Lorain City (part 9 of 77)

This firm has become one of the largest in Northern Ohio, its business averaging during the last four years two hundred thousand dollars per year. Whilst buying to a certain extent of others, the great bulk of the butter and cheese handled by them has been and is of their own manufacture through their control of the many factories of Northern Lorain County and adjacent territory, controlling the past year the products of over four hundred dairymen, and four thousand cows.

Mr. Braman was married, April 18, 1865, to Miss Sophia E. Patterson, daughter of Hiram Patterson, then of Eaton, Lorain Co., Ohio. Two sons and one daughter make cheerful his pleasant home at Elyria, to which place he came, as a permanent resident, from Carlisle in 18G9.

Mr. Braman is distinguished for his untiring energy and clear perceptions. These ([ualifications have made him a leading business man of Lorain County, and one eminently fitted for official position. Various are the places of trust he has filled : township trustee for four years ; president of the Lorain County Agricultural Society six years, a full record of which is given in the history of said society in this history ; commissioner of Lorain County. Ail were filled with such fidelity that the reputation thus formed makes him one of the present members of the Union School Board, a place held by him since 1873. He was one of the directors of the Savings Deposit Bank of Elyria from its foundation. This faithfulness to trusts imposed also gave to him the treasurership of Lorain Co., Ohio, in 1876, and again in 1878 by acclamation, no competitor even appearing in the conventions that honored him so highly.

Mr. Braman, in the prime of life, with every surrounding pleasant, both private and public, may well take pride for the high rank he takes among Lorain County's " leading men."

R. E. Braman was born at Carlisle, Lorain Co., Ohio, Oct. 20, 1838. Until the age of twenty-three his life was spent on the father's farm. Hard work filled up his time, with the exception of the educational advantages of the common school.

Aug. 9, 1861, he enlisted as private in Company I, 8th Ohio Volunteer Infantry ; served the first year in West Virginia, and afterwards in the Army of the Potomac. Advanced to the position of sergeant, he was, at the consolidation of the 4th Ohio Volunteer Infantry and 8th Ohio Volunteer Infantry into the 4th Battalion, made a first lieutenant. He was wounded at the battle of North Anna River, May 24, 1864. A return to the comrades of three years' noble work for the Republic gave him honorable discharge after full term of enlistment.

Returning to Elyria, August, 1864, he soon engaged in whatever his hand might find. For eight years he was elected to various offices in the township of Elyria, for four years being deputy marshal of the Northern District of Ohio. Mr. Braman was elected sherifl" in 1872, and again in 1874.

He was married, Sept. 5, 1865, to Miss Helen M. Nickerson, who gave to him five children, three now living and two dead. Now in active business as coal merchant, even with a limb partially paralyzed by a " rebel bullet ;" in easy circumstances, he forgets the early toil and struggles of a " pioneer's" son.

two stories liigli, and a capacity for tliirty children, also a commodious and well-arranged hos])itiil, a chapel, a lanndry, and a building for steam boilers, which furnished {)ower for the laundry, and warmed all the buildings of the institution, except the chapel, which was heated by a furnace. A water tower was also erected, eighty feet in height, which contained tanks in the top, with a capacity for one thousand l)arrels of water. From this tower water was conveyed to all the cottages and the hospital, as well as to the steam boilers. The water was forced to the top of this tower from a clear spring stream at the base of the hill, some sixty rods distant, by a steam forcepump. The gas works were also located at the base of the hill. The lawn in front of the main building and cottages was ornamented with trees, shrubbery and flowering plants from tiie green-house. The children at the home were bright and happy; many of them were beautiful, and attracted the attention of friends and visitors. They made rapid advances in their education. They looked upon the superintendent as their second father, and will remember him with gratitude and love long after he has passed away. This was the crowning work of his life.

is the fifth child in a family of eight children, of David and Betsey (Merriam) Kelsey, the former of whom was born in Newport, New Hampshire, November 11, 1700, the latter at Brandon, Vermont.

L. C. Kelsey was born at Whiting, Vermont, July IS, 1834-. At the age of three years, he removed with his parents to Brandon, Vermont, where he attended the common schools, during the winter months, and in the summer season, worked ujion his father's farm. He subsequently entered the Brandon seminary, remaining there until he reached his seventeenth year, when he removed to Ohio, and entered the pi'cparatory department of Oberlin collegiate institute; teaching school during the winter vacations. He left college in the sophomore year, and went to Geneva, Illinois, and there taught a select school, with nuxrked success.

He subsequently returned to Ohio, and located at Mt. Vernon, where, for two years, he studied dentistry with his brother. Dr. C. M. Kelsey. After completing his studies in dentistry, he located and practiced his profession at Gallon, Ohio, where he remained about two years.

Not feeling entirely satisfied with that profession, and wishing for a wider field of activity, in a more public way, he entered the Unitarian theological school, at Meadville, Pennsylvania, from which institution he was honorably graduated, in 1854, after which he moved to Dixon, Illinois, and formed a Unitarian society, raised funds for tiie erection of a fine church edifice, and remained its pastor for almost three years.

On account of failing health, he left Dixon, and returned to Ohio, and located temporarily at Newark, where, after recuperating his impaired health, he resumed the practice of dentistry. From Newark, he moved to Malta, Illinois; and while there, the war of the rebellion broke out, and in August, 1803, Dr. Kelsey entered the union service as a private m the one hundred and twenty-fourth Illinois volunteer infantry, and remained in the army until after the close of the war. He partici])ated in several engagements, notably those of Port Gibson, Raymond, Champion Hills, and the seige of Vicksburg. After the fall of Vicksburg, he was detailed as chief clerk at the headquarters of Gen. Maltby.

On his discharge, he settled permanently in Elyria, where he has since been a successful practitioner of dentistry. He is a man of more than oi'dinary literary attainments, and is thoroughly educated in his profession. Two diplomas have been granted him; one from the Unitarian theological school, at Meadville, Pennsylvania, aud one from the Ohio State board of examiners, for the practice of dentistry.

Dr. Kelsey has been twice married; first, in 1849, to Miss l^lizabeth M. Avery, of Wellington, 0., who died at Dixon, 111., in 1857. By this union were born two children, Harriet J. and Frances Estella, the latter of whom died' in infancy. For his second (and present) wife, he married Cordelia Webster, of Carlisle, 0., by whom he has six children, Kate Isadore, Elizabeth M., Charles S., Grace M., Ada May and Florence W.

In politics Dr. Kelsey is a steadfast and consistent republican. Since 1871 he has held the office of corporation clerk of Elyria, which office he has filled with satisfaction to the people at large, and to his personal credit. The doctor is an able exponent of the Unitarian faith, and an exemplary member of that religious sect. His general reputation is so wcM known to the people of Lorain county, that anything of a laudatory nature we could say of him would be entirely superfluous. His business probity and tl.e general rectitude of his life are proverbial, while his activity in the various enterprises calculated to promote the best interests of the community of which he is an honored member, is a well established fact.

William W. Aldrich

William W. Aldrich was born in Dover, Cuyahoga county, Ohio, October 17, 1817, - son of Aaron and Elizabeth Aldrich, who were natives of Rhode Island. A. Aldrich was horn April 37, 1793, and Elizabeth was born December 23, 1795, by maiden name, AVinsor. Married September 11, 1814. In 1816 they removed to Dover, Ohio. Tlie journey there consiinied six weeks of toilsome travel. Passing through Cleveland, Cuyahoga county, Ohio, only three dwellings greeted the eyes of Mr. A. and his companion, in the place of the so many fine mansions, that make il now soheautiful. In the history of Mr. A. Aldrich, occurs one of the rare and signal inter]iositions of divine j)rovidenco, which it is jjleasurable to record. Soon after his arrival amongst the woods of Dover, he became disabled from excessive labor. Having been reared in factory life, the labor of felling the forest was too much for him? What should he do? Disqualified as a woodsman; a growing family upon his hands, and in a country uncultivated, unex])ected as the "manna" descended for the relief of the children of Israel, came a letter from a si ranger, authorized by a company of strangers. This proposed a removal to Otsego county, N, Y., where he might take charge of a cotton factory, with a salary of eight hundred dollars per year, with house rent and tirewood free. This proposal was accepted as a godsend. For several years he remaine<l in this employ, each year increasing his compensation, until Mr. Levi Heebe, of Watertown, N. Y. proposed higher wages, wishing Mr. Aldrich to put a cotton factory in operation at that place. Consenting, Mr. Aldrich remained at Watertown for nearly two years, when, finding himself j)rovided with necessary means to found a home for himself and family, he again moved to Ohio, lie re-settled in Dover in 1829. Habits of industry and economy secured for him a comfortable and beautiful home on the shore of Lake Erie, a few miles west of the romantic residence of Fx-Covernor Wood.

Mr. A. Aldrich affords a commendable example of industry, frugality, integrity, benevolence, piety and good will toward all men. Of a sound and discriminating mind, ho was for many years selected as a magistrate in the township. In the discharge of the duties of said oflBce he was ever more anxious to adjust matters of ditference by compromise than litigation - never an instigator of quarrels, but a j)eace maker.

Mr. Aldrich and wife were baptized and united with the First Baptist church in Avon, Ohio, in 1832, elder Hanks officiating. In 183(3 Mr. Aldrich was one of the original five who met and formed the First Baptist church of Dover, Ohio. For many years he maintained his christian profession with uniform consistency, and the jeer of the infidel was put to silence by his godly life.

Died, in Dover, on May 27, 1850, Deacon Aaron A. Aldrich, aged sixty-three years and one month. In his decease the Baptist church sustained an irreparable loss in member and office bearer; community mourned the loss of one whom all joined in saying, "he was truly a good man." To his family he was ever dear, and liis memory is ever hallowed at the family altar which he so constantly visited, no matter what the pressure might be of worldly business. Six

Mrs. Elizabeth Aldrich died December 21, 1800. Slu^ was a faithful christian worker, was always kind to the poor and needy, and ever ready and willing to supply their needs.

