Liverpool Township (part 1 of 2)

Narrative By Moses Demming

At the age of seventy, being the third time a widower, I sit down lonesome arid disconsolate to write a short history of my life. When I take a retrospective view of the many dangers that have beset my path, I am constrained to exclaim - Lord! how often hast thou been my Protector and guide ! !

I was born in Southbury,{New Hampshire county, Connecticut. December 4, 1777. My father's name was John. He was born in East Hampton, New York, in 1727. of .Scotch descent. My mother's maiden name was Anna Knowles. They were the owners of one acre of land, and as mall dwelling where they raised and supported a family of four sons and five daughters. My father was in the French war, and during the Revolutionary war, was frequently called out on alarms. "When Banbury was destroyed by fire, he was present under command of a Militia Captain, whose courage was not of that kind that gained him renown as an officer, being more inclined to protect himself behind a wall, than to show himself in open fight.

My father enlisted when over forty years old, being fired with that true patriotism that spurred on the men in those days to fight for family and for home.

Mother was feeble, but not disheartened. She toiled daily to gain a scanty subsistence for her large family. Father sent money frequently, to aid in procuring family necessaries. Rut the depreciated currency then paid out to soldiers (continental paper) was of little value. and it often happened that the month's pay would hardly purchase provision sufficient for one week. I have heard my mother say that once she offered the whole wages that lather had received for one month for a loaf of bread, and could not get it. I can remember when turnips were our bread and meat, and if a thin slice of bread was obtained, it was considered a luxury. It was not unusual to go to bed supperless.

At the close of the war we were greeted with the return of our father from ' whose lips I have often heard details of the many and severe privations endured during the Revolutionary struggle. Father sold his pay that he received as a soldier, for two shillings and sixpence on the pound, and got in silver sixty dollars. This was considered a large sum of money in our family- Both my parents died in the year 1809, aged eighty-two and seventy-seven years. At the age of fifteen, I had been bound out to learn the Blacksmith trade. At the age of twenty-one I went to Waterbury. While at work there I became acquainted and captivated with Ruth Warner. There was something so pleasing in her manners and conversation that t could never forget her. After leaving that place I roamed from place to place, seeing new objects, and seeking new sources of wealth or comfort, and again returned home, not five dollars better off than when I left. It is true that while traveling I had sometimes a little good luck, again much ill luck. Sometimes enjoying pleasant seasons, then again it seemed as though the very elements opposed my progress. Deep snow, high waters, severe colds and mud were encountered by me in many rambles, and caused me to exert my ingenuity and physical power to advance. I now came to the couclusion that if I ever intended to pros- per, I musi cease rambling and settle down. 1 accordingly commenced my trade, ased economy, arid in due course of time could say that I was out of debt, and had some cash on hand. Thinking seriously that a stationary life and a suitable companion would add to my comfort 1 visited Ruth Warner, proposed, and was married to her June 1, 1802. ] became the owner of twenty acres, which I improved and by diligence and the very prudent economy of my wife, we gained a good share of the necessaries of life. By industry we added twenty acres more to our original purchase. After some time I concluded to sell and seek land elsewhere. I found a live Yankee who offered to purchase and pay in wooden clocks. At first I declined to trade, having never seen the inner workings of a wooden time piece. In order to make myself acquainted with clockology. as manufactured under the wooden creed, I assumed the responsibility of taking my own apart, and examining its mysteries. I spent the main portion of the day in unfixing and rcfixing it. and then concluded that I was prepared, after serving an apprenticeship to myself, to repair wooden clocks.

Believing myself now an adept in the way of fixing clocks, I bought twelve clocks for one hundred and twenty dollars, and started out as a clock pedler. I remained abroad about six weeks and returned with cattle valued at one hundred and eighty dollars, having made about sixty dollars clear.

Shortly thereafter, I sold my 40 acres of stony, hilly, poor land for one hundred and two dollars, and agreed to give possession in one year thereafter, and started into Onondagua on a peddling excursion. I had, while traveling, contracted for and owned a small farm and dwelling on the east bank of Scanecttles Lake, about four miles from its outlet. Our now home was delight- stock my new farm, T. sold clocks for cattle, geese or any kind of trade that people would barter for wooden tfme-pveces. About this time my brother Davis and others had become deeply engaged in the making and selling Miner's Wheel- heads. As I had been successful in bartering clocks, T entered into the wheel-head trade and did a good business for some time. In course of time the wheel-head trade declined and eventually was placed in the same catalogue with wooden nutmegs.

About this time a religious revival commenced in our new neighborhood, and, thank God, myself and wife became converts. From then I date a new and happy era in my life. For many years prior I had been an open and bold infidel ; looking upon professors as hypocrites and the Bible as falacious. From that period of my life, up to the present, I must say that the Bible has been my life chart, and the company of Christian people my delight, and after having lived on earth four score years T wish to bear testimony that in the religion of Christ there is a solace, a comfort that the world knows not. In the winter of 1810, Father Warner and Mr. Warden visited Ohio to look at Township No. 4, in -llange 15, of the Connecticut Western Reserve, then in Portage county, (now Liverpool, in Medina Co.) Mr. Warner had corresponded with Mr. Coit, the proprietor, and learned the price per acre. In 1811, Mr. Warner, accompanied by Alpheus Warner and wife, and three young men as passengers, started for Liverpool. As they came by my residence, and had tarried with me, I was easily persuaded to accompany them. Father Warner and myself were supplied with clocks, which we sold or traded as we travelled. We arrived at Columbia on the last day of February, 1811. When at Cleveland, on our way to Columbia,

Mr. Huntington urged me to buy a lot in that town for $60, and pay part in a clock, and the balance in any kind of trade we then had with us. The lot offered to me contained one acre and a fourth, and is the same lot on which the Court House now stands. Cleveland was then reported to be sickly, and the scrub oaks seemed to indicate that the ground was too poor to raise white beans ; so we could not make a trade. I traveled many miles over what is now called Columbia, Liverpool and Brunswick, exploring and deciding upon the most available portion to purchase and prepare to locate ; and, after due deliberation, made choice of the farm on which I now (1860) reside. I contracted with a young man to make an opening and prepare a field to plant in corn the coming spring ; and on 15th March started for home. Nothing of import happened on my way. When I got home I made preparations to move, selling off all that I could not take with me conveniently. I owned eleven head of young cattle that I determined to take with me if possible. Late in April we filled our wagon with such articles as we supposed essential, topping off our load with a quantity of wheel heads, and, hitching on a team of oxen and one horse, set out on our tedious journey. The driving of the cattle through woods and across streams, caused us trouble and toil. We progressed at the average speed of sixteen miles per day. Our wheel heads aided in paying our expenses at places where we tarried over night. From Cleveland to Columbia, a distance of twelve miles, there were no inhabitants, and in many places the roads were heavy. We traveled hard from early dawn to late eve in making that distance. The roads were very deep, and our chances to avoid deep mud, few and far between, unless we had cut an entirely new road. Prior to our arrival, there had been 1.7 heavy rains, waters were high, and fordings rather dangerous. In attempting to cross a creek, the round poles composing the bridge were floating in an eddy over the two long stringers. I urged the cattle forward, and when they stepped on the poles they gave way and let the cattle into the water between ihe stringers. I stood on a stringer with a stout pole, pushed the head of each one of the cattle under the stringer and forced it through into the current, and by this means, after many punches with the pole and much grappling of horns, I got all my cattle over. We left our wagon, took a few of the necessary articles, traveled up the stream to where we found it more shallow, and after much toil and circuitous travel, we arrived at Liverpool on the 18th day of May, having traveled twenty days

On the 1st day of June Sally Warner was born, and it may with certainty be recorded that she was the first child born in Liverpool township.

On 28th February, 1812, Father Warner came with his family and settled in Liverpool township. Our neighborhood was now composed of four families, and it seamed as though company was plenty. We were all friendly and all willing to aid each other. At this time I had in my employ a young fellow whom I had hired to aid in clearing land, and other services. His disposition was any oiher than kind. One day he seemed droopish, and I thought proper to inquire what was the uiatter. He showed me his hands and arms, when I made the discovery that he was literally splotched with itch, and his clothes were densely peopled with lice. To have him about my house in that condition would not answer, and I therefore set my wits to work to cure the disease and exterminate the vermin. Wife and self had some fears lest the red men might molest us, but when we found the itch and lice likely to be inmates of our cabin, we took courage, made battle by scrubbing and washing with ashes, sand and soap, any amount of hot water and bark ooze, and finally routed the enemies, who never returned to make a second attack. Our kindness to the fellow did not secure his friendship. Often, when driving the oxen, if he could find a hornet's nest or a swarm of yellow-jackets, it was his delight to drive the cattle among them and then witness the pain and misery he caused to be inflicted on the dumb animals. I sent him adrift; he get on board an armed ship, where he was guilty of mutiny, and was hung at Boston.

My wife who had been a sharer in the toils and incidents consequent to a life in the West, had declined gradually in hea'th for some years. I had painfully watched the advances of disease, and although I used every prudent means to ward off the fatal shaft, I could not withstand the purpose of an over-ruling Providence, She died on the 26th July. 1812. Father Warnor and myself selected the grave yard where we interred her. She was the first white person buried in Liverpool Township. Prior to her death, I had been busily employed in getting out timber for a barn, which was raised after her death, and was the first fame barn put up in the Township, and was the only frame barn between Cleveland and the River Raisin.

