Lenox Township

Lenox Township

No. 10 of the third range of the Connecticut Western Reserve was first named Millerstown, in honor of Ashur Miller, of Middletown, Connecticut, who was originally the owner of a goodly portion of the lands contained within the present boundary lines of the township. In 1813 the name of Lenox was substituted. During the year 1796 the four eastern meridians of the Reserve were established from its south line to Lake Erie, being the parallel of 41 degrees north latitude. The members composing the surveying-party were, without doubt, the first white persons in the township.

Lenox was not among those townships where the immigrants first commenced settlement, owing, no doubt, to a defect in title. The following from the county records shows the several ownerships :

On September 5, 1795, the State of Connecticut deeded this township entire to Oliver Phelps, as agent for the Connecticut laud company. November 8, 1798, the trustees of the Connecticut land company deeded the township with other lands to Gideon Granger, Jr., and Oliver Phelps, who, on March 4, 1800, deeded the south part of the township, consisting of twelve thousand six huudred and seventy -eight acres, to Ashur Miller ; at the same time Miller gave quitclaim-deed of the remaining lands in the township, being two thousand six hundred and fifty-nine acres, or the northern part of same, in favor of Oliver Phelps, who, on the 15th of April, 1801. gave a mortgage-deed of the same land (two thousand six hundred and fifty-nine acres) to the State of Connecticut ; and on May 10, 1809, the State of Connecticut executed a quitclaim-deed to Gideon Granger, Jr., whereby the ownership of the two thousand six hundred and fifty-nine acres of land vested in him and his heirs forever. Ashur Miller gave a mortgage of the south twelve thousand six hundred and seventy-eight acres to the State of Connecticut, August 4, 1800 ; and on August 8, 1808, the State of Connecticut gave quitclaim-deed in favor of Burr Gilbert, and for the same tract Gilbert gave a mortgage in return. December 15, 1814, the State of Connecticut gave another quitclaim of the same twelve thousand six hundred and seventy-eight acres to Solomon, Alpha, and Martin Rockwell, the decree of foreclosure against Miller having been determined at the November term of the court of common pleas of Ashtabula County.

The first dwelling of any description in Lenox township was made by first fixing forked posts in the ground. On these rested a pole for a ridge, and over it were stretched long strips of bark as a roof. These served also for sides. One end was covered with the same material, while at the front was built the fire, which not only served to warm the occupants, but also to keep away the wild animals with which the forest abounded and the mosquitoes, who, no doubt, were as persistent in presenting their bills then as now. This rude cabin was built by Lisle Asque, and first occupied by him and his family (consisting of wife and four small children) on the night of June 10, 1807. Setting to work, they soon erected the first log house in the township, and after a six weeks' sojourn in the bark hut removed to their new house, which stood near the spot now occupied by the frame dwelling of Samuel Asque. Lisle Asque died in October, 1S54, and Mrs. Asque in July, 1864. The residence referred to above stood on the bank of Asque creek, on the Jefferson road. Lisle Asque emigrated from Maryland, on the Chesapeake bay. In 1806 and 1807 a considerable number of farmers and mechanics removed from the city of Washington, D. C., and vicinity, to Lenox and Jefferson. They all, however, after a few years' sojourn in the wilderness, took their departure for other and perhaps more congenial localities, except Mr. Asque. A short time after Christopher Randall arrived in the township, with his family, and settled on an adjoining piece of land, residing there some six years. The same season Thomas Johnson and James Mace, with their families, located on the Granger tract, some three miles southwest of Asque and Randall's. Johnson remained some three years, while Mace only stopped a few weeks. These four families constitute the first early pioneers in Lenox, though several parties made previous purchases of land iu the township, never, however, occupying the same. Of those who subsequently became residents of Lenox, we find Erastus Oliver and Almon Fowler, Jotham, Cyrus, and Isaac Williams, Benajah and Almerin House, E. S. and Sylvester Gleason, James and Jonathan Bailey, Justice Markham, Chauncey French, Asa Hartshorn, Sylvanus Norton,

Jesse Wheeler, James Kay, A. Dodge, 0. King, J. Lawson, D. Ilurlbert, L. Carter, J. Udell, the Churches, and doubtless there were others whose names we are unable to obtain at this late date.

