Northfield Village (part 2 of 4)

The great Scioto Trail, from the Cuyahoga Portage to the Scioto River, lay through this township. This trail struck the township near the northeast corner of Lot 20, crossed Wolf Creek where Van Hyning's Bridge now is, passed down the west side of Wolf Creek Bottoms, where Stauffer and Irish now live, taking nearly the same course of the present road, till near "where A. D. Betz lives. It then made a straight cut to Johnson's Corners. From there it took a southwesterl}' course nearly identical with the Wooster road. This was the onl}' important Indian trail in the township, and was the course the first settlers traveled to find their homes. It was marked by a well-beaten path, in some places almost a foot deep, but was onl}' passable for foot passengers. Trees had to be cut and underbrush cleared away, before a team could get through. The first road was cut out upon this trail prior to 1816 as far as Johnson's Corners. Philemon Kirkham had settled on Lot 11, and Seth Lucas on Lot 12. They petitioned for a road from Bigelow Chapel to Wolf Creek. This was called the Black Snake Road, on account of its crookedness. Next a road was cut through from the east line of Lots 57 and 67, and passed through the center of the township, and on through to Harrisville, Medina County, where a settlement had been formed by Judge Harris, some time between 1818 and"l822. Peter Waltz, having bought Lot 81, came in to clear up his place. He got as far as Johnson's Corners without anything more serious happening than getting stuck in the mud at Hudson Run ; but west from Johnson's Corners, however, the fun came in. The neighbors turned in and out, a day's time, cut a road through the woods to his place, which enabled him to proceed. Soon after this, a road was cut through from New Portage to Johnson's Corners ; next from New Portage to the east end of the center road, on Lot 67. In the meantime, the settlers had cut cross roads, to facilitate travel in all directions, so that, in the course of twelve or fifteen years, the township was pretty well supplied with roads, such as the^' were. The one across Wolf Creek Bottom, east of the center, was a corduroy road, that is, made of logs thrown in crosswise, and notches cut in for the wheels to run in, causing a great deal of jolting to those who were obliged to use it. A stage route, from Cleveland to Massillon, passed through Norton. This was the onl}' public conveyance known before the canal was opened. A mail route was established from Johnson's Corners to Cleveland. The first post office of the township was probably at New Portage, but whether it was in Norton Township or Coventry, is a matter of some dispute. The Ohio Canal was opened for traffic in 1827, and caused quite a revolution in the business of the township. Farm productions advanced in price, and prosperity began to smile on the inhabitants. But the unstable quality of the mone}' of this early day was a matter of great anno3^ance, as a man might go to bed at night with a snug little fortune under his pillow, and wake up the next morning and find himself a beggar bj^ the breaking up of a " wild-cat " bank. Henr}- Van Hyning, Jr., who was Justice of the Peace in those early daj'S, and who did a great deal of collecting for other parties, would notifj- the parties in this manner : " Your money is coli lected, and is all good to-day, but I will not warrant it to-morrow." In 1856. the Cleveland, Mount Vernon & Dayton Railroad was built along the canal, through Norton Township. The first train passed over the track late in the fall, and, as a free ride had been advertised, crowds gathered along the track, thinking the train would stop at an}' place where there were people to be seen. Hundreds were left standing and gaping at the iron horse on this, his first trip through this section. Some tried to catch the train, but it outran them. In 1863, the Atlantic & Great Western Railway was built. Considerable mone}' was raised b}' subscription on this road, and but little was ever realized from the investment. Many citizens worked on the grading with teams and b}' hand, and, as wages were high at that time, money was plent}- all over the township.

The first bridge built in Norton was the one across Wolf Creek, near Sylvester Van Hyning's place. The abutments of this bridge were made of logs laid up " cob-house " st^'le, and four logs flattened on their upper sides were laid across for " stringers. " These were covered with split puncheons laid as tight as possible. The approaches were filled up with logs and dirt until they were passable. More of the same sort were built at other points as they were needed. Stone was, however, soon put in instead of logs for abutments, and plank were substituted for split puncheons. Now we have several substantial iron structui-es ; one across Wolf Creek, near Wolf Creek Lock, and two more on the road leading from Johnson's Corners to New Portage. An immense wooden viaduct was built over Hudson Run by the railroad compan}-, about one-half a mile west of the north-and-south center road. This was probably seventy feet high at its highest point, and at least four hundred feet long. A splendid arched culvert was afterward thrown over the run and the gull}^ filled up with earth, leaving the timbers in their places. Just west of this fill the railroad enters a rock cut about three hundred feet long and from ten to twenty-five feet deep. Betweim this cut and the fill a new branch was built in 1880, running south about two miles to Williams Bros', coal mine. New Portage was probabl}' the first village laid out either wholly or in part in the township. It was laid out in 1818 by Ambrose Palmer, or at least the part was which belonged to Norton. Buildings both log and frame sprang up, and soon a thriving town stood where, a few years before, there were nothing but woods to be seen. A glass factory was started by Palmer, soon after, in a large barn-like structure, with the stack or furnace in the center. His pots and molds were brought from Zanesville, Ohio. Sand was procured by pounding sandstone in a huge trough, the pounding or crushing being done by means of a spring pole and pestle. Black salt was used as a flux. This was abundant, as black salt was made at many places through this new country where ashes were plenty from the log heaps that were burned b}' thousands in all directions. Wood was used for fuel for smelting the sand, and the consequence was that much of the glass was smok}' and could not be used for window glass, when it was made into hollow ware, such as tumblers, goblets, drinking glasses, bottles, and many other articles useful and oi'uamental. At first six blowers were employed, but, afterward, the shop was enlarged and eight blowers were employed. Sand of good quality was found in the marshes of Coventr}- about the time of the enlargement, and it was used from this time on. But the business proved a failure, and Palmer joined the Mormons and " went West." The glass factory was situated on the hill north of where the church and burying-ground are at present located. The glass business failed in 1828, and soon after New Portage fell a pre}' to typhus fever, as already noted, which uearl}- annihilated the settlement. Thomas Johnson kept a tavern at New Portage in 1817 for some time, when he moved on to a farm just across the south line of Norton Townshii). A family named Nesmith came in 1821. One of the descendants of this family, Thomas Nesmith. is still living in Norton. A great part of the business of New Portage, for the period of perhaps tweut3'-five years, was carried on in Coventry Township. About 1850, however, the Norton part of the town again began to revive, but this time farther down the canal, as at present. During the decade following 1850, a pottery was built by Jacob Welsh just west of the present store. This was operated for about twelve years, at first with one kiln, afterward with two. This pottery was twice burned to the ground - rebuilt the first time and enlarged. Welsh also had a store and did a large business. Thirteen wheels were in use in the pottery. One kiln of ware was burned each week, turning out six to eight thousand gallons of ware per week, which at first was shipped b}- canal, l)ut soon after the railroad was finished it was shipped b^' rail. Welsh had the post office in his store during the time that he was in business, and the mail, it was thought, was robbed several times while he kept the office. He, it seems, suspected that some one was in the habit of breaking open the store during the night, robbing the mail of valuable letters. Upon a certain occasion in November, 1869, his son Corwin and himself concluded to watch the office awhile to see if an}* one should make an attempt upon it. The first night the}' watched, both Corwin and his fixther stayed in the store until midnight, when Corwin went home, leaving the fiither alone on watch. Soon after the son left, Welsh heard a noise at the basement window, next to the canal ; the window shutter was pried open, the window raised, and some one was heard coming up the steps from the basement, who entered the storeroom just before the west end of the counter. Welsh was standing back of this counter with a loaded shot-gun in his hand, and as the burglar arrived at the head of the stairs and stooped to strike a match on the floor, Welsh fired. The man was not over six feet from the muzzle of the gun. As the man fell he exclaimed, - My (iod, Welsh, you've killed me," and expired. The neighbors were aroused by the noise of the gun. and soon came to see what was the matter. The supposed burglar was found to be a citizen of the place. These are the facts as nearly as can be obtained from those present at the in(iuest. A chip was found broken out of the wall outside of the window where the bar had been rested while prying open the window. Welsh was ac(}uitted from all blame by the inquest held over the bod}'.

L. B. Schneider, now of Akron, had a store at New Portage in 1863, and was in business several years. After him came first Weary & Bro., then Weary & Witner, and still later Weary & Downer, each continuing about a year. Next, Joe Ellis & Co., then Corwin Welsh, during whose stay the shooting above related took place. Next, Harry Diesern took the store, and. last. Mr. John McNamara, who is still doing business in the old original room. His stock in trade is probably worth |1,200. New Portage is a station on the Cleveland, Mount Vernon & Columbus Railroad, and New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad. The former road does a cash business of al^out $100 per month at this office in freight and passenger traffic - the latter about $75 or $80. Mr. David L. Cartmill has had charge of the office of the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad for fifteen years or more. The coal shipped from Norton Township over this road is all billed from New Portage. This road has a frame depot building, pumping-house of brick and a water tank, and a side track for trains to pass, of nearly a mile in length.