On the 4th June, 1812, war was declared, but our want of information by means of newspapers, prevented us, at first, from being much excited. We dreaded the Indians, but still supposed that those then at the head of our brave men would be able to protect us from danger. We had heard that Hull was doing good service and we reposed confidence in his valor. After the death of my wife T had hired Louisa Bron?on t take charge of my house and to cook. One night when sleeping soundly Tre were all aroused by the rap of father Warner at the door, holding the unexpected news that Detroit had surrendered, and that the British were landing at Huron ; that the people at Columbia were packing up to leave, and wislrng us to be at T. Doan's next morn by sunrise, to go with them to Hudion. Miss Bronson commenced getting early breakfast. I commenced putting the hay rack on the wagon and fixing light puncheons as a bottom, (we had no boards) iind by the time breakfast was ready we were ready to load the wagon. Then thinking our return uncertain, I turned all of my cattle into the oat-field and let my hogs roam where they pleased. We selected and loaded such household goods as we thought we should need. I had a traveling trunk in which I had kept all my valuable papers. I placed that trunk in the center of the floor so that I might not forget it when loading, but strange to tell such was our haste and confusion that we forgot that trunk and started, leaving it in the same spot where I had placed it. We traveled with one pair of oxen and a pair of young steers. In getting to Mr. Doan's, such was our hurry and confusion that we would travel through oat-fields or any other inclosure to shorten distance or avoid bad roads, and leave all fences down-. By the time all had congregated at Mr. Doan's the number was considerable, including young and old.

We started on our retreat excursion in contused order, and our progress did not exceed two miles each hour. Mrs. Scofield, one of our company, had an infant only three days old. In order that she might get along as comfortably as possible, her husband fastened a bed on a colt, got her comfortably seated on it, and he, leading the colt, kept up with the caravan. At night wc placed no sentinels around our camp, for the reason that we had but one gun for all and only two loads of ammunition. About one o'clock at night Levi Bronson, returning from Cleveland, came across our camp and gave us the intelligence that it was prisoners that landed at Huron, not the British, and that we were in no imminent danger. This intelligence caused us to hold a council, and after various suggestions we came to the conclusion to return to Columbia and build a block house. The next day we returned and put in execution our resolve. The block house was planned and erected, and Capt. Headley became the commander. One-half of the men were detained on duty while the other half were allowed to attend to their home duties. I made a practice of going to Liverpool every morning, when not detained on duty, and returning to Columbia in the evening. I drove my cows to Columbia, but fattened my hogs at Liverpool. They thrived well, though only Jed once daily. All the women and children remained at Columbia for some time. Finding fear of the enemy subsiding, I came to the conclusion to stay and sleep in my cabin, with my dog as my only companion. In a few months I contracted with Mr. Morgan, to whom I rented my farm for four years, and being still a widower, and having no children to provide for, I concluded to seek some more settled and easy life. I went to Euclid and engaged to teach school. While there I came to the conclusion that I would cease to be a widower if I could find a woman upon whom I could bestow my affections. I became acquainted with Miss Clarissa Cranny, of Euclid, and we became husband and wife on 11th March, 1813. We returned to my farm the following April, bought back the lease I had made with Mr. Morgan, and re-commenced house-keeping. At the expiration of fifteen mouths we hud a daughter born. For several days my wife was sick, but not thought dangerously so. But while hope seemed brightest, the night of sorrow was near. My second wife died and left to my care and keeping a helpless infant only a lew days old. Her grave was the second in Liverpool Township, Mr. H. H. Coit had come and commenced digging for salt, and "was a boarder at my house when my wife died.

My child was a groat concern to me. and having tried several places where I had every evidence that she would be well cared for, I thought I would cease fretting, but when alone or when in company. I still felt as though I should make my home the abode of my child. I therefore came to the conclusion to seek a third wife. I had hoard much of the character of Jerusha Russell, who was the teacher of a school at Newburg. She was a native of Windsor, in Connecticut, and had an unblemished reputation. I sought an interview and was successful. We were married on the 24th November, 1814. A third time I commenced adding to my improvements, and in all my efforts to gain necessary comforts, I was constantly aided by my wife. To me she was a faithful companion, and to my ^hild she w-ts a kind and exemplary step-mother. About this period in my western peregrinations and settlement, disease attacked my cattle, horses and hogs, which continued for two years. I lost within that period, seventy Cattle, ten horses and all my hogs. The disease was supposed to originate from some poisonous weed or roots that decayed and settled in the marshy ponds of stagnant water that then were numerous a!ong the river valley.

all the territory west of the Twelfth Range, to the tire lands, and all south of township No. Five, to the south line of No. One, being the south line of the Reserve, and being then a part of Portage county. H. H. Coit and myself were the two first Justices of the Peace, from which I derived no profit but much trouble. The territory over which we exercised judicial control was extensive, though as yet sparsely settled. When litigants came to me for law, I generally got the cases decided by a compromise, and closed judicial proceedings by feeding the disputants from a portion of my limited means, and sending them home friendly to each other.

I will here narrate the manner in which cases were decided when we did not wish our official duties to prevent us from attending to the more necessary duties of providing necessaries for ourselves. I had started early and traveled four miles to ask three men to come and help me roll some logs. When we got to my cabin I found a man waiting, whose face showed that he had been fully engaged in a fight. He* said that he had come six miles to see me and learn what the law was as to Assault and Batterry, as he had been pretty well battered. The Bible was on a board which I wished him to take down, and read the law for himself. He took the book (I had no statute in the cabin at that time) and after turning over many pages, (I soon discovered that he coul4 not read) he asked me on what page he could find the law of Battery. I told him I did not recollect the page, but I could give him the words of the law as recorded in that book. He said the law was what he wished to know, so that he might have some idea what sum he could recover from the man who had whipped him. I told him the words of the law in that book were; " He that smiteth thee on the one cheek, turn to him the other also." He looked at me, then at the book, took his hat and as he left said, that law was too devilish poor to do him any good.

I wish to close this hastily compiled narrative with a few personal remarks. My life has been one of change ; I have tested privations ; I have experienced afflictions ; I have toiled hard ; yet when I think of the privations, the afflictions and hardships that others endured, I must frankly say, that a kind Providence has, in my old days, blessed me with competence, and surrounded me with many friends. My prayer is, that those who follow after me may reap, from my exertions in former years, a full competence of the good things of life, and when they die, may they have the well grounded hope of a glorious immortality !

Mrs. Warner, wife of William, had been reared in the school of industry, and when first settling in her wilderness cabin she plainly discovered that invention was as necessary as labor, in order that some things might be done. She thought her table poorly suppied if cheese was wanting.

and we did not lack meat, for game was plenty, and we made our own salt to salt it with ; add to these a good supply of wild plums, grapes, pawpaws, mandrakes, blackberries, raspberries, billberries, crab-apples, gooseberries, and wild hops for both beer and bread, a variety of nuts to lay by for winter use, and we have food worthy to be eaten on the large clean chip for a plate, with a sharp stick for a fork, and a pocket knife for a carver, as was often done when in the course of events the dishes brought with them had become broken. A hard shell of a squash served for a sugar-bowl, gourds were used for dippers, and many other things were substituted for things worn out.

Oliver and Seeley were one day chopping about a half a mile from the house, when Oliver, by a miss stroke, laid the edge of his ax into his foot, making a horrible wound, Seeley took him on his back and carried him home, only stopping once to rest on the way. Oliver weighed one hundred and ninety-two pounds at that time. Minerva and Seeley dressed the foot, and in time it got well.

Perhaps it would not be amiss to give our readers a few of the many little anecdotes concerning Justus, or Grandpa, as he was universally called. He had a very peculiar laugh, a very peculiar mode of expression, and was withal a very peculiar man. He was not a man given to profanity, yet in cases of great emergency he was known to vigorously ejaculate, " the devil!"

little hill. From the top of one of these hills to the top of the other Aaron and Adna had trained the old horse to go with railroad speed, always stopping at the end of his race course. So one day Grandpa set forih on a journey to Columbia ; but as he ascended the hill, lo ! the old horse struck into a dead run, and he hung on for dear life, only saying " whoa ! whoa ! the devil !" but his speed abated not in the least until he ascended the next hill and stopped himself. Grandpa looked about and repeated "ah!'* very deliberately, and proceeded on his journey. The horse did not find tongue and tell of this, but Oliver and Seeley did, for they were chopping by the way-side, and but for them the secret might have remained with Grandpa and the old horse to this day.

Our family was now becoming larger, but aristocracy had not moved in. To give our readers a little sketch of the wardrobe of a squatter and his family, would perhaps, not be uninteresting to our fantastic hooped ones, in particular, for they may be able to draw a slight comparison. Behold, then, the father decked in a doe skin shirt, a deer skin vest and buck skin pants, and children arrayed in robes of the same material, sewed with the same leather whang as their thread was termed, and we have a more substantial wardrobe even than had our first parents with their aprons of fig leaves. Shoes were made of untanned leather, cut in one piece and sewed on the instep.

We come now to the summer of 1812. And now if our work was fiction and romance, we could write of sighing zephyrs and singing birds, of gentle slopes and flowery dells, with flattering swains and fainting ladies ; for our heros and heroines, we would marry some and let others die, to suit the convenience of our story. But no, our romance is but plain reality ; hardships endured by our own fathers and mothers, to gain for us, their children, a home. So we sit and listen with the deepest interest to the stories which they narrate, for their trembling steps and silver locks tell us we may not long be permitted to pen these things from their own lips.

