne county, and on the completion of the Ohio canal he removed to Massillon. The improvements in the practice of medicine have kept pace with the progress of the times. Calomel and jalap, Peru\ian bark and boneset tea, bleeding and blistering have given way to more refined and equally efificacious modes of treatment. We have a type of disease and constitution difterent from that of our forefathers, requiring a modified course of treatment.

In the culinary department the women of today have much the advantage over our grandmothers. Instead of an open fire-place, with a crane upon which to hang pots and kettles, and Inn-n their faces in raking out coals for tlie dutch oven, we have parlor cooks and star ranges, that don't darken the complexion of our fair daughters. How the girl of that period compared with this can best be demonstrated Ijy a few examples. Valentine Weaver's three eldest children were girls, and in opening his farm these three girls did the work of three men. Magdalene could do quite as much work in the way of ploughing, reaping or mowing as most men. She did the work iA a man in clearing land, could cut down ;is many trees, split as many rails and do as much grubbing as the next man.

north, east, south and west, respectively. It is laid out regularly, being six miles scjuare and containing thirty-six square miles. The surface features are varied, in the northeastern portion being rolling and inclined to te hilly ; in the northwestern it is almost a level plain ; south of the central section line it becomes more and more hilly, until in the southeastern and southwestern portions it is very rough and hilly, this being particularly the case along the Nimishillen creek. The soil compares for fertility with any portion of the county, ranking among the first for the raising of all kinds of grain. Most of the hilly portions of the township and the valleys enclosed by them are clay lands, though interspersed by some gravel and sand hills. Underneath lie coal strata of sufScient thickness to be profitably worked. The climate is generally good, neither too excessively cold in winter nor too hot in summer, neither, on the average, too wet nor too dry. The earliest settlements in the township were near the present site of the city of Canton. The first man who came into Canton township with a definite purpose of remaining and making settlement was James F. Leonard, who had been connected with the land office, which prior to 1805 had been lucated at Steubenville. Jefferson county. In company with James and Henry Barber, he, in March of the abo\e year, established a station just northeast of the present city. They were progressive and far-sighted and took considerable pains to induce others to come to this locality for permanent location, showing them suitable lands, and, when necessary, surveying and measuring for them. During 1805 many settlers from Maryland and Peimsyl- \-ania came to this section, located lands and did some clearing. l)Ut nearly all of them returned to their eastern homes to spentl the winter. Scon after Leonard made his location he induced a personal friend. James Culberson, to come here and make location, but the latter was soon afterward attacked with inflammation of the lungs, and died on the sth of October, 1805, his being the first death of a white person in the township. Shortly after the establishment of Leonard's station aiiolhcr was established by Butler Wells and Daniel jNIcClure, about two miles northwest of Cant(.in, near what is now known as Meyer's Lake. In consequence of the wisdom of the liication of these first stations they became the points to which emigrants came in their search for homes. In July, 1806, Mr. Leonard was united in marriage with a daughter of James Ilarbcr, this having been the first marriage in the township.

In the autumn of 1805 Leonard surveyed and ])latted the original Canton, and in the following }ear, at the first public sale of lots, he purchased a lot on the southwest corner of what is now Se\-enth and Market streets. On this lot he erected a brick building, which occupied the spot until 1879, when it gave place' to a larger and more imposing structure. yVmong those who selected and located land in Canton township in the year 1805 were Da \- ill Bechtel. Jacob Aultman, the Baer family, I'hilip Schlosser (afterward written Slusser) and William Ewing. Bechtel came from Maryland to Columbiana county in 1803 ; in J 805 he located his land in Canton township, and in the fall of 1806 he came back with a hireil man, built iiimself a log cabin, cleared three acres of land and sowed it with wheat. He then retvirned to Columbiana count\-, married, and the young ci-)uple removed tii their new home in the spring of 1807. Here he lived until liis death, in the .spring of 1833. I'hilip .Slusser came from Pennsylvania to Stark county in 1805 and chose a quarter section of land directly east of Canton, having the same entered in the land office at Stent )en- \inc. He was l-orn in the upper Rhine country of Germany, and was a man of decided, u])rig1it character. He was one of the. first 2.

commissioners of Stark county and was held in high regard by all who knew him. His death occurred in 182S. He was the father of the late Dr. Lewis Slusser, so well known throughout this county and honored by all who knevv him.