New Portage has one of the finest springs of fresh water that can be found in the county. It runs a stream just so strong, and is never more or less so, whether in wet or dry weather. The post office at this place was established at an early day, but the exact date is not known, but is probably the earliest in the township. At present, Mr. W. C. Jaquith is the Postmaster. The office pays a salar}' of about $140 per j'ear. Two canal boats are owned at this place - "Lily," Wellman Witner, Captain, owned by Witner Brothers, and " Wheeling.'" Willson Witner, Captain and owner.

Next in the order of villages, we find Bates" Corners (Lo3al Oak P. 0.) This place was settled by and named after two brothers - Nathan and Lyman Bates - who settled here about 1817 or 1818. one building on the northeast corner, the other on the southwest corner, as it now stands. The first tavern was kept by James Moore, but it could hardly be called a public house. Moore was also the first blacksmith in the place. Thomas Brown was the first merchant of the place, and had a small store on the southeast corner, as it now stands, but did not remain long, others taking his place in the same business. Bates" Corners has seen so man\' changes in its early da3's, that the half of them cannot be noticed here. A tanner}' was started in 1835, and is still in operation, although it has been rebuilt since that time. Mr. John J. Bauer is the present owner, having bought it in 18C4, remodeled it, and introduced steam power. His son, Byron B. Bauer, is at present connected with him in the business. Bates' Corners owes a great deal of its prosperity to Mr. Peter Lerch, who alone has had nearly as many buildings erected as all the rest of its inhabitants together. He at present occupies the new hotel at that place. Mr. Edward Laubach built a steam saw-mill in 1867, at a cost of $3,200. Business was good, and he introduced a pair of chopping buhrs for grinding feed, with which he did a large amount of work. In 1874, the mill burned to the ground, but he immediately rebuilt it, at a cost of about $1,000. It is at present owned by J. J. Knecht & Brother, who are doing considerable work. Mr. Jacob Flickinger is the blacksmith at present. He builds some wagons, and occupies a substantial frame building just east of the Lo3^al Oaks House. Bates' Corners has one church edifice. It is built of stone, as a union church, by the Lutheran and German Reformed societies, in 1851. Mr. A. Schneider is the present mei'chant and Postmaster. The post office at this place was not established until recently. Western Star, or, as it was originally called, Griswold's Corners, was first settled b}' a family named Richards, consisting of the father and five or more sons, of whom the father and three sons, named Mills, CuUen and Ezekiel, lived in Norton, the others in Wadsworth. They came here as early as 1819, perhaps earlier ; the father lived where the old Himmelwright homestead now is. Nathan Starr, of Connecticut, was the original owner of a large tract of land lying adjacent to and east of Western Star. About 1825, Hezekiah Ward built a saw-mill about a mile north of this place, and, four years later, in 1829, the Griswold brothers came and settled here. Prior to this, however, several other families had settled in and around the place, so that quite a settlement was formed. Dr. Austin, the first ph}'- sician of the place, lived in a house on what is now known as the Reimer lot. The place was named Griswold's Corners from the brothers of that name, just mentioned, who came here in 1829. William Heustis came the same year, and worked for the Griswolds, who had a store and two asheries, or black salt factories, in operation soon after their advent in the town - one at this place and one near where Dennison now is, on the farm latel}'^ owned by Alpheus M3'ers. The second 3-ear the Griswolds were here, they cleared up 300 acres of land and sowed it in wheat. A post office was established about this time, but who the first Postmaster was we were unable to ascertain. The Sutton House is the first tavern of which we have any trace, although there probably* was one earlier. Julius Richards had a wagon-shop in operation at a ver}' early day. In 1831, Nathan Seiberling bought out one of the Richards brothers and settled where he still lives. The first store building was erected on the northeast corner. The first schoolhouse was a little farther north, opposite Shaft'er's harness-shop. The first church was organized about 1835-36. The present school building was erected as a seminary in 1844. The site, containing one acre of land, was deeded by Nathan and Grrace T. Starr, of Middletown, Conn., to certain persons named therein as trustees, with the proviso that " they shall erect a suitable building for a seminary building, and shall keep in good repair at all times, otherwise the land to revert to the original owners." This deed is dated November 7, 1844. The seminary was started the following spring, with Revs. Lorenzo D. Williams and Merritt Matteson as teachers. At present. Western Star contains two school buildings, one church (United Brethren), two stores (Dague Brothers & Co. and Levi Shaffer), a carriage shop, b}' Warren Hanshue, who is at present refitting an old building as a repository and varnish room, one tanner}-, and, on the Wadsworth side, a hotel, by William Stevens, shoe-shop and harness-shop. It was incorporated in 1842, with Maj'or, Marshal and Council. Has a graded school, and is generally prosperous, (jr. C. Dague is present Postmaster, Aaron Eicheberger Mayor, and Warren Hanshue, Marshal.

Dennison (Sherman Post Office), on the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad, has sprung into existence since the railroad was built. At one time, it contained a store, kept by the Koplin Brothers ; but at present is without a merchant. The post office was established about 1864, with Joel C. Koplin as Postmaster, who has held the office ever since, with the exception of a few months. The principal business of the place is that caused by the Norton Coal Compan3''s mines, which are located here, with coal chutes and a telegraph office. Hametown, one and a half miles south of Dennison, has also been brought into existence by the coal business. It contains a store, kept by J. W. James, and two saloons and a shoemaker's shop - ^F. Schneider, proprietor.

Johnson's Corners was the second settlement in the township. The first person to settle here was Abraham Van Hyning, in 1 814. John O'Brien came soon after, Jacob Miller and others followed soon. Charles Miller came in 1816, with others ; but all settled around where Johnson's Corners now stands. About 1822-23, Thomas Johnson moved from his place just across the line, south of Norton, to this place, and began to build up the town. His saw-mill was built soon after he came, and, about 1826-27, he erected the hotel which is still occupied as such. This was, however, not finished for several years. In 1830, Johnson commenced the first grist-mill ever erected in Norton Township, which is still in use for the same purpose. The saw-mill that he had built stood a few rods farther south. Two or three 3ears after, Johnson erected another mill, nearly' a mile farther doAvn the stream, and nearly opposite where Jacob Hoch now lives. At the raising of this mill, Dennis Bates, who had volunteered to help to put on the rafters, fell from the plate, struck on a rock, and shattered his skull, causing almost instant death. Johnson had, in the meantime, started a store, and held the office of Postmaster. He was probably the first Postmaster in the place. In the year 1835-36, a Methodist Church society was organized, with Johnson as the first class leader. Rev. Mr. Bigelow was probably the first minister. He was soon afterward ordained as Presiding Elder, and Rev. Messrs. Jaynes and Hazzard took the circuit. A church building was erected about 1841, which served as a place of worship thirty years, when a new and imposing building was erected b}- the 3Iethodist society. It is one of the best church buildings in the county, outside of the incorporated towns, surmounted by a tower and belfry, and is lighted by elegant stained glass windows. The walls and ceiling are frescoed in fine style.

This village has been blessed with perhaps more different schoolhoiises than any other in the township. At present, it has a comnaodious school building, well filled with scholars when school is in session. One or more stores have been in existence ever since Johnson's time, Mr. Amos Miller being present merchant and Postmaster. Besides this, the village contains a hotel, by John T. Price ; two blacksmiths, one wheelwright, one harness-shop, two shoe-shops and a steam saw-mill, built in 1807, b}' Peter Hunsicker, at a cost of $8,600. It was burned to the ground in 1875 ; but was again rebuilt, and is doing considerable business. The cost of rebuilding was about $800.

Wolf Creek Lock, a small hamlet on the Ohio Canal, near the mouth of Wolf Creek, contains a small grocer}', kept many years ago by William Pierce, and, in later times, by James Owry, who has lately sold to William Hablinger ; one boat is owned at this place, the " Fisher ;'" John Reichard, Captain. Norton claims another boat, the ' Crawford ;"" Henry Manderbach, Captain and owner.

