Granger Township

Granger Township

out, when lie fell dead. The old woman saw the Indian approaching, brandishing his bloody tomahawk, and she attempted to divert him from his bloody purpose by kindly offering him some bread and beef. The offer had the desired effect. The savage asked where her papooses (children) were ; she pointed to each one of them, and was ordered by the cruel savage to take them to a certain corner in the fort and sit down. She did so, and while there thanked God for her deliverance, and of those with her, and she devoutly prayed that God would be a protector to her and to the children. That prayer was heard and answered. She lived long and happily after witnessing that cruel massacre, and died in Bath, at the age of seventy-seven, and is there buried. Four of the survivors who witnessed the Wyoming massacre, after being long separated during life, are buried within four miles of each other in Bath and Granger.

William Cogswell'S History

I was born February 20, 1794, at the Great Bend of the Susquehanna, N. Y. In 1797, my father, William, sold, and removed from New York to Alleghany county, Pennsylvania, near Redstone Old Fort. In 1801, he became the owner of two hundred acres of land in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, by virtue of a soldier's right. In April, 1802, he moved there. Provisions were then scarce and costly. Often he was forced to leave home and work for means to supply his family. Once, when leaving, my mother made the inquiry with anxiety what should she do if provisions were exhausted before his return ? I give his answer:" There is a half barrel of bran ; sift it and make bread of it. When that is gone, go to the potatoe patch and dig out the old potatoes without disturbing the roots, boil them and use them with milk. When they are gone, follow the cows in the woods, see whaf herbs they eat, pick of the same, boil them and eat that with milk." Having gone forty miles, secured employment and got paid in corn, he joyfully returned with his hard earnings. A tree was cut down, a hole burned in the stump, a sprirg-pole erected, by means of which the corn was pounded and made ready for use, and in that way fed seven in the family.

When ten years old, I was in the absence of my father, compelled to chop and prepare fuel. I had no shoes to wear in the winter season. To keep my feet from freezing I heated a board at the fire, carried out, stood on it when chopping. When it became cold I brought it in, heated it, and in that way made it answer for shoes and stockings.

In progress of time, rights to land were often in dispute, and among the unlucky, it was discovered that my father had settled on the wrong piece. Though he had made an opening, erected his cabin and settled down, as he then supposed, for years, another Soldier's Bight lawfully claimed the land, and he was forced to give up possession.

Becoming acquainted with Judge Oliver Phelps, then the owner of Granger township, my father visited that township in 1807 and found it wholly unsettled. Being pleased with appearances of soil, timber and its other natural advantages, he made a selection of three hundred and seventy acres, now comprised in the three lots owned by Isaac Low, C. 11. Spencer and Job Green. He went from Granger to Warren, Trumbull county, and contracted with Calvin Austin, agent of Phelps, for the land, and paid the sum required. Some time thereafter Phelps became insolvent, his title to lands seized by creditors and sold. My father having purchased on contract, was forced to loose what he had paid, and was again prevented from being a land holder. He resided in Beaver county until 1815, when he removed to Columbiana county, Ohio. In 1818 he again came to Granger, bought by article the lot now owned by Job Green, and settled thereon, and for six years struggled through the many hardships incident to first settlers. About the time his article expired he found himself unable to make payment, owing to want of price for produce. He sold his claim to his sons William, Samuel and Nathaniel, who continued to reside there and make improvements. In 1824 I became, by purchase, sole owner, concluded to select another locality, sold my right to land in Granger township and moved into Bath township, Summit county, where I now (1861) reside.