In those early days wolves and bears were plentiful all ovev this part of the country, ready for any prey to which they could gain .".ccess. It was no uncommon event for the settlers to be aroused from their midnight slumbers by the cries of distress from their domestic animals, who were being frightened or attacked by their wild foes. The following account of an experience of some early traxelers through this section of country will throw some light on the condition of things at that time: "In 1802 Messrs. Slingluff and Deardorft, in their western trip, arrived at a point near Canton, on their way to Tuscarawas county, and encamped on the banks of Meyer's Lake. They were weary and much exhausted from the want of rest and sustaining food. But with all their fatigue and suffering, they were charmed and refreshed by the prospect presented before and all aI)out them. The lake lay immediately before them, and on its rippling surface, fanned by the gentle breezes of the evening, the rays of the setting sun were reflected in a thousand forms of beauty and splendor. The banks were decked with flowers of different colors and of the fairest hues, while evergreens of the deepest green enlivened the scene. Wild fowl, in countless numbers, were sailing gayly over the water or feeding along the banks. Their bright plumage and graceful movements gave a sense of peace and security to our weary travelers, and they went on cheerfully, and with the prospect of quiet slumbers and an undisturbed rest before them, to prepare their fru,gal meal and an encampment for the night. * * * * They did sleep a little while, but, suddenly awakened, they heard the dismal howl of scores of barking wolves about tlieir camp. Tlie glaring, fiery eyes of the fierce, blood-thirsty animals seemed pressing towards them from all directions. There was no safety but in precipitate flight. Their horses, as wearv hut n.;w excited as their riders, were near at hand, and were quickly saddled and mounted. It was several miles to the cabin of the nearest settler, and it soon became a race for life. For a short distance they rode along the lake, the wolves falling back before them; then, suddenly turning their horses, they rode rapidly in an opposite direction, lioth horses and riders by this time fully alive to the horror of the situation. The wolves, for a few minutes foiled, became even more furious than before, and soon followed on their track, in constantly increasing numbers. * * * Soon they reached an opening n the woods; the light fr<jm the log fire of the settler was seen in the distance. Ten minutes more and they would l)e sa\ed from every danger for the night. Suddenly a huge black wolf sprang at the flank of Deardorf¥"s horse and was only compelled to relinc|uish his hold by the free application to Deardorff's heavy whip, but at the verv moment of deliverance his horse stumbled, fell and threw him over his head in the verv midst of the excited animals. But for his companion. Slingluff. he would, with his horse, liave been torn in pieces and devoured within a very few minutes. Seeing the situation, and appreciating the danger of his friend and companion. Slingluft'. with remarkable presence of mind. (|uickly wheeled liis horse around and commenced uttering a series of yells and screeches, even more unearthlv than those of the infuriated lieasts them.selves. They were momentarily checked in the very moment of tlieir triumph. Deardorff. in the meantime. (|uickly remounted, and before the wolves recovered from their astonisliniem and confusion fmni Slingluft s

The first school iiouse in Stark county was erected on section 12. Canton township. It was built of round logs and was .seven feet high, with the usual clapljoartl roof and puncheon floor. Small holes cut in the walls and covered with greased paper served in lieu of windows. The first teacher in this school was John Harris, who afterwarfl attained to considerable prominence as a lawyer in Canton. The educational history of Canton township has kqjt pace fully with that of other sections of the county, and today her citizens take a justifiable pride in her record in this respect. In matters religious she has not been l)ackward. her populace having always been a lawabiding and moral people, her churches well attended and stningly supported, and the pnl- ])its filled with men of ability and sterling worth. Much of the history of this townshi]) is closely entwined with that of the city of Canton and will be found at length in other sections of this volume.

Canton

Canton, the county seat, is centrally located and is the largest town in the county. In 1830 the census gave her a population of 2.603; in i,%o it was 4.041; in 1870. 8.660; in 1880 it had reached 12.25S; in 1890 the population was 26.160. By a census taken in igoo the population was a little over 37.000.

Since Canton got the Pittsburg, l-'ort Wayne & Chicago Railway, in 1851. her business progress has been constant and her i)opulation gaining. CJne manufacturing establishment seemed to induce another, and public spirit has been a notalile feature of her citizens, while her beauty of situation and rich country

L'antun manufactories are much di\-ersified, and many of them extensive and important: in fact, much noted far and near. The chief clerk in the patent office says more patent claims are filed annually in that office from Canton than from any other city of its size in the country. Canton has several establishments maiuifacturiug- each its own special patent and made onl_\- here. One or more of these has the world for a. market, as, for example, Danner's revolving book-cases. Canton's in- \cnti\e genius and mechanical skill are indubitalil}' established. The cliief business of Canton's ]Kjpulation is working in the sliops, and lience it is when comes a stagnation or colla])se in trade it seriously affects her people: but all localities are liable to ups and downs.

