Huntington Township

Huntington Township

TowNsiiii' number two, in the eif(litcentli r;inn;e, is bouiKleil on the north by Wellington townshij), on the sonth by Sullivan township, Ashland county, on the east by Spencer township. Medina county, and on the west by Rochester. The surface is generally level, except along the streams, which are of but slight importance. They arc as follows: Wellington creek, which rises in the eastern portion of the townsiiip, a short distance south of the center line, and flowing an almost due north course, crossing the township line a short distance east of the center, on lot seven; Charlemont creek has its rise on or near the south line of the township, and near the southeast corner. The course of this stream is slightly east of south, passing into Wellington township on lot thirty-two. These streams are tributary to the west branch of Black river. Tlie soil is clay, Ijut, when suitably tilled, ])r<>duces large crops of all kinds of grain, and is especially good for grass.

Original Proprietorship

The original owners by deed from the State of Connecticut, were Oliver Sheldon, Simeon (iriswold, John Cowles, Benjamin Kent and others. Joseph Sage, Skinner, Bowles, and a number of persons whose names are not in oui' possession, soon became large proprietors by purchase. Tiie lands selected by Joseph Sage were situated in the southwest (juarter of the townsliip. ami here was made tlie i)i()neer

Settlement

In the yeai- 1818, Joseph Sage induced several families to emigrate from their old homes in the cast, with a view to cultivate for themselves farms in the wilderness of the Western Reserve. The first to make the venture was a son-in law of Mr. Sage, John Jjaborie. The place of his nativity was Huntington, Fairfield county, Connecticut, and the date of leaving for Ohio was February 12, 1818. In the company were Joseph Sage, Mr. Laborie, his wife and two children, four young men and a hired man. They started in a sleigh, and found snow in abundance until reaching Hudson, tiieu in Portage county, at which point they arrived four weeks after beginning the toilsome journey. The weather was severe; the coldest known. At Buffalo, the snow was drifted to the chamber windows, and had not thawed a jiarticle for seventeen days. Much of the journey from this point to Ohio was made on the ice. When they reached Hudson, Mrs. Laborie was too unwell to proceed further, and a halt was made until she had sufficiently recovered to resume the journey. Tliey left Stow township on Monday, March 1511), and journeyed on much of the way through the dense forest, with nothing but an occasional marked tree to guide them.

On arriving at Westfield, they put u|) at Mr. Brainard's, then oecupynig a small log house, of l)ut one room, and this was occupied by four families. The addition of the ten jiersons comprising our party, filled the little cabin to overflowing; but a big heart, full of hospitality, made everything seem quite comfortable. Arriving in Sullivan township, they took up their abode in a little log house, built by Henry Chase. This was a distance of one and one-half miles from the lands selected in Huntington township. "They rested that night as emigrants of to-day know nothing about." The house was a cheerless affair, without chimney, door or windows; and the wide spaces between the logs, not being chinked, afforded easy access for the clouds of snow which the furious March winds sent whirling through the air. Here the family remained until a log house had been constructed. This was on lot nineteen, tract two. The family moved into it on April 13th. As the weather was fine, and the men anxious to get a piece of ground ready for planting, the floor was not put down, or dooi', windows and chimneys constructed, until several weeks later. As it was impossible to procure straw for beds, the dry leaves were used instead, and it is said they made a good substitute. Provisions were scarce, especially meat, and although deer, turkeys and other game were plenty, yet at this season of the year they were too poor to eat. About May 1st, Mr. Sage went to Worthington, near Columbus, to purchase stock; and being gone longer than was expected, the pi'ovisions became exhausted, except a small quantity of Indian meal, and the bran from a bushel of wheat; this was mixed with water and baked into a loaf, and on this diet the family subsisted for some three weeks, but at length the needed supplies arrived. Wooster, in Wayne county, was the nearest village, and to this point our settlers were obliged to go to find a store, grist mill, post office or blacksmith shop. The family of IMr. Laborie are: Sarah, born in Milford, Connecticut; she came to Ohio, and died at the age of thirteen years. Anthony, who was a mere babe when the family settled in Huntington, married Laura A. Darry; they have six children, and live on tract two. Jane, who was born in Ohio, became the wife of William Kelsey; they live in Williams county, this State, and have five children. Myra married William S. Preston; they have four cliiklrcn, ;iud live on fcnict oue. Charlotte married William II. Howard; they reside in Rochester townsliiji, this county, and have six children. Emily married (iideon Bliss; they went on a visit to Vermont, and died soon after. James married Louisa Cook, and lives on tract three, they have one child. Perry married Mary A. Cole (deceased); and Alzina, the youngest, married Edwin \V. Williams; they have four children, and reside on tract two. John Ijaliorie is dead. The aged widow yet resides in the township of which she was the pioneer white woman. She has rendered us material aid in mir laliors, for which our thanks are tendered.

The following June, Isaac Sage a hrother of Joseph arrived, and hegan settlenrent about three-fourths of a mile south of Laborie's. His family consisted of a wife and the following children: Charles who married Anna Rice, deceased; Polly who married John Mnnson, deceased; Lucetta who married John Crosby, and lives in Huntington; Alzina married M. Rice, deceased; Isaac married LucindaCase, also dead, and Jackson who is the only living male representative of the family. He lives in Huntington.

The subsequent September Benjamin and Oliver Rising arrived from ('onnecticut, and made a location about oue mile south of tlie center. Isaac Sage soon exchanged his first location for hands near the Rising's.

A few days after the arrival of the Messrs. Rising, Daniel Tillotson and family put in an appearance at the settlement. A brother, Ira and D. C. Hickok arrived early the following winter, and were soon followed by Henry R. Ferris, Capt. Timothy Culver who settled one mile north of the center; Captain Chauncey Barker and Capt. Benjamin Banning. The former settled on lands some half a mile south of Isaac Sage's son; Barker located near John Laborie's. Joseph Sage returned East, and soon came on with his family, which consisted of a wife, Sarah Kelsey Sage, and the following children: Philomela, wife of Chauncey Barker, deceased; Myra who married George Case, deceased; Marilla who married John Laborie; her husband is dead, and she now lives witb a son, James, in Huntington township; JIarlo P. who married Jusan Mallory; she died, and he married again; he is a minister of the Univeralist faith, and lives on the old homestead. Two or three gi-andchildren also came with Mr. Sage's family, and Thomas H. Case; Erastus Royce came about the same time. Zenas Kelsey and several sons purchased land of Joseph Sage, and settled thereon. The following persons settled north of the center: David Rogers, Zelotus North, Dudley Lewis, Daniel Chapman, William Lang and John Chapman.

Of Reuel Lang, another pioneer of Huntington, we learn that the place of his nativity was Epson, Merrimac county, New Hampshire. In 1818, he began to learn the cabinet maker's trade, in his native State, and on completing it, started with a horse and wagon for the west; stopping for a time in Allegheny county.

Pennsylvania, where he made a set of tools from a beech tiee, which had been used as a whipping post, in the days when Pennsylvania was a slave state, and by the way, these tools are now, nearly all of them, in his possession. After, ])erha])S, two years, he came on horseback to Ohio, bringing his effects with him.

At Springfield, Portage comity, this State, he engaged to make some furniture for Jesse llart, who had just completed a large brick house, and while engaged in prosecuting the labors of his trade, he became conscious of a new sensation. lie fVdl in love. Amy, the fair daughter of his employer, was the object of his devotion. They were married January 30, 1833. The following spring, they settled in Elyria. Here he built a house, and remained for one year, when he removed to Huntington township, where he lived until a few years since. He now lives in Wellington village. Mr. Lang was for many years a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal church. He was always a strong anti-slavery man, and in consequence of the connection of the church with the institution of slavery, he withdrew, and assisted in forming a Wesleyan Methodist church, of which he was an official member until it disbanded.

Their children are as follows: Josiah B., who married Losena M. Chapman, and lives in Wellington; (to this gentleman we are under obligations for much of the matter contained in this history); Jesse H., married Mary E. Fitch, lives in Oberlin; Cyrus, died in 181:7; Charles R., died in 1840; Louisa M., married P. S. Wright, and lives in Michigan; Esther A., married C. W. Horr, Esq., and lives in Wellington; Olive A. married Dr. M. B. Lnkins, and lives in Cleveland; George L., married Lizzie Viles, and lives in Dennisoii, Ohio; and Merrill W., married Mary L. Cook; she died, and he married Etta Root. He lives in Wellington.

Abiier Chapman, wife, Olive Fisher Chapman, and a family of six children, came from Montgomery, Hamden county, Massachusetts, and settled in Huntington township in 1833. They located ou the farm now occupied by Lucius Walker. Six children remained at the East; after a time, two settled in Troy, Geauga county, Ohio. Those who came with the parents to Iluntingtou were: Abner, Jr., who marled Eliza A. Cone, and now lives in Huntington, (of his six children, there are now living: Paul, who married Margaret Case, lives in Erie, Pennsylvania; Lucien H., who marrried Deette G. Phelon, lives in Rochester ou lot five, has five children; and Agnes E., who married J. T. Haskell, and lives with her parents); William F., married Rowena Babcock, - they have five children; one son was killed at the battle of Antietam; Eunice, married Lyman West, and lives at Lansing, Michigan; Huldah, married J. Crosby Lang - she is deceased; J. Austin, married Isabel Lindsey, lives in Wellington; and Eemline, married Edmond West, and lives in Huntington.

