Lorain City (part 39 of 77)

Mr. Jason Royce and wife, coming from Berkshire in 1832, obtained the farm just left by my brother in Grafton, which the family own to-day. Their only son died during the war, of disease contracted while a soldier at Kelley's Island. Their only daughter, Mrs. Hobart Corning, is living on the farm where my brother Seth ©. located in 1816. Mr. Royce died some eight years ago, at their home, where his widow now resides. Mr. Hobart Corning is now sheriff of Lorain county, which brings more descendants of early settlers to become residents of Elyria.

March 29, 1826 - marriage license obtained in Medina, by the mail carrier, and ceremony performed by Franklin Wells, Esq. Mr. Nesbett was one of the first settlers of number four, and among the first that exchanged their place of residence in Grafton for one in Elyria. This was done in 1829. The lots twentyfour and twenty-five, on the east line of Elyria, on the ridge road, were deeded to Daniel Nesbett by Heman Ely and Harriet M. Ely, August 16, 1829. After remaining upon this farm some twenty years, a home was purchased in the village, where Mr. Nesbett and family resided at the time of his death, which occurred, March 16, 1863, of apoplexy, aged sixty-six years. Mrs. Nesbett is still a resident of Elyria.

In the early spring of 1829, the death of Stephen Sibley is distinctly remembered. He was seen to leave his work in the yard, and slowly enter the house only a short time before his death was announced. This was the first sudden death to be mentioned among the first settlers in Grafton, the cause not definitely known, then as now. There was no physician in town toexamine the case. Mr. Sibley had shared the trials of pioneer life twelve years, and at the time of his death was seventy years of age. Before the time of Mr. Sibley's death, his son-in-law, Franklin Wells, had assumed the cares of the homestead, and built a fine residence for early days. 'his was sold to Mr, Isaac VanDeusen, from Berkshire, father of George VanDeusen, who was a resident of Grafton until within a few years past. His home is now in Lowell, Massachusetts. After Mr. Isaac VanDeusen was settled in this desirable place, bis house and many valuable articles, were destroyed by fire. This was the first frame building burned in Grafton. This farm was afterwards sold to Justin Breckenridge, who built the ample brick house seen upon his premises to-day.

Carlos Fisher and family, from Delaware county, New York, settled in Grafton in 1828. They located one mile east of the center, when first coming, but afterwards at the center, where they resided at the time of Mr. Fisher's death, in 1855, in the sixty-fifth year of his age. Mrs. Fisher died in 1870, in the seventy-first year of her age. One son, Mr. Isaac L. Fisher, is the only one of nine children remaining in Grafton. Their second daughter, Nancy, is Mrs. Artemas Beebe, Jr., of Elyria. Mrs. C. W. Johnston, of Elyria, is another member of that family. A son is settled in Wellington, in this county. Itis readily seen that quite a number of the first settlers in Grafton, became residents of Elyria, and many of their descendants are found there to-day, and still they are coming. ,

Clement Stebbins, from Granville, Massachusetts, came to Grafton in Avril, 1832. Chauncey Baldwin accompanied him, and soon after their arrival they opened a store at the center, where Mr. Stebbins has more or less been connected with the mercantile interests at thé center of Grafton, until a recent date. He was justice of the peace some thirty years; has seen the rise and fall of many business firms, until not one is left that can with him retrace the years and events of 1832. Mr. Stebbins married. Betsey, daughter of Bildad and Polly Belden, October 16, 1835. Mrs. Stebbins died August 19, 1874. Their only child living, is Mrs. George D. Williams, of Elyria, where Mr. Stebbins now resides.

The families of Jadwin and Newton settled south of the center ; the exact dates cannot be given. Some of the descendants of Mr. Newton are living in Grafton, something over a mile south of the center. Mr. Jadwin and wife were residents of Elyria a number of years before his death, which occurred quite recently. His widow's home is still in Elyria. Some grandchiljren of Mr. Jadwin are residents of Grafton, in this, the beginning of the year 1879.

In 1834, Joseph Hurlbut and wife, from Lee, Berkshire county, settled npon a new forest farm. This was situated two miles south and one east of the center road, north and south. Scarcely has any one farm in Grafton been so largely cultivated, commencing under such disadvantages. With small outfit, years outside the sight of smoke, from other than their own chimney. Felling trees, burning brush and logs, were bravely kept up, together with other incessant toil connected with farm life, until some five years since, his nearly three hundred acres of cultivated fields were sold, and he is now a resident of Elyria.

Much might be said of pioneer women, who were indeed help-meets for their husbands. Worn and faded garments were kept tidy as long as possible. Trowsers faced front and back with deer skins, required more skill in fitting than pantaloons of to-day. Daniel Belden, Sr., understood the art of dressing deer skins, nearly if not quite equal to chamois of to-day. As soon as flax could be raised, every garment, and every article of household need, from straw bed-tick, flour bag, and hand towel, to the finest sheet and pillow case, then in use, were manufactured by pioneer women. A few sheep only as yet had been kept in Grafton. High pens, built of heavy rails, were needed to protect them at night from the prowling wolf, which made it difficult, for a number of years, to raise a flock of sheep.

Without market or money, pioneers passed year after year, through what could truthfully be called hard times. 'lhankfulness for money and clothing, until we could raise our bread from among the stumps, did not prevent garments from growing thin, or feet going bare.

In 1838, the family of Thomas Johnston settled at the west part of the town. Five sous and five daughters belonged to this family when first coming to Grafton. One only is living in town at this time, which is Mrs. Sanford Thorp. C. W. Johnston, Esq., of Elyria, was fourth son of this family. Dr. L. D. Griswold resided ut the center some over a year, or until he was called to fill the office of County Auditor. Much thrift is seen at the center these days. The common is graded and improved. Churches and places of business, besides tidy residences, are seen in every direction. Those then living in Grafton should be better prepared with dates and personal experience than the writer, who has not been a resident of Grafton since 1829. At that time seven families of Ingersolls were living in town. No loss by death, except an infant, had then been recorded. My father died November 10, 1837, aged seventy-six years, just twentyone years since the comforts of a New England home © had been exchanged for privations, known only to those who first began to make the dense forest of Lorain county what it is found to be to-day. My mother's death occurred July 17, 1843, in the eightieth year of her age. An obituary notice by Rev. D. W. Lathrop, then of Elyria, was printed in the 'Ohio Atlas," which might be given if space were allowed. Taking leave of Grafton to-day is indeed sad, not only of the center, but the whole township. Only a few persons left to represent the fourteen families that made their homes in number nine, range sixteen, in 1816 and 1817, at which time not one of the twenty-one townships then settled in Lorain county, or afterwards, could show such improvements made in the same space of time.

A visit made at the center of Grafton, during the winter of 1839 and 1840, might be mentioned. A marriage ceremony was performed in the Episcopal church, then an ornament to the place. The persons married were Mr. Erastus VanDeusen and Miss Sarah Fitch. The church was nicely decorated and well filled. After the services, quite a number of persons were seen at the hotel, which was noted for its well spread tables. Among the number were 8S. B. Wolcott and Miss Harriet Cheever, D. B. Andrews and Miss Susan Burch, all from Elyria. Miss Cheever soon after became Mrs. Wolcott, and Miss Burch about the same time was married to D. B. Andrews, both couple settling in Elyria. 'This is mentioned to show that Grafton was not then behind neighboring towns as a place for pleasant entertainments of different kinds. 'To-day, contrasts too sad to relate may be seen. The Episcopal church just mentioned, has long since been leveled to the last foundation stone. The sightly residence built by Judge Wells, and occupied for many years by Stephen Brown, Esq., has passed into stranger hands. 'The hotel, without improvement in outside appearance, has from time to time been occupied by strangers. Not a store or shelf for goods of importance, is found at Grafton center to-day. The iron rail is laid diagonally across the once tidy ''common," where freight cars stand on either side of the main traveled street, marring the remains of beauty, though from some points hiding the appearance of rough saloons, which show increasing business in that traffic, following the ''oil specwlation" that gathers at the center of Grafton. -

The improvements made in Grafton since 1840, will be given by the gentlemanly historian who has lately visited the township, and is prepared with dates and names of important organizations formed in Grafton and Rawsonville since that date. Only eight or nine persons are found in Grafton to-day who were among the families that became settlers in 1816-17. Mr. Ashley Root and Mrs. Orville Lyndes are the oldest remaining in Grafton. Henry Crittenden and

John Ingersoll were only months in age when their parents came to Grafton in 1817, where they still remain. Oliver Root, a babe of weeks only then, is the youngest pioneer that came to Grafton, and has remained a resident since November, 1817.

While attempting to give an account of the first settlement of Grafton township, the writer has found difficulties nearly insurmountable. The thought that young and highly educated gentlemen from distant cities, with eminent writers in Lorain county, were writing history that would be perpetuated, well nigh prevents consent for publication of. what is so imperfectly prepared. Memory is called the staff of age. By aid of this mysterious boon, some events of more than sixty years have been retraced. Bounding as by a step from the trackless forest to the city full, we find only here and there one who can with us retrace childhood's footsteps among our own beloved hills, or that gathered wild flowers from unbroken forest in Lorain county, in 1817. Not too soon is 'the history of many towns in this county being written. Valuable items of personal history, with many interesting events have been saved from oblivion by this effort. It chills the warmest heart to consult history chiselled on marble monument, or neglected headstone. The cemeteries in Grafton have recently been visited, both showing great neglect. Unpleasant reflections were my only company while lingering among the graves _ of relatives. and friends that have been gathering since 1819, calling to mind this exclamation of an unknown 'Ah! who will think of me in sixty years!" But sentiment, however strongly prompted, must be overcome and silently yield to narrative. While culling thoughts suitable only for this history, an under session, stirring the very depthsof emotion, as a mere glance of past experiences, of joys and sorrows, of a lengthened pathway, passes before us.

The first marriage ceremony in Grafton township was performed by Henry Coit, Esq., of Liverpool, November 5, 1818. The parties were Grindell Rawson and Maria Ashley. Mr. and Mrs. Rawson soon commenced housekeeping in their log house, already prepared, a half mile or more from neighbors.

