Northfield Village (part 4 of 4)

Mrs. Herring was the daughter of Andrew Kepler; her sister, Mrs. Paulner. declares: * I had to ploy many a day for my father, and had no time to goto school." This was the secret of the absence of educational facilities; | it cost something, and they wanted the children | to work. and the ignorant minds possessed by permit their offspring to have advantages which were possessed by themselves in Pennsylvania, and a race was multiplied, a genera- | tion raised in ignorance the effect of which will be felt to the third and fourth generation. Several years after Triplet attempted to establish | a school in that neighborhood, Nicholas Sichley, who married Andrew Kepler's sister. Susan, made a second trial in a log building on Section 16 land; this building had possibly been occupied as a residence by some of the early settlers on the school lands. Sichley's sup- , port was not extensive, and he was followed | months afterward by William Early in the same building. This gentleman also taught in - other districts of Green Township. About - 1820, he was employed in a building on the southenst corner of the land belonging to the Foust heirs ; William Sweeney also taught at the same place. A schoolhouse was put up at an early day in what is now the King District, which was also used as a church. Alex Johnston says: * The first school I attended was at , what is now Greensburg about 1816. It was taught by an [rishman named Robert Lawson, in a building which had been erected by George Dull for a weaver's shop." The first school- - house in District 6 was built about one mile | west of my residence after 1820. but at that . time. there were special buildings for school | purposes in other districts. Simon Yarrick | relates: * We didnt go to school much in those days. in good weather had to stay at home and tramp our wheat ; boys attended school longer , than they do now, sometimes until twenty- - four and twenty-five years of age." In about 1823. a German school was taught by a Mr. Crum in the district east of East Liberty ; it was held ina log building put up for school purposes some two years previous. Henry Beard taught a few scholars at his home about the year 1827. and thinks this was the first ut- | tempt made in southwestern Green, but the lands | in that section were not settled until after many . inhabitants were in other portions of Green. It | is a satisfaction to learn of one Dutch mother ; who appreciated education, as Adam Yarrick ; relates: " My mother used to spin on the spin- | ning wheel in order to secure money to pay the ° tuition of her children. She gota dollar for . spinning six dozen cuts and could finish eighteen each day, netting her twenty-five cents. Con- sequently we got a better education than most | children of the township." Among those who ' taught in the township at an early day, not previously mentioned, were Henry Gates, John | Betz, Electa Tupper, - - McCauley, Jacob . Everhart, George Tousley, Showalter. Me-

Cauley went to sleep one day in his chair, and © was tipped over by the large boys of the school. Alex Johnston also taught many terms, and | Abram Hunsberger was employed for twentyone successive winters at teaching in various districts. Simon Yarrick relates of him : "Once we harred old Abram Hunsberger out, and kept him out for three days because he would not treat us to apples on Christmas." Apples were very scarce in those days and prized more

The first ministers to preach the Gospel in Green Township were pioneer missionaries of the Methodist Church ; among these were Revs. Holloway and Green. Several families, formerly members of the Evangelical Association in Pennsylvania, united with the Methodist Episcopal congregation. continuing their support to this denomination until some time after EKvangelical ministers appeared in the township; one of these early members was Conrad Dillman, who would go from cabin to cabin with his Bible held at private cabins and log schoolhouses for over two decades ; in later years. the congregation used the First Evangelical Church until some time after 1840, when a brick meeting- - house was erected in Greensburg on land donated by a Mr. Switzer; William McBride built this church, which was finally torn down in the spring of 1881. At one time, the Meth- - odist Episcopal congregation was a strong and members. but many died or moved West; other troubles weakened the church, and services | were held very irregularly ; at the present time, the few members left are without a church or regular preaching. Closely following the Methodist ministers in the pioneer days, were missionaries of the Reformed and Lutheran Churches, holding services in the German language. At that time, the differences between these two denominations were so slight that owned by Jacob King. This building had formerly been used by Hartong as a residence, but when he built another cabin, his first rade home was donated for school and church purposes. Rev.