William W. Aldrich, son of Aaron Aldrich, received the advantages of a good common district school education until twelve years of age. Three years after that he attended school during the winter months. Will) this exeejition, In^ fi'oui choice, worked I'aitlifully for his father until he was trwenty-one years of age. These early years were spent in clearing up the forest, making roads, tearing down the old log dwelling, and re])la,cing it with new structures. Often did he work until midnight to burn the log heap rolled together during the day. Homespun garments he wore, homespun tow and linen in summer, the fuller cloth in winter. Well does he remember the yoke of cattle and lumber wagon that, filled with father's family and neighliors, he so often drove to the old town house in Dover, where all denominations met under one roof to worship a common father.

At the age of twenty-one, Mr. Aldrich hired to his father for the term of one year, at eleven dollars per month; losing but a half day's time once in four weeks - this to attend covenant meetings.

February 5, 1840, Mr. Aldrich was married to Miss Martha Bassett, daughter of Nathan Bassett, of Dover. Renting his father's farm, he worked it for one year, receiving one-third of its i)rodncts for his share. At | this time, with twenty-five dollars as first payment, he ccmimenced on a farm of his own. Five years, only, jiassed, when he was the owner of seventy-five ] acres of land. From this time, while he renuiined in Dover, he was ever active in business. His good wife, in every sense of the word a heljimate, by her wisdom and prudence, contributed largely to the success which followed.

Soon after the death of Mrs. Aldrich's father, who was killed by lightning, April 0, 1842, Mr. Aldrich took possession of the "old homestead," buying up the othei' heirs. To this valuable farm of one hundred and sixty-eight acres, he added many other acres.

Commencing, in 1844, in a small way, the slaughtering business, increasing trade led him to build a slaughter house, from which, for twenty-five years, he supplied Cleveland markets. At the same time, he was engaged on Lake Erie in a general coastwise trade. Wood and ship i)lauk from Black River to Cleveland, limestone from Kelly's Island, and coal to Detroit, kept busy three scows - the " Mayllower," pui'chased of Livingstone & Pheljis, of Black River; the scow " Consuello," of the same place; and finally, the scow "Wave," of Fairport, Ohio. All tliese ventures added to his capital, which he employed in general speculations; dealing largely in horses, cattle, sheep - in fact, in any thing that could be traded or sold.

In the spring of 1870, Mr. Aldrich removed to Elyria, where he purchased of Thomas Ashton the well known Charles Ahbe farm, paying for tlie same nine thousand doUars. Of Mr. Ashton he also bouglit a few thorough bred Hereford cattle, since which time he has made the breeding of that class a successful specialty, until the present day. Mr. Aldrich, wlien he first commenced the handling of Hcrefords, found it to be an " up hill " business. At town, county, or State fair, public opinion was against Iiim; but his energy, skill, and business courtesy, soon set men everywliere to thinking. And now, (as the old Grecians marked a happy day with a wliite stone,) Mr. Aldrich. in his travels through many States, finds very many white-faced Herefords tliat say to him, "Your toil and patience have made me worthy of notice." The issiie of the first cow, "Florena," alone brought Mr. Aldrich two thousand, five hundred dollars. Competing at many of the State fairs, his success has been unequalled, and to-day, Mr. W. W. Aldrich is recognized as the leading Hereford breeder of the United States, with only one exception, viz: Mr. T. L. Milhu', of Illinois, who purchased liis first stock of Ml'. Aldrich.

Martha, the first wife of Mr. Aldrich, died November 39, 1875, leaving eight cliildren to mourn the loss of one, who, as wife, motlicr, and member of tlie Congregational cliurch, filled well every function of the true woman.

On January 21, 1878, Mr. Aldrieli took for his second wife Mrs. Lorinda Hilliard, of La Crosse, Wisconsin, witli whoui he is happily living. In lier younger days, slie was a resident of Avon, Lorain county, Ohio. For a time after her marriage witli Mr. Hilliard, tliey resided in Avon and Dover, where they formed many strong friendships. After an absence of twenty years in Wisconsin, ten years as a widow, surrounded by a happy home, kind friends, and a large circle of acquaintances, all of whom were reluctant to part with her, yet wishing her every joy and all happiness, they bade her farewell, as with her husband she returned to the friends of her youth. Mrs. Aldrich, in her fourteenth year, professed her faith in Christ, and united with the Methodist Episcopal church, and has ever since lived a consistent christian life.

Mr. W. W. Aldrich, on profession of his faith, was baptized by Elder Moses Ware, and united with the First Baptist church, at Avon, Oliio, A. D. 183.5, which membership he retained until .January 37, 18;:!(3. At that time tour brethren, viz: A. A. Aldrich, Wm. W. Aldrich, Jesse Atwill, Wm. Nesbit, and Sister Alexander met in confei'ence, and resolved, with the I advice of sister churches, to form a church in Dover. Said conference met February 34, 18.36, and formed j said church, Elder Ware giving the "right hand of fellowship."'

On the 5th of March following, this little band met for church and covenant meeting, and voted Mr. W. W. Aldrich clerk of their body, which office he held for nine years. To this church did Mr. Aldrich belong until 1856, when, on the death of his father and the removal of many of the members, the church was disbanded. Mr. Aldrich has never since united with a church, but has ever lived and maintained his first profession, by a well ordered life, and godly conversation.

Mr. Aldrich is yet hale and hearty, with a pleasant home, dear wife, kind children, and stands out as an example of what integrity, temperauco, and economy may do for a man.

Martin Webster Pond

Was born in Harwinton, Connecticut, on the 12th of March, A. D. 1814. His father, Roswell Pond, was born July 15, 1772. His mother's maiden name was Hannah Webster. Mr. Pond descended from revolutionary stock, his grandfather (who was born at Bradford, Connecticut, in 1746) was a soldier of the Revolution, under Washington, and died on Long Island, July 8, 1776.

In April, 1835, his sister, Lydia Pond, was married to Ezra S. Adams, a son of General Adams, of Canton, Connecticut; and as they were about to emigrate to New Connecticut, which was then considered the far west, she prevailed upon his father and motlier to permit them to take Martin (then but eleven j-ears old) with tlicm. They traveled the entire distance from Canton to Elyria with a single horse and wagon. Mr. Adams arrived at Elyria, the terminus of his journey, on the 1st of .July, and established the first saddle and harness manufactory in Lorain county. Their goods were shipped by the Erie Clanal and Lake Erie, and were landed at Cleveland the last of June.

Martin had attended the common schools of his native State, and the first winter after his arrival in Elyria attended the district school, taught by Norris O. Stow. He afterwards, until sixteen years of age, attended the district school in the old yellow .school house, and for a single term, the select school taught by the late Schuyler Putnam.

He then entered the shop of his brother-in-law, the late E. S. Adams, as an apprentice, and worked faithfully until he had completed his twenty-first year. Soon after attaining his majority, he left Elyria for the purpose of perfecting himself in the art of saddlemaking, in which he took great pride. During his absence, he worked at Cleveland, Deti'oit, Wheeling, Va., and other places. He returned to Elyria at the end of two yeais, w'ith impaired health, but with a consciousness that he was capable of nuiking a good saddle. After his health was in a measure restored, he again engaged in the business of his trade, which he followed until the year 1852. During these years, he formed various partnerships, at first with B. F. Robinson, secondly with Waterman Morse, and afterward with the late William Doolittle.

Pond left Elyria for California, by the Nicaragua route. T?einif delayed tweuty-one days on the isthmus, where he was attacked with Panama fever, he finally, aftei- a tedious voyage of sixty-six days from th(^ t ime of leaving home, arrived at San Francisco in a very feeble condition. He gradually recovered his health, and engaged in mining, his head-quarters being at Nevada City. He returned to Elyria, via the Panama route in June, 1853, and again entered into partnership witii Waterman Morse, in carrying on the saddlery and harness business. This connection terniiiuited at the end of a year, and Mr. Morse conducted the business alone. In March, 1858, the fire that swept away the old Mansion House, destroyed also the adjoining liuilding l>olonging to Mr. Pond, which he immediately rebuilt, and in January, 1859, he engaged in his old business, which he continued until 1870, when he engaged in the manufacture of a harness pad, for which he had obtained a patent. In 1802, he invented the first successful tug buckle, to the sale and introduction of which he gave much attention until 1870.

On the tenth of December, 18-35, the subject of our sketch married Miss Eliza J. Sayles, who was born at Mayville, Cliatau([ua county, N. Y. They have been blessed with a family of five sons and one daughter. One of the sous died in childhood, another, Horace, from disease caused by exposure and arduous duties in the Union army during the late rebellion. Three sons are living and filling responsible positions in business. I'he daugiiter is married and i« a good wife and mother.

Mr. Pond has filled many positions of honor and trust conferred on him by his fellow citizens. An ardent Mason, he has filled many offices in the different branches of that order. lie has beeu treasurer of Marshall Chapter, No. 47, for fifteen consecutive years. In 1841, he assisted in forming at Elyria a lodge of the " Mechanic's Mutual Protection," an order founded for the benefit of practical mechanics. It held weekly meetings, at most of which lectures were delivered, and the association was supplied with books and other means of improvement. Perhaps no institution has exerted so permanent an inlluence for good upoi\ the citizens of Elyria as the lodge above referred to. The organization of our present excellent system of union schools, was to a great extent effected through its influence. On the passage of a bill by the general assembly for the founding of union schools, this institution, through a committee,, ejjrresponded with the friends of education in other ci^ie84n regard to the merits of such schools in their midst. The Protection then appointed a committee consisting of Mr. Pond and Thomas Quark to obtain the signatures of six freeholders to a call for a public meeting none of them to be members of the Protection. After three days of hard labor they obtained the following signatures: Robbins Biirrell, Roswell Snow, N. H. Manter, Ilurriek Parker, Tabor Wood, and William Olcott, none of them members of the Protection but

Herrick Parker, and he was accepted because the committee could not obtain the requisite -number outside the order. The meeting was held at the court house in Elyria, on the 24th of May, 1850; a favorable vote was secured, and thus, by the untiring and persistent work of tlie protection our union schools were established.

Such is a brief record of the life of Mr. Pond. With a competency won by honest labor, and enjoying the respect of his fellow citizens, he may be classed among the representative men of Elyi-ia.

