Charlestown Township

Charlestown Township

CHARLESTOWN in the original surveys, Town 3, Range 7, fell to the lot principally, at the drawing of the land company, of John Morgan, who afterward disposed of it to Samuel Hinckley, of Northampton, Mass., and went by the name, up to the organization in 1814, of Hinckley Township.

Abel Forcha came to the county about 1800, from the western part of Maryland. He was a widower and first made his headquarters near the settlement of Benjamin Tappan at Ravenna, after which he moved to Chai'lestown about 1803, and settled on what was afterward known as Farnham's Hill, where he lived several years, when he moved to near where Kent now is, and thence to Brimtield, having married a Miss Williard, whose father lived in that township. Forcha, when he came here, made his living by hunting, and furnished the settlers with as much game as they wanted. He never acquired any land in this township, and therefore cannot be called the first settler.

John Campbell, afterward well known as Gen. Campbell, came to Deerfield in the spring of 1800, with Alva Day and.'Joel Thrall, and on April 7 of that year married Sarah Ely, daughter of Lewis Ely, the first settler in that township, the wedding being the first within the borders of Portage. In 1804 he was elected Ensign of a military company formed in his township, and in 1811 was elected Captain of a company which afterward took part in the operations on the northern frontier, but he being sick at the time, the command devolved upon Lieut. Day. Capt. Campbell was subsequently elected Brigadier-General of militia, and served one term in the Ohio Senate. His elaborate address to the General in command asking that the Irish troops be grouped and allowed to engage the enemy as a distinct command, is well remembered. In 1805 he came to this township, and settled on Lot 1, which is the extreme southwest corner, and built a house that stood one quarter each on Charlestown, Ravenna, Rootstowu and Edinburg, and which afterward became the nucleus of the thriving little village of Campbellsport, but which when the old canal was relegated to the things that were, lost its grip, also, nothing now remaining of its former glory save a few houses, and one store, whose owner is also Postmaster. Gen. Campbell was a man of strong natural abilities, energetic, active and useful, but of limited education. He died in 1827, and was buried with Masonic honors. A singular fatality attended several members of his family, the coincidences being remarkable. John L., a son, was burned on the steamer "Daniel Webster,'' on the Mississippi; Homer M. , another son, died on a steamer on the Mississippi; and Robert E., still another son, while in a fit of temporary insanity shot himself at Rock Island, on the Mississippi; whilst John H. Campbell, a grandson, was so scalded that he died, on the steamer "Pennsylvania," on the Mississippi.

In 1809 Campbell was appointed agent for Hinckley, and he proceeded to the East for the purpose of forming a company for settlement, which he did, from residents of Granville and Blandford, Mass., the members of which were Samuel -NHinckley, David, Charles and Linus Curtiss, David L. Coe, John Baldwin, Levi Sutliff, Perry Babcock, John and William King, Anson Fairchild, Joel Parsons and Solomon Noble, all of whom signed an agreement that if they did not move on to the land, clear five acres and build a cabin within five years, to forfeit their right and pay $100 besides. All of them came except Hinckley, Fairchild, Noble and Parsons, who paid their tines and stayed at home, their places being tilled by others, and the $400 applied to building a house for town, school and religious purposes.

In the summer of 1810 Linus Curtiss and Levi Sutliff, with their families, and Giles and Bansley Wood and John B. Shaler, single men, came in, Curtiss settling on Lot 41, and Sutliff on Lot 33. In the fall came Molly Knowlton and Elisha King, who settled on portions of Lots 36 and 37 respectively. In the summer of 1811 Charles Curtiss settled on Lot 40, David L. Coe on Lot 41, and John Baldwin on Lot 34. In the fall came John and William King and Abel Thompson, who settled on Lot 32, Lodowick Parsons on Lot 29, and Almon Babcock on Lot 40. In 1812 Lucretius Bissell and Balzemon Loomis, from Torringford, came in.

During the war of 1812-14 there was little or no immigration, but when hostilities closed settlers came in rapidly. In the spring of 1815 tifty-six persons arrived in one party. They were Moses James, from Windham, Conn., Lemuel Knapp, from Northampton" Mass. , and Timothy and Joel Hart, from Granville, Mass. Each of these sturdy old pioneers brought his wife and hcelve cliildren. That was the way they populated a country in those times. It was quite fashionable to have a dozen or so of children, and the couple who did not have eight or ten were not considered of much account.