Death came, and Ruth was wrapped in her winding sheet and consigned to the cold grave. A place was to be selected for a burial ground, for the hand of death was even in the wilderness. Grandpa and Minerva went forth to seek a place for her tomb. They came to our beautiful hill, covered then as densly with its trees and bushes as it is now with its monuments and marbles, its willows and roses, and its grassy mounds which mark the resting places of the long since forgotten. There on the most beautiful of mornings, they cut through the roots of the trees with an ax, and with a hoe dug the rude grave and shed the bitter tears of affection, and slowly and sadly they consigned the body of their beloved Ruth to the grave.

This was but the beginning of sorrow among us. War and its horrors stared us in the face. The mother clasped closely to her breast her babe ; the lips of the father trembled and grew pale, and the young men grasped firmly their fire-arms to defend the helpless. Then all waited in an agony of suspense until tidings came that Hull had surrendered up his army at Detroit, and the Indians and British were just upon us, and we must leave for older settlements.

It would not be probable that all would give an exact story concerning those troublous times. And after forty years have passed, shall we expect no disagreement in the different narration by different persons ? All could not be alike affected. Aaron says, Alpheus, after working some time to get things ready for a

Minerva found candles, hid her knives, forks and silver spoons in hollow logs, put away things the best she could to leave ; unpenned the pigs ; uncooped the chickens; turned out the cows with their calves; araranged the bed on the sled for the invalid mother, and all took up their march for Captain Pritchard's, in Columbia. They arrived there just at sunrise and breakfasted on melons which were brought out, and then journeyed on to meet the Eidgeville and Columbia companies on the corners by old uncle Oliver Terrill's. There we agreed to go to Hudson, and proceeded eleven miles on our journey and camped for the night. .We stopped the noise of the bells on our oxen, ate our rude meals, and dispatched two messengers, Dr. Potter and Lathrop Seymour, to Cleveland, for farther news. A person was met bringing news that it was not Brittish or Indians, but Hull's soldiers on parole, so our panic subsided a little. In the camp was Minerva with with her babe, fifteen months old ; the wife of Scoville, with her infant, one week old, and another child two years old, and she and her two little ones sick with fever and ague, besides the rest that camped there. The horror of that night we cannot imagine, neither can pen describe it.

Morning saw us on our way back, but when we arrived at Jim Doan's, bad news again met us, with invitations from Cleveland and Euclid to come there for protection. As they were all together, a council was held, and some were for a block-house in Columbia, some for Euclid, some for Cleveland. Demming and Oliver wentjback to Salt Spring Town. Justus and Alpheus, with Scovill, and their wives, went to Hudson. The women staid seven weeks, and the men went back and forth, till Minerva came back, and order was a little nearer restored. But still there was a great fear of being slain or massacred by the Indians. Part of our men boiled salt while others slept ; those that boiled always keeping watch for Indians.

Neighbors now began to move in, and peace and prosperity once more began to shine upon us. Adna and Robinson kept bachelor's hall in a shanty seven feet square, on the Wolf place, until Adna got tired of it and left Robinson alone. Grand-pa kept house on the Wetherby place, Alpheus and Minerva on the corners by aunt Sally's, Aaron and Lucinda on the place they now own, Demming and Clarissa (his second wife) on his present farm, down by the river. Wilmot, Noah and John Mallet moved in, and at this time Justus (or grandpa) began making improvements in his salt works by digging on this side of the river, as the old horse was often out of sight, and the salt-kettle he had proved by an actual demonstration would not float. One da}7 he, with his son Justus, started to go across, but Old Rocky was on one of her freaks. Grand-pa stepped into his boat, took^his paddle and began rowing for the other shore ; but, in spite of him, his little craft fast headed down stream. He did not know what to do. Justus shouted orders from the shore to no purpose. At last grand-pa repeated a very vehement "ah !" threw his paddle overboard, caught the rope at the end of the boat and pulled with a vengeance. Justus ran along the shore to a bend in the river, the boat came ashore, and he saved him from being drowned.

Salt was readily exchanged for other things necessary to us. "There are boards now on my barn," says Aaron Warner, "which cost me one bushel of salt per thousand ; and the nails to put them on with, twenty cents per pound, and brought them from Cleveland on horseback, being three days on the journey." Salt sold at $20 a barrel, and the price of an ax was $5.

But I was going to tell of his success with his well on this side of the river. Minerva warned him not to fall in and drown in his own well, as Haman was hanged on his own gallows ; but he took no heed to her warning. There had been a fall of snow in the night, and grandpa arose early in the morning and proceeded to his well. Minerva was about breakfast, and the rest were asleep. Grandpa being gone longer than usual, she became alarmed, and ran to the well. His steps were easily traced there, and on looking in, there he stood up to his arm-pits in water, shivering and bibbering with cold. Minerva ran back, roused the men, and bade them take the ladder, on which they had descended from the chamber, and run to the well and get grandpa out, while she made him some toddy, and got him dry clothes. And when he had got over his bath, Minerva said, "I told you so." ''Ah!" said he, "I didn't fall into the well, I didn't. I slipped in, I did ; and I didn't think of Haman, nor Mordecai, nor the gallows. But I thought how near I came drowning, I did ; and I s'pose you never'll forget gettin' your say, you wont."

We shall now continue grand-pa's story, giving many of his sayings in his own language ; for all that knew him knew his mode of expressing his opinion. Two men had one day made a bargain, and, as is frequently the case, both had repented, thinking themselves cheated. So grandpa went and talked after this -fashion to them. Said he, "You both made a bargain, you did ; and ye both want to shlink, ye do. But ye needn't nary one on ye shlink ; I'll shlink for ye, and ye may look out how ye trade to shlink, ye may, and take your property and go home." After lie was eighty years old, he climbed an apple tree to shake it, and fell and hurt him. Thereupon Mr. Muddiman, the Baptist minister, went and told him that such an old man ought not to be so presumptuous. "Ah !" said he, "I always fell when I was a young man, if the limb broke, and I always expect to fall when the limb breaks, I do." At the age of ninety-six, sajs Aunt Boxy Worden, he climbed an elm tree, and cut bean poles in my yard, and four years lUter we all assembled to celebrate his one hundredth birthday, He asked what we were all there for, and seemed very well pleased. They brought him pen and ink, and he wrote in a legible hand, on a blank leaf, in Minerva's Bible :

The following lines were penned by Bhoda Hinckley on the occasion, although she claims no honor in the poetic line ; yet, for want of something better, she gives the lines below :

Twenty days later, and all that remained of the vigorous old man was borne through the broad gate, up to the green hill top, and laid beside the wife of his youth and his old age. And the bell in the M. E. Church rang its first death knell to the tune of a hundred years ago, and the pens of the future left to tell of his deeds in life, while the long train of mourners will long remember "Grandpa."

And now let us blush to own that we, as citizens of our flourishing and prosperous town, suffer Minerva, the woman who has endured so much, to lack the miserable pittance so necessary to her comfort, and much more, to lack those kind words and deeds so necessary to the happiness of old age. In our abundance we have forgotten that the midnight lamp, the tear dimmed eye, and the aching heart are the inmates of the little white cottage by the way-side, surrounded by its green trees, its neat flowers, and its little garden, hoed and wed by her own industry. There is not a field in sight o*f her but bears the marks of her labor in times past, while she . goes forth, day by day, and earns her bread. And should sickness come upon her, dare we hope that her forty years of privation and hardship would gain for her more than a home in our County - house. Alas ! for the inconsistency of perverted human nature.

I was boiling salt at the salt works, and Mrs. Townsend came after me to go and shoot an otter, as she had discovered one in the water. So I went and shot it and brought it to the salt works, whereupon Town send came in a rage and took it away. I went after, him and brought it back. Then he came again andvwith his ax cut it in two and took one-half away, carcass and all. I let him go and turned to the law for redress, got a writ of Justus Warner, and proceeded to trial. Justus their hearing evidence, gave decision that each had their just share ; Townsend half for finding, and me half for shooting. So we each skinned our part and dressed it, and Hiram C. Stevens came and bought both our parts and sewed them together. So you have the otter story as it is, not as it is told by different story sellers.

Liverpool Salt Works

1. Now it came to pass that during the reign of James, sirnamed Madison, the people residing in the land of steady habits, being at peace with all nations, kindreds and tribes, grew and multiplied.

3. And tidings spread among the people that the wilderness of the Western Reserve could be made as was the Garden of Eden, for beauty and for riches.

4. And not a few, prompted by love of gain, and being wedded to filthy lucre, journeyed into the wilderness of Ohio, and returned to the land of steady habits, and said in the hearing of the people, that the Western Eeserve was a goodly land, and could be made to bring forth abundantly.

5. So not a few provided themselves with oxen and wagons ; and when they had packed their clothing, cooking vessels, tools and other needful implements, set their faces westward, and started on a forty day's journey into the western wilderness.

6. And not a few whose trade and business had been the peddling of " wooden clocks" and " wheelheads," journeyed westward and settled along the valley of the river called Rocky, and built for themselves cabins in the valley. #

8. Now when tho'se who came from the land of ateady habits, saw that the land was well to look upon, and that it could be made a goodly heritage for after generations, they became anxious to become owners and inheritors of pieces of the Reserve.