18.'53. He was tlion in tlie forward iri!^ and commission l)iisiness at. Black River. He located at the center of the township, where he still resides, lie has five children: D.inii'l W., Joseph, Deette, Tasso D. and Mary.

The history of the settlement has l)een gleaned from every availaljle source, and is helieved to be substantially correct. Should there be errors or omissions, the memory of man is alone responsible Tor them.

Scattering mi'mbcrs of the Wyandot and Seneca Indians were frequent in (his vicinity when the settlement was made. 'J'liey came only during the hunting season and made their linme further west. In about 1828 they look l.licir linal dcpai'turc fi-oni the township.

Kaiu.Y Events

The first white child born in the townshiii of Huntington was a son to Mr. and Mi's. Daniel Tillotson; the date December, 1818. This child was named Enos, but of his subsequent cai'eer we know nothing. The following January, ]?enjamin Rising was l)orn. The first death was an infant son of John and Marilla Laboi'ie, born in March, 1819. The little stranger lived but sixteen days.

The townshij) contains two cemeteries; one on the former farm nf .Joseph Sage, which was jirivate property until a few years since, when it was conveyed; the other, just north of the center, was a gift from Jesse Johnson and afterwards enlarged by a gift from Captain Henry Tracy, and a further addition by i)urchase from Reuel Lang. The first interment in the cemetery at the center was a child of 11. M. Humphrey; the first adult buried there was Welcome Hart, a bother of Mrs. Reuel Lang. The first coui)le married in Huntington was Miss Polly Sage to Mr. John Mnnson, of Harrisonville. This event occurred on .lanuary fii-st in the year 1S50; Henry H. Close, justice of the jjeace. performed the ceremony. This e<mi)le are now both deceased. The second marriage was a daughter of Captain Timothy 'Culver

The first store was put in operation by Isaac Sage. -Ir. We Inive not the date. Following are the na,mes of all who have represented the mercantile interest in Huntington township: Hiram Rogers, Allen Taylor, D. Phelon, T. H. Case, Nathan Cone, B. G. Carpenter, L. S. Gibbs, A. P. Parks, A. H. Messenger, Messrs. Gibbs & Whiton, J. & P. Laborie, R. A. Horr, J. B. Laug, T. G. Haines, and A. J, Burrell

Isaac Sage, Jr., opened the first jMiblic house in the township. His sign read, "Isaac Sage Inn." He was followed by Darius Perkins, T. H. Case and several others. There has never been a saloon in the townshij), nor has liquor been sold excci)t at the hotels. The Huntington House is the only hotel in the township. I). Wideman is the present proprietor.

In August, 1832, the commissioners of Medina county, to which Ifuntinglon then belonged, incorporated the township by the name it now bears. It derived its name fr(jm Huntington, Connecticut, the former home of John Ijaborie. Notice was issued to the (pialified electors to meet at the school honse in said township, on the first Monday of September, and then and there proceed to organize, by electing the necessary township ottioers re([uired by law.

In accordance with said notice, they met, and it was agreed that Joseph Sage, Henry R. Ferris, and Isaac Sage, should act as judges, and Oliver Rising and David C. Hickok, clerks. The result of the election was as follows: Josejih Sage, Henry R. Ferris and Benjamin Banning, trustees; Isaac Sage, clerk; David C. Hickok, treasurer; John Chapman and Charles R. Sage, fence viewers; Isaac Sage and John Chapman, supervisors, John Laborie and Benjamin Banning, overseers of the poor, Benjamin Itising and John Laborie, listers and appraisers. The entire number of electors at this time numbered fifteen.

Jose]ili Sage was the first justice of the peace; electeil October 14, 182,3. He was succeeded, in 182(!, bj' Benjamin l>anning, who died before the expiration of his term of office, and Henry Ferris was elected to fill the vacancy. A second justice of the peace was authorized April 15, 183;). Samuel Smith -was elected, butr not l)eing eligible, .lohn (r. CMark was elected in his place.

The first religious meetings were helil in the log school house spoken of in connection with the schools, by tht^ Rev. Nathan Smith, one of the pioneers of Pittsfield township. Frequent meetings were afterwards held in this house, and for want of a minister, Isaac Sage generally read a sermon. The first chureh organized was that of the Methodist; we have been unable to procure the date. This class was composed of the following members: Capt. Timothy Culver and wife, H. R. Ferris and wife, and Amanda Culver. This church was organized by the Rev. James Mur- ray. Tliey occiqiied the school house for many years. In 18-t7 they purchased a lot, and soon afterwards erected thereon their present church edifice. This church cost complete some two tliousaiid dollars; the l)arsouage connected with this church was purchased in 1876 at a cost of seven hundred dollars; the present membership is ninety. Tlie churcli officers are Lewis Cann, Lyman June and William Haskins, leaders; John Snow, Carlos Rogers, Asel Nooney and Edson Clark, stewards. The Sabbath school of this society numbers eighty scholars; Joseph Haskell, superintendent. We have been unable to procure a complete list of tiie ministers who have presided over this church. The following are a portion of them: Rev. William Reynolds, - Thompson, - Matlock, Chester L. P^oot, James Hartley, C. A. Reeder, - Hurd, Uri Richards, James Haldeman, L. F. Ward, G. W. Pepper, - Card, T. .T. Guard, Simeon Dunbar, Tracy L. Waite, Herman SaUord, - Spafiford, 0. Pierce and the present pastor, James F. Smith.

The Baptist Church

was constituted by a council convened December 13, A. D. Ls;j3. and consisted of the following members: Abner Cliajjman, Olive Chapman, Abner, Jr., William F., Eunice, and Huldah Chapman, Jonathan and Esther Niles, Jesse Johnson, and Reuben T. Pierce. The right hand of fellowship was extended by Elder James Newton. The first year of its existence, the membership increased to twenty. This is now a large and flourishing church. The church had no regular or convenient place of worship, but assembled a part of the time at the center school house, which stood where the Baptist meeting house now stands, and a part of the time at the dwelling of Jesse Johnson; preaching one-fourth or one-half of tiie time by ministers living at a distance, and sometimes dependent upon ministei's for occasional supplies. In the month of January, 1840, the church and community were greatly blessed through the labors of Elders Simmons and Matthews, who were sent out by the missionary board of the Lorain Baptist Association. It has not, perhaps, been exceeded by any revival in this township, before or since. The church strengthened and encouraged, secured and Continued a pastor for two years, one-half of the time. The present church edifice was erected during the year 1813. It was not, however, fully completed until several years later. Rev. James Newton commenced his laliors in the spring of 1834, and preached one-fourth of the time, for fifty dollars a year. He lived in Milton, Wayne county, a distance of nearly forty miles. Rev. Mr. Mack followed him. Mr. Newton's successors, as far as we have been able to trace them, are as follows : Rev. Mr. Wait,

Skinner, S. Dimick, Levi Farnsworth, M. W. Alfred, James Goodrich, S. S. Woodworth, J. T. Smith, S. D. Bowker. The present pastor is Rev. Asa Fox. Jonathan Niles was the first deacon, and Abner Chap- man, Jr., clerk. The present officers are, W^. F. Chapman and James Rogers, deacons; N. B. Griggs, clerk and treasurer; (this gentleman has written a sketch of the church, from which we have derived much of interest); Elbert F. Chapman, A. J. Sage, and Jasper West, trustees. Elbert F. Chapman is superintendent of the Sabbath school. The numlier of children in attendance averages fifty.

The Congregational Church

and society was organized May 1, 1839, with the following members: Spencer Clark, Julius C. Mead, Beckford Lang, Otis Boice, David L. Lang, Allen Taylor, Erastus Clark, Darius Perkins, and M. L. Sage, who was the clerk; and Otis Boice, deacon. Nearly all of the above were married men, and their wives were also members of the church.

The following summer, they built a large two-story frame building, at the south, and facing the public square at the center of the township. The upper story was finished, and used as a place of worship until 1849, when the present church was erected. President Asa Mahan preached to this church a short time, in fact until Rev. Joel Talcott, who was its first resident pastor, was engaged. For many years this church flourished and increased in numbers, but the summit of prosijerity was reached, and then came the decline. Gradually tlie ranks were decimated by death and removal, until at jiresent the membership is very small and they have no stated pastor.

The Universalist Church

have held an organization in the southwest portion of the township foi' many years, meeting in the school house in that locality. In 1877 they erected a neat chapel. This cost twelve hundred dollars. It was dedicated on the 17th day of January, 1878, by the Rev. Mr. Abel. Rev. William P. Burnell is the present minister. The membership is twenty-five. There is a Sabbath school in connection. Lewis Boice, sujierintendent; Hiram Tillotson, Sylvester Boice and Madison Andrews, trustees of the church.

The Wbsleyan Methodist Church

was organized in the southeast jiart of the township, in the year 1844, and, soon after, l)uilt a comfortable church. Among its first members were Reuel Lanof and wife, John T. Chapman and wife, J. W. Wilbur, Sr., and wife, Joseph Ferris and wife, Amos Foote and wife, .Jolin Young and wife, and a number of others. The church prospered for a few years, but finally, many of its members having removed to other localities, the organization ceased, and tlie church edifice was converted into a cheese factory.