The first marriage ceremony performed by our first justice of the peace proved to be a run-away match. 'The parties were Ezekiel A. Turner, hired man of the bride's father, and Electa Boughton. Mr. Turner was chopping in the direction of Esquire Ingersoll's, waiting and watching for his promised bride to fulfil her part of the agreement - to meet at a given hour. Miss Boughton, under pretence of going quite a distance on an errand, prepared herself by wearing a clean checked apron, to stay a while at the neighbor's. But, instead of following out this ruse, she started upon a trail to find her betrothed, after which Mr. Turner left his axe, and Miss Boughton her apron in the woods, to await their return after the law by the mouth of the justice had made them one instead of two, as they commenced life in the morning of that eventful day. Friends began opposition and search too late, and this remains the first romantic matrimonial adventure in Grafton.

The first physician to locate in Grafton was - - Palmer, in 1834. He was succeeded by L. D. Griswold, M.D., now of Elyria. Then came Drs. Wade and Darrow.

Dr. Knowlton came to Grafton in 1845, and continued a-practicing physician for six years. During that time he was married to Caroline Kinney, only child of Wm. Kinney and Mary, his wife, both deceased. Mrs. Kinney was a daughter of Aaron Root, and near the spot where Mr. Root's first house was built, in 1817, Dr. and Mrs. Knowlton now reside.

The first white child born in the township of Grafton, was Nancy, oldest daughter of Seth C. Ingersoll. This event occurred on the 18th day of May, 1817.

' The first grave made in Grafton was for Frederick, the oldest born of Aaron Root's second marriage, who died soon after the family settled in the township. In their affliction, they sent to Brunswick, Medina county, for Rev. Jacob Ward, a Methodist minister and former friend and neighbor in Pittsfield. The oldest son was sent for Mr. Ward, and they made their way as fast as possible through the five-mile woods from Liverpool, but night coming on, they were obliged to tie their horses, and, with saddles for pillows, spent the cold, rainy November night in the woods.

An incident connected with the first convicted thief in our new settlement, is distinctly remembered. This thief was a stranger, passing through our uncultivated forest, and might to-day be called a tramp. None of the first settlers, to my knowledge, have ever been convicted for wrong doing. It was in 1819, I think, when my brother James was constable, that our first and only magistrate in number four, sixteenth range, decided.that this culprit must be taken to the nearest jail, which was in Medina, the county seat for that county. It was nearly night when the officer took charge of the prisoner, and our log house, for.the first and last time, sheltered a convict. My mother's admonitions to one and all are remembered. The idea that a thief was to stay all night, to unsophisticated children, was terrible. During the evening, a handful of tow was brought forward, and the prisoner pos:tively assisted in making a substantial string, to be used in tying the big toes of constable and criminal together, while darkness reigned supreme outside of our dimly-lighted dwelling. Undisturbed sleep soon bound them more firmly than tow strings could do, keeping them securely until morning light. How different the mode of conveying prisoners to jail then and now! A rifle and pocket compass, for safety and direction, were the outfit of ney of fifteen miles through the trackless forest on foot was made, instead of the one traveled road. The constable, as the law required, gave his first and last jail-bird to the sheriff, to be incarcerated within the massive walls, built of hewn logs. Thieves and burglers of 1879 would sneer at tow strings for manacles and fetters, and hewn logs for stone walls and iron grates and bars. How striking the change since those early days. Living now in sight of the jail in Elyria, from where, some two years ago, eleven prisoners were taken to the penitentiary at Columbus, all convicted at one term of the court, and when, with noisy shackles, this group of young men were conducted by Sheriff Braman, turnkey George Boyd, police officers William Alger and R. C. DeWitt to prison life for lengthened years.

In November, 1819, occurred the death of William Crittenden, and his remains were the first interred in the cemetery at the center of the township.

In 1822, the workshop.of Major William Ingersoll was burned, and with it the lathe, tools, loom, several bags of wheat, etc. Immediately afterwards Mr. Ingersoll set about building a frame house. This was completed and first taken possession of in May, 1824. David Ashley built the first frame house in Grafton township. The first postoffice was established at the center in about 1825, (there are no records). David Ashley was appointed postmaster, and kept the office at his residence. Those who know only of to-day can scarcely conceive the importance attached to these pioneer postoffices. Then a letter started from the far away east, and after consuming weeks in its journey, was at last deposited at its destination by a foot carrier. It cost twenty-five cents to send each letter. Next came the horseback carrier. Then the stage coach with its four or six horses, and its wonderful driver, the special admiration of the juveniles. No stage coach with four or six horses are remembered until a late day. Soon that was displaced by steam, and in time we have the fast mail, the greatest achievement of the postoffice department, so far as rapid transit is concerned. Truly, time works wonders. The present postmaster at the center is O. W. Nichols. A second office was established at Rawsonville, some years since, but no one seems te know when, or who wus first postmaster. H. E. Kelsey is the present postmaster. This office was first named Rawsonville; July 1, 1875, the name was changed to Grafton, and the center office to 'Belden. .

The pioneer mercantile establishment in the township of Grafton was at the center (now Belden.) Messrs. John Freese and Charles Root were the proprietors; the date, 1830. These gentlemen erected the building. 'They were only in trade a short time, closing out to Reuben Smith and William Root, who conducted the business some two years. They were succeeded by Messrs. Wells & Johnson. Clement Stebbins and C. R. Baldwin opened another store at the same point in 1832. The location was in a small building standing on the site now occupied by the depot. After perhaps two years this partnership was dissolved, and the firm of Stebbins & Wells formed. This firm erected the building on the northeast corner, now occupied by a drinking saloon. In this they operated a store for seven years. They put up an ashery and did an extensive business. They were succeeded by William Hart, who is still in the mercantile business at Rawsonyille. 'The first store at this village came into being the fall following the completion of the C. C. C. & I. R. R., Messrs. Hand & Sawtell, proprietors. The present business at this place is shown by the following: Wm. Hart, L. B. Daniels and Richard O. Newton, general merchandise; W. 'T. Watson and James Artress, hardware; H. E. Kelsey, drugs and notions; Mrs. Wm. Hart and Mrs: K. Mayhew, milliners; Jones & McCune, and W. E, Capell, meat markets; Willis Reichard and VY. M. Ryan, boots and shoes, and George Beeder, jeweler. William Crittenden began keeping a hotel at the center, in 1818. He had erected a double log house, with a capacious ball room in the second story. In this the anniversary of our national independence was celebrated, July 4, 1818. The address was delivered by William Bishop, and it was on this occasion that the name Grafton was given to the township by Major Ingersoll. , The hotel at this point, (Belden House), owned b H. Crittenden, is at present under the management of Thomas Ward, formerly of Massillon, Ohio. At Rawsonville there are two hotels, the National, A. D. Smith, proprietor, and the Railroad House, kept by T. E. Ray. 'There are also two liveries at the same point, owned by L. B. Daniels and F. McClintock. 'The first of those modern industries - cheese factories - was started by Hobart Corning, in 1867. The location was near Daniel Kinsley's. There was a patronage'of over four hundred cows. This was sold to Messrs. Robson & Trann, in the winter of 1877-8, and removed to Rawsonville, where it is now in operation. In the fall of 1877, Nahum Holcomb erected a cheese factory on Duke Mennell's farm, lot number forty-three. This worked the past season the milk of two hundred and fifty cows. Other factories have been in operation in Grafton. 'They are now closed.

Industrial Pursuits

In the winter of 1816-17, an addition, or wing, was constructed on the back part of the house of Major William Ingersoll, and in this his son Thomas began the manufacture of splint-bottomed chairs. This was the pioneer manufactory in Grafton township. The father became quite an adept cooper, making tubs, buckets, charns and other useful articles. 'Chis shop was burned, as before stated. The first saw mill was built in the summer and fall of 1817, by David Ashley, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. In 1818 another saw mill was erected at Rawsonville, by Jonathan and Grindell Rawson and Nathan Boughton. This is now torn down. - In 1826 these same persons built a grist mill near the saw mill. The present grist mill is at this place, and is a fine steam affair, owned by CO. F. Baumetz. There are also two steam saw mills in the township.

From the address of Hon. W. W. Boynton, we learn that Grafton township, when first settled, be. longed to Medina county, which was formed in 1812, * * * From its foundation to its organization, it remained attached to Portage county, where the deeds of the early settlers were recorded. On the 25th day of July, 1818, on petition of theinhabitants, the town was incorporated by the name of Grafton, by the commissioners of Medina county.

The first election was held at the house of William B. Crittenden, on August 3, 1818, at which time the following persons were elected: Eliphalet Jones, William Ingersoll, and William B. Crittenden, trustees; William Bishop, clerk; Reuben Ingersoll, treasurer; David Ashley, appraiser of property; Seth OC. Ingersoll, lister of property; William Turner and Giles Sibley, oversecrs of the poor; Grindell Rawson and Reuben Ingersoll, fence viewers; Jonathan Rawson, Seth C. Ingersoll, William Ingersoll, Jr., and David Ashley, supervisors of .highways; Guy O. Boughton, constable; and Jonathan Rawson, justice of the peace. Previous to this, the township had been attached to Liverpool township, for judicial purposes, and at the April election, 1818, Reuben Ingersoll had been elected a justice of the peace, - the first in Grafton township. Atthe State election, holden on the 13th of the following October, there were thirteen votes cast.

