Denmark Township

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The township of Denmark is designated as township eleven, range two, and was drawn in draft number two of the drawing of the Connecticut land company. Caleb Atwater, of Wallingford, New Haven county, Connecticut, being one of those concerned in this draft, and on the 9th day of October, 1798, became sole proprietor. Ilis purchase on that date comprised fifteen thousand four hundred acres, and was divided among his children, none of whom ever became residents of the township. Denmark was first divided into lots or sections one mile square, and subsequently (in 1812, most likely) re-divided into lots containing one hundred and sixty acres each. The survey at this time was conducted by a party named Elliot, under the superintendence of Major Levi Gaylord, then residing in Geneva, this county. In both surveys the numbers commenced at the southwest corner, running north, and counting each way.

The soil is varied and generally of a good quality, - much of the land requiring ditching before becoming tillable, but is rich and productive when properly drained. Jhe principal water-course is that called Mills creek, which rises in the southeast portion of Dorset and empties its waters into Grand river, in the southern portion of Austinburg. Peter creek, another small stream, also rises in Dorset, and forms a junction with Mills creek at a point one and a half miles from the east line of Denmark. It derives its name from the fact that on its bank Peter Knapp erected the first cabin in the township. A chair-factory was built on this creek in 1834 by Ebenezer Williams. Griggs' creek, in the northwestern portion of the township, derives its name from Solomon Griggs, who early located on its south bank.

Wild game was plentiful in the early settlement of the township, elk and deer finding abundant pasturage, while the bear and wolf wandered l! at their own sweet will" within its forests. The frightening scream of the panther was often heard by the early settlers, though none, we believe, were ever seen by them. Black-snakes, rattle-snakes, and copperheads were numerous, Peter Knapp having been bitten by one of the latter venomous reptiles.

The first road was " blazed" previous to any white immigration, commencing at or near the residence of Dr. Almon Hawley, in Jefferson, running thence to the southwest corner of this township, and east along township lines of this and Dorset, Richmond and Pierpont, terminating at Sorrell Hill, Pennsylvania.

Various small bands of Indians frequented this section until the breaking out of the War of 1812, when they suddenly departed. After the close of the war a few of the Seneca tribe returned, occasionally camping on the banks of Mills creek during the hunting season, until about 1821, since which time few have ever visited this region. The party consisted of Captain Philip, his son, Captain John, and a few hunters, with a goodly retinue of squaws and papooses. They were, however, on friendly terms with the white settlers.