9. And by epistles* sent and received, tn^y learned the price at which the land could be bought, and a few came, and then, by epistle, asked others of the same Connecticut tribe, to come and inherit with them.

10. Now a man called "Justus" had plowed with the owner of a part of the Reserve wilderness, and had by trade and agreement become the owner ; but not liking the sight of the Redman, the hugging of bears, the howling of wolves and the hissing of snakes, he had returned to the land of steady habits.

11. And in those days a man called Seba, the son ofSeba had squatted on land, the ownership whereof pertained not unto him, only on the principle of "Squatter Sovereignty."

12. And on the same land where Seba, the younger, had squatted, was a spring, from the waters whereof the Redman had been wont to make salt. But Seba knew not where the spring was, though he coveted in his heart to know.

14. .Now Seba had not the pieces of coin that the Redman asked, and he was sorely puzzled and perplexed ; and pondered within himself what he should do.

his neighbor, and communed together with him, and they two covenanted to pay to the Redman the five pieces of silver coin, who then showed them the spring.

16. And they dipped the tips of their fingers in the water, and tasted^thereof, and lo ! it was saltish ; and they two rejoiced together, as one rejoiceth for a firstborn.

17. Now Seba and Jared were ignorant of the land belonging to Justus, because they supposed the owner to live about two days' journey eastward from the spring, and they were sorely puzzled to know how they might get a title to the land ; and the thing vexed them.

18. And Seba said, Let us go and take counsel of Nathan, of the country called Columbia, for he is a wise and cunning man, and versed in the law ; and the counsel of Seba pleased Jared.

20. And Nathan hearkened diligently to all that was spoken by Seba and Jared, and said unto them, I will see to it. And they left him musing as they went.

21. And after they had departed, Nathan, having saltish gains in his mind, saddled his ass, and, by night, traveled north until he came to the town where Jonathan, the scribe, lived, who had done much land business for one Simon. And Nathan and Jonathan communed long together ; and Nathan besought Jonathan to aid in securing to him some right* in the salt spring.

22. Now Jonathan was as disposed to have an interest in saltish speculations as Nathan, Jared or Seba, and he felt strongly inclined to make self-interest the ruling motive in saltish matters.

24. Now Simon- was inclined, from long practice, to catch hold of any speculation whereby pieces of silver might be made, and, after hearing Jonathan, he covenanted to meet him at the salt spring, near the river called Rocky.

25. Now it happened that while these things were being done by Seba, Nathan and Jonathan in the valley of the river called Rocky, that Justus who, in those days, tarried in the land of steady habits, heard, by an epistle sent, that^a spring, saltish to the taste, had been found on the land he had covenanted to buy in the valley of the Rocky River, and to which he intended to return and posusess.

26. So he put his house in order, saddled his beast and started westward on his journey to the Ohio wilderness, musing on salt matters as he journeyed.

27. And in due season he came to the place from which he had aforetime departed, and set himself to work to make salt, and conceived that thereby he would have much gain.

28. And as he sat and mused ifl the door of his cabin, in the cool cf the evening, he looked out and beheld two men coming, and as they approached he knew them to be Jonathan and Simon.

29. Now Jonathan and Simon were confounded when they learned that Justus was the actual owner of the spring, and saltish speculations died in them as they hearkned to the sayings and intentions of Justus.

30. So Simon compromised with Justus and covenanted to give him many acres of the Ohio wilderness for a share in the saltish springs, and they three made

* 31. Now they digged and dug and dug and digged until the well went down one hundred and three score and two feet from the surface of the ground^ and the opening was wide.

32. Now Seba had, aforetime, planted corn and done much work near to the well, and had supposed that he should have some of the saltish spoils, but they gave him nothing, and he became angry and his wrath was kindled.

33. And Seba called on the four winds to aid him in cursing the well and the salt made therefrom, and he wished that the salt might loose its savor, and it was so ; that it might loose its measure, and it was so ; and that it might loose its weight, and it was so.

34. So after the anathema uttered by Seba, all who bought salt by weight, bought much bitters ; and all who bought by the measure, lacked in quantity ; and all who bought much, saved" but little ; and all the buyers murmured.

35. And Seba often mused upon the saltish speculation after this manner : I scrabbled hard to get the pieces of silver ; I scrabbled hard to get the well for my own benefit ; I scrabbled hard to get others to aid me ; they have had a hard scrabble to get the well from each other; it has been a hard scrabble to make the salt, and a hard scrabble to save it when made. And all the people call the place Hardscrabble unto this day.

36. In due course of time the «eal to own salt wells along the river called Rocky abated, the desire to buy salt lands failed, the using of salt from the well that Seba and the four winds anathematized ceased ; the men who had been engaged in saltish speculations abandoned the practice ; and all who bought it, unitedly called it a Hardscrabble.

Liverpool Statistics Personal Property

If to the foregoing be added the yearly products of oats, potatoes, clover-seed, grass-seed, gardens and orchards, it is safe to say that the yearly wealth resulting from personal property and products, is not less than one hnnclred and fifty thousand dollars.

Source changes here: from History of Medina County and Ohio, by Various, published 1881; 12,237 words in this source stream.

Liverpool Township

uation was installed as a minister of the Gospel. He emigrated to America in 1864, and has had charges in Wisconsin, Indiana and Kentucky, at different periods, for sixteen years. He came to Liverpool in 1877. He was married, in 1865, to Julia Lautenschlaeger, a native of Wurtemberg, and has three children - Julia, Paul and Amanda. Mr. Schoettle has a large German | congregation of the Evangelical denomination, some of its members being the best and most influential citizens of the township. There have been about ten additions to the church since his services began here.

LOUIS WEBER, farmer ; P. O. Liverpool ; is the son of George Weber, who married Mary Ann Eichert. The subject of this sketch was born in Alsace in 1830. His parents settled in | Liverpool in 1834, when he was but 4 years old. He spent the greater part of his life on the farm, where he now resides, and was married, in 1855, to Margaret Flannigan, a native of Ireland, she being the daughter of John and Odelia (Graham) Flannigan, who came to this country in 1842. They have six children now living - George, Louise, Joseph, Cecilia, Caroline and Rosa. Two of their children are dead ; Louise, who died in 1858, and John, who died in 1876. He is a member of the Roman Catholic Church, of which he has been director for a number of years.

HELI M. WARNER, retired farmer ; P. O. Liverpool; was born in Liverpool in 1816. His parents were from Connecticut, and were some of the oldest settlers of the county. He attended the common schools, and began farming in 1828. He was married in 1841 to Rebecca Cosset, a native of Liverpool, and has two children - John J. and Charles Henry. He is at present living a retired life, and it is said that he is one of the first children who were born in Liverpool Township. He is a Republican in politics.

MELETIAH WARNER, retired, Brunswick, Ohio. Meletiah Warner is the widow of the late Lucius Warner, deceased. He was born in Waterbury, Conn., in 1805, and came to Medina Co. in 1815. He was married, in 1828, to Miss Millie Tillotson, a native of Berkshire Co., Mass. They have one daughter (Mary) living, and two other children are now dead. The surviving daughter is married to Mr. A. C. Armstrong, the purchasing agent of the L. S. & M. S. Railroad, and is now located at

Cleveland. Mr. and Mrs. Warner were two of the oldest settlers in the county, and their settlement is narrated in another part of this work. Mr. Warner died in 1875. He was a man of pure, noble character, and had the esteem of his fellow-citizens. He is spoken of as one of the great and noble men of his township. Mrs. Warner is now familiarly known as "Aunt Millie," and is a type of pioneer industry

ELIADA WARNER, retired farmer ; P. O. Liverpool; was born in Waterbury, Conn., in 1798. He attended the common schools of his native place, and, in 1818, came to Medina Co., and has been farming ever since. He was married in 1820, by the Rev. Alpheus Geer, to Margaret A. Nichols, a native of Waterbury, Conn., and has one son, Leonard, who is at present farming. Mr. Warner has filled the offices of Assessor and Land Appraiser on several occasions. He and his wife have been devout members of the Methodist Church since

Spencer

ISAAC BETZ, farmer ; P. O. Spencer; he was born May 17, 1818, in Lewistown, Mifflin Co., Penn., and came to this State with his father in the spring of 1820. "They settled in Chippewa Township, Wayne Co., Ohio. His father, John Betz, was born in Berks Co., Penn., on Feb. 28, 1773, and died in Norton Township, Summit Co., in 1852, at the advanced age of 79 years. His mother, Catharine (Troxell) Betz, was born in Pennsylvania May 24, 1778, dying in 1862, at the age of 84, in the same locality where her husband departed this life. Father Betz was a prominent man in his day, and was for years the choir leader, organist and schoolteacher in his native town, and, when following the custom of the fatherland, the teacher was furnished a dwelling, and was a personage looked up to and advised with as were the ministers of the Gospel in the early days of the New England colonies. They had eleven children - Sarah, born Jan. 28, 1795; Catharine, Dec. 25, 1796; Abraham, Jan. 17, 1800; he died Dec. 26, 1878; George, Oct. 26, 1803; Daniel, February, 1806 ; John, March 2, 1808, and died Feb. 1, 1863; Samuel, October, 1810 ;

Biographical Sketches

JOSEPH W. WARNER, farmer; P. O. Brunswick ; was born in Liverpool Township in 1818. He is the son of William Warner, who came into Medina Co. in 1815. He obtained his education in the district school of his township, and worked on his father's farm from his boyhood, and is now one of the most esteemed citizens of his township. He was married, in 1840, to Emily a Mathewson, a native of Connecticut. They have five children - Lucius W., Ellen H., Olive A., Philip L. and Joseph F. He is a member of the Methodist Church, a Republican in politics, and was elected Township Trustee, his township being overwhelmingly Democratic - an evidence of the popularity and good character of Mr. Warner. He is known throughout his whole township as an honest, industrious and upright citizen, well worthy the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens.