The first sermon delivered in the township of Grafton, was preached by the Rey. Reuben Jones, of the Methodist connection, then residing at Mantua. This meeting was held at the dwelling of Eliphalet Jones, in the summer of 1817. Other meetings followed, and during the subsequent fall a small class was formed, with Aaron Root leader. We are unfortunately unable to give the names of those composing this class at its formation, but in 1820, we find that the following were members: -Lydia Crittenden, Oliver, Polly, and Eliza Ashley, Mary and Polly Jones, John P. Root, Daniel Crittenden, and it is quite probable there were others whose names are not remembered. Meetings were held at the dwellings of Messrs. Root, Crittenden, Ashley and others. In the summer of 1818, a log school house was built at the center, and in this meetings were held with more or less regularity. In 1827, quite a large two story frame building was constructed, also at the center. This was for the purpose of a town hall, school and church. All denominations occupied it we believe, at pleasure. It was afterwards sold to the Baptist society, and occupied by them for a church so long as the organization existed, after which it was converted into a dwelling, and is now occupied by William Moses. The present Methodist Episcopal Church was erected in the year 1850, but was not fully completed until the following year. The first regular minister was the Rev. Mr. Smith, of Pittsfield. This was in church is given from memory by Mr. Ashley Root and wife, and is substantially correct: Ezra Booth, Ezra Fields, Zera Castin, Taylor, Adam Poe, H. O. Shelden, H. Calclizer, E. C. Gavitt, Geo. Elliott, William Reynolds, Carpenter, John T. Callum, Cyrus Sawyer, Brewster, H. L. Parish, A. P. Jones, Breakfield, Thomas Pope, Peter Sharp, Kinnear, . Jacob Brown, George Phillips, A. L. 8. Bateman, John Mitchell, Foote, Uri Richards, Thomas Thompson, William Thatcher, Euratas Bush, William Spafford, Safford, Charles Thomas, Matthew L. Starr, Asbury Cassel, L. M. Pounds, A. K. Owen, T. J. Gard, Ward, John R. Jewett, Holbrook, W. Ben Taggart, W. W. Smith, F. 8. Wolf, John Mitchell and George Haniwault, the present pastor. The last of these gentlemen, upon the breaking. out of the rebellion, doffed their clerical robes for the 'faded coat of blue," and served their country valiantly during the entire war. The present church officers are Ashley S. Root and Henry 8. Williams, leaders; D. G. Kinsley, H. 8. Williams and - . Goodsell, stewards; Charles Cragin, superintendent Sabbath school. Attendance, one hundred scholars; the total church membership is about seventy.

The Methodist Episcopal Church at Rawsonville was formed in March, 1871. Meetings were held.in Hart's hall by Rev. Mr. Isbaugh, and a small class formed, the following persons constituting it: E. Robson (from whom we obtain valuable data), William Trann and wife, Robert Salisbury and wife, Theodore Witbeck and wife, and A. J. Wilson and wife. Charles Bolton was appointed class leader; services were held in the above hall; a Sabbath school organized, and everything moving along harmoniously when a fire destroyed their place of worship. The members at once set about building a church edifice, and on January 14, 1875, it was dedicated by the Rev. Mr. Currier. The total cost was twenty-four hundred dollars. The ministers have been Revs. Brice, Pope, Richards, Brien and Foote. 'There are at present eighty members. The church officers are John Dent and William Trann, class leaders; A. J. Williams and John Dent, stewards; E. Robson, Wm. Trann, A. J. Wilson, John Dent, Henry Hornby and Fred. Burgess, trustees; Sheldon Seers, superintendent of the Sabbath school. Total enrollment seventyfive.

The Protestant Episcopal Chu Kch

In point of time the Episcopal Church was the next formed. Service was read as early as 1817 by the Rey. Roger Searls, then travelling on this portion of the Reserve as a missionary. This church grew to respectable proportions, and as early as 1834 erected a fine brick edifice, the first in the township. This was located at the center on the site now occupied by the town hall. The causes leading to.the close of this church we are unable to give, but certain it is that in 1852 meetings ceased, and the building was sold and removed.

A Baptist Church The Presbyterian Church

This society was formed at Grafton Center, by Rev. Joel Talcott and Rey. Oliver Eastman, on the 15th day of March, 1834, and consisted of the following members: Philip F. Davis, Barratt Benjamin, William Davis, and Aseneth, his wife, Silo Thorp and Jacob Rood. The church was organized in connection with Medina Presbytery, on the plan of union adopted by the Congregational and Presbyterian churches of the Western Reserve, and continued as a Congregational church until January 13, 1873, when it became Presbyterian, and the following elders were elected: H. E. Bartlett, I. L. Fisher and J. F. Mantor; deacons J. T. Walker and T. B. Rogers. The present elders, elected 1876, are: I. L. Fisher, I. 8. Thorp and W. N. Shoot. T. B. Rogers is the present superintendent of the Sabbath school, which has an attendance of thirty scholars. This church first met in the building before referred to in connection with the Methodist Episcopal church. In fact, we leam. that this church continued to hold services there until the erection of their present church edifice, in 1844. This was only enclosed and temporarily seated at the time, and was used in this condition for four years, when seats were added and the church completed. The Congregational officers were: J. W. Rood, Truman Bagg and Edwin Rogers, trustees; H. E. Bartlett, secretary; and ©. R. Baldwin, treasurer. The present officers are: I. L. Fisher, Cyrenns Simmons and I. E. Thorp, trustees; T. B. Rogers, clerk; and I. T. Walker, treasurer. J. W. Rood was the first clerk of the church, and held the office until 1846, when he was succeeded by I. L. Fisher, who is the present incumbent. The pulpit has been supplied by the following ministers, in the order in which they are named: Reverends O. Eastman, Israel Shaler, William Salisbury, James Eals and John P. Cowles. October 27, 1846, Rev. G@. C. Judson was ordained and installed pastor of the church, and remained until June 1, 1852. Rey. Erastus Cole served the church as stated supply seven years. Rev. H. Lawrence succeeded him for seven years. Then came Rey. Madison Elliott, who remained the same number of years; Rey. S. M. Burton, three years; Rev. William Honnell, nine months; then Rey. Owen Jenkins, one year, and he was followed by the present pastor, Rev. H. Thrall, of Litchfield township.

Rawsonville Congregational Church

was organized at the house of Eleazar Goodman, January 8, 1854, by Rev. Ansel R. Clark, who had held services at that point since January 1, 1853. The first members were: Eleazar Goodman, Sr., and wife, Eleazar Goodman, Jr., and wife, Titus H. Hand and wife, Mrs. Adaline P. Preston, Harry Chandler, and daughter Jerusha. The present house of worship was dedicated May 30, 1855, by Rev. Henry Cowles, of Oberlin. The following are clergymen who have had charge of the church: Reverends A. B. Clark, Stephens Cook, D. M. V. Stewart, Julius O. Beardlee, - Conklin, 8S. M. Burton, H. H. Honnell, - Cady, O. Judkins, R. A. Baird, and Rev. Mr. Hyde, who is at present officiating. The membership is fifty. The officers are: A. A.-Bisbee and David Stockwell, deacons; J. A. Berthrong, clerk; H. H. Hickok, Frederick Smith and A. A. Bisbee, trustees;

This was the first church of this faith formed between Cleveland and Sandusky. It was organized in 1840 by Bishop Rapp, of Cleveland, and began with a small membership. A small wood building was erected in Carlisle township, near the present cemetery, on section six, soon after the church was formed. In this meetings were held until about 1863, when it was removed to Rawsonville, Grafton township. Four years after the present massive stone church was erected. This is in size forty-five by eighty feet, and cost ten thousand dollars. This church has now a total membership of seven hundred. The Rey. Mr. Halley, of Norwalk, Huron county, was the first resident. minister. Revs. R. A. and Alexander Sibley held service here prior to Mr. Halley. Father John Daudet, the present pastor, assumed charge in 1871. After the building of the present church the old building was enlarged to double its former size, and converted into a school room. This is now under the management of the pastor, and has an enrollment of fifty scholars.

The first log school house was built on the southeast corner of Mr. 'Turner's lot, in the spring of the year 1818. The first teacher was Miss Mary Sibley, in age only a few years in advance of her scholars, of whom there were eighteen, and it is a somewhat remarkable fact that of this number twelve are yet alive. The report of the board of education for Grafton township, for the year ending August 31, 1878, shows six school houses valued at three thonsand eight hundred dollars. The amount paid teachers one thousand one hundred and forty two dollars. The number of children of the requisite school age is two hundred and seven. This does not include the '"'Rawsonville Union School District," which was organized August 15, 1868, and is composed of school district number one in Grafton, and an adjoining district in Eaton township. 'The board of education at that time was T. Mattison, president ; O. Harper, clerk ; and H. B. Rawson, treasurer. The present fine school building was erected in the summer of 1875, and cost complete, inciuding furniture and apparatus, seven thousand dollars. The course of study.embraces two grades, grammar and primary.

The following have becn the principals and assistants: 1869, John Blanchard, at present county recorder, and Miss Lucy Westover; 1870, same principal, Miss J. Boughton assistant; 1871, EH. S. Snow, same assistant; 1872, M. G. Young, Miss Mattie Richardson assistant; 1873, W. W. Richardson, same assistant; 1874, D. L. Hinckley, same assistant; 1875, I. N. Saddler, who is the present principal; Miss Mattie Richardson was his assistant, and continued to occupy that position until the spring of 1878, when Mrs. Allie M. Saddler, the wife of the principal, succeeded as assistant. The board of education for 1878 is: V. M. Ryan, president; Henry Weedon, treasurer; and F. C. Smith, secretary. 'The amount paid to teachers in 1878 was seven hundred and thirty-four dollars. The total attendance is one hundred and forty-five. This school is spoken of as being in a flourishing and highly satisfactory condition.

We understand there is another benevolent society at this place, called the '' Hibernians," but were unable to procure the data necessary for a sketch.

Oil Interest

When the hardy New England pioneers began to explore the wooded fastness of number four, they discovered along the margin of the stream now known as Center creek, two marshy spots or springs, one on the farm of Eliphalet Jones and another on lands now owned by Ashley Root, which attracted their attention, from the presence, upon the surface of the water at these locations, of a dark colored substance, having an oleaginous appearance and a peculiar odor. In after years small quantities of-it would be gathered, but we have no evidence that it was ever utilized. Finally samples of this substance were examined by experts, and it was pronounced petroleum. Nothing was done, however, towards boring for oil until the year 1856, when a gentleman from Pennsylvania, we are unfortunately unable to give his name, sunk a well on the farm of Erastus Jones. At a depth of thirty feet oil was found. A pump was applied. The well yielded some forty barrels, when the supply ceased and the business was abandoned.

