Hudson City (part 2 of 6)

Justice of the l^eace, and his first official act beai's date of March 21, 1801, with the following entry on his docket : '- Issued a writ of arrest in favor of Thaddeus Lacey against Thomas and Daniel Judd, to balance book accounts ; said Lace}' having made oath that, in his opinion, he is in danger of losing the debt due him from said Judds." It is probable, that in his opinion he was mistaken, for there is no further entries upon that subject, or, in fact, in that year. His official services were called into requisition, however, during the latter part of that year, but hardly in a way to call for a docket entry. This was on the occasion of the marriage of George Darrow to Miss Olive Gaylord, which he legalized on the 11th of October, 1801. On the 5th of November following, he performed the same functions for Stephen Perkins and Miss Ruth Bishop, all of Hudson. These marriages were before provision had been made to record such events, and they are found noted upon the fly-leaf of an old land record book in the Recorder's office at Warren. In the first case, Mr. Hudson is said to have been considerably embarrassed, and was obliged to correct himself repeatedl}' before he could satisfy himself that he had discharged his duty in the premises. The lady in the case did not exhibit so much trepidation, and showed her housewifely care, by dropping the hand of the groom at a critical point, and proceeding across the room removed a "thief" that was "guttering" the candle. On resuming her position, the ceremonies went on. The story is told of her, that a little later, when the first census taker called on her with his usual bundle of interrogations, her only response was, " George and I live here," and with this the enumerator was forced to satisfy himself The year previous, a log schoolhouse had been erected, and this served for 3^ears in the threefold capacity of meeting, town and school house. The early records are in an excellent state of preservation, but they present nothing of any interest to the present generation. There was very little parade made by the governing powers, and, save the recording of " ear-marks," and noting the proceedings of each " annual meeting," there was no call for records. The April election was an important event, however, in the township, and was scrupulously attended by the male -i^ortion of the community. The business was generally opened with prayer, and the day spent as a holiday. After surveying the whole township into one hundred lots, following the plan of New England villages, the proprietors laid out a public square on the geographical center of the township. This consisted of two acres in a square form, taken equally from the converging corners of Lots Nos. -45, 55, 56 and 46. There was, then, according to the record, " laid out to the proprietors of said town of Hudson, of mechanic lots, each lot containing two and a half acres, being 5.00 square, bounded south on the east and west center line ; west on Lot No. 54 ; north on the remaining part of David Hudson's Lot No. 55 ; east on the public green ; said lots taken off 5.00 wide from the south side of said Hudson's Lot, No. 55. Also seven mechanic lots laid off from the south side of Lot No. 56 ; bounded west on the public green ; north on the remaining pai't of said Hudson's Lot No. 56 ; east on Lot No. 57 ; south on east and west center line ; each lot containing two and one-half acres, being 5.00 square. Also seven mechanic lots taken from the north side of Lot No. 46 ; bounded west on the public green ; north on the east aud-west center line ; east on Lot No. 47 ; south the remaining part of Lot No. 46 ; the above said mechanic lots divided by posts and lines at 5.00 distance. Thaddeus Lacey, surveyor ; David Hudson, agent for proprietors." The earliest road which opened this settlement to the outside world was that one leading to the boat landing in Boston on the Cuyahoga. This was the only outlet, and was used for several years. In 1802, Edward Payne laid out what is known under the various titles of Aurora road, Payne road or Old State road, from Painesville to Chillicothe, then the capital of the State. This passed tlirough Kirtland, Chester, Bainbridge, Aurora, Hudson, etc. It entered the latter township where the Aurora road does, and followed its course until it struck the village, when it changed its course and followed the center road south, about a mile from the village, where it branched off to the southwest, touching a little later Cuyahoga Falls and then on to old Portage. About the same time, or perhaps a little earlier, the road from Cleveland to Canton passed through Hudson on the north-and-south center road, which is yet known as the Cleveland road. It was in this year also (1802) that Mr. Hudson, at the request of Capt. Olmsted, the proprietor of Franklin Township, laid out the Ravenna road. The work was set on foot by petition to the Commissioners in February, and it was the last of December before he was ready to build a bridge where the road crossed the Cu3'ahoga River. On the 31st of December, he secured nine volunteers - S. Bishop, E. Lindley, W. Mc- Kinley, A. Thompson, H. Oviatt, M. Parker, G. Darrow, W. Leach and T. Lacey, to accompany him to construct a bridge across the " Narrows," near the scene of Brady's leap. This was no slight undertaking, poorly provided as they were with tools and machinery. A tree standing on the bank near at hand was first felled across the stream, and with this start, aided by three yoke of cattle and some volunteex-s from Ravenna, the structure was completed in two days, and was the first bridge constructed in this vicinity. The men took their provisions with them, camping out until their work was accomplished, and though each one thought he was contributing his labor, Mr. Hudson secured them pay at 50 cents per day. The general line of this road is still marked by Ravenna street and its extension. Some years afterward, the east-andwest center road was extended to Warren. The town thus early made accessible, took on a vigorous growth. The road thus laid out brought considerable through travel to Hudson, which could not fail to build up its business interests. A stage route was established from Cleveland to Pittsburgh as early as 1 825, passing through Hudson. Jabez Gilbert was the earliest of a long line of stage-drivers who are remembered by the older residents of the place. He drove at first a two-horse vehicle, which with the increase of business was exchanged for one drawn by the regular four-in-hand, with frequentl}' a half-dozen '- extras " following it. The great drawback to this enterprise here as elsewhere, was the almost impassible condition of the roads during the inclement seasons. These were often in places too muddy to travel at all, and it was a common occurrence for teams passing on the Aurora road to make a detour on the high ground that is found to the noi'th of it.

The first mill in this part of the country was at Newburg, which was erected by W. W. Williams in 1800. The Hudson colonists brought considerable fiour with them, and were forced occasionally to go to considerable distances to renew the supply before the}' secured a harvest,

Dr. Thompson going at one time to Georgetown on the Ohio River, a distance of eighthmiles. The first harvest was derived from tlie nine acres which Mr. Hudson had sown in 1799. The yield was 183 bushels, one-foui'th of which Lace}' got for harvesting and threshing. The balance was apportioned among the pi'oprietors as follows : " Birdseye Norton, one-half and one-half a quarter, 85.25 bushels ; Hudson, onequarter, 34.10 bushels; Oviatt, Parmele and Baldwin, one-eight, 17.5 bushels." The wheat was all used in the colonj-, however, and what was not lost was ground at the Newburg mill. " To go to mill " was a three days' task ; two consumed on the journey of twenty miles and return, and one in waiting for the grist. The first load of wheat was taken to mill by Samuel Bishop, in February, 1801, under a bargain of receiving one-half for his trouble. He was obliged to set out shortl}- after a rain, and arriving at Tinker's Creek he found the stream considerably swollen bj' the rainfall. He ventui-ed to cross, however, but found the current too strong for him, and he got back to shore, losing his entire load of wheat, and barel^' saving his oxen and sled. At another time Dr. Thompson and William Leach undertook the task of going to the same mill in the spring of the year. They had three yoke of oxen and a cart. The river was high and the current strong, but they urged their team across. The lead cattle soon began to swim, then the second yoke, and soon the third yoke and cart. Fortunately the first yoke had b}- this time gained their footing and enabled the others to successivel}- come to the shallower water. But the cart swinging down stream with the current, and not being a seaworthy craft, lost its load of wheat, and barely caiTied the drivers through in safety. The Doctor was not thus brought to the end of his resources. He bought some wheat for which he gave his note, got it ground, and returned with his flour to find the stream lower and fordable. It was not possible for all to go to this expense for flour. Corn was substituted for wheat and smashed in wooden mortars, i. e., a stump with a hole burned in it with a long wooden pestle attached to a springpole. More of it was prepared on what was called " blood mills," a tin grater made by punching holes in a piece of old tin, then giving it a curve and nailing it to a piece of board. The community was placed under such disadvantages but a short time. In preparing for the settlement, Mr. Hudson had not forgotten this important feature of frontier life, and in his first bills of articles, mill-stones were prominent items. But who put up the first mill in Hudson is as variously claimed as the killing of " Cock Robin." In 1801, Ezra Wyatt and Aaron Norton commenced building mills on Tinker's Creek, in the northeast part of this township. From evidence gathered from the account-books of Mr. Hudson, though not clear, it is made probable that Mr. Wyatt began this undertaking alone, encouraged and assisted by Mr. Hudson. An entry without date is as follows : '' Have been at the expense of furnishing all W3'att's provisions and laborers, and all things necessaiy to build one-half of the mills, and to take my payment in boards one, two, three and four 3ears hence, without intei'est. Also I have engaged to make him a free gift of 100 acres of land to encourage him to go on with the mills after the discovery of quicksand." Notwithstanding this liberal subsid}', Mr. W^'att became tired of his undertaking, and Mr. Norton took his place, the former going to Cleveland. The saw-mill was completed for business that fall, and the grist-mill so that it would grind, but not bolt, in the spring of 1802, not far from the 18th of April. A distillery was started in connection with the mills soon afterward, and the whole business run in the name of Hudson & Norton. It stood but a year or two, when the whole establishment was destroyed by fire in the latter part of 1803. Norton, in 1806, built mills on Mud Brook in Northampton, and two years later built others in Middlebury. Deacon Thompson built a sawmill immediatelj- after the destruction of the Norton mill, on the site of the present Holmes mill. This stood until it rotted down, and was then replaced by Augustus Baldwin, and subsequently two others were built upon the same site. Joel Gaylord also erected a mill not far from the same time that Deacon Thompson put up his, which was replaced b}- George Leach, who at difi'erent times built two other mills on Breakneck Creek. The coming of Owen Brown in 1805, introduced another industry that was second only to the mills in its usefulness to the new settlement. He was a tanner by trade, and at once set about preparing to ply his trade here. He sank his vats a little west of the village, and made a good market for such skins as the settlers derived from the game. A few 3-ears afterward, he and his son John, known better to fame in Uxter 3'ears through his aggressive opposition to the slave-power, started another northwest of the village near where Morris Johnson now lives. Greorge Kilbourne essa^yed the same business about a mile and a half south of the town on the Center road. It was not a very extensive affair ; vats were sunk and a well dug, and some sheds erected, but no great amount of business was done. The well and the signs of the vats still mark the spot. Some time afterward, Asahel Kilbourne started a tannery on the run which passes Sherman Thompson's house, choosing a site just across where the railroad now runs. This was a more vigorous institution, and continued for some years. The most successful business in this line, however, was probably done bj' William Dobbs. He came here from Canton, and, purchasing the Brown tannery, extended the trade, and carried it on until the development of the country grew beyond his reach, and the business passed into the category of lost arts in this community. Another branch of the manufacturing business, which subserved an excellent purpose in those pioneer times was an asher}*, established, and conducted by Hillis & James, early merchants in Hudson. Here the ashes of the settler's hearth and log-heaps were converted into " potash, pearl-ash and black salts," and made to serve him again in its new form.