The First Settler

was, as previously mentioned, Peter Knapp, who emigrated from Windham, Greene county, New York, in 1809, arriving at what was to be his future home on the evening of July 7. Setting immediately to work, he had completed, ere he laid him down to rest, the first dwelling-place erected in the township by a white person. The construction of this domicile was simple in the extreme, the frame consisting of six stakes driven into the ground, on the top of which were placed poles for the roof, while over all was fastened the canvas wagon-cover. Pieces of bark constituted the floor. And in this primitive and diminutive hut the family lived until the father and elder brothers had rolled up the which stood near the spot upon which is now the residence of II. E. Williams, whose wife is a descendant of Peter Knapp's family. Of the children who came with their parents into the wilderness we have Harmon, who in due time married Submit Barker, and now resides in Saybrook ; Nicholas, who married Alvira Rockwell, of Richmond ; Peggy, who found a husband in Thair Yates, also of Richmond ; Sally and Newcomb, who both died unmarried ; and Chloe, who married Nathan Harvey, of this township. The next birth which occurred in the family was that of Laura, in 1811. She was the first child born in the township, and in the course of time married William Brockett, of Saybrook, of this county, where they resided for a time, finally returning to Denmark, where they passed the remainder of their days. After the birth of Laura followed three boys, Benedict, Benjamin, Walter, and a daughter, Lovena. Subsequently, in the autumn, Daniel Knapp and John Dibble, Jr., arrived from the same place whence Peter Knapp had come, and made settlement on adjoining lands. The children of Daniel Knapp were Elihu, Roswell, Rachel, Polly, and Sally, who married Daniel Palmer, of New Hampshire, an ex-soldier of the War of 1812. Prom his son, D. K. Palmer, who still resides on the old farm, we learn many particulars of the early history of the township. Of the history of John Dibble, Jr., we can learn nothing. In the year 1810, John Dibble, Sr., and John Boomhower came from Austinburg and made settlement near the others. Shortly afterwards, Philip Goff, Ezra Dibble, and Ebenezer Platt put in an appearance at the settlement. In 1812, Alanson Williams, of Connecticut, settled on section 20, and the same year William Crooker commenced improvements on the southeast corner section, and in due time erected the first tavern. Without doubt, many of the advantages enjoyed by the early settlers are due to his industry and spirit of yo-aheadativeness. It was he who built the first saw- and grist-mill, - the date of which event, however, we are unable to obtain, there being none of his descendants living in the township, as is also the case with the families of John Dibble and John and Solomon Griggs. The mills were built on Ashtabula creek. The second saw-mill was erected on Mills creek, by Philip Goff, in 1828. The first school-house in the township was built on the bank of Peter creek, on lands owned by John Dibble, Sr. It was located a short distance east of the centre line, was of logs, uncouth in appearance, but no doubt the " young idea" learned as effectually " how to shoot" within its rough-hewn walls, and the birchen rod cut just as deeply, as happen in the more pretentious school buildings of the present day. The first winter school was taught by Obed Dibble, in 1812 and 1813. He was a son of the gentleman upon whose land the school-house was located. There were twenty scholars in attendance ; the term was of three months' duration, the teacher receiving for his services the sum of twenty-one dollars, or seven dollars per month. Tradition does not state, but undoubtedly he boarded himself, - he could certainly afford to with the wages he received. The first summer school was taught in 1813, by Miss Patience Baldwin, who now resides in Kingsville, married and happy, we trust.

As there seems to be a difference of opinion in relation to who were the happy parties participating in the first marriage, we give both sides a hearing. In the year 1812, about the time of the infamous surrender of the traitor Hull, at Detroit, William Morrison was united to Miss Chloe Gaff, Doctor Elijah Coleman, justice of the peace of Jefferson, performing the ceremony, which took place at the residence of the bride's father, Philip Gaff. A large number of friends were in attendance, and were served to generous quantities of milk-punch and egg-nog, until, as our informant states, everything was lovely and everybody happy. The other marriage occurred about the same time, the contracting parties being Elihu Knapp and Nancy Huntley, by whom united we are unable to ascertain. Of their descendants we learn that their oldest son Harvey was a missionary to India. His health failing him, he embarked for home. Growing rapidly worse, he died before reaching port, and his remains were consigned to the sea.

The first cemetery was located on the farm of Daniel Knapp, near the preseut residence of II. E. Williams, and the first person interred therein was Rachel, the youngest daughter of Daniel Knapp, whose death occurred in April, 1811.

The first sermon delivered within the limits of the township was by Elder Joshua Woodworth, of Jefferson, at the funeral of the above-mentioned Miss Knapp.

The first meeting-house was erected upon the land of Peter Knapp, in about 1832. It was a frame structure, and served not only the sacred purpose for which it was erected, but also that of a school-house and town hall. This building stood on the corner where now stands the store and office of W. H. Seagur, Esq.

The first church organization was that of the Baptists, in 1S12. They had no regular preaching, ministers of all denominations occasionally preaching in private houses until the building of the church above referred to, since which time services have been held on the Sabbath generally.

The position of postmaster was first held by John Dibble, whose office was located, at an early day, on the east bank of Mills creek. The mails were at that time carried on foot. Elihu Knapp was the second postmaster. After him, Charles Willis, who was succeeded by E. Crooker, and he by Ebenezer Williams, who held the office many years. In 1863 he was succeeded by Horace Knapp ; the latter by W. H. Williams, in 1867. Giles Ives was appointed in 1869, and D. K. Palmer, the present incumbent, in 1871.

From the following extracts from the records it will be seen that Ezra Dibble was the first justice of the peace. We would add, by way of explanation, that Denmark, at the time of organization, included the territory now comprising the three townships, viz., Dorset, Richmond, and Pierpont, in addition to that now called Denmark.