I must now make a break in my history, otherwise the pioneer community will cast me out of the synagogue. In 1810, in company with my uncle Gibson Gates and Hezekiah Burdick (two of the first settlers in Bath) I left the home of my father, traveled by way of Vannatt's Ford on the Mahoning river to the house of Gates in Bath. I remained there until August of that year, when, in company with Gates and John Manning, I started for Granger township. Our road (old settlers called it course) was through Richfield by way of L. May (now widow Biglow's land,) thence westwardly to Panther Cave in Hinckley. We visited that cave in search of game, but saw no panthers. From thence we traveled to where an Indian gallows was standing in the big bend of the Rocky River. In 1806, a squaw had been hung there, charged with witchcraft. The squaw had said that there would be darkness on the face of tlie earth in June, which the ignorant Indians decided to be undoubted proof of witchery. She was hung in May, and on the 13th of June, 1806, there was an eclipse of the sun. After viewing the gallows, we traveled on southerly, and at night encamped under a ledge of rocks near where Isaac Low now resides, about thirty rods from the last named place. I at that time, carved the initials of my name on a beach tree which can be seen to this day. After feasting on wild turkey, for breakfast, we pursued our course and came on to the " Smith Road," about where the Squaw Tavern now stands. This was my first visit into and through Granger. It was then truly a wilderness ; the marks of the pioneers were few. When my rememberance brings to mental view those times and contrast the changes, I am astonished, and must say that greater improvements are now seen than the most sagacious then anticipated.

In January, 1813, the War Department found it necessary to build three small gun boats to be used in annoying the larger vessels of the enemy. It was soon discovered by Captain Perry that small vessels, being more easily and rapidly managed, could do effective service in close contest. The contract for building the boats was awarded to Brimel Robins, of Alleghany Co., Pennsylvania, who selected Cl Old Portage," on the Cuyahoga River, as the place where to build them. The timber and lumber were furnished by Captains Rice and Stowe and sawed in the mill of Francis and Zcnas Kelsey, at " old. Cuyahoga village." Stewart Gaylord superintended the then boat yard. In June the three gun boats were launched, and dubbed with the names of " Tripp, Tigress and Portage." I was employed with others, to float them down to the Lake, f ith instructions that when we got to the '»Pinery,"wo

While floating downward toward our destination a tree was descried that had fallen into the stream and must, unless removed, stop the boats. Being then young and full of life, I attacked the log with axe, and when nearly ready to float, I lost my balance, falling into water about fifteen leetin depth. After sounding, I made vigorous efforts and came to surface with axe in hand, and swam to the shore. I name this occurrence, not as a feat, but to say how very difficult it is to rise to the surface or to swim when one^^ab of the body is heavier, than the other.

At the Pinery we were detained several days in procuring the necessary rigging for the boats. At that place I killed a porcupine, which was looked upon as an animal of great curiosity by our small crew. When we got to Cleveland the gun-boats were^examined by many .and the general opinion was that they were the kind needed. When at Cleveland I became very patriotic and wished to enlist under Captain Perry, but decided to go home first, and after making proper arrangements, to return and become a soldier. My mother, having tested in part the scenes and privations of the Revolutionary war, seemed opposed to my enlisting, and by rehearsals of incidents which she had witnessed, dampened my ardor, and I finally conrented to remain a private, and not brave the storms of Lake Erie in a small gun boat.

In the summer of 1814, I was employed by Messrs. Warner and Coit to make salt at the Liverpool salt springs, where I continued until the following December. I not only labored at making salt, but was compelled to keep watch against the Indians who at that time roamed much and often in Columbia and Liverpool neighborhoods and kept the few white inhabitants in

When winter fairly set in, I started for Granger in company with Dan Mallet, intending to make hunting our main business for some weeks. For some time we killed many small game. After some days we found a long-legged bear in an alder swamp. When he discovered us he commenced a retreat. As he passed near me I fired, but without effect. The two dogs next attacked him, which he siezed, and commenced hugging and biting them. I reloaded and fired a second time, the ball disabling his we-leg, when he immediately let go of the dogs and commenced biting his maimed limb. After venting his spleen upon the maimed limb, in despite of dogs, he came toward me in a very menacing manner. I retreated rapidly, but reloaded as I ran, and when fully prepared wheeled about and fired. The ball took lodgment in the mad bruins jaw, causing it to hang downward. At this juncture, Mallett came up to the chase from the opposite side of the swamp, and taking deliberate aim lodged a ball in the brain of the bear and ended the contest and the race. The next day we procured an old horse, on which we carried to Liverpool the game we had shot during our hunting excursion. In those days an axe and rifle constituted my chattel property, and it then seemed to me that I had all that was necessary.

