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, Containing a History of the State of Ohio, from Its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time ... a History of Medina County, Giving an Account of Its Aboriginal Inhabitants ... Pioneer Incidents, Its Growth, Its Improvements, Organization of the County ... Biographical Sketches; Portraits of Some of the Early Settlers and Prominent Men, Etc., Etc. .., by Perrin, William Henry, D. 1892?, Comp, published 1881; 4,481 words in this source stream.

Liverpool Township

FREDERIC A. BAYER. Abbeyville. Ohio. Among the talented and prominent citizens of his township is Frederic A. Bayer, who was born in Westphalia. Prussia, in 1830. He attended the school of his native town, after which he learned the trade of tailor with his father. In this he proved an adept, completing his trade and becoming a journe3'inan when but 15 years of age, thus learning it in a remarkably short time. He embarked in life b}' going to Brussels, where he spent one year, at the end of which he went to Paris. This was in 1847, when the French Revolution raged in all its fury. During this time, he witnessed the sudden departure and escape of King Louis Philippe, of France, to England. He left Paris in 1S48, returning home. Here he remained one month, when, in company with his parents, he emigrated to America, landing in New Orleans by sailing vessel, from which place he went to St. Louis, and remained there six years. He then went to New Orleans, but. thej'ellow fever being prevalent, he went North as far as Jacksonville, 111. Here, by appointment, he met Barbara A. Walker, a native of Liverpool Township, to whom he was married in 1855. They remained in Jacksonville until 1859, when they returned to St. Louis, remaining there until 1875. During this time he was an eye witness to the battle of Camp Jackson, the first battle of the civil war. He came to Medina Co. Jan. 1, 1876, and has resided there since. On Nov. 13, 1880, they celebrated their silver wedding. The Gruninger, Renz. Eckert. Stosskopf, Ilertneck, Gayer, Wagener, Spith. Beutel, and Walker families being present, they all being highly respected pioneer families of the township. A most glorious time was had. Mr. Bayer is a gentleman of refinement and culture, and, b}' his application of the Golden

Rule," has the esteem and good will of all with whom he is acquainted. He is a Republican in politics, joining the party in 1S56, when it was formed.

IRA BLTRIvE, Copopa ; residing in Columbia Township. Lorain Co. ; is one of the oldest and first settlers in this region. Although never a resident of Medina Co., his younger days were passed in it. Many a hunt has he taken with Dan Mallet, who figures such a prominent part in the history of Liverpool and York Townships. It was he who carried the chain when the latter was being surveyed into lots. Many a turkey, bear, wolf and deer has fallen lifeless from the effects of his sure flint-lock rifle. He and Dan Mallet ate many wild turkeys that were roasted over their camp-fires. When the cannons on Lake Erie thundered, foretelling Perry's victory, he was one who heard them, and now survives to tell of their deadly peals. He was born in Euclid, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, in 1803. His parents were " Yankees." He came to Columbia, just north of Liverpool, in 1809. and has resided there ever since. He was married in 1828 to Relief Adeline Fuller, a native of New YTork State. She was born in 1811. They have no children. He was at one time a member of the Methodist Church. Is a Republican in politics, and has served as Township Trustee.

JACOB BAUER, farmer ; P. 0. Liverpool ; he was born in Liverpool Township in 1842, and attended the common school, beginning his early manhood by working on the farm. He is one of the model farmers of his county. He was married in 1861 to Christena Behner, a native of Liverpool Township, and has three children - Julia, Ida and Edward. He is a Republican in politics.

Clarke Davis, was married to Mary Bates. The}* were both from Rhode Island. They came to Liverpool when "it was all woods," and here the subject of this sketch was born. He worked on his father's farm, and attended the district school of his township. He was married, in 1S50, to Alethia Ames, a native of New York, her parents coming to Liverpool when she was but -4 years old. They have two children - Frank 31. and Lillie I. The former had the good fortune to have a father who took an interest in his education. He was sent to Leipsic, German}', where he developed and cultivated the musical talents with which he was born. He is at present one of the Faculty of Oberlin College, and has charge of the musical department of that institution. He is married to Annie McGraw. Mr. Davis is a Republican in politics, and was one of the first to vote that ticket in his Democratic township.

WILLIAM DUECKER, shoemaker, Liveri pool ; born in Saxony in 1846. He emigrated to America in 1867. Learned the trade of shoemaker in Medina, Ohio. Is at present a thriving and industrious business man of Liverpool. He was married, in 1870, to Miss Susanah B. Fried t, a native of Pennsylvania. He has five children - Noah. Mary, Luther F., Elizabeth, Christian J. C. They are both members of the Evangelical German Lutheran Church. He is a Republican in politics.