The first settlement made at Norton Center was by Joseph D. Humphrey. He was a graduate of Yale College, and had studied law. He settled at Norton Center about 1816-17, and began clearing up Lot 60. He was afterward elected as fix'st Township Clerk of Norton Township, in the spring of 1818. Li 1823-24, Mr. Thomas Brown came from Bates' Corners and built, or started to build, the house still standing on the southwest corner of the public square. It was intended for a store and dwelling. Brown, however, died before it was completed, when Henr}' Van Honing, Jr., bought it and finished it up. Soon afterward, he rented it to a man named Gillet, who occupied it as a store and dwelling-house for man}^ years. A log-house was built soon after the above on the northwest corner, and, after a number of 3'ears, one on the northeast corner. Three acres of land were deeded to the township by Birdsey Norton's heirs and Deacon David Hudson for a public square, as early as 1818. A schoolhouse was also an early acquisition. The first was a log structure, which was superseded by a frame building, this again by brick, and last a substantial frame schoolhouse, the largest and best in the township, with a belfry and spire. During the last twenty years of its histoi'y. Norton Center has been a dull place. In 1869, Mr. Lewis Setgfried built a hotel on the northeast corner of the square, into which he moved on the last da}- of March, 1870. For j-ears previous to this, he had kept a hotel about a mile east of the Center. In 1871, Mr. Aaron Hartzell and M. M. Dickson opened a store in partnership. A storehouse was built, a stock of goods bought and placed in it, and on May 1, 1871, the store was opened to the public for business. In the fall of 1872, the stock was moved to Johnson's Corners, as the room had grown too small for the business carried on. In the spring of 1877, Mr. A. (}. Seas moved his stock of goods from Johnson's Corners to Norton Center, into this same building. M. L. Shook was taken in as a partner, and together the}' did a small business until the spring of 1879, when the stock was closed out and the partnership dissolved. The post office was established at a ver}' early day, but the date and the first Postmaster's name have not been ascertained. Thomas Young was Postmaster for many ja^ars, until the year 1872 - probably the winter of 1872-73 - when it was transferred to George Lahr, who had it until the fall of 1873, when J. J. Stauffer was appointed Postmaster. He moved away from the Center the following spring, and the post oflBce was discontinued. During the fall of 1877, an effort was made by the citizens of the Center and vicinity to have the oflflce again established, which was finally successful, and, in the spring of 1878, Mr. A. G. Seas received his appointment as Postmaster. He retained the office until the 1st day of October, 1880, when M. L. Shook was appointed in his place, who still retains the office.

During the spring of 1876, an eflFort was made by several prominent farmers of Norton Township to organize a grange. Their eflforts were finally successful, and, on the 1st of June, 1876, a grange was organized at Norton Center, with E. H. Yiers, Master ; A. D. Betz, Overseer, and Reuben Stauffer, Secretary. It was called Summit Grange, P. of H., and numbered 1,283. Meetings were first held in the store building owned by A. Hartzell. The organization, strong in numbers from the start, slowl}' increased, and, the following year, a large hall was built on the southeast corner of the square. The hall is 28x50 feet, and two stories high, with a cellar under the south half of the building. The lower story is finished for a kitchen and dining-room. The upper floor has two comfortable ante-rooms and lodge-room proper, with arched ceiling and rostrum. The acoustic qualities are exceptionally fine, and, all in all, it is one of the best halls for the purpose outside of the cities. The grange is still in a flourishing condition, with about sixty members square on the books. Present Master, Henry Tippery ; Overseer, A. D. Betz ; Secretary, Wellington Miller ; Treasurer, Joseph Burgess.

Prior to the 3' ear 1830, the population of Norton Township consisted principally of New England people or their descendants, with a few Irish and a few English interspersed. But about that time a thrifty, industrious class of Pennsylvania farmers began to show themselves, and, attracted by the fertility of the soil, soon we find them buying out the Yankees and superseding them in all manner of business. Among the first Pennsylvania Dutch families we find Nathan Seiberling, 1831 ; Abraham Koplin, 1831 ; Lautzenhiser, 1831 ; the next year brought still others, until among the farming" community we find at present more than 75 per cent of Pennsylvania people and their descendants. According to the census of 1880, the population of Norton is 2,067. Among them we find 81 persons over sixty-five years of age ; 54 over seventy years of age, and 9 over eighty years of age. Twelve pairs of twins were enumerated, of whom two pairs were both females, seven pairs both males and three pairs of one male and one female. Two hundred and eight farms were enumerated, averaging seventy-two acres per farm, and in the crop report for 1880, we find seventy -two farmers reporting 57,276 bushels of corn in the ear, averaging ninety bushels per acre. Seventy farmers reported 23,126 bushels of oats, or thirty-eight bushels per acre. Seventy-eight farmers report 28,551 bushels of wheat on 1,035 acres, or 27.5 bushels per acre. Sixtynine farmers reported 18,285 bushels of apples (estimated).

The first organized church in Norton was a Methodist society formed as early as 1816, in the northeast part of the township. The earlier Class-leaders were natives of Coventry Township. They held their meetings in private houses for a number of 3'ears. James McMahan and John P. Kent were the circuit preachers at that time. John C. Brooks came on in 1817, and was instrumental in bringing about a great revival of religion in that year. We next find Dennis Goddard and a Mr. Booth on the circuit, with James B. Findlay as Presiding Elder. About this time the log-church building in the woods north of New Portage was erected, where powerful work was done for the cause of religion. Under the direction of Brooks, a Methodist society was formed at Bates' Corners, soon after the great revival of 1817. This was at one time a verj' strong society. A church was built and the society was prosperous for a considerable number of 3'ears. Next after the Methodists, the Baptists got a footing at Bates' Corners, and organized a society, but by whom is not known. They, in their turn, were succeeded by the Disciples and Congregationalists, and in 1 8-17 a Union, or more strictly speaking, a Lutheran society was formed with about forty members. Daniel Bauer and David Moser were the first Elders, with Charles Miller and William Sweitzer, Deacons. John Buhl, a Reformed minister, was the first one employed regularly. Meetings were held in the Disciples' Church until 1851, when the Evangelical Lutheran and German Beformed united and together erected the church building now in use. The corner-stone was laid about the 10th day of Ma^-, by Revs. D. Rothacker and J. W. Hamm ; the latter had been serving the society some time before. The church is built of stone and finished with a gallery on three sides, at an expense of about $2,300 ; was dedicated in November, some time toward the close of the month. Rev. Rothacker was emploj^ed b}' the Evangelical Lutheran society at that time, and continued to serve them until October 1, 1875, when the Rev. J. H. Smith was called to the pulpit, and has served them since. Father Hamm served the German Reformed societv from 1849 till 1862. Rev. C. H. Reiter. 1862 till 1868. since which Rev. S. C. Leiter has had charge of the flock. Present number of communicants : Lutheran, 190; Reformed, 140.

At Western Star, a Methodist Church was organized about 1835, or perhaps later. Among the early circuit preachers were Rev. Lorenzo Bevin, in charge of the society at this place. No regular church building was erected, although a lot was deeded to a religions association by Nathan Starr and wife, of Middletown,

Conn., which was to revert back to the grantors if not used for the purposes and in the manner specified. In 1878, the United Brethren formed a society at this place, with a membership of fifty-two, and, the following year, a church building was erected, at a cost of $2,200. It was dedicated by Bishop Weaver. Revs. Sprang and Whitney served the congregation the first year, and at present Revs. Sprang and Moody have the charge. Present membership, about fifty. In 1838, a union society of German Reformed and Evangelical Lutheran communicants was formed in the southwest part of Norton Township, with some members in Chippewa Township. A site was secured, and a building erected by Petei Burkert (now living in Akron). The building was quite large, with gallery on three sides. It was used as a church for thirty -five years, and originally cost about $1,700. In 1873, a new church was built on the opposite side of the road in Waj-ne County, at a cost of $3,200. Father J. W. Hamm served this charge for thirty-three years in succession, having been the first Reformed minister installed as Pastor of this church. The present Pastors are Rev. S. C. Leiter and Rev. Mr. Sponseller. At Johnson's Corners a Methodist society was organized, as already mentioned, in 1835-36. A church building was erected in or about 1841, and used as such until 1871, when a new church was built for the same society at a cost of $5,000. It was dedicated by Rev. Mr. Osborn, of Akron. Present Pastor, William S. Fitch ; number of communicants, forty. The old church was at first seated with rough boards laid across poles, with legs put in by boring holes in the poles and inserting a short stick. These served as seats for some time, when Thomas Reese finall}' put in better seats.

The Reformed Church at Johnson's Corners was organized in 1852 by Rev. P. J. Spangler, with David Waltz and Henry Yaukey, Elders, and John Hoffman and Michael Wise, Esq., as Deacons, and about twenty-five lay members. Their meetings were held in the old Methodist Church until 1868. Prior to the organization of this society. Rev. George Schlosser, a German Reformed minister, had preached at and around this place in schoolhouses. He was a powerful speaker, talented and able in debate. Spangler was also a good speaker and served the society seven or eight years ; he was followed by Rev. Jesse Schlosser, who remained about two years ; next came Rev. David H. Reiter, who also served the charge about two years, then Rev. Jesse Hines about four years, Rev. J. J. Excell not quite two years, when S. C. Goss took the charge, and has retained it ever since. He was educated at Heidelberg College, Tiffin, Ohio. In 1868, the society erected a house of worship of their own, which was dedicated about the 1st of November. The church cost about $2,200, is a medium-sized, comfortable building ; present membership about seventy-five. In 1868, a church was built at New Portage for the Methodist society of that place, which cost $2,500. It is well finished throughout, and stands on a hill overlooking the surrounding country. The present number of members is about seventy-five, under the charge of William S. Fitch. The history of the churches of Norton would be incomplete without the mention of the great Mormon excitement between 1832 and 1838, and even considerably later than that. When Joseph Smith settled at Kirtland, Ohio, to establish his earthly Zion, one of his followers (who afterward became an Elder), Sidney Rigdon, began to work as a missionar3^ Around New Portage meetings were held, frequentl}^ at private houses, and people joined the Mormons by the score. A great love feast was held by them at one time, at which Joseph Smith himself was present. Rigdon suflfered considerable persecution for his faith, having at one time been treated to a coat of tar and feathers at Kirtland, along with Smith. Rigdon was the originator of the " spiritual wife " theory, which afterward led to polj'gamy. Upward of twenty-five souls left Norton and followed the Mormons on their Westward journe}- in search of Zion, and many more remained behind whose faith in Mormonism remained apparently unshaken.

