Morgan Township

Morgan Township

Imaginary boundary lines often divide districts of land whose physical features are greatly unlike, and separate people whose nativity, language, and customs are totally diverse. Instances of this kind, however, are not to be found in Ashtabula County. While but slight dissimilarity in the topography of the land and character of the soil of the townships of the county is discoverable, the most striking uniformity in respect to the character of the people exists throughout the length and breadth of old Ashtabula. So few of her townships were settled by other than Connecticut emigrants, that it may be said, without much distortion of fact, that the small stream of immigration that eighty years ago began to flow hither, gradually widening and deepening until in a few years it became a mighty river, annually carrying upon its bosom hundreds of pioneers whom it landed in this region, had but one source, and that source lay within the limits of the little State of Connecticut. Thus were the pioneers of Morgan of Connecticut extraction. Its soil was first owned by the State of Connecticut, then by the Connecticut land company, then by a Connecticut man, who gave to it his Connecticut name, then by a Connecticut company, who employed a Connecticut surveyor to survey it into lots and prepare it for settlement, which was effected by Connecticut citizens. If there can be any doubt as to the right of Morgan to claim Connecticut parentage, it would be interesting to know from what source that doubt can spring.

John Morgan, of New Haven, Connecticut, member of the Connecticut land company, became proprietor of the lands of this township September 5, 1798, but soon after sold his possession to the Torringford land company, composed of the following gentlemen: Eliphalet Austin, Montgomery Austin, Win. Battell, Joseph Battell, John Gillett, David Soper, Jabez Gillett, Job Curtis, Samuel J. Mills, Stephen Kuowlton, N. Gaylord, Jr., and John Strong, and this company employed Timothy R. Hawley, of Farmington, Hartford county, Connecticut, to survey the township into lots. This task Mr. Hawley completed in the summer of 1801. He commenced at the northwest corner and surveyed the tract into one hundred acres each, excepting the last and south tiers, which are fractional. The lots are numbered from west to east, beginning with the west lot of the northern tier. For this service Mr. Hawley received from the company that employed him a deed of lots numbers 5, 87, and 123, and of the mill-site on Rock creek, lying on lots numbers 115 and 125; the company stipulating that

Mr. Hawley should, within one year from the time he should settle in the township, erect a saw-mill on said mill-site. Having completed the survey and opened a road from Austinburg through this township to Gustavus, in Trumbull county, Mr. Hawley went to Connecticut and returned in June of the following year with his family. This gentleman occupied a prominent place in the early settlement of Morgan, surveying as agent for the Torringford land company, acting as postmaster by appointment of General Granger, and as justice of the peace, to which office he was chosen by the votes of the people at the first State election, in 1803. He finally was invited to fill the office of clerk of the court of common pleas, to attend to the duties of which office he removed to the county-seat, in Jefferson, where he resided the remainder of his life.

Early Events

The first school-house in Morgan was erected by Nathan and Asa Gillett, in the fall of 1801, who emigrated from Farmington, Connecticut, in this year, and settled on lots 67 and 77. This house, which was erected in November of this year, on the northeast corner of lot 77, was a building eighteen feet square, built of round logs, being eight logs in height. The interstices between the logs were filled with split timber, and over this a coating placed, formed of mud and clay. The roof was formed of long strips of elm bark, supported by poles that extended across the top, and the bark kept in its place by heavier poles placed upon it. It was lighted by three apertures of about two feet square, to which were fixed rude sash, glazed with paper, oiled so as to admit the light. The floor consisted of ash or hickory logs, hewn ou the upper side. It was warmed by means of a chimney made of sticks and mud, having a stone back as high as the upper floor. In this rude structure lived the family of Nathan Gillett, consisting of ten persons, for nearly three years. In the year 1804, Mr. Gillett erected a new log house on lot 67, and then this primitive dwelling served as the first school-house. Miss Diantha Wilcox being the first teacher in the summer of 1804, having from eight to twelve pupils. In the winter following Mr. Quintus F. Atkins was the teacher in this building, having from fifteen to twenty pupils.