The social customs of the time, and the only avenue of foreign trade, made the distilling of liquor an early and profitable business. Oviatt, who commenced trading with Indians as early as 1801, found whisky not onh- a legal tender for whatever he cared to bu}-, but a commodity in ver}' lively demand by the natives. He built a distillery on the stream near Sherman Thompson's residence, but probably not until the Hudson & Norton distiller}' had burned down. This he continued for some 3'eai-s, but the sale of it to the Indians was forbidden b}' the Government, and he finally abandoned it, though it had proved very profitable to him. George Darrow erected another about 1815, where the Eagle Cheese Factory now stands, and manufactured rye and corn whisky for years, selling it at his place of business to such as wanted it. There was an abundant demand for it for 3'ears after the Indians had generallj^ removed. Whisky was found ever\'where in the earl}' society, and none were "Puritanic" enough in their sentiments to object to its use. At the stores the customer found it "on tap," to use free of expense ; ever}' social gathering was enlivened by its presence and use ; and even preachers and people drew nearer each other in a social glass. The good judgment of people was not blinded to the evil which was growing up in the shadow of this social custom, and a movement to curtail its use was begun by those who had used it freely for years. It began to be refused at house-raisings, perhaps, as early as 1820 or 1825, to the no small opposition of a considerable portion of the community. At one of these temperance raisings, it is said, the two elements of society met, and the opposition refused to let the building go up. They held on to the frame-work, until, by the redoubled efforts of the temperance men, who were in a majority, they were lifted off the ground and the structure went up. In 1828 or 1830, the barn of Dr. Everett was raised without whisky and without opposition, the opposition staying away entirely An incident is related of Rev. Randolph Stone which illustrates how strongly the habitual use of liquor had become fixed in the social intercourse of the time. Mr. Stone had taken a very pronounced position in favor of temperance, going to the extent of advising that all apple-trees should be destroyed to prevent the manufacture of cider. Soon after taking this position, he took some students to board that had come to attend the Western Reserve College, then just opened, and placed upon the table for their use, some " whisky and fennel," of which, however, he did not partake. This was probably from the force of habit and the desire to avoid the appearance of discourtesy, but was very soon abandoned.

The early years of the township did not demand a hotel to dispense its hospitality. Each pioneer entertained strangers as often without pecuniary remuneration as with it. But as the town grew in proportion and the through lines of travel wei'e established through the place, there was a demand for an inn. Heman Oviatt first provided such entertainment at his cabin, a mile south of the village, but, about 1813, he preferred to confine his attention to the more lucrative business of trade, and persuaded Mr. Hudson to open his house to the public in this way, and this was perhaps the first regular inn in the village. This was at the house where

Mrs. Harvey Baldwin now resides. Mrs. Baldwin, when a girl, often presided at the bar, and the fare dispensed in those days may be inferred from the fact that on one occasion the whole female force of the family was occupied the whole day in baking '- corn pones" for the consumption of their guests. In 1816 or thereabouts, George Kilbourne oflered " entertainment for man and beast ' where Justin Kilbourne now lives ; some years afterward - about 1825 - Augustus Baldwin opened a hotel in the house where Mrs. Buss at present resides, and another was kept b}- George Darrow at the present residence of William Darrow. The "Mansion House," the only survivor of this race of public benefactors, was built in 1830, for Samuel Edgerly. It was afterward put into a lottery by Mr. Hertzell and disposed of, but who the fortunate possessor of the ticket was is not revealed. A long line of hosts have entertained the public here, among whose names appear those of Edgerly, Hertzell, Shields, Wadham and Boutou, the present host. In the palmy days of the stage business, the Mansion House was a place of consequence, and attracted a large ci'owd of patrons of the stage and idle lookers-on, which of late years has been transferred to the railway' station.

Business beginnings found their start with Heman Oviatt a mile south of the center of the township. His trade was at first confined chiefly to the Indians, who, so long as they remained, were his most valuable customers. When he had accumulated skins enough to make two good-sized bales, he would load them on a horse across a pack-saddle, and take them to Pittsburgh, which was his nearest market. His return load was made up of shawls, blankets, powder, lead and whisk}-. The latter he soon made himself and avoided transportation, and gradually worked into the sale of commodities to the settlers. About 1800, he came to the " Center " and opened up his business, more especially for the patronage of the settlement occupying the front room of the Grosvenor House in later years. He was a keen business man, requiring the last cent in a bargain, but just as ready to pay it when he agreed to do so. A story is told of him which illustrates the former characteristic of his dealings. In the course of some dealing with a member of the settlement he had taken a note for .fl.Ol, which was nothing unusual in those days of fractional cents and petty dealings. A short time afterward, the drawer of the note handed Oviatt $1 which he accepted with some hesitation, and, after some cogitation, said, '' I suppose you want this indorsed on your note, don't you, John ? " He was alwa3's on the alert for a safe business venture, and, in the fall of 1815, he put in $1,000 into a partnership with Zenas Kent, the latter furnishing $500 more and setting up a store in Ravenna, which proved a " paying " business. He was a partner with Alison Kent in Canfield and with Roswell Kent in Middlebury. He retired from business about 1825, and is remembered as a close bargainer, strictly honest and successful in business. In 1812, the business circle of Hudson received a valuable accession in the Baldwin brothers. Pomeroy Baldwin, after the death of his father, came to Hudson in 1811, to look after the property the family owned here. He remained but a short time, and returned to his home in Goshen in company with Mr. Hudson. The journey was made in a " pung " sleigh, with conveniently shaped roots as runners. In the following year, Augustus and Frederick came to Hudson, arriving on the 12th of June, bringing with them Dudley Humphrej', who had shipped a lot of boots and shoes as a speculation. The Baldwins proposed to open up a business in dry goods, and all the goods were shipped from Buffalo, whither the}- had brought them with two teams. Seventeen daj'S were consumed in reaching Buffalo from Goshen. The distance from the former place to Cattaraugus Creek, thirty-two miles, was accomplished in a single day, w^hich was considered a remarkable event. Their store was built near the site of C. H. Buss' present store, and, in 1827, the}- put up that building. The character of the early trade may be imagined ; cotton cloth, three-quarters of a yard wide, sold for 50 cents ; 75 cents for the yard-wide cloth. At that rate, it took three days' work to buy a shirt. The Baldwins built Mechanics' Hall about 1830. This was a frame building, placed in the rear of where Buss' store now stands, and, in accordance with the original plan of the founders of the town, was occupied by tiie mechanics of the place. Here was the shop of the shoe-maker, the tailor and cabinet-maker, " to their majesties," tlie popular sovereigns of Hudson. This formal arrangement did not last long, and each workman was soon found where inclination or favoi-able circumstances suggested to him. Before this, the tanners were shoe and harness makers as well, and it was the custom to " cat whip it " throughout the community, {. e., the workman went to each family with his kit of tools, and worked up the leather which each provident citizen provided for the family, shoes and such harness as he needed. Among the early blacksmiths were Treat (who afterward went to Aurora), Ruggles, Perley Mansur, and Hinsdale who came here in 1814. The Baldwin brothers changed the members of the firm several times, one brother and another retiring until they were succeeded by J. H. Ci'awford & Co., who gave wa}' to Hillis & James, whom Mr. Buss followed in occupying the store. Mr. Augustus Baldwin went to Franklin Mills in 1836, to engage in the banking business, and his brother Frederick to farming in Hudson.