But let us look at Canton as she is. Her main streets and a\enues are broad and weltpaved, and the electric cars run regularly from tlie public sfjuare to the outskirts, and west to Massillon. eight miles, thence to Navarre and to New Philadelphia; and from the public square to Cle\eland, Akron, Alliance. Greentown. New Berlin and other smaller stations. The ])ostoffice about ten years ago was removed into the new stone building erected by the general government at a cost of one hundred thousand dollars. Canton's own city building, a three-story edifice, contains the city offices. ])olice court-room and police headquarters, city council chamber and assembly hall. C;uiton owns her own water works, the main supply of water being obtained from thirty or more artesian wells. In case of need the water of the west creek may ])e utilized. The value of the works is i)ut at three hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The city has an efficient paid fire department, and her sewer system is a grand success, officials from distant cities freciuentlv visitin"- to examine it.

Canton's streets are lighted with electricity, gas and the sun-vapor s}-stem, and many business houses and other establishments use the electric light.

The Aultman City Hospital was erected by the heirs of the late C. Aultman, Mr. and Mrs. D. Harter (Mr. Harter since deceased). The hospital Avas given to the city, but is kept up by donation. Besides her church edifices, numbering thirty or more, and several of them worthy of any city. Canton has, in addition, a fine and costly structure in the Young Men's Christian Association building.' Two legacies for the poor of Canton, amounting to some forty thousand dollars, give an annual interest of about three thousand dollars for poor relief. Canton has two national banks and eight other banking houses, besides home and loan associations.

The cit\' public school buildings are (if the best. Besides the fine high school building, there are twelve brick structures and several frames, giving over one hundred rooms. The school library is by no means neglected. Americans realize "the world belongs to the young," and hence see that the rising generation is provided with instruction in the useful branches, with oppc>rtunitv for more.

The pian of organization is similar to that of the best schools in the state. The board of education consists of six members, elected at large for a term of twt) years, three members retiring annually.

The course of study co\ers a period of twelve years, the last four of which constitute the high school work. There are four courses in the high school - the classical. English. business and manual training courses - each requiring four years. It is the purpose of the bcjard of education to enrich the work of the schools, not .so much by the addition of numerous branches of study. l)ut by making the

Ciraduates of the high school are prepared for admission to the best colleges in the whole country, and representatives of the school are found in many of such institutions. They are also prominent in political, social, religious and professional circles.

Like other growing towns, Canton has a city debt. Her public property, however, water works system, school buildings and sites, sewer system, city buildngs, parks, etc., are valued at over one million five hundred thousand dollars. Her cheap fuel and general abundance of soil productions make Canton one of the cheapest places to live in. Her' city afifairs are managed with prudence, and, comparing her taxes with similar cites throughout Ohio, her rates on taxation are Ijelow the average. The Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago line of railway is Canton's great east and west route. Canton has two successful business colleges in operation, which .'ire well sustained. It is as a manufacturing town that Canton has increased and prospered and become not unknow^n abroad. Visitors to Canton usually go away favorably impressed.

The late John Saxton, who started the Repository in 1815, in a sketch of his career, written about 1870. said Canton in 181 5 was a town of about three hundred people, and it would be difticult for a person of this generation to imagine the forljidding aspect of this region in 1815. The business affairs of the county, which had been prostrated by the war, were made yet worse by the irredeemable and worse than worthless currency of the period. Mr. Saxton chronicled the final overthrow of both Napoleons (Waterloo and Sedan), though a period of fifty-five years had elapsed between them.

One of the noted and prosperous towns of Ohio is Massillon. It was laid out in the winter of 1825-^*, after the location of the Ohici canal, and soon became the important business center of several counties. During the building of the canal it was a sort of headquarters, the village of Kendall, now the fourth ward of Massillon, having had then an existence of ten or twelve years, and had as denizens enterprising men, several of whom became prominent in Massillon and county affairs. After the completion of the canal Massillon bounded forward, and for long years was one of the most acti\e and glorious business towns in the country. Massillon soon became known as the "Wheat City," and well deserved the cognomen. It was a daily sight, at certain seasons of the year, to see wagons loaded with wheat, or other grain, coming from the east and west and other directions by hundreds to this town, and returning with money and goods. These, indeed, were the days of Massillon's greatest prosperity. The canal gave water con^-eyance that connected , this region with the outside world, and products had a ready sale at good prices, as a rule. A year or more before the canal was finished a citizen of Massillon sold one hundred barrels of flour at two dollars a barrel. Land soon began to advance also; one thousand acres of the fine plain land, south of Massillon, a couple of miles of more, were sold in 1824 at four dollars and a quarter an acre.

Many of the settlers of Kendall and the neighborhood were from New England; several of them had followed the sea as shipmasters, but the war of 1812 haxing ruined American commerce, navigation was too perilous, and they came to "lovely Ohio." Kendall had her woolen factory, saw and grist mills, and other businesses, and besides was a center of active thought before Massillon made a start.