On the 22d day of April, 1809, occurred the first marriage solemnized in the township ; this was an event for our little settlement. The parties to this wedding were Nicholas Miller, of Jefferson, and Miss Sally, daughter of Christopher Randall of former mention. Who made the twain of one flesh tradition does not state. Another incident in our annals of pioneer life took place on the 12th day of October, 1810, when a little baby-girl came into the family of Lisle Asque, demanding and no doubt receiving the customary amount of attention accorded the baby everywhere. She afterwards became the wife of Reuben Morrison, of Jefferson. The succeeding year two diminutive specimens of the masculine persuasion put in an appearance at the settlement. The first was born to Nicholas Miller and wife, February 5, 1811, and the second on the 3d of May, same year, to Christopher Randall and wife. As they were " only boys," of course no one will be interested in knowing " whither they went or how they fared." Upon the Sunday succeeding that upon which Hull the traitor surrendered Detroit and its defenses to the red coats and their Indian allies, the first sermon was delivered in the township by Rev. Jacob Young, of the Methodist connection, at the house of Lisle Asque. This was on the evening of August 23, 1812.

As an illustration of slow transit in these early days, it is stated that in May succeeding their settlement in Lenox, Lisle Asque and James Mace, of this, and three settlers of Jefferson township, started for Warren, Trumbull county, for supplies (Calvin Pease, Granger's general agent, residing there). Going first to Austinburg, they obtained a canoe and proceeded up Grand river to Morgan. Procuring there a flat-boat, they continued up the river as far, it is thought, as Mesopotamia, where, leaving their boat, they struck out through the woods for Warren. Soon losing their way, however, they wandered, without food, two days, and had well-nigh ceased to hope, when one more trial brought them to a house, and they were saved. After suitable rest they proceeded on their way, and in due time arrived at Warren, without further incident. But they were doomed to disappointment, as no supplies were there to be obtained. They were therefore obliged to make a further journey to Poland, now Mahoning county. Teams were there loaded with the necessary provision and forwarded to their boat, and thence home, where they arrived after an absence of thirteen days. Now the same journey could be performed in less than one-half that number of hours. To multiply description of the constantly-recurring privations and discomforts attending the first settlement of a country - sufferings constituting the almost exclusive patrimony of the hardy pioneer - would be but to tell again what has been a thousand times unexceptionally told.

In 1807 the subdivision of the area south of the Granger tract into one-hundred-acre lots was consummated by T. R. Hawley. The survey of the Rockwell tract was made by Charles Parker, in 1808 or 1809, while the ownership was vested in Ashur Miller. In the month of June, 1811, Erastus N. House and Levi French, from Sandisfield, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, made a settlement on the Rockwell tract. In the fall of the year 1811, Mr. House put up a log dwelling near the southwest corner of lot No. 24, which was the first house in this portion of the township. On the 24th of March, 1812, Mr. House was married to Sybil, daughter of William Crowell, of Rome. Mr. French and family settled on the land still occupied by the family. During the years 1814 and 1815, Benjamin Waters, Joseph Walling, Jared Merrells, and Seth Smith, with their families, were the principal additions to the population.

March, 1818. Alteration of Orren Elmore's road, beginning west from the north and south road, running by residence E. N. House, then east to said north and south road, thence east by so much south as to intersect the road at lot No. 24.

June, 1822. From south line of township, running north 30° west on line of lots to its intersection with road leading from Morgan to Jefferson.

December, 1826. From west line of Lenox, at southeast corner of lot No. 60 in Morgan, easterly to centre of Lenox, thence east on line of lots to east line of township.

The first death in the township was that of Mrs. Sybil House, which occurred July 31, 1818. The body was interred in the cemetery located near the centre, and on lot No. 36. The officiating minister was undoubtedly Rev. Giles Cowles, of Austinburg. The first orchards were doubtless planted in 1808 ; the first by Lisle Asque, on lands now occupied by Samuel Asque, and the second about same time, by Christopher Randall, on the lot now owned by B. L. Asque, Sr. There were perhaps twenty -three trees in each collection.

The first wheat was two acres sown by Asque, near the orchard lot, in 1808. He also planted two acres of corn and a few potatoes at the same time. It was not until 1818 that a school-house was erected in Lenox. The building was of logs, and stood near where is now the house built by Ira French, but owned by Jacob Tisch. Asaneth Waters taught the first term in this house during the summer of 1818. A second term was taught the succeeding winter, in the same building, by N. A. Atkins. The first frame school-house was built in the year 1821, on the premises of Ira French. It stood south of his house, on the west side of the centre road. This building was also used for a meeting-house. The first saw-mill was built in the fall of 1819, by Ira French, a short distance southeast of the present Beede mill. A small grist-mill was also started about this time by N. A. Atkins.