The first who settled in Huntington was John Quigley, now a prominent minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church. George E. Conant was the next doctor to locate here. He remained a few years and removed to Wisoonsiu. Dr. Clark Ciiiiie uext, and practiced for a short time. He was succeeded by E. B. Pritchard, who remained a longer time than any of his predecessors. Several others have, from time to time, occupied the field; among tliese were Harrington, Green, Alfred Paige, Stewart, AVm. R. Elder and Bigelow. The field is now occupied liy Dr. Burtch.

The first school house in Huntington was Ijuilt in the winter of 1831-22. It was of logs, and stood near where was subsequently the residence of John A. Chapman. The lands upon which this rude institution of learning was situated were then the property of Isaac Sage. In the spring following sufficient money was raised by subscrijition with which to pay a teacher, and Miss Lovina Loveland became tiie pioneer school teacher. This school was composed of the following children: Laura, Cornelia and Sylvester Banning, Tillotson and Eunice Ilickok, Alzina and Alonzo Sage, Clarissa, Caroline and Celestia Rising, Chauncey Parker, Joshua Culver, , Anthony and Sarah Laborie. The teacher died soon after the completion of her school. In 1878 there were in the township six school houses, valued at twenty-seven hundred dollars. The total amount })aid teachers for the school year ending August thirty-first of that year was ten hundred and twentytwo dollars. The number of children of school age was one hundred and sixty-three.

The first cheese factory in the township was put in operation in the spring of 1866, by Messrs. J. C. and C. W. Ilorr. It was located one and one-half miles from the center. The patronage the first year was one thousand cows. The successors to the above firm were Messrs. Horr, Warner & Co., who now own or control all the factories iu this section. The season of 1878 there were eight hundred cows in contribution. A creamery is also operated m connection with the factory. The total manufactures were thirty-nine thousand three hundred and thirty-three pounds of butter and two hundred and twenty-two thousand four hundred and ten pounds of cheese.

Another factory was established in April, 1868, by J. A. Snow. It was located upon his farm one and one-half miles northwest of the center. Messrs. Horr, Warner & Co. purchased this factory in 1869 or 1870. The season of 1878 the milk of five hundred cows was utilized. The aggregate make was tliirty-six thousand five hundred and forty pounds of butter and two hundred and sixteen thousand eight hundred and two pounds of cheese.

The first manufacturing was done by Benjamin Rising, who had a lathe, operated by a spring pole, for turning wooden bowls. This was quite a curiosity. A bark rope was attached to a long spring pole overhead, then passed around the mandrel and fastened to a treadle below. Pressure on this would throw the block around two or three times, and then the spring of the pole would turn the block back again ready for another gauge.

The first blacksmithing was done by William Lang; this was quite early; his shop stood a few rods north of the old Case hotel. D. C. Hickok was the pioneer shoemaker. Isaac Sage put in operation an ashery in the settlement; tliis continued several yeai's.

Several saw mills have been built in the township. Urben Kelsey erected the first one; this was on Charlemonte creek, near the west line of the townsliiji. Henry R. Ferris built the next one; this was propelled by the waters of Wellington creek; it stood one mile north, and one-half mile east of the center.

The first and only grist mill in Huntington township was built by John Galehouse; this was on Wellington creek, perhaps half a mile below the Ferris mill.

Messrs. Milton and Orlando Barker built a steam saw mill one-half mile south of the center, and William Boone built one in the northeast corner of the township. The Barker mill was once blown up and once burned. Boone's mill has been three times destroyed by the fiery element.

Several railroads have been projected through the township. The Clinton Line Extension came nearest being a success; their route was nearly east and west tlirough the township; considerable work was done, and (piito a large amount of stock collected. This, however, failed, and although several lines have been talked n\) since, yet they have elicited little or no encouragement.

Tue Union Agricultural Society

Some time during the summer of 18.5-1, a call was issued for a meeting to effect an organization, which was signed by such men in the vicinity as P. L. Goss,

Its first fair was held on grounds fitted nyt by volunteer labor, on the farm of A. S. Taylor, just west of the center. The address was delivered by Hon. James Monroe. The success of this fair was very satisfactory to its originators, who decided to hold another the following year, under the same management. This was also a success, but, having no permanent buildings or inclosure, so that gate fees could be taken, its finances were small. After this year, a proposition was made to remove the exhibition to Wellington, where grounds could be fenced and buildings erected. A fiiir has been held every year since, except one, during tlio darkest days of tlie war. It has now fine grounds and permanent buildings, with a better prospect for the future than in tlie past.

Abram Holland

wasboi-n in Warren, Worcester county, Massachusetts, August 20, 1804, and was the second son in a family of five children of George and Mary Holland. His father died wlien he was four years old, and his mother soon thereafter moved to Chester, Hampden county, Massacliusetts, where she remained until 1834:. In tlie latter year AUram Holland removed to Ohio, and settled in Huntington township. His educational advantages were limited, but he attended the common schools a few years. He has always followed the plow, and has made farming tlie business of his life.

On the Gth of November, 18:33, he was united in marriage with Mary Ann, daughter of William and Betsey Henry, she being a native of Chester, Massachusetts. She was born April 10, 1811. Her mother is still living at the advanced age of ninety-five years, at North Adams, Massachusetts. Mrs. Holland has had five children: George Henry, born September 3, 1833. He is a farmer and lives in Huntington. Helen Louisa, born July 24, 1840; now the wife of William Davis Dimmock, a farmer, of Huntington township. Adelaide A., born November 4, 1843; died February 20, 18G3; Alida, born September H, 1849; Walter Scott, born July 1, 1854.

On arriving at his new home Mr. Holland bought one hundred acres of laud, to which by subsequent purchases he has added one hundred acres more, making a total of two hundred acres. He is a good practical farmer, and is considered one of the honest and substantial farmers of his township. In jjolitics he is a republican, but he has never sought, nor would he accept political preferment. He is liberal in his religious views, but a christian gentleman "for a' that." He is a lineal descendant of the Holland family, members of wliich have made Western Massachusetts famous; notably Drs. J. J. Holland and J. G. Holland, the latter of whom now edits Scribner's Magazine, and is an author and poet of universal celebrity.

Source changes here: from History of Lorain County Ohio with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pionners, by Various, published 1879; 9,791 words in this source stream.

Huntington Township

TowNsuHIP number two, in the eighteenth range, is bounded on the north by Wellington township, on the south by Sullivan township, Ashland county, on the east by Spencer township. Medina county, and on the west by Rochester. The surface is generally level, except along the streams, which are of but slight importance. 'hey are as follows: Wellington ercek, which rises in the eastern portion of the township, a short distance south of the center line, and flowing an almost due north course, crossing the township line a short distance east of the center, on lot seven; Charlemont creek has its rise on or near the south line of the township, and near the southeast corner. 'The course of this stream is slightly east of south, passing into Wellington township on lot thirty-two. These streams are tributary to the west branch of Black river. The 'soil is clay, but, when suitably tilled, produces large crops of all kinds of grain, and is especially good for grass.

Original Proprietorship

The original owners by deed from the State of Connecticut, were Oliver Sheldon, Simeon Griswold, John Cowles, Benjamin Kent and others. Joseph Sage, Skinner, Bowles, and a number of persons whose names are not in our possession, soon became large proprietors by purchase. 'The lands selected by Joseph Sage were situated in the southwest quarter of the township, and here was made the pioneer

Settlement

In the year 1818, Joseph Sage induced several families to emigrate from their old homes in the east, with a view to cultivate for themselves farms in the wilderness of the Western Reserve. The first to make the venture was a"son-in law of Mr. Sage, John Laborie. The place of his nativity was Huntington, Fairfield county, Connecticut, and the date of leaving for Ohio was February 12, 1818. In the company were Joseph Sage, Mr. Laborie, his wife and two children, four young men and a hired man, They started in a sleigh, and found snow in abundance until reaching Hudson, then in Portage county, at which point they arrived four weeks after beginning the toilsome journey. The weather was severe; the coldest known. At Buffalo, the snow was drifted to the chamber windows, and had not thawed a particle for seventeen days. Much of the journey from this point to Ohio was made on the ice. When they reached Hudson, Mrs. Laborie was too unwell to proceed further, and a halt was made until she had sufficiently recovered to resume the journey. They left Stow township on Monday, March 15th, and journeyed on much of the way through the dense forest, with nothing but an occasional marked tree to guide them.