Norton Township supports eleven schools, most of which are in session nine months in the year. During the year 1880, $2,707.60 was expended as tuition for an average daily attendance of 400 scholars. Average price per month paid to teachers was to males, $28 ; females, $20. Total enumeration between the ages of six and twenty-one, 664 ; total value of schoolhouses and grounds, $8,350.

Source changes here: from History of Summit County, Ohio, by William Henry Perrin, published 1881; 33,803 words in this source stream.

Northfield Township

townships. It was originally called Town 5, Range 11; and the reason of its being classed as one of the equalizing townships will be found elsewhere in this volume. cluded among the few townships which were superior to the average, and each proprietor was anxious to have a portion of it; consequently, it was divided into shares of 160 acres each, and parceled out among the New England proprietors, who, not having seen the land, and believing that, from its stated superiority, it should be retained until time had assured the settlers of its value, refused to sell for a number of years, thus accounting for the tardy appearance of this portion of the county in market. It may also be stated that some of the original proprietors died, leaving their possessions in this township to minor children, thus preventing the disposal of the land until after these children had arrived at their majority. The fact of its bemg one of the best townships in the Reserve served to prevent its early appearance in market. It will be noted in this connection that. while average townships were not altered or cut up into segments and distributed to others. on the other hand, townships both poorer and better than the average were parceled out as has been described. Northfield was accounted one of the best sections of country in the Reserve, and the various reasons for this yiew will now be carefully noticed.

Its location was thought at that time to be excellent. Along its entire western border was a river that could be navigated by boats of the largest size, thus favoring the township with easy and constant communication with Lake Erie and all the towns upon its shore. At that time, twice the present volume of water swept down the river, and it was not dreamed in the philosophy of the early settlers, that the quan- Contributed by W. A. Goodspeed.

It was intity would ever be materially decreased, at least to such an extent as to prevent extensive navigation. The valley of the river on the Northfield side was sloping and well drained, giving abundant promise that future years would disclose a soil of unusual fertility and strength. The bluffs bordering the valley, though too abrupt and precipitous to be turned up by the plow in the future, were sufficiently sloping to afford fine pasture land. Back of the hills was as fine a land for the agriculturist as lay beneath the sun. Though sufficiently flat to be too damp for the farmer in early years, it was also sufticiently rolling to promise that, when the heavy woods were removed, and the cheerful light and heat of the sun were permitted to drink up the superficial waters, a soil would be found of excellent adaptability to agricultural purposes. The soil is largely alluvial, and contains an unusual percentage of partially decayed vegetable material, though years have elapsed since it was first brought under cultivation. It contains less clay and more organic remains than almost any other portion of the county ; and for this reason. as | well as for the fact that there is but little waste . land, the township was classed by the examin- | ing committee as one of the finest in the entire | Reserve. :

The river on the west affords the principal ) source of drainage. It has various small | branches, which traverse the township with | sufficient fall. in many places, to furnish fine | water-power. Of these branches, Brandywine | Creek is the main one. This stream flows from | near the southeast corner toward the north- | west, until the village of Little York is reached, when it is joined by Indian Run, and takes a course toward the southwest, dipping across what was once the township line into Boston, | but returning toward the northwest, and finally | uniting with the river on Lot 70. Indian Run rises near the northeast corner, and flowing a trifle west of south, unites with Brandywine Creek at Little York. Much of the northern part is drained by Sangamore Creek, while the western part sends its waters to the river by means of numerous small unnamed streams. There are several valuable stone quarries in Northfield, though from their remoteness from the river, they will not prove as profitable as those from which the stone can be loaded without much expense on the canal boats. A few, however, are found bordering the river; these in time will secure merchant work, though at present, the stone is mostly used at home.

The first settler was Isaac Bacon, a native of Boston, Mass., who, in 1806, purchased 160 acres (Lot 63) in Northfield, and the following / year, in April. came with his family to their forest home. No settler lived within six or eight miles; and, as Mr. Bacon was a total | stranger, and was uncertain where to go to secure help in rearing lis log cabin, he at last concluded to undertake it alone. This was no _ light undertaking, as the logs were much too | heavy to be raised by one man to their elevated | positions on the wall. Mr. Bacon was there- | fore compelled to resort to some skillful pro- _ cess, whereby the needed assistance might be avoided. Large skids were braced against the wall, and then, by means of a long rope, which passed over the half-finished building, a yoke of oxen pulled the heavy logs to the required position. At the end of five days the cabin was raised. and covered with a roof made of bark ; the family living, in the meantime. in the wagon, which stood near. With no neighbor nearer than Tinker's Creek for three years, with the privilege of seeing white faces only by traveling many miles, the family of Mr. Bacon lived here isolated and alone. Mrs.

that for six months after their arrival she saw the face of no white woman, save the one reflected to her eye when she looked in some clear pool of water. Many incidents of the dangers and privations endured by this family ere the township received other settlers have been gathered ; and a few of these, which illustrate the lonely, deserted and dangerous surroundings of the forest will be narrated. At this period, almost every stream of any note which flowed into Cuyahoga River was the site of numerous Indian encampments, which varied in size from one wigwam, which sheltered one

A small camp of three wigwams was on Mr. Bacon's farm, and these families continued to camp there at stated seasons for many years, or until they took their final departure for the West. One day when Mrs. Bacon was alone in the cabin, a party of six or seven Indians went to the house, and, after entering without ceremony or invitation, called for whisky. Mrs. Bacon, knowing her helpless condition, and foreseeing ditficulty and very likely extreme danger should | her visitors become intoxicated, informed them that she had none, and that they had better be going on, as her husband would soon appear. After talking among themselves a few minutes, and carefully and suspiciously eying Mrs. Bacon and the various articles in the room, the Indians finally insisted that she did have whisky, and immediately proceeded to search for it. notwithstanding the energetic and earnest protests of the defenseless woman. A large bottle containing about a gallon of the liquor was soon found, and was quickly passed from hand to hand until all was gone, when the Indians, with many grimaces and threatening looks and gestures. quitted the premises, to the great relief of the apprehensive woman. She had attempted to interfere when the bottle was first discovered. but several of the Indians drew their knives. and circling them in the air as if in the act of scalping, sternly motioned her back. They departed and were seen no more. The Indians were not the only human beings to be feared. Many desperate men, numbers of whom were undoubtedly outlaws, passed through the frontier settlements on the look-out for any game, no matter how dark, that would meet their desires of avarice or selfishness. One day. about noon, a dark-visaged man made his appearance at the cabin when Mr. Bacon was away. and. after learning of the absence of the husband, and asking all sorts of impudent questions, sat down with his fierce eyes fixed on the woman, and on a large dog that lay near the hearth watching, with suspicious glances, every motion That the stranger did not relish the presence of the dog was soon evident from his uneasiness. That Mrs. Bacon did not relish the presence of the strange man was also clearly evident. As night approached. the man was informed that he could not be accommodated until morning, and, as_ several miles intervened until the nearest house was reached, that he would better be going on. He did not seem inclined to go, and to add to the alarm of Mrs. Bacon he asked one of the little boys to turn the grindstone, while he sharpened his knife. He took his place in the cabin, and the woman, with the dog before her, sat down to watch and wait. As midnight approached, the stranger asked why she did not turn out the dog and go to bed. She replied, that the dog was allowed to sleep in the house. He then opened the door and told the animal to go; but the faithful creature, with a fiercegrowl, refused to move. The man seemed disappointed and sat down, and thus matters stood until morning, when the unwelcome guest departed and was seen no more. The family have ever since thought, that the presence of the dog alone saved Mrs. Bacon from insult or death, or perhaps both.