Hon. Stevenson Burke

The subject of this sketch was born in St. Lawrence county, N. Y., November 20, 1820. In March, 1834, his father I'emoved from New York to Ohio, and settled in North Ridgeville, Lorain county, where he resided uj) to the time of his decease, in August, 1875. The subject of this sketch had in early life such facilities as the common schools of the time afforded, which consisted of about ninety days of very indifferent instruction in tiie winter, and none during the rest of the year. At about the age of sixteen, he iuid the benefit of instruction in a very good select school at Ridgeville Center; and afterwards he studied several terms in a private school, conducted by T. M. Oviatt, at Elyria. Later still, he studied a year or so at Delaware University, where, in 1846, he commenced the study of law with Messrs. Powell & Buck. In the spring of 1848, he returned to Elyria and completed his studies, preparatory to admission to the bar, under the instruction of Hon. II. D. Clark, and was admitted to practice by the supreme court August 11, 1848, and at once commenced the practice at Elyria. In April, 1840, Mr. Clark, who was then one of the most prominent and successful lawyers at the bar in Lorain county, admitted him into a copartnership, whicii continued up to May, 1852.

We have thus in a few lines sketched the career, uj) to the time he commenced the practice of the law alone, of one who, for more than twenty-five years, iuis occupied a very prominent jiositiou at the bar in Northern Ohio. From 1852 to February, 1802, Mr. Burke devoted himself to the practice of his profession with such zeal and devotion to the interests of his clients, a^ to merit and command success. There were few cases tried in the court of common pleas, or district court of Lorain county, or in the supreme court taken from Lorain county, in which he was not engaged. His industry and attention to business were rare and almost exceptional. He spent no time in idleness, and his patrons were always sure to find him in his office in business hours, unless engaged in business elsewhere. His close attention to business iuul sodeiitiiry habits affected seriously his health, aud in 1801 he found his health so seriously impaired as to render a change of business necessary; and his friends having secured his election as one of the judges of the court of common pleas of the fourth judicial district of Oiiio, he gave up his practice and entered upon the discharge of his duties as judge. After serving a term of live years to the satisfaction of the bar and tlie ])eople, he was re-elected in 1806 for a second term, lie served, however, but two years of his second term, when, having regained his health, he resigned his position as judge, .January 1, 1809, and at once commenced the practice of law in Cleveland, in partnership with Hon. F. T. Backus and E. .J. Este]), Esq. Tlic copartnership was dissolved by the death of xMr. Backus, in May, 1870, but was continued with Mr. Estep until the winter or spring of 1875, since which time he has practiced alone. His practice in Cleveland has been a very successful one. lie has been constantly engaged in the courts and in his office, and during the last ten years has probably tried as many cases of importance, involving large amounts of money or property, as any lawyer in Northern Ohio. He has during that period argued many cases in the supreme court of the State of Ohio, several in the United States supreme court, and in the supreme courts of adjoining States. The history of the profession in Northern Ohio furnishes few examples of a more sncoessful practice.

In addition to his professional business. Judge Burke has devoted much attention to other business; he is now, and has been for several years past, a director and chairman of the finance and executive committee of the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Indianapolis Railway Company, and its general connsel. He has held for several years and still holds the position of director, general counsel and chairman of the finance and executive committee of the Cleveland and Mahoning Valley Railway Company, and he is also the representative in this country of all the stock of the hist-named corajjany, it being owned in Europe. He is also the representative of the owners of tlie stock of the Shenango and Allegheny Railroad Company, and also of the Mercer Mining and Manufacturing Company, and a director in both of the lastnamed comi)a-uies. He has been for some time a director of the Cincinnati, Springfield and Indianapolis and St. Louis railroad companies. He has also for several years been a director of the Lake Shore Foundry and director and president of the Cleveland and Snow Fork Coal Company, both large private corporations.

Tiie foregoing is a very brief outline of a very active professional and business life. It is too early yet to compare the subject of this brief sketch with others, or go into detail in regard to his professional, judicial and business career; he is still in the prime of Ufe; time has dealt gently with him, and his apliearance indicates that he has many years of active life still before him.

Elwood P. Haines

A mother dying at Bordentown, N. J., left an only child, Elwood P. Haines, three months of age, who was born March 4, 18.34. Soon after her death, Mr. Haines, with his mother and little son, came to Ohio, where they settled, in Deerfield, Portage county. Engaging in farming, this young life had every advantage of nature's kindly teachings; and the aspirations which grew with his years, had their beginning here. He early turned his attention toward a professional life; and to this end he availed himself of the excellent advantages afforded by an academy in a neighboring town, where he studied for years preparing for Western Reserve College. These preparations were finished under the instructions of Rev. Elias C. Sharp, a man of blessed memory in Atwater. He went through his college course and received his diploma at its close with honor to himself - ever a joy and delight to his friends. Having concluded to study medicine, he went into the office of Dr. Dudley Allen, now of Oberlin, where he remained some time, after which he took a course at Michigan University, where he graduated, receiving also the degree of M.D. from the Cleveland Medical College.

Then came the war of the rebellion. He waited not for high position, but at once enlisted as hosjjital steward. The duties of this office were so well performed, that on March 2, 1803, he was appointed assistant surgeon of the Twenty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. A letter from the surgeon-general of Oliio, dated August 2d, 1804, says as follows:

*' Enclosed, please find your commission as major surgeon of the Twenty -ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, a promotion conferred for long and meritorious services."

With such record did Dr. Haines leave the service of his country, June 36, 1865. His life in the army was characterized, as in all other circumstances, by purity and integrity in every particular.

At the close of the war he settled with his wife, whom he had married while on furlough, at Orwell ^ Ashtabula county. Here he entered at once into the hard work of the practice of medicine in the country. He was so(m called to the bitter trial of losing his wife, who left him a little daughter, still living, although those who loved her so fondly then, have gone the way of all the earth.

Broken up in his domestic matters, he bethought him of an old schoolmate who had long been a teacher in Kentucky; finding her, he soon realized "a sweet dream of his boyhood," for she became his wife in March, 1870. Soon after they came to Elyria, where Dr. Haines was the successor of Dr. Jamin Strong, whose residence and office he purcliased. By this . marriage there were two children, both daughters. One led the way and waited for "papa" in the better land, and one still cheers her mother's widowed heart.

Dr. Haiiios dicfl Oct.oI)cr 34, 1877, at. the age of forty-three and a half years. His work was done, and he rests from his labors. One who trusted his life with Dr. Haines may not be an impartial judge, yet it is his duty, aye, pleasure, to say that, as a man, he performed every dnty with true manhood; as a member of the Presbyterian chureh, l)ig()try was no element in his religious thought; as a (ntizen, he was true to the best interests of his coutitry and to all the relations of life; as a pension surgeon and surgeon of the Lake Shore and Michigan Souliiern Kailmad, he was faithful and elH(tient; as a physician, he was ever welcome, with genial face and kind attention.

Let the kind relations ever existing between him and his brothers in the practice of medicine - let the many to whose ills he ministered, who, with weeping eyes, paid their respect to a good and true man, when all joined in the sad rites that gave him rest - testify to the goodness and beauty of his cliaracter. Beloved by all, Elyria mourns the loss of Dr. Haines.

Edwin Dorr Holbrook

It is but a labor of love to trace from the earliest boyhood days the development of tiiose principles which made prominent the brief but eventful life of Edwin Dorr Holbrook. He was born in Elyria, Lorain county, Ohio, October 10, 1S3.5, is a son of Dexter and Jeruslia Holbrook, grandson of Captain Holbrook and Tyler, Avho entered Fort Ticouderoga with Ethan Allen; also great-grandson of Cfeneral Seth Pomeroy, of Bunker Hill fame.

Before scarcely attaining to the dignity of boys' apparel, while surrounded by his pets upon his father's farm, the proceeds of his first sale was, " to buy a new dress for my mother." This was the keynote of an unselfish life - " not for myself, but tor my mother, to whom I owe so much."

Here he received his rudimentary education, and became familiar with nature in its various forms; studying the habits of Ijirds, bees and animals; loving flowers; training the woodbine and wild rose around the farm-house; skilled in huuting, skating, l)oating and swimming, a knowledge which enabled him to rescue many from watery graves, - once returning hatless and coatless, after saving King Barton and a companion. Again, hearing that Mr. Snow's son was drowning in the presence of a crowd of anxious friends, he leaped into the swollen tide. For a time, they believed him lost. Soon his voice was heard: "Is this the rUjht dircrtion ? " Again he disap])eared; again they believed him drowned, being caught l)y the death struggles of the boy, and drawn under; but by almost superhuman exertions, he bore the lifeless form to the shore.

This unflinching bravery, daring to face any danger for the accomplishment of good, characterized the boy as well as the man. Fun and frolic entered largely into his compositiou, and he was the acknowledged leader in boyish tricks. He was one of a class of boys who seemed moulded for future action by that ripe .scholar, C. D. B. Jlills. He ever cherished his memory, and, in after years, expressed the wish that he might travel with him as his companion. Studied law with his brother-in-law. Judge T. S. Johnson, and with Judge Rex, of Wooster; was admitted I\Iay 7, 1857; opened an office in Elyria, and continued his studies, including German. In early life he was a constant reader; history, poetry and the writings of our early statesmen were carefully studied, as his well worn books evince. His room at his father's house was filled with books, pa])ers and speeches, which were very familiar to him. Burn ami In-ed in the democratic faith, he struggled, even during his minority, for the success of that party.

June .'3, 1801, he bade adieu to home and friends, and sailed for California, where he remained one year with his brother, practicing law, when, with thousands, who in conse((uence of the overflow of the Sacramento river and the almost fabulous tales of the richness of the Salmon river mines, he emigrated northward a distance of eight hundred miles. May 16th, 18G3, he wrote :

" I start to-morrow astride a mule which carries myself, bed and provender, off into a wilderness, over mountains and dangerous moun tain streams, through a country where the red man lies in ambush to bear my scalp to the maid be loves But I am young, have a life before me, and desire making my fortune as quickly as possible, and to see something of this country. I only care for life that I ma^' make you all bappy and independent. If I succeed all isjyuurs - if I fail I want no mourners."