On arriving at Westfield, they put up at Mr. Brainard's, then occupying a small log house, of but one room, and this was occupied by four families. The addition of the ten persons comprising our party, filled the little cabin to overflowing; but a big heart, full of hospitality, made everything seem quite comfortable. Arriving in Sullivan township, they took up their abode in a little log house, built by Henry Chase. This was a distance of one and one-half miles from the lands selected in Huntington township. «They rested that night as emigrants of to-day know nothing about." The house was a cheerless affair, without chimney, door or windows; and the wide spaces between the logs, not being chinked, afforded easy access for the clouds of snow which the furious March winds sent whirling through the air. .Here the family remained until a'log house had been constructed. This was on lot nineteen, tract two. The family moved into it on April 13th. As the weather was fine, and the men anxious to get a piece of ground ready for planting, the floor was not put down, or door, windows and chimneys constructed, until seyeral weeks later. As it. was impossible to procure straw for beds, the dry leaves were used instead, and it is said they made a good substitute. Provisions were scarce, especially meat, and although deer, turkeys and other game were plenty, yet at this season of the year they were too poor to eat. About May Ist, Mr. Sage went to Worthington, near Columbus, to purchase stock; and being gone longer than was expected, the provisions became exhausted, except a small quantity of Indian meal, and the bran from a bushel of wheat; this was mixed with water and baked into a loaf, and on this diet the family subsisted for some three weeks, but at length the needed supplies arrived. Wooster, in Wayne county, was the nearest village, and to this point our settlers were obliged to go to find a store, grist mill, post office or blacksmith shop. 'The family of Mr. Laborie are: Sarah, born in Milford, Connecticut; she came to Ohio, and died at the age of thirteen years. Anthony, who was a mere babe when the family settled in Huntington, married Laura A. Darry; they have six children, and live on tract two. Jane, who was born in Ohio, became the wife of William Kelsey; they live in Williams county, this State, and have five children. Myra married William 8. Preston; they have four children, and live on tract one. Charlotte married William H. Howard; they reside in Rochester township, this county, and have six children. Emily married Gideon Bliss; they went on a visit to Vermont, and died soon after. James married Louisa Cook, and lives on tract three, they have one child. Perry married Mary A. Cole (deceased); and Alzina, the youngest, married Edwin W. Williams; they have four children, and reside on tract two. . John Laborie is dead. The aged widow yet resides in the township of which she was the pioneer white woman. She has rendered us material aid in our labors,-for which our thanks are tendered.

The following June, Isaac Sage a brother of Joseph arrived, and began settlement about three-fourths of a mile south of Laborie's. His family consisted of a wife and the following children: Charles who married Anna Rice, deceased; Polly who married John Munson, deceased; Lucetta who married John Crosby, and lives in Huntington; Alzina married M. Rice, deceased; Isaac married Lucinda Case, also dead, and Jackson who is the only living male representative of thefamily. He lives in Huntington.

The subsequent September Benjamin and Oliver Rising arrived from Connecticut, and made a location about one mile south of the center. Isaac Sage soon exchanged his first location for hands near the Rising's.

A few days after the arrival of the Messrs. Rising, Daniel Tillotson and family put in an appearance at the settlement. A brother, Ira and D. C. Hickok arrived early the following winter, and were soon followed by Henry R. Ferris, Capt. Timothy Culver who settled one mile north of the center; Captain Chauncey Barker and Capt. Benjamin Banning. The former settled on lands some half a mile south of Isaac Sage's son; Barker located near John Laburie's. Joseph Sage returned East, and soon came on with his family, which consisted of a wife, Surah Kelsey Sage, and the following children: Philomela, wife of Chauncey Barker, deceased; Myra who married George Case, deceased; Marilla who married John Laborie; her husband is dead, and she now lives with a son, James, in Huntington township; Harlo P. who married Jusan Mallory; she died, and he married again; heis a minister of the Univeralist faith, and lives on the old homestead. Two or three grandchildren also came with Mr. Sage's family, and Thomas H. Case; Erastus Royce came about the same time. Zenas Kelsey and several sons purchased land of Joseph Sage, and settled thereon. The following persons settled north of the center: David Rogers, Zelotus North, Dudley Lewis, Daniel Chapman, William Lang and John Chapman.

Of Reuel Lang, another pioneer of Huntington, we learn that the place of his nativity was Epson, Merrimac county, New Hampshire. In 1818, he began to learn the cabinet maker's trade, in his native State, and on completing it, started with a horse and wagon for the west; stopping for a time in Allegheny county,

Pennsylvania, where he made a set of tools from a beech tree, which had been used as a whipping post, in the days when Pennsylvania was a slave state, and by the way, these tools are now, nearly all of them, in his possession. After, perhaps, two years, he came on horseback to Ohio, bringing his effects with him.

At Springfield, Portage county, this State, he engaged to make some furniture for Jesse Hart, who had just completed a large brick house, and while engaged in prosecuting the labors of his trade, he became conscious of a new sensation. He fell in love. Amy, the fair daughter of his employer, was the object of his devotion. They were married January 30, 1823. The following spring, they settled in Elyria. Here he built a house, and remained for one year, when he removed to Huntington township, where he lived until a few years since. He now lives in Wellington village. Mr. Lang was for many years a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal church. He was always a strong anti-slavery. man, and in consequence of the connection of the churcl: with the institution of slavery, he withdrew, and assisted in forming a Wesleyan Methodist church, of which he was an official member until it disbanded.

Their children are as follows: Josiah B., who married Losena M. Chapman, and lives in Wellington; (to this gentleman we are under obligations for much of the matter contained in this history); Jesse H., married Mary HE. Fitch, lives in Oberlin; Cyrus, died in 1847; Charles R., died in 1846; Louisa M., married P. 5. Wright, and lives in Michigan; Esther A., married C. W. Horr, Esq., and lives in Wellington; Olive A. married Dr. M. B. Lukins, and lives in Cleveland; George L., married Lizzie Viles, and lives in Dennison, Ohio; and Merrill W., married Mary L. Cook; she died, and he married Etta Root. He lives in Wellington.

Abner Chapman, wife, Olive Fisher Chapman, and a family of six children, came from Montgomery, Hamden county, Massachusetts, and settled in Huntington township in 1833. They located on the farm now occupied by Lucius Walker. Six children remained at the Hast; after a time, two settled in Troy, Geauga county, Ohio. Those who came with the parents to Huntington were: Abner, Jr., who maried Eliza A. Cone, and now lives in Huntington, (of his six children, there are now living: Paul, who married Margaret Case, lives in Erie, Pennsylvania; Lucien H., who marrried Deette G. Phelon, lives in Rochester on lout five, has five children; and Agnes E., who married J. 'T. Haskell, and lives with her parents); William F., married Rowena Babcock, - they have five children; one son was killed at the battle of Antietam; Eunice, married Lyman West, and lives at Lansing, Michigan; Huldah, married J. Crosby Lang - she is deceased; J. Austin, married Isabel Lindsey, lives in Wellington; and Eemline, married Edmond West, and lives in Huntington.

1833. He was then in the forwarding and commission business at Black River. He located at the center of the township, where he still resides. He has five children: Daniel W., Joseph, Deette, Tasso D. and Mary.

The history of the settlement has been gleaned from every available source, and is believed to be substantially correct. Should there be errors or' omissions, the memory of man is alone: responsible for them.

Scattering members of the Wyandot and Seneca Indians were frequent in this vicinity when the settlement was made. 'They came only during the hunting season and made their home further west. In about 1828 they took their final departure from the township.

Early Events

The first white child born in the township of Huntington was a son to Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Tillotson; the date December, 1818. This child was named Enos, but of his subsequent career we know nothing. The following January, Benjamin Rising was born. 'The first death was an infant son of John and Marilla Laborie, born in March, 1819. The little stranger lived but sixteen days.

The township contains two cemeteries; one on the former farm of Joseph Sage, which was private property until a few years since, when it was conveyed; the other, just north of the center, was a gift from Jesse Johnson and afterwards enlarged by a gift from Captain Henry Tracy, and a further addition by purchase from Reuel Lang. The first interment in the cemetery at the center was a child of H. M. Humphrey; the first adult buried there was Welcome Hart, a bother of Mrs. Reuel Lang. The first couple married in Huntington was Miss Polly Sage to Mr. John Munson, of Harrisonville. This event occurred on January first in the year 1820; Henry R. Close, justice of the peace,*performed the ceremony. 'This couple are now both deceased. The second marriage was a daughter of Captain Timothy Culver

The first store was put in operation by Isaac Sage, Jr. Wehuavenotthe date, Following are the names of all who have represented the mercantile interest in Huntington township: Hiram Rogers, Allen 'Taylor, D. Phelon, T. H. Case, Nathan Cone, B. G. Oarpenter, L. S. Gibbs, A. P. Parks, A. H. Messenger, Messrs. Gibbs & Whiton, J. & P. Laborie, R. A. Horr, J. B. Lang, "T. G@. Haines, and A. J. Burrell

Organization

Isaac Sage, Jr., opened the first public house in the township. His sign read, ''Isaac Sage Inn." He was followed by Darius Perkins, T. H. Case and seyeral others. There has never been a saloon in the township, nor has liquor been sold except at the hotels. The Huntington House is the only hotel in the township. D. Wideman is the present proprietor. ORGANIZATION.

In August, 1822, the commissioners of Medina county, to which Huntington then belonged, incorporated the township by the name it now bears. It derived its name from Huntington, Connecticut, the former home of John Laborie. Notice was issued to the qualified electors to meet at the school house in said township, on the first Monday of September, and then and there proceed to organize, by electing the necessary township officers required by law.

In accordance with said notice, they met, and it was agreed that Joseph Sage, Henry R. Ferris, and Isaac Sage, should act as judges, and Oliver Rising and David ©. Hickok, clerks. The result of the election was as follows: Joseph Sage, Henry R. Ferris and Benjamin Banning, trustees; Isaac Sage, clerk; David O. Hickok, treasurer; John Chapman and Charles R. Sage, fence viewers; Isaac Sage and John Chapman, supervisors, John Laborie and Benjamin Banning, overseers of the poor, Benjamin Rising and John The entire number

'Joseph Sage was the first justice of the peace; elected October 14, 1823. He was succeeded, in 1826, by Benjamin Banning, who died before the expiration of his term of office, and Henry Ferris was elected to fill the vacancy. A' second justice of the peace was authorized April 15, 1833. Sumuel Smith was elected, but not being eligible, John G. Clark was elected in his place.