In about 1860 quite an oil excitement existed in Grafton, and perhaps a dozen wells were sunk with more or less success. The greater portion of them, however, yielded no oil. The present revival of the oil interest in Grafton began in July, 1875, when oil was struck on the Card farm at a depth of sixty feet, by Mr. Charles Rupert. This well produced at the start sixty barrels per day, and continued to furnish oil in paying quantities for some two years, when it ceased entirely. This well caused a great excitement, parties congregating in Grafton from the oil fields of Pennsylvania, and in fact all parts of the country. Land went up to almost fabulous prices and the owners of real estate went wild over the prospect. During the succeeding six months large quantities down. Of these only about one-third found oil at all, and but a small proportion of these in paying quantities. In March, 1876, J. C. Blood (whose courtesies we wish to acknowledge) arrived on the scene. He was from the oil regions of Pennsylvania, and immediately began operations. On August 15th following he found, in his fourth trial, the greatest producing well then on the territory. This was on the Shafer farm. Ata distance of one hundred and sixty-two feet from the surface-he struck the oil producing sand and began pumping. Although he found nothing but salt water, and by the way, oil is never found here except when mixed with salt water, yet his former experience kept his courage from waning, and at the end of three weeks' incessant pumping, his efforts were crowned with success. The well began to pump one hundred and thirty barrels of nearly pure oil per day. 'This well now yiclds seven barrels per day, and is the second best in the township. The October subsequent Mr. Blood sunk another well on the same farm that yielded by the same process ninety barrels per day. This now produces four.

The total number of wells sunk on this territory is three hundred and fifty. Of these, about one in four find oil, but only about one in seven in paying quantities. There are no flowing wells. Owing to the absence of carbon, the oil produced here cannot be refined for burning purposes; but it is one of the best mineral lubricating oils yet discovered. The following table shows the condition ef this important interest in Grafton:

These are scattered over an area two and one-half miles east and west by one mile north and south, though there is, doubtless, a great extent of surrounding territory yet undeveloped; in fact, from general observation in the eastern part of Ohio, it is evident that this is the outcrop of a petroleum rock extending entirely through the State.

The surface is a general level, with a blue clay soil. Ata distance of from two to fifteen feet below the surface is found a soap stone stratum, varying in thickness from forty feet at the west end of the territory, to one hundred and sixty at its eastern boundary, the dip being towards the southeast. Immediately below this is found the oil-producing sand, varying from two to one hundred and sixty feet in thickness. This is broken and lying in deposits, at some points breaking off nearly perpendicular, but uniform at the top, excepting the dip, the slope being from the bottom. The oil is found in paying quantities only in the deep sand - none in less than forty feet. This sand is variable - crystals, flint and sandstone grit. The oil is usually found in the former and latter. Below the sand is a white substance, known as '' putty" or fire-clay, of from one to ten feet in thickness; below this is a red clay from five to fifty feet thick, and below that the slate. It is not known whether there is another stratum of oil-producing sand still below this or not, although a well has been drilled three hundred feet without finding it.

Mrs. Harriet Nesbett

daughter of Major Wm. Ingersoll, was born in Lee, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, in the year 1807. Her father removed to Grafton, in this county, in 1816, bringing his family with him. Harriet, the resident of that township. Of the trials and struggles of the pioneer settlers in the wilderness, a graphic description is given in the early recollections of the settlement of Grafton, written by Mrs. Nesbett. At the age of seventeen she returned to Massachusetts, and, for a year and a half, enjoyed advantages denied to pioneer children of that early date. She returned to her home in Ohio, and, in 1826, was married to Daniel Nesbett, of Grafton. In 1829, they remoyed to Elyria, and settled on a farm on the ridge road, near the eastern line of the township. Toil and privations were expected of pioneer wives, while their husbands labored to cultivate their forest farms. After remaining upon this farm some more than twenty years, a pleasant home was purchased in the village, where Mrs. Nesbett still resides. She has been the mother of seven children - one son and six daughters. The son died in infancy, and a daughter at two years of age; another daughter, ''Libbie," at the age of twenty-six. Libbie was a gentle and sweet spirited girl, and died greatly lamented by her surviving relatives and friends, who cherish her memory. Four daughters are living, and all are married. The oldest is the wife of D. L. Harkness, and resides at Berlin, Wisconsin; the next oldest is wife of Jerome Manville, a successful druggist in Elyria; a third daughter is the wife of H. 8S. Howe, and resides in Mankato, Minnesota; the remaining daughter is the wife of A. D. Foote, residing in Chicago. All] the daughters are well settled in life. Mr. Nesbett died about the year 1864, at the age of sixty-six.

In 1830 Mrs. Nesbett, united with the Methodist Episcopal church in Elyria, when their place of worship was the '"'old yellow school house." One only who was at that time a member of that branch of the church, is living in Elyria at this date. During all these years she has been a faithful and active member, constant in attendance upon its work and ordinances. She possesses considerable ability as a writer. The history of the first settlement of Grafton, published in this volume, is from her pen. In 1876 she wrote a series of articles, which were published in the Elyria Republican, descriptive of pioneer life in Grafton and other townships, which attracted general attention. She has ever been among the foremost in carrying on works of benevolence and charity, in the church and community. Among the regrets of her life time are the disadvantages arising from lack of early privileges at schvol. But aside from this great privilege, and a busy active life, she found time for reading and the cultivation of her literary taste. -She has been a faithful wife, a good mother, and has ever enjoyed the respect of the community. She is in the enjoyment of excellent health, her bodily and mental powers continuing in full vigor, and bids fair to enjoy life to a ripe old age.

Grindall Rawson

This gentleman was born in Massachusetts, February 20,1793. In 1816, he visited Grafton township, Lorain county, Ohio, selected a parcel of land, and then returned to Massachusetts, where he remained long enough to complete the necessary preparations for a permanent settlement on his new purchase, upon which he located in 1817, and continued to reside there until his death, in 1876, (aged eighty-three years), a period of nearly sixty years. One year after his settlement in Grafton, he married Mariah, daughter of David Ashley, which marriage was blessed with eight children, - five sons and three daughters, - of whom six are living. The above was the first marriage ceremony performed in Grafton township. He held several offices in the township government, which he filled satisfactorily. Mrs. Rawson survived her husband almost two years, she dying January 9, 1878. She was born September 2, 1796, and was consequently eighty-two years of age at the time of her death. They were an excellent and worthy couple, and were so esteemed by all to whom they were known, or with whom they came in social or business communion.

Henry B. Rawson

son of Grindall Rawson, was born upon the home stead farm, where he still resides, in 1825. For fiftyfour years he has lived in the same place, and is among the earliest and most influential citizens of his township. His farm consists of three hundred and six acres, is well improved, and has upon it substantial and comfortable buildings. On the 6th of October, 1847, he married Cynthia A., daughter of Joseph and Dollie Phelps, and they had six children born to them, - four sons and two daughters, - namely, Abbott P., Frank B., George G., Kate C., Burt H., and Dollie M. Rawson.

The Rawson family have been, and continue to be, noted for their industrious habits, and honesty of life. As among the pioneers, so are they among the most prominent citizens of the township in every respect.

Allen W. Nichols

was the son of Nathaniel Nichols who was born in Rodman, New York, May 7, 1806. He married, September 16, 1827, Dorcas, daughter of Benjamin Bailey, of Leicester, New York. She was born March 29, 1804, at Elmira, New York, and died at La Grange, Ohio, February 19, 1864. They had five children, namely: Allen Woolsey, born in York, July 3, 1828; Martha Emma, born July 2, 1831; Mary Ann, born in Dayton, Deceniber 27, 1834; Rolla Alonzo, born in Nunda, New York, June 7, 1838; Ellen Dorcas, born at Nunda, New York, September 25, 1843.

Allen W. Nichols was raised by an uncle and aunt, Allison and Esther Nichols, bachelor brother and maiden sister of his father. When the grandfather of A. W. Nichols became infirm from old age and impaired health, he offered to his brother and sister above named, a deed of the farm provided they would come and live with him and his wife, and pay off whatever of indebtedness there was on the place. This they agreed to do, and fulfilled the duty faithfully and well, and also assisted any of the other brothers and sisters if they, or any of them, needed a helping hand. By the time Nathaniel went to housekeeping, they had moved into a frame house, so he commenced in the log one in which Allen W. was born. His uncle andaunt became so much attached to him, that when his parents got ready to move away, they did not wish to let him accompany them, so that he remained with his uncle and aunt henceforth, except at intervals, when he would pay brief visits to his father and mother. When he was thirteen years of age, his grandparents had both died, so his uncle and aunt concluded to sell out the old homestead in York, Livingston county, New York, and move to Grafton, Ohio, where their brothers 'and sisters had previously settled. So they sold out and purchased the farm where Allen W. now resides, thirty-four years ago. They redeemed it from a wild uncultivated spot, and made of it a fertile and highly productive farm. They were both members of the Methodist Church in their younger days, but as they grew older, they preferred the retirement and sanctity of the home circle and society to public worship. They were very temperate in their habits, and generous and benevolent to all. Of Allison Nichols it can be truly suid he was a christian in the broadest sense of that term, an honest man, and a good neighbor and citizen. When he sold out his farm east, he gave his brothers and sisters an amount equal to what their father had paid on the place prior to his deeding it to him. He died May 8, 1873; his faithful and loving sister had preceded him to the grave a short time, she having departed this life in the faith and fear of God, December 14, 1872. They both sleep the sleep of the righteous, and their works do follow them.

During Allen W.'s minority his uncle used to allow him to raise stock and sell it, from the proceeds of which he saved enough to purchase forty acres of land. His uncle deeded him the home farm just before he died. Allen W. Nichols married Mrs. Elizabeth Durkee, daughter of John Gamble, a pioneer settler of Eaton township, Lorain county, Ohio, on the twenty-second of February, 1870. His uncle and aunt evinced adesire that he should remain single, and he did so up to within about two years of their death. They were well pleased with his choice of a wife, and never felt as though any of their rights were usurped by her; and learned to love her and enjoy her presence.