In this year, 1815, there were thirteen families in the township, and thirteen more came in, doubling the population, among whom were Deacon Ozias Norton, Deacon Joel Dorman, Joseph Steadman, Elisha Wetmore and James King. The Knapp family came from Northampton, Mass., to Charlestown in 3815, and settled on Farnham Hill, near the present residence of William Fox. The Knapp family numbered sixteen, Mr. Knapp and wife being the parents of fourteen children. George Knapp, of Garrettsville, born in Northampton, Mass., March 14, 1799, is a member of this family. Norman Kood, born in Litchtield County, Conn., July, 1806, settled in Charlestown in 1824, and is still a resident of the township.

The tirst death was that of Brayton King, son of John King, in 1812, which was soon followed by the death of Charles Curtiss, and about the same time Rachel, daughter of William King, while getting water at a spring, was killed by the falling of a ti'ee.

The initial marriage occurred March 14, 1816, and the parties were Martin Camp an(;i Sallie Coe. The groom was from Tallmadge, and he brought with him to tier the knot Bev. Simeon Woodruff. October 21, of the same year Leverett Norton and Polly Curtiss joined their fortunes as man and wife.

In the spring of 1812 Charles Curtiss set out an orchard on his place on Lot 40. He gave twenty bushels of wheat to John Harmon, of Mantua, for 200 apple trees.

The tirst saw-mill was erected by the company that came <5ut before the war, and was located half a mile east of the Center. It did a great deal of sawing for the county seat, as well as for the settlers in Charlestown. The Knapps also built one on the same stream lower down. Smith Hall built one south of the Center, and Capt. Curtiss and Claudius Coe built one north of the Center, but timber becoming scarce, their mills all went down. A steam sawmill was erected by Ezra Stephenson on the land of Sheldon Farnham. Some parties from Connecticut wanted to locate an auger factory at the Center, but not getting sufficient encouragement, went a mile west and put up their works, but it did not pay and was abandoned. The name, Augerburg, is all that remains of the project.

Before leaving Massachusetts, the Blandford & Granville Company organized a Congregational Church, the members of which were Charles Curtiss and wife, John Baldwin and wife, David L. Coe and Almon Babcock. The first preachers they had were missionaries sent out by the Connecticut Missionary Society, among whom were Revs. John Seward, Joseph Treat, Simeon Woodruff and Nathan B. Darrow. They early had an edifice in which to hold services, thanks to the $400 forfeited by the four who backed out of the agreement, as stated previously, in addition to which Charles Curtiss agreed to contribute a barrel of whisky toward the building if they would name the township Charlestown, which was accepted, a mode of "fighting the devil with fire," quite ingenious on the part of the stern old sticklers for high morality. But it must be remembered that whisky was one of the only products of the time in this locality that represented money. A contribution of grain would not have been thought much of, for there was no market; made into a liquid it was quite another thing - always a market for that. In 1817 Rev. Caleb Pitkin received a dall from the church, which he accepted, remaining with the flock until 1827, when he resigned to take charge of the college at Hudson. The first regular church building was erected in 1829. This old building was burned in the winter of 1878, and the present church was erected and opened the same year. The cost was about $3,000. This society was reorganized by Rev. J. C. Hart September 16, 1858. Rev. L. B. Wilson was Clerk; R. L. Loomis, J. W. Baldwin and Israel Greenleaf were elected Trustees, and Amos T. King, Clerk. The Methodist Episcopal Church Society elected Thomas B. King. Joel O. Hall, Joseph Hough, J. M. Beardsley and Newton Barnes, Trustees, December 9, 1858. Their house of worship still stands just north of the Congregational Church. The present pastor is Rev. Colton. The Methodists also have a neat edifice at the Center, and Rev. S. Collier is pastor. Their house of worship was erected in 1859, just north of the Congregational building.

The first school in the township was taught in a log schoolhouse at the Center in the summer of 1811 and winter of 1812-13, by Miss Sophia Coe, a sister of Ransom L. Coe, who, by the way, together with his wife, Mrs. Rebecca M. Coe, are still living at advanced ages, she being eighty-seven and he eightyfive years. They are the only ones left in this county of the early settlers. Mrs. Polly (Curtiss) Norton, one of the old settlers, is now a resident of Connecticut.