On the 13th day of December, 1819, the commissioners of Ashtabula County made an organization of the township, and ordered an election to be held on December 27. It did not, however, occur until the 17th day of January, 1820. The following copy of the record shows the result : " Be it ever remembered that on Monday, the 17th day of January, in the year of our Lord 1820, the electors of the township of Lenox held their first township election. Meeting opened in due time and form. Nominated E. N. House chairman, Erastus Fowler and Levi French judges. Poll opened, and proceeded to ballot. Poll closed at four o'clock. Found elected Benjamin Waters, Comfort Gunn, and Erastus Fowler trustees; Levi French, clerk." On April 3, 1820, the first regular township election was held at the house of Erastus Fowler. Ira French, John Lawson, and Benjamin Waters were chosen trustees ; N. A. Atkins, clerk ; Orren Elmore, treasurer ; T. Waters, constable ; there were thirty-one votes cast. The first justice was Levi French, who was elected March 27, 1820, and re-elected March 20, 1823. In 1826, Benjamin Waters was elected the second justice of the peace. After him came Erastus Fowler, who was succeeded by T. H. C. Kingsbury. Then Samuel Plumb, and after him J. O. Crosby, who served twelve years. Nelson French succeeded him ; served two terms, w hen M. S. Jewett was elected ; this was in 1866. Gates Hyde, taking his place in 1869, served one term, when M. S. Jewett was again elected, and is still the incumbent. A second justice was authorized some years since, and H. S. Smith is the present incumbent. At the presidential election held November 3, 1820, there were polled thirteen votes. The vote for President in 1876, as shown by the report of the secretary of state, was - R. B. Hayes, one hundred and seventy-seven. S. J. Tilden, forty-two.

The first Sabbath-school was established probably as early as 1830. William Beach, of the Congregational communion, was its first superintendent, the school convening in the school-house on French's land before mentioned, - which, by the way, was called the Synagogue.

Methodist, forming a small class. In 1829 the Free-Will Baptists formed a class of seven members, under the supervision of Elder John Chauncey.

The first physician who made a permanent stop in the township was Z. Smalley, who settled in 1835, and remained until his death, which occurred in 1843. In the years 1835 and 1836 a meeting-house frame was raised and inclosed. It was located near the southwest corner of lot No 24. It was completed in 1843, and dedicated on the 11th day of October of that year by Rev. Ira Norris, of the Methodist denomination. M. W. Alfred was the first stated preacher. He was also a doctor.

In the spring of 1833 the first temperance society was formed, with eighty-five members. The first post-office in Lenox must have been established some time in the early part of the year 1825, as the first commission for a postmaster was issued to Col. House, and bears date June 8 of that year. In the year 1837 James Ray converted his dwelling into a tavern, soon, however, resigning the position of landlord to his son, J. M., who furnished entertainment for the traveling public a term of years. The first select school was taught in the fall of 1841, by M. R. Atkins, a graduate of Allegheny college. This school was kept up until about January, 1844, when Mr. Atkins removed to Jefferson, to resume there the same occupation.

The first cider-mill was erected by Chauncey French and Erastus Fowler, in about 183S-39, on lot No. 36, near where now stands the house owned by Mrs. Bentley. That Lenox may have credit for some of the " iniquitous" institutions, we must go back a little from the regular chronological order. In about 1820 there was built and put into operation on lot 25, by John Udell and Sylvanus Merrill, a small distillery for the manufacture of whisky. It was " in blast" some two years, but just how many gallons of the " simmering compound of liquid devils" were made we are unable to state, but doubtless enough for the good of the neighborhood.

On the evening of June 21, 1823, Lenox was visited by a full-grown hurricane, which uprooted the forest-trees on a strip some sixty rods wide and perhaps three miles long. From a description written by an eye-witness we quote : " Ou moved the spirit of the storm, lowering and terrific as the dark, gloomy Erebus of ancient, classic Greece. Soon heaven's dread artillery announced the coming ou of elemental strife, the ' windows of heaven were opened,' and such a terrible display was made of the mighty workings of heaven's own machinery as might well appall the stoutest hearts. The lightning was an almost incessant flash, the thunder a ceaseless peal, the winds roaring terribly, while added to this was the crash of the towering forest-trees as, uptorn from their roots, twisted and broken, they were dashed to earth by the terrific gale."