The grandfather of Allen W. Nichols was a revolutionary hero, and was also in the war of 1812. His uncle was also in the war of 1812, and an only brother of Allen's, Rolla Alonzo Nichols, was in the war of the rebellion, and died in the regular service about two years since. The Nichols family have always been conspicuous for sturdy honesty and independence. Those of the present are worthy representatives of a wor.hy race. (See Illustrations and Portraits.)

Was born in Charlestown township, Portage county, Ohio, September 19th, 1822. He remained with his father on the farm until he was sixteen years of age, when he removed to Windham, in his native county, and attended the academy of that place, going through a regular academic course of studies. In the spring of 1842 he commenced reading medicine with George Conant, M. D., subsequently prosecuting his medical studies with Professor John C. Delamater, of Cleveland, in whose office he remained as a student until the spring of 1845, when he was regularly graduated and received his diploma. He soon thereafter moved to Grafton, Lorain county, and entered upon the practice of medicine, which he followed until the winter of 1851 and 1852. During the latter year he turned his attention to the study of dentistry under Dr. Kellogg, of Cleveland, with whom he remained almost one year. He then returned to Grafton, where he continued to reside until the spring of 1860, at which time he removed to Elyria, and engaged in the active practice of dentistry, in which he continued until 1875. He then disposed of his dental practice to Dr. White, and moved to Oberlin, where he practiced until September, 1878, at which time he returned to Grafton, where he oversees the business of his farm, and also practices his profession.

Dr. Knowlton married Caroline C., daughter of William and Mary Kinney, who were among the early settlers of Grafton. They have one son, William E. Knowlton, who resides at home with his parents.

Stephen

Stephen H. Brown, son of Stephen and Ruth M. Brown, was born May 4, 1803, in that portion of Windsor, Hartford Co., Conn., now. called Bloomfield. His father was born at Windsor, in the same county, in the year 1777, and was the son of Stephen Brown, who came from England early in the seventeenth century. Stephen Brown married Ruth M., daughter of Benjamin Loomis, whose ancestors were among the early settlers of Old Windsor. He had a family of ten children, namely, - Benjamin, George, William, John, Joel, Adin, James, Ruth M., Rhoda, and Julia Ann. The grandfather of Stephen H. Brown had also ten children: James, Bradley, Stephen, Jesse, Oliver, Hunice, Patty, Sally, Malinda, and Rebecca.

The fruits of the union of Stephen and Ruth M. Brown were three children, - one son and two daughters: Stephen H., born May 4, 1803; Ruth Eliza, born in 1805; Martha E., born in 1807. The mother died in 1811, and the father married again, to Alma Kelsey, who died three or four years after her marriage, leaving no issue. Mr. Brown married again, to Lydia Bronson, by whom he had two children: Stephen H., who lived at home and worked in his father's shop, blacksmithing, until he was twenty-one years old. He then removed to Washington, Litchfield Co., Conn., and worked the first year in the marble quarries of Allen, Batterson & Wheaten. In the winter he resumed his trade again, and followed it for three or four years, during which time he married Lucy Reynolds, Nov. 17, 1828, and had by her three children, all boys, namely, - Edwin A., born Jan. 8, 1830, died Aug. 5, 1845; Albert R., born Feb. 12, 1832; Charles L., born June 8, 1834, died Aug. 25, 1845. In 1831 he moved to Norwalk, Conn., remaining there and at other places until 1842, when he started for Ohio. Two years prior to this, he lost his wife, who died Sept. 13, 1840. She was buried in the old " Jemima Burying-Ground," so called from an eccentric old lady who used to preach in that part of the country.

May 13, 1841, Mr. Brown was united in marriage with Mrs. Mary B. Shepard, widow of Levi Shepard, and daughter of Oliver and Alice Chapin, of Chicopee, Mass. By this union were born two children: George B., born July 28, 1843, and Helen J., born Feb. 19, 1850.

Margaret R. Brown H. Brown

In 1841 he came to Ohio, and purchased the Wells farm, in Grafton township.. He returned to Connecticut, and shipped his goods by water to Cleveland, and thence in wagons. He resided upon the farm until 1875. His second wife died March 1, 1864. He was married to Margaret R. Rowell, widow of Benjamin Rowell, November 16 of the same year; she survives. They live in comfortable circumstances. Mr. Brown has three children living, one by his first wife and two by his second wife. Albert R. married Qlorinda Rickard, of La Grange. George B. married, first, Sarah A. Ingersoll, of Grafton; second, Jennie Bevier, of Plymouth. Mr. Brown is a Republican in politics, having been a Jackson Democrat up to the war of the Rebellion. He is an exemplary member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Mare@aret R. Brown was born June 6, 1812, and was a daughter of John and Eleanor Woodworth, of Stillwell, Saratoga Co., N. Y. Her grandfather emigrated from England, and was an early settler of Saratoga County. The children born to John and Eleanor Woodworth were as follows: Patrick, Allen, Sally Ann, Ephraim, Rensselaer, Margaret R.,° Martin, aud Isaac; of these, three survive. John Woodworth was born in 1767, and died in 1818. Margaret was married to Benjamin Rowell, of Vermont, Sept. 5, 1831. She had four children, - two sons and two daughters: Sarah A., born Feb. 11, 1833; married Sly Odell, of Washington Co., N. Y.; now lives in Minnesota. Alfred J., born Dec. 24, 1835; married Abbie Merrell, and resides at Cohoes, N. Y. Margaret Ann, born Sept. 5, 1839; married Henry Wilkin, of Grafton. Charles EK. B., born March 12, 1843; married Sybil Smith, and resides in Minnesota, same county as Sarah A.

Her husband died Aug. 10, 1862. He was engaged in farming and lumbering ; in the latter, quite extensively. He came to Ohio in 1848. He was a worthy man, and a good, honest citizen.

Mrs. Brown is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Grafton; was formerly a Presbyterian, but joined the Methodists at the same time her husband did, in 1848.

AVON, or township number seven, in range sixteen, is located in the northeast corner of Lorain county, and is bounded as follows: on the north by Lake Erie; on the south by the township of Ridgeville; on the east by Dover township, in Cuyahoga county, and on the west by Sheffield townshiv.

The surface is generally level. Passing through the township from east to west and bearing southward, is what seems to be a continuation of the ridge so prominently marked in the eastern counties of the State, and generally believed to have been, at some remote period, the shore of Lake Erie. The soil from the ridge to the Lake is varied; first sand, then a marshy strip extending entirely across the township, and north of that clay and sand. South of the ridge for a short distance the soil is sandy, and from this to the southern boundary line of the township clay largely predominates.

Avon is an agricultural township, though dairying finds some encouragement, and on the extreme shore of the Lake grape growing is prosecuted to quite an extent.

There is but one stream of water in the township of sufficient importance to deserve mention. This is known as French creek. It flows from the southeast corner of the township in a general northwesterly course, crossing the west township line on section four. This stream was of almost incalculable service to the early settlers, and was of respectable size; but since the forest has disappeared along its banks, the waters have subsided until now it isa diminutive affair indeed, except during the fall and spring months.

«« Pierpont Edwards became proprietor at the draft in 1807, of town number seven, range seventeen (Avon) together with Bass Island number one, comprising one thousand three hundred and twenty-two acres; Bass Island number two, of seven hundred acres, and Island number five, thirty-two acres, in Lake Erie, west of north of Sandusky, annexed to the town, for the purpose of equalization.

"Previous to 1818 the inhabitants called the town Xeuma, notwithstanding it was a part of Dover. On organization the township was christened Troy, and continued to be thus known, to the great inconvenience of the inhabitants, until December, 1824, when, upon the petition of forty citizens, the name was changed to Avon by the Commissioners of Lorain County."

Early in the history of the Western Resevre, a road was established from Cleveland westward along the shore of the lake. Over this the mail was transported as carly as 1807. (See history of Columbia.) Through the township of Avon this road passes very near the bank of the Jake,-and here, where is now a succession of tasty cottages and beautiful villas, Noah Davis, in the year 1812, made a settlement, the first in the township. He erected the first log house, but where it was located, or who composed his family, we have been unable to ascertain, as he only remained a short time, removing from the township in less than one year. 'Two years pass before another attempt at a settlement is made, this time by men of great courage and a fixed determination to make themselves permanent homes in the wilde:ness. How well they have succeeded, the finely kept farms, with their substantial residences, skirting the line of the settlement (the ridge road) bear ample evidence.

In the summer of 1814, Wilber Cahoon and family; Nicholas Young and son William; Lewis Austin and family; Ephraim Keyes and family, and two brothers, Spink and Reuben Cooper, with their wives, took their departure from Montgomery county, New York, for Ohio, - the objective point being township number seven, in the sixteenth range. The cavalcade consisted of five horses, four yoke of oxen and five cows. Arriving at Ashtahula, Keyes and the brothers Cooper decided to remain there for a time. The other three families came on, and early in the fall reached the end of the ridge road, at Barney Hall's, in Dover township, Cuyahoga county. Here the families remained until a road had been cut along the summit of the ridge to section eleven, in which the greater portion of the lands selected by Mr. Cahoon were situated. Soon a log house was constructed on this section, the first built by a permanent settler, and into this the family of Mr. Cahoon soon removed. This stood on the site of the present homestead residence, which was built in the year 1826, and was the first frame house built in the township of Avon.

Mrs. Cahoon was formerly Mis; Priscilla Sweet, of Rhode Island. The children were, Susan, who married Harley Mason, and now lives in Erie county, this State; Jessie 8., who married Marcus Moore, (deceased); Wilber, who married Theresa Moore, (died in California); Ora B., who married Jane T. Jameson. He now resides on a portion of the old homestead, in section eleven, and to him we wish to acknowledge our obligations for valuable aid in collecting data for the history of Avon. His family numbers seven, all living. Orra, the next child, married Henry Titus, (deceased); Huldah died in 1826; Melissa M. married John C. Steele, (deceased); and Leonard, who married Mary Titus, and lives in Elyria.