During the next three years, before the perfect system of mail communication was established, occasional letters and rumors reached his home-friends, of jierilous adventure ; his narrow escape from a snow-slide by leaping from his horse, which was bnried under a pitiless .sheet of snow and ice ; his traveling over narrow, precipitous mountain trails to fulfil professional engagements. In December, ISC'), he took his seat as the youngest memlier of the thirty-ninth congress. As a member of congress he labored zealously for the development of his beloved mountain home - Idaho ; for appropriations for the perfection of mail routes and roads, for the building of the assay office and penitentiary ; also was ever laboring for the construction of the Northern Pacific Railroad, in the interest of which he addressed the caj)italists of Boston. After having faithfully labored for the development of his territory for two successive terms in congress, bidding adieu for the last time to his home friends. May 2Gth, 1809, he crossed for the eightli time the plains to his mountain home where a demonstration awaited him. He at once opened a law office at Boise and Idaho City, and engaged actively in his practice. Laboring as before for everything pertaining to the advancement of Idaho, which he hojied would soon attain to the dignity of a State, in the midst of ;i successful professional career, with light hopes of the future, at the close of the summer day, June 18th, 1870, while resting with his feet upon the railing in

Biographical Sketch Houston H. Poppleton

Houston H. Poppleton w;is born near Bellville, Eicliland county, Ohio, March 19, 1830, and is the 3'Oungest son of Rev. Samuel and Julia A. Poppleton.

Rev. Samuel Poppleton was born in the State of A'ermont. July '2, 1793, but while quite young moved with Ins father to Genesee county. New York, where he lived until 1820, when he moved to Ohio. He lived in Richland county, Ohio, from 1822, until March, 1853, when he moved to Delaware, Ohio, where he continued to reside most of the time until his death, wliich occurred at Delaware, September 14, 1804. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and served with honor and distinction. Shortly after its close he entered the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal church, and continued to preach, as his health would permit, for nearly fifty years. He was twice married. His first wife was Miss Parthenia Steinback, of Genesee county. New York, and his second, Miss Julia A. Smith, of Richland county, Ohio. By the first marriage, four children were born, to wit: Rowena L., intermarried with F. W. Strong, of Mansfield, Ohio: Samuel D., killed in 18G4, at the battle of Atlanta, Georgia; Mary Ellen, intermarried with Daniel Fisher, of Bellville, and Andrew J., who died at West Unity, Ohio, September 25, 1850.

Emory E. has been engaged in business in Detroit and Chicago, and is now the seei'etary of the Cleveland and Mahoning Valley Railroad, residing at Cleveland.

Parthenia P. married Hon. S. Burke, long prominently identified with the Lorain bar, and after residing in Elyria for over twenty-two years,' moved to Cleveland. She died at Salt Lake City, Utah, January 7, 1878, and is buried in Lake View Cemeter}-, Cleveland.

Damaris A. was married to Hon. George B. Lake, formerly a member of the Lorain bar, and now chief justice of the State of Nebraska. She died in April, 1854, and is buried in the cemetery at Elyria.

Earley F. read law, and was admitted to the bar at Elyria, and after practicing there several years, moved to Delaware, Ohio, where he has ever since been actively and successfully engaged in law and politics. He was elected State senator from the counties of Licking and Delaware, and after serving one term was elected on the democratic ticket to the fortyfourth congress, from the ninth Ohio congressional district. Although one of the youngest members of that body, he was active and industrious, and served

Zada C. was married to Thomas H. Linnell, of Elyria, and resided there during the whole of her married life. She died March 29, 1875, and is buried in the cemetery at Elyria.

Houston H. Poppleton received his early education in the common schools at Bellville, but entered the Ohio Weslej-an University at Delaware, Ohio, in the spring of 1853, and, although his attendance was not continuous, he graduated from that institution in June, 1858. He taught school several winters in the counties of Delaware and Richland, while pursuing his studies at the university, and also had general charge of his father's mercantile house at Richwood, from April, 1855, to February, 1857. In September,

1859, when he entered the Cincinnati Law College. Completing the prescribed course there, he graduated from it April 10, 1800, and was admitted to the bar at Cincinnati the same day. Returning to Elyria, he formed a law partnership with Judge Burke, and commenced practice May 3, 1800. After Judge Burke's election to the bench, he formed a law partnership with Hon. H. D. Clark, which continued about two years. On the 10th of February, 1804, at Cincinnati, he was married to Miss Lucina H. Cross, of that city. He resided on the northwest corner of Broad and Chestnut streets, in Elyria, until September 24, 1875, when he moved with his family to Cleveland.

From the latter part of 1804 he continued in active general practice at Elyria, without a jiartner, until November, 1873, when he was a]ii)ointed general attorney of the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Indianapolis railway company, with headquarters at Cleveland, which position he still holds. He was prominent, active and successful in his practice, as the records of the courts of Lorain and adjoining counties abundantly show, and in his removal the bar of Lorain county sustained a serious loss. By accepting the position of general attorney of the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Indianapolis railway he became the head of the legal department of that corporation, and has had entire charge of its legal business along the whole line, as well as elsewhere. Giving his personal attention to the details of all the litigation of the company - trying only causes that should be tried, and settling those that should be settled - he has, by his fair, honorable and judicious course, made many friends for himself, and secured for his company a reputation and good will that any railroad in the country might well envy.

David Bennett

was born iu Westmoreland, Cheshire county. New Hampshire, May 2G, 1788. He was tlie second sou of David and Abigail Bennett, and third in a family of fifteen children. When about fifteen years old, he was apprenticed to a man named Duttou, living in Dummerstou, Windham county. Vermont. Becoming dissatisfied with the treatment he received, he ran away soon after he was sixteen, and went to Homer, Cortland county. New York.

On the Gth of December, 1810, he married Miss Polly Wheeler, and lived in Londonderry, Vermont, on a farm on the east slope of the Green mountains. He came west, to look for a farm, in 1827, and moved from Londonderry, April 21, 1828, with his family, consisting of himself and wife, his wife's step-father, and his neice, Miss Malvina F. Bennett. They came by wagon to Troy, New York, in two days, thence by canal boat to Buffalo, by schooner to Cleveland, which took three days, then by wagon to Carlisle, - in all, a journey of three weeks.

On the 33rd day of August, 1828, he purchased of Joseph and Mary Perkins the south one-half of the southwest quarter of section twelve, town five, range "seventeen, where he spent the remainder of his life.

He married, the second time, February C, 1830, Miss Jane Galpin, of Elyria, daughter of Neri and Betsey Galpin. They had six children, four of whom are living. He held various township offices from 1830 to 1860, being three times elected justice of the peace. He was a man of strict integrity, and his word was as good as his bond. He died July 16, 1SC3, of paralysis.

Jane Galpin was born in Woodbury, Litchfield county, Connecticut, August 11, 18lo. She was the daughter of Neri and Betsey Galpin, and the eldest in a familv of nine children. Her parents moved to New Milford, Susquehanna county. Pennsylvania, when she was about nine mouths old. In May. 1818 they moved to Center township, Indiana county, Pennsylvania. In November, 1822, they left Center for Carlisle, Ohio, then called Murraysville, Hurou county. They moved in a covered wagon drawn by a yoke of steers and a span of old horses. They were three weeks on the road and had but two pleasant days in the whole time. In some places the wagon hub would roll on the mud. They moved iu with Abner Murray's family until Mr. Galpin built his house, which stood just over the line in Elvria township. February 6, 1830, she married David" Bennett and moved on to the farm in Carlisle, where she still lives.

front of his ofiBce, which he had surrounded by forest trees, dreamiug his happy dreams of the future, Charles H. Douglas lurked behind him and fired a fatal shot. The wounded man struggled to his feet, attempted to raise his arm, but aimed too low. He was borne into his office, where in intense pain he calmly awaited death, saying, "I am not afraid to die, but want to see my brother before I go. Am glad I did not hit Douglas when I fired, on account of his wife and little ones." Asking again if Theodore had come, for whom a messenger had been dispatched, he fell into a calm sleep, and as the Sabbath day dawned his spirit took its flight.

Marks of respect and tenderness were shown by the warm-hearted peoj)le, and with aching hearts loving hands consigned him to his resting place. And while the breezes of his mountain home chant the requiem above his grave, loving hearts will entwine and bedew with their tears an imperishable garland to the memory of Edwin Dorr Holbrook.

Physical Features

In the western jiart of the townshii> the surface is level. In the central and eastern portions it is undulating, but nowhere rough and broken.

The soil is generally a clay loam, varied in some places by gravel. It is one of the Ijcst watered townsliips in the county. Rocky river flows northward tlirough the township, gathering up in its course many tributaries. Plum creek flows in a nearly parallel direction through tiie western part of the town. The timber native to its soil was beech, maple, hickory, black and white oak, black and white ash, basswood, elm, sycamore, buckeye, walnut and butternut.

Purchase

Prior to tlie a]iportioumont by draft of that part of the Reserve lying west of the Cuyahoga river, Levi Bronson, i\.zor Bronson, Harmon Bronson, Calvin Iloadley, Jared Pritchard, and some fifteen otiiers, formed au association called the '" Waterbury Laud Company." This company, togetlier with William Law, Benjamin Doolittle, Jr,, and Samuel Doolittle, drew at the fourth draft, April -1, 1807, this township as number five, range fifteen, with two thousand six hundred and fifty acres in the townshijis of Boston and Richfield, in Summit county, annexed to equalize it. The draft was in the following proportions: to the Waterbury Land Company, twenty one tliousaud six hundred dollars; William Law, two thousand eight hundred and fifteen dollars; Benjamin Doolittle, Jr., one thousand five hundred and ninety-two dollars; Samuel Doolittle, eigiity dollars. The deed was executed on the 28th day of May, 181)7, by John Caldwell, John Morgan, and Jonathan Brace, for the Connecticut Land Company, to Levi Bronson, Calvin Uoadley, Jared Pritchard, Azor Bronson and Harmon Bronson, in trust for the Waterbury Land Comijany.