In 1830, A. A. Brewster came from Ravenna and opened a store in a building which has since beeu enlarged and used by Mr. Farvvell as a blacksmith-shop. Soon afterward he moved into a building on the corner of Main and Aurora sti'eets, where the present brick building was erected. Mr. Brewster first began business here in partnership with Zenas Kent, of Ravenna, the latter being represented solely by his capital. Mr. Kent came to Hudson in the spring of 1814, and settled on Darrow street. He came, it is said, with his wife, in a onehorse peddling wagon, bringing in some goods. He worked the first summer at the carpenter's trade, and in the winter taught school. In the following fall he went to Ravenna and opened up business with Oviatt, where he amassed considerable property, buying out his partner and conducting the business alone for years. In 1833, he reciprocated the interest of Oviatt, and induced Mr. Brewster to come to Hudson under a similar arrangement. The latter purchased Mr. Kent's interest, and, in 1855, admitted D. D. Beebe as partner, who eventually succeeded to full control and still conducts the business. About the same time with the coming of Kent & Brewster came Hamlin & Dawes, which changed later to firm name of Hamlin & Ellsworth, and then to Ellsworth & Buss, and, finally, to John Buss alone. Mr. Buss came to Hudson in 1833, to attend college, but, his health failing, he went South. Returning, he entered the store of Kent & Brewster, and, about 1841, entered into business with Ellsworth in the present old bakery building. While here the firm changed to Buss & Bond ; and, in 1845, Mr. Buss bought the store where his son, C. H. Buss, succeeded him in the business, which he still continues. The only attempt at banking in Hudson was by Mr. Brewster, who furnished facilities for collection and discount of commercial paper in connection with his dry goods business. He continued it only a few years.

Up to 1851, Hudson's only means of communication with tlie outside world was such as the dirt roads afforded, and these for a large part of the year were nearly impassable for light vehicles, not to mention heav3'-ladened wagons. Yet, in spite of these disadvantages incident to an inland town, the village gradually increased in size and importance, and the projected railroad from Cleveland to Pittsburgh, which was agitated some time previous to 1851, did much to increase its prosperity. The first charter granted for this I'oad expired by limitation, because it was not used ; but, in 1846, it was renewed. The people of Hudson took a great interest in this movement, and subscriptions were made to the extent of the people's ability. Judge Sylvester H. Thompson being one of the commissioners appointed ou behalf of the State. In 1850, the road was finished to this place, and the people and the members of the Legislature received the first train in Hudson with great rejoicings in 1850. The business men and citizens of all classes became enthusiastic over the future prospects of the village, and an enterprise was at once put on foot to construct another line of railroad, one that should connect New York with Omaha direct. The plan was to combine a number of separate lines through New York and Pennsylvania to the Ohio line. From this point, it was proposed to build the Clinton Air Line along the line surveyed years before for the Clinton Canal, to Hudson. The plan further proposed an " extension " west from this village to Toledo, and one to Omaha. During this movement, the " Akron Branch " of the Pittsburgh road was completed to Akron, and Hudson seemed right in the direct line of preferment. The Clinton Air Line was particularly a Hudson enterprise, and some $200,- 000 were subscribed in stock, and some of the citizens prominent on the Board of Directors. The work was pushed with vigor, and some $18,000 expended on the road-bed in this township.

History Of Summit Couxty

This activity in railroad matters stimulated business circles in the little village into a perfect frenzy of speculation. Henry N. Day, who came to Hudson as a Professor in the college, and who had some capital, went into business, and put up the Pentagon at a cost of $18,000, in 1849-50. It was occupied by Sawyer, IngersoU & Co., Mr. Day constituting the " company." This firm launched into the publishing business on the broadest scale. The town was known as an intellectual center, and a paper of considerable influence had been published here for years, and the firm proposed to build up a large publishing house. All branches of the business were undertaken, and proved successful so long as they confined their attention to jobbing. Ambitious, however, to gain a reputation as publishers, they began to publish on their own account, and soon found their capital locked up in unprofitable books. The firm then changed hands, and D. Marshall & Co. took the business. The change brought no increase of capital to the concern, and it soon changed to the Hudson Book Company, which finally made an assignment. In the west part of the building, J. W. Smith & Co. opened a dry goods store about the same time. Prof Day and Jeremiah Day, of New York City, forming the company-. This firm, possessed by the same spirit of peculation, expanded their operations to the fullest extent, trusting to the realizations of the future to justify their risks. In the meanwhile, large accessions to the population of the village were attracted, and every house was crowded. Rents and property were high, and the demand was for more houses. At this juncture, a planing mill and lumber company was formed to cater to this demand for more buildings. Smith was the prime mover in this enterprise, and the business was planned on a large scale. A $10,000 stock of lumber was secured, houses were built for everybody on eas}^ terms, and the village bid fair to become a city on the strength of railroad promises. All this business activity exacted a large expenditure of mone}^, and far in excess of what the persons engaged in the operations possessed. But they had friends who were easily convinced that the future of Hudson was assured, and readily advanced large sums of money. In addition to this outla}', the promoters of these projects were also deeply interested in the success of the Clinton Air Line Railroad, and were

All this activity and expenditure was crowded into the space of some five or six years, and, before that time had elapsed, the suspicion began to be entertained that neither the present nor future of the village warranted this extravagant outlay of capital. Public faith in the final completion of the new railroad began to waver, the terrible strain upon the authors of this artificial business activity began to be observed, and the whole commercial fabric of the village, like a great wall tottering to its fall, seemed about to end in a crash. The end soon came, as it might have been foreseen, perhaps, from the beginning. There was one assignment after another, until not only was all of the overestimated business wiped out, but all business received such a shock as to require several j'ears to rally. The lumber company suspended with $35,000 liabilities, and J. W. Smith, who was active in all these enterprises, retired with $100,000 liabilities and .$80,000 nominal assets. On the heels of all this came the realization of the worst forebodings of the Clinton Railroad, involving not onl}' a loss of all subscriptions, but a liability for an equal amount in addition. Fortunately', by the misplacement of some records, the Hudson subscribers escaped from the full penalty of their enterprise in this matter, or the whole business communit}' would have been financially annihilated. Belonging to this period, though in no way connected with the movers in other enterprises, were J. C. Sn3-der and I. C. Dowd, produce merchants, who, attracted by the business activity of the village, linked their fortunes with the place. The latter built a warehouse near the depot, and both did considerable business, but, in the end, they only served to swell the general disaster. Tallmadge & Jaynes' grist-mill, built on the Brandywine Creek, where the Cleveland & Pittsburgh road crosses the stream, was built in 1852 or 1853. Though suffering in the general depression, it did not cease altogether. It changed into the hands of a Mr. Wilson, and after an existence of some ten or twelve years was destroyed b}- fire.

Singularly enough, in this prostration of business are found the beginning of some of the largest enterprises of the present. After a tedious litigation, the planing-mill property fell into the hands of Osborne, Dunham & Co., who fitted it up and manufactured the Buckeye Land Roller, and, later, with Benjamin Wheelock, manufactured chairs. The business did not prove successful, and the property came into the hands of Mr. Wheelock alone, and, in the fall of 1873, Jacob Miner put in two run of stone, and fitted it up for milling purposes, taking a share in the whole property. Thi'ough Wheelock's business embarrassment, the property once more fell into the hands of the law and the Sheriff. It has finally become the property of A. R. Hurd. It has since been improved by the addition of two new run of stone and otherwise improved to the capacity of fifty barrels per day. It is rented by the Hudson Mill Company, and does a large custom business, filling an}' spare time on a light jobbing trade which they have fallen into rather than built up.

On the ruins of the old Pentagon enterprises is now established the flourishing factory business of S. Straight & Son. The senior partner of this firm was, at the time of the Hudson depression, a member of the firm of Straight, Demming & Co., commission merchants of Cincinnati, and had done considerable business with the produce dealers here. One of the the Hudson dealers becoming involved, secured the Cincinnati firm on a part of this property here, which, in the end, was bid in for the Cincinnati house. Subsequently, when Mr. Straight retired from active relations with the Cincinnati business, this propert}- attracted his attention to Hudson, and was influential in determining his locating here. He began the cheese-factor}' business in Hudson in 1867, by the purchase of two and the building of one factory. He secured the Pentagon building and fitted it up with shelving for 15,000 cheeses for his business, at a cost of about 17,000 ; later, admitted his son to the business, and has enlarged the business from year to 3'ear, until now the firm owns and operates thirteen cheese-factories, making the milk of over 6,000 cows into 50,000 cheeses annually. In 1878, the firm erected a large brick curinghouse in the rear of the Pentagon, 60x60 feet, with two stories and a basement, at a cost of $10,000. This building is supplied with an engine and boilers, steam elevators, three large exhaust fans, and shelving for 12,000 cheeses. The basement has storage capacity for 250,000 pounds of butter. An ice-house, with a storage capacit}' of 450 tons of ice, is provided with a series of pipes through which the air is drawn by the exhaust fans for the cooling of the curing-house. In addition to the large amount of cheese manufactured by this firm, they bu}' immense quantities in Illinois and elsewhere, shipping it East or storing it in their buildings in Hudson until the market will warrant its shipment. The firm employs sixtyfive hands, and buys all the milk of the farmers, each factory working up the milk of from two hundred and fifty to six hundred cows. The capital invested in fixtures is estimated at .$100,000, and the business of the firm is rated among the few large Western firms in this business.