The Methodist Episcopal Church

The first religious meetings were held in the log school house spoken of in connection with the schools, by the Rey. Nathan Smith, one of the pioneers of Pittsfield township. Frequent meetings were afterwards held in this house, and for want of a minister, Isaac Sage generally read a sermon. The first church able to procure the date. This class was composed of the following members: Capt. Timothy Culver and wife, H. R. Ferris and wife, and Amanda Culver.

ray. They occupied the school house for many years. In 1847 they purchased a lot, and soon afterwards erected thereon their present church edifice. This church cost complete some two thousand dollars; the parsonage connected with this church was purchased in 1876 at a cost of seven hundred dollars; the present membership is ninety. The church officers are Lewis Cann, Lyman June and William Haskins, leaders; John Snow, Oarlos Rogers, Asel Nooney and Edson Clark, stewards. The Sabbath school of this society numbers eighty scholars; Joseph Haskell, superintendent. We have been unable to procure a complete list of the ministers who have presided over this church. The following are a portion of them: Rey. William Reynolds, - Thompson, - Matlock, Chester L. Foot, James Hartley, G. A. Reeder, - Hurd, Uri Richards, James Haldeman, L. F. Ward, G. W. Pepper, - Card, T. J. Guard, Simeon Dunbar, Tracy L. Waite, Herman Safford, - Spafford, O. Pierce and the present pastor, James F. Smith.

The Baptist Church

was constituted by a council convened December 12, A. D. 1833, and consisted of the following members: Abner Chapman, Olive Chapman, Abner, Jr., William F., Eunice, and Huldah Chapman, Jonathan and Hsther Niles, Jesse Johnson, and Reuben T. Pierce. 'The right hand of fellowship was extended by Elder James Newton. The first year of its existence, the membership increased to twenty. 'This is now a large and flourishing church. The church had no regular or convenient place of worship, but assembled a part of the time at the center school house, which stood where the Baptist meeting house now stands, and a part of the time at the dwelling of Jesse Johnson; preaching one-fourth or one-half of the time by ministers living at a distance, and sometimes dependent upon ministers for occasional supplies. In the month of January, 1840, the church and community were greatly blessed through the labors of Elders Simmons and Matthews, who were sent.out by the missionary board of the Lorain Baptist Association. It has not, perhaps, been exceeded by any revival in this township, before or since. The church strengthened and encouraged, secured and continued a pastor for two years, one-half of the time.

The present church edifice was erected during the year 1842. It was not, however, fully completed until several years later. Rev. James Newton commenced his labors in the spring of 1834, and preached one-fourth of the time, for fifty dollars a year. He lived in Milton, Wayne county, a distance of nearly forty miles. Rev. Mr. Mack followed him. Mr. Newton's successors, as far as we have been able to trace them, are as follows-: Rev. Mr. Wait, Frederick Freeman, B. Hill, James Becknell, Skinner, 8. Dimick, Levi Farnsworth, M. W. Alfred, James Goodrich, -8. 8. Woodworth, J. T. Smith, 8. D. Bowker. The present pastor is Rev. Asa Fox. Jonathan Niles was the first deacon, and Abner Chap- man, Jr., clerk. The present officers are, W. F. Chapman and James Rogers, deacons; N. B. Griggs, clerk and treasurer; (this gentleman has written a sketch of the church, from which we have derived much of interest); Elbert F. Chapman, A. J. Sage, and Jasper West, trustees. Elbert F. Chapman is superintendent of the Sabbath school. The number of children in attendance averages fifty.

The Congregational Church

and society was organized May 1, 1839, with the following members: Spencer Clark, Julius C. Mead, Beckford Lang, Otis Boice, David L. Lang, Allen Taylor, Erastus Clark, Darius Perkins, and M. L. Sage, who was the clerk; and Otis Boice, deacon. Nearly all of the above were married men, and their wives were also members of the church.

The following summer, they built a large two-story frame building, at the south, and facing the public square at the center of the township. The upper story was finished, and used as a place of worship until 1849, when the present church was erected. President Asa Mahan preached to this church a short time, in fact until Rev. Joel Talcott, who was its first resident pastor, was engaged. For many years this church flourished and increased in numbers, but the summit of prosperity was reached, and then came the decline. Gradually the ranks were decimated by death and removal, until at present the membership is very small and they have no stated pastor.

The Universalist Church

have held an organization in the southwest portion of the township for many years, meeting in the school house in that locality. In 1877 they erected a neat chapel. This cost twelve hundred dollars. It was dedicated on the 17th day of January, 1878, by the Rev. Mr. Abel. Rev. William P. Burnell is the present minister. The membership is twenty-five. There is a Sabbath school in connection. Lewis Boice, superintendent; Hiram Tillotson, Sylvester Boice and Madison Andrews, trustees of the church.

The Wesleyan Methodist Church

was organized in the southeast part of the township, in the year 1844, and, soon after, built a comfortable church. Among its first members were Reuel Lang and wife, John T. Chapman and wife, J. W. Wilbur, Sr., and' wife, Joseph Ferris and wife, Amos Foote and wife, John Young and wife, and a number of others. The church prospered for a few years, but finally, many of its members having removed to other localities, the organization ceased, and the church edifice was converted into a cheese factory.

The first who settled in Huntington was John Quigley, now a prominent minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church. George E. Conant was the next He remained a few years and removed to Wisconsin. Dr. Clark came next, and practiced for a short time. He was succeeded by E. B. Pritchard, who remained a longer time than any of his predecessors. Several others have, from time to time, occupied the field; among these were Harrington, Green, Alfred Paige, Stewart, Wm. R. Elder and Bigelow. 'Te field is now occupied by Dr. Burtch.

The first school house in Huntington was built in the winter of 1821-22. It was of logs, and stood near where was subsequently the residence of John A. Chapman. The lands upon which this rude institution of learning was situated were then the property of Isaac Sage. Im the spring following sufficient money was raised by subscription with which to pay a teacher, and Miss Lovina Loveland became the pioneer school teacher. This school was composed of the following children: Laura, Cornelia and Sylvester Banning, Tillotson and Eunice Hickok, Alzina and Alonzo Sage, Olarissa, Caroline and Celestia Rising, Chauncey Parker, Joshua Culver, Anthony and Sarah Laborie. The teacher died soon after the completion of her school. In 1878 there were in the township six school houses, valued at twenty-seven hundred dollars. The total amount paid teachers for the school year ending August thirty-first of that year was ten hundred and twentytwo dollars. The number of children of school age was one hundred and sixty-three.

Industrial Pursuits

The first cheese factory in the township was put in operation in the spring of 1866, by Messrs. J. C. and C. W. Horr. It was located one and one-half miles from the center. The patronage the first year was one thousand cows. 'The successors to the above firm were Messrs. Horr, Warner & Co., who now own or control all the factories in this section. The season of 1878 there were eight hundred cows in contribution. A creamery is also operated in connection with the factory. The total manufactures were thirty-nine thousand three hundred and thirty-three pounds of butter and two hundred and twenty-two thousand four hundred and ten pounds of cheese.

J. A. Snow. It was located upon his farm one and one-half miles northwest of the center. Messrs. Horr, Warner & Co. purchased this factory in 1869 or 1870. The season of 1878 the milk of five hundred cows was utilized. The aggregate make was thirty-six thousand five hundred and forty pounds of butter and two hundred and sixteen thousand eight hundred and two pounds of cheese.

The first manufacturing was done by Benjamin Rising, who had a lathe, operated by a spring pole, for turning wooden bowls. This was quite a curiosity. A bark rope was attached to a long spring pole overhead, then passed around the mandrel and fastened toa treadle below. Pressure on this would throw the block around two or three times, and then the spring of the pole would turn the block back again ready for another gauge.

The first blacksmithing was done by William Lang; this was quite early; his shop stood a few rods north of the old Case hotel. D.C. Hickok was the pioneer shoemaker. Isaac Sage put in operation an ashery in the settlement; this continued several years.

Several saw mills have been built in the township. Urben Kelsey erected the first one; this was on Charlemonte creek, near the west line of the township. Henry R. Ferris built the next one; this was propelled by the waters of Wellington creek; it stood one mile north, and one-half mile east of the center.

The first and only grist mill in Huntington township was built by John Galehouse; this was on Wellington creek, perhaps half a mile below the Ferris mill.

Messrs. Milton and Orlando Barker built a steam saw mill one-half mile south of the center, and William Boone built one in the northeast corner of the township. The Barker mill was once blown up and once burned. Boone's mill has been three times destroyed by the fiery element.

Several railroads have been projected through the township. The Clinton Line Extension came nearest being a success; their route was nearly east and west through the township; considerable work was done, and quite a large amount of. stock collected. This, however, failed, and although several lines have been talked up since, yet they have elicited little or no encouragement.

The Union Agricultural Society

'Some time during the summer of 1854, a call was issued for a meeting to effect an organization, which was signed by such men in the vicinity as P. L. Goss, A. M. Parmelee, J. H. Welcher, K. T. Finn, W. B. Rudd, M. D. Smith, A. 8. Taylor, A. D. Perkins, J. B. Lang, Hiram Woodworth, 8. D. Whitney and others, for a meeting which was held m the Methodist church. An organization was effected, and the following officers elected: President, Philip L. Goss; vice-president, A. M. Parmelee; treasurer, J. H. Welcher; secretary, J. B. Lang.