Wild animals, both fierce and dangerous, | were often seen in the vicinity of the cabin. Wolves would approach in the night, attracted - by the scent of meat, and howl dismally until the break of dawn. hundreds, and often came quite close to the _ cabin. On one occasion, in broad daylight, a for that time. Mr. Bacon was the only inhabitant until June, 1810, when Jeremiah Cranmer, | Mr. Bacon's brother-in-law, arrived, and built | | a cabin on Lot 72, within half a mile of the | During the excitement | | occasioned by the war of 1812, Bacon and | | Cranmer made preparations to take their fam- ' ilies and seek the protection of the more pop- |

| ulous settlement at Hudson. While the prep- ' arations were in progress, an Indian was seen . skulking in the woods near, and was told that , if he valued his scalp he had better depart | without delay. He departed. After they had | started, a report reached them that there was no danger, whereupon they returned, though | ' they kept up an anxious watch for several | Mr. Bacon was drafted and | | ordered to Cleveland, but was soon afterward | disch and sent home. Here, in November, 1812, he was taken sick and died, and was buried on Tinker's Creek. Prior to this sad event, the Bacon family had, in 1808, lost an infant daughter, her death being the first in the township.

In 1813, Abraham Cranmer appeared and bought the north half of Lot 72. His cabin was built with the assistance of Bacon and Jeremiah Cranmer, and his family made as comfortable as possible. In June of the same year, a young man named Henry Wood, one who was destined to play an important part in the affairs of Northfield, came to the township. While here, he won the affections of Esther, daughter of Jeremiah Cranmer, who accepted his proposal, and they were married September 22, 1813, at the residence of the bride's father. This was the first wedding in Northfield. Henry Wood was in the war of 1812, and in his company were Henry Post, who acted as Orderly Sergeant ; Abner Robinson, the poet of Boston, and Jonathan Williams, the latter serving in the capacity of scout. The company went west as far as Sandusky, but did not see any active service. It was Henry Wood who, in passing a small creek in the | township, and seeing several small parties of Indians encamped thereon, called it Indian Creek, a name it yet retains in honor of this | man, who is yet living at the unusual age of ninety-one years. Mr. Wood often had hogs killed by the bears. It is related by him that on one occasion, he owned one shoat in a lot of sixteen, which ran wild in the forest. Hearing loud squealing one night, he took his rifle and hurried out to ascertain the cause, whereupon he found that his pig had been selected out of the herd, and carried off by a large » bear. The squealings at a distance in the | dark forest disclosed its fate. '

In 1814, George Wallace came to Brandy- | wine, and built a saw-mill. A relative of his | named John Menough took charge of the mill, | and Mr. Wallace returned to Cleveland, and did not bring his family out until 1818. In | 1815, Robert Wallace came on with his family, | and built a small log cabin at Brandywine. It - is said that this village and the creek of the | same name were named by John Menough, . after the historical stream in the East, where Gen. Washington fought a severe battle during the Revolution. In March, 1817, Henry Wood,

| Samuel King, 10. _ Stephen Woodward, 8; Rial McArthur, 2." | | The ten electors just mentioned were not all _ there were in the township, and yet there were | but few others. The following officers were

'came in, prior to 1819, William Cranney, William Mather, Abel Havens, Abner Hunt, Daniel Robertson, Edward Coyne, John Britt and Shubael Austin. The following is taken from duly sworn, the following township elections Henry Wood, Clerk; George Wallace, Jeremiah Cranmer and John Duncan, Trustees ; William Cranney and William Mather, Overseers of the Poor; Robert Wallace and a log house near the cemetery, began to suggestnames. Mr. Wood wanted it called " York." Other names were suggested by several parties, among which was "Northfield." by Jeremiah Cranmer. A vote was taken on the various names suggested, and * Northfield" was selected. The following is quoted from the records: ' Poll Book of Northjield, Portage County, Ohio, October 12, 1819 - Jeremiah

Judges of Election, and Henry Wood and John Britt, Clerks. Number and names of electors on this day : Abraham Cranmer, Abel Havens. Jeremiah Cranmer, John Duncan, Shubael Austin, George Wallace, John Britt, Henry, Wood, Robert Wallace and Edward Coyne - in all ten. Names of persons voted for and for what offices, containing the number of votes cast for each candidate: For Convention, 1; against Con-

Richardson and Nathaniel Parsons, Overseers - of the Poor ; Edward Coyne and Abner Hunt, ~ Fence Viewers ; Dorsey Viers, Isaac Lake, A.S. | Honey and Robert Richardson, Supervisors of |

Highways ; William Cranney and Robert Mendal, Constables ; William Mather. Treasurer. Three weeks later. another election was held for the purpose of electing two Justices of the Peace, resulting as follows: George Wallace and Wm. D. Mather. At this election, there were twentysix votes polled. The following items, which are deemed worthy of preservation, are taken from the records, which are fast falling into pieces: "State of Ohio, Portage County. Northfield Township: To the Constable of said Township, Greeting: Abraham Cranmer, Constable : You are commanded to warn Huldah Seeley out of said township forthwith, by the order of the Trustees and of the Poor Masters for said township, and to carry her to the Constable of Independence Township. or Newburg. Cuyahoga County. Ohio. Of this writ make legal service and due return. (ziven under our hands and seals, this 2d day of June, 1819. (eorge Wallace and J. Cranmer, Trustees; W. D. Mather and William Cranney, Jr.. Poor Masters. Personally served by me, Abraham Cranmer, Constable." It is told by way of joke in Northfield. that Mr. Cranmer. the Constable. not knowing how to dispose of his charge, Huldah Seeley, finally took her on horseback to Newburg, where he left her. his idea being that the law would be best subseryed by removing her as far as possible from the township.

In 1826, there were thirty-nine householders in Northfield, and the following year there were forty-seven, as follows: George Phipps. Abner Hunt, Electa Dewey, Casper Noel. David Bowersmith, William Barkhamer, Widow Lesley, Daniel Croninger, Paul H. Beard, George Hills. Jonathan Pike, Jeremiah Cranmer, William Clifford, A. B. Cranmer, Levi Leach. D. C. Bacon, Henry Hopkins, William Cranney, H. Bump, Dorsey W. Viers, Sally Pritchard, Henry

By this time, the township was almost as well settled and improved as it is at present. But we must go back and trace the growth of industries, etc. As was before stated, George Wallace erected a saw-mill on Brandywine Creek ; and this mill, until Lots 19 and 40, of about ten feet gave an excellent and enduring water-power. It was built in 1814, and, in the following year, a grist-mill was built on the This mill was a threestoried. frame structure, and is yet standing, being in a fair state of preservation. About the same time that the grist-mill was erected, a distillery was built back some distance on the farm. and given in charge of Allen Burris, a practical distiller. It disposed of some twelve bushels of grain daily, and turned out in the excellent whisky. The old account-books of Mr. Wallace are yet in existence. and reveal that, not only was whisky used by every one. including ministers (and perhaps abstainers), but was used extensively as an article of exchange, serving the purpose almost as well as bank notes. Almost every entry involves the word " whisky." John Menough. who owned a third or a half interest in the grist-mill, was the miller, and operated it for many years. Robert Wallace owned an interest in the saw-mill, and was the sawyer until the mills were given into The distillery was conducted until about 1830, when it was abandoned. The saw-mill was operated, with several change of The grist- Mr. Wallace built a woolen- During the first the following year, and for many years thereafter, the whole process of carding and spinning and weaving and dressing was conducted on an extensive scale, and a fine income realized. This was, perhaps. the most important industry ever in Northampton. At one time. the factory, the grist-mill, the store. the saw-mill and these various industries required the assistance of from twelve to twenty employes, the extent and importance of these efforts in the backwoods can be plainly seen. It is stated that, in about 1816, the village of Brandywine rivaled the village of Cleveland. But all has not yet been told. In 1816, Mr. Wallace sent some $1,600 worth of goods to the village, and placed them in an apartment that had been set off for that purpose in the second story of the grist-mill. James, the son of George Wallace, was placed in the store to dispose of the goods. He had come from Cleveland with the teamster who brought the goods. The wagon moved very slowly through the muddy roads, and, as night was fast coming on when they reached the northern part of the township, the boy James concluded he would hurry ahead, and reach home before the teamster. He was walking on quite rapidly, guided by the obscure markings of the winding road, when suddenly he was startled by a large deer which bounded. across the path but a few yards in front of him. Almost at the same instant, he heard a loud crashing in the bushes close deer. The boy was so terrified that he ran on for several miles, when, reaching the cabin of a settler near Brandywine. he prevailed upon some of the boys to accompany him until he reached the village. It is scarcely necessary to add that the various pursuits thus begun at Brandywine were the means of bringing to the neighborhood numerous families of settlers, thriving village. In 1825. all that portion of the property owned by George Wallace fell to the ownership of James Wallace, his son, who is yet living, at a hale old age. near Macedonia. A year later, Robert Wallace also secured an interest in the various pursuits. and then the business firm was Wallace Brothers.

a remarkable flood occurred, which swept the factory away. scattering the debris for miles along the banks, and badly injuring the gristmill. This, however, was immediately repaired,

' months of the year, and. for six years, Mr. ' Post did an extensive and profitable business. - George Leach then got possession of the mill, ' and, as the dam was a cheap affair and liable . to be washed away by the first freshet, a _ larger and stronger one was built in the same large quantities of oak, maple and whitewood In the early history of the village, a blacksmith, a shoemaker, a tanner and a few other tradesmen and mechanics located there. This has been about the extent of the rise and fall of Little York.