Mr. Eli Porter, from Colebrook, Connecticut, came to Austinburg, in August, 1801, and in the succeeding fall attempted to effect a settlement on lots Nos. 57 and 58, but his health failing him he abandoned the idea, and, being taken up the Grand river to the residence of Solomon Griswold, in Windsor, in the winter of this year expired at that place. J. B. Battell, from Torringford, Connecticut, began an improvement on lot No. 8, in the early part of 1802, and built his house some twenty-five rods from the west line of the lot. He afterwards purchased from D. M. Curtis lot No. 7, with its improvements; Mr. Curtis having labored thereon during the winter of 1801-2. Moses C. Wilcox, brother-in-law of Eli Porter, came to the township early in the spring of 1802, and built himself a house on lot No. 58. His father, Hosea Wilcox, arrived in June of the same year, but soon went back to Connecticut, in company with Nathan Gillett, for his family, and returned to Morgan on the 12th day of November. Edmund Strong found his way to Morgan early in 1802, and set himself industriously to work clearing off about four or five acres of ground on lot No. 48, which he sowed to wheat in the fall, and then returned to Connecticut for his family. Returning again to Morgan in March, 1803, he chose lots 139, 140, and 150, and began improving the same. In the summer of 1802, Captain John Wright, of Winsted, Litchfield county, Connecticut, having exchanged his little Connecticut farm for about eight hundred acres of land, a part of the Torringford land company's purchase, in the Western Reserve, accompanied by his family, consisting of himself and his wife, four sons, and one daughter, and furnished with a heavy wagon drawn by four oxen, having an extra horse to be used as occasion might require, and a cow to provide the party with milk, in those days a very necessary article of food, started for the Land of Promise, their objective point being Morgan township, in New Connecticut, where the whole party arrived on the 8th day of July, being nearly two months in completing the journey. Mr. Wright selected lots Nos. 57 and 124, and began at once to improve the tract he had chosen. He prepared and sowed to wheat five acres of ground, and by the middle of October had erected him a log house twenty by thirty feet, in which he now took up his residence.

Sebe Bronson arrived in August, 1802, and selected lots 12 and 22. Quintus F. Atkins, from Barkhamstead, Connecticut, arrived in November, 1802, and took up lot No. 59. Roswell Stephens, from Austinburg, but formerly from Connecticut, purchased of T. R. Hawley a part of lot 123, and erected a log house thereon early in the spring of 1803. Isaac II. Phelps, from Canaan, Connecticut, settled on lot 119, June 3, 1803, and on the fourth day of July, of the same year, James Stone, from the same place, chose lot 18, and began to improve it. Luman Beach, from Geneva, New York, formerly from Connecticut, arrived in 1804, and settled on lot No. 70. Among the arrivals of this year were those of Stephen Knowlton, Erastus Flowers, Jesse D. Hawley, and Joseph Bates.

The first marriage was solemnized on the twenty-eighth day of September, 1803, between J. B. Battell and Lydia P. Gillett. At this early day those who were commissioned to perform this duty were far from being numerous, and in this instance it became necessary to send to Warren, a distance of thirty miles, in order to obtain a justice of the peace for the occasion. Mr. George Phelps, the first settler in Windsor, was the officiating justice who legally tied the knot. It is said that he was successful in accomplishing the task, but when the ceremony was over turned to the bride's father and said, " Sir, if there is any praying to be done you must do it yourself." Among other early matrimonial alliances may be mentioned that of Edmund Strong and Ann Gillett, December 8, 1803; that of Quintus F. Atkins and Sally Wright, February 21, 1804; and that of John Wright, Jr., and Saloma Gillett, June 12, 1804.

The first religious service of a public character in the township was held on the fourteenth day of November, 1802, at the residence of Captain John Wright, Rev. Joseph Badger officiating. There were then about twenty-six souls in the new settlement, and nearly all were present at this service. Religious gatherings on the Sabbath-day were of regular occurrence thereafter.

John Wright and his son John, in 1803, purchased of Mr. Hawley the millsite which he had contracted to improve; and on the twelfth and thirteenth days of October of this year, by the united help of all the settlers that could be gathered together from Harpersfield, Austinburg, and Morgan, succeeded in erecting the first saw-mill in the township. This property was afterwards purchased by Ambrose Humphrey, who built the first grist-mill propelled by water, in the year 1808.

The infant settlement escaped the visitation of the enemy to human life, who sooner or later is certain to make his presence felt wherever human souls are congregated, until the eighth day of January, 1806, when the little daughter of J. B. Battell died, and this first death was soon succeeded by the demise of Sylvester Wilcox, who was accidentally killed by the fall of a tree on the fifteenth day of April following. His was the first death of a grown person in the

The people of Morgan early recognized the importance of religious and educational training, and the Torringford land company showed its good will and liberality in this wise direction by setting apart lot No. 38 and donating it to the township for the use of schools; lot 75 was given for a parsonage; one-half of lot 76 to the first minister who should be established in the township; and five acres from the northwest corner of lot 88 for a public square, on which the settlers were directed to erect a church and other public buildings.

On the twelfth day of February, 1804, the inhabitants of Morgan collected together, headed by the Rev. Thomas Robbins, of Connecticut, for the purpose of clearing this tract and preparing it for the execution of those designs which were in view in granting it to the township. Mr. Robbins began the goodly work himself by cutting the first tree. In 1805 a log building was erected, which was used during the week for a school-house, and on the Sabbath as a place for divine worship. The proprietors in this company deserve much praise for their liberality, evinced in these generous donations towards the infant colony in Morgan. The wise and liberal policy which they adopted has borne much fruit, as may readily be seen in the enlightened, moral, and religious character of the people who to-day inhabit this township; in their enterprise; in their prosperity; in the rapid growth in population ; in the progress made in manufacturing and other industries; in the beautiful and prosperous village which is the centre of the people's thrift and energy.