Closely connected, historically, with these enterprises is the Hudson Butter-Tub and Cheese-Box Company. In 1870, Mr. E. A. Osborne, in connection with E. Cro}', built a small building and started this business. These gentlemen had had a connection with the enterprises that preceded the grist-mill and withdrew to supply the demand which the cheese trade of S. Straight & Son began to make. The business rapidly developed, and seven or eight hands wei'e constantly employed in the manufacture of cheese-boxes. In 1873, the machinery for the manufacture of butter-tubs was added, and the business prosecuted together until 1878, when the partnership was dissolved. The firm is now E. A. Osboi'ue & Sons. They turn out in the busy season about one hundred tubs and two hundred cheese-boxes per day. The timber is taken in the log and worked up with little waste, the parts unsuitable for the boxes and tubs are worked up into staves, heading and spokes. The business demands an outlay of about $500 per month. Their boxes are sold principally to S. Straight & Son; the tubs are sold in Chicago, Cleveland and Pittsburgh. Closely adjoining is the saw-mill and cheese-box works of E. Croy, who established an independent business on the dissolution of partnership in 1878. This covers the manufacturing business of the village at present, save the Oviatt Manufacturing Company. This company was organized in Januar}', 1878, for the purpose of manufacturing the " Oviatt Grain-Thresher," the - Common-Sense Wagon,' and the " Independent Runner Sled." The patents are held by S. E. Oviatt and it was proposed to build up a manufacturing enterprise of considerable extent. The company was composed of eight members, principally mechanics, on the co-operative plan. In a short time, four of the company bought the stock of the other four, but a lack of the necessary capital has greatly restricted the enterprise thus far. Their products have met with abundant encouragement wherever placed upon the market, and the expectation is that at no distant day the necessary capital will be secured and the business developed.

Meanwhile, the "internal improvements" of the de facto village had kept pace with its business enterprise. The earliest frame building was the barn of Mr. Hudson, built almost entirely of black-walnut lumber, sawed at Norton's mill. This was followed, in 1806, b}' the house which Mrs. Baldwin now owns and occupies as a residence. These pioneer frame buildings were soon followed b}' others as there was neither a dearth of timber nor scarcit}' of mills. In 1826, the college was established and the buildings, gradually put up, improving the appearance of the town and stimulating its citizens to build more comely structures for dwellings. The soil rendered the supply of brick inexhaustible and cheap. The brick needed for the spacious hearths and great chimneys of Mr. Hudson's house, were made by a Mr. Lj'on on the site now occupied b}" the Atheneum, the mud being tramped into condition for molding by two yoke of oxen. The first brick dwelling was put up by Julian Lusk. on the site occupied b}' Farrar's Block, and ante-dated the college buildings some three years, being erected in 1823. An early brick house and perhaps the second one was that erected by Asahel Kilbourne and now occupied by Sherman P. Thompson, situated south of the village. The college brought a large accession to the population of the village, and the village began to expand. It was the design of the founder's that the town should gather about the geographical center of the township, but there were several obstacles in the wa}'. The ground toward the south was low and undesirable for dwellings and the owners of these lands were rather reluctant to sell in small parcels, and the village early began to extend northward and eastward to the higher ground. The location of the college buildings, secured by a liberal donation of land by Mr. Hudson, had something to do with the direction in which the expansion of the village took. With all this growth, however, such improvements as municipal government grants to a community, was left to the voluntary action of the people without any very great results, and it was not long before the citizens began to agitate the desirability of securing a village de jure, with its advantages in this respect. On April 1, 1837, an act of the Legislature was signed, incorporating the village to be known thereafter as " The town of Hudson." The boundaries, inclosing an area one mile by one and a half miles, are described in the act as follows : " Beginning at the southwest corner of the herein contemplated corporation limits, at a stake and stones 160 poles west of the north-and-south center road, leading through said township of Hudson, and 240 poles south from the east-and-west center road, running through said township ; thence from said southwest corner, running north in a line parallel with said north-and-south center road 480 poles to a stake and stones ; thence east in a line parallel with said east-and-west center road, 320 poles ; thence south in a line parallel with the west line, 480 poles to a stake and stones ; thence in a line parallel with the north line, 320 poles to the place of beginning." These limits have not been found to interfere with the metropolitan aspirations of the village, and no extensions have been made. A few unimpoi-tant additions liave been platted on the Aurora road, and somewhat built up, but there has been no positive demand on the part of the owners of this property to be admitted to a share in tlie municipal taxes.

The first election under the act of incorporation was held on the first Tuesday in Ma^-, 1837, resnlting in the choice of Heman Oviatt as Ma3'or ; Lyman Hall, Recorder ; Frederick Baldwin. John B. Clarke, Jesse Dickenson, Harve}' Baldwin, Daniel C. (lay lord, Trustees. The largest number of votes received by any candidate was nineteen. The records of the Board of Trustees, or, in more modern phrase, of the Council, are devoid of any particular interest in the earl^' 3ears. One or two entries, however, afford a striking illustration of the vanit}' of all aspirations for wealth, when they appear on the tax lists. The real estate valuation of the village, in 1837, was placed at $93,- 967.58, and personal property at $19,474 ; in 1844, the next entry of the tax list, the real es- tate had shrunk to $30,427, and the personal propert}' to $12,177. The attention of the Council during the first eight or ten 3'ears was to sidewalks and streets. The latter had been pretty well provided for by land owners before the incorporation of the village, and needed but little attention in the way of originating highways. The sidewalks was a subject of more portentous proportions, and gave the average Councihnan no end of worrj'. It was first oi*- dained that the sidewalks should by constructed of " brick, four feet wide, and curbed with heavy timbers," plank was afterward allowed as a substitute for the brick, and represents the character of nine-tenths of the sidewalks in the town at this day. Stock was " ordered off the streets," and a " pound " provided for, at the first meeting of the Council, but it was a year before the structure was ready to serve the public, and cost about $20 In 1852, the first step was taken to improve the public square. As early as 1812, the tendency of tlie village to extend northward was observed, and the Township Trustees took steps to modif}- the " public green " to suit the new orof things. B}' exchanging portions of the original green, that portion of the green above Church street was secured. Nothing wa.s done to improve it save to clear it of the timber until 1852. The Council then provided a fence, seventy-four trees and had it plowed, sowed to oats and ''seeded down." In 1854, the subject of proper protection from fire came before the Council. Neither the township nor village had suffered severely' from fire, if the terrible fatalit}^ in connection with the destruction of the cabin of Nathaniel Stone, in 1845, is excepted. 3Ir. Stone was one of the early settlers, and was then occupying a cabin where his son, Roswell Stone, lives, when it caught fire. A son and daughter occupied the upper chambers, and, when they were aroused, the stairway was in flames, having ignited from the fire-place. The chambers were filled with smoke, but the son, making his way to a window, escaped ; but the daughter, some twentj' - two 3'ears of age, stifled with smoke and bewildered with fright, was too late, and perished in the flames. Undoubtedly this tragedy made a lasting impression, and the growing village rendered the danger of fires more threatening. A small, rotar}' engine was bought at Middlebury, but before it was paid for the authorities desired to " back out." The seller would not accede to their wishes in this matter, and the coffee-mill afl'air was brought to scare the fire fiend awa}'. Reservoirs were constructed from time to time, but the inadequacy of the engine became more and more apparent, and, in 1858, the Council bought the present machine of Button & Blake. The pumps are 9 and 7 inches, 17^- foot brakes, 16 -foot suction hose, and wheels of 28 and 35 inches diameter. The cost was $725. The company organized to work the first engine took this in charge, and of this organization the fire department consists to-day. There is a chief of the department, and the company' is allowed a small remuneration for attending the fires that occur. The engine-house is found in the rear of the Congregational Church, to to which it belongs, but is given rent-free to the village so long as it is used as an enginehouse and the machine kept there. In 1879, the Council re-organized this department, proposing to pay each member $1 each six months, provided that the number should not exceed forty. In 1870, the corporation rose to the dignity of a " lock-up." This was situated upon a corner of the school-lot, and was a wooden affair, with some iron supports about the windows, erected at a cost of some $125. It fell into disrepute with certain citizens, and was set on fire, it is supposed, b}' some one who had had a more intimate acquaintance with it than he enjoyed, and totally destroyed. An effort was put forth by the Council this 3'ear to improve the streets by the use of cinders from the rolling mills at Cleveland. This material was bought at the mills at $1.50 per car. and freighted here by rail at $6 per car load. A part of Main and College streets were treated with a layer of this material, covered with gravel from the vicinity of the village, with ver}^ beneficial results. Some portions of other streets have been treated in like manner, with some variation in the price of materials. In 1877, lamps for lighting the streets were provided, on condition that certain parties who were chiefly benefited would supply the material for the lighting and care for the lights. A year later the Council took the matter into their own hands ; and from a start of thirteen lamps, in 1877. the number has doubled at the present. In 1878, the subject of a town hall began to be agitated. The Council had met in various rooms and offices about town, and after the lock-up was burned, there was no provision for municipal criminals, and the demand seemed to be pressing. The Township Trustees took the proposition in hand, and, after submitting the matter to a vote, made preparation for the erection of such a building. The Council then proposed to join with them and provide for the need of the corporation in the same structure. Such an agreement was made, the Council buying the site of the old Congregational Church for $800, and leasing it to the Township Trustees for ninety-nine j'ears, in consideration of the latter providing a council-room and cells, with an upper hall open alike to both parties. The contract for the building was let in 1878 to Thomas Crisp and Charles W. Stewart, for $4,575, and finally a further allowance of $215 for extra work was paid. The building is a two-story brick, with a large hall on the second floor, neatly seated, and two rooms below for the use of Trustees and Council with two cells in the rear for coi*- poration culprits. The first meeting of the Council in their new quarters was on November 11, 1879. The Council took action in May of this year to support a public reading-room and librar}'. This project had been set on foot by private enterprise, but was likely to fail, and the Council stepped in and has maintained it since. There is no library in connection, although tiie original plan contemplated such an addition. Another department of the municipal government is the cemetery.