William, Sept. 12, 1813; Rebecca, Nov. 30, 1815; Isaac and Jacob (twins), May 17, 1818. We wil now continue the family history by taking up the record of Isaac's family. He married Miss Mary Hartman, Oct. 14, 1831. She was born June 11, 1815, in Lohill Township, Northampton Co., Penn., and their children's names are as follows: Jonas W., born Dec. 7, 1832; Rebecca, Nov. 25, 1841; she died Aug. 12, 1844 ; Sarah K., now Mrs. J. W. Mantz, Feb. 12, 1843; John H., March 1, 1847 ; Mary A., Jan. 28, 1849, and died Feb. 20, 1867 ; Isaac J., Dec. 21, 1851. Mr. Betz moved to this county from Wayne, March 14, 1843, and settled in Spencer Township, on a tract of land bought two years previously. There was but little, if anything, done toward making a farm. The giant forest stood before him as if it would dispute the farther advance of the hardy pioneer. It must disappear before any crops could be raised ; but he attacked it with a determined will to subdue it for his use, and level to the earth everything that stood in his way. How well he has succeeded, let *he farm of over 200 acres, and the buildings thereon, tell the story ; they will speak for themselves. He has a comfortable home, in which to pass his declining years, as a recompense for past toil and privations, such as is but little understood by the dwellers on prairie lands, or the youth of to-day. The family used to attend the Methodist Church at River Corners, Rev. Abel Wood, Pastor, in the early days, when they had but one building for church and school purposes. Mr. Betz re- | lates an incident of the early days, in the settlement of Wayne Co., that illustrates the newness of the country, and the advancement made in his day. One time, his twin brother and himself, when they were mere children, strolled out a little way from the house, and found a large, buck deer lying down; hurrying back, they asked their mother to come quick and see " the little cow with the big horns," giving their own name, as children sometimes will, for what they had seen.

MRS. S. A. BEMENT nee Miss Sally A. Raineer, Penfield; was borm in Genesee Co., N. Y., April 9, 1817. Her husband, Edmund C. Bement (deceased), was born in Lowville, N. Y., Sept. 25, 1813, and they were married Dec. 25, 1833. His last sickness, of but very few days, terminated in death July 15, 1875. They came to this State in the year 1837, and settled in La Grange, Lorain Co., where they remained until 1862, when they moved to Spencer Township, Medina Co. Ohio. The children were twelve in number - Edwin R., born March 2, 1834; Edmund D., March 22, 1835; Julia F., June 2, 1836 ; William H., May 3, 1838; Emily J., Nov. 5, 1839; Lydia L., April 2, 1841; George A., Aug. 14, 1843; Sarah A., March 28, 1846 ; Hiram N., May 20, 1848; Amanda M., Aug. 20, 1850; Ellen M., July 15, 1853 (she died July 31, 1854) ; Charles S., now living with his mother on the home- Stead, was born July 3, 1856. Four members of the family were in the army during the rebellion, their patriotism being shown by devotion to the Union, and two of them laying down their young lives on the altar of a beloved country, a bloody sacrifice, that we and all the coming generations might live where the blessings of a free government abound. Commencing with the eldest, Edwin R. enlisted in Battery E, 1st Ohio Light Artillery, on the 25th day of August, 1864, at Wooster, Ohio, and was mustered out of the service at Camp Dennison, July 12, 1865. He was in the battle of

Nashville and Hood's raid. William H. enlisted in the 111th N. Y. V. L, and was instantly killed by the enemy's sharpshooters at Hatcher's Run, Va., by a shot through the head, April 2, 1865. George A. enlisted in Capt. A. H. Nickerson's Co. I, of the 8th O. V. I., and, after participating in a number of battles, died on July 11, 1864, in Emory Hospital, Washington, D. C., from the effects of a gun-shot wound received in one of the battles around Petersburg, Va. The writer regrets that fuller information could not be readily obtained of the list of battles in which these brothers participated. George A. was promoted twice to non-commissioned officer for special bravery on the field of battle and is highly spoken of by his commanding officer.

JOEL CURTICE, farmer; P. O. Spencer. He owns New York as the land of his nativity, having been born in Cayuga Co., Jan. 20, 1804. In his younger days he worked on the Erie Canal, and learned the trade of molder in Rochester, N. Y., working there some fifteen years. He came to this State in May, 1833, and settled in La Grange, Lorain Co., taking a contract for 166 acres, and giving $400 for it. He then worked at his trade in the foundry at Elyria, and made some improvements upon the land by building a log cabin upon the lot and clearing some of it. He afterward wrought at his trade for two years more, then went on his farm again and cleared fifty acres, having the land all paid for in four years from the time he bought it. In April, 1843, he traded his farm there for one in this township, and moved here, cleared 105 acres, with some help. Later on, he bought 54 more acres, making a good-sized farm of 159 acres. His father, Hosea, was born in Deerfield, Mass., in 1773, and his mother in the same State about 1775. Her maiden name was Catharine Moore. Their children's names were Philena, Worthy, Amos, Hosea, Joel, Reuben, Harlow (died when a child), Alonzo, David, Susannah, Solomon and Catharine. His father died Feb. 5, 1864, in La Grange, Ohio, and his mother in the spring of 1850. Mr. Curtice was married June 6, 1826, in the town of Summerhill, Cayuga Oo., N. Y., to Miss Emma Freeman, who was born in Otsego Co., N. Y., March 12, 1801. They had the following children: Clarissa A., born April 1, 1827; Harold, June 26, 1829; Joshua E., Nov. 11, 1831; Joel N., Oct. 6, 1834; Emma

C., Dec. 8, 1837 ; Laurinda E., June 24, 1840; William, May 23, 1843 (he died June 9, 1843 ; David A., April 22, 1845; Reuben E., March 24, 1849 ; Hiram A., Dec. 25, 1852. The great great-grandfather of Hosea Curtice was born in England, four brothers coming over to settle in the New World. There was a grand family re-union and golden wedding held here four years ago, on June 6, 1876 ; 105 relatives and friends of Mr. and Mrs. Curtice assembled to do honor to the event, coming from Wisconsin, Michigan and Ohio, marking a day long to be remembered by those who participated in the festivities. There were music and singing, short and appropriate speeches were made by Rev. Cyrus Inman, Dr. Willey, Messrs. Smith and Cornell; and Joshua E., one of the sons of the aged pair, alluded in feeling terms to the advice his father gave him when he went out into the wide world for himself - to always be honest, and never, by word or deed, disgrace the family name. Mr. and Mrs. Curtice might be justly called typical pioneers, and, for persons at their time of life, still enjoy good health and buoyant spirits, acquired by active lives, temperance and frugality.

EPHRAIM COOLMAN, farmer; P. O. Spencer; was born in this township Feb. 5, 1849, and was married, April 20, 1873, to Miss Julia M. Dickinson, who was born Nov. 13, 1852; they have two children - Alice B., born Aug. 14, 1875, and Emma K., Sept. 5, 1876. Mr. Coolman owns the farm where he was born, and where his.father first settled in this township, of 126 acres; it formerly consisted of 136 acres, but a small part of it has been sold. Upon this homestead his father toiled for many à weary day, clearing the land that was to be his home and the home of his children; showing all of the enterprise and firmness that used to characterize the early settlers of this county, and persevered until victory crowned his efforts and a fine farm well rewarded him for all the toil and privations he was obliged to undergo during those early days. He bought the first mowing-machine (Ball's) in the neighborhood, and left his son his father's fire-lock, a relic of bygone days ; also the family clock, of Connecticut make, still running and marking the time of day as it did forty years ago. Mr. Coolman had a brother named John, who enlisted in the 2d O. V. C., Co. B, Capt. Lindsley, and died in the