by his wife; he organized the Reformed Congregations in Green Township, both at Greensburg and Kast Liberty, and it is said those at Uniontown and Mud Brook. It is possible, however, that Rev. Wier, of the Lutheran, and Rev. Faust, of the Reformed Church, conducted services in Green Township, at private houses, before Rev. Hamm did,as they preached at Manchester before he appeared in this section of the State. Among the early ministers of these sects were Revs. Wyant, Happock. Hartbrook and others. The Reformed Congregation erected the church at Greensburg, now used by the Church of God, or Winebrennarians, and another building was erected at East Liberty and used by both the Lutherans and Reformed congregations. The principal religious sect in the township at the present time is the Evangelical Association, which has two flourishing and influential congregations, one at Greensburg and the other at East Liberty. It is not certain who the minister of this denomination was that first held services in Green, but among those who preached at the cabins of early settlers and log schoolhouses were Revs. Hosler, Samuel Van Gundy, - Fry, Abraham or Henry Neeble, George Mottinger, Joseph Long, Aaron Yombert, Adam Klinefelter, Elias Staver, John Kopf, Abraham Ream, Adam Hennich, John Triesbach and others. Each one of the last four has been claimed by different persons to have been the first minister who conducted services in the township in the interest of the Evangelical Association, but it is conceded by most authorities that the first regular circuit was organized in 1829, that Revs. Adam Klinefelter and Elias Staver were association at Greensburg, which was the first congregation of this sect established permanently in Summit County. These men rode a circuit of about four hundred miles; it was said of Rev. Klinefelter at his death: "His travels were extensive, as he frequently had to make long and tedious journeys back and forth from Pennsylvania to Ohio in the saddle; the circuits then embraced as much territory as the entire conference district does at the present time. He preached almost every day ; was exposed to all kinds of weather; lodged in poor huts and rude log cabins, with a great change of diet ; almost impassable roads. The greatest hardships he endured were in Ohio, when the country was yet a wilderness, thinly inhabited and the people mostly poor." Services were conducted at the cabins of various pioneer settlers ; among these were Jacob Kauffman's, Conrad Dillman's, Elias Benner's, Fanney's, John Mottinger's, John Buchtel's, Peter Thornton's and others. Schoolhouses were also occupied for many years; finally, about the year 1838, the congregation erected a house of worship about three-fourths of a mile west of Greensburg, at the present site of the graveyard. This church was dedicated by Bishop Long and the General Conference of the Evangelical Association held in it from October 23 to November 2, 1843. Some years afterward, another edifice was erected in Greensburg, which building is now occupied by the congregation. The church at East Liberty was erected in 1869, at a cost of $3,200; the congregation was organized many years previous, and a Sunday school started since 1869. The first campmeeting held in Green Township was conducted about the year 1828 on land belonging, at that time, to Phillip Dundore, now to John Leonard ; it was continued about one week under the direction of Revs. Joseph Long, Aaron Yombert, George Mottinger and others. Several camp-meetings were afterward held at the same place in after years. Disciple ministers appeared occasionally after 1840 and held meet- | ings; among these were Elders Row, Green and his son, Lockhart and: others. Services were conducted in the schoolhouse at Greensburg, and afterward in the Winebrennarian Church. About four years since the Disciple congregation built their present meeting-house, which is one of the neatest chapels in the county. The Church of God or " Winebrennarians " organized their congregation after the year 1850, and about twenty years since purchased their present house of worship from the Reformed Church for $400. Rev. Cassell is

Pastor at the present time. This sect has another congregation in the southwestern part of the township, who occupied " Tritt's Bethel." This building was erected about the year 1871, while Rey. Lily was Pastor ; Samuel Thursby, Joseph Tritt and Emanuel Working were the first Trustees of the association. A Total Abstinence Society was started by Abram Hunsberger and Jacob Dillman previous to 1830, which, for a short time, exerted quite an influence on some of the young men.