*Our thanks are due Ransom Bronson, for information furnished in i the preparation of tiiis history. He has kept a record of early events, for the past twenty years, access to which has been of much service to us.

Pending the negotiation for the extinguishment of the Indian claim to the lauds west of the Cuyahoga, the conij)any bouglit of William Edwards a thousand acres of land in tract two, town eight, range eleven, Euclid, (now East Cleveland), and a number settled there the summer previous to the draft.

Survey

In the summer of 1807 the townsliip was surveyed. A surveyor by the name of Lacey was first employed, but his cliain was found to be of an incorrect length and he was discharged. In August of the same year Robert Worden, a surveyor from Columbiana county, was engaged, who, with Levi Bronson, Daniel Bronson, Benoni Adams, and Elias Frost of Euclid, as ax and chain men, set out from Cleveland taking a southwest eoui'se until the northeast corner of the town was I'eachcd. From this point they proceeded west two and a half miles, thence south a like distance to the center of the township. The party made their encampment here, on tlie west bank of Rocky river. A daughter of Levi Bronson, afterwards Mrs. Oliver Terrell, accompanied the party to do their cooking, to whom must be accorded the lionor of being the first white woman tiiat ever set foot on the soil of Columljia.

In September, 1807, a company numbering thirtytiiree persons, left Waterbury, Connecticut, for this townsliip. They wei-e, Bela Bronson, his wife and one child; Calvin Hoadley, wife and five children; John Williams, wife and five children; Lemuel Iloadley, wife aud three children, his father and his wife's mother; Lithrop Seymour and wife; Mrs. Parker and four children; Silas Hoadley and Chauncey Warner. Two months afterwards the company reached Buffalo, west of which place there was then no road, and they were compelled to choose between the dangers, at that time of year, of lake navigation and those attending a journey along the beach. The company divided, four families embarking on the lake, while the remainder preferred the laud route. The little Jtarty set sail under a bright sky and with a favoring breeze, butuot long afterward encountered one of those sudden gales common at that time of year, which carried them back a distance of several miles, where the vessel went ashore. A week was spent before another start could be made. Arriving in siglit of I'resque Isle the vessel was again struck by a contrary wind and driven back to a point on the Canada shore under which tiu^ voyagers took shelter. They remained here two weeks for a favorable wind, when tlie journey was resumed.

They proceeded without further reverses until within sight of Cleveland, tiien a i)retentious place of three log cabins, when a violent wind s(ruck their craft. and they were forced to retreat until near the site of the present city of Erie, where they went ashore. They were now thoroughly discouraged with their experience by lake. The season was growing late, and whether to make another attempt by water or undei'- take the long journey l)y land on foot was not a pleasant alternative. Calvin Hoadley determined to make another trial, and, with his family, arrived at Cleveland after encountering many experiences similar to those we have mentioned. The most of them, however, determined ujion the land route. Beta Bronson, wife and child, were of this party; Mrs. Bronson carrying the child in her arms fur a distance of fifty miles west of Brie, where they were met by teams with which friends had gone back from Clcvelan<l in search of them. Arriving at Cleveland, the company made a location there, with the exception of Bela Bronson and family, wiio, with ox-team and sled, jjushed on towards Columbia. They were accomjianicd by Levi Bronson, Jared Pritchard, John Williams, Silas Hoadley, Calvin Hoadley, and five or six others who wcut ahead and cut a road for them. The family brought along in the sled cooking utensils - with which Mrs. Bronson prepared the food for the company - and camp e(pii})age. Their progress was, of course, slow, eight days being consumed in reaching Columbia. Two days subsecjuently - on the 7th day of December, 1807 - they arrived on lot twentyseven, where Bronson and family made a location.

The company divided into three sections, commencing simultaneously the erection of three cabins, one for Bela Bronson, on lot twenty-seven; one foj' John Williams, on sub-lot three; and-oue for Calvin Hoadley, on lot thirty-four. During the erection of Bronson's house, the box of the sled was turned u]) against a tree, and under this the family took shelter until their cabin was built. The house was ready for occupancy by Christmas.

In 181(1, Mr. Bronson changed his location to the Center, where the cellar of the house in which he resided can yet be seen. He died here in October, 1811. He was one of the ten sons of Seba Bronson. His wife's maiden name was Sally Twitchell. Mrs. Bronson subsequently married Benoni Adams. Two children of this pioneer family are now living - Rev.

Sherlock A. Bronson, D.D., who was eight months old at the time of the settlement of the family in Columbia, now an Episcopal clergyman of ability and u.sefulness, resident in Manslield, 0., and a daughter Sally, living in Ottawa county. In an address delivered in this township July 4, 1859, Rev. Dr. Bronson gives the following interesting picture of their situation in the winter of 1807:

"Our post office was at Painesville, fifty miles distant; tlie nearest mill was at Newburgh, twenty -t'isht miles away; and but little provision could be obtained sbort of Painesville. That winter my father wrote back to his fi'iends that he was the richest man in town. He might have written himself dttwn the greatest nabob of all of 0\\\o that lay west of Cleveland and north of W<joster, tinfj there would have been none to dviimte his claim. For a time, that winter, ours was the only residence in Western Ohio. Gloomy, desolate and lonely as those times were, my mother kept up good cheer, and said she always hoped for better times. Taking into account the time of arrival, late in December, no house ready for occupancy, that in the conijiany was a woman with an infant only eight nn.inths old, and the nearest dwelling twenty miles distant, you have before you a rare picture of pioneer life."

The second family that settled in town was that of John Williams, wlio moved in from Cleveland after spending the holidays with his friends there, arriving January 3, 1808. They took up their abode in the cabin already j)artially prepared for them on sub-lot three. In 1810 he removed to a farm a mile south of the Center on lot forty-eight. Mr. Williams died in the spring of 18K), and his remains lie in an unmarked grave in the Center Ijurying ground. The only surviving member of the family is Mrs. Weaver Harrington, now residing in Eaton county, Mich.

Calvin Hoadley followed closely after Williams, arriving in the tirst i)art of March of the same year, and commenced life in the Columbia woods in the house ])reviously built on lot thirty-four. In the summer of 1809, he built a grist mill on Rocky river, south of the Center, the tirst mill in the county. He afterwaril built a grist mill and also a saw mill, on the same river, on lot twenty-one. Captain Hoadley was a man of great energy of character, and became one of the most prominent men of the town. He was a son of Lemuel Hoadley, S.'., who raised a family of eight chihlren. Cahiu was the second child and oldest son. He was a carpenter by trade. His wife's maiden name was Marian Terrell. They raised a family of five children. A daughter, the only living representative of the family, resides in Berea, 0.

Early in the spring of 1808, the following additions were made to the settlement: Lemuel Hoadley, Sr. , and Lemuel Hoadley, Jr, on lot forty-seven; James (ieer, on lot thirty-five, south part; Lathrop Seymour, on lot eleven; Jared Pritchard, on lot thirty-one; Silas Hoadley, on lot twenty-nine; Isaac Frost and his two sons, Elias and Lyman, on lot twenty-eight; Nathaniel Doan, on the north part of lot thirty-five; and Benoni Adams, on lot fifty.

The Hoadleys were originally from either Salem or Plymouth, Conn. Lemuel Hoadley, Sr., was the fatiier of eight children. Mary, the eldest, became the wife of Asahel Osborn. Of Calvin we have already given a brief history. The next was Lemuel; he was a colonel in the war of 1813. Sally married Zephauiah

Potter. Lennu'l was a mechanic, and nmcli of his life was eupaoed in tlic erectioTi of niills; he bniltmos( of the grist mills in this region of country. He removed to Brecksville in 1812, and bnilt tlie first mill in that town; and two years subsequently he went to Bath and t'rected mills there. In 1819, he settled in Olmsted, Cuyahoga county, and erected for himself the i)ionoer mill in that township, and also built the first frame house there. In 1824, he exchanged his farm and a mill in Olmsted for a farm in Ridgeville, west of the center of the town, and took up his abode there. In 1833, he sold out and moved l)ack to Olmsted, and with his son-in-law, John Barnum, built a saw-mill at the mouth of Plum Creek, and laid out a village there. In ISliS, he removed to Chillicothe. He married Chloe Tyler.

He was known everywhere as Major ILwdley, a title which he acquired, it is said, on the journey from Connecticut. The company would sometimes be obliged to construct a bridge across a swollen stream, and Mr. Iloadley was so perfectly at home at such work tiiat his cf)nipanions gave him the honorary title of "major,'' which he ever afterwards bore.

Luther was also a colonel in the war of 1813, and died in the service. David, a carpenter by trade, died in Connecticnt. Urania married Riley Whiting, an extensive clock-maker of Winsted, Conn.

In 1810, James Geer changed his location to the north part of the townshij), exchanging his original purchase with Calvin Iloadley, for land on lot twentyone. Here he established a rude tannery, using sap troughs for vats, and an axe to pulverize the bark. He also followed shoemakiug, having learned the trade of his wife, formerly Mrs. Mary Parker, whose first husband was a shoenuiker.

Nathaniel Doan was a man of more than average ability, and was a leading man in tiie settlement. He was the first justice of the peace of the township. He subsequently removed to Cleveland.

whose mother subsecpiently became the wife of Mr. Adams: "I have heard him say he has traveled the swamii wiien the water was iialf-way to liie knee, and he was obliged to bri'ak the ice the whole forty miles."

During the same year, Seba Bronson, Sr., and his two sons, Seba and Daniel, moved in from Ashtabula county. The elder Bronson settled on sub-lot four, Seba, Jr., living with him. Daniel located on the north part of lot thirty-six.

In 1813, Seba Bronson, Jr., removed to Liverj)ool, Medina county, remained a year, and then returned to Columbia. In the s])ring of that year, it is said, he dug out a canoe, and journeyed down the river to the lake, thence to the mouth of Sandusky river, thence up that river, to Lower Sandusky (now Fremont). There, in an opening in the forest, he jilanted a piece of ground to corn, under the protection of Fort Stephenson. After harvesting his crop, he returned to Columbia, residing thei'e until his death, in 1851, aged seventy-five.