Lines Of Travel

Difficulty of transportation was a serious drawback in the early settlement of Morgan. The first road leading south from the lake was the one which the pioneers of the township traversed in pushing their way into the infant colony.

This road began at the mouth of Ashtabula creek and extended in a soutliwestwardly direction over the ridge until it reached the north line of Austinburg, at the centre of this line, thence passing through the township southwardly. It deviated to the east so as to pass one mile to the east of the centre of Morgan, and passed out of Morgan at its southeast corner. The Torringford land company employed Mr. T. R. Hawley in 1801 to open that portion of this road that passes through this township, and on in a southeasterly direction to Gustavus, in Trumbull county. This road became a thoroughfare of immigration, and often was in such a condition that four or five barrels of salt was a full load for a team of four sturdy oxen ; and nine or ten miles were a good day's journey. Previous to the year 1808, when a grist-mill was erected by Ambrose Humphrey, the people of Morgan were compelled to go to Austinburg for their grist, and before they raised enough potatoes, wheat, etc., to answer for their subsistence, they had to transport these articles a distance of forty or fifty miles, and thus were compelled not only to pay an exorbitant price for these necessary articles of food, but, owing to the condition of the roads, obtained them at the expense of great personal hardship. Roads were subsequently laid out in the township as follows : December, 1814, from Morgan to Lenox, on petition of Jas. Walling and others. June, 1816, from the dwelling-house of Clement Tuttle, lot No. 6, through the centre of said township. June, 1817, from the centre road eastwardly to the centre road in Lenox. December, 1817, from A. Fenton's to Foot's mill; same date, from north side of Rock Creek to New Lyme road. March, 1818, from lot No. 8 to road leading from New Lyme to Rome. March, 1825, Morgan and Trumbull road, beginning near the house of Roger Foot in Morgan, thence wcstwardly to the State road leading from Harpersfield to Windsor. June, 1825, Chardon and Jefferson road from Grand river to the turnpike. December, 1828, from near Jesse D. Hawley's to intersect the Trumbull road near M. Beach's laud.

The first frame house in the township was erected by Stephen Knowlton, in the year 1811, on lot 68. The building still stands, and is now used for the storage of farm machinery. The first brick house was erected in 1864, by O. W. Lee, on lot 8, in the northeast portion of the township.

The first settled physician in Morgan was Dr. Isaac Weed, who came to the township about 1817 or 1818, and settled on lot 67. He remained in the township but a short time.

The first cheese-factory in Morgan was built in 1866 or 1867, by Mr. B. C. Randall, on lot 113. This factory was operated only three or four years. In the spring of 1870 a cheese-factory was erected and put into operation on lot 95, a short distance north of the village, by Harrington & Randall. During the years 1870 and 1871 about 240,000 pounds of cheese were manufactured annually at this factory. In the spring of 1872 the factory was sold to Martin Merrifield. Since then it has changed proprietors several times. In the spring of 1877 it was consolidated with Mr. Dean's butter-factory, in the south part of the village.

Organization

The township was organized in the year 1819. The old records of the township were destroyed by fire in the year 1866, in consequence of which the names of the early officers cannot be obtained.

Rock Creek Village

The village, or, as it was originally called, " the town of Rock Creek," was incorporated as such in the spring of 1849. To N. L. Chaffee, at that time representative for the county in the Ohio State legislature, are the people of this village indebted for introducing and securing the passage of the act of incorporation. The incorporation includes the whole of original lots Nos. 115, 116, 125, 126, and the south half of lots Nos. 105 and 106.

Roger Foot and family came to Morgan in 1814, with the intention to build a grist-mill, and purchased a mill-site on Rock creek, above where Ambrose Humphrey had already a saw-mill and grist-mill, he having built tbe latter in 1S08.

Mr. Foot offered to buy out Mr. Humphrey, which he reluctantly accepted. Foot then repaired both saw-mill aud grist-mill, rendering them more efficient than before, - added another run of stone, and improved water-wheels, etc.