« All that tread the earth are but a handful to the tribes that slumber in its bosom." This canbe appreciated by one who endeavors to write a record of all the burying-grounds of Green Township. It is not known who was the first white person laid beneath the sod by those early pioneer settlers. Andrew Kepler's little son, Andrew, died about 1812, and was buried on his father's farm, and possibly the first regular graveyard of the township was then established. The exact spot is near the center of the east eighty acres of the southeast quarter | of Section 17. When others died in this neighborhood, they were laid beside young Kepler. About fifty interments were made, but scarcely a dozen stones were erected to the memory of these departed ones, and most of the graves have been desecrated. Possibly, old Conrad on his own land, and a huge stone placed over the grave hy his son, who carved upon it his father's name. In after years, the bowlder was used for the corner stone of a barn. When man's land. Other settlers were buried here, and the spot of ground became consecrated earth, and sacred to the memory of these dead, | was fenced in, and Mr. Dillman deeded the ground for cemetery purposes. Years afterward, he was interred upon this land, as was |

| also his wife. Rev. Adam Klinefelter, bis son- : in-law, Mrs. Klinefelter and many of their children. suicide, about 1828, he was buried just southwest of this ground. John Richards died October 26, 1823, and his wife Katharine, two days

| plain stones put up to mark the spot. Some of | Mr. Palmer's children, who lived where Levi J. | Hartong does now, were interred on that farm

When Henry Beard's infant daughter Christina died, May 4, 1832, she was laid beneath the sod on Beard's farm. Others of that neighborhood were placed beside her. The ground was fenced in. but no stones ever erected. The Evangelical Church graveyard, about one half mile west of Greensburg, was started about the year 1836. Peter Thornton states Le donated the first piece of this land to the church for cemetery pur- formerly lived in that neighborhood. who died in Green Township were not all laid within these cemeteries ; for in those early days, many mothers oft wept beside little graves placed in leafy dell. or near the babbling brook. These little mounds. unmarked by marble slab, were only consecrated by their tears. these lonely burial-places have been desecrated, and the ground plowed over by those who were either ignorant or careless in regard to the

There is considerable speculation in regard to the first marriage ceremony performed in Green Township. Gen. Bierce says in regard to this: "The first reenrded marriage in the township was Abraham Bair to Elizabeth Harter. who were married by Abraham DeHaven on March 31, 1812. though tradition shows that previous to that time Jacob Smith. Jr.. was married to Miss Betsy Dixon, but of which no record wasever made. Tradition says the marriage ceremony of this first couple was' You bromis to take te voman you holt by te hant to pe your vife, and tat you will shtick to her through hell-fireand dunder? Den I bronounce you man and voman, by cot!' Blair died soon after the marriage, and his widow subsequently married Jehu Grubb, and now resides in Plain Township, Stark County." (This was written in 1855 ; it is said that she is still living there, although it is now nearly seventy years since her first marriage). The general opinion of many old settlers is that the quaint ceremony that the man who married the couple was old Andrew Kepler. Several of his -children admit that he performed the ceremony, but his oldest living daughter, Mrs. Mary Paulner, says the story is not true. John Buchtel states that Kepler performed this marriage before he received his commission of Justice of the Peace, and that afterward he refused to serve in this capacity. Others state that the last words uttered by Kepler to the bride and bridegroom were "Now, vers mine tollar?" These additional words furnish more convincing proof to the truth of this incident than the secondhand statements of several men. It is doubtful who the first child born in Green Township was. The earliest of which we can obtain any knowledge is John Triplet. son of William, who is now a resident of Coventry. He was born March 4, 1809. and must have been among the first two or three white natives of the townilies at that time living near Triplet's. and the ersville. Greensburg. the oldest of these. was surveyed August 27, 1828. by David Baer, on land belonging to Abraham Wilhelm. This village is located on the southwest part of the northeast quarter of Section 27 ; it lies considerably south and a little east of the township's center. <A short time after the village plat was for many years. The tax duplicate of 1846 shows that it then had only ten frame houses, although the plat contained at that time fiftythree lots. When Greensburg Seminary was established, it received a * boom," and a movement was made to have the place incorporated, but it is said objection was raised to this by some who were afraid their cows wonld not then be permitted to graze on the streets, and the movement was squelched. Among the early business of the burg and vicinity were the following establishments: Wilhelm kept an inn a short distance south previous to 1820 ; he also had a stopping-place for the old stage line