In 1809, Roswell Scovil, Horace (Junn, Timothy Doan, Daniel Bunnell, Zephaniah Potter, Wm. Hoadley, Noah Warner, Marcus Terrell, and Joseph Burke joined the settlement. Scovil settled on lot thn-ty; (lunn on lot - . The latter carried the first mail west of Cleveland, in 1808. In June, 1809, he married Ann Pritchard, daughter of Jared Pritchard, which was the second marriage in Columbia. Timothy Doan located on lot twenty-nine, buying out Silas Hoadlev, who returned to Connecticut. Bunnell drew, by draft, lot one, which he exchanged with Samuel Pardee for laud in Olmsted. Potter settled on lot - . He was a doctor - the first in the township. Iloadley settled on lot thirty-five, south part, but returned to Connecticut iu 1811. Marcus Terrell settled ou the northwest corner of lot tliirl,y-niiie. Warner, in 1811, removed to Liverpool.

Joseph Burke was the earliest settler in Euclid. He came from New York, in 1798, traveling from Buffalo to Grand river in an ojien boat. Leaving his family there, he came on to take a look at the wilderness, in which he thought of settling, and after making a selection at Eaolid, returned for his family. He resided in Euclid eleven years, and then removed to this township, locating on lot twelve. Ho died July 4th, 1814. His widow removed to Michigan, and died tliere-in 1833. Of their large family of fourteen chddren, only two are living: Ira Burke on the old homestead, aged seventy-five, and Mrs. Sophia Louder, residing in Illinois. A little daughter, four years of age, while in the woods with her brother, who was miking maple sugar, wandered away and was never found. The generally accei)ted theory as to her fate is, that she was carried away by Indians seen in the vicinity a day on two previous.

1805. In that year he came from Waterbury, Connecticut, to Clevelanil, on foot, bj way of Albany anil RiitTalo, and returned by way of RaUiniorc, Pbiladel- ])hia aud New York, walking almost the entire distance. In JSOIt, he ai,'ain came to Ohio, also on foot, this time for the |>uriiose of settlement. He was a carjienter and joiner, and on iiis arrival at Cleveland, engaged at work for a Mr. Murray, for whon lie Imiil a log house near the mouth of the Cuyahoga, on the east side of the river, and about where the government piers are now. His family, then consisting of a wife and three daughters, and his mother, (his father, Seba Bronson, Sr., having come to Columbia three years previous), came on soon afterward on a little vessel called the "Ranger," Captain Hathaway, landing at the mouth of the river March 15th. Other members of the coin|>any, aud their families, came at the same time. Mr. Bronson made a settlement in Columbia, erecting a house on sub-lot four.

At the breaking out of the war of 1812, when it was generally feared tiiat this ]iart of tlie State would be overrun by Indians, Mrs. Harmon Bronson, with her three girls, - the oldest about tliirteen, - and an infant son less than a year old, started from (Cleveland in September, 1813, with a horse, saddle and bridle, and took her little family back to Waterbury, the heroic mother walking the entire distance. It required four weeks to make the journey.

She remained in Waterbury until late in the fall of 1815, and then set out in a lumber wagon for Oiiio. At Bloomfield, in the State of New Y'ork, her funds run out, and she hired out her two eldest daughters at fifty cents a week each, while she worked for her board and that of her two younger children. Abmitthe 1st of March, 181(3, the journey was resumed, and the family reached Columbia in the latter part of that month.

Mr. Bronson kept a store in Columhia from I81(i to 1820. He removed to East Cleveland in December, 1821, aud lived there until July. 1821, when he moved into Boston township, tiien Portage, udw Summit county. He died December 18th, 1853. He was the seventh of the fourteen children of Seba Bi-onson, Sr. , all of whom lived to mature age and were married. Azor and Rela died in Columbia, in 1811, October 5th and 13th, respectively. Harmon was tJR' last survivor of the family. His bii'th, marriage and death occurred in the same montii and on the same day of the montli - Decemlier 18tli. He was seventy-nine years old at his death. His wife survived him four years and two months, and was something over eighty. Two of his family are now living - his second daughter, now seventy-eight years old, and the youngest child, a son, now sixty-seven - both residing in Peninsula, Summit county. From the latter, Mr. H. V. Bronson, we have obtained liie facts here given.

David Eddy, btn-n in New Jersey, came to Ohio while yet a single man, in the year 1804 or 1805. He made a location in Euclid, Cuyahoga county, and erected a cabin there. The followmg year his father and mother, wilii a son named Timothy, came on and took up tiieir abode in tiie jirimitive hal)itation already prejiared by David. Caleb Eddy, the fathei', spent the remainder of his days here, but David soon pushed on further west, ami joined the infant colony in Columbia. He " stuck his stakes "' on lot forty, and built liis log house on the l)ank of Rocky river. In the early winter of 1811 he married Elizabeth Shirdine, of Washington county, Penn., and about two yeai's subse({uently began pioneer life in the little cabin previously mentioned. Eddy was a member of the militia, and was an occupant of the block house. His life was one of many hardships and of arduous toil. He died, on the farm on which he lirst located, October 31, 1853, and his widow about a year afterward, Octobei' 6th, 1854. Their children were four in numbei', two boys and two girls, viz : Jesse, Enos, Susannah and Eunice. Jesse married Caroline Chamberlain, daughter of John Chandjerlain, of Rochester, Lorain county. He, Jesse, is now living there. His wife died February 5th, 1855. leaving two children, Mary E. (Mrs Myers,) and llattie E. (Mrs. Mann). Enos nuirried Cynthia ]5radford, now deceased. Susannah married Myron Bradford, and lioth are dead. Eunice married, lirst, Hiram Bradford, and afterwards Samuel Ilanley, with whom she is now living in the township of Rochester.

In 1810 Levi Bronson moved in from Euclid and took up his residence on sub-lot three, the first location of John AVilliams. Of him Rev. Dr. Bronson bears the following testimony:

" My father became interested in the laads of Colutiiiiia by jiurchase of his brother Azor, but botli died before deeds were given or paymeut fully made, and matters were left in an unsettled state, and after a while became entangled with other land matters. These have since been a prolific source of strife, and a rich field for lawyers. * *

* * I deem it my duty to bear witness to the unyielding integrity, public spirit and self-.sacrifice of Levi Bronson. When all the land in Columbia would not have sold for more than enough to pay the ta.ve.s, he borrowed money, worked on the road, turned and twisted evei-y way to save the property of his father and his deceased brotlier for their heirs."

In regard to other arrivals this year we mention the following: Asahel Osborn and Marshall Culver, his son-in-law, the former on the south part and the latter on the north part of lot thirty-seven. They came frt)m Salem, Connecticut. Osborn married Mary Hoadley, daughter of Lemuel Hoadley, Sr. lie was a man of good natural al)ility, and of local intluenee.

Timothy Eddy cleared a piece of land on lot seventeen, sowed it to wheat, and then returned to Euclid to live; James and Walter Strong chopped off a piece on lot fifteen; Samuel Hitchcock settled on lot forty, purchasing of Calvin Hoadley.

Asa Rol.)ertson made a beginning on the west part of lot one, then removed to Liverpool, Medina county, whei-e he made a permanent location. Samuel Heacock also arrived in 1810, and located on lot thirtysi.^, but returneil to Connecticut the following j'ear.

John Adams, father of Benoni, with his wife, five sons and a daughter, left Waterbury, Connecticut, for Columbia, in the fall of 1811, and moved in with

Benoni, on lot fifty. Adiims having sold his farm for twenty-five luindred dollars, and taken his pay in clocks at five dollars a piece, nmst turn his property into cattle and the cattle into money, whicli took nji tlie time nntil Octoher.

lie brought his wife and boys, with some of the household goods, with a team and wagon, a young man by the name of Marshall Bronson accompanying tlic family with a team and wagon of his own, with wliich he brought a part of their goods. The daughter, who was a child of it former wife of Mr. Adams, and a cousin of Bronson, rode with the young man. In consequence of a violent snow storm they remained several days at a tavern a few miles west of Buffalo. Tiie next house on their ronte was Mack's tavern, eighteen miles distant, the ro;id to which was along the beach nntil within four miles of the tavern, when it lead away from the lake through a dense forest. This is the road the collector of historical facts so frequently hears spoken of by early settlers as the "four mile woods."'

It was December, too late to travel along the beach with safety, as there were many rocky cliffs which extended out into the lake; and to get by them, the emigrants usually drove into the water. In attempting to pass one of tiiese points, Adams' team became frightened at the dashing of the waves, and refused to go, and he was obliged to cut them loose from the wagon in order to save his wife and children. After much ditRculty, they succeeded in reaching the shore, and proceeded in the direction of the tavern, Adams evidently thinking that Bronson, who was ahead, had got through in safety. Not so, however: he had become involved in a situation more perilous than that from which Adams and his family had escaped. The wlieel of his wagon caught fast in the seam of a rock, and the horses, in their struggle, became entangled in the harness and were tiirown down; and Bronson, almost paralyzed with cold and fear, could not release them. Ilis situation would have appalled the stoutest heart. The roar of the angry waves, the horses struggling beneath them, and the cries of his companion, coupled with his utter powcrlessncss to aid her, tilled him with frantic terror. He determined to go for help. Reaching the shore with great difficulty, he liurried to the tavern and gave the alarm. Several men started for the scene of distress, meeting Mr. Adams and family on the way.

The mother and children were conducted back to the house by one of the party, while the father returned with the rest to tlio relief of liis daugliter. But it was too late - her lifeless body was found in the water, carried to f he tavern, and buried in Mack's garden. Some time after, a passing missionary, on recpiest of the family, preached a funeral discourse. The team of Bronson was drowned, and his wagon a complete wreck. Another was constructed out of the parts as they floated ashore, and then turned into cash. The other wagon, which was without serious damage, was also sold, and a sled purchased. A few articles were gathered up as they floated ashore, and the surviving family resumed their journey. Arriving in Euclid, friends induced them to rcnnain there till the following spring, when they moved into (!ohnnbia. A son of Mr. Adams is yet living in Olmsted, nearly eighty years of age, and jn-eserves a clear recollection of the painful disaster.