After staying at Liverpool some time to complete a chopping contract, I again started for the residence of my uncle Gates, near the Cuyahoga. At this early date there were no iot lines in Brunswick or Hinckley; therefore I traveled a course by guess. I had got into the N. W. part of Bath when night came on. Wearied and hungry I halted, struck up a fire, peeled some bark with which to make a bed, arranged it in hunter's style and drawing my slouch hat over my face, fell into a pleasant sleep, and remained unmolested until morning. When I awoke in the morning I found my bark coverlet beautifully adorned with a covering of snow about three inches in depth. I arose early, and left my bed for the accommodation of any who might need it. I had designed to reach the cabin of Mr. E. Hale, when I left Liverpool ; still I was not there. On my way, in the morning, to Mr. Hale's, I killed two deer. Upon arriving at Mr. Hale's, I informed her that I stood in much need of dinner, supper, breakfast and dinner, having eaten nothing since 1 left Liverpool. Mrs Hale informed mo that she had some hominy that she would warm lor me. I told her to set it on the table and I would warm it by eating. She did so, and 1 fared sumptuously and thankfully on cold hominy. In traveling .from the cabin of Elijah to Jonathan Hale's, I killed a noble buck, which I sold to Jonathan for two dollars. After remaining a short time, I again commenced rambling from place to place in quest of work or game.

In 1815, I had an interview with a bear, that to this day causes me to shudder when I think of the hazardous adventure. I. Sippy, D. Willey, Wm. Ben and myself were felling a tree for coons, when the barking of our three dogs, at a distance, admonished us that they had found game. When we came to the dogs, we discovered that they were in close combat with a bear, in the hollow of a large tree that was fallen. I crawled in the length of my body,- caught the hind legs of two dogs and succeeded in dragging them out. I then crawled in a second time, got hold of the leg of the remaining dog and by hard pulling succeeded in rescuing him from the tight hug of the bear. The dog died soon after being brought out. Soon thereafter the enraged bear showed his head at the opening, when a blow from an axe, given by Sippy, nearly severed the snout from the head. The bear drew back, but in a very few minutes, again poked out his mutilated head for which Sippy had been anxiously watching. A second stroke burried the axe in the head of bruin, who ceased to draw back. We drew him out and estimated his weight, when dressed, at four hundred pounds. That encounter often makes me think of Putman and the wolf.

In 1816, in company with Sippy, I roamed over portions of Granger, Bath and Hinckley, in order to get up a supply of honey, hops and cranberries on" which to trade. During our wanderings from place to place, we often shot wild game and occasionally a bear. In the fall of the year, the bears were accustomed to visit wild groves where acorns or chestnuts grew, and very often a bullet from the well aimed rifle of the hunter caused bruin to fall from an oak or chestnut tree, on which he had perched himself to feed upon his favorite food.