Copt Of Record

" At a meeting of the township of Denmark, August 3, 1813, at David Randall's, to elect township officers for the ensuing year, the following were duly elected : Asa Benjamin, Ezra Dibble, and Harvey Rockwell, trustees ; David Randall and Ewins Wright, overseers of poor; John Ralph and Samuel Kincaid, fence-viewers; John Dibble and Jepthah Turner, appraisers; Ewins Wright, John Ralph, and Peter Knapp, supervisors ; Smith Platt, constable ; and Joseph Dewey, treasurer. Andrew Harvey, supervisor, was sworn in by T. R. Hawley, clerk of the court of common pleas of Ashtabula County. The foregoing officers qualified before Ezra Dibble, Esq., except Dibble himself, who was sworn in by Jepthah Turner, town clerk."

Farther along in the same volume we find that on the 8th day of October, 1816, was held the first State and county election in which the township participated, at which time eight votes were cast for Levi Gaylord, commissioner, and six for Peter Hitchcock for member of congress. Another entry shows that on the " 1st day of November, a.d. 1816, an election was held for President and Vice-President of the United States, Aaron Wheeler receiving five votes for the former, and Alford Kelly an equal number for the last-named office." The ballot was a unanimous one in favor of these gentlemen.

In the fall of 1811 a large quantity of wheat was sown, Peter Knapp alone putting in thirteen acres, and the other settlers sowing more or less. The next season - in June - there came a terrific hail-storm which lasted only one hour, yet in that brief period destroying entirely the fields of waving grain almost ripe for the sickle, and to which these early pioneers looked for sustenance through the coming winter. Kinsman, Trumbull county, the Egypt of the settlers the preceding winter, was again appealed to, and the call was not in vain. To Judge Kinsman, who let the suffering settlers have of his store to supply their needs, grateful thanks were ever accorded. The only report we are able to procure from the Griggs corner of the township is from a son of David Gary, who removed from Genesee county, New York, in 1834, and settled on the lot originally occupied by John Griggs (No. 5). Of the five children who came with their father, only one remains in the township. This one (Oliver H.) still occupies the old homestead. He informs us that when they moved into the township their nearest neighbors were four miles away, the houses were all of logs, and poor improvements everywhere. Deer would often browse within a few rods of the house.

Late in the fall following their arrival in Denmark, Peter Knapp and his son Nicholas were out in the woods prospecting for coon. The elder Knapp carried an axe, while the juvenile was entirely unarmed. They had become somewhat separated, when Nick espied a young bear and immediately gave chase. Bruin, seeing his chances of escape growing wofully uncertain, attempted to climb a tree, and had succeeded in getting up nearly out of reach, when the boy seized him by the hair on the hips, and that bear came down. Once on terra frma, his desire to turn around and masticate the youthful Nicholas seemed unbounded. At each effort in that direction, however, the boy pulled the other tcag, at the same time shouting lustily for his father, who, hearing the disturbance, soon appeared and closed the scene by a well-directed blow with the axe.

To give something of an idea of the vast number of wolves inhabiting our forests at that time we will state that, soon after settling in this township, Ebenezer Williams had occasion to make a journey to Jefferson, and, as there was no road except a " bridle-path," he made the trip on horseback ; was delayed until after dark before starting homeward, and was followed the entire distance by a drove of wolves, who accompanied him on either side, and showed their affection for him by continually snapping at his feet. They did not leave him until he arrived at his very door.

Of the present condition of Denmark we find, from documents on file in the office of Auditor Crowell, that there are now eight school-houses in the township, the estimated value of which, including grounds, amounts to four thousand dollars, with a total enumeration of three hundred and ninety-eight scholars.

The census returns for 1S76 show the total population 544; and at the presidential election in 1876 the vote stood: R. B. Hayes, 92; S. J. Tilden, 42. Also that in the year 1S76 there were:

Of those who went out to battle for a common cause let us say, may their brave deeds be ever kept in grateful remembrance, and may the starry flag which led them wave forever , the proud ensign of a free people !