JOHN DYE, farmer; P. 0. Liverpool; was born in New York in 1818. He went to Portage Co., Ohio, in 1830, and remained there five years, learning the trade of stone-potter, afterward coming to Medina Co. in 1835. and has been a resident ever since. He was married, in 1840, to Sarah Kibbe, a native of New York State, and has three children - Edith E., Lloyd and Olive. He is one of the most industrious farmers of his township, and takes pride in raising fine hogs and cattle. He has held the office of Constable, Supervisor, Trustee and Assessor a number of times. He is a Democrat in politics. «

SAMUEL DOLLAMORE, farmer; P. 0. Liverpool ; was born in England in 1826. He emigrated to this country in 1841, and settled in Lorain Co., Ohio, living there until 1S50, when lie removed to Medina Co. He was married, in 1851, to Mary Marsh, a native of Liverpool Township. They have two sons, both of whom are married - David and Franklin. He has by his industry and economy amassed soirm wealth and property, and ranks as a very popular farmer of his township. He is a member of the Methodist Church, and is a Republican in politics.

DAYID DOLLAMORE, farmer; P. 0. Liverpool ; was born in Liverpool Township in 1854 ; the son of Samuel Dollamore. He was married to Emma Betsicover, who has born him one son - George. 31 r. Dollamore is one of the prosperous young farmers of his township. Is a member of the Methodist Church, and a Democrat in politics.

JOHN EUGA, farmer ; P. 0. Liverpool : was born in Liverpool Township in 1S42. He attended the common school, and learned the trade of carpenter and joiner. He labored in Michigan, Indiana, and Geauga Co., Ohio, at different periods, up to 1878. He was married in 1864, to 31 ary 3IcWilliams, and. she dying, he was remarried in 1869, to Rhoda Reed. He has three children - Russell, Burt and Clara. He has been Township Trustee three terms, and is a Democrat in politics.

DANIEL FORD, farmer ; P. 0. Abbeyville ; was born in Grafton Co., N. H., in 1796. He removed into the State of 3Iaine in 1802, and in 1812 into Genesee Co., N. Y., and obtained his education in the common schools of New York State. In 1817, his parents came into 3Iedina Co., settling in Liverpool. He went to 3Iarietta, Ohio, and remained there until 1821, when he also came to Liverpool. He began to farm, at the same time manufacturing wooden bowls and repairing watches and clocks. He w'as married in 1825 to Joanna Golden, a native of New York. Five children were born to them, two of whom are dead. Those living are William Fayette, Yienna and Clarinda. He has been elected Justice of the Peace on several occasions, and has also been Notary Public for twenty-five years. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellow's, and is a stanch Republican.

MICHAEL GRUNINGER, farmer; P. 0. Abbeyville. Among the oldest settlers of the county is the subject of this sketch, lie was born in Wurtemberg in 1817; attended the schools of his native country, and learned the trade of carpenter and joiner. He came to America in 1837, and settled in Liverpool Township, working in Cleveland at his trade for a period of three years, his place of resi-

%ence being in Liverpool Township. He was married in 1838 to Frederica Kaufman, a native of Wurtemberg. The}' had three children - Charles, Caroline and Louise. In 1813, death robbed him of his bosom companion, and he was remarried, in 1847, to Hosanna Renz, a native of Wurtemberg, she arriving in this country when 6 years of age. They have nine children - Andrew J., George F., Gustave W., Helen, Katherine R., Lydia M., Anna B., Julia F. and Eva S. He is a member of the German Lutheran Church, and has been Deacon for twenty -five years. He has carried on the business of undertaker, in connection with farming, for the last thirty years.

GREGOR HETTINGER, farmer; P. 0. Liverpool. He is an old settler of the township, and was born in Baden, Germany, in 1821. He attended school, and learned the trade of wagonmaker. Came to Medina Co. in 1S42, and has been residing here ever since. He was married, in 1844, to Catharine Eharte, a native of Baden. They have eight children - Theresa, married to George Armbruster ; Louise, to Charles Pfeil ; Frank, to Mary Feist ; Ambrose, to Theresa Yonderhart ; Catharine, to John Hoelfier ; Mary, to Jacob Hoefller; Henry and Anna. He is a member of the Roman Catholic Church. He has been Township Trustee for eighteen years. He has, by industry and economy, amassed some property. He is a Democrat in politics.