In 1818, I became a permanent citizen of Granger, after having often roamed alone, and sometimes in company with others, over the territory now comprised in the townships of Liverpool, Brunswick, Medina, Granger, Hinckley, Bath and Copley, in quest of mime or in search of trade or employment. My brother-inlaw, Sippy and myself, purchased by article the land where 0. B. Spencer now lives, on which we paid one hundred and sixty dollars. That summer we cleared and planted six acres of corn and a large patch with potatoes. In the fall of that year, I visited the home of my father, and after a short stay he and family removed with me to Granger. My father, Sippy and myself cut the first opened road from Cuyahoga to Granger, at our own expense ; and while thus employed we camped out many nights, and our only vegetable food was potatoes roasted and eaten with the meat of wild game that we occasionally shot. I have assisted at the raisings of the first cabins in Richfield, Bath, Copley, Sharon, Granger, Hinckley, Brunswick and Liverpool townships. I have often walked eight or ten miles in company with others, to assist in raising a house or barn, and when done considered it no hardship to walk home in the evening, and not unfrequently after night, lighted by burning torches of hickory bark. To ride through the woods in 1818, was no easy or pleasant task.

When Sippy and myself articled for the land referred to, we were to have one hundred and forty acres at five dollars per acre. At the close of four years we had what was then considered tolerably good cabins put up, had cleared about forty acres, and were beginning to have some of nature's wildness tamed, when our article run out, and we were unable to pay as stipulated. Wheat was then twenty-five cents per bushel and other kinds of trade equally low. Trade was then, like the man who had a dog which he sold for one dollar, and gave the same for two pups, at fifty 'cents each. Stringency in money forced us to give up our right to the land. We lost all we paid, all our labor and improvements and had to start out anew, in search of homes that we wished to be permanent.

in the woods, the bark of the old dog gave notice that he had found some kind of game. When we came to the spot we descried an animal perched high in a tree, that looked to be of the panther tribe. We had no guns with us, and to dislodge the animal, we must have recource to a different mode of warfare. Upon a nearer approach, we discovered our supposed panther to be a wild cat of no common size. I proposod to climb the tree, and shake the animal off; but was reminded by Sippy that "pussey's" claws were not easily displaced by violent limb shaking. Determined to make battle, I cut a club of proper heft, and ascended the tree. When within ten feet of the limb on which pussy squatted, I stopped to take a look at the critter. The green glaring eyes made me feel uncomfortable, but my position indicated that I should be courageous. With left hand, I took firm hold of a limb, with my right hand I wielded the bludgeon. As I stood watching, pussy made, first, a few quick shakes of the short tail, and instantly bounded down towards my face. Instantly I parried off its descent with the club, and sent the animal rapidly to the ground. The dog was on hand, and made jaw-love to " pussy." A hard fight of scratching and biting ensued, which was terminated by Sippy giving pussy a blow (lucky or unluck-y) that terminated that critter's existence. I frankly acknowledge that the menacing of that cat made me feel rather unpleasant when on the tree, and I consider the risk of killing it more hazardous than when in a hallow tree, trying to extricate my dogs from the hug of the bear.

On July 8, 1820, the sparsely settled citizens of Granger had met, by invitation, to raise a barn on the farm now occupied by David Sheldon. Lyman Isbcl was there aiding. A log forty feet long was in prog- ress of being pushed on to the building. By want of necessary care, one end of the log got from the pikes used in pushing, causing the other end to be displaced and the log rolled from the building upon the body of Mr. Isbell, killing him instantly. The body was placed on a bled and hauled to his home. Late in the evening I was requested to go to the residence of Br. Henry Hudson, in the north cast part of Bath and get him to preach the funeral sermon, at the house of Mr. Isbell the following day at 11 A. M.

I started on foot and got to the house of Mr. Hale, (where the preacher boarded,) after dark, but found no preacher* Mr. Kale informed me that he was (as he supposed) at Cuyahoga Falls. I went there, and was informed that he had gone to Fish Creek to preach that evening. To Fish Creek I traveled, where I found him at three o'clock hi the morning. We then prepared to return to Granger byway of Cuyahoga Falls, and reached the house of the deceased in time to meet the appointment.

I name the sudden death of Mr. Isbell because he was a worthy man, and I give a statement of the journey after a preacher, to apprise young men of the present day that a trip of thirty miles, on foot in the night, and through (he woods was undertaken and accomplished with less complaint, in 1820, than a young man will now make after walking, in the day time, live miles.