Another prominent arrival in 1811, was the family of Azor Bronson. They left Waterbury, Conn., in June of that year. They experienced a tedious time getting through Cattaraugus swamp. Night overtook them in the "four mile woods,'' while yet a long distance from Mack's tavern, at Cattaraugus creek, to which they were making, and they were unable to [n-oceed. Leaving the mother and ciiildren in the wagon, whicli was Ijuried to the axletree in mud, Mr. I?ronson went to tiie tavern for help. The ever-accommodating Dr. Mack, with a lantern and accomjianied by a couple of friendly Indians, returned with Mr. Bronson for his family and assisted them to the tavern. In Middleburg, Cuyahoga county, their wagon broke down, and wife and children were thence carried to Columbia on the horses. They arrived at the center of town July 4, 1811. Mr. Bronson died the next year after his arrival. Ransom and Albert Bronson, residing in Olmsted, Cuyahoga county, aged seventy-three and seventy-six respectively, are the only surviving memljers of the family.

Samuel Pardee also moved in, in 1811, settling on the south part of lot thirty-sis, and kept a tavern, the sign of which was a pair of deer's horns.

Jonathan Vanghan became an inhabitant of the township during this same year. The following year, he, with his l)rother Richard and E. Hickox, entered the service of the government and aided in cutting a road from Sandusky to Maumee. This was in war time, and the men, some three hundred in number, cut the road under the protection of a military guard. Vanghan was afterwards stationed for a time in Fort Stephenson. He subsequently married a daughter of Calvin Iloadley and settled in Middleburg, (Ju3-ahoga county, residing there until 1834, when he purchased an interest in the Iloadley Mills, and returned to Columbia.

About this time also, Noah Terrell and Thomas Osborn came into town. Terrell was a valuable acquisition to the settlement, being skillful in the manufacture of every kind of wooden dishes, such as milkbowls, trenchers, cups and saucers, salt-cellars, pepper boxes, and little kegs which took the place of pails. BeiTig a Terrell, he was of course a hunter, and sup- }>orted his family to a great extent by his gun. He subsequently removed to Ridgeville, where his daughter Harriet was soon after bor;,. She was the first child born in that township.

Osborn settled on the farm first occupied by Bela Bronson. He was a blacksmith, and carried on his trade in that early day under difficulties whicli would be thought insurmountable in this. This pioneer blacksmith went on foot through an unbroken wilder- ncss to New Lisbon, Columbiana county, a distance of about one liuntlrcd miles, to obtain liis material, wliicji, haviufr paid for in labor, lie then lugged home on his back. His untiring industry was eventually rewarded by a handsome competency.

Reuben Lewis moved in from New York State in 1814. He established in tliat year the first tannery wortliy of the name in the county. It stood on lot tiiirty-four, on wiiich also the first mill in the county, the grist mill of Captain Hoadley, was built.

Epliraim Bigelow became an inhaliitaut of Columbia in 1816, settling on lot twenty -eight, and Amos Richmond, the same year, on lot twenty-nine.

Julius and Albert Bronson settled on lot twentythree, on the north and south parts respectively, in 1817, and Thomas G. Bronson on lot eighteen the same year. Cideon Richmond located in 1818, and Sylvanus, tlie following year, on lot fifty.

Simeon Nichols arrived with his family in about the j'car 1830. He was also a Waterbury man. He started in the winter, and, when he got into the State of New York, the snow was so deep as to make traveling with a wagon difficult. He therefore bougiit a sled, placed his wagon on the top of it, and thus resumed tlie journey. All wa^iit well until he arrived at wiiat was tlien called the "Holland purchase," in that State. This was a newly cleared ])iece of land, and he C(jnld not j)ass among the thick stumps with his wagon; he therefore cut off the axles. He traveled without further impediment until he arrived in the eastern ])art of Ohio, when tlie snow left and he was obliged to provide iiiniself witii now axles. He arrived in Coliinil)ia in early spring and settled on lot fortyseven.

Niciiols was an industrious and respected citizen. He held the office of justice of the peace for a number of years, and was a leading memlier of the Protestant Episcopal Church.

We can but but briefly mention subsequent settlers. Heman Terrell on lot twenty-eight; Miles Seymour rented the farm of Timothy Doan, in 1831; William Adams on lot four hundred and ninety-one; Abner Martin (and his distillery) on lot forty-seven. Solomon Hancock on lot twenty-seven, in 1833; Manly Hitchcock nn lot forty-four; Hiram Richmond on lot twenty-six; Asa Jewett on lot sixty-four, in 1833; Sterling Goddard on lot seventy-six; James Mattison on the same lot; William Brown on lot seventy-four, in 183it; Amos Curtis on lot seventy-seven; Samuel Hoadley on lot twenty-one; Elihu Morgan on lot forty-seven; Ransom Bronson on lot thirty-nine, in 1835; Anson A. Goddard on lot sixty-three, in 1830; John Cole on lot eighty-eight; Simon and John Crockers on lot ninety, in 1838; S. H. Friiik on lot twenty-two, in 1831; David Chamberlain on lot seventy-nine; Joliu McCreery on lot forty; Wakeman Beers on lot sixty; John Chamberlain on lot sixty; Seth and Bina Wood on lot sixty-one; Stei)hen Sabin on lot forty; Ezekiel Olcott on lot fifty-nine, in 1833; Samuel Gaylord in 1835.

Among the later settlers are: Abel Goodwin, from New London county, Connecticut, who arrived in 1838, and located on lot eighty-eight. He died in June, 1841. Elishaand Richard Harrington, originally from Vermont, came to Ohio in 1815, settling in Cuyahoga Falls. They came to Columbia, Elisha in 1834, and located on lot eighty-six, and the latter in 1837, on lot fifty-seven. Elisha now lives on lot seventy-five, and Richard on his original purchase. Norman T. Beers, from the State of New York, located in 1833, where the widow of Marcus Nichols now resides. He died April, 1878, and his widow now lives on lot fifty-nine. Joseph Osborn became a settler in 1837, on lot fifty-seven. He now resides with his son Andrew, on the old homestead, and is eighty-four years of age - the oldest m:iii in the township. William Brown located on Plum creek, iu 1837.

"The Bronsons were Episeopaliaas, and when thej came to Ohio, they brought their prayer booivs with thetn. When they reached here they used those books, tiiough they had no minister. My father gathered around him, as soon as he had neighbors, as many as he could and read the service and a sermon. When the grave closed over him, my grandfather took it up. When he passed away, Levi Ifronson coninued it; and after his death, it, for a while, devolved on me."

The first organized church society w'as of the Episcopal faith, some time in the year 180'J, Bishop Chase ofilciating in its organization. The following named were the constituent members: Seba Bronson and wife, Bela Bronson, Levi Bronson and wife, and. John Williams and wife. A meeting house was liuilt on the east side of the river, on sub-lot three, as late as 1835 or '3G.

Methodism

The first Methodist services held iu town were at the house of the widow of Joseph Burke, in about the year 1818. They were conducted by Rev's Messrs. Goddard and Booth. The following year a society was formed, by Rev. Mr. Goddard, of the following members: Calvin Hoadley, Julius Bronson and wife, Mrs. .Joseph Burke and her two sons, Allen and Urrin, and Mrs. McConkey. .Julius Bronson was appointed leader of the class. The church building at 1 the Center was erected in 1830, and was the first house of worship iu Columbia. This society is at present under the charge of Rev. J. W. Thomp^im. It has a nienibership of sixty. The Sabbath school has a membership of some seventy scholars. Frank Suell is superintendent.

There i~ also a Methodist Episcopal society at West View, the church having been erected in 1844. Services are held every alternate Sabbath by Rev. J. W. Thompson.

The Wesleyan Methodist Church of West View. - This clmrch was formed April 1, IS-tS, with sixteen members, as follows: Rausom Bronsou and wife, Moses 0. Baker and wife, Jane Baker, Clark Iloadloy and wife, Cornelius Smith and wife, Calvin Iloadley, Calvin R. Hoadloy and Edwin Hedgins (all of whom seceded from the- Methodist Episcopal cluirch of West View because of its alleged indifference with regard to the question of human slavery) and Jesse Eddy and wife, Clarissa and Jane Bronson. Of this number only Ransom Bnmson remains. The ohurcli building was erected in 1845, costing abont one thousand dollars. The dedicatory sermon was preached by James Laugdon. .Jahial Porter and John McCloud were the first regular preachers. The existing membership is fifty-tive. William B. Moody is jiastor. The two chnrciies unite in a sabbath school, wiiich has a membership of forty-five, with J. M. Geer as su]>erintendent.

A Congregational society was organized aliout the year 1820 liy Rev. Mr. Shaber of Richfield and was composed of the following members: Boltis Ruple, Marshall Culver and wife, Mrs. Mary Osborn, Mrs. Roxana Nichols, Sterling Coddard and wife. Wdliam Brown and wife. Sterling Goddanl and Boltis Ruple were appointed deacons. This society never ei'ected a house of worsl'.ip.

The First Baptist Chnreh of Columbia, located ac the Center was organized May 13, 1832, with nineteen mcmbei's, as follows: John Stranahan, .John Cole, Robert Fuller, Abel Goodwin, from the Baptist church in Liverpool, Medina county; Simeon Crocker, .Jeremiah Chamberlain, who had letters from a, ciiurch in the east; Mary Goodwin, Amelia Crocker, Clarissa Crocker, Nancy Bigelow, Margaret Chamberlain, Prudence Stranahan, Olive Goodwin, Betsey Cole, Mary Cole, Constant G. Cole, William Cole, Robert N. Fuller, and .lohn Cole, Jr. Elder James Ilovey otliciated as moderator; Abel (Joodwin was iliosen clerk. Of the constituent members, two only. William Cole and John Cole, remain. The erection of the building was commenced in 1841, but was not (-(iinpleted until 1848. The church has at present a membership of one hundred and four. Rev. L. Yarmdl is pastoi', N. N. Cole, clerk, and .John Cole and ( 'yrus Ives, deacons. A Sabbath school was organized in 184T. The officers and teachers at present number eleven; scholars, eighty-three; superintendent, N. N. ' Cole.