ALBERT G. HEATH, farmer; P. 0. Liverpool ; was born in 1816, in Massachusetts. He came to Medina Co. iu 1824, and was married, in 1845, to Maria Green, a native of Vermont. They have four children - Giles, Sarah, Albert and Alvin. He is a very industrious farmer, and has been Clerk of the School Board several terms. He is a Democrat in politics.

ROBERT LOOMIS, farmer; P. 0. Liverpool ; was born in Berkshire Co., Mass., in. 1797 ; the son of Loren Loomis. He attended the common school, and, when sixteen years of age, enlisted in the army, and was a participant in the war of 1812. He served under Gen. Brown and enlisted under Captain Ingersoll. After the war closed, he returned to Massachusetts and remained there several years, coming to Medina Co., in 1825, when the land was yet unsettled. He located on the banks of a creek, and has lived there ever since. He was married in 1817, to Ruth Davis, a native of Massachu-

He is one of the few old settlers who can relate ; of the times when deer, bears and wolves reigned j | in the thick forests of the county. He is a ; member of the Free-Will Baptist Church, and ! has served as Township Trustee several terms. He is a sturdy old veteran Democrat, having always voted that ticket.

CHARLES J. MESSMEll, lawyer ; Liverpool ; was born in Bavaria in 1839. His parents emigrated to America in 1841, settling in Liverpool, where he has spent the major part of his life. He attended the common school, and, by industry, obtained an education, thus enabling him to teach, which he did very successfully for a number of years. He studied law and was under the instruction of Judge Walker, of Medina, Ohio, and was admitted to the bar in 1872. He was married, in 1877, to Mary Bay, a native of Liverpool. They have one son - George F. He has held the offices of i Township Clerk and Assessor, for five years and three years, respectively, being at present serving the second term as J ustice of the Peace. He has, by his honesty and fidelity, won the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens, which he richlv deserves.

CHARLES M. METZGER, farmer; P. 0. Liverpool ; is one of the most prominent farmers of Liverpool. His parents are natives of Germany. He was born in Liverpool Township in 1844. He was raised on a farm and at present is following that occupation. He was married in 1S68, to Sophia E. Seffner, a native of Summit Co., Ohio. They have one child, Charles Edward. lie has been Township Trustee for several terms, has served as Justice of the Peace and also Land Appraiser. He is one of the influential and enterprising farmers of his township, and is very popular throughout the county, as was demonstrated when he was a candidate for County Auditor, he running ahead of his ticket, his party being in a minority. He occupies the position of Director of the Farmer's Life Insurance Company, and is a member of the German Lutheran Church.

JOHN MARSH, farmer; P. 0. Liverpool; was born in Bennington Co., Vt., in 1804. He is one of the pioneers of the township; coming into it as early as 1819, and has made it his residence ever since. He learned the trade of cooper with his father, and was married in 1S24, to Ilepzibah Brainard, ana- ^ tive of Connecticut, The}' had four children - j Mary, Franklin, Elczar and Elmer. His wife died in 1844. He was remarried in 1853, to Sallie E. Webster, a native of Massachusetts, b}' whom he had one son - Irvin J. He has , been Constable and Trustee of his township j several terms; has been Justice of the Peace for fifteen years, and is a Democrat, All his children are married. He is, at present, living a retired life, and has the reputation of being an upright citizen and a good neighbor.

WILLIAM H. NEWTON, farmer; P. O. Brunswick. Hollis Newton, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Southboro, Worcester Co., Mass., in 1798. At 8 years of age, he went with his parents to Onondaga Co., N. Y. ; after living there eight years, ! he moved to Cayuga Co., N. Y. ; at the end of two years, they moved to Canandaigua, N. Y. He was married to Debbie F. Beebe in 1824; he set out for Ohio in 1824, loading his household goods and wife in a lumber wagon, drawn j by two yoke of oxen. He arrived at Abram Beebe's, in Liverpool Township. Sept, 17. 1824. making the journey in eighteen days. He purchased land of Daniel L. Coit, one mile south ! of the northeast corner of Liverpool Township, j Here he settled and lived in habits of industry, ! temperance and religion, raising a family of nine children, of whom William II. Newton, the ; subject of this sketch, was one. He was born j in Liverpool Township in 1838, and was mar- j ried in 1861 to Man' E. Thomas, a native of j Stark Co., Ohio. The}' have two children - Charles H. and Addie C. He is a devout mem- j ber of the Free-Will Baptist Church.