One of the Wilhelms had a distillery just south | of the village, previous to 1820, and, after it | was discontinued, a Mr. Moulton ran a chair- , factory in the same building. John Shick | started the first store, about 1836, and also kept . the first hotel; he ran this latter establishment . five or six years, and it was finally destroyed - by fire; another was built on the same site, years ; it passed through several hands and is now owned by Peter Thornton and run by Jerry Garmon. The present landlord enlisted in 1861 in the Union army, and served faithfully during ; up a hotel on the northwest corner, previous to : 1840, and this building was also destroyed by tire. John Hunsberger started his mercantile establishment in the village about 1838 ; he was appointed first Postmaster of the place under Van Buren's administration ; when he settled in the village, there were only six houses ; these were two hotels, one pump-factory, Hunsbergers residence, and a wagon-shop, which was run by George E. Smith for many years. The pump-maker, Peter Weidman, remained about ten years. About 1840, the first schoolhouse was built in the village ; previous to this the scholars went to school about one mile south. Harry Raefsnider started a tanyurd south of ; the village previous to 1838, but quit after a - few years : then another was established nearer - Greensburg by Jacob Kauffman ; this was af-

'terward sold to John Hunsberger, who transferred it to I. W. France. The first blacksmithshop was owned by Lewis Denious, and John : Wetzel built the first saw-mill. Some thirty

Many other industries have been carried ' on for a time in the village and then discon- | tinued. The first physician to locate there was Dr. John Thomas, who remained about two years. Among those who practiced there in later years were A. H. Mann, H. Peters, Jacob Musser, Wesley Boden, Garber, C. A. Perdue, David Joseph, B. F. Sampsell, Levi Markam, A. M. Weidler, O. E. Brownell, Parmlee, |

Howland, - - Reynolds and others. addition was added to the village by Elias Herring, which was surveyed by Henry Beard ; John Switzer afterward added another.

The most important enterprise ever established at Greensburg was the seminary. This educational institution was for a few years in a very flourishing condition. It was, to a great extent, under the control of the Evangelical Association, and, at one time, two conferences of this sect desired to control the seminary, and much bad feeling was occasioned. It was finally re-organized with twenty-six stockhold- years by Prof. Barnes, who had assisted Raubault one year; then Prof. Idgins was Principal for one year, and he followed by Profs. A. A. Smith and J. W. Hahn. Under the Disciples' Church management, Prof. Williams had charge and G. F. Burgetts was assistant. Prof. Davis ran the institute for a short time in his own interest. During the time the seminary was conducted, many of the young folks of Green Township attended ; these acquired a children of those settlers who did not appreciate the value of the institution. During the Know-Nothing movement, quite an influential order of this political secret society was established at Greensburg, and for a time flourished like a "green bay tree," and then gave way before the "irrepressible conflict" which resulted in the rebellion of 1861. The farmer organizing a grange which continued for several years, but the only secret society of Green Township at the present time is Hadassah Lodge, No. 450, of the I. O. O. F.; this was instituted July 9. 1870, by Horace Y. Beebe,

Hunsberger, O. E. Brownell, J. P. Snyder, W. P. Hoffert, J. H. Anderson, Stephen Zembrot and C. Intermela. The lodge met for some eight years in a small room back of Hunsberber's store. At the present time they have one