Settlers were coming in yearly to this town and adjoining ones, making large demands for mill work, especially for grinding. This mill had the grinding, not only for this town, but for Rome. New Lyme, and Lenox. Wheat became so plenty as to be unsaleable, which induced Mr. Foot and his son Roger to make an effort to make flour which would be saleable in a distant market. In order to effect this it was necessary to have a set of buhr-stones and a new bolting-cloth. Iu 1824. Roger, Jr., journeyed to Buffalo and Rochester to purchase those items enumerated, but could find no stones to suit him, - was told he might select his blocks and have them put together under his superintendence, which he did. The mill thus fitted up was capable of making a superior article of superfine flour, which, on being sent to New York, was surpassed by but one brand in market. It is said, also, that the first flour shipped to New York from this county was shipped from this mill. In this connection it is worthy of mention that, after the woods bordering on Rock creek became cleared, the water failed in the latter part of the summer, inducing Roger, Jr., to build a mill on Grand river especially adapted to low water. It is now owned and occupied by John Schaffer, who has enlarged and rendered it a very excellent mill. Roger Foot and his son Ro^er were highly serviceable in this community, as are all pioneers, iu a greater or less degree, in new settled neighborhoods.

Manufacturing Interests

Probably no one branch of business has contributed so much towards making Rock Creek the thrifty and enterprising village it is as have her tanneries. The first tannery was erected as early as 1821, by Joseph Ferry, on the present site of Mr. Wilcox's tannery, in the west part of the corporation. This Mr. Ferry was proprietor of for about twelve years, when he sold to Mr. A. B. Sperry. Mr. Sperry conducted the business at this stand some fourteen or fifteen years, when he transferred the property to a Mr. Bidwell Strickland, who was proprietor for about five years, and sold to Robert Harper. Mr. Harper, after continuing as proprietor a few years, sold to the present owner, Mr. A. C. Wilcox. Mr. Wilcox, since becoming proprietor, has repaired and added to the original buildings and has successfully conducted a large business. The front part of the present buildings is the same as first erected in 1821.

In 1830 or '31 a second tannery was erected; the same one managed at present by Tilden & Phillips, on Water street. This was built and put into operation by G. W. Quigley, who was proprietor for about eight years, when he sold to a Mr. Anson Wilbur. It afterwards changed hands several times, until it became the property of Frank Lewis, who did a large business for several years, and sold to Mr. Tilden.

Deacon Silas Coveil and son. Herman Coveil, in 1843, built a tannery a short distance east of Tilden's, and worked at the business for a few years, when they sold to Hitt & Co. This firm conducted the business for awhile and then leased to Randall & Cook, and while they were doing business the buildings were burned. This firm then erected new and larger buildings, and carried on a very extensive business until Mr. Randall's death.

In 1S49 a fourth tannery was erected by J. F. Baldwin & Sons. This tannery was located outside of the incorporation, on lot 104, about a half-mile west of the village. This building was a commodious one, substantially made, and very conveniently arranged for the purposes for which it was intended, the tanning of sole-leather, which was carried on very extensively until about the year 1861 or 1S62, when business was suspended and the building removed.

A carding and cloth-dressing factory was erected and put into operation, in the year 1831, by Roger and Lauren Foot. About 1850 the Farmers' company purchased the buildings, and added machinery for the manufacture of woolen goods. In 1863, Thomas Butcher became proprietor, and conducted a large business until the factory was burned, in 1868.

There are at present in the village two quite extensive carriage-manufactories, J. W. Stebbins being the proprietor of one and 31. N. Gardner of the other. 3Ir. Stebbins has been a carriage-manufacturer a number of years, and has conducted a very large business. 3Ir. Gardner, though more recently established, keeps a number of men employed, and turns out annually about fifty carriages.

The Morgan Savings And Loan Association

The Morgan Savings and Loan Association was organized in the fall of 1871, and commenced business about the 1st of November with a capital stock of fifty thousand dollars, divided into shares of two hundred and fifty dollars each. Frederick Harrington was chosen the first president, A. B. Watkins the first cashier, and J. 31. Watkins assistant cashier. 3Ir. I. Champion succeeded 3Ir. Harrington as president in January, 1874, and in 3Iarch following, W. W. Watkins succeeded his brother, J. 31. Watkins, as assistant cashier. In the same year 31r. Champion, the president, died, and 3Ir. A. B. Watkins was elected president and W. AY. AA'atkins cashier. In 3Iay, 1876, 3Ir. A. B. Watkins died, and 3Ir. E. 31. Covell was chosen president, and still continues to hold the office, as does 31 r. AAr. W. AATatkins that of cashier.

The brick building used by the bank (on 3Iain street) was erected in 1872, and cost about three thousand dollars. The bank does a good business, and has paid until the last year a semi-annual dividend of four per cent, on its capital stock, and during the past year a semi-annual dividend of three per cent.

The board of directors for 1877 consists of E. 31. Covell, Thomas Walkley, George 3Iorey, E. G. Hurlburt, J. B. Graham, Giles Crosby, and A'. D. Latimer.

The organization of the first church in 3Iorgan was effected by the Presbyterians, in the year 1819, with a membership of about thirty. Previous to this date they had been connected with the church at Austinburg. The first church building in the township was erected by this society iu the year 1829, on the southwest corner of lot 76, at the geographical centre of the township. This building was moved to its present location on High street, in the village, in the year 1845 or 1846. The first settled pastor was Rev. Randolph Stone. The present pastor is Rev. 3Ir. Stafford ; the membership numbers about one hundred and twenty, and the valuation of church property, including parsouage, is five thousand dollars.