In relation to the soil of this township, we learn that it is not perhaps so well adapted to grain-raising as some other portions of the county ; yet for grazing it excels many townships in the county, and taking the average, it is perhaps as productive as the majority of the other districts in Ashtabula County. Dairying has largely predominated for many years, followed principally by individuals until the year 1841, when Abiather Fowler inaugurated the factory system. His first efforts were in a small way, only working the milk of a few cows belonging to his near neighbors, gradually increasing his business until, in 1845 (when he closed out, in consequence of an extensive drought), he had five hundred cows contributing. From the time of the closing of the Fowler factory individuals again made their own cheese until 1861, when John Chapin established a factory on lot No. 55, opposite his house. The first year he made some six tons, which he sold for eight cents per pound. This factory continued in operation till the fall of 1876. The average amount produced has been some sixteen tons per year. In 1863, William De Witt started another factory in the southwest part of the township, subsequently removing to the State road. We are unable to give the statistics in relation to this factory, further than the fact that it closed in the fall of 1873. The present factory was established in the year 1870, by T. B. Wire. We are unable to obtain the amount manufactured the first year; but in 1876 the number of pounds of milk received was 3,092,053, from which 300,915 pounds of cheese were made, and sold for the sum of 829,417.17.

In the year 1835 was opened the first store. The proprietors were Messrs. Wing & Carpenter, of New York. The present store is owned by Messrs. Cook & Watson, who keep a general stock aggregating some six thousand dollars. Yearly sales, from thirty to thirty-five thousand dollars. There are at West Lenox a number of industries represented. - wagon-factory, manufacturing shoe-shop, blacksmith-shop, etc.

The first seed drill owned in Lenox was purchased by John Chapin on March 20, 1866 ; on that and the succeeding day he drilled in sixteen acres of oats. The August and September following he drilled in with the same machine one hundred and fifty acres of wheat.

The township boasts of a fine musical organization, by name the " King Cornet- Band." The first organization of this " institution" was in 1861, under the leadership of Prof. H. M. King. They soon afterwards enlisted under Captain W. R. Allen as a brigade band, in General Lane's division. Embarked for Kansas, but on arrival at Chicago found an order from the secretary of war, by which they were sent home. Afterwards a portion of the band went to Governor's island and went into training for the regular service. Returned home in 1863, and in the fall of 1864 enlisted as private soldiers in Captain S. H. Cook's company of the Fiftieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, en route for the front. They were retained at Columbus, by order of General Heintzelman, as a post band, and remained at Todd barracks until the close of the war. The band now numbers sixteen players, but of the original organization but two remain, viz., Prof. King and Captain Cook.

Lenox Grange , No. 1299, was organized, January 18, 1877, by Deputy V. N. Stone. The charter members were J. M. Ray, Delos Smith, T. B. Wire, J. A. McNutt, T. A. Thatcher, William Ashley, H. B. Woodruff, J. O. Holman, John Forrest, and Jacob Tisch, with their respective wives. The officers are J. M. Ray, Master ; Delos Smith, Overseer ; T. B. Wire, Lecturer ; J. A. McNutt, Steward ; T. A. Thatcher, Assistant Steward ; William Ashley, Chaplain ; H. B. Woodruff, Trcas. ; J. O. Holman, Sec. ; J. Forrest, Gate-Keeper ; Mrs. Jane Ray, Ceres; Mrs. B. J. Ashley, Pomona; Mrs. McNutt, Flora; Mrs. Woodruff, Assistant Steward. Annual meetings, second and fourth Thursdays of each month.

There are now residing in the township three ladies of notable longevity, viz. : Mrs. Lydia Bell, who was ninety-nine years of age in April, 1878; Mrs. Lydia Rogers, probably ninety-three, though there seems some difference of opinion as to her exact age; and Mrs. Rebecca Chapin, aged ninety-two; another, aged ninety (Mrs. Charlotte Williams), has recently removed to Kansas. The population of Lenox iu 1870 was seven hundred and fifty-two, and from the records of Auditor Crowell we learn that in 1876 there were:

There were eight school-houses in the township, valued at forty-six hundred dollars, with a total enumeration of two hundred and twenty-eight scholars.