East Liberty was laid out on land belonging to John Castetter February 15, 1839. It was surveyed by Henry Beard, and Adam Yerrick | assisted in carrying the chain. George Andrews put up the second house immediately south of Castetter's, who then occupied the | southeast corner of the town; Castetter kept | a cabinet-shop there for about fifteen years. George Andrews opened the first shoe-shop. | Daniel Lutz started a tannery at an early day, which he sold to Henry Raefsnider and David Thornton; the latter sold out to the former, and after ten years the business was continued. About 1841, Andrew Kepler built the tavern now owned by Kroft. Several stores have been established in the village during the past forty years: prominently among these is the establishment conducted by Charles Stroman for some fifteen years. This gentleman taught ' school for twenty-one terms, was Clerk and : Treasurer of the township for many years, , took the census for one decade, and was Postmaster ten or twelve years; he died May 8, 1879. The first physician who settled in the | village was Dr. L. S. Witwer. who remained about six years, and was succeeded for about ; five years by Jonathan Buchtel. There is some jealousy and strife between the two villages of Kast Liberty and Greensburg, which | is manifested mostly at spring elections. By the successful political waged by the sons of Liberty, but in the fall the Greensburgites generally do the * smiling. Myersville, which is destined in the near future to be the most important village of Green Township, was surveyed by Jacob Mishler on the land of J. B. Myers. The plat has not yet been recorded by Mr. Myers. The first house was built by Moses Kroft in the summer of 1876. The next year William Miller erected one, and Curt. Brause and James Riley started the saw-mill. A storeroom was built erected by Edward Steese in the summer and fall of 1879; it is now leased by Hunsberger & Shick; the first grain was purchased March 17, 1880. The construction train of the Val-

RICHFIELD TOWNSHIP - DESCRIPTION AND TOPOGRAPHY - EARLY SETTLEMENT - DEVELOPMENT OF INDUSTRIES - VILLAGES - CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS - INCIDENTS - TITK GREAT SLEIGH-RIDE, ETC.. ETC.

part of the earth's surface as is contained in one of the Western Reserve townships, it | becomes evident that nothing like absolute justice and impartiality can be attained in any history whatever. The truth is, no history absolutely correct in every particular was ever written. To give just the right amount of | importance and space to each individual and interest would manifestly be impossible. It | might be a curiosity to see a book wherein each | * Contributed by Dr. A. E. Ewing and 8. R. Oviatt.

individual was allowed to dictate or write up his own consequence and that of his family ; but such a production would give a very incorrect idea of individuals and their affairs. Some would be swelled out of all proportion to their real importance in the community, while others, through innate modesty, would only occupy a few lines, if they allowed themselves to appear at all.

From his book many items in this sketch are taken and duly acknowledged. Where his words have been copied, quotation marks are used; but, in some cases, his facts are given without such credit. Of Indian history, treaties, etc., Gen. Bierce says: "By the treaty of Fort McIntosh in i785, the Cuyahoga River, Portage Path and Tuscarawas River were the western boundary of the United States. This was confirmed by what was called ' Wayne's Treaty,' made at Greenville. August 3, 1795; the chiefs of twelve tribes were present and ratified it. The land on the west side of the Cuyahoga was not purchased until 1805, when the United States acquired it by the treaty of Fort Industry, on the Maumee. This fort was on the land of a Wyandot chief by the name of Ogonst, who, with his tribe, hunted on the grounds between the Maumee and Cuyahoga. in connection with the Miamis, Pottawatomies. Delawares, Shawanese, Ottawas and Senecas. There was also a small band of Mingos on the west bank of the Cuyahoga, being a part of the Cayugas, but formed a distinct band." Here follows in Gen. Bierce's book some further particulars, which will be found in fewer words, and with 2 trifling error or two corrected further along in this chapter.

The township of Richfield is known as Town 4, in Range 12, and may well be considered one of the choice townships in the Connecticut Western Reserve. Its estimated value in an early day as a township was adjudged above the average. A strip of land, designated as "Tract 7," about seventy-two rods in width east and west, and extending the whole length of the township from north to south, containing about seven hundred acres, was cut off the east side of the township and annexed to the township of Boston, thereby placing the geographical center about thirty-six rods west of the centers of other townships in the same range.