JAMES B. DICKINSON, farmer; P. O. Spencer. The subject of this sketch has led a somewhat checkered life until within the past few years, but has managed to hold his own against all assailants, until now his life passes on the even tenor of its way. He was born in Wayne Co. N. Y. Nov. 8, 1832. His father, John Dickinson, was born in Macedon, Wayne Co., N. Y. June 3, 1807, and came to this State in the spring of 1851, settling in Spencer Township. He died June 1, 1880. The mother was born in one of the New England States, the date not obtainable, and died in 1834 ; her maiden name was Catharine Bradford. The children by this first marriage were James B. and an infant sister who died when a child six months old. His father married again, in 1834, a Miss Catharine Foote, who was born in Marion Township, Wayne Co., N. Y., July 6, 1815. They had the following children : Merritt (dead), William N., Mary, David L. (born July 24, 1845, died in the service), Staley H., and Julia M. (now Mrs. E. Coolman). James has agood record as a soldier among his old comrades of the 8th. He enlisted April 19, 1861, under the first call of President Lincoln for troops for the thize months' service, in the 8th O. V. L, Co. K, Capt. W. M. Pierce. They re-enlisted for three years, or during the war, before their first term expired, at Camp Dennison, near Cincinnati. While in camp the only incident that transpired worthy of note, except the usual routine of dress parades, camp and guard duty, was his attempt to swim the river and back again, in which he came near being drowned, but was rescued by a comrade named William Bacon, now of Medina. The first battle in which he participated was that of Kernstown, Va. They were under the command of the heroic veteran Gen. Shields, who drove "Stonewall" Jackson, after the battle was decided in our favor, up the famous Shenandoah Valley, in an almost continuous skirmish for many miles. Col. Ashby, of the Black Horse Confederate Cavalry, covered the retreat of the rebels. A good shot was made by him at an officer said to be Ashby, who was mounted and ata distance of half a mile from our advancing line. Having received permission from his Captain to try a shot at that distance, he threw the sights of his Enfield rifle to 900 yards and fired. The bullet, sent true to its aim, struck the bullet-proof breast-plate of the officer and nearly carried him off his horse, the impact being heard plainly at that distance. His Colonel, coming up soon after, commended the good marksmanship displayed. The next action of any importance was that of Romney, W. Va., where they drove the enemy out of town, followed by the fight at Blue Gap. They went into winter quarters at Romney, performing picket and guard duties; while here he was taken sick and transferred to the convalescent camp at Alexandria; upon his recovery, he rejoined his command and taking transports were moved to the Peninsula under Gen. Mc- Clellan. They were generally held as a reserve force in the battles of that period. He was also in the battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Blooming Forge. Again they faced the enemy at Mine Run, with Gen. Meade as commander, and in the many skirmishes along the Rappahannock. In the last battle (that of Gettysburg), he was wounded three times ; first, in the early part of that great battle by asmall piece of shell which wounded his fore-finger, but did not disable him ; then by another fragment of shell, which struck him on the right leg ; soon after a bullet pierced his right arm just above the elbow, shattered the bone, and he was obliged to retire from the fight. He was sent to the corps hospital, and transferred io Pittsburgh, then to Philadelphia and lastly to Newark, N. J., and put into the Invalid Corps, afterward sent to New York, where the duty consisted in guarding the deserters and | prisoners of war. He was mustered out of service on the 29th of June, 1864. The month previous, May 21, he married Miss Harriett E. Gage, who was born in Rochester, N. Y., Nov. 28, 1843. Coming back to Ohio, soon after his discharge from the service, he went to Jones Co. Iowa; has been there and back several times in periods of five or six years at a time, but finally settled down permanently in this township in 1871. He has the reputation of being a fearless soldier and faithful in the discharge of his duties as such, obeying every order with alacrity, unmindful of the dangers he might encounter.

SOLOMON F. DIMOCK, farmer; P. O. Spencer; was the son of a clergyman, and the sixth child of a family of twelve members. He was born in what was then known as the county of Montrose, Penn., Feb. 6, 1816, moving with his father's family to this county in 1834. He afterward settled in Spencer Township, where he now resides. He was married Nov. 7, 1839, to Miss Cynthia Warner, who was born April 16, 1821, in Genesee Co.,N. Y. She was the daughter of William Warner, of Montville Township, and a sister of Dr. Henry Warner (deceased), whose biography will be found in the medical department of this work. Mr. Dimock, buying the land where he now lives with only fifteen or twenty acres of slashing that might be called improvements, has made a fine farm of 100 acres as a homestead, although owning, at times, other pieces of real estate. The present improvements, consisting of a substantial farmhouse, barns, ete., attest the energy and industry of its occupant. For many days has he taken his ax and walked three miles to work for 50 cents per day, and board himself. The father of the above-named gentleman, Rev. S. Dimock, was a native of the Green Mountain State,and was born in Bennington, Sept. 22, 1780. He was married in 1804, to Miss Clarissa Phelps, of Pownel, Vt. She was born April 16, 1788. They moved, in 1813, to the State of Pennsylvania. He was licensed to preach the next year, and was ordained as a clergyman of the' Methodist Epis- copal Churcb,in 1818. They again moved, this time to Allegany Co., N. Y., in 1828 ; and, after laboring in the Master's vineyard in different localities there, they came to Sharon, Medina Co., in the year 1834. Here he preached the Word, the Truth and the Life, until, worn out, his age and infirmities began to tell upon him, when he selected a home with his youngest daughter in Olmsted, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, where he calmly gave up this life, spent in doing good to his fellowmen. He died Aug. 8, 1873, at the good old age of 93 ; his wife, Clarissa, died at the same place, April 18, 1877. "Their children were Sally P., Theoda B., Horace N., William P., John P., Solomon F., Clarissa H., Sally P. (2d), Davis H., Laurenia G., Mary J. and Augusta M. William Davis Dimock, only child of the subject of this sketch, was born in Sharon, this county, Dec. 26, 1840, and was married July 4, 1864, to Miss Helen L. Holland. She was born in Huntington, Lorain Co., July 24, 1840. Her parents were Abram and Mary A. Holland, and were from the State of Massachusetts. They have one child, named Bertha A., born Aug. 9, 1873, and an adopted son, Hally F., born in Wooster, Wayne Co., Ohio, Feb. 16, 1864. His father, Henry D. Warner, is a cousin of Mr. Dimock. W. D. Dimock is one of the rising young farmers of this township, owning and managing a large farm, and is respected by the people of the community for his integrity and moral worth.

ALFRED D. DONARD, farmer ; P. O. Spencer; is a well-to-do and prominent citizen of this township, and was born April 18, 1843, in Schuylkill Co. Penn. He came to this State Nov. 18, 1859, and was married in Spencer March 21, 1867,to Miss Mercy J. Driskell, who was born in this county and township Sept. 6, 1848. "Their children are Mertie M., born July 6, 1868 ; Hattie F., Oct. 29, 1870; Alice L., April 6, 1873; Hugh E., Aug. 8, 1875: Lou Gertrude, May 21, 1879. Mr. Donard has a fine farm of 225 acres that constitutes his homestead, and another farm of 130 acres, threequarters of a mile east, all valuable land, and under the best of cultivation. There are two good houses and barns upon the home lot, which he has built, besides other improvements, such as belong to a well-ordered farm of the American type. His business, conducted upon a systematic, liberal plan, cannot be other than

REUBEN FALCONER, farmer ; P. O. Spencer; his father, a gentleman of English descent, whose given name was Henry, was born in 1763, and died in 1836. The mother's maiden name was Fannie Thockmorton, of French extraction, was born in 1774, died in 1827. The record of their marriage is not available, and we omit the date. They had ten children - Samuel A., Esther, William, Keziah, Abraham, Daniel, Francis, Belinda, Gilbert D. and Reuben ; all dead except the latter and Belinda. Reuben was born May 9, 1818, in Wadsworth, Medina Co., Ohio, and wedded Oct. 1, 1840, Mrs. Lucinda May Booth, who was born in Leroy, Genesee Co., N. Y. Nov. 25, 1814. The children by this marriage were Reuben Henry, born Oct. 27, 1841; Fanny L., July 26, 1843, died Feb. 16, 1855 ; Lucinda M., Aug. 14, 1845 (now Mrs. George W. Gallatin); Archalaus R., Sept. 21, 1847; Amandus D., Sept. 27, 1849 ; Roswell G., April 5, 1852 ; John E., Feb. 10, 1855. Names of the children of Mrs. F. by first marriage with Daniel Booth were Laura G. and Lebues Luman. Mr. ¥. came to Spencer Township in 1828, taking up 50 acres in the southeast part of the township. Afterward removing to his present location one-half mile north of River Corners, on an unimproved place, cleared it up himself and made theimprovements now to be seen upon the premises. And now, in the decline of life, he can enjoy the fruits of his early labors and self-denial. His life, the repetition of the struggles and hardships of hundreds of others who begin life in the forest, and, persevering, surmount all impediments, and succeed by force of will and energy. He has a good farm of 100 acres, which, although of forbidding nature at first, has been made prolific by applying the modern methods of farming. Good books are his delight, and his mind is stored with valuable treasures of information. Enlisting under the first call of President Lincoln, for three months in the 8th O. V. I., Company K, commanded by Capt. Pierce; his regiment mustered in at Cleveland, April 27, 1861, and were sent to Camp Dennison, and mustered out Aug. 18, 1861, without Mr. F. seeing much service, except the ordinary routine of drill, guard and camp duty. His eldest son, Reuben H., EI

V. I. (President-elect J. A. Garfield's old regiment), serving as drummer until promoted to the position of Drum Major, which he held to the close of the war. The company were mustered in Sept. 22, 1861, and were mustered out at Camp Chase, Ohio, Sept. 30, 1864.