Its first fair was held on grounds fitted up by volunteer labor, on the farm of A. 8. Taylor, just west of the center. The address was delivered by Hon. James Monroe. 'The success of this fair was very satisfactory to its originators, who decided to hold another the following year, under the same management. 'This was also a success, but, having no permanent buildings or inclosure, so that gate fees could be taken, its finances were small. After this year, @ proposition was made to remove the exhibition to Wellington, where grounds could be fenced and buildings erected. A fair has been held every year since, except one, during the darkest days of the war. It has now fine grounds and permanent buildings, with a better prospect for the future than in the past.

Abram Holland

was born in Warren, Worcester county, Massachusetts, August 29, 1804, and was the second son in a family of five children of George and Mary Holland. His father died when he was four years old, and his mother soon thereafter moved to Chester, Hampden county, Massachusetts, where she remained until 1834. In the latter year Abram Holland removed to Ohio, and settled in Huntington township. His educational advantages were limited, but he attended the common schools afew years. He has always followed the plow, and has made farming the business of his life.

On the 6th of November, 1832, he was united in marriage with Mary Ann, daughter of William and Betsey Henry, she being a native of Chester, Massachusetts. She was born April 10,1811. Her mother is still living at the advanced age of ninety-five years, at North Adams, Massachusetts. Mrs. Holland has had five children: George Henry, born September 2, 1833. He is a farmer and lives in Huntington. Helen Louisa, born July 24, 1840; now the wife of William Davis Dimmock, a farmer, of Huntington township. Adelaide A., born November 4, 1842; died February 26, 1862; Alida, born September J1, 1849; Walter Scott, born July 1, 1854.

On arriving at his new home Mr. Holland bought one hundred acres of land, to which by subsequent purchases he has added one hundred acres more, making a total of two hundred acres. He is a good practical farmer, and is considered one of the honest and substantial farmers of his township. In politics he is a republican, but he has never sought, nor would he accept political preferment. He is liberal in his religious views, but a christian gentleman '"'for a' that." He is a lineal descendant of the Holland family, members of which have made Western Massachusetts famous; notably Drs. J. J. Holland and J. @. Holland, the latter of whom now edits Scribner's Magazine, and is an author and poet of universal celebrity.

THIS TOWNSHIP is situated in the extreme southwest corner of the county, and is bounded as follows: on the north by Brighton township; south, by Troy township, Ashland county; east, by Huntington township; and west, by New London township, Huron county. The surface is generally of a level nature, the only exception being along the streams. Here we find bold bluffs descending to the water's edge on the east, and gentle slopes on the west. The soil is clay, slightly mixed with gravel, and excellent for grass and grain.

The streams are the west branch of the Black river and its tributaries. The former flows from near the southwest corner of the township, is joined by a small stream on lot ten, and continues a general northeast direction, until it reaches lot sixteen, tract five, when it turns to the northwest and flows across the northern township line on lot fifteen, tract six; Blair brook enters the township on lot twelve, tract three; and Buck creek on lot thirteen. 'These streams flow nearly parallel, unite on lot nine, in tract five, and empty into Black river, at the point where it makes the curve westward on lot sixteen. When in a state of nature, the bottom land skirting these streams was heavily timbered, black walnut being found in abundance, also white ash and oak.

Rochester township was the latest settled of any of the townships now compr:sed within the boundary lines of the county of Lorain. In the year 1827, a man named Dodge, his wife Emeline, and a son, Newell, came into the township. 'Fhey were of the class known in all new countries as squatters, and soon erected a small log cabin on lot number nine, in tract three, now know as the Minus farm. This was the first white family who dared to brave the solitude hitherto unbroken, save by an occasional hunter from the surrounding country. The history of this family is sad indeed. In the spring of 1829, a child was born to them, which death soon claimed for its victim. The demise of the mother occurred soon after. A rude coffin was prepared by the sorrowing husband and son, the funeral obsequies were performed by them, and the body interred on the brow of the hill near the river. Imagination can scarcely conceive the dread solemnity of this burial: ''no sable hearse or nodding plume" decked the funeral array; no minister of God prononnced the solemn ritual for the dead; all was dreary, all was desolate. The remaining members of the family soon after took their departure from the township.

In April, 1831, Stephen Babcock came to Ohio from Blandford, Massachusetts. He selected a farm about half a mile west of Rochester center. He contracted with Elijah T. Banning, living temporarily in Huntington, to cut the timber on thirty acres of his land. A log house was put up, into which Mr. Banning removed his family, and with whom Mr. Babcock remained during the summer, putting up a house, and making such preparations as the circumstances demanded for the comfort of his family. He returned cast for them the subsequent fall, and before he arrives in Rochester again we shall have time to say something of Mr. Banning and others. He was born in Warren, Trumbull county, Ohio. His wife, Miss Patience Hart, was a native of Springfield, Portage county, this State. 1828, and immediately removed to Huntington. His final location in Rochester was about one and onefourth miles north of the center, on Jands now occupied by D. L. Mitchell. Mr. Banning was one of the hardy, hard-working class. He cut the timber on nearly two hundred acres of land. His death occurred July 19, 1855. The widow resides at the station. The children of this couple are: Elmer Elijah, who married Mary Mitchell, lives at the station; Amy, who married Alexander Dolph (deceased); Archie Hart, who married Eliza Smith, lives in Wellington; and Cornelia Ann, who married Franklin Peck, and now lives in New London, Huron county.

Edward Wheeler, of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, married Catharine Cline. He came to Ohio in 1816, locating in Richland county. They had three children at this time: John who married Mary Shaw, now dead; Jacob who married Emily C. Converse; he lives on lot number two, Rochester township; has eight children, all living; Ann Lewis who married Lorinda Bunce, lives in Rochester. In the spring of 1831, soon after Banning's settlement, the three boys, John, Jacob and Lewis, came to Rochester, and contracted for lands in lots eight, fourteen and seventeen. They soon constructed log cabins on their several selections, and began the work of cutting away the forest. These lands were purchased of Orrin Meach. John was to receive a deed for one hundred acres of land, in payment for cutting the timber from an equal number of acres. Jacob and Lewis cut a few acres on lot fourteen; on this they planted some potatoes, and sowed turnips. In this clearing they built a hewed log house for the remainder of the family who arrived was the elder son of Samuel S. Boice, who married Mary A. Blair, and had eight children, namely, - Roswell B., Sylvester §., Sarah E., James W., Mary A., Lois M., Judson A., and Elizabeth, of whom four survive. The Boice family were of Scotch descent, and those now living are prominent citizens of the communities in which they reside respectively.

Roswell B. Boice was born in Massachusetts, Oct. 12, 1814. He resided in his father's house until he was fifteen years of age, when he emigrated to Amherst, Lorain Co., Ohio, where he lived about five years. He then removed to Rochester township, in the same county and State, remaining there about one year; subsequently renting a farm in Huntington township, upon which he lived three years, At the expiration of his rental, he returned to Rochester township, where he purchased the farm which he now occupies.

On Christmas Day, 1833, he was united in marriage with Nancy ©., daughter of Samuel and Anna Stillwell, who were early settlers of Lorain County.

Of this union were born six children, four sons and two daughters, namely, - Mary Adeline, James W., Lois M., Lewis §., Hiram A., and Dell R., of whom four are living. James W. died Nov. 15, 1841, aged three months and five days; Hiram A. died Jan. 28, 1848, aged two months and twentyeight days. Mary A. married G. Ostrander, April 26, 1863; Lois M. married Francis M. Perkins, Oct. 26, 1865; Lewis S. married Laura North.

. Mr. R. B. Boice and his excellent wife are both exemplary members of the Congregational Church. They formerly belonged to the Baptist Church of Huntington township. Mr. Boice has: followed agricultural pursuits during the whole of his active business life, and is generally considered a good practical farmer. In politics he is, and always was, since he attained his majority, a Republican. He was elected trustee of Rochester township, and served faithfully and well- for three years. He is noted for the honesty and regularity of his life, and enjoys. a prominent place in the estimation of his the following fall. The children of Edward Wheeler not mentioned above are: Betsy, Martha, Polly, Edward, Coonrod and Margaret. John Jaques Wheeler, father of Edward, is worthy of a passing notice. He was an Englishman, and came to America a short time prior to the Revolutionary War. He immediately enlisted in the army of the United States in which he fought five years. He was afterwards engaged in the Indian wars two years more; he settled in Ohio at the close of the war, and was killed by a falling tree in 1821.

Stephen Babcock and family first oceupied the new house in Rochester in the early spring of 1832. A daughter, Eliza, had married Charles Conant at the East. They settled in Rochester prior to the arrival of the remaining members of the family. Mrs. Babcock was Patia Marcy, of Otis, Berkshire county, Massachusetts. Of the remaining eight children, the following are dead: Orlina, Watson, Almira, Mary Ann and Philena. Melissa married. Oliver Webster, and livesin Wellington. Rowena married William F. Chapman, and resides in Huntington. Smith married Martha Meach, and lives in Rochester.