The surface of the land in Richfield, from a point about a mile northeast of the center, in what is called "Furnace Run Valley," to the southeast corner of the township, is very exhibits a rolling and undulating surface, possessing a rich and fertile soil, and consisting of a gravelly loam, with a clay subsoil, producing good crops of both grain and grass, and distinguished likewise for its fine fruits. The extreme altitude of the township is about eight bundred township in a southerly direction, then enters _ Medina County and Furnace Run, which rises in the northwest part of Richfield, flows south- feet above Lake Erie, and 1,365 feet above tide water at New York, giving to it a circulation of pure air, free from miasma or any malarial influence. One of the old pioneer physicians, Dr. Rawson, after forty years' practice, said that he never knew a case of fever and ague that Richfield is bounded on the north by Brecksville Township, in Cuyahoga County ; on the east by Boston Township ; on the south by Bath Township, and on the west by Hinckley Township, in Medina It abounds in springs of pure water

Everett, in the southwest part of Boston Township. The name of Furnace Run was obtained through the discovery of iron ore in the valley bordering it, and the probability of the erection and white walnut, interspersed with large oaks of the different varieties, while nearly all the eastern part was covered almost exclusively with white oak. |

Capt. John Smith, tract two, and a fraction | north, in southwest quarter ; Edwards & Green, | tract three. in south and southeast part of the township; Uriel Holmes, a tract in the north- | east quarter, and J. Wilcox tract six, in the | east part. The northwest quarter, or tract one, containing 4,000 acres, was sold in 1811, by | Col. Tallmadge to Capt. Heman Oviatt, for the | sum of $5,000, who, soon after, had it re-sur- i veyed into quarter-sections by Alfred Wolcott, | the father of Hon. A. Wolcott, of Boston | its organization in 1816, by the Commissioners of Portage County. Fortwo years after the organization of Richland, it included what is now the township of Bath. The first officers elected for Richtield, in April, 1816, were as follows: Daniel Keys, Nathaniel Oviatt and

Clerk : Isaac Welton, Treasurer ; Jared Barnes and John Farnam. Overseers of the Poor ; Jon Bigelow and Isaac Hopkins, Constables ; John Farnam, Jason Philips, Isaac Welton, Elijah Hale and John Holmes, Supervisors. In the year 1218, the township of Bath was set off from Richfield, leaving the boundaries of the latter as they are at the present day.

The first white man to settle in what is now Richfield Township was Launcelot Mays, who came here in 1809, and was followed, in 1810, by Jared Barnes, Daniel and John Mallet (father and son), with their families. During the same year, a daughter was born to Mr. and child born in the township. In 1811. Nathaniel Oviatt. of Goshen, Conn.. came to this town with his family. performing the journey with oxen and cart the whole distance. The same year, also, Enoch D. Buck, Mr. Nelso., Jason Philips and Ben Payne arrived. with their families. In 1812, the first death of a white person occurred, that of Polly Payne. who died at the age of eighteen years and three months. She was a sister of the venerable John Payne, who, at the age of eighty-four years, is still living in the town. The first couple married was William Carter and Miss Betsey Mays. They were married by Alfred Wolcott, a Justice of the Peace, in 1812. Alfred Wolcott and Lernan Farnam were the |

In 1812, Amos and Johnsey Barnes also settled in the township. Judge Isaac Welton came in 1812, cleared off the ground and sowed six acres of wheat. He then returned to Connecticut on foot. and moved back here with his family in 1813. John Farnam and family came also in 1812, and located north of the center, on what, with its numerous additions. is called the " Farnam Domain," and is owned by Everett Farnam, who is still living, at the age of © than Carpenter, Daniel Moulton (father of Col. Moulton, now of the Treasury Department), Earl Moulton. William West. Reuben Cooley, Alvin Cooley, Neweomb Carter, Bradford Sturtevant. Salmon Oviatt. Elijah Ellsworth, Augustus Adams, Birdsey H. Oviatt. Samuel Robin- | son and John Newton. as settlers in Richtield Township. nearly all of whom came from Copnnecticut and Massachusetts. Vigorous in mind and body. and with -willing hands, they came prepared to battle with the wild beasts of the resided for some years. But. as the tide of emigration was at that time setting from New England toward the pleasant and fertile valleys of the Dela-