Main St, Rock Creek, Ashtabula Co.,0 The Methodist Episcopal Church

was organized in 1822, at the log cabin of William Latimer, Rev. Alfred Bronson preaching the first sermon. The first class consisted of William Latimer and wife, Hiram Latimer and wife, and Hugh Monteith and wife; William Latimer, leader. In 1843-44 this society erected their church building, corner of Main and High streets, in the village. The church was rebuilt in 18G1, at an expense of eighteen hundred and fifty-one dollars. The present pastor is Rev. L. H. Baker; the membership, one hundred and ten; and the value of church property, four thousand dollars.

was organized in March, 1874, and has been in a prosperous condition until the present time. Their church building, a brick structure on Lawton street, was erected in the fall of 1874, at an expense of over five thousand dollars.

In March and April of this year, immediately after the organization of the church, there was conducted a series of protracted meetings, at the close of which accessions to the church were made, so that it then numbered one hundred members. The present membership is about one hundred and forty.

Public Schools

A graded-school system was organized in the village of Rock Creek, in the year 1871. The high-school building, a two-story brick structure, situated on High street, was erected in 1869, at a cost of twelve thousand dollars.

The first principal was Professor G. E. Barber, who had charge of the school during the years 1871-72. The following are the names of the succeeding principals: C. W. Henry, 1872-73; II. A. Gladding, 1873-74; L. L. Hamlin, 1874-77 ; F. 0. Reeve, present principal, 1877. During the past year there was an enrollment of two hundred and five students. The present board of directors consists of A. McCausland, president ; M. N. Gardner, clerk ; II. J. Coveil, treasurer; D. C. Sperry, 0. A. Dolph, and E. P. Noble.

Rock Creek Lodge, No. 277, F. and A. M., was chartered October 22, 1856. The charter members were J. W. Adgate, E. Y. Crowell, H. 51. Root, David Bat-tram, Benjamin St. John, Oliver Hitt, E. A. Wright, E. A. Ensign, Theodore Ensign, Rev. A. D. Morton.

In 1864 the lodge built rooms in the third story of a frame block on the corner of 5Iain and Water streets, which were destroyed by fire, together with contents, January 20, 1866. No insurance was held on the property. In 1867 the lodge bought and fitted up into pleasant rooms the north one-half of the third story of the present brick block, on the corner of 5Iain and Water streets, - the same site occupied by the building containing their first rooms.

The present officers are W. L. Covell, W. 51. ; L. D. Webster, S. W. ; H. F. Hunt, J. W. ; D. C. Sperry, Treas. ; H. J. Coveil, Sec. ; R. E. St. John, S. D. ; J. F. Windram, J. D. ; Robert Kinghorn, Tyler; II. 51. Root and E. II. Pifer, Stewards. The present membership of the lodge is forty-two.

Grand River Chapter, No. 104, Royal Arch Masons. - April 6, 1867, Hon. George Rex, Grand High-Priest of Royal Arch 5Iasons of the State of Ohio, granted a dispensation to Companions Alexander 5IcCausland, Marion Brown, S. T. Fuller, L. L. Bennett; J. T. Harvey, Dwight L. Crosby, Wm. D. Cady, J. B. Graham, G. R. Webster, Wm. B. Quirk, 5V. W. Sargent, and Geo. E. Gee, authorizing them to constitute and establish a chapter of Royal Arch 5Iasons in the village of Rock Creek, nominating and appointing Companions Alexander 5IcCausland the first High-Priest, 5Iarion Brown King, and S. T. Fuller Scribe. 5Iay 2, 1867, the following additional officers were appointed, viz. : Companion Wm. B. Quirk, C. of H. ; L. L. Bennett, P. S. ; Wm. D. Cady, II. A. C. ; J. B. Graham, G. 51. 3d V. ; D. L. Crosby, G. 51. 2d V. ; Geo. R. Webster, G. 51. 1st V. ; J. T. Harvey, T. ; D. L. Crosby, S. ; W. W. Sargent, G.

The chapter has generally been in a prosperous condition, but its membership has been somewhat reduced by the withdrawal of some members to start the new chapter at Jefferson, within the former jurisdiction of this chapter.