This was a round-log cabin, about thirty feet square, built in 1832, and divided by partitions into bedrooms and sitting-rooms. A year later, soon afterward, Lucien Bliss, the third. All these were rough log cabins, hastily constructed, and, from their external appearance, it was evident that the architect was inferior in point of genius to Michael Angelo, or, perhaps, he thought that the more beautiful products of his skill could and would not be appreciated in the forest. At all events, the buildings were neither models of architectural beauty and precision, nor equal in point of sumptuousness to Aladdin's palace. However, the families seemed to enjoy life just as well as they whose habitations were superior and more elegant. During the same year, 1833, or perhaps the following spring, Col. Milton Arthur built a storeroom which is now a part of an outhouse belonging to Mr. McConnell. Arthur placed in this storeroom some $500 worth of goods, consisting of a general assortment that had been purchased at Cleveland. The store did not amount to much. but was an accommodation to those living in the vicinity and was well patronized. <A few years later, B. F. Cannon placed a small stock of | goods in another building, but. after a short | time, sold out to Hosea and Lucien Bliss. who ' increased the stock somewhat. Soon after the Bliss brothers opened their store, Frank Allen built another building near by. and placed therein a small general assortment. After this, frequent changes were made in the merchants, none of whom remained any great length of time. The village was not a very lively trading-point.

times in about the order given: Warner Wallace, Mr. Putnam, Woodman & Howe. James McElroy, Nelson Decker, M. O'Neil, S. K. Alexander, Lyon & Logue and J. G. Alexander, the ings in all the various kinds of country produce. It was usual to accumulate a considerable quantity of the latter, which was then conveyed to some shipping-point and sent off for foreign consumption. Other industries have existed for short periods in the village. Bliss & Taubman (the latter being an experienced tailor), opened a clothing store soon after. deady-made clothing was kept, and suits of every description were made to order. on short notice.

tom. The first blacksmith in the village was a man named Phillips. Ambrose Bliss was the first carpenter. Dr. Hosea Bliss was the first resident physician. He became well until five or six years ago. Dr. Hazleton appeared a number of years later, and soon secured a lucrative practice. George Lillie was the first Postmaster, receiving his commission in about 1836, the office having been removed from Brandywine to the Center. In about the year 1840, George Lillie, Hezekiah Palmer, Lucien Bliss and Col. Arthur, each of whom owned a corner at the cross-roads, threw out half an acre of land each for a public square. This square is yet sacred to the use of the public, and is likely to remain so. The village has not been regularly surveyed and platted, the lots being laid off and sold as calls are made for them. Perhaps the greatest population the village has had at any one time has been about seventy-five.

It is proper at this point to narrate an occurrence which took place in the township at an early day, and which. from its peculiarity, deserves preservation. We quote as follows from Gen. L. V. Bierce: 'An Englishman named Rupert Charlesworth. who was boarding with

Constable went there to arrest him. he was gone, and no trace of him could be found. On the arrival of the Constable Mrs. Viers was found mopping up the floor. Questions were as to the disappearance of the man. alleging in one instance that he jumped out of the window and ran off and could not be caught, and in another, that he left when Viers was asleep. and the latter knew nothing of his whereabouts. A few days later, some one announced having heard the report of a rifle at Vier's cabin the night of the man's disappearance. and of having seen blood on a pair of bars which led from the cabin to the woods. Years rolled on, and the excitement grew stronger with age, until, on the 8th of January, 1831, dered Charlesworth. Viers was arrested, and a trial of eight days followed. Not only were the circumstances above narrated proved, but a hired girl who was working for Viers at the time of the man's disappearance swore that a bed blanket used by Charlesworth was missing from the cabin on the day of his departure, and that it was afterward found concealed under a haystack, with large black spots on it, resembling dried and clotted blood. It was also proved that Charlesworth had a large amount of money, and that Viers was, previous to the disappearance of the man, comparatively poor, but immediately afterward was flush of money. To complete the chain of circumstantial evidence, a human skeleton had been found concealed under a log in the woods, beyond the bars already mentioned. Matters were in this shape when two men from Sandusky unexpectedly appeared and swore that they had seen Charlesworth alive and well after the time of the supposed murder, though when seen he was passing under an assumed name. On this testimony Viers was acquitted, but his acquittal did not change public sentiment as to his guilt. It was generally believed that the witnesses had been induced to perjure themselves. Viers, however, did not let the matter rest at this stage. ous and protracted search for the missing man, search of years, he one day went into a tavern at Detroit, and in the presence of a large assemblage of men, inquired if any one knew of aman named Charlesworth.

_ name, former residence and history were unknown. The name of the family was thus, almost by accident, cleared of infamy and shame. This remarkable case is rivalled only by the rather hewing, the right side of her head nearly away, and leaving the brain exposed or scattered upon the bedding. Lucinda Croninger. Mrs. McKisson's daughter by a former hus-

Abraham Cranmer. in 1824, built the first in Macedonia. It was a hewed-log building, with the usual inconveniences and lack of attractions, and was located in the northeastern part of the village. This house stood until 1854, when it was taken down. Edwin Hutchinson built the second, just above the church, in about 1831. About this time, or soon afterward, George Shattuck and Erastus Beldin also built dwellings at the village. All these buildings were of logs, and some persons have insisted that the three buildings last referred to were probably erected some four years sooner than as stated above. The above, however, is given on the authority of Mrs. (Cranmer) Munn, who was living in the village with her father, Abraham Cranmer, at the Several other dwellings were erected soon after- neighbors collected and obtained from Mrs. McKisson, who, a few hours later, died, the statement that the murder had been committed by her father-in-law, Samuel McKisson. was the dying declaration of the murdered woman, and the testimony of the daughter at the trial. Samuel McKisson was arrested that night at his own house. Suspicion immediately attached to David McKisson, a brother-in- | had been refused admission to the house by the mother. He had been lurking around for several days, during which time he had obtained several interviews with Miss Croninger, in one of which they exchanged rings. A few minutes after the murder, a person was heard running past a house toward the canal from the direction of the McKisson cabin. The next morning, at daylight, he was seen on the canal, about three miles from the place, getting a partnership began a brisk business, selling or exchanging their goods to the surrounding country, and shipping farm produce, including eggs, butter and cheese, to Cleveland. The enormous quantities of cheese were purchased and shipped to Cincinnati and other points. The cheese and butter products of sixty dairies were handled by the partnership. Each dairy averaged one cheese of twenty pounds' weight daily, making, in all, 1,200 pounds that were shipped awa_ zach day, from the lst of May until the middle of September. When the number of days are considered, it will be seen that about 175,000 pounds of cheese were shipped from Macedonia each season. During the same period, fifty pounds of butter were re- with the cheese, making a total of about 7,000 pounds handled per annum. In 1854, this firm was succeeded by Odell & Co., who conducted the same business even more extensively than the former firm. Hither goods or money were given for butter and cheese. Two years later, Odell & O'Neil took charge of the business, but, at the end of about eight months, the senior partner bought the junior's interest, and conducted the business alone until July, 1857, when he failed and closed out his stock. Archibald Nesbitt took up the broken threads of this trade in 1858, and conducted a fair business until about the time the last war commenced. After this, for a few years, the storeroom was vacant. Michael O'Neil was in for a few months, during the latter part of the war. In 1866, Sage & Hine opened with a small stock, and, a year later, Hine sold his interest to Chamberlain, and, in 1869, Sage also sold to Chamberlain ; but, soon afterward, Darling & Drennan took charge of the store, increasing the stock until it was valued at $5,200, and handling, at the same time, the cheese of two factories. Lewis Lemoin became owner in the spring of 1875. but sold out at the end of a year to J. C. Johnson, who continued until the spring of 1879, when S. M. Ranney & Co. took possession and have continued since. It would the merchants were either novices at their calling, or that the mercantile pursuit in the village was as uncertain as it was unprofitable and unsatisfactory. Probably both of these reasons have contributed to the failures. O'Neil & Wilcox opened a store, with 3800 worth of goods, in 1854, but, soon afterward, O'Neil sold his interest to his partner, who, a year or two later, failed with maledictions on his lips. Marvin Ford sold groceries for a short time about 1865. Lewis Lemoin bought with Palmer as his partner part of the time, sold his share to Mr. Stone, the latter selling to Alton Griswold a year later. In 1870, Palmer sold to Griswold, and, four years later, the latter sold an interest to L. L. Palmer, who, at the end of a year, bought his partner's share, and continued alone until 1878, when the present firm of Munn Brothers assumed ownership. Merchants of Macedonia have surely experienced a checkered career. They spring up from all quarters, like mushrooms from a hot-bed.