With a few incidents we close the history of Lenox. The first is related of the freaks of a horse and his master, in which the noble animal showed an unheardof penchant for getting up in the world. The affair occurred in the baru of E. N. House, Esq. The horse was young, skittish, and otherwise vicious, and in the progress of a " business interview" between him and his keeper unaccountable demonstrations occurred which produced a misunderstanding between the parties, followed by a rather boisterous struggle of the belligerents. This was suddenly concluded by the escape of the beast up a steep flight of stairs. Once iu the hay-loft, the " trouble began." The floor giving way precipitated his head and shoulders earthward, from which critical position he was rescued by the aid of several men, though perhaps not a " wiser or better" horse, yet it must be admitted of more experience. Another story, and one which will please the "juveniles" better because there is a "bear" in it, runs as follows: Justice Markham, then resident in Lenox (afterwards removing to Saybrook), was in the woods one day with a gun of somewhat doubtful character, so far as its destructive properties were concerned. Fnding a bear, he attempted to discharge his gun; but whether it were with it as with the celebrated pistol of the immortal Hudibras, - or that the fire genii, slumbering peacefully in the gun-flint, could not be roused sufficiently to give out the igniting spark, is not known, but certain it is young Justice laid aside his gun, hung his hat thereon, procured the most primitive of weapons, a club, and " made at" Bruin with commendable alacrity. Whether the bear was unable, or fearless, and not caring to outrun his adversary, tradition does inform us. Bruin did, however, sustain for a length of time quite an able running fight, but man conquered, - the bear was slain. Ere this was effected the contest had been so long kept up and the route traveled so devious that it wTas with much difficulty, and then not until after some days devoted to the search, that he found his hat and gun. At the residence of Dr. Asque we were shown a relic of the by-gone in the shape of a gun, the extreme length of which is seven feet seven inches, the barrel alone being six feet one inch. This lengthy piece of ordnance was brought from Maryland by Lisle Asque, and was used by him in the hunting excursions of the period in which he flourished. It is related of him that he has killed with this gun forty-seven wild turkeys at thirteen shots, killing at one shot nine, and at another six. Many other " incidents" are related, but do not possess sufficient merit to be given a place in this history.

As a just tribute to the patriotism of the citizens of Lenox, we beg leave to say that we think no township in the county of equal population furnished more soldiers during the " Great Rebellion" than did little Lenox, not only on the first but subsequent calls for troops. The number who went were ninety on the several calls for volunteers, twenty-two of whom never returned , and several came home to die or maimed and broken in health and constitution. For their efficiency, bravery, and general good conduct while in service, we think they rank second to none upon the Western Reserve. We wish to say in closing that we were greatly aided in our labors of collecting the early items of history of Lenox by the manuscripts prepared by Josiah Atkins in 1847, which we were permitted access to through the kindness of Mrs. J. M. Ray. Our acknowledgments are also due M. S. Jewett, Esq., S. H. Cook, and others for material aid iu our labors.

Biographical Sketch Josiah Atkins

Josiah Atkins, Jr., a well-known citizen of Ashtabula County for more than sixty years, was born in Wolcott, New Haven county, Connecticut, October 16, 1789. He was a younger brother of Hon. Quintus F. Atkins, and came to Ohio when quite a young man.

For several years previous to 1821 he was a confidential clerk in the mercantile house of Austin & Hawley, in Austinburg, one of the most important business houses in northern Ohio. In 1821 he was a clerk and a deputy in the county auditor's office in Jefferson, and a year or two later surveyed the lands in northwestern Ohio, granted by congress to the State, for the purpose of building a road from the west line of the Connecticut Reserve to Perrysburg, through what was known as the " Maumee Swamp."

Afterwards he pursued the occupation of surveyor and builder, varied occasionally by services as storekeeper and accountant. He also held the office of county surveyor for several years. At a later period, ill health and infirmities intervening, he gave up surveying, and for a few years served as justice of the peace and postmaster in Lenox.

In 1847, assisted by Colonel Erastus N. House, he wrote, for the county historical society, an interesting history of the pioneer settlement of Lenox, which, with many other valuable documents of like kind, is supposed to have been destroyed by the subsequent burning of the court-house, in which they were deposited.

He was a diligent student and ardent lover of sound literature, as well as an industrious workingman, and in the course of his long life had accumulated a large and valuable library, which he gave, by will, to Tabor college, Iowa.