CHARLES II. PARKER; P. O. Liverpool; I was born in Liverpool in 1836, and spent his }Touth in working on the farm and attending school. He was married in 1861 to Lucinda Lewis, a native of Lorain Co., Ohio. The}' have two children - Edna and Arthur, who are possessed of rare and wonderful musical talent. Mr. Parker is selling sewing machines, and is a leading business man of his community. He is a Republican in politics.

DWIGHT A. PARMELEE, Liverpool; was \ born in Liverpool in 1852. He attended the common school of his native village, and, after going through the regular course there, attended Obcrlin College. He was married in 1876, to Ella M. Jordan, and has one daughter, ;

A. S. PARMELEE, miller, Liverpool ; was born in Madison Co.. N. Y., in 1808 ; attended common school and learned the trade of carpenter and joiner. He came to Medina Co. in 1S34, and built a saw and grist mill, and has been in the business ever since. He was married, in 1840. to Clarinda Wilmot, a native of Liverpool. This marriage brought forth two children - Ashel D. and Charles E. His wife died in 1S44 ; he was remarried, in 1845, to Fannie W. Bates, a native of Ashtabula Co., Ohio, and is the father of four children from this marriage - Susan C., William E., James S. and Dwight A. Mr. Parmelee's parents were of Massachusetts, and he may be properly termed a il Yankee." He is, at present, running a woolen-factory and grist mill, and is doing a flourishing business. He is the pioneer miller of the township, and his acquaintance is very extensive. He is a Republican in politics.

WILLIAM W. PURDY, farmer. Liverpool ; was born in Westchester Co., N. Y., in 1813 ; he attended the common school and learned the trade of shoemaker, and came to Medina Co. in 1846, and has lived here ever since. He was married, in 1833, to Olivia Dean, a native of Westchester Co., N. Y., her ancestors being the Deans who took such a prominent part in the Revolutionary war. They have seven children - Louise M., Hannah L., Thomas D., Zachary T., Sarah 0., Joseph V. R. and William W. Mr. Purdy has been Supervisor and Trustee for a number of terms ; he is at present living on the farm he cleared, on which are white sulphur springs , his home occupies one of the finest sites. in the county, which he has made pleasant and comfortable by hard labor and industry. He boasts of being an old-time Democrat, and remains one to this day.

WILLIAM E. PARMELEE, Justice of the Peace, Liverpool ; was born in Liverpool in 1848, and attended the common school of that village. He was married in 1871, to Melissa E. Noble, a native of La Grange, Lorain Co., Ohio ; they have two children, a daughter named Ella, and an infant. Mr. Parraelee was Postmaster of his village for five years, and, though he is a Republican in politics, was elected Justice of the Peace, which is all the more an honor, inasmuch as Liverpool is a strongly Democratic township ; he is a young man and bears a good name and reputation wherever he is known ; he is an energetic, industrious citizen, and has a large circle of friends and acquaintances, by whom he is highly esteemed ; his wife is a member of the Methodist Church.

L. B. PARKER, M. D. ;. Liverpool. Of those members of che medical profession of whose history dates back to pioneer days, the name of Dr. L. B. Parker, whose portrait is found in this work, stands among the most prominent. He is the son of Elijah and Mehetabel (Barber) Parker ; the former was a descendant from one of three brothers who emigrated from England in an early day and settled near Boston, Mass. ; but little of the surroundings of the early life of Elijah Parker are known. At the age of 1G, however, we find him a soldier in the Revolutionary army, where he remained six years, fighting for his country's freedom. He subsequently moved to what is now Naples, Ontario Co., N. Y., where he married Miss Mehetabel Barber. lie remained a resident of that place until his death, which occurred in 1813. This sad event left Mrs. Parker with a family of eight children, of whom the Doctor was the seventh, and at that time only 3 years old. Mrs. Parker was a lady of more than ordinary energy, and, through her tireless exertions, the family was kept together and such advantages given them as her limited means would allow, and, as the Doctor says, Thanks to her teaching, I cannot remember the time when I could not read well." Books were scarce in those days, and, though the Doctor was possessed of an ardent desire to attain an education, the advantages for his doing so were very limited. He read all books that he could procure, and among them the Bible, and the latter so thoroughly as to ever after be thoroughly familiar with Scripture. During his early life he was assisted greatly in gaining an education by the kindness of a Presbyterian clergyman, through whose assistance he gained quite a knowledge of mathematics, the sciences and Latin. At the age of 10 years he practiced surveying. Though the Doctor desired very much to take a collegiate course, he had not the means to enable him to do so. About this time the Presbyterian Church of Naples offered to send him to college, with a view of preparing him for the ministry ; an ardent desire to attain an education added to this tempting offer ; but. feeling that he could not subscribe to their creed, he was not so dishonorable as to accept their bounty and afterward disappoint them by selecting some other profession ; he therefore, at 1G years of age, began the study of medicine, under the direction of a graduate of Yale College. After three years spent in study, he attended lectures at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York. Soon after this, he attended another term of lectures at the Geneva Medical College, where the degree of M. D. was conferred upon him. In 1833, he came to Ohio, and, finding an opening at Liverpool, Medina Co., he located there, and at once began the practice of medicine. Since that time he has devoted his time and attention almost wholly to his profession. The result of his life labor is a competency, and now, in his old age, he is reaping the reward of his early industry and economy. He has been possessed of strong physical powers, and even now, at 71 years of age, he is still engaged in the practice. Dr. Parker was married, in 1834, to Miss Maria Hastings, of Pembroke, Genesee Co., N. Y., who died in 1S64. In 1867, he was married to Mrs. Lavina Wait, with whom he now lives. Ten children have been born to him. five onlv of whom are now living.