L. G. Odell was the first Postmaster, receiving his commission in 1852. Zedick Everest built an ashery in 1844, and continued the manufacture of potash until 1858, turning out a ton a week the year round, the most of the time he conducted the business. When the woolen factory at Brandywine was swept away in 1843, David Armstead and Carl Storrs bought a portion of the machinery, and immediately thereafter erected a fine saw-mill at Macedonia. They owned and operated the mill until 1852, when Alexander Nesbitt bought them out, and four years later a man named Griffith became owner. Stone & Buswell owned and operated it during the war, and did an enormous business. They sawed vast quantities vf car and wagon lumber from oak, ash, maple and black walnut, which was shipped

Woodbury, Lemoin, Barnum and others have owned the mill. Shields & Chapin have owned it since 1872, and are at present doing a large business for the car manufacture at Cleveland. David Armstead built a hotel in 1840. The "Riley House" was built seven years ago.*

1817, and a Mr. Stiles was employed to teach the few children then in the village. He kept irregular hours and was paid at the rate of about $1 per scholar for the term. He taught several terms, prior to 1820, in the same house, which was occupied until about 1830, when a

The old log schoolhouse at Brandywine was well attended from 1820 to 1830. The children within a radius of several miles were sent to it without regard to township lines; for it made little difference whence they came, provided they paid promptly their allotted subscription. Children from up nearly to the center were given their first schooling in this house, whiie, also, many of those who had attended the Stanford School while the old log schoolhouse was standing there, were sent to Brandywine when it was taken down. Everybody at that time looked upon Brandywine as an unusually prom- *Given on the authority of Mr. Odell, of Macedonia.

ising village, and for many years it was the center of education, religion and industry. The place was deemed so important, that its being situated partly in Boston and partly in Northfield was regarded as a drawbacl. 'oe its im- townships at a joint meeting: * The second school district in the Township of Northfield is this day annexed to the second fractional school district in the Township of Boston. by the Trustees of the said townships. December 1. 1827." the cemetery which lies half a mile north of the Center. teachers in this house. This was used until not far from 1825, when a schoolhouse was built at the Center, and another about two miles northwest of the Center. The following action taken from the records was probably the first relating to the division of the township into school districts: "At a meeting of the the purpose of dividing the township into school districts, the following division was made: Commencing at the northwest corner of said township, thence south to the center line of said township, thence cust along said center line to the road running north and south through the center of said township, thence south along said road to the south line of Lot 7, thence east along said line to the east line of said township, thence north to the northeast corner of said township, thence west to the place of beginning - said district containing twenty-four householders, and to be known as and south through said township, thence south | 'along said road to the south line of Lot 47, © thence east along said line to the east line of © said township. thence south along said line to » the north line of Boston, thence west along said line to the Cuyahoga River, thence north © was also taken by the Trustees of the two -

This division was formally made on the 3d of the following May. the two districts thus formed being designated 1 and 3. Prior to the division of 182U. the township schools had been supported wholly by subscription. The houses had been built by everybody without regard to public or individual expense.

stated. was used structure was erected to take its place, and was used until two years ago. Robert Smith. afterward School Examiner, taught a select school in the Putnam storeroom after the latter sold out.

She went to Hudson for her certificate, and was examined in geography, reading writing, spelling and arithmetic by Lawyers Humphrey and Kirkham. She taught a summer school of four months, and received ten shillings per week, and boarded around. This school was taught in about the year 1833. The old house was soon disused and a new one built, and another has taken the place of the place of the last. There are now seven school districts in Northfield.

There are four churches in the township. For many years prior to 1831, Methodists, Presbyterians, Baptists and Seceders held meetings in dwellings and schoolhouses, yet, so far as known, no society was regularly organized until the year mentioned. From Mrs. Bacon

_ and John J. Steedman. | time included Cuyahoga Falls, Ravenna. etc. . The surviving members of the first organiza- - | tion are Mrs. Jane C. Bacon and Esther Cran-

Brown (the first minister), Betsey Hurt, Jeremiah Cranmer and wife, David C. Bacon and wife, Daniel S. Stanley and wife, Abram Cranmer and daughter Esther, William Guy and his mother, Mrs. Duncan, Morris Cranmer and wife, Lyman Richardson, and one other whose name is forgotten, making eighteen members. The minister, Rev. Mr. Brown, preached his first sermon from the text, "Why halt ye between two opinions ?" ete. The society worshiped in a log schoolhouse at Northfield Cen- '

Mr. Steedman preached one night from the text, " And at midnight there was a cry made. Behold, the bridegroom cometh ; go ye out to meet him." During the sermon a most terrific thunder-storm came up. and as the people sought shelter in their tents. the minister took the opportunity to make the storm an application of his argument - that if they did not have refuge in Christ. etc.. etc., and following thé application, he commenced singing in a tremendous voice the hymn beginning -

The whole scene made a lasting impression upon the congregation. and was the means of starting a great revival. which continued throughout the meeting.

About the year 1836, the society built"a church edifice. There were several members who lived at Macedonia, which led to the organization of a separate society there, and the use of the church at that place. or perhaps its undivided ownership was thus secured. This church was built in about 1835 by people who

Baptists, others the Methodists, and still others the Presbyterians. The first services held by the Presbyterians in Northfield were by Rev. Mr. Hanford, who came over from Hudson and preached occasionally. A church was built by this denomination in 1834, which was used until about thirty years ago, when the present one was built. Among the early members of this church were A. Chapin, John and Matthew Wilson, Levi Taylor, Mrs. Ozmun, Mr. Hall and others. A Congregational society was early organized, mainly through the influence of the Taylors. A small church was built by them about the year 1844. Most of this society, however, eventually united with the Presbyterians, and their church, which was thus left vacant, was used a few times in which to hold select schools, and was then fitted up fora dwelling, and is still used as such. The followof Northfield: 'The earliest members of the First United Presbyterian Church of this township came from Ligonier Valley, Penn., in 1831. These and a few others that came in a short time afterward, numbering in all fourteen souls, formed themselves into a church society in 1833 by the election of William Lemmon, Ruling Elder. A short time afterward John Nesbitt, Jacob Leslie and John Phillips were elected to serve in the same capacity. Their first communion was held in a schoolhouse in the vicinity, the above number of communicants uniting with them. Their first settled minister was Rev. Joseph Banks, who commenced his ministry among them in 1834, remaining some five years. Their first church building was a comfortable frame house, about 35x45 feet, and was erected in 1837 at a cost of about $1,000, and located near the center of Northfield. Their second settled minister was Rev. James W. Logue,. who began his labors among them in 1843, and has continued until the present time. Their second church is 4 commodious frame building, about 40x60 feet, tastefully constructed and furnished ata cost of some $8,000. It was erected in 1871 on the site of the former one. This church, the strongest in the township, is strongly Calvinistic in its principles. It took an early and leading part in the anti-slavery reformation in this community, and has always been active in all moral reforms."

In 1864, a cornet band was organized in the township, composed of the following members: | Thomas W. Richey, William F. Drennen, Milton | A. Van Horn, Joseph Wilson, L. Bliss, J. G. Alexander, George Richey and Charles Peck. ' These members, with their own means, pur- | chased a set of second-hand brass instruments, | and their subsequent efforts were crowned with moderate success. The band continued thus, | with some changes, until 1872, when, through ° the efforts of A. W. Bliss and the liberality of » many citizens of the township, a set of fine new silver instruments was purchased at a cost of $341. This was sufficient to arouse the members of the band to their greatest efforts, and the surrounding hills and dales echoed with music as sweet as that of Orpheus. Perhaps, also, the birds of the air, the fish in the streams, © the wild beasts of the forest, and even the trees, rocks and hills, gathered around to hear the | divine strains. The members of the band shared a fate almost as sorrowful as that of Orpheus. Three years after their new instruments were : purchased, they disbanded, and their delicious | music died out in plaintive echoes. In 1877, a new band was organized, composed in part of members of the former band. This is yet in existence. The members have furnished them- selves with new brass instruments, and have recently made their appearance in a bright new uniform. The present members are George Bliss, Isaac Buskirk, Charles Peck, Frank Brower, John N. McConnell, Cass Proctor, J. L. Ranney, Henry Nesbitt, L. E. Stanley, W. L. Palmer, Frank Ruggles and Will Howe. The band is a credit to the township, and should be encouraged in a hearty and substantial manner.

A Lecture Association was organized in Northfield in the winter of 1878, of which the following were the six original members : M. A.Van Horn, Dr. R. 8S. Hubbard, Lorin Bliss, G. M. Seidell, J. G. Alexander, Jo Harter, and afterward B. A. Bobinette was added. The first officers were

Secretary ; Dr. R. 8S. Hubbard, Corresponding Secretary, and G. M. Seidell, Treasurer. It began as a matter of experiment, and they hired their own lecturers, for which they paid out of their individual pockets. It proved a success. Lectures were held on Thursday evenings of each week, alternating in the different churches. The association has become self-sustaining by the sale of family tickets. memberships, etc., and isapparently on a firm basis. The present officers are Jo Harter. President; B. A. Bobinette, Vice President; Dr. R.S. Hubbard, Corresponding Secretary; Lorin Bliss, Assistant Corresponding Secretary : J. G. Alexander, Secretary and Treasurer.