Massillon's puljlic schools have ever stood high, and her superintendents have been among the most accomplished educators of the state. Only in this way does the man stupid become the man inspired, getting out of the torpid into the observing, percc-n mg and reHecting state. The citizens of .Nhissilion liavc always taken a deep interest in the cau.se of popular education. The management of the schools has been remarkably free from all political and sectarian influences. .\il money necessary tc> place the schols in the very front rank has been cheerfully raised. The schools were organized in October, 1848, witli Hon. Lcjrin Andrews as superintendent and a corps of six teachers. The old I'nion schoul building was erected in 1847-48. and was one of the first of its kind in the state. It served its purposes well for thirty years and was removed in 1879, as soon as the new high school building was completed. There are now seven school building.s conveniently distributed throughout the city, comfortably furnished and well supplied with modern appliances for school work. The estimated \alue of school property is one hundred and sixty-five tlunisand dollars.

In the Brittanica" Massillon is thus sketched : "Massillon, a city of the IJnited States, in Stark county, Ohio, is situated on the Tuscarawas, a head stream of the Muskingum : communicates with Lake Erie by the Ohio canal, and forms an important junction for various lines of railway. It is well known for its coal mines and white sandstone quarries, and it al.S(j contains blast furnaces, rolling mills, machine shops, flouring mills and extensive establishments for the manufacture of agricultural implements, glass and paper." Her sandstone (|uarries. for building purposes, have also been a source of wealth, great ([uantities being shii)ped to other towns. In 183J, while some men were ditching a swamp south of the village, they dug up two tusks of a mammoth, each being eleven feet in length and twenty-two inches in circumference at the larger end. Indian relics have also been found in the neighborhood, as. indeed,^ they have been in other parts of the county. For beauty of natural surroundings Massillon is unsurpassed. "I would not have the iiills around Massillon leveled if I could." said James Duncan, when some one objected to the hills. "The day will come when those hills will be covered with fine residences overlooking the city, to which the hills will add but beauty, and Massillon will be celebrated for its beauty." And Mr. Duncan was right, but even he little dreamed of the wealth in these hills, and the >'aluable strata of coal and stone of the first quality near Ijy and round about.

In the early 'fifties came railroad communication through the county, and materially changed conditions and opportunities, and for a time Massillon was hardly herself: but in due time her native enterprise found other avenues, and coal and manufactures and other de\-elopments again brought business and |)rosperit\', which continue with the usual variations that affect all localities. A mile or more south of the city the state has erected ajiospital for the insane The electric street car communication with Canton, eight miles distant, is a great convenience to both towns. Her own street car line extends to the hospital groimds and the cenieter\'. The first bridge over the Tuscarawas there was a toll bridge, which nuisance the people endured not long, for soon there was ;i free Ijridge constructed. The stone structure now there was erected fifty years ago by tiie county. Besides the Fort \\'ayne railway, M;;ssillon has the Cleveland, Lorain & Wheeling and the Wheeling & Lake Erie lines. A branch road through h'ulton to Clinton to connect with the Cleveland, Akron & Columbus Railroad is not much used.

Among the iirst settlers of Lexington township were .Amos Holloway, Zaccheus Stanton. Xath.ui (Ja-skill. John Grant, David Berry and Jesse Feltz, who were attached to the Quaker faith, and who came here in 1805 and 1806. Holloway and Gaskill were the joint proprietors of the village of Lexington. The first roads in the township were the one leading from Deerfield to Canton, running diagonally across the township, and the other was from Salem, intersecting the first at the village of Lexington. The first jjostoffice was on the first of these routes, three-cpiarters of a mile west of the town, and established in 1811. .\t this time a weeklv mail arrived at the station, being first carried on horseback by Jndeth ]<'arnam. The first child born in the townshiii was a daughter born to Timothy and Alice (jrevvall, while the first marriage was a daughter of A^braham and Tabitha U'ileman to Vv'illiam Beeder.

.\t that time the soil of Lexington township was consitlered to be comi)aratively worthless, though since then it has developed to be the richest land in the county, peculiarly adapted to the raising of wheat. However, the Mahoning at that time was a large river, its many tributaries from the dense forests yielding to it an e\er-constant supply. The early settlers were impressed with the opinon that the Alahoning was na\igable and in due time would l)ecome a considerable highway of commerce, and this (ipinion had much to do with the first settlers locating upon its banks. The stream is now but a ri\ulet. though still containing some si)lendid varieties of fish. The first house ni the town of Lexington and the first with a shingle roof in the township was erected in 1808 by Amos Holloway. 'and in 'this building the first store was conducted by Gideon Hughes. The enter))rise not [jruving as lucrative as the owner had anticipated the stock was removed and the building sul)se(iuently used as the first house for the asseml)Iage of jniblic worship b\- the societv of Friends, being at the same time, or during the intervals between "meetings, used as a school room. It was a subscription school, conducted in harmony with the views of the Friends, and the first teacher was Daniel A'otaw.