This township, which is No. 9 of the third range, was originally called Lebanon. On the 17th day of May, in the year 1799, it was deeded by the Connecticut land company to Elisha Tracy, and on June 1, same year, Josiah Barber purchased an undivided interest in the township. During the years 1801 and 1803, Barber sold to S. Gilbert, E. Tracy, and Joseph Pepoon all his interest excepting one thousand acres, which were deeded, on the 15th day of May, 1813, to Joel Owen, originally of Nelson township, Tolland county, Connecticut. This land was located as follows : two hundred acres in the west part of lot No. 1, and eight hundred in lots Nos. 25 and 26. Mr. Owen received an article for this land in the summer of 1803, and in the fall of same year began the journey to his far western home. This was undertaken with a wagon drawn by oxen. Owing to the inclemency of the season, bad roads, etc., he left his family, which at that time consisted of a wife and two children, at Amsterdam, New York, and came on to his possessions in this township. During the winter he erected thereon the first house in New Lyme. This was a small log structure, with the " regulation puncheon floor" and rived shingle roof. Having completed his dwelling he returned in the spring for his family, and soon after embarked for his new home. His route was up the Mohawk river and along Lake Ontario to Buffalo, in an open boat, and from that point to Ashtabula, thence through Austinburg and Morgan to their cabin, at which point they arrived on the 13th day of August, 1804, over nine months from the time of their " breaking camp" in Connecticut. At this time the nearest white settlers were seven miles away, and here, solitary and alone, except as occasional parties of Indians encamped near them for the purpose of hunting, this family resided for nearly seven years. Of the children of Mr. Owen we learn there were six, three of whom settled, after marriage, in the adjoining township of Colebrook, one in Gustavus, Trumbull county, and another in Saybrook, then called Wrightsburg. The names of these children were Sophia, who married Reuben Roberts ; Zarina, who married John Scoville; Anna, who married Jedediah Groves ; Sallie, who married Gilbert Cole ; Electa, who married Daniel Collings ; and Polly, who married Jonathan Webb. None of the family are at present residents of New Lyme. In January, 1811, Mr. Owen ceased to be " monarch of all he surveyed," from the fact that at this time the following persons removed from Lyme, New London county, Connecticut, and located near him : Samuel G. and Daniel Peck, Joshua Strickland, Vinton B. Way, and John and Salmon Gee. These parties built a log cabin and cleared off a piece of ground in what was then known as the " pigeon-roost," and from it some six hundred bushels of corn (in the ear) were harvested. In July of the same year, Dan Huntley, Joseph Miller, Peter Chapman, and Perry G. Beckwith, with their families, arrived in the township. The children of Joseph Miller, who settled on lot No. 2, were Angeline, born in Connecticut ; deceased. The next, Dan, married Lydia Johnson ; was ordained a clergyman of the Baptist connection, October 15, 1836; died in Minnesota, April, 1874. Louisa, third child, married Heman Johnson ; deceased. Temperance, married Nelson Hyde; resides in New Lyme. Eliza, died young. Joseph, Jr., married Mary St. John ; lives on south part of old farm. Marcenus V., married Beulah Brown ; lives on lot No. 8. Griswold and Phoebe both died single. The children of Perry G. Beckwith are Delinda, married John Gee; deceased. Elijah, married Sarah Partridge; now residing in Jefferson with his son, George W., who, with A. R., are connected with the mercantile interests at that point. Esther, deceased. Perry G., deceased. Alvin, married Peggy Little ; resides near the old homestead. Joanna, deceased. Edward M., deceased. Ezra M., married. Phillips, resides in Colebrook. Adelia, deceased ; and Samuel R., married Mary Allison ; resides in Kinsman, Trumbull county. Of the families of Huntley and Chapman wc have no data.

The following August, Samuel and Daniel Peck and Vinton B. Way returned to Connecticut after their families. Returning, they, in company with Eusebius Dodge, Zopher Gee, Charles Knowles, and Sanford Miner, arrived in New Lyme on the 20th day of the subsequent September. This company, numbering some ninety persons all told, performed this journey of over six hundred miles in wagons drawn by horses and oxen. Many mishaps are related of this journey and its privations and sufferings. Sufficient is it for us to know, however, that forty-three days from the time of their leaving their New England home they arrived at the cabin of Samuel G. Peck. The children of Samuel Peck are William D., married Zipperali Miner, now resides in Fairfield, Iowa; Josiah J., deceased ; Susannah, deceased ; Betsey, married Eli Andrews, resides in Bloomingdale, Michigan ; Lorica, deceased ; Elijah, married Parney Hubbard, still living in New Lyme; Samuel G., married Naucy E. Canfield, lives in Rome, this county; Silas, married Angelina Gee, lives in this township; Zipperali and Mary Ann, deceased. D. Peck's children were Edward C., deceased; Ansel, left New Lyme in 1818, supposed to have died west; Polly, married Elias Brockway, now living in Michigan ; Lyman, married Laura Brown, residing on lands purchased by his father. The children of Joshua Strickland are Stephen, Marcus L., and Eliza. The children of Eusebius Dodge were John, deceased ; Jeremiah, married Harriet Jackson, still living on the original homestead ; Nancy, married Lemuel Lee, their only child is the present Judge Lee, of Ashtabula, - Mrs. Lee resides on the old place with her brother ; Patty, deceased ; Eusebius was a Baptist clergyman, deceased ; Henry, deceased ; Maria, deceased ; Joanna, married Dr. Jared Fuller, - Sylvester Tracy, only son of this couple, is now cashier of the Second National bank of Jefferson. The foregoing children were born in Lyme, Connecticut. Two children were born here, - Edward C. and Matthew, who both died young. The children of Vinton B. Way are as follows: Abby, deceased- Darien, married Catharine Foreman, resides in Colebrook ; Caroline, still resides on the old homestead ; Phebe, married Elisha B. Clark, lives in Rome, this county ; John C., married Caroline C. Edwards, resides in this township ; E. S., married Ann Norton, resides on the old farm ; Sarah, deceased; Mary, deceased; Erastus and Esther, also deceased.