N | ORTON TOWNSHIP was originally known as Town 1, Range 12, and was a a part of Wolf Creek Township, which comprised all that territory now known as Norton and Copley, in Summit Countv, and Wadsworth, Sharon, G: ford and Montville, in Medina County. Wolf Creek Township was organized in 1816, and, at an election held in April of that year, at the house of Philemon Kirkham, which stood on Lot 11, in Norton, Henry Van Hyning, Sr., and Salmon Warner * Contributed by M. L, Shook.

were chosen the first Justices of the Peace. Van Hyning lived on Lot 19, and Warner, just across the line in what is now Wadsworth Township. Philemon Kirkham was elected Town Clerk; Nathan Bates, Jacob Miller and Abraham Van Hyning were elected Trustees. Twenty-two votes were polled at this first election in a precinct whose boundaries inclosed 150 square miles. In 1818, Norton Township was organized, with its boundaries the same as others, and platted into lots half a mile square, numbering from one to one hundred, and beginning in the northwest corner of the township, numbering from the west to east, thus: the west lots were 1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81, 91, to the southwest corner. It is bounded on the north by Copley ; on the east by Coventry, part of which boundary is marked by the Tuscarawas River ; on the south by Franklin and Chippewa, and on the west by Wadsworth. Norton is not exactly five miles square, as are most of the townships on the Western Reserve, the reason for which we will endeavor to show. That part of the Reserve lying east of the Cuyahoga River, Portage Path and Tuscarawas Branch of the Muskingum was acquired of the Indians by the treaty of Fort McIntosh in 1785. It was surveyed in the years 1796 and 1797, by running the base line of forty-one degrees north latitude through from the Pennsylvania line to the Tuscarawas, where a mark was made on a tree, '56m,' meaning fifty-six miles from the Pennsylvania line. This made eleven ranges and one mile over on the base line. The territory west of Cuyahoga River, Portage Path and Tuscarawas River was not ceded by the Indians until the treaty of Fort Industry, in 1805, after which the balance of the Reserve was surveyed, and that part of Range 12, Town 1, or Norton, lying east of the Tuscarawas, having been annexed to Range 11, Town 1, years before, was never transferred. An incident which occurred at the time the survey was made will not be out of place. Squire David Hudson, of the town of Hudson, being one of the original owners of Norton Township, concluded to go down and see how the land which he owned lay ; and also to ascertain how the survey was moving along. Arriving in Norton, he accompanied the surveying party several days, and, one day while looking around through the forest, he became detached from the rest of the party and partially lost, or at least did not know which direction to take to find his companions. The surveyors did not miss him until they heard some one making a terrible noise little distance off, and at once made their way to the spot from which the sounds came. Here they found Hudson, with his arms closely clinging to a tree, which he was vainly trying to climb, and calling lustily for some one to "Shoot the bear! a It seems he had happened to surprise an old she bear and two cubs, which took to their heels as soon as they saw him, being as much frightened as the Squire himself was. It is reported that he kept close to the surveying party after this.

This township is drained by the Wolf Creek and its tributaries. Wolf Creek enters the township from the north, in Lot 7, takes a southerly course in general, and empties into the Tuscarawas River from Lot 88. Its chief tributaries are (beginning at the north) Pigeon Creek, which enters the township from Copley in Lot 10, flows south and a little west of south through or across the corner of Lots 10 and 20, and empties into Wolf Creek in Lot 19. Van Hyning Run, which rises in a marsh near the north line of the township in Lots 3 and 4, takes a southeasterly course through Lots 14, 15, 16, 26, 27, 37, 38, and empties into Wolf Creek on Lot 48. Hudson Run rises partly in Wadsworth Township, Medina County, and partly in Norton Township, flows southeasterly through Lots 21, 31, 32, 42, 43, 53, 54, 64, 65, 75, 76, 77, and empties into Wolf Creek on Lot 78, near Wolf Creek Lock. Silver Creek, a branch of the Chippewa River, draius a small portion of the southwest corner of the township. Hubbard Run rises near Western Star, in Wadsworth Township, enters Norton in Lot 41, takes an easterly course through Lots 51, 52, 62, 63, 53, and empties into Hudson Run on Lot 54. A small lake, called Davis Lake, in Lot 68, is the only lake in the township. It has no visible outlet, and is fed by springs, it is supposed, from the bottom. It is about a mile in circumference, and a pleasant spot. The bottom is sandy, and it is consequently a favorite resort during the summer months for bathing.

The soil in Norton Township is somewhat diversified. The extreme eastern portion, north and east of Wolf Creek, is inclined toward a sandy loam, in some parts more sandy than in others. This land is very easy to till, and with care brings abundant crops. The land lying adjacent to the Wolf Creek is of a loamy, mucky nature, and, when first turned up by the plow, resembles decayed vegetable matter, of which, indeed, it is largely composed. West and southwest of Wolf Creek, we find the soil contains more clay, but in places so mingled with gravel and loam as to | make the best of soil for agricultural purposes.

Drainage is sufficient in all parts of Norton with the exception of the south half of the Wolf Creek bottoms and a portion of swamp lying partly in this township and partly in Copley. At the building of the Ohio Canal, the waters of Wolf Creek were taken to feed the canal below Wolf Creek Lock. This caused a stagnation in the last few miles of its flow, which is the source of a great deal of in the township. The eastern part of the township is somewhat broken and hilly, although very little of it is so rough as not to be utilized. A ledge of sandstone just strikes the township on the northeast corner. Another

Wolf Creek bottoms, this last passing entirely through the township from north to south. and from one to two miles from the east line. This sandstone is quarried at several places. and makes the best of building stone. quarries now open may be mentioned those of Shaw's. near Wolf Creek Lock : I[rish's.on Lot 47. and Miller's, on Lot 37. The principal productions of Norton Township are wheat, oats, corn and live stock and coal. This shows agriculture to be the chief occupation of the citizens. Considerable attention has been paid the township. of A. D. Betz takes first rank. although others have made considerable advance toward fine stock. Norton has long been noted for its draft horses. and, at the fairs of the county, the farmers of Norton very rarely take the second place in the matter of horses. Norton is well supplied with villages. no less than seven being wholly or in part included in its territory. New Portage is situated near the east line of the township, and midway between the north and south lines. on Lots 50 and 60. Loyal Oak, in the north part of the township. about one and three-fourths miles from the center; Western Star, partly in this and partly in Wadsworth Township, on the county line between Summit and Medina Counties, two and one-half miles west of Norton Center; Dennison Station, one and one-half miles west and one mile south of Norton Center ; Johnson's Corners, one and one-half miles south of Nor. ton Center; Hametown, one and three-fourths miles southwest of Johnson's Corners. on the

Norton Township, as we have said. was Town 1, Range 12, in the Western Reserve, and at its formation was named after Birdsey Norton, one of the original owners of the township. It was formed into an independent township in the spring of 1818; and at an election held on the first Monday of April, Joseph D. Humphrey was elected Town Clerk; Abraham Van Hyning, Ezra Way, and Charles Lyon, Trustees. Among the Supervisors of Highways for that year, of whom there were five. we find the names of Joseph Holmes. Elisha Hinsdale and John Cahow. Henry Van Hyning, Sr.. was Justice of the Peace. Probably the first purchase of land was made by James Robinson, he having purchased Lot 19, as early as 1810. and built a hut on it. It seems. however, that he did not make this his permanent residence. He was originally from Otsego County, N. Y. In 1815, he sold his lot to Mr. Henry Van Hyning. Sr. About the same time that Robinson came to Norton. John Cahow settled on Lot 20, about a half-mile east of Robinson's place, and erected a log cabin. It isa matter of some dispute, whether Robinson's or Cahows house was the first one built in the township.

the latter. Calow came from Maryland and had raised some crops before the war of 1812, and kept a hotel or tavern as it was then called, during that war: his place being on the great trail from old Portage. on the Cuyahoga. to the Scioto. No progress was made toward settling up the township until after the war of 1812. when a general rush of settlers found their way through the trackless forest. Among them we notice Philemon Kirkham. who settled on Lot 11; Seth Lucas. on Lot 12; the |

Bates brothers. who settled south of what is now Johnson's Corners at first, and soon after two of them removed to where Loyal Oak now is. Their names were Nathan and Lyman Bates. They each erected a cabin, one on the southwest and one on the northeast corner. The place took its name from them. Abraham Van Hyning came in 1814 and settled on Lot 75, now Jobnson's Corners. His house stood on a spot about twenty rods nearly due west of the present storehouse, on the hank. John Bryan. or O'Brien, perhaps more properly, set-