The original cemetery purchased by the Township Trustees was situated on the Brandywine Creek, southwest of the village. The first death in the settlement was that of Ira Nobles, a child eight j^ears old, who died Aug. 23. 1801, and, it is supposed, was the first burial here. It was used as a burial-place until 1808, when, on the occasion of the death of Mrs. Owen Brown, it was found too wet, and Mr. Hudson effected an exchange for the ground on College street. Here Mrs. Brown, with a babe resting upon her arm, was the first occupant. This continued to be used until 1855, when Markellie laid out one in the northwest part of the village. At his death in 1869, he willed the ground to the corporation, the gift being accepted in the spring of that 3^ear. Since then it has been cared for by a regular appropriation. It has been enlarged since then, systematically laid out, and is the only place for burial in the corporation. Burials have been forbidden in the old burial ground on College street, and efforts have been made to remove the remains from that place, but it has been resisted hitherto. There are a number of cemeteries about the township, some private and others for neighborhood purposes. Of the latter, an acre contributed by Mr. O'Brien in the southwest part of the township and Maple Grove Cemetery, on Darrow street, are the more important.

Hudson village, of the present, is pleasantly situated, of some seventeen hundred inhabitants, noted for its neat dwellings, its general air of culture, and the seat of the Western Reserve College. The business portion, situated principally on Main street and about the public green, consists of four general stores, four saloons, three hardware stores, three meat markets, five blacksmith-shops, three harness-shops, two groceries, two barber-shops, two drug stores, two wagonshops, two livery stables, a bakery, millinery store, undertaker's establishment, boot and shoe store, merchant tailor store, jeweler's shop, and one hotel. Of the public buildings, there are three church buildings, the town hall and the Adelphi Hall, or l^etter known as Farrars Block. This is composed of two large storerooms below, with offices on the second story, and a fine large hall which occupies the whole of the upper stor}'. The hall has a seatingcapacity of 900. is provided with commodious dressing rooms, a spacious stage and fine scenery. Such a hall, accessible to an appreciative community, attracts some of the finest entertainments, and Hudson is favored far beyond the average village of its size. This block was erectedin 1866 by C. W. Farrar and Dr. A. E. Berbower.

Hudson Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, No. 510, finds a home here. Its lodge, room is in the upper part of the old bakery building. The lodge was organized November 25, 1874, and worked under a dispensation until a charter was issued under date of October 18, 1876. The first officers were Lewis Lemoin, W. M.; James K. Frost, S. W. ; S. E. Judd, J. W. The charter members were J. K. Frost, S. E. Judd, C. H. Buss, and twenty-one others. They have a fine rented hall pleasantly furnished. There was an early lodge established hero, of wliich many of the prominent citizens - D. Hudson,

John Buchte

Harvey Baldwin and others - were members. During the excitement succeeding the abduction of Morgan, the lodge was abandoned, and an opposition sprung up to this fraternity that lasted for years.

In a settlement founded upon the principles upon which Hudson was established, it would be natural to find the church organization among the earliest institutions of the place. The difficulties in the way of such an organization should not, however, be underrated. Ministers were few, and could not have been adequately supported by the scattered communities then planted in the wilderness, if there had, been more. Providentially the demands of the time and place were met by the representative of the Connecticut Missionary Societ}', Rev. Joseph Badger, whom Congregationalists delight to call the " Apostle of the Reserve." From his printed diaiy, the first inception of the Hudson Congregational Church is learned as follows : He had come from Cleveland to Newburg. "In coming from Cleveland to this place, I fell in company with a man from Hudson, who wanted to know if I was going there to form a church. I replied that if I found suitable characters, I should. ' Well,' said he, ' if 3^ou admit old Deacon Thompson,' and some others he named, ' it shall not stand ; I will break it down. I will have an Episcopal Church.' I observed to him, You must undertake a dangerous work to break down the church of Christ ; I advise you not to meddle with such an undertaking.' I went on to Hudson, preached on the Sabbath, and on Wednesday organized the church in that place, in which Deacon Thompson, Esquire Hudson and others were united." This was on September 4, 1802, the original members being Stephen Thompson and Mary, his wife ; David Hudson ; Abraham Thompson and Susanna, his wife ; Stephen Thompson, Jr., and Abigail, his wife ; George Kilbourne and Almira, his wife ; Heman Oviatt and Eunice, his wife ; Amos Lusk and Hannah Lindley. These were all members of the Congregational Church, at Goshen, Conn., save the last two, who were members of the same denomination at Bloomfield, N. Y.

The church thus established depended upon Mr. Badger and other missionaries for what preaching they had. Services were held in the log schoolhouse that was erected in 1801, and which served for all public gatherings relating to church or State. The absence of a minister did not prevent public worship and it is related witli pride that not a single Sabbath since the latter part of June, 1800, has passed without public religious services of some character. The Rev. David Bacon, who had gone in behalf of the Connecticut Missionary Society as a missionary to the Indians in 1801, was recalled to New Connecticut in 1804. "In the month of August he left the isle of Mackinaw, with his wife and two children, the 3'oungest less than six weeks old, and, after a weai-y and dangerous voyage, some part of which was performed in an open canoe, they arrived safe on the soil of the Western Reserve. About the 1st of October they were at Hudson, where they found a temporary home."* The church proposed then to hire him one-half of his time, provided the society would retain him in their employ for the balance. This arrangement was effected - the first time that the Gospel was administered in any township otherwise than by occasional visits of itinerant missionaries - and continued until 1807, when he moved to Tallmadge. On the 19th of April, 1811, it was voted unanimously by the church that " Benjamin Whedon be appointed a committee for us, and in our behalf to procure a minister of the Gospel to dispense the Word and ordinances in this place, and the said Mr. Whedon is hereby requested and authorized to make such negotiations and arrangements on the subject as he shall judge prudent and proper." The result of this action on the part of the church was a vote, February- 27, 1815. to call the Rev. William Hanford. The call was issued under date of June 10, 1815, and brought an affirmative response under date of August 10, 1815, followed by the installation of Mr. Hanford by the Grand River Presbyter}', on the 17th of August, 1815, the church having come under the care of the Presbytery shortly before this occasion.

It would be interesting to note here that "Plan of Union" which eventually agitated church circles throughout the Reserve, and found in Hudson its main support and exponent. Eventually the church became divided upon this subject, and, in 1826, the article prescribing the form of its prudential committee was erased from its regulations. In 1830, a movement was inaugurated to sever the connection of the church with the Presbytery, and, five years later, the Presbyter}- granted a release. Since that time, it has been what it was originally, a Congregational Church. The organization still retains a large Presbyterian element, which, in connection with the majority, works harmoniously to the end of all church effort. The internal growth of the church has been regular and uninterrupted. Up to the pastorate of Rev. William Hanford twent3'-seven members had been admitted, principally by Revs. Joseph Badger and Abraham Scott, both missionaries of the Connecticut Society. Daring Mr. Hanford's pastorate, from 1815 to 1831, 133 were added ; in the pastorate of Rev. Amri Nichols, from July to December, 1832, nine were added ; by Rev. Giles Doolittle, supply, 1832-4(1 fiftytwo were admitted ; by Rev. Josiah Town, July to October, 1840, eight were admitted ; Rev. Mason Grosvenor, during his pastorate, 1840- 43, admitted fifty-six ; Rev. William Hanford, in October, 1843, admitted two ; Rev. John C. Hart, in his pastorate, 1844-52, admitted 122 ; Rev. N. Barrett, 1853-58, admitted ninet}-- seven ; Rev. G. Darling, 1858-74, admitted 196 ; Rev. E. W. Root, 1874-76, admitted twenty-six ; Rev. J. Towle, 1876, admitted two ; and Rev. T. Y. Gardner, 1876, - ; the present pastor has admitted forty-one up to October 6, 1878. There are now about 200 members.

The outward improvement of the church began in 1819. On the 26th of June, 1817, at a " town meeting " held in the " Center Schoolhouse," it was voted that "there shall he a place selected for the purpose of building a house of public worship, according to a subscription paper now in circulation, provided the difl!'erent denominations do not unite in building a house together. Voted, that the house shall stand on the west side of the green, the southeast corner to stand where tliere is now a stake stuck in the ground, and to extend thence north from said stake, and as far back as it shall be necessary to build said house. Voted, that Joel Gaylord, Daniel H. Johnson and Owen Brown shall be a committee for the purpose of adopting some method upon which to unite in building a meeting house for different denominations of Christians." At this time there was a great deal of denominational difference among the members of the community.

A church building resulted from this action, and was erected upon the site chosen, but the bond of union in this project trenched too much upon the orthodox notions of such men as Mr. Hudson, Owen Brown, Benjamin Whedon and others, and they decided to build for themselves. Timbers for the frame work were brought upon the ground, but they laid upon the ground near the schoolhouse for nearly two years while the people wrangled over the proper site. In March, 1818, the Congregational societ}', having decided to build a place of worship on their own account, selected the site now occupied by the town hall. The building committee consisted of Benjamin Whedon, Moses Thomp.son and Heman Oviatt, with Augustus Baldwin as Treasurer. Owen Brown was the contractor, and was two years in completing the building, which cost upward of $5,000. It was dedicated on March 1, 1820, and. in the old New England style, was for several years without the means of warming it during the cold season.* In 1865, this building was abandoned for church purposes, and served, under the name of Thompson's Hall, for public gatherings until 1878, when it gave place to the town hall. The present brick edifice on Aurora street was projected in 1863, and completed some two years later, at an expense of $10,000, in addition to the cost of lot and furniture.