In 1867 the lodge bought and finished off their present rooms, in the third story of the brick block, corner of 5Iain and Water streets. These rooms are commodious and nicely furnished. The lodge numbers fifty members, and the present officers are L. S. Geunther, N. G. ; O. W. Evans, V. G. ; 5Iilton Wilder, R. S. ; N. G. Foot, P. S. ; Collins Latimer, Treas. ; J. J. Hoyt, A. Campbell, and

Morgan Grange , No. 1301, P. of II., was organized in February, 1877. The following are the names of the charter members : A. 5IcCausland, II. J. Covell,

P. A. 51 oses, J. J. Hoyt, I. N. Latimer, J. II. Wheeler, J. II. 5Ioses, S. 51. Schoville, and their wives, and W. P. Gallup, H. S. Covell, A. Rossiter, 5Iiss Ellen Devan, and Mrs. 5Iary Schoville.

The present officers are II. J. Covell, 51aster; J. J. Hoyt, Overseer; A. 5IcCausland, Lecturer; E. P. Hubbard, Steward; P. A. 5Ioses, Assistant Steward ; I. N. Latimer, Chaplain ; O. Hoyt, Treas. ; W. P. Gallup, Sec. ; L. R. Brockway, G. K. ; 5Irs. C. C. Babb, Ceres ; 5Irs. P. A. 5Ioses, Flora ; 5Irs. II. J. Covell, Pomona ; 5Iiss Ellen Devan, Lady Assistant Steward. The present membership of the grange is twenty-seven.

The Young Men's Christian Association was organized in the spring of 1877, by 51. N. Gardner, president of the Rome association. The first and present officers are Wm. E. Gallup, president; Horton Harvey, vice-president; 5Iiss Addie Pettis, secretary; John Kenevig, treasurer. At the organization of the society there were but fifteen members, while at present the association numbers forty members. 5Ieetings are held in the parlors of the Odd-Fellows' hall every Tuesday evening, with good results, several conversions having occurred among the members since the organization of the association.

The Woman's Christian Temperance Association was organized under the name of the Temperance League, in February, 1874. The first officers were Herman Covell, president; 5Irs. Holt, vice-president; and 5Irs. E. Lee Conkling, secretary. The society was subsequently reorganized into the Woman's Christian Temperance association. 5Ieetings are held weekly. The present officers are 5Irs. Holt, president, and 5Irs. Conkling, secretary.

The Ashtabula And New Lisbon Railroad Scheme

In 1854 an effort was made by men in Ashtabula, Austinburg, 5Iorgan, and towns south to New Lisbon, Columbiana county, to build a railroad from Ashtabula through these towns to Warren and New Lisbon, to be called the Ashtabula and New Lisbon railroad.

Some of the enterprising citizens of Rock Creek, desiring the advantages of railroad communication, and thiuking the interests of their village would be greatly enhanced by securing such a railroad, manifested a good deal of interest in the proposed work, and at the same time subscribed heavily to the capital stock. 5Ir. Lemuel Clark and Deacon Silas Covell were the principal stockholders in 5Iorgan. 5Ir. Clark lost by this enterprise the neat little sum of twenty-five thousand dollars, which he paid to the company in land at twenty dollars per acre, thus requiring twelve hundred and fifty acres, to which the company received a good and sufficient warranty deed, and for which 51 r. Clark, by reason of the failure of the undertaking and the irresponsibility of the company, received not anything of value. 5Ir. Covell and others who took stock in the road also lost all they invested.

Mercantile Interests

The first store in 5Iorgan was opened by a 5Ir. Hart, about the year 1823. It was located near the present site of 5Ir. Wilcox's tannery. It was a small concern in comparison to the present stores in the village. The next year after Mr. Hart opened this primitive store, G. W. St. John & Co. opened a store in a building which stood on the present site of the large brick block corner of Main and Water streets. They carried quite an extensive stock for those days. The goods were owned by the "Co." part of the firm, consisting of Joab Austin, of Austinburg, and Dr. 0. K. Hawley.

The following exhibits the business of 1S78: Three general merchandise stores, three drug-stores, three hardware-stores, two boot- and shoe-stores, two furniture-stores, one bank, one hotel, one grocery-store, one restaurant, one harnessshop, two millinery-stores, one jewelry-store, one job printing-office, one liverystable, one market, one barber-shop, one carding-faetory, two tanneries, one gristmill, one steam saw-mill, two carriage-manufactories, one tin-shop, one foundry and machine-shop, one planing- and matching-mill, one cheese-box factory, one wagon-shop, and four blacksmith-shops. There are also in the village two photographers'-rooms, four physicians, and one dentist.