Hiram Woodworth, of Madison county, New York, married Caroline L. Wales, of the same place. They came to Ohio in 1831; selected lands in Rochester township, then owned by Messrs. Tillotson and Deming, of Rochester, New York; constructed a house thereon, and jn May of the year 1832, moved into the township. He lived there many years, and by hard labor brought his lands to a profitable state of cultivation. He removed to Wellington where he died October 8, 1872. The widow stil] resides there. The children are: Roxania S. who married J. A. Braman, of Rochester; Rosenia who married D. L. Wadsworth, of Wellington; Victoria R. who married F. M. Sheldon, of New York; Ettie G. who married S. E. Wilcox, at present, the host of the American House in Wellington, and Warren Woodworth who now resides at Atlantic City, Iowa.

Erastus Knapp, wife and two children, came from near Rochester, New York, to Ohio, in May, 1832. The family remained in Huntington township until he had built a log house on his farm in Rochester. This was on lot number five, now occupied by A. J. Snyder. The house was finished and first occupied by the family in December following. On this farm they resided thirty years. In 1861, they located at the station, where they now reside. 'There were no roads at the date of their settlement in the township, their only guide in traversing the wilderness being marked trees. The children of this couple are: Thomas M., who married Mary Lovejoy, (he lives on lot number one, Rochester township); Mary E., is dead; Sarah A., who married John Conkling, (they ' jive near the center); Ellen J., who married Samuel Long, and lives in Crawford county, this State; Elizabeth A., who married Theodore Robbins, of La Grange; Caroline, who married John Bruce, and lives in Sullivan, Ashland county; and Charley

Luther Blair and family, consisting of a wife and eleven children, came from Becket, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, to Rochester in 1832, arriving in the township on December 31. He settled on the northeast corner lot at the center. His log house, which was the first built in this vicinity, stood a few rods east of the present dwelling of Stephen Richards. Mr. Blair became prominent in the church and township. He died in December, 1852; his wife dicd the September following. Two children, Marietta and Ralph E., are dead. The remainder are: Caroline, Martin L., Alonzo O., now practicing medicine at Columbus, Ohio; Caleb P., David B., Harmony, Amanda, Mary P., and William H., who married Lucina Mann, and resides at Rochester station.

Nathan W. Fay and family, consisting of a wife and three children, settled in Rochester, on lot nine, in 1832. Three children were born in Ohio. John, the eldest of these, now lives on the old homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Fay, Sr., are both dead.

John G. Clark was one of the early settlers. He located on lot fourteen. John Slayman made settlement on lot four, John Johnson settled on the center road, near the south township line, on lot thirteen. The Peets, the descendants of whom still reside in this locality, were early settlers among the pioneers.

Israel Phelps, one of the substantial men of Rochester, was among the pioneers. He settled on lot eight. The place of his nativity was in Seneca county, New York. He married Julia F. Phillips, of Ontario county; cleared up his wilderness farm, erected thereon a fine residence, and died October 9, 1869. The- widow still resides on this farm. Five of the children are dead - Henrietta C., Priscilla, Israel Frank, Julia E., and Alice EK. The remainder are: Milton, who married Mary Kelsey, and lives in Rochester; Calvin R.,-who married Elsie M. Wilcox, also lives in Rochester; and Vincent C., the youngest, who lives with the mother.

Wilham Carvey located on lot eleven, at an early period, and still lives there. William H. Marshall came to Rochester, from 'Trumbull county, in 1833. He purchased one hundred and fifty acres of land in lot number three, and returning he married Sophro- In February, 1838, he settled on his farm, and has lived there until the present. He has now two hundred and thirty-five acres under profitable cultivation. Of his family numbering eleven children, the following are living: Rachel A. ; Eliza J. ; Benjamin H. Holmes ; Maria, Mary, Eugene and Allie.

Roswell B. Boice settled in Amherst township, in the year 1830. He removed to Rochester and located on lot seventeen, in 1833. He has a family of four

Nehemiah Tinker, wife and twelve children, came with a team of horses from Worthington, Hampshire county, Mass., to Rochester, whither they arrived in the latter part of September, 1833. They located on one hundred and twenty acres of land in lot number twenty-four, tract five, then attached to Huntington. Mr. Tinker erected a log house in the southeast corner of the lot. He remained on this farm until his death. Himself and wife died but a few days apart in 1853. The children were: Lydia H., Omri, Minerva, Laura, dead ; Abigail, Adelia, dead ; Erasmas D., who married Elizabeth Cutshall, and resides at Rochester station; Martha, dead; Oscar, dead; Amanda, Cyrtha and Lorinda.

Gustavus, Orville and Hiram Noble' settled in the township in 1835. Their father had contracted for the greater part of the land along the east and west road in the north part of the township. The Messrs. Noble were single when they began settlement. Gustavus married Harriet Fancher, at New London. He died, and his widow became the wife of DeGrass Thomas. William Peck, with a family consisting of a wife and eight children, arriyed from Vermont and made settlement in the northwestern portion of the township; this was in 1835.

John Chamberlain, a former resident of Ontario, Wayne county, New York, made settlement in Columbia township, this county, in 1830. His family were a wife and six children. In 1835, they removed to Rochester township, and first located on the farm now occupied by Orrin Thomas. Moses, the eldest of the children, was a sort of a moving planet, and finally died in Michigan. Marshall, the next child, settled at the center in about 1526; he was the pioneer physician; he married Betsey Odell; in 1858, he removed to Oberlin, and a few years later to Hillsdale, Michigan, where he now resides. John, Jr., married Zephey Sabin, of Liverpool township; he located on lot fourteen, near the northwest corner of the township, and died January 14, 1875. Charles S., the youngest child of this gentleman, married Tillie Kissinger, of Tiffin; he is now a successful practitioner of medicine in Rochester township. Caroline, now dead. Norman married Lifa Stillwell; he is a prominent physician, at Grand Rapids, Michigan. Jeremiah, who married Cynecia Reed, is also a physician; he now resides at Romeo, Michigan, John Chamberlin, Sr., died January 8, 1866; his wife died February 11, 1856. John Chamberlin, Jr., was a large hearted, public spirited man, ever ready to assist those less fortunate in the possession of this world's goods than himself; he held the office of township trustee sixteen years, and was occupying the position of infirmary director when he died.

John I. Masten was born in Duchess county, New York; he married Rosalie Loomis, of the same county, and came immediately to Ohio, arriving in Rochester township in June 7, 1836. Anson Pierce had built a small log cabin on lot three, and in this Mr. and Mrs. Masten began life. There was no road opened to them until some three years later. He first purchased sixty acres of land in lot ten, and on this constructed a log house, into which he soon removed. The present residence now occupied by the family was built in 1863. The original farm has been added to, until he now owns two hundred and thirty-five acres, lying in a body. Those early years were fraught with privations. Too poor to purchase a team, Mr. Masten procured an ox, for which he constructed a rude harness. From the fork of a tree, a sled was prepared, and with this novel turn-out, the black salts were transported to Wellington, to be exchanged for the necessities of life. By the aid of this faithful beast, some three acres of land were cleared, plowed and sowed to wheat. The children of this couple are: Decolia V., who married Harriet Bevins, of Wellington; he died at the Soldiers' Home, in Dayton, Ohio, from injuries received at the battle of Antietam; Amelia C., who married Cordon L, Bonney, lives in Wellington; Mortimer C., who married Harriet Ames, lives in Michigan; Celie, who married D. W. Manchester, lives in Cleveland; Delia M., who married J. H. Bessell, lives at Rochester station; Nina C., who married A. J. Irish, lives in Sheffield township, this county; John D., who married Elmore Myers, lives in Michigan; and Frank L., who is single, and remuins at home. ' Other early settlers in this vicinity were Ira Pierce, Isaac Humiston, Horatio Stevens and others. Morris Howard was a native of Andover, Windsor county, Vermont. He married Hannah Smith, and removed to Ohic in the spring of 18387. He remained in Ashland county until March, 1838, when he removed to Rochester and settled permanently on two hundred and sixty acres of land in lot number eleven, tract three. This farm he partially cleared. His wife died in 1846. He removed to Wisconsin and died there in 1861. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, having been in the service some eighteen months; was at the battle of Plattsburg and several others. His children were S. V. R., who, married Barbara Bowman, and lives on the old homestead. Cyntha died young. William H., who married Charlotte Laborie. He lives on lot ten, Rochester township. Emily R., a daughter of this couple, married Solomon Farnsworth, who also lives on lot ten. Nancy, who married Augusta E. Kelsey, lives in Kansas. David and Louisa are dead. Isadore is now the wife of William Fenton, who lives in Clarion county, Pennsylvania. Edmond Thomas was born in Brattleborough, Vermont. He married Aseneth Crapo, of Jefferson county, New York. In 1835 he removed to Ohio, locating in Pittsfield township, this county, where he remained until 1844, when he removed to Rochester, locating in the northwest corner of the township, lot number twenty-eight; he yet resides where he first settled. His wife died May 17, 1877. The children are: DeGrass, who married Mrs. Harriet Noble; they have two children and reside on a portion of the old farm, Orrin, who married Marcia Fancher; they have three children - reside on lot thirteen. Eliza Manette, who married Luther M. Merrifield; they now live in Michigan; have seven children. Jenette, who married Harvey J. Hart; they have one child, live in Charlotte, Michigan. Maria, who lives at home; and Jane, who married Isaac Hart; she lives in Lenox, Iowa; has two children.