The Union Church building, the result of the effort above mentioned, was used in common by the Universalists, Methodists, and any others that desired to have a hearing. Among others remembered as preaching here, are John Campbell and his son Alexander. The Methodists finally built a place of worship on Aurora street, and the '' Free Church " was after awhile sold and used for a blacksmith-shop.

The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1828, with Daniel Gaylord, Moses Draper, Perley Mansur and their wives as earl}- membei-s, with others. In 1846, their building which stands on Aurora street was erected, Mr. F. W. Bunnell being the contractor. What the contract price was is unknown, but the contractor received $1,600 in addition to contributions of labor, etc., on the part of subscribers.

* Eliziir Wright relates an incident of his early going to church which illustrates the difficulties attending the early worship here. Ho says: "I remember taking my brother-in-law Hanford'sold gray liorse, and taking my wife upon the horse behind me. She'was not used to this way of riding, and when the horse besan to flounder in the mnd of the bottoms near the green, she became alarmed, and alighting iu the mud, lost one of her shoes."

The first pastors in the new house were Rev. D. Prosser and Rev. Pinney. The church has suffered severely by removals and death, and gradually dwindled in numbers, until there is now no regular service held in this church building on the Sabbath. The last entry upon the chui'ch records is as follows : "I, Thomas Hickling, came to Hudson from Massillon, in the boundar}' of the Pittsburgh Conference, on April 4. 1873, to reside and do business, and found the society in a very indifferent condition, without an}' regular means of grace, and, being an ordained local preacher, volunteered my services and found them appreciated."' There were then twenty-seven members.

Early in the year 1840. a few residents of Hudson Township, desiring a place "where the worship of God could be conducted according to the primitive usages," proposed the organization of an Episcopal Church. Henry O'Brien and Frederick Brown were the leaders in this movement, and finally' invited T. B. Fairchild, of Cuyahoga Falls, to come to Hudson to preach. The call thus extended was accepted, and Mr. Fairchild held the first services in this j-ear in the Congregational meeting-house. The second service was held in the room over Kent & Brewster's store, and continued there until late in the fall of 1840, when, by the consent of the authorities of the Methodist Church, their services were held there. During the following spring, Mr. Fairchild, with Rev. George S. Davis, of Franklin, conducted services here alternatelj' every two weeks. During the summer, each of the clergy of the Northwest Convocation arranged to give two Sunda3's to Hudson. The services were then transferred to the " brick academy," and, with a view of forming, a regular parish, the following document was circulated for signatures : "We, whose names are here affixed, deeply impressed with the importance of the Christian religion, and wishing to promote its holj' influence in the hearts of ourselves, our families and our neighbors, do hereb}' associate ourselves under the name, style and title of the Parish of Christ Church, Hudson, Count}- of Summit, and State of Ohio. And b}' so doing, do adopt the constitution and canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Ohio, in communion with the Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States of America." Thirty-seven names were secured to this paper, among which were those of Henry O'Brien, A. A. Brewster. Frederick Brown, Arthur Sadler, David O'Brien, Dr. Israel Town and others, nearly all of whom were heads of ftimilies. July 11, 1842, an organization was effected and sei'vices were regularly held in the old brick academy until it was sold, when services were again held over Kent & Brewster's store. At a meeting of the Vestry on Januar}' 6, 184G, discussed the necessity of a church building ; Rev. A. Phelps, the Rector, offered s^lOO of his salaiy toward the object, and a building committee, consisting of A. A. Brewster, David O'Brien and Joshua Hertzell, was finally appointed. A lot on the public square was secured, plans were drawn by S. C. Porter, and the corner-stone laid b}' Rt. Rev. C. P. Mcllvaine, D. D., Bishop of the Diocese of Ohio, in April, 1846. It was completed in five months, and the opening services conducted on the 25th of September, 1846, b}- Bishop Mcllvaine. The church was free from debt ; provided with an organ through the exertions of the ladies of the church and the liberality of Mr. Brewster, and a bell as the gift of D. H. Arnold, of New York. In 1847, Mr. Phelps resigned his pastoral charge of the church to engage in the church school, which had been in contemplation some time, pi-eaching one-half the time until August 1, 1848, when Rev. T. B. Fairchild was again invited, and accepted. He continued with the church until 1856, when he again resigned, and removed from town. The pulpit was temporarily supplied by Rev. L. L. Holder until June 1, 1859, when Mr. Fairchild was a third time invited to preach here. He accepted, and continued until 1870. when he resigned to accept a call to St. John's Church in Kewanee, 111. The succeeding Rectors have been Rev. Robert A. McElhennev, 1871-72; Rev. Albert B. Putnam, 1873-74, and Rev. S. W. Garrett, October 4, 1874, and the present incumbent. In 1849, the town clock was presented to the society b}' Mr. Brewster ; in 1875. a new vestry-room was added, at a cost of $350 ; in the winter of 1 876. a cabinet organ was purchased for the Sabbath school at a cost of $100 ; and in May, 1878, a new organ was purchased for the church at a cost of S700. There are al)out one hundred members at present.

small place of worship was built. Before this date, the Catholics of this section were visited monthl}' by pastors resident in Cleveland. The first priest to locate in Hudson was Rev. P. H. Brown, who remained five years ministering to the wants of the few scattered and poor people he found professing liis faith. Mr. Brown died in Cleveland in 1879. He was succeeded by J. Hannon, who held charge for nine years, when he moved to Youngstown. Rev. A. Paganini succeeded, him but remained only a yeai*. He is at present located at Eagle Harbor, Mich. In July, 1877, the present Pastor, Rev. P. H. O'Mara, took charge of this church. Improvements have been added under each succeeding Pastor, and to-day the little church building, though not a very imposing structure, is neat and comfortable. Cuyahoga Falls and Peninsula are also attended b}' the Pastor at Hudson. The members of St. Mary's Church are generall}' farmers, some of them among the most substantial in the county. The church has recently purchased thi-ee acres of land in the corporation for cemetery purposes.

The common school preceded the church in Hudson one 3'ear. This project needed no outside assistance, and was established in 1801. The work of the founders was eminently characterized by thoroughness, and Mr. Hudson is found, on his visit to Connecticut, purchasing a library for public use, fashioned upon the old custom of the East. He expended $100, not an inconsiderable sum in that time, and on his return sold shares in his lif)rary among the settlers in Hudson, Aurora and Mantua. This library has long since passed away, but its natural successor still occupies its place in the communit}' in a public library for the Union School, which was established in 1871. The first school building was a rude log structure, located on the east side of Main street, on the public green, a little below Mr. Buss' store. A second was built a little south of this, and subsequently a frame building was erected on the other side of the street but in the near vicinit}'. The first school was taught by George Pease and the second by Miss Patty Fields. The third was taught b}^ Miss Amy Cannon, of Aurora, in the southeast quarter, near John Oviatt's residence. Among the early teachers ai'e remembered Titus Wetmore, Martha Filer and Benjamin Whedon, the latter teaching in 1807. Schoolliouses were erected in various parts of the township, as the convenience of the growing population demanded, until, in 1825, the Township Trustees divided the township into five school districts, the first at the center, second in the northwest, third in the southwest, fourth in the southeast, and the fifth in the northeast. In 1827, another district was added, in 1830 one more, and, in 1838, District No. 1 was divided and others erected, making a total of nine districts in the township. In 1855, the two corporation districts were united, under the law of 1845, and the joint district set off as an independent one. The schools were graded, Misses Sabin and Birge being the first teachers under the new dispensation. In 1857, another school building was erected at the end of the old brick house then in use in tlie southern portion of the corporation, and a third teacher added. Matters worked harmonioush' in this way until 18G3, when the north corporation district withdrew from the union arrangement. The State School Commissioner decided against the validity of this action and the two districts reunited. The school facilities did prove satisfactor}' to a large part of the citizens, and an agitation for a high school began to be made. In 18G5, therefore, a lot. No. 13, was bought of Mr. Porter, on which to erect a suitable structure for school purposes. In 1867, $5,000 was voted for a schoolhouse, but, on receiving plans and bids, it was found insuflScient for the purpose, and $1,500 more was asked for and granted by the people in 1868. The contract was let to G. W. Church, for $6,225, and completed and accepted b}' the Board of Education on the 18th of November, 1868. The proceeds of the schoolhouses and the sale of part of the lot, supplied the board with additional funds for furnishing the schoolrooms. In 1871, the new building was found to be too small for the accommodation of the district. The Seminary building, on Baldwin street, was secured for a part of the scholars, and is still used, though the board is seriously considering the question of building a new house. The question in regard to the removal of the Western Reserve College has suggested the feasibility of securing one of the college buildings in case of their becoming vacant, has caused a dela}' in taking measures to secure a more suitable buildinii'.*

The intellectual activity occasioned by the presence of a college in the village has given rise to repeated attempts to furnish a school for that class of youth for which the college made no provision. The history of these efforts, and especiall}' that which sought to establish a school for 3'oung ladies in Hudson is nearly co-extensive with that of the college. In 1827, Mrs. Nutting, wife of tutor, afterward Prof Nutting, opened a school for 3'oung ladies, Mrs. Raymond, sister of Rev. Mr. Hanford, opening the parlor of her residence on what is now Aurora street, for the schoolroom. This was the pioneer effort in the cause of female education in Hudson. Prof Nutting gave instruction in the higher branches of English study, and Mrs. Nutting in the common branches, embi'oidery, painting in water colors, etc. Her pupils were from the families of Rev. Messrs. Pitkin and Coe, Dr. Thompson, Esquire Brown, Capt. Ellswoi'th and others. There was also considerable patronage from neighboring towns. This school was continued with varying success for several 3'ears, and was finally superseded by a select school, opened in the building just south of Farrar's Block, by a Miss Eggleston, from New York.