Mr. Coe came with his father in 1811. The scholars at this first school were Chauncy B., Joel, Melissa, Charles L., Dennis, Harris P., Prudence, Harriet and Lucretia Curtiss, Adnah C. and Phoebe Coe, Robert, Lathrop and Rachel King, Samuel and Lydia Sutliif, and Mina Forcha, daughter of Abel Forcha, the hunter-settler. The condition of the schools is as follows: Revenue for year 1883-84, $2,573.16; expenditures, $1,879.51; six schoolhouses valued at $3,000; pupils enrolled, 83 boys and 80 girls; average pay of male teachers, $32, of female, $22.

The township was organized in 1814, and thirteen votes were polled at the election, with the following result: Trustees, Lodowick Parsons, Lucretius Bissell, Thaddeus Curtiss; Clei*k, Elijah N. Bissell; Treasurer, Thaddeus Curtiss; Lister, James Newton; Overseers of the Poor,^Moses James, Ozias Norton; Fence Viewers, Joel Hall, Junia Knapp; Constable, Elisha AVetmore; Justice of the Peace, Lucretius Bissell. Squire Bissell made a good officer and served two terms. His first official duty was to marry Almon Babcock and Mary Collins. His immediate successors were Ralzemon Loomis, Thaddeus Curtiss, Lodowick Parsons and Junia Knapp. There was very little litigation in those days, and one could get his case attended to for a day's chopping.

Toivnship Officers. - Trustees, William Baldwin, F. C. Hatfield, O. A. Coe; Clerk, A. D. Bishop; (Treasurer, W. L. Wetmore; Assessor, (J. W. Copelaud; Constables, W. L. 'jDutter, G. A. Hine; Justices of the Peace, A. P. Curtiss, William Fox.

There is a grocery store at the Center owned by W". L. Wetmore, and E. L. Wetmore, is Postmaster. There is a basket factory, also, and a wagon shop. Charlestown Co-operative Cheese Factory was established April 28, 1874. The original members were A. B. Curtiss, Jacob Phile, A. W. Loomis, William Baldwin, Carlton G. Hall, J. N. Hall, C. L. White, Edwin Halsted, Lorin C. Baldwin and Jacob L. Coe. This ceased operation in 1881 owing to litigation. The cheese factory east of the Center was established by A. P. Curtiss and Henry Carrington, but is now closed down.

The land being high and rolling is finely adapted to sheep-raising, whilst the hills overlie almost exhaustless mineral wealth, all that is required being capital to develop it, and a railroad to afford the market, the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad merely touching the northwestern corner. Tlie townflhip is well watered by various small streams, in addition to the Mahoning River. One of the finest views to be found anywhere is from the square at the Center looking eastward, across Trumbull County to the high lands of Pennsylvania far in the distance. Charlestown furnished fifty brave soldiers to the war for the Union, nine of whom gave their lives to the glorious cause.

Source changes here: from 1927 Portage County High School Yearbook, by Portage County High School, published 1927; 1,187 words in this source stream.

Charlestown Township

Charlestown Schools opened last September, with an enrollment of one hundred and seventy. Mr. Clemens Blauch was again principal with Mrs. Evelyn M, Koch as assistant. The touching staff for the grades, was Mr. Frank Hurd seventh and eighth, Miss Kay McKee fifth and sixth, Miss Sylvia Kraft third and fourth, end Miss Ortha Ott first and second.

The first eveat of importance was the customary initiation of the Freshmen, September also witnessed the trip of the High School Girl's Glee Club to the Randolph Fair to appen tion with other clubs in the county. Charlestown was fortunate in prizes - one in the work done in the

At the Hallowe'en stunts, staged in Ravenna on the Public Square, by the county schools, we secured third prize and were fortunate, also, in obtalning third place in the Kiwanis Club essay con- Lost,

Speedometer

The High School Play was, this year, a Western story entitled "Mail Order Brides." This play was given, also, at Paris. The cast of characters given below:

An eighteen plece orchestra has been organized under the very capable direction of Professor Weston, of Akron. This, together with the work under the county musie supervisor, has made music a source of real enjoyment in our schools.

"The Parent-Teachers' Association met regularly with the exception of the two months, December and January. While attendance has not been large, the meetings have undoubtedly contributed toward the very congenial and friendly feeling which is apparent between the homes and the

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Of the eight pupils who graduated last year, in the class of nineteen twenty-six, five are attending school, completing the work of a four year high school, two are at work, and one has become a home-maker.

'The basketball season this year has been one of interest, Both boys" and girls" teams played in the tournament, the girls competing in the final for Class B Schools.

To The Seniors, Con Encement Day, 1027

Looking back over the year of 1926-27, we find school opened September 7th and it seemed that everyone that enrolled had hopes of making this year more successful and co-operative than any of the previous years.