The surface of the township of New Lyme is of a rolling nature, averaging with the adjoining townships in productiveness. The streams of water are the Lebanon creek, which rises in the southeast part of the township and flows westerly, emptying into Rock creek, in Rome. Whetstone creek has its rise in a small swamp situated on the east line of the township, near the centre, flows nearly due west, and discharges its waters into Rock creek, a little north of the Centre road.

The first school was taught in the winter of 1812 - 13, by John Gee. The building occupied for school purposes on this occasion was a small log affair, and was probably located on the land of Perry G. Beckwith, Sr. There were some eighteen pupils in attendance, and comprised all the youth within the township. The first select school was taught by Albert Hall, at the Baptist church, in the rear 1850. The first marriage in the township of New Lyme occurred in the year 1812. Miss Susan, daughter of Samuel G. Peck, and Calvin Knowlton, of Morgan, were the participants in this no doubt highly interesting event. The ceremony was performed at the residence of the bride's father, by the Rev. Giles

H. Cowles, then resident in Austinburg. The first male child born in this township was a son to Joseph and Elizabeth Miller, December 14. 1811. This child was named Daniel, and is the same of whom mention is made in connection with the Miller family. The first child who saw the light in a frame dwelling was Marcena Miller; this was in 1822. The first frame house erected in the township was in 1820, Dan Huntley owner. The first adult death was that of an old lady named Bailey. This occurred in the year 1818. Where buried, or who had charge of the funeral obsequies, we are unable to learn. The first physician was Jared Fuller, who arrived in New Lyme in the year 1829. Dr. Fuller was originally from Windham (now Scotland), Connecticut. He located on lot No.

I, and continued to practice his profession successfully until 1870, when he removed to Jefferson. Dr. Porter Kee, who was a partner of Dr. Fuller's for some years, built the Water Cure establishment in this township. The present medical staff of New Lyme is composed of Dr. A. Rathbone, who is spoken of as being fully up to tbe standard in professional attainments ; has a fine practice.

" Blazed" routes were established to Wayne, Lenox, Morgan, and Rome as early as 1811, but the first road of which mention is made in the county records was in June, 1813 ; this was " from the Strong place in Rome, and running southerly through New Lyme ; thence southerly and easterly until it intersects the road at Nathan Fobes', in Wayne." The same date another road was authorized " from the south line of No. 10, third range (Lenox), running south until it intersects the new road laid in Lebanon (New Lyme), and north in a direction with said line until it intersects the road running to Jefferson." June, 1816. Aroad"from Eusebius Dodge, and running in an easterly direction until it intersects the road leading from Rome to Wayne, at Levi Bailey's." Same date. From, at, or near Joseph Miller's, and running eastwardlv by the bouses of Martin and Seldin Huntley, until it intersects the highway leading from Rome to Wayne. December, 1817. From near the house of Levi Bailey, and running southeasterly to intersect the road running northerly from Titus Hayes', in No. 8, second range (Wayne). March, 1819. From Eusebius Dodge's, running westerly to Edward C. Dodge, in Rome. March, 1820. From centre of south line to old road leading to Morgan. June, 1820. From northeast corner of Josiah Peck's land to Windsor road.

The first sermon delivered in the township was at the house of Zopher Gee, by tbe Rev. Giles H. Cowles, of Austinburg, in the fall of 1812, to an audience of, perhaps, twenty.

The Free-Will Baptist church was organized November 12, 1826, by Elder Samuel Wires, with nine members, whose names are as follows: Benj. Reeve, Elias Brockway, Elijah Brown, Rumsey Reeve, Daniel Bogue, Joshua Strickland, Lovina Waters, Martha Reeve, and Sarepta Brown. Joshua Strickland was the first clerk and Benjamin Reeve deacon. Following are the names of such of the pastors as we could procure : Revs. Wires, Cheeney, Dodge, Rolland, Perry, is the present incumbent. Their church at Dodgeville .was erected in the year 1846. The close-communion Baptists erected a church in 1832. Rev. Joshua M oodworth (ordained at Jefferson, 1811) was for years pastor of this church; was succeeded by Silas Barnes, Sidney Carter, and St. John.

The First Saw-Mill

was erected by Joseph Miller in 1814. Its location was on Whetstone creek, north of Brownsville. The next mill was built by Zopher Gee and Samuel G. Peck in 1820, and stood on Lebanon creek, near the present residence of Zopher Gee. Oliver Brown, in 1843, built a mill at Brownsville, on Lebanon creek. This was run by water until 1850, when steam-power was substituted. This and the steam-mill just north of the centre comprise the sum total of the New Lyme mills.