The first school was opened by Mrs. Sally Bronson, in iier own house, in the summer of 1808. The number of her scholars was ten. The following winter her husband, Bela Bronson, taught a school in Lemuel Hoadley's blacksmith shop. Rev. Dr. Bron- son, son of these pioneer educators, speaks as follows in i-egard to the opportunities afforded for acquiring an education more than rudimentary:

" My own experience will illustrate the difficulty of obtaining anything beyond what the district school afforded. In 1H:M I set out to obtain an education. An old Latin graniniai' was found and studied nn<ler the instruction of Rev. Luke Bowen of Strongrsvitle. After a while a dictionary was neeiled We sold a cow for ei^ht d'>llars and with this sum I mounted a horse and rode more than a hundred miles in a fruitless search for a Latin dictionary. This led to my going to Talimadge and studying with Elizur Wright, Esq., where I could have the use of a dictionary. Thei'e I remained three months, working two days in the week for Francis Wright for my board, and two days in the montli for hisfatlaer to pay m3' tuition. After this I found the required book and a teaclier nearer home."

A private school was taught at the house of T. G. Bronson by Rev. V. P. Bronson, in 183.5. The first school house in town was erected in 1817, on lot thirty-six. From the report of the clerk of the board of education for the year ending August 31, 1878, we present the following statistics:

Early Events

The first white child born in Columbia was Sally Hoadley, daughter of Lemuel Hoadley, Jr. This interesting event occurred September 36, 1808, She became thi wife of Albert Terrel, who now lives in Ridgeviile. On the 17th of October following Calvin Geer, son of James Geer, was born, and his was the second birth in town. Mr. Geer is yet living, and resides in Olmsted. In the spring of 1809, Marcus Terrell married Dillie Doan, - Esquire Nathaniel Doan, the bride's father, performing the ceremony. This was the first marriage. The next was that of Horace Gunn to Anna Pritchard, in .Tune of the same year. The first death was that of a child of Lathrop Seymour, in 1809. It was buried on Nathaniel Doan's farm, east of the center. The first adult death was that of Mrs. Ciiloe Tyler, mother of Mrs. Lemuel Hoadley, in August, 1810. She was buried in Benoni Adams' orchard. The old burying ground was laid out in 1811. The first interment was that of Azor Bronson; the next that of Bela Bronson.

The first post office in town was established about the year 1817. The first post master was Thomas G. Bronson, who kept the office in his house. The name selected was the Indian name for Rocky river, -'Copokah." In the papers sent from Washington the word was mis-written Copojm, and the error was never corrected. The postal route extended from Cleveland to Liverpool, a man by tiie name of Mallett being the first mail carrier. He received fifty dollars per year, making the trip on foot once a week.

Harmon Bronson, in the fall of 1816, built the first frame house in Columbia, on sub-lot four. The first frame barn was built by Tin othy Doan, in 1836. The first brick house was that of Simeon Nichols, on lot forty-seven. Harmon Bronson brought the first mercantile goods into town in 1816. He kept his "store" in his house on the hill, half a mile east of the center. He also, the year following, brought the first cast iron plow ever seen in these parts. In 1819 the first bridge tliat ever sjianncd Rocky river, was built half a mile south of tlio center. The first doctor was Zophaniah Potter, wlio began to dispense jalap and calomel in 1809. In 1813 Potter was town clerk, and while his wife was out in the woods with her servant one day, gathering grapes, his house burned to the ground and the town records were destroyed. The deed was supposed to have been committed by Indians, out of revenge. Dr. Potter iuxving assisted Dr. Long, of Cleveland, in dissecting the body of the Indian Oniik, who was hung there for the murder of two men in Huron county a short time before. The present doctor is Asahel Culver. The first shoemaker was Mrs. James Geer. Slie was the widow Parker, mentioned as one of the orginal party from Waterbury, Conn. She remained in Cleveland the first winter, and while there married James Geer. Her former husband was a shoenuiker, and Mrs. Parker, in emigrating to this country, brought his outfit of tools with her. She made slioes for the women, but the work of making boots, wliich were entirely sewed in those days, was too irksome for her, and after tcaeliing lier husband tlie trade she resigned the work to liim. Lemuel Hoadloy constructed the pioneer fanning-mill of Culuinbia.

The first orchard was set out by John Williams a short distance north of Copopo. J. Warner erected in the fall of 1813 the first cider-mill, near tlie block house. The first tavern was kept by Samuel Pardee, in 1813, in a log house on lot thirty-six. Rev. Mr. Hyde, a Presbyterian, was the first resident minister. The first blacksmith was Lemuel Hoadley, Sr. His shop was built in 1808, on lot forty-seven.

The Militia

In the year 1810, a com})any of militia, composed of men from tlie townsliips of Columbia, Ridgeviile, Eaton, and also Middleburg in Cuyahoga county, was organized. Tlie following are the names of tlie members :

In the election of officers, Calvin Hoadley was chosen captain; Lemuel Hoadley, lieutenant; Lathrop Seymour, ensign; Elias Frost, first sergeant; Samuel Potter, second sergeant; Daniel Bronson, third sergeant; Bela Bronson, fourth sergeant; Capt. Levi Bronson, first corporal; Capt. Samuel Hiekox, second corporal: and Jared Pritch:ird, third corporal.

After the selection of these "old soldiers" as corj)orals, young Eli Hiekox stepped up and said: "I'll be the fourth to carry the jug for the old men," and was thereujion elected fourth corporal. Joseph Burke was drummer; Marshall Culver and Zephaniah Potter, fifers.

The intelligence of Hull's surrender produced a feeling of the gravest apprehension among the inhabitants; and when, shortly afterward, the information was circulated that a large party of men, ragged ami dirty, and some with blankets around them, and handkerchiefs on their heads, were seen landing at Huron, the wildest excitement jirevai led. They were believed to be British and Indians overrunning the country, and the people of Columbia, and those of Ridgeviile and Eaton also, sought safety in flight. Every wagon, cart and sled was loaded, and a, general exodus made for Hudson - an older settled town, then under the protection of the forces of Gen. Wadswortli. who was stationed at "Old Portage." Men, women and children, cattle, slice]) and hogs, inarched along in iiromiscnons confu.sion.

Roswell Scovill, having no other means of conveyance, tied a feather-bed on to an unbroken pet colt, placed his wife and babe, then three weeks old, upon it, and thus took them in safety to Hudson, a distance of thirty miles. Tlie first night, some of them encanijied on the ridge between Brunswick and Strongsville; some to the east of that ridge; while others took up their cpiarters in the old log house of Silas Burke. Uncle Oliver Terrell could not be induced to enter the house, but preferred the exposure of a lodgment on the ground to the more dangerous one, as he believed, in the house. Sentinels were placed to observe the approach of danger, and every preparation made to prevent surprise. That same night, however, Levi Bronson, who, to obtain more definite information in regard to the report, had gone to Cleveland, arrived with the cheering information that the party supposed to be British and Indians, were Hull's jtaroled iM'isoiiers, and the ])eople thereupon returned to tiieir homes.

On their flight, believing their homes would be pillaged and burned, they concealed many of their household goods in the woods, hiding them in hollow logs, in the thick brush, and in other places where they believed tliem safe from the suppo.sed invaders. When they returned, many valued articles, which they suppo.sed were effectually concealed, lay on the ground in plain sight, while others of but little worth (U' use were so securelv hid tliat it was impossible again to find them.

After the return of the fugitives, Capt. Hoadley, to re-assure the people, called out the militia, and immediately afterward received orders from Gen. Wadswortli to proceed with his comjjany to the defence of Cleveland. This the doughty captain ])erein]itorily refused to do, and thus leave the people without protection in time of danger, lie was therefore not court-mart i.iledf or di.sobcdieuce of orders, but directed to establish "frontier military lieadipuirtcrs " in Coliunbia, and tiie erection of

Tue Block House

SO long a historical landmark of this exciting period, was accordingly begun, under the direction of David Beebe, of Ridgeville. Its location was a short distance south of Copopo, on the east side of the river. The building was some thirty-five feet square, two stories, the upper projecting over the lower story two feet on the sides, with a row of port-holes in each story. While in course of erection the militia occupied the house of Mrs. Azor Bronson near by. The fort was garrisoned for about three months. The company was furnished, by the United States government, with new rifles, which were brought by Sylvester Morgan, and two others on horseback, from Cleveland. About one-half of the company afterwards became substitutes for drafted men, and served Under Gen. Harrison.

Until Perry's victory on Lake Erie, in September, 1813, the red coat and the scaljiing knife haunted the settlers in visions )jy day and in dreams by night; and a rumor, however improbable, would cause immediate flight to the fort.

In the spring of 1813, Benoni Adams, while in search of some cattle, spied Joseph Burke as he was getting over a brush fence some distance from him, and it occurred to Adams to have a little sport. Evidences of Indians in the immediate vicinity had recently been seen, and, when Adams gave a shout in imitation of the Indian's warwhoop, Burke darted off like a deer for his house. Adams, seeing his fright, and fearing the cousequeuces of his Joke, called after him to stop, but that only frightened Burke the more. Arriving at his house, he ap[)rised his family of their danger, and, with their youngest child in his arms, Mrs. Burke following with the rest, set out for the fort, Burke yelling "Indians!" all the way. The alarm spread rapidly, and many ludicrous scenes were enacted.

Mrs. Azor Bronson, then a widow, lived a short distance from the fort, and the family of Noah Warner lived with her. Mrs. Bronson, on hearing the alarm, collected together a few tilings, and, seizing an old musket that had neither lock nor stock, with which to defend herself, started for the fort; while Jlrs. Warner took a kettle of beans from over the fire and followed, in her terror forgetting her babe in the cradle.

After the close of the war small bands of Indians oc- 1 :isionally returned to the Columbia hunting grounds. The last of them was a small party that encamped one winter on the bank of the river opjjosite the block house, in which, that same winter, Samuel Potter I aught school. In the spring they went south, and only an occasional Indian was afterwards seen.