The following took thelr place on the Faculty: Mr. Austin Lemasters, from Ohio State as principal; Miss Gladys Sechrist, from Wooster College and Mr. Lawson MeCardel from Ohio State, as assistant teachers in high school. Miss Olive Smith, seventh and eighth grades, teaching Home Economics in high school. Mrs. Leslie Hardy, fifth and sixth grades, Miss Hazel Christian, third and fourth grades, Miss Nola Kraft, first and second grados. Miss Agnes Welty teaching at North Benton.

The total enrollment at the beginning of the year was 231, with 55 in high school, 4 of the Seniors coming to us from Palmyra for their fourth year.

The following are members of the School Board: Mr. Joel Gause, President; Mr. Clayton Canfield, Mr. John Evans, Mr. William Lane, Mr. L. L. Allen and Mrs. Lois Shively, Clerk.

"Those of the high school boys that came out for football were: Lester Moss, Amzy Wagner, Robert Kirkbride, Willlam Lane, George Moore, Wallace McKenzie, Elmer Early, Clifford Corbett, Clarence Inglado, Steven Kalafus, Sam Porter and Wilbur Jenkins, The boys were captained by John Moss and were coached by Mr. McCardel,

Elmer Early received honorable mention on the All-County Team. Thirteen of the boys earned à letter. The team was the lightest in Class A and showed plenty of fight at all timos, The majority of the boys on the team had never played until last season,

Next year, we have eight letter men who will probably be in the line up. It is our hope to reverse some of last year's scores in the coming season,

As the school was fortunate enough to have the board floor laid in the gym, the boys and girls organized basketball teams and were coached by LeMasters,

Those reporting for the girls' team were: Peg- Phillips, Dorothy Diver, Helen Kalafus, Dona Gilbert, Henrietta Muerman, Emma Schafer, Margaret Myers, Adeline Wilcox, and Ethel Suteline, Ruth Wileox was elected captain,

Those on the boys' teams were: Clifford Corbett, James Phillips, William Lane, Lee Gause, John Moss, Lester Moss, Arthur Davis and Wallace Me- Kenzle, Elmer Early being captain.

We can say they were quite successful, although they lacked experience, - this being their first year, but we feel assured each did his best and deserve merit.

A Girls" Glee Club was organized and directed by Miss Margaret Nash. They took part In many school, ehurch and community events, ineluding tho Final-Literary-Musical at Ravenna.

Deerfield was represented in the Literary-Musten! Contest by Alice Kirkbride with a reading Arthur Davis with a vocal solo and Emma Schafer with an oration. The school hopes to be as well represented next year.

The Juniors presented the play, "Poor Father," February 22, under the direction of Miss Sechrist. It was well received and afforded every one with plenty of good laughs.

Some of the grade and high sehool pupils helped with the program of the Farmers' Institute, which proved to be very interesting and beneficial to all.

The Lecture Course numbers - "The Griswold Duo," given in October, "The Theodore Know Concert," in November, "The Ithican Quartette," in December and "Morris the Electrician," in February were well attended and enjoyed by all.

First on the program of social events was n weiner roast for the high school and outside young people, Everyone seemed to enjoy himself and have enough to eat.

The high school next put on à Hallowe'en Social for the benefit of the board floor, This was well attended and the school was amply repaid for the efforts they put forth. Everyone partook heartily of the good "eats" that go with Hallowe'en and seemed to receive quite a thrill from going through the "fun house," A contest was held to choose the "prettiest," "homeliest," and ete. The judges proved to be experts,

The Junior and Senior Classes each pledged fifty dollars toward the benefit of the board floor that was laid in the gym. They succeeded in raising the

A Father and Son Banquet was given in the auditorium, February 9th. The Home Economics Class, furnished and served the dinner. Judge Henry Robison was the speaker of the evening. We feel assured every father and son were repaid by attending. The school hopes to sponsor a Mother and Daughter Banquet in the near future.

The Senior party was given at the home of Miss Alice Kirkbride, March 16th. The color scheme of St. Patrick's Day was carried out and a fine time was enjoyed by all.

As we look back over this year and previous yenrs, we find that our school has been à success and the co-operation of the community, teachers and pupils have mado it so. We are also proud to say many of the former graduates have attended and are attending some higher place of learning and so fitting thomselvex for a better place fn life; Now as the Senior Class of '27, says good-bye to D. H. &, we are sure they will make use of the high school education they have received and in somo way benefit mankind.