Wilber Cahoon purchased his lands in Avon, of Orrin Ensign, (who had surveyed the township, and received in payment certain tracts, lying in different sections of the township), paying therefor in eastern lands. He had in addition to the three hundred acres in section eleven, about two hundred acres in section six. Mr. Cahoon did not live to witness the completion of the first frame house in the township. Suddenly and swiftly came the pale messenger; while in full health he was stricken down with apoplexy, and in one brief hour was dead. 'This was in 1826. The wife and mother survived him many years; she died in 1857.

The lands of Nicholas Young, consisted of one hundred acres in section twenty-two; now owned by Dr. N. 8. Townshend. Upon this a log dwelling was constructed during the summer of 1815, by himself and his son William. When it was ready for occupancy, Mr. Young returned east for his family, with whom he arrived in Avon in the month of October. He had, at this date, five children. Several more were added to the family circle during the years he lived in Avon. He exchanged his farm in section twenty-two for lands in section fifteen, at the center, upon which he remained until 1835, when he disposed of his property, and removed to Wisconsin.

Lewis Austin settled on fifty acres of land, in section twenty-seven, then owned by Waterman Sweet, and now the property of the heirs of William Hurst. Mr. Austin's family were a wife and seven children, none of whom now remain in the township except Reuena, now Mrs. Justin Williams, and Elsie, wife of John Tomlin.

The summer of 1815, the three families who remained at Ashtabula joined our little colony. Ephraim Keyes was originally from Tyringham, Massachusetts. - He settled on the west side of section eleven. His family were a wife and three children, none of whom are now remaining in the township.

The Messrs. Cooper became the owners of the entire lands contained in section one. Spink Cooper and wife both died in about 1833, leaving no children. The wife of Reuben Cooper died soon after settling in Ayon, and he married a young wife, by whom he had two children. In June, 1826, he and family were returning from an adjoining township, and, while attempting to cross Black river (then swollen to an unusual height by recent rains) in a cart drawn by oxen, the conveyance was overturned, and he and one child drowned, as was also a young girl, Rachel Potter, who was with them. The wife afterward married Levi Wetmore, and finally removed to Michigan.

Three brothers, Abraham, Oliver and Lodowick Moon, reached Avon at about the same period the Coopers did, and, a short time after, Amos Moon, another brother, arrived. Colonel Abraham Moon married Gerissa Durand in 1819. She was a native of Essex county, New York, but had located in Henrietta, this county, prior to marriage. Colonel Moon purchased three hundred acres of land, in sections one and two. He erected a double log house, and, in time, planted an orchard of five hundred trees, covering a space of ten acres. He died in September, 1831. His family consisted of three sons and one daughter. The eldest son, E. G. Moon, was born in 1821. Hemarried A. EK. Wilder in 1844, and still resides on section one. 'The other two sons were D. C. and 8. Moon. The daughter married - . 8. Jackson in 1844.

Elah Park, whose place of nativity was Tyringham, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, married Elizabeth Moon, of the same place. He settled on section twentyone, in Avon township, in the fall of 1815. Mr. Park was a prominent public man, and held many positions of honorable distinction, beginning with the office of justice of the peace, to which he was many times elected. He was recorder of Lorain county from 1841 to 1843, and State representative from 1846 to 1848. He died in Avon, October 22, 1866. Mrs. Park died March 14, 1869. The children of this couple are Ktna H., who died at the age of six years; Plumb M. (mute), who married Charlotte Peck, resides at Columbus, Ohio; Theresa M. married James S. Brown, who superintended the building of, and was superintendent of the institution for mutes, at Indianapolis, Indiana; he held the same position at Baton Rouge until public sentiment forced him north; Candace E. married Thomas E. Foot, and resides in Amherst, this county; Sarah H. married John Yaryan, a distinguished lawyer at Richmond, Indiana; Clarissa married David Skillman (deceased); Ktna E., 2d, married Jay Terrell, proprietor of ''Lake Breeze" summer resort, Sheffield township; Margaret married

Waterman Sweet came from Norway, Herkimer county, New York, to Avon, in the year 1817, arriying on July 18th of that year. He located on three hundred acres of Jand in section twenty-seven, and built his log house upon the site where now stands the residence of a son George W. With Mr. Sweet came his aged father and mother, Jesse and Huldah Sweet, a widowed sister who married Daniel Wilcox, and his own family, then a wife and three children, William, Calvin and Laura. Four children were born subsequently to his locating in Avon: Eliza, Henrietta, Cinderella and Mary Ann. Waterman Sweet died November 14, 1872, and Mrs. Sweet July 28, 1843. The following is the record of the children: William, the eldest, died some two years subsequent to the arrival of the family in Avon, from the effect of the kick of an ox; and Calvin, the next child, married Bricene Chadwick, of Lee, Massachusetts; she died May, 29, 1863. The three eldest children of this couple, Luther Alfred, Theodore Parish and William Edward were soldiers in the Union army during the rebellion. The eldest was a non-commissioned officer in company E., Forty-second Ohio volunteer infantry, and died at Memphis, Tennessee, March 27, 1863. The other children are Calvin, Melville (deceased), Bricene Etta, Mary Malvina, Waterman, George and Charles Denison. The next child of Waterman Sweet was Laura, who married Dr. Samuel M. Hopkins, now residing in Black River township. Of the children born in Ohio, Eliza married James EK. Brooks, and lives in Elyria; Henrietta R. married Charles Caryl (deceased); Cinderella married James 'Towner and resides in New York, while Mary Ann died in infancy.

John Steele was the first settler on French creek. He came in 181%. His log house was erected on the site of the present parsonage. He had a family of six children, who now reside, the majority of them at least, in California.

Adam Miller and Gaston Young were the first permanent settlers on the lake shore. Mr. Miller located on section six; Mr. Young moved into the Davis cabin. Of other settlers along the shore we find that Joseph Moore, from Middletown, Connecticut, settled on section eighteen. John Mastin, Edmonds, Colby, - Britton and others were early settlers in this locality, but we were unable to learn anything further of them.

Larkin Williams and family, of a wife and eight children, came from Berkshire county, Massachusetts, in the fall of 1817. He settled on the ridge east of the center.

tance on foot. Avon. He settled on one hundred and fifteen acres in section twenty-two. His wife was Miss Clarissa Moon, of Avon. 'They died upon this farm - she May 3, 1866, and he February 17, 1867. 'Three children were born of this union: §8. R., married Catharine M. Crow, and lives on the old farm, (he has five children); Serepta R. married Rey. L. D. Johnson, of Olena, Huron county; and Sidney A., married Julia M. Goldsmith, of Vermillion, Erie county. He also lives on the old homestead, and has two children.

John Burlingame came from Rutland, Vermont, to Ohio in the fall of 1822, locating on one hundred acres of land in section seven, directly on the bank of the lake. Mr. Burlingame was single when he came to Avon, but was married about one year subsequently to Sophia, daughter of Joseph and Hannah Moore of former mention. The children of this

Joseph B. Jameson, wife and three.children, from New England, settled in Avon in 1824. Their location was on the ridge, some half a mile east of French creek, now occupied by Malcom B. Jameson. Of the children, two are deceased; the eldest, Jane Thankful, is now the wife of Ora B. Cahoon, Mr. Jameson died in Avon in June 1867.

John Schwartz and Catharine his wife came from Bavaria, in Germany, and located in the wilderness, on section twenty-three. The family consisted of five children, namely: Joseph, who married, and still resides on section twenty-three; Anna, Mary, Catharine and Frederick. The date of their settlement was December 24, 1833. Jacob Miller and Paul Faber, with their families, came with Mr. Schwartz. They located near, and were the only settlers direct from Germany for some years. In 1840, a brother, Peter Schwartz, with a family of seven, settled in this locality, and soon German settlers began to locate rapidly in this vicinity. 'They are a frugal, thrifty people. John Schwartz died January, 1870, aged eighty-four years, and Mrs. Schwartz in July, 1858, aged sixty-five years.

The pioneer baby in Avon township was a son to Wilber and Priscilla Cahoon, - the date December 1, 1814. This child is Leonard Cahoon, who marned Mary Titus, and now resides in Elyria village.

First marriage: This highly interesting event occurred in the fall of 1816. The parties most interested were William Richmond and Miss Rhoda, adopted daughter of Reuben Cooper ; Joel Terrell, Esq., of Ridgeville township, made the twain one flesh. This couple are both deceased.

The first doctor to locate in Avon township was Heman, son of Larkin Williams. Dr. Williams is spoken of as a gentleman of fine ability and superior professional attainments. The present medical staff

The first death was, Lydia M., daughter of Larkin Willams, January 11, 1818. Her remains were the first interred in the cemetery at the center.

Itis believed that the first post office was established in 1825, and that Dr. Williams was the first postmaster. The present postmaster is James West, at French creek.

The first wheat sown was by Wilber Cahoon, on section eleven, in the fall of 1815. The previous season a crop of corn was raised on the same ground.

The spring following his settlement in Avon, Wilber Cahoon planted an orchard of one hundred trees on section eleven. The trees were procured at Newburgh, Cuyahoga county. The greater part of this orchard is still standing. ;

Samuel Carpenter opened the pioneer store in Avon, at French creek, in 1824 or 1825. His venture does not appear to have been a success, as he soon closed out and removed from the township. 'The present business at this point is as follows: General merchandise, John Burgett and John Lansing; groceries, Lewis Keeler ; tinware and stoves, James West ; boots and shoes, George Fisher. 'here is also a harness and tailor shop. At the center Peter Ostermann has a dry goods and grocery store, G. Dingler, boot and shoe shop. There are also a blacksmith, a carriagemaker and a painter, :

The first blacksmith in Avon township was a man named Cheeney. He removed from the township prior to 1818. Adolphus Garlick succeeded him in 1818 or 1819. This was at French creek. Cyrus Buel came soon after. There are now several of these useful artisans at this point.

The first hotel was kept by John Steel, at French creek, soon after the settlement. this place is kept by Lewis Keeler. A distillery was erected at French creek quite early in the settlement, by two men from Dover township, Cuyahoga county. This was in operation only a few years.

On the 27th of October, 1818, the land at presnt comprised within the limits. of Avon township, together with the annexations before mentioned, was set off from Dover, and organized a separate township by the name of Troy, by the commissioners of Cuyaahoga county. «At this date, the river from the point where it passes into Sheffield, north to the lake, was the boundary line between Huron and Cuyahoga counties.