Benjamin Perkins, Esq., was agent for much of the lands in Rochester township. He was one of the pioneers. He is spoken of as the father of the township.

The first child, born of a permanent settler in Rochester township, was Amy, daughter of Elijah T. and Patience Banning. 'The date of her birth was June 24, 1832. She grew to womanhood, married Alexander Dolph, removed to New London, Huron county, and died their October 15, 1873.

The first marriage in the township was doubtless that of Watson Babcock to Miss Jane Hamlin, of Elyria, We have not the date. Mr. Babcock is not now living.

The first adult death of a permanent settler was that of Stephen Babcock, which occurred on January 14, 1835. The funeral services were conducted by the Rey. Mr. Talcott, of Wellington. The body was the first interred in the cemetery near the center of the township.

The first post office was established in 1837. Hiram Woodworth was appointed postmaster, and the office located at his residence in the southeast corner of the township. The office was authorized on condition that the government were to be at no expense in transporting the mails. John Clark volunteered to carry the mail gratis, and did so while the office remained in the locality. This office was eventually removed to the center, and Martin L. Blair appointed postmaster. It is now located at the station; George Garrison, postmaster.

The pioneer orchard was planted on the farm of Orrin Meach, in the year 1832, and consisted of one hundred and twenty trees. It is still in a thriving condition.

The first store was opened by George G. Ogden, as was also the first hotel. 'They were located at the center. This was in about 1848. The only hotel in the township at present, is at the station. This was built by Rufus Norton, in 1853, and is now owned by John Currey, who conducts a general store in connection.

The remaining mercantile interest at this point is as follows: J. B. Carrison & Son, general merchandise; Peter Dagnon, drugs; Robert Potter, groceries; M. Bailey, tin shop.

At. the session of the commissioners of Lorain county, held in March, 1835, lots one to fifteen, inclusive, of tract three, with all of tracts four and five, and a part of tract six, in range nineteen, together with surplus lots nine to fourteen, inclusive, lying west of the range, with a part of surplus lot eight, were united, and formed into the township of Rochester. An election for town-hip officers was held on the 6th of the April following, when John Conant, Joseph Hadley and Nehemiah Tinker were elected trustees; M. L. Blair, clerk; and Benjamin C. Perkins, treasurer. The township officers for 1878, are: A. A. Pond, Dr. Charles L. Chamberlin, and M. Phelps, trustees; D. R. Lowrie, clerk; John Currey, treasurer; A. A. Pond, assessor; J. Martin Mann and H. H. Howard, constables; Asa Mann and R. M. Johnson, justices of the peace and nite supervisors of highways.

Methodist Episcopal Church

Erasmus D. Tinker furnishes the following: In the fall of 1833, Rev. John Ferris, a Methodist, commenced holding meetings in the log house of Nehe- house near there. The result of these religious services was the formation, the following spring, of the first class, or religious organization in the township of Rochester. It was composed of but four members - Nehemiah Tinker and Moses Barnes, with their respective wives. In 1835 another class of the M. E. Church was formed in the southeast corner of the township by the Rev. John T. Kellum, with the following members: Aaron Welsher, Sr., and wife ; Erastus Knapp and wife; Aaron Welsher, Jr., and wife; Mrs. Hiram Woodworth and John Clark. Aaron Welsher, Sr., was first class leader. Meetings were held at the dwellings of the settlers, and afterwards in the Meach school house. 'This society grew to be large and prosperous. In 1859 the church edifice at the station was built, and the socicties consolidated. The cost of this building was twenty-five hundred dollars. The present membership is sixtyone. . Officers: T. M. Knapp, Peter 'Taylor, and Henry Barnes, stewards; Robert Anderson, Thomas Knapp and Miles Fisher, class leaders. The present minister is Rev. Edwin L. Warner. 'The Sabbath school connected with this church numbers seventyfive scholars. George Hull is its superintendent.

was formed in the year 1838, with the following members: Luther Blair and wife, Stephen Babcock and wife, John Conant. and wife, Jonathan Ames and wife, Benjamin ©. Perkins and wife, Nathan W. Fay and wife, and C. W. Conant and wife. The meetings of this denomination were begun at the log house of Luther Blair, as early as 1833. There was no preacher, the service being conducted by Mr. Blair, he reading a sermon from a volume in his possession. The first pastor to locate in the township was the Rev. Mr. Higbee; he was succeeded by Rey. Mr. Kellogg, and he by Dr. Palmer. This brings us up to 1848, at which time the present pastor, Rev. M. Elliot, assumed charge of the church. The present mceeting house at the center was erected in 1842, and was the first in the township. It is a neat frame structure, and cost twenty-five hundred dollars. The officers, on organization, were: Luther Blair and Jonathan Ames, deacons. The first trustees were Luther Blair, Benjamin C. Perkins and John Conant. A Sabbath school was soon organized, with William Shepard, of New London, Huron county, as the first superintendent. The present church. officers are: John Lang, William Squires and John Brandston, trustees; William Elliot, William Squires and D. Cummings, deacons; superintendent of Sabbath school and clerk, John Fay. Average attendance at Sabbath school, seventy; present membership, forty-five.

United Brethren

Waldraff. The first members were, Joseph Kimball and wife and Mrs. Goodman. Meetings were held in the school house, on lot twenty-three. The following ministers have presided over the destinies of this church: Rev. Michael Bulger, Charles Slater, Thayer, D. F. Reynolds, Addison Hill, Charles Price, Charles Kester, C. O. McIntire, Isaiah Dennis, Ira Moody, John Excell, Samuel Evans, David Kosht, H. J. Becker, and John Noel who is the present pastor. The church officers are: E. D. Tinker, leader; Edward Clifford, steward and trustee. The present membership is twenty-one; average attendance at sabbath school, fifty; Walter Crandall, superintendent. Services are conducted in the Union church at the station.

was organized about 1842, by the Rev. Mr. Chambers, with the following members: Joseph Bailey and wife, John Chamberlin, Jr., and wife; Marcus Chamberlin and wife, and perhaps others, whose names are not remembered. Meetings were held. in private houses until 1845, when a commodious .og building was constructed on lot thirteen. This was christened "the abbey," and in this the meetings were héld for many years. They finally joined with the United Brethren and built the Union church at the station. The present membership is small, only about twenty. Rey. C. A. Gleason is the present pastor. Gooley Stevens and Cyrus Coates are the deacons.

The little log school house spoken of in connection with the Methodist Episcopal church, was first occupied for a school in the winter of 1833-34, Miss Abigail Tinker was the teacher. There were some twenty children in attendance. A school house had been erected in the Meach settlement at about the same date. The first teacher was John Johnson. The report of the board of education for Rochester township, for the year ending August 31, 1878, shows seven school houses, valued at five thousand dollars; the total amount paid teachers for the year was one thousand three hundred dollars; the number of children in the township of the school age was one hundred and eighty.

The pioneer disciple of Esculapius to locate in Rochester township was Marshall Chamberlin, who began practicing at the center in 1836. He remained in the township over twenty years. The present medical staff is composed of Charles 8. Chamberlin, a nephew of the above, and T. S. Field, whose residence is at the station.

The earliest cheese factory in the township is the one on lot number fifteen, tract three. This was built by L. Beckley in 1870, and has been extensively patronized. During the season of 1878 this factory utilized the milk of four hundred and fifty cows.

The cheese factory on lot number twenty-seven was built by DeGrass Thomas and Perry Noble in the spring of 1873. The total amount invested was two thousand dollars. The first season the patronage was two hundred cows. The patronage has gradually increased until the season of 1878, when the lactial wealth of four hundred and twenty-five cows was converted into butter and cheese. Mr. Noble is a practical cheese-maker, and superintends that department of the business.

The present flouring and saw mill, located at the station, was built in 1844, by Daniel Franklin. It stood just west of the center, on the west branch of Black river, and was removed to its present site in 1864. The present proprietors, Messrs. D. Lowrie & Son, purchased the property in April, 1874, paying for the same ten thousand dollars. A fifty-horse power engine propels the two runof stone, by which both custom and merchant work is done. The saw mill in connection is operated by a twenty-five horse power engine. Messrs. Lowrie conduct a cooper shop at the same point.

Messrs. Conant & Shepard had in operation, at the station, the most extensive manufacturing establishment ever in Rochester township. Their principal work was the making of walnut gun stocks for the United States government. The close of the war and of this establishment was simultaneous.

An ashery was built in about 1838, by Samuel Edwards, on lot eight. He disposed of this property to Messrs. Griswold, Dunn & Calkins, who conducted the business for a number of years. They also sold goods in connection.

Hiram Scoville built the first blacksmith shop. This was located at the center. James Harls succeeded Mr. Scoville. The present blacksmiths are A. Mitchelland J. N. Kinney. EH. E. Banning and John Hanley have wagon shops; C. Curtis, a harness shop; W. M. Crandall, boots and shoes; and M. Sage, a livery stable.

The roads are laid out at right angles across the township, and one mile apart. They were surveyed by Benjamin Perkins and Luther Blair, and the

In May, 1871, a portion of Rochester township was visited by a genuine sensation. It came in the shape of a juvenile hurricane, from a northwest direction, and carried devastation and ruin in its train, uprooting the giant trees of the forest, unroofing buildings, and generally demoralizing the face of dame nature.