The Execution Of Po-Che-Ka

" I was as well acquainted with Po-ehc-ka, the young chief of the Chippewa tribe, as with any Indian I ever knew, having spent many a winter evening with him in acquiring his language aud imparting to him our own, and the history and geography of our country, while he in return would exhibit on the floor geographical outlines of the country his and neighboring tribes occupied, bordering on the great lakes and in Canada. Some eight or ten years passed on and we usually met with our accustomed 'Sago niche' (How do you do, friend?). But our interviews were soon to end. Po-che-ka and a half-breed Indian committed murder. Two young men by the name of Buell, from Bloomfield, Geneva county, Xew York, had taken their farm in Huron, some distance from neighbors. They sold a horse to Po-che-ka, and received furs in payment. The Indians took their horse and went on towards Detroit ; but after some days' trial, the horse not meeting their expectation returned with him and urged the Buells to exchange, but they had sent their furs to the east and could not comply with their request. This waked up their Indian temper, and during the night they tomahawked their hosts, before whose fire they had been invited to sleep, and fled to Sandusky, where their tribe was assembled in council. The fact that the Buells were found tomahawked, aud the sudden disappearance of the Indians, led the settlers strongly to suspect them guilty of the murder, and a company of militia with arms went to Sandusky in pursuit of them. They demanded them of the chief, giving him a detailed account of the circumstances, who readily delivered them up for trial. On their way to Cleveland, while the company were taking some refreshments, the accomplice of Po-che-ka, though his hands and arms were pinioned, contrived to get the muzzle of his rifle under his chin, cocked and fired it with his toe, and thus ended his life. Po-che-ka made his escape and returned to Sandusky, where he was artfully detained by a 5Ir. 5Vhitaker until he was retaken and conveyed to Cleveland, where he was confined in the chamber of 5Ir. Carter to await trial. He denied the charge preferred against him for awhile, but finally confessed it. He was sentenced to be hung on the 26th day of June, 1812. Omick, his father, remonstrated against the manner of his execution. ' Hanging,' he said, ' would shake the spirit, but, if permitted, he would take him into the street and hew him to pieces with his tomahawk.' The sheriff told him, ' That would not be according to the laws of the United States, but he must be hung by the neck till dead.'

" On the day previous to his execution I was in Cleveland, passing in front of the house where he was chained, when he saw me, called me by name, and beckoned me to come in and see him. I obtained permission and entered his chamber, when the following conversation, as near as my memory serves me, took place: 'Ah, Po-che-ka! what are you chained here for?' ' 55'abunk meh kickapoo.' (To-morrow I die.) ' 55That have you been doing?' ' 5Ieh tomahawk chemoke mun.' (I kill white man.) ' Oh ! what did you do that for ? Talk in Yankee, Po-che-ka.' ' 5Ieh too much mad.' After a short pause, I expressed my sorrow that he had done so and now he must die on the gallows. He replied : ' Po-che-ka come again, - may -be white man, may-be Indian, may-be horse, may-be dog.' ' Xo, if Po-che-ka is hung till he is dead I shall never see him again in this world.' But my saying so did not drive him from his belief in the doctrine of transmigration of souls. On the next day, the 26th of June, after an appropriate sermon, by the Rev. Father Badger, to a large concourse of people, the criminal, having the rope about his neck, seated on his coffin, on a cart, sang his death-song on his way to the scaffold. He was escorted by an independent battalion, under the command of 5Iajor 5IcArthur, to the place of execution. On the scaffold he requested permission of the sheriff, 5Ir. Baldwin, to speak to the people, which was given. He took a paper from his bosom, which he had written in hieroglyphics, and began to read, but such was his excitement, though I stood within a few yards of him I could not understand words enough to make a sentence. He soon became so agitated he stopped reading, gave the papers to the sheriff, and sat down ; seeing the sheriff about to cut the rope, he clung to one of the braces and held fast. He had all along hoped to be pardoned or expected release from some quarter. 5Ir. Carter offered him a glass of whisky if he would take his seat; he reluctantly complied, drank his whisky, and was immediately launched into eternity."

Biographical Sketches Yictoriax D. Latimer

The subject of the following sketch was born in the township where he now resides, on the third day of September, 1843. He is the fifth child of 5\Tilliam and Corresta Reed Latimer, the former of whom was born in Otis, 5Iassachusetts, and the latter in Granby, Connecticut. The family came to Ohio in 1818. The mother still resides there, the father having died in 1870. Victorian D. received a fair academic education. He was a member of the Eighty-seventh Regiment, Ohio 5'olunteers, and was taken prisoner by the southern Confederacy, at Harper's Ferry, on September IS, 1S62. Returning after the expiration of