A special election was ordered for township officers, to be held November 9, 1818, at which time the following persons were elected: Elah Park, John Williams and Lodovick Moon, trustees; Larkin Williams, clerk; Abraham Moon, treasurer; James B. Fitch and Tyler Williams, constables. June 22, 1819, Jabez Burrell and Wilber Cahoon were elected justices of the peace.

The officers for 1878 are, Ezra Jackson, Luther Hicks and Laurence Heckle, trustees; Horace Wilcox, clerk; E. E. Williams, treasurer; H. J. Cahoon, assessor; Oscar Wilcox, Lemuel Stickney and John Osterman, constables; H. J. Cahoon, Joseph Creitzer and A. W. Sherbonda, justices of the peace.

The first religious service in Avon township was held at the house of Nicholas Young, immediately after a settlement was commenced, by a local preacher of the Baptist faith, named Jashar Taylor, then residing in Dover township, Cuyahoga county. <A church was not formed, however, until the summer of 1817. In June of that year Elder Hartwell, from the east, making a missionary tour through this portion of the Reserve, held meetings at the house of Wilbur Cahoon a few times, and traveled westward. Returning some two or three months later, he found that the sced sown on his first visit had brought forth fruit, the result of which was that the following persons were formed into achureh: Nicholas Young and wife and Jared Barr, of Avon; Jashar Taylor and Alwell and wife, of Dover; Dean and Alexander and wife, of Rockport. In 1818 a log school house was built at the center, and in this regular services were held. The first ordained minister to settle in Avon was the Rev. John Tuttle, who remained until his death, some four years. Ie was followed by the Rev. Mr. Teachout and others, whose names are forgotten. In the year 1826, or 1827, a large block meeting house was built by the members and friends of this church. In it meetings were held by all denominations, and' it was a great convenience. This was accidently burned in 1837 and again this congregation was without a place of worship. The present church was erected in 1839 or 1840, and is thirty by forty feet in size. It has been repaired, painted and otherwise improved at a recent date, the cost of which was twenty-five hundred dollars. The present pastor is Rev. D. R. Owens, who has cared for this flock for four years past. The church officers are UH. H. Williams, J. B. Jahoon and Selam Moon, trustees; Burton C. Janieson, clerk; William Nesbett and Milo Williams, deacons; Everett Williams and D. L. Sawyer, super. intendents of Sabbath school, upon which there is an attendance of sixty scholars. The foregoing history of the Baptist church is furnished from memory by O. B. Cahoon and wife.

The first class of the Methodist Episcopal church was organized as early as 1820. Mr. Calvin Sweet furnishes the data from which the following brief history is prepared: This class was composed of Keyes Carpenter and wife, Waterman Sweet and wife, Ephraim Keyes and wife, Amasa Chapman and wife, Elah Park and wife, Willis Potter and wife, William Richmond and wife, and Mrs. Polly ~ and Mary Cooper, wives of David and Reuben Cooper. Keyes Curpenter. was class leader, Rey. Mr. Smith, a local preacher, organized this class and was the first minister of this denomination to locate in Ayon. In the year 1834 the first Methodist Episcopal church was built. This was in size twenty-six by thirty feet, cost five hundred dollars, and stood on the site of the present church. The old church was sold upon the completion of the present one in 1855, and was converted into a dwelling. The neat edifice now occupied by the denomination cost two thousand dollars. The Rey. Newel Close is the present pastor; the membership is sixty. 'The stewards are Calvin Sweet, Ezra Jackson, George Bliss and John Benham; cless leaders, George W. Sweet and William Wilder; superintendent of Sabbath school, Clemant Snow.

Residence Of G.W.And W.O.Hurst, Avon Tp, Lorain County, Ohio The Holy Trinity Church

The first settlers at Hast Avon were Catholics, natives of Bavaria, Germany. 'Those who formed the church were as follows: Jacob Muller, Paulus Faber, John Schwarz, settled in 1835; Peter Schwarz, John Nagel, and Peter Biermacker, 1841; Simon and Adam Zeh, Nicholas Matsch and P. Kraus, 1842; John Nagel, second, Nicholas Maringer, and Peter Scheit, who came in 1845, joined immediately afterward. The first church was erected in 1843, and was a substantial frame structure, thirty by forty feet in size, and stood on what is now the cemetery. Soon the church became too small, and under the direction of Simon Zeah as treasurer, and Peter Wirsch, Nicholas Maringer and Henry Seibert, building committee, the present church was erected. The original dimensions were thirty-five by sixty feet. The cost was about three thousand dollars. The old church was joined to the rear of the new one, making a total length of one hundred feet. This now serves as a sanctuary and sacristy. The building was finished in 1862. There is a neat parsonage in connection; and a pretty brick school house, in which school is taught by the

_pastor, Rev. T. Heidegger, ten months in the year. The income of the church is thirteen hundred dollars peryear. There is another Catholic church, at French ereek, but of this we have been unable to procure the data necessary for a history.

The first school house in Avon township was erected in the summer of 1818. The material of which it was constructed was logs, and the site was at the center of the township, near the present residence of William Ellison. The subsequent fall, Larkin A. Williams began school in this building. "There were twenty-five children in attendance, mostly from the families of Cahoon, Cooper, Williams and Steel. From the report of the board of education of Avon township, for the year 1878, we find the present items of school interest, as follows: There are ten school houses, which are valued, with grounds and fixtures, at ten thousand dollars. The total amount paid to teachers was twenty-five hundred and ninety-three dollars; and the whole number of youth of the requisite school age, four hundred and seventy-seven.

The first saw mill was erected on section eleven, in the fall of 1815, by Wilber Cahoon. The waters of French creek were utilized to propel the rude machinery of this mill, which was in operation full fifty years; now there is scarcely a vestige of it remaining. Another saw mill was built on the same stream, by Messrs. Jameson & Hemingway Brothers, in the year 1824, This is still in operation.

In the summer of 1818, Mr. Cahoon built a grist mill near the saw mill mentioned above, the water, propelling which, being supplied from the same pond. There were two run of stone. This mill was finally abandoned in consequence of a scarcity of water.

The large steam flouring mill on French creek, now in successful operation, was constructed by H. H. Williams in 1857. This is equipped in first class style throughout, and has three run of stone. The engine is of fifty horse power. The entire cost of mill, real estate and machinery was eight thousand dollars. The steam saw mill adown French creek was built by Mr. Williams the same season.

The first cheese factory was erected on section twenty-eight, in about 1865, by Messrs. Jamesons, Snow & Phelps. It was not a success, and was discontinued after one season.

The '' French Creek Factory" was built in March, 1875, by Wilber and Joseph B. Cahoon, on section eleven. 'The first season there were one hundred and twenty-five cows in contribution. There is at present a capital invested of fifteen hundred dollars. During the season of 1878, the milk of two hundred cows was used.

CARRIAGE MANUFACTORY. - In the year 1850, John Benham came to Avon, and locating at French creek, began in a small way the manufacture of wagons. This increased until in 1873, when the business had assumed extensive proportions. He had some twelve thousand dollars invested, and employed an average of fourteen workmen. He manufactures an excellent grade of carriages. The depression of the past few years has materially effected the business. He employs at present six workmen.

Ancient Fortifications

When the settlement was made in Avon, there was on the west bank of French creek, on section eleyen, quite a remarkable embankment. It was constructed of stone, circular in form, of some six or eight feet in height, and perhaps four rods in diameter. The stone

Farther down the creek was an immense mound of stone, the most remarkable feature of which was, that it was composed of small sized '' cobble-head " stones, and was located in a portion of the township where this kind of stones do not abound.

On the ridge, where now stands the Methodist Episcopal church, were a number of mounds. These, on being opened, were found to contain human bones. These were leveled to the earth, and the stones comprising the fortifications were drawn away as required, until nothing now remains to mark the spot.

Edwin Snow

His grandfather, Oliver Snow, resided at Beckett, Massachusetts; removing from there, he settled in Auburn, Geauga county, Ohio. About the year 1825, he died at Auburn.

Franklin Snow, his son, and father of Edwin Snow, was born at Beckett, Massachusetts, January 27, 1779. His business. was farming; he -married Miss Lydia Olcott. Hight children - five girls and three sons - were born to them. Mrs. Lydia Snow died in 1820, and was buried at Mantua, Portage county, Ohio.

Mr. F. Snow remaining, had issue, one daughter, Hannah Snow. Burying his secoud wife at Avon, Ohio, in 1856, he, respected by all, died at Avon, Ohio, in 1863; aged eighty-four years and ten months.

Edwin Snow, son of the above, was born at Portage county, Ohio, February 17, 1809. He removed to Avon, Lorain county, Ohio, in 1837. When purchasing four hundred acres of land, he commenced life as a farmer, which he has ever since been engaged in with great success; married, in the year 1843, to Julia, daughter of Trueman and Lucy Lewis, of Orangeville, Wyoming county, New York. Five children, viz: Theodore L., Oliver 8., Clemon H., Florence H: and Lucy L., all living, perpetuate the many virtues of their parents.

Mr. Snow has been honored by his fellow townsmen with the office of trustee of the township, and now with every comfort around him, he looks back to the past with no regrets; to the future for the 'All Good."

William Hurst

William Hurst was born at Elkington, Northamptonshire, England, January 7, 1804. He came to this country in June, 1831, and was a resident of Dover, Cuyahoga county, until the year 1834; he then removed to Elyria, and was engaged in the township business for four years. He thence removed to Avon, Lorain county, where he has since resided, and was engaged in farming, in which he was enterprising and successful until the time of his death. He died December 6, 1875, of paralysis, aged seventy-one years - and eleven months. He married Elizabeth Townshend for his first wife; she died, and he married Lucina E. Moon, September 26, 1837. She was born March 23, 1820. They had six children: Elizabeth 8., born August 12, 1838; she was married to Edward Carter, August, 1861, by whom she had five children; she died January 24, 1872. Wm. H. was born April 23, 1840; died October 25, 1844. Josiah O., born May 19, 1842, died November 8, 1844. Lucina M. was born November 16, 1845. Geo. W., born January 26, 1848. Wm. O., born February 23, 1851, was married January 19, 1876, to Jennie Hawley, by whom he has one son, George H., who was born January 30, 1877. Mrs. Lucina E., the mother, died January 25, 1872.