Bear Hunt. - During the early settlement there was a she bear, who annoyed the settlers by frequently carrying off (without leave,) hogs, calves and other domestic animals. She was often threatened, and as often pursued. In the winter of 1822, I was hunting in the north-west part of Granger, when I came on her trail, which was known to all hunters, by the unusual length of the strides. She was escorted by two cubs. I called on Sippy and told him of my discovery and proposed that we should go in search, and if possible, bring the lady to terms. The next morning we were early on the trail, intending if possible, to rid the neighborhood of the " old pest." We followed the trail all day through Hinckley, and toward evening, discovered dead bees on the snow; We soon found the tree, which we chopped down and found more than one hundred pounds of beautiful honey. We scooped out a trough with the axe and filled it with choice honey-comb; and night coming on we encamped there, faring sumptuously on bread, (which we carried with us) and honey. Next morning we breakfasted early on honey and bread, and pursued the trail. After pursuing the zigzag tracks for some miles, we came to a large basswood, in which was the bear and her two cubs. . Marks about the tree seemed to say that it had been tenanted by the old depredator for years. We concluded we had the " old gal " in close quarters, and commenced by sturdy blows to fell the tree. The tree fell slowly, being impeded by limbs of other trees, of which occurence the bear took advantage and made a leap from the tree before it struck the ground. We supposed the u old sinner " would, at least, tarry till the tree fell, but she was off at bear speed. I fired, but the ball took no effect. Sippy sooji dispatched the two cubs with his axe. The next day, with horses and sled we hauled home cubs and honey.

Same Old Bear. - In October, 1623, 1 was hunting in the north part of Granger, and I had killed two turkeys and a deer ; and after traveling about a mile from where I had hung them up, I came across the identical thieving, old " she bear." She seemed as though she knew me, but did not tarry long. I raised my gun and fired ; the ball lodged in her hip. As I pursued, I reloaded and fired a second time, and broke a fore leg. When the leg was broke the bear stopped, sat up and bit the maimed limb, and then was off at full speed. I started in pursuit, from where John Truman now lives, through the south-west part of Hinckley, then into Brunswick, then across Plumb Creek, then down the creek, then east into Hinckley, and lastly into an alder swamp near where Earl Salsbury now lives. She secreted in the mud and water of that swamp, keeping her head up. I went within proper distance, fired, and killed her, and thus terminated her swinish propensities. The chase of that bear, was about the sweatiest, longest and hardest race I ever ran. The death of that " old huzzy " gained to me the plaudits of many whose, sheep, hogs and calves had been taken and devoured by that same thievish bear.

Contract for Land. - In 1824, my father finding himself unable to pay for his farm, according to the stipulations of his article, proposed that I should go to Mr. Seymour's, who lived in Canandaigua, N. Y., and get the same land articled to myself and brothers. I consented traveled to Cleveland, from thence, by schooner to Buffalo, and thence to Canandaigua. Mr. Seymoor heard my statement and consented to release the State's claim upon the two lots which Aaron Spencer had bought, provided Spencer would buy the lot on which my father was settled and then article it to me and my brothers, which was afterwards done.

I have now given a few of the incidents of my Pioneer life ; and when I look back where I was, what I have encountered and endured, I seem astonished to think that I yet live. An over-ruling Providence watched over and graciously guided. And "in 18G1, I look upon and roam over hills and valleys, once vocal with the yell of the red man, and the many wild sounds of the beasts of the forest. I have lived to pee a wilderness blossoming and budding. I have lived to see a younger generation happily enjoying the rich boons resulting from their fathers' toil, and in my years of decline I not only wish them present comfort and happiness, but a full share of all that kind Providence may in future bestow.

Granger Statistics Personal Property

If the products made and sold by families, eggs, rags, and all other articles of trade or commerce were strictly counted, the yearly personal value of the township would exceed $175,000.