RICHARD FREEMAN, farmer ; P. O. Spencer. He was born in December, 1837, and is one of the go-ahead, active farmers of this part of Medina Co., enterprising and fully up to the times. He married Miss Mary C. Aldrich, a lady of refinement and culture, by whom he has two children - James W. and Minnie M. He is located upon a good farm, with permanent improvements and well-settled neighborhood, and has a host of friends throughout the township, which speaks well for his uniform kindness and conduct to all. His parents, James and Elizabeth (Gull) Freeman, were born in Lincolnshire, England, and came to this State in 1837, settling in Akron, Summit Co., but moved to Spencer Township, this county, in the year 1842. Richard Freeman left this county in 1858, going to lowa, where he remained until the firing upon Ft. Sumter, when he enlisted in the 12th I V. L, Company K. They went to Camp Benton, Mo., remaining there about two months ; drilling, guard and routine duties comprising the labor of those days, but fitting them for the more serious work of the near future - for they were soon sent to take part in the battles and victories of Fts. Henry and Donelson. That they performed their allotted tasks faithfully, winning the plaudits of the nation, for the first victories, we well know, bearing their part in those actions with the undaunted bravery which characterized the Western soldiers. In the next battle, that of Shiloh, Mr. Freeman was taken prisoner, April 6, 1862, and was paroled and exchanged Oct. 16, 1862. After rejoining his regimerit, he participated in the battles of Raymond, Champion Hills, ete., and was at the surrender of Vicksburg, also the second battle of Jackson; he was with the disastrous Red River expedition, under Gen. Banks, comprising the battles of Pleasant Hill, Peach Orchard Grove, and Sabine Cross Roads. Among the other engagements were those of Iuka and Franklin, near Nashville, where the rebel army, under Gen. Hood, met a terrible defeat, and were. driven out of Tennessee. He also participated in the pursuit of Gen. Price across the State of Missouri, for hundreds of miles, our army suffering greatly by reason of forced marches and privations. Serving out his time of enlistment, he returned north and settled upon the farm where he now resides.

ALVIN W. GANNETT, farmer ; P. O. Spencer ; was born June 8, 1824, in Genesee Co., N. Y., and was married Oct. 1, 1846, to Miss Mary Stuart. She was born April 11, 1821, in Cortland Co., N. Y. The names of their children are - Frank A., born Nov. 16, 1847 ; Sarah M., May 17, 1849 ; Martha D., Aug. 20, 1850 (now Mrs. Henry Franks); Worthy H., April 24, 1856 ; Warner A., May 26, 1858, he died March 30, 1862 ; Willie A., May 26,1860. The father of the subject of this sketch, Joseph Gannett, was born June, 1774, and was a native of the Old Bay State, his occupation being the oldest known to man, viz., farming. He married Miss Martha Stone, who was born in March, 1783, in the State of Massachusetts. They moved with their family tothis State in the year1835. Mr. Gannett died in this county in 1846. "They had the following children - Aleck, Ruth, Olive, Joseph, Hannah, Alvin W. and Mary J ; there are four now living - Olive, Joseph, Hannah and Alvin W. Mr. Gannett says their present fine farm was a perfect wilderness when he and his father moved upon it. "Together they felled the forest and subdued the land for their chosen occupation, and in common with others felt the privations of pioneer life. Theirs was the first frame house between the centers, and for along time they were nearly alone. Hehas seen farm after farm gradually brought under cultivation, until now a landscape spreads out to the view, of well-cultivated fields dotted in all directions by homes of friends and neighbors. The farm, consisting of 150 acres of high, rolling, easily drained land, lies on both sides of the north-andsouth road, is well fenced, has a good, commodious farm dwelling and convenient barns. Mrs. Mary (Stuart) Gannett had two brothers in the Union army who served their country faithfully during the war, in the 23d O. V. L. President Hayes' old regiment. Elijah R. was twice wounded, and once had the misfortune to be taken prisoner of war, and confined at Danville, Va.

JOSEPH GIAR, farmer; P. O. Spencer. The father of our subject, Henry Giar, was born in Westmoreland Co., Penn. in June, 1787; was by occupation a farmer, and married, in 1814, to Elizabeth Bender, who was born in

1797, and whose father, Jacob Bender, served throughout the time "that tried men's souls" - the Revolutionary war. The names of the children by this marriage were Mary, Joseph the subject), Samuel, John, Elizabeth, Francis, enry W. and James J. - all living at the date of this writing. Joseph was born in what is now called Carroll Co., Ohio, May 31, 1817, and came to this county April 14, 1834. He was married Nov. 1, 1840, to Relepha Tanner, born in Wayne Co., Ohio, September, 1818. Celia Lovina was the only child, who was born Feb. 11, 1843, and died June 27, 1850. Mrs. Giar departed this life Aug. 9, 1843. Mr. Giar was married again, May 22, 1845, to Miss Almira A. Turner, who was born June 23, 1827, in Orleans Co., Vt. The names of the children by the second marriage were - Emma M., Nettie R., Williard S., Levi W. aud John H. Mr. G. came to Spencer Township at a time when there was but very little improvement in the south part of the town, helping to chop and clear of timber twenty-six miles of road, and, taking the farm where he now resides, which was a solid block of forest, has chopped and maple woods. In those early days a source of revenue was derived from the ashes of burned log heaps, by making what was valled black salts, from which pearl-ash was made. After making enough for a load, he would haul it with an ox team to Litchfield to find a market. He has seen the wilderness blossom as the rose, and the primeval forest disappear before the sturdy blows of the ax in the hands of the daring, progressive pioneer. We can have but a faint conception to-day of the difficulties our fathers had to contend with; we hear the recital from aged lips of the hardships and privations of those early days, but, surrounded with our present civilization, cannot realize what our progenitors endured while erecting a home in the wilderness. Friend Giar made a division of nis property a short time ago, bequeathing to each of his five children forty acres, retaining the buildings with nine acres of land, but has since bought back from one of the heirs the portion allowed, for $1,000, which leaves him a homestead proper of about 50 acres.

M. H. HUFFMAN, farmer; P. O. Spencer ; His father was Jacob Huffman, born in Washington Co., Penan., in 1804. and married Elizabeth Protsman, in Wayne Co., Ohio, in 1826. The children were David H., Malachi H., Mary E., Melinda, John E., Jacob, George F. and Elizabeth L.; but five living at this date. Malachi H. was born on the 24th of August, 1830, in Chippewa Township, Wayne Co., Ohio ; married June 6, 1858, to Miss Ann J. Rice, born in the same county, April 12, 1840. The children of this union were Horace Porter (dead), Charles T. (dead), Ada R., Francis M. (dead), Redella M., Eugene H. (dead), and Lilla B. Mr. Huffman came to Spencer Township in 1862, and, buying the farm of 106 acres where he now resides, has made a beautiful home by building a large, well-arranged and convenient house, warmed by a furnace, and supplied with other modern improvements, a good-sized library of valuable books, as well as other articles whieh evidence taste and refinement. His home is noted for its boundless hospitality and solid comfort, while a cheerful, smiling hostess dispenses the bounties of a well-filled table ; an interesting, intelligent family of children, make up the sum of happiness to be found in this well-ordered household. In 1853, Mr. Huffman journeyed to Iowa, where he remained for several months, coming back to Ohio only to return in the spring of 1855, traveling on foot over a large part of the State, with the object of exploration and adventure. While there he bought a tract of land near Fort Dodge, afterward sold for lands in Medina County. He was a volunteer to repel a threatened Indian attack upon the frontier settlements of Western Iowa. The farm he now owhs there is located four miles west of Des Moines. Mr. H., like many others, finally returned to his first love, Ohio, to settle down permanently in the everyday, uneventful life of a farmer, and he may well have a pardonable pride in his home and its surroundings. He has been President, for several years, of the Union District Fair, of West Salem, composed of members from the three counties of Ashland, Wayne and Medina. SILAS KITCHEN, farmer; P. O. Spencer. Father Moses Kitchen was born in 1778, in Northampton Co., Penn. His occupation was | that of tanner. He was married to Ann M. Andrews, of the same State. Their children were in the following order of birth: Elizabeth, Hannah, Jacob, Thomas, Christean, Susan, Eve, Silas (the subject of this biography), Jeremiah and Simon Peter - only three now living. Mr. K. came to the State of Ohio in the fall of

1818, stopping in Jackson Township, Wayne Co. then, but now known as Ashland Co. He died March 18, 1848. Silas was born May 5, 1819, in what is now Ashland Co., Ohio, and married Elizabeth Dickason, who also was born in Ashland Co. April 29, 1826. They moved in the spring of 1854 to this county. Ann M., James W., Sarah L., Zachariah H., Willard (dead), Elmer Ellsworth and Jeremiah, are the names of this interesting family. Mr. Kitchen has made the extensive improvements now seen on the homestead ; has a large farm (380 acres) making additions from time to time to the original 100 acres of the old farm. The house, a large, substantial frame structure, gives promise of the comfort and contentment within. The grounds, adorned with shade trees, and the well-kept surroundings, show the handiwork of the intelligent, go-ahead American farmer. The well-stored book-case shows that Mr. K. intends to keep posted in all that pertains to advancement and literature, and he needs these helps, for a family of school-teachers have grown up around the hearthstone, and these books have played an important part by affording them general information so necessary to a successful teacher. An obliging neighbor, a friend in time of need, and a well-spent life, characterizes his record, an example that will live in the memories of children and friends long after he has passed away.