Organization

This township was organized under the name of Lebanon on the first Monday of April, 1813, and continued under that name until 1825, when it was, by special act of the legislature, changed to New Lyme. Upon its organization the following persons were elected: Daniel Huntley, Samuel G. Peck, and Perry G. Beckwith, trustees ; Joseph Miller, clerk ; Joel Owen, treasurer; and Edward C. Peck, constable. Eusebius Dodge was, on the 2d day of August, 1813, commissioned a justice of the peace for this township. He was succeeded by Joseph Miller, and was recommissioned July 19, 1816. His successor was Lemuel Lee, who served in that capacity for a number of years. The present justices of the peace are Calvin Dodge and M. A. Eaton. Mr. Lee was one term to the legislature, and Judge William S. Deming two terms. The first postmaster was undoubtedly Lemuel Lee, and the mail matter was received and distributed at his house, which stood just north of Dr. Fuller's. The date upon which this office was created we are unable to obtain, though a mail-route was established in 1826, running from Warren through this town to Jefferson, and it was probably soon after that this office was established. Samuel Lee was his successor. This office is now kept at the store of Perry G. Hyde, who is postmaster. A second office is located on lot No. 8. M. V. Miller, postmaster, was commissioned October 25, 1873. The first hotel was opened in about the year 1S31 by Elijah Brown. This building is now occupied by Byron Brown for a dwelling. The present hotel is owued by L. S. Potter. Its location is next door south of Hyde's store, and was first thrown open as a house of entertainment on May 17, 1876. The first store was opened in the year 1830 by Richard Hayes and Benjamin Carpenter, of Hartford, Trumbull county, though Jeremiah Dodge sold some goods on commission prior to this date. The store of Messrs. Hayes & Carpenter was located at Dodgeville. February, 1834, this store was sold to J. Dodge and Samuel Plumb. Nelson Hyde and Albert Latimer subsequently became partners. In the spring of 1834 a mercantile establishment began business at Brownsville, under the firm -name of Oakley, Deming & Co. They continued under this name for two years, when William S. Deming became sole owner. The business continued for many years as Deming & St. John, William S. & John Deming, and Deming & Gee. New Lyme has at present five mercantile establishments: Hiram Dodge and M. L. Strickland at Dodgeville, P. G. Hyde and M. H. Wilson at Brownsville, and Nelson Hyde has a small stock of goods at his house, on the turnpike. The first cheese-factory in New Lyme was built by Albert Latimer and Jonathan Bishop in 1865 and 1866. This was the "Alderney." Mr. Zopher Gee has been manager the most of the time. The first year the milk of about three hundred cows was manufactured. Now the number is about six hundred. The Lebanon Valley cheese-factory is owned by Messrs. Dodge & Brown, and does an extensive business, manufacturing in 1876 the milk of eleven hundred cows.

At Brownsville there is a very fine lodge of the Independent Order of Good Templars. Their charter bears date April 15. 1868, with the following members: F. J. Reeve. H. A. Reeve, S. Reeve, J. S. Peck, Antoinette Peck, F. P. Brown,

Free And Accepted Masons

Symbol Lodge, So. 452, whose charter bears date October 19, A.L. 5871, own a fine wooden building at Dodgeville, the lower story of which is occupied by the store of M. L. Strickland. The charter members of this lodge are Alexander McCausland, Sylvester T. Fuller, George E. Gee, H. L Dodge. D. C. Woodworth, Benjamin Reeve, M. H. Wilson, J. C. Perry, J. A. Hoskins, F. E. and A. C. Crosby, O. R. Potter, A. W. Remick, A. G. Rathbone, R. L. Foreman, and Byron Bovee. Present officers are E. S. Gee, W. M. ; M. D. Rogers, S. W. ; A. W. Remick, J. W. ; E. N. Jayne, Sec. ; H. L. Dodge, Treas. ; George E. Gee, S. D. ; George Parker. J. D. ; and M. L. Strickland, Tyler. The present membership is sixty, and steadily increasing. Stated communications, second and fourth Mondays.

In manufacturing, there is the carriage-manufactory of Messrs. Richmond, Dodge & Co., and Elisha Peckwith, the harness-shop of M. H. Wilson, blacksmith- and shoe-shops, marble-works, etc.

In relation to the industries of this township, the assessor's returns show that more than one hundred thousand pounds of cheese are manufactured here than in any other township in Ashtabula County. Below find crop statistics, etc. :