About 1832, a small school building was erected by subscription on land which was owned by Rev. Mr. Doolittle, Capt. Oviatt and Judge Humphrey. In 1833, Miss Upham, sister-in-law of Rev. Mr. Doolittle, commenced a school for 3'oung ladies in this building. This school numbered thirt}- or more pupils, and was liberally patronized from abroad.

In 1834, H. H. Gross came from Connecticut and opened a school on Aurora street, which was well patronized and encouraged him to erect in front of his schoolhouse a brick building which has become generally known as the " Brick Academy." This was a two-stor^' building with a basement, and was erected in 1835 at an expense of $3,000. The basement was designed for a primary school, the first story for a bo3's' school, and the second story for a 3'Oung ladies' department. This building was subsequently purchased b}^ a joint-stock company of the citizens of Hudson, and was furnished rent free to the teachers who depended on the receipts from tuition for their salaries. This institution was styled the Hudson Academy. The first teacher in the female department was Miss Smith, who afterward married

Lyman Hall, Esq., of Ravenna. In 1840, Miss Eunice Towne was employed in this department, and taught fors ome time with great acceptance. Her successor was Miss Re becca H. Dana, now Mrs. Atwater, of New Haven.

In the spring of 1843, Miss Mary Strong became Principal of the school, and brought to its management such distinguished abilit}- that the school which at first numbered not more than twenty pupils increased in interest and patronage until it often numbered sixty or more pupils. In 1845, Miss Strong erected a two-story frame building on the west side of Main street. In the following year, she opened the spring term of her school in the new edifice and christened it Hudson Female Seminar}^, the old " Brick Academy " in the meantime falling into the hands of the corporation school board. The seminar}^ remained under Miss Strong's superintendence until the spring of 1854, when her health failed, and the school was suspended. During the continuance of this school there were three female seminaries in Hudson ; the " Hudson Young Ladies Seminar}-,"' b}- Mr. Grosveuor, and the " Seminary for Ladies." by !Mr. Phelps, in addition to Miss Strong's school. These, save the latter, were boarding and day schools, and, for a time, received a liberal patronage from the towns on the Reserve.

The " Hudson Young Ladies' Seminar^' " was opened in 1843 by- Rev. ^lason Grosvenor, in a building on the east side of the public square. Mr. Grosvenor gave instruction in Latin and mathematics, and his sister, Miss Lucy Grosvenor, presided in the schoolroom and gave instruction in the common branches of study, drawing, painting, etc. In 1845, Miss Grosvenor married, and the school was discontinued until the autumn of 1846, when Mr. and Mrs. Skinner, from Massachusetts, re-opened it. The next spring Miss Charlotte Lee took charge of the academic department, and Mr. and Mrs. Messer of the boarding-house. The school continued until about 1852. The third of these seminaries was opened under the auspices of the Episcopal Church, in 1840. by Rev. Mr. Phelps. The building occupied as a schoolroom, is now occupied as a blacksmith-shop liy Mr. Farwell, on Aurora street, the boardinghouse maintained in connection with the school now being used by Mr. Farwell as his residence. Miss Dever was Principal of the academic de-

In 1853, Mr. J. W. Smith prepared a suite of rooms in the third story of the Pentagon for school purposes, furnished them with improved furniture ordered from Boston, visited the seminar}' at South Hadley, Mass., and secured the services of Miss Elizabeth Burt, as Principal, and became personally responsible for the expenses of the school. This seminary was well sustained for about two years, when the general business failure in 1855 closed the school. In the fall of this year, an association of gentlemen, citizens of Hudson, was formed, who purchased the school furniture, rented and repaired the " Hudson Female Seminary '' l)uilding. and sent to Mount Holyoke Female Seminary for a teacher. In response to this application, a Miss Everett came on and assumed the direction of the school. This lady lacked that '^ suarifer in m.udo,'' which is conducive of the highest success, and, at the expiration of the academic 3"ear, the association found itself in debt, and the school greatly reduced in numbers. Then came a time chiefly remarkable for the short tenure of office, on the part of the teachers. Not less than five had charge of the school in four years, and, though most of them were competent and efficient teachers, such was the depressed condition of things in Hudson that the school made poor returns for the labor expended upon it.

In 1860, Miss Emily Metcalf assumed the charge, and a few years later purchased the building, and moved it to its present site on Baldwin street. The course of stud}- was enlarged, and the school, for the greater part of thirteen years, received a flattering patronage. The advance of the high school system, the general opening of colleges to women, were causes that began to make an unfavorable effect upon the seminary in Hudson, and in 1873, it was again suspended. After the lapse of an academic 3'ear, it was again opened by Rev. B. W. Hosford. whose daughters conducted it for one year, when it finally suspended. The building is now used b}' the Board of Education of the independent district of Hudson.*

IN 1801, when there could not have been 1,500 inhabitants on the Beserve, a petition to the Territorial Legislature by Rev. Joseph Badger, the onl}- minister on the Reserve, except one, and the onl}' one from Connecticut, praying for a charter that steps might even thus earl}' be taken to found a college. The petition was not granted, but the petitioners bided their time.

Ohio was admitted to the Union as a State in February, 1803. The first Legislature convened on the 1st day of March. On the IGth of April, an act was passed incorporating the " Erie Literary Society." The preamble of the act declares that : " Whereas, it has been represented to this assembly b}' certain persons associated under the name of the Erie Literai'y Society, that a number of proprietors of land within the county of Trumbull are desirous to appropriate a part thereof to the support of a seminary of learning within said county, and that the intent of such donations cannot be carried into effect without the interference of the Legislature, b}' incorpoi'ating a Board of Trust for the reception and management of any property, real or personal, that may be given for said purpose and for the establishment and direction of such seminary, as soon as funds sufficient shall be collected - Be it enacted, etc." The first name in the list of corporators is David Hudson, and the last Joseph Badger. Trumbull County at that time embraced the whole Reserve, and the population was probably less than three thousand. The intention of these Trustees was to establish an academy or college, with President, professors, instructors, library and apparatus, and the act gave them full powers to hold property, erect buildings, have a common seal, fill their own vacancies, and do all those things usually done b}' such corporations.

The small and scattered population, wholly occupied in clearing the land, making roads and gaining a livelihood, could evidently do but little for the endowment or patronage of such an institution as yet. But they showed their wisdom and proved themselves true sons of Connecticut, b}' thus early taking steps to establish the higher institutions of education. Common schools were of course established in all the scattered settlements, as fast as the numbers of the population would allow. Social libraries were early founded in man}- places. The Erie Literary Society received some gifts of land, b}' way of endowment. With the avails of these lands an academy building was erected in 1805, at Burton, and in that or the following year, the school was opened - the first of its kind in Northern Ohio. This school was maintained more or less continuously until 1810, when the building was bui'ned, as was supposed, by an incendiary. In July, 180(i, Mr. William Law, of Connecticut, a large land owner on the Reserve, donated to the society 1,130 acres of land, to revert, however, to his heirs, if the college should ever be removed from Burton.

It had become obvious that the sparse population could not support an academical school continuously. After the loss of the building, therefore, the Trustees were slow to move for a new one. The war of 1812, came on speedily, and produced as serious an effect on the prosperity of the Reserve as on that of any other part of the countr}-. The educational movement was retarded with all other good causes. After the war, in 1817, the Trustees determined to erect another building, and open the school so soon as a suitable instructor could be found. The}' resolved " that the Principal should be a graduate of some American College." In May, 1 820, the school was opened under the instruction of Mr. David L. Coe, a graduate of Williams College, and continued in operation under its charter until 1884.

It is probable that the chief movers in the Erie Literary Societ}' were the land- owners, with an eye to speculation ; but their movement was earnestl}^ seconded by the clergy. In February,

1817, the Presbytery of Grand River, which embraced nearl}' all the Presbyterian and Congregational ministers and churches of the Reserve, formed itself into a society " for the education of indigent, pious young men for the ministry, within the limits of the Presbyter}'." They say that, " considering the destitute situation of many churches and congregations among ourselves, as to the means of religious instruction and edification, and the great and increasing call for ministerial labors in many parts of our land and the world at large ; considering that at the present day there is a call for special efforts accoixling as God has prospered His people, to raise up men to go forth' into the extensive fields which are now becoming white to harvest ; and. considering the importance of some general plan of operation, whereby many indifferent places may be enabled to act in concert, and bring their small scattered sums into a common stock, that they may be expended to the best advantage ; the Grand River Presbytery think it important to form a general society " for the purpose.

They adopted a constitution, elected Trustees and a Treasurer, and endeavored to stir up the people to form auxiliary societies. The next year, they published au address to the " friends of science and religion," urging them to enter into this work. Young men were already coming forward to avail themselves of the aid thus proffered. These beneficiaries pursued their studies privately with some one of the ministers, more commonly with Dr. Giles H. Cowles, of Austenburg ; ReA^ John Seward, of Aurora ; Rev. Caleb Pitkin, of Charleston, or Rev. Harvey Coe, of Vernon. After the school at Burton was re-opened, they studied there.