ALFORD RICHMOND, farmer; P. 0. Liverpool. Among the old settlers and natives, is the subject of this sketch. His parents were natives of New York. He was born in Columbia, Lorain Co., Ohio, in 1821. He is the oldest of ten children - seven sons and three daughters. His young days were spent on a farm, and he obtained his education in the district school. He was married, in 1843, to Abigail Hance, who was born in New York in 1819. Her father, Jeremiah Hance, served in the war of 1812. The}* have three sons - Byron, Harris and Harrow. lie has been Township Trustee for seven years; served as Justice of the Peace for a period of nine years, and is a Democrat in politics. He is one of the sturdy citizens and pioneers of the township. He took an active part in clearing the land, and is one of the oldest and most highly respected cit izens of his township.

HIRAM RICHMOND, farmer; P. 0. Liverpool. Hiram W. Richmond, a native of New York State, was born in 1800, and was married, in 1820, to Betsey Martin. They came to Medina Co. in 1S19. Seven children were born to them, of whom Hiram Richmond, the subject of this sketch, was one. He was born in Liverpool Township in 1827, and was raised on the ! farm, and has been engaged in that occupation ! ever since. He was married, in 1855, to I)ian- | tha Olin, a native of New York State. They have one son - Hiram W. He has been Township Trustee and Assessor several terms. At present, he is farming, and has charge of a cheese-factor}*, in which he is a partner. He is a quiet, unassuming and energetic citizen, and enjoys an enviable reputation as one of the foremost citizens of his township.

GUY E. RING, farmer; P. 0. Liverpool. The subject of this sketch was born in New' Hampshire, in 1S15. He came into Medina Co. in 1833, and learned the trade of milhvright. He w*as married in 1842, to Rebecca Fuller, a native of New York State. They have ten children - Mary, Martha, Alethia, Anna, Nellie, Jane, Elmer, Ira, Josephine, Leslie. One of their sons (Jonathan) died in the civil war. Mr. Ring is a Republican in politics.

DUDLEY P. STRANAHAX, farmer ; P. 0. Brunswick ; was born in Windham Co., Conn., in 1823. His parents went to Cleveland in 1830, remaining there one year, after which they went to Columbia and remained there until 1860. He learned the trade of carpenter and joiner w'ith his father. He came to Liverpool and cultivated the farm, and carried on a lumbering and saw'-mill business. He was married, in 1846, to Cornelia Tillotson, a native of Massachusetts. They have four children - Rolla, Helen, Miles and John. He is a member of the Disciples' Church ; is also a member of the I. 0. 0. F., and is a Republican " every time."

MRS. J. L. SPOONER, Liverpool. The subject of this sketch is a daughter of Ebenezer Wilmot, an old settler of Liverpool Towmship. She was born in Liverpool Township in 1826. Her parents were among the first families, her father having been a soldier in the war of 1812. She w'as married, in 1844. to Miles S. Spooner, a native of Liverpool. They have four children - Martha C., Joseph W., Elisha and Hattie. She is a member of the Methodist Church.

JOHN G. SCHOETTLE. Pastor, Liverpool ; wras born in Wurtemberg, Germany. He obtained his education in the Rhein Mission Seminary of Germany. He is a graduate of this popular institution, and immediately after graduation was installed as a minister of the Gospel. He emigrated to America in 1S64, 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 liis services began here.

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.