ALONZO H. MILLER, farmer ; P. O. Chatham. Samuel Miller, the father of the gentleman whose name appears above, was born A. D. Dec. 2, 1821, and married March 26, 1837, to Miss Susanna Rice, who was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, Nov. 11, 1815 ; his occupation was that of eabinet-maker, learning his trade in Massillon, Ohio; he died Nov. 27, 1850. The children were Edwin R., born Feb. 15, 1838 ; Orlando died when a child ; Alonzo H., May 31, 1841; Emma E., July 2, 1843 ; Charles E., Dec. 30, 1845, and George W., Nov. 11, 1848 ; all born in Stark Co., this State. Alonzo wedded Rachel A. Inman, March 26, 1867. (Her father, John Inman, was born in the State of New York, Aug. 5, 1822; he died Aug. 29, 1877 ; he was one of the earliest settlers of this township; her mother, Polly E. Graves, born July 26, 1827, and died July 18, 1862.) There were seven children, Frank I., born Jan. 8, 1868 ; Lecta E., Nov. 5, 1869; Clyde, Oct. 6, 1871 (dead) ; Lillian, Feb. 23, 1873, died March

20, 1873 ; John H., Sept. 11, 1874; Charles, July 11, 1877 ; Rachel A., Dec. 4, 1880. Mr. Miller met with the greatest misfortune that can fall to the lot of man, by losing the partner of his joy: and sorrows, the mother of his children, who died Dec. 4, 1880; she was an estimable lady, and loving wife and mother. Upon the breaking-out of the war, Mr. Miller, impelled by patriotic ardor, enlisted in the 42d O. V. L, Company B, mustered in Sept. 22, 1861, and served three years and eight days. The regiment rendezvoused at Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio, and were sent from there to Eastern Kentucky. The first battle in which he engaged was that of Middle Creek, Ky., marching from there to Cumberland Gap, where they had a number of lively skirmishes about that part of the State; were withdrawn from Cumberland Gap to Jackson, Ohio, and marched from there to Charleston, W. Va., the enemy retreating, thence back to Gallipolis, taking a steamer to Memphis, Tenn. The next engagements in which the regiment took an active part were Chickasaw Bluffs and Arkansas Post. From there to Young's Point, where they worked on the eanal, intended to change the channel of the Mississippi, but the father of waters was too much for engineering skill, and the forces engaged were defeated in the attempt. He was with the expedition to obtain cotton bales for the purpose of protecting the men and boats preparing to run the batteries of Vicksburg. As the country was inundated, it was not so difficult to obtain it by poling flat-boats across the plantations wherever cotton could be found, but not so easy to return against the current. The succeeding action was that of Thompson's Hill, in the rear of Grand Gulf, followed by that of Champion Hills, near Vicksburg ; he was in two desperate charges upon that besieged city ; also the fight at Black River and Jackson (the second battle of that name). The regiment were then sent to New Orleans, thence to Opelousas, West Louisiana, and back to Plaquemine, where the majority of the regiment, tired of "tramp, tramp, the boys are marching," offered to veteranize as cavalry, but were refused the boon, and marched to Baton Rouge, near which place they had a skirmish, the last fight in which Mr. Miller was destined to be engaged. He was placed upon detached service soon after, under Adjt. Gen. Thomas ; serving his country long and well, true to the old flag, conscious of having performed his duty as a citizen and a man, he was finally mustered out at Camp Chase, Ohio, Sept. 30, 1864. In civil life, he has the respect and confidence of his neighbors, who have several times elected him to the office of Township Trustee and Justice of the Peace.

JOHN ORISON MARSH, farmer; P. O. Spencer. The father of Mr. Marsh, John P. Marsh, is known as the first settler in this township, coming in the spring of 1823, buying 104 acres of land of Simon Parkman, two miles and a half east and north of the village of Spencer, by road. The person named at the head of this article was then 9 years old; born Jan. 2, 1814, in Smithville, N. Y.; he married Hannah Inman in the year 1839. Their children were named as follows : Maria, Elizabeth, Samuel P. and John A. His wife died Jan. 12, 1867. July 12, 1868, he married Miss Martha Murray, sister of Squire John C. Murray, of Spencer. Samuel P. Marsh, a brother of John O., was the first white child born in this township, A. D. March 25, 1826 ; he is now a resident of Oregon, doing well and amassing considerable property. John O., taking the gold fever in 1849, started that year for the land of promise, crossing the plains in wagons, until they reached Humboldt, where they took to saddles and pack-mules for the rest of the journey. After mining and prospecting two years, he reason the vessel got out of its latitude, was becalmed for over sixty days, and the passengers and crew were put on short allowance of food and water, for that time suffering greatly, but were finally relieved after being out of sight of land ninety-four days. This trip and journey, with its scenes of excitement, danger and suffering, identifies Mr. Marsh with the celebrated * 49-ers" of that era. The writer was shown, as a relic of early days, by Mr. Marsh, the family clock, which he has had in his family for forty years, and which cost $40. It was made at

Foster, born Sept. 18, 1844 ; Julia and Julius (twins) born Sept. 9, 1847 ; Julius died Dec. 28, 1847 ; Edgar, born Sept. 18, 1849 ; Isabel, now Mrs. J. W. Ross, born Nov. 11, 1851; Alonzo, born April 9, 1855, died Feb. 2, 1874 ; Cora, now Mrs. Roswell G. Falconer, born Aug. 2,1858. Mrs. Lucy A. Parent died Nov. 28, 1862; Mr. Parent married again, Feb. 9, 1863, Mrs. Julia A. Rounds, of Hampden Co., Mass.; she was born March 12,1820. V. W. was the fourth child of William and Lois (Robbins) Parent. His father was born in New Jersey May 5, 1775, and died Jan. 21, 1873, aged 98 ; his mother was born Nov. 28, 1790 ; shë died Jan. 13, 1878, aged 86 years. The names of his brothers and sisters, in order of their birth, are as follows: Calista, born June 13, 1810 ; Roxana, born Aug. 27, 1811 ; Benjamin, born May 3, 1813 ; V. W., born Jan. 9, 1819 ; Lois, born Oct. 11, 1820; William W., born Jan. 19, 1822 ; Hezekiah, born April 29, 1823 ; Margaret, born Sept. 19, 1825 ; Abigail, born Nov. 27, 1827 ; Elmina, born Aug. 12, 1829; Lucy, born June 21, 1839. Mr. Parent came to this county in 1837, a boy of 18, and, in the past forty-three years, has seen many and important changes occur in Spencer Township. Fruitful fields and happy homes have taken the place of the wild woods and bark wigwams, the home of the savage. In place of the tortuous trail, winding in and out among the trees and stumps, are broad highways with good bridges over the streams they were wont toford. He is a well-to-do farmer ; has over 200 acres of good land ; keeps a large herd of his age, but would now hardly enjoy the pioneer life of forty years ago. He had two brothers who lost their lives in the army during the great rebellion - William W. enlisted in the 67th O. V. L, Co. F, Capt. E. Woodford, and participated in the battles of Winchester, Mt. Jackson, Edinburg, Harrison's Landing, Va., and Morris Island, Ft. Wagner, and the siege of the same, in South Carolina, Chester Station, Drury's Bluffs and the Cross Roads,

LEVI C. WILLIAMS, civil engineer, Spencer; was born June 16, 1834, at Shoal Creek, Lauderdale Co., Ala. He came to this State April 11, 1866, and settled in the eastern part of Spencer Township. He was married, March 31, 1855, to Sophia L. Blackman, who was born the 6th of December, 1835. Their children were named George T., Jennie A., Alvan J., Jessie M., Flora A., Norman H., Ada L. and Seymour B. On the breaking-out of the war, he enlisted, on the 19th of April, 1861, in Co. A. (Capt. Lockaby) 96th N. Y. V. I. Their Captain deserting them, Earl Pierce was transferred from another regiment to the command of Co. A. Stephen Moffitt was Colonel, and George W. Hindes, Lieutenant Colonel. The regiment rendezvoused at Auburn and Elmira, N. Y., going to the front at Washington June 11, 1861, and were assigned to the First Division, Second Brigade, Sixth Corps. He participated in the following battles: Yorktown, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Jones' Ford, Malvern Hill, Charles City Cross Roads, Blackwater, Kingston, Whitehall, Swift Creek, Little Washington, Gardner's Bridge, Petersburg, Drury's Bluff, Cold Harbor, Ft. Harrison, and the second battle of Fair Oaks in 1864, and in the campaign resulting in the fall of Richmond, the rebel capital. Mr. Williams was, at different times, under Gens. Devens, Curtis, Nelson, Butler and Terry, and was twice slightly wounded. The father ot the above-named gentleman was Theophilus Williams, born at Red Hook, Dutchess Co., N. Y., Dec. 20, 1799. His father moved to Oneida Co. while it was yet a wilderness, and he and his family endured great hardships and privations during the early years of the settlement. Mr. Williams was emphatically a self-made man, and, although he attained to quite an eminence in his profession as a civil engineer, yet he had no advantages for obtaining an education, but fought against early poverty, without teachers, and almost without books, except the few that were kindly loaned or given him. He taught school in the townships of Lee, Western, Fish Creek and other places, from 1822 to 1826. The somewhat celebrated Maj. Gen. H. W. Halleck, when a boy, was a pupil of his in one of these schools. He was married on the 10th of July, 1823, to Miss Annis A. Seymour, and, in 1826, received an appointment as civil engineer (under Judge Roberts, Chief Engineer) on the Ohio & Chesapeake Canal, also to the United States Topographical Engineers, under Col. Abert, in 1827. A year later, we find him making a survey and map of the Potomac River under Ool. James Carney (or Karney).