In 1818, the Presbytery of Portage was erected, and also formed itself into an education society in the same manner. These societies held their annual meetings, and took annual collections. The urgent need for more ministers to supply the destitute chui'ches, and do missionary work, led these two Presbyteries, in 1822, to appoint committees to confer together for the purpose of devising ways and means for establishing on the Connecticut Western Reserve, a Literary and Theological Institution." The committee of Grand River Presbytery were Rev. Giles H. Cowles, Rev. Harvey Coe and George Swift ; that of Portage Presbytery were Rev. John Seward, Rev. Joseph Treat and

Elizur Wright. These committees met at Warren on the 16th of April, 1822." The afternoon of the day preceding was, b}- recommendation of the Presbyteries, observed as a concert of prayer by the clmrches, that the blessing of God might attend the deliberations of the committees, and lead to a happy result. " On the 13th of April, the two Presbyteries held a joint meeting at Warren," to hear and consider the reports of their committees. The report, which was adopted, recommends the Presbyteries to establish a theological institution, on the foundation of the Erie Literary Societ}', located at Burton, (jeauga County, provided the Trustees accede to the following conditions, to wit :

(a.) To appropriate to the education of pious, indigent young men for the Gospel ministry all mone3'S that may be intrusted to them for this purpose.

(c.) To allow no person to hold the office of Professor in the Theological Department, unless he shall subscribe to the confession of faith, which every Professor supported on the Associate foundation in the Theological Seminary at Andover, Mass., is required to subscribe.

(d.) To permit, while this connection continues, the managers of the education fund annually' to examine into tlie progress of the institution, the state of said fund, and the manner in which it is applied.

2. That the Trustees give bonds to re-convey to the managers of the education fund, within one year after demanded by them, all such unexpended property, personal and real,' as the^' shall have received from them.

The conditions were unanimously accepted by the Trustees. The Presbyteries, having been certified of the fact, proceeded to appoint a Board of Managers of the Education Fund. The Presbytery of Grand River appointed for this purpose Zalmon Fitch, George Swift, Rev. Ephraim T. Woodruff and Rev. Amasa Loomis. The Presbytery of Portage appointed Elizur Wright, Joshua B. Sherwood, Rev. Caleb Pitkin and Rev. Benjamin Fenn. This Board of Managers was to have perpetual succession, and to fill their own vacancies. They were to receive and convey to the Erie Literary Society, agreeably to the conditions named, all property intrusted to them for the education of pious and indigent .young men for the sacred ministry, annually to visit the institution to examine into its state and progress and the application of the education fund, and to attend to such other business as shall b}' them be deemed necessar}- to promote the great objects of educating young men for the Gospel ministry. They were also to make a report annually to each Presbytery.

At this joint meeting at Warren, the Portage Presbytery appointed a committee to prepare and publish an address on the subject of education. This committee consisted of Rev. Messrs. Pitkin, Seward, Curtis and Stone, Mr. Benjamin Whedon and Mr. George Swift. The}' issued an urgent and spirited appeal '' to the patrons of literature and religion, on the subject of establishing a literary and theological institution in the Connecticut Western Reserve." They say that, " as considerable delays must be occasioned and expense incurred by the formalities of obtaining a separate act of incorporation, and as ample powers and privileges were already given in the charter of the Erie Literary Society, it was judged expedient both to save time and money, and to preserve unity of design and harmon}' of feeling, to erect a theological department on the foundation of that charter.

The connection thus formed between this Board of Managers and the Erie Literary Society " continued a little more than two years, until June 8, 1824. In the course of the 3'ear 1823, the Managers became convinced that an institution equal to their desires and expectations and to the necessities of the public could not be built up at Burton. They, therefore, requested the Trustees of the Erie Literary Society to remove their establishment to a more eligible situation. The request was, at sevei'al meetings of the Trustees, full}- discussed and ultimately rejected." The ground of this discouragement at Burton and effort to remove the institution, according to the testimony of many persons, was the supposed unhealthiness of the place. It is probable, also, that there was a desire to place the college nearer the center of the Reserve. During those 3'ears, Burton had been visited with very severe and fatal sickness, so as even to break up the school for a time. The effort of the Managei's to inll^ duce the Trustees to remove the institution to a more eligible situation, and "preserve the unity of design and harmony- of feeling," full}' proves that there was no discord between the boards on any other subject, and that the^- were willing to continue their co-operation. The unwillingness of the Trustees to accede to the request of the Managers is adequately accounted for by the fact that the Board held lands which must i-evert to the donors or their successors if the college should ever be removed from Burton. Those of the Trustees who were especiall}- interested in that part of the Reserve doubtless believed also that the unhealthiness was merely temporar}-, which, indeed, proved to be the case. The academ}' at Burton was popular and useful for some 3'ears. after the withdrawal of the Managers, when the sickness which proved to be incident to the newness of the country had passed awa}'.

" The managers applied to the Presb3'teries to appoint four commissioners, two ministers and two laymen, from each, to meet at Aurora on June 2, 182-t, for the purpose of consulting and advising as to the course which the Board of Managers shall pursue under existing circumstances." The Presb3'teries complied with the request. The Presbytery of Grand River appointed Rev. Giles H. Cowles, Rev. Joseph W. Curtis and Mr. Titus Brockway ; the Presbytery of Portage appointed Rev. John Seward, Rev. Joseph Treat, Mr. David Hudson and Mr. Lucretius Bissell ; the Presbytery of Huron, which had been formed by dividing that of Portage, since the Board of Managers had been constituted, appointed Rev. Simeon Woodruff, Rev. Israel Shailer and Mr. Harmon Kingsbury. The Board of Managers met with these commissioners. At this meeting it was determined to discontinue the connection with the Erie Literai-y Societ}-, and tr}' to establish a separate institution. It was also resolved that it was expedient to request the Presb^'ter}' of Huron " to appoint four persons - two ministers and two laymen - who, together with the Board of Managers, should constitute the Board of Trustees for the contemplated institution." It was resolved to recommend the Presbyteries to appoint four commissioners each, to locate the institution, who should meet at Hudson on September 22, " and come to a decision as soon as practicable."

appointed their commissioners, from Grand River, Revs. Giles H. Cowles and Harve}' Coe, Mr. Abraham Griswold and Mr. Eliphalet Austin, Jr.; from Portage, Revs. John Seward and Joseph Treat, Col. Lemuel Porter and Mr. John H. Whittlesey ; from Huron, Revs. Alfred H. Betts and Lot. B. Sullivan, Mr. Samuel Cowles and >Ir. David Gibbs. These commissioners were directed in making their decision " to take into view all circumstances of situation, moral character, facility of communication, donations, health, etc." The principal places which competed to secure the location were Burton, Aurora, Euclid, Cleveland and Hudson. After several meetings at different places, the commissioners, in January, 1825, decided in favor of Hudson. The amount of the subscription at Hudson to secure the college was $7,150, of which $2,142 was contributed by Mr. David Hudson. In the competition between different locations within the town, Mr. Hudson gave 160 acres of land to secure it for the place it now occupies, rather than have it put half a mile south of the center of the town. The Presbytery of Huron now added to the Board of Managers, as they had been invited to do, the names of Rev. Simeon Woodruff, Rev. Stephen I. Bradstreet, Hon. Henry Brown and Mr. Harmon Kingsbury.

This Boai'd of Managers, now called Trustees, held their first meeting at Hudson on February 15, 1825. They approved of the report of the Commissioners for locating the institution, made arrangements for erecting a college edifice, appointed Benjamin W^hedon Treasurer, and David Hudson, Owen Brown and Heman Oviatt a Committee of Agency, to superintend the work of building. The}' also adopted a confession of their religious faith, and elected Rev. John Seward and Mr. Samuel Cowles members of the board. The}^ iDcgan their efforts to procure funds, prepared a draft of a charter to be presented to the Legislature, and of a petition in favor of the charter, to be circulated for subscription on the Reserve ; appointed Hon. Henry Brown " to procure the granting of the charter by the Legislature ' at its next session, adjusted the lines of the college plat, procured deeds of the ground, drew up a detailed plan of the first building, and decided upon the mode of laying out the campus. Their plan was to erect the buildings in a line from north to south, on the height of ground where they now stand, but facing toward the east ; in front of tiie buildings, a street sixt}' feet wide was to be laid out, and on the east side of it, facing westward, were to be erected the houses for the President and Professors. Middle College was accordingly built facing eastward. The plan was changed for a west front in 1828, and the pi'csent location for Professors' houses was selected.

It is said that the eftbrt to secure a charter encountered severe opposition in the Legislature, especiall}' on account of the religious character which the institution was likel}' to bear. The names of the corporators contained in the petition were tiiose of seven clergymen and seven laymen. There were men in the Legislature of infidel sentiments, who were unwilling that education should be so much under the influence of the clergj-. These men so modified the draft of the charter asked for as to exclude all religious instruction from the college. It appears, also, that the}' made determined opposition to two names among the corporators, so that these had to be dropped. This is said to have been on account of personal hostility. Eev. E. T. Woodruff" and Rev. Amasa Loomis had been appointed Managers of the Education Fund by the Presbytery of Grand River, and their names must therefore have been in the list of cor})orators in the petition, but the}' are not found in the charter. By some means, also, the name of Samuel Cowles was replaced by that of David Hudson. The corporators were thus seven la3'men and five clergymen.