Joseph Schwartz

"«My father, John Schwartz, came with my mother, Catharine, from Bavaria, Germany, in 1833. Their young family consisted of five children, namely: Joseph, Anna, Mary, Catharine and Frederick. My father settled on section thirty-three, in Avon, on the 24th of December, 1833. Two other persons, both heads of families, accompanied him, by name, Jacob Miller and Paul Faber. These were the first and only German settlers that I know of in Avon until 1840, when my uncle, Peter Schwartz, came in with a family of seven persons. Then German settlers came flocking in. In 1844, Trinity church was built in East Avon."

Mr. Joseph Schwartz lived with his father until the" latter's aeath, in the year 1870; his mother having died m July, 1858. He married Catharine, daughter of Peter Kraus. This marriage left eight children, seven sons and one daughter, all living. Still living on the

Albin Stickney

Lemuel, who is the son of Solomon, who is the son of Albin, who was the son of Lemuel, who was the son of Moses, who was the son of Joseph, who was the son of Benjamin, who was the son of Benjamin, who was the son of Amos, who was the son of William, who was the son of William, who was the son of Robert.

The first who came to America by this name was William Stickney, who settled at Rowley, Essex Co., Mass., in 1637. He was born in Frampton, England, in 1592 (the day and date not known), and was baptized Sept. 6, 1592, in St. Mary's Church at Frampton. It is not known when he was married, or to whom, except that her name was Elizabeth. To them were born ten children. He died at Rowley, Mass., in 1665, at the age of seventy-three years.

His father, whose name was also William, of Frampton, was baptized Dec. 30, 1558, and married Margaret Pierson, June 16, 1585. His grandfather's name was Robert. We find that he made his will October 3, and was buried Oct. 18, 1582.

Amos, the second son of William and Elizabeth Stickney, who emigrated to America, was born in England about the year 1685, and married Sarah Morse, at Newbury, Mass., June 24, 1668. He was a weaver by trade, and set up at Rowley the first fulling-mill in America, about the year 1648. To Amos Stickney and his wife Sarah there were born nine children. He died in Newbury, Aug. 29, 1678, at the age of forty-three years.

Benjamin Stickney, the sixth son of Amos, was born at Newbury, April 4, 1678. He married Mary Palmer, June 16, 1700. To him were born eleven children. He died March 5, 1756, at the age of eighty-three years.

Joseph Stickney, the third son of Benjamin, was born at Rowley, Oct. 8, 1705, was baptized April 1, 1706, and was married Dec. 26, 1727, to Jane Pickard, who was born March 5, 1704. She died, and he was married in Boxford, Nov. 7, 1787, to Hannah Goodrich, who was born in Newbury, Feb. 1, 1712. By these two wives he had sixteen children: by his first wife five, and by his second wife eleven. He died in March, 1756, at the age of fifty-one years.

Moses, the first son of Joseph and Jane Stickney, was born at Boxford, Feb. 11, 1729; was married there to Abigail Hall, Aug. 28, 1750. He was a private soldier in Captain William Thurlow's company, and served through the Revolutionary

Lemuel Stickney, the fifth son of Moses, was born at Boxford, Feb. 13, 1761; was married in 1781 to Polly Tomlinson. He settled in Cornwall, Vt., where three of his children were born. Here his wife died, and he married for his second wife, in Weybridge, Addison Co., Vt., Martha Scovill, who was born at Saybrook, Conn., June 14, 1760, by whom he had eight children, all born at Weybridge. He finally moved to and settled in Franklin, Franklin Co., N. Y., where he died May 3, 1842, at the age of eighty-one years.

Albin Stickney, the second son of Lemuel, and subject of this sketch, was born at Cornwall, Vt., Nov. 29,1786. He served for a time in the war of 1812, and came to Madison, Ohio, in 1815, and from there he came to what is now Avon, Lorain Co., Ohio; here he bought a farm and settled in 1817, where he lived until his death. He married Clarissa Moon, Feb. 1, 1821, at Avon. She was born at Tyringham, Mass., May 30, 1795, and died at Avon, May 38, 1866, aged seventy years. Albin Stickney was a man of great industry and perseverance, of moral integrity, and honesty of purpose. He accumulated considerable property, and in his later years loaned money ; but such were his convictions of uprightness, that while money everywhere commanded ten and twelve per cent., he never asked or would receive but six per cent., the then legalinterest. He died Feb. 7, 1867, at the age of eightyone years. They had three children, - Solomon: R., born at Avon, Ohio, Jan. 22, 1823; Sarepta R., born at Avon, Ohio, June 9, 1826; Sidney A., born at Avon, Ohio, Oct. 29, 1830.

Sarepta R., only daughter of Albin and Clarissa Stickney, was married at Avon, Ohio, to Rev. L. S. Johnson, Aug. 11, 1844, by whom she has five children, - William A., born March 5, 1851; Albert W., born Dec. 10, 1854; Cora E., born May 7, 1862; Clarissa A., born Nov. 25, 1864. They now live in Fairfield, Huron Co., Ohio.

Sidney A., youngest son of Albin and Clarissa Stickney, married Julia M. Goldsmith, July 4, 1852. To them have been born three children, - Albin §., born March 4, 1855; Eddie A., born Feb. 9, 1859, and died July 25, 1860; Martha H., born June 17, 1875. They live at Avon, Lorain Co., Ohio.

old homestead, a member of the German Catholic church, with his dear old wife, always and ever attending to the farm and its interests, refusing always any tender of office from his fellow citizens, he is a striking example of what German thrift may do for a man.

Elbridge G. Moon

Jacob Moon, who lived at Lennox, Mass., was the father of Colonel Abraham Moon, who was born at Lennox, Berkshire county, Mass., in 1790. He came to Troy (now Avon), this county, in the spring of 1816, when he commenced the stern realities of frontier life. He bought and cleared up a farm on which he lived until his death. In 1820 he was married to Teressa Durand, who was born in 1803.. To them were born five children: Elbridge G. was born March 5, 1822 ; Selim born in 1824 and died in 1828; Dewit C., born October 15, 1825, and died January 14, 1861; Cordelia Q., born June, 1827; Stern W., born November 5, 1829. Col. Abraham Moon died in September, 1831. Elbridge G. Moon was married on the 29th day of December, 1844, to Ann Eliza Wilder, who was born March 28, 1825, at Bristol, Ontario county, N. Y. To them were born Russel E., December 21, 1845; Durand D., November 5, 1854 ; C. Bell, August 11,1857. Dewit C. married Mary J. Davis, October, 1852. They had one son and four daughters. Cordelia Q. married Ezra Jackson, December 29, 1844. They have had three sons and fouT daughters. Stern W. married Ann C. Hicks, in the spring of 1858. They have one daughter born February 14, 1861. Mrs. Terresa D. Moon, the mother of Elbridge, died at Avon, December 3d, 1877, aged 74 years. Russel H., eldest son of Elbridge, married Rachel Orum, February 16, 1872. They have Gertrude E., born January 30, 1873; Myra B., born December, 1874; Morris R., November, 1876; May S., born April, 1878.

The subject of this sketch is a farmer, having inherited the farm from his father, it being a part of the original homestead. He has constantly improved it until he has built up for himself and family a beautiful home. He excels as a horticulturist and stock raiser, the Jerseys being his especial pets. As aman, neighbor, citizen and christian, he ranks high in the-community in which he lives.

Dr. Truman B. Dailey

Elijah Dailey, the grandfather of Dr. Dailey, emigrated when a boy, with his father's family, from Ireland to Massachusetts, about 1750. He went into the revolutionary war at its commencement, and continued until its close. He was at the defense of Boston and in the battle of Bunker Hill. He died about 1837, at Potsdam, New York. His son Benjamin was born ut Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1780. He married Jane Moe, in Essex, Essex county, Vermont, in 1802. She was born in Massachusetts, in 1785, and died in 1871, at the age of eighty-six years. He was a farmer and a man of the strictest integrity ; one who lived to do his neighbors good. Heset a just value upon his labor, and estimated and regulated the sale of his products accordingly; for instance, he estimated that he could produce hay for six dollars per ton. If the price was below that he would not sell ; if above, no matter how much, he would only ask that, and would reccive no more; so with all his other products. He would not, however, sell to speculators, only to those who needed it for their own consumption. He came from Kssex, Vermont, to Potsdam, St. Lawrence county, New York, about the year 1807, at which place he bought and cleared up a farm, on which he lived until his death. He served as a soldier through the war of 1812, and died in 1872, at the age of ninety-two years. Ue had ten children.

Dr. T. B. Dailey, the subject of this sketch, lived with his father on the farm, until he was twenty-one years of age, working on the farm during the summer, attending the St. Lawrence academy in the fall, and teaching in the winter. He graduated at the St. Lawrence academy in the twenty-first year of his age, at which time he commenced the study of medicine at Madrid, St. Lawrence county, with Drs. Pierce and Manley, with whom he studied two years, teaching school winters. In the spring of 1844 he came to Dover, Cuyahoga county, Ohio. Here he contin ued the study of medicine with Dr. Jason Peabody, his uncle. He remained with him two years, and finally graduated at the Cleveland medical college, in March, 1846.

In 1847 he settled at Avon, Lorain county, where he commenced the practice of medicine, and soon by his untiring industry and perseverance, built up a large practice. He educated himself, and by his own energy and integrity, has won an honorable name in the community in which he lives and may justly be said to be a self-made man.

He was married to Laura A. Rogers, at Avon, April 5th, 1848, by whom he had three children: Jamin, born January 6th, 1849; Ezra, born September 34d, 1851, and died April Ist, 1853 ; Leslie, born January 29, 1858, and died October 8th, 1853. His wife, Laura A., died July 2d, 1853. He married a second time, his choice being Martha Ballou, March 26, 1854.