Bradley Cummings Randall

The desire for approbation is as legitimate as the desire for food, and when a man, actuated by pure motives, accomplishes something from which good is derived, he merits the approval of the hearts that love him, and he receives their expressions of praise with grateful pleasure. It is our purpose to write a brief notice in commendation of him whose name and portrait head this sketch, feeling assured that by a meritorious and blameless life he is deserving of mention in the pages of this work. Jason and Martha Randall, the parents of Bradley Cummings, removed from Genesee county, New York, to Ohio, and located in Ivirtland township, then Geauga, but now attached to Lake county, at which point they arrived in February, 1819. It was here, on the 25th day of February, 1820, that the subject of the present sketch was born. His parents eventually removed to Chardon, Geauga county, and died there, - the father in 1853, and the mother in 1858. Bradley C. was the youngest son and the sixth child of a family of ten. His education was begun of course as that of every American boy has begun, - at the district school, and finished at the academy situated in Kirtland village. Taught perhaps two terms of school, and then engaged in the business of merchandising, as a partner in the firm of Randall, Cook & Co., at Chardon, Geauga county. In connection with the store the firm operated an extensive morocco factory, and also dealt largely in general produce, wool, etc. This was the commencement of a series of years of toil in the occupation by which he acquired the handsome competence he was not permitted to live to enjoy. Continued in business at Chardon until 1855, when he removed to Rock Creek, purchased a tannery and opened a dry goods store; this was under the firm-name of Cook & Randall. Their mercantile department increased until they had as extensive a stock as was shown in the county. The tannery grew to be a stupendous enterprise. In 1861 he became sole owner, and continued as such until the 20th day of January, 1867, when his useful and honorable life was brought to a close. His death was deeply regretted, for the loss of a truly worthy and good citizen always leaves a void not easily filled.

Mr. Randall was united in marriage, on the 18th day of April, 1848, to Flora C., daughter of Thomas and Ruby Murphy, of Chardon, Geauga county, who were among the pioneers of that township. This estimable lady is still living in widowhood. The children of this marriage were Carlton Bradley, who was born in Chardon, on January 19, 1849. He was married, on June 20, 1870, to Frances A. Shafer, of Morgan township. He was only permitted to enjoy the marriage relation a brief period, dying of pulmonary consumption May 29, 1872. The next child was Ida Flora, who was born on the 21st day of May, 1851, also in Chardon. Her marriage occurred on the 24th day of September, 1870, and her death on the 29th day of the same month and year. She was a noble girl, too frail perhaps to endure the many bitter experiences of life.

Mr. Randall was strongly Republican in politics, was a member of the independent order of Odd Fellows, and in early life a communicant of the Baptist church, and in later years an attendant at the Congregational church. He was universally respected and esteemed as a man of sterling integrity, excellent business qualifications, sound judgment, and uncommon ability; an ever kind and indulgent husband and father, and, although ever engrossed with the cares of his business, vet had alwavs time for those attentions which every one happily wedded loves to bestow.

usually manufacturing the milk from one hundred cows. He will be remembered as having made several enormous cheeses ; for one of these, weighing some nineteen hundred pounds, he was awarded a silver cup by the American Institute, at New York, in 1848.

In his township he was public-spirited and energetic, and as a consequence was usually in some township office. Was a justice of the peace for many years.

He early espoused the cause of the colored man, and was one of the seven in Morgan township who voted for James G. Birney, candidate of the Abolition party for President. His house was a station on the underground railroad in the early, perilous days of the slavery agitation.

Early left with the care of his father's family, he brought them up in a manner creditable to his kindness of heart. In his social relations he was ever kind and affectionate.

On the 5th of February, 1834, Mr. Stone was united in marriage to Abbie A. Loveridge, who came with her parents from Colchester, Conn., and was residing in Morgan township at the time of her marriage. From this marriage was born, on August 29, 1836, Abbie A., who is still resident on the old homestead. The 6th of the subsequent October the mother of Abbie died, and on September 8, 1842, Mr. Stone was again married to Nancy M., daughter of Harry W. and Nancy Wright Loomis, who were of the pioneer settlers in Windsor township. The children of this marriage are James Birney, born August 25, 1845, deceased ; Berenia L., born April 20, 1849, deceased; Lillie Bertha, born June 20, 1854, deceased; and James Balph, who was born August 22, 1858, and is now completing his education at Grand River institute, Austinburg, this county.

his term of service, he engaged in the mercantile business. In the year 1875 he erected the fine brick block where he now carries on the drug and hardware trade.

He was united in marriage, on October 4, 1864, to Esther, daughter of Baldwin and Harriet Fitzgerald Morris. From this marriage have been born two children; these are Lenah, born May 8, 1866. and Frank 0., whose birth occurred April 16, 1868.

James Stone

July 4, 1803, the father of the subject of this sketch made his entrance into the township of Morgan. He came originally from Connecticut. In the War of 1812 he was in command of a volunteer militia company. The farm upon which he made a settlement is now owned by the heirs of James Stone, Jr. His parents were James and Isabel Dewey Stone, who deceased, the father February 17, 1831, and the mother February 24, 1860. James Stone, Jr., was born February 13, 1809. He was the fifth of a family of eight children, and acquired his education as best he might at that early day, attending the district school at such times as he could be spared from the labors of the farm until he arrived at the age of twelve years, after which he studied evenings by the light of the wide, open fireplace.

About the time of the death of his father he became the owner of fifty acres of land, and this was the start for the ample fortune afterwards accumulated.