Richfield, Isaac Welton was elected Justice of , ® - : : : | sisted of a wife and six children - Jemima, the eld- | ) est daughter, having a short time before been mar- | the same neighborhood. took up the line of their After a tedious tour, marked with the usual vicissitudes and adventares of such a journey, they arrived in safety at the forks of the Delaware, where they remained a short time, and ultimately settled on the Lackawaxen Creek. in Wayne County, about twelve miles below the site of the present town of Bethany. They advanced about fifteen miles beyond any other white settlement, cleared a small spot near the bank of the stream and erected a building of logs. in which the three families resided. ere they passed a few months in apparent security, engaged in various employments to improve the safety and comfort of their new residence. The tall trees immediately before their dwelling they had in part cleared away. some grain and garden vegetables were growing near by, while around the doorway a

New England, were budding and blossoming - adding varicty and beauty to the scenes of their wilderness home. While some were laboring, others carried the muskets and ammunition, acting as sentinels, that they might seasonably be apprised of approaching danger. Every day seemed more promising of future happiness and security. and udded something to their little stock of comforts. The wild scenery had become tamiliar to their view. and an agreeable intcrest had associated itself with most of the objects which were embraced by the little horizon, formed by the tall and unbroken forests which stretched away to an almost interminable breadth around them.

One day in the latter part of September, when the inmates of this little settlement were occupied in their usual pursuits, Mr. Carter, with his eldest son and one or two others, being engaged in building a house a short distance in the woods, and the man whose business it was to act as sentinel having gone a few rods out of sight of the house to examine some traps. the Indians, who had been secretly watching for their prey, uttered their savage warwhoop, and rushed upon these defenseless women and children. At this moment, Mrs. Carter and her daughter Elizabeth were a few yards from the door engaged in picking corn for dinner, Elizabeth. seeing them before the war-whoop was given, and knowing from their peculiar appearance that they were banded for war. turned to her mother and gave the alarm, but her words were scarcely uttered before she saw that beloved parent turn deadly pale, and the next moment she beheld the tomahawk buried deep in her skull. The Indians, twelve in number, then rushed into the house, where were the elder females, one of whom was confined to the bed by illness, a daughter of the same woman aged sixteen, who was also ill; the infant daughter of Mr. Carter and five other children. One of the Indians seized the infant and dashed its brains out against the logs of the house; and the two sick women were instantly put to death with tomahawks. The man who had gone to examine the traps, hearing the shrieks of the sufferers, hastened to their defense, but had only time to discharge his gun once, before he received a deathblow from the hands of the assailants.

The Indians, having selected such of their captives as they supposed could best endure the hardships of savage life and taken the scalps from those pe had killed, and also having taken the clothing and utensils which they thought would best serve their convenience, they set fire to the house, and then hurried off to their encampment a short distance from thence, on the opposite side of the creek. The captives were three children of Mr. Carter (Elizabeth, Sarah and Nathaniel), Mrs. Duncan, and three children belonging to the other family. At the encampment they found about 200 Indians, principally warriors. Several large tires were burning, around which the L[ndiuns began to regale themselves with roasted corn and other refreshments, which they had brought from the white settlement. After having freely indulged themselves in exultations at their recent success, and, night approaching, they secured their captives with cords and stretched themselves on the ground around the fires. Sarah, the eldest of the three children of Mr. Carter, appeared perfectly distracted by the circumstances of her situation. She continued crying and calling for her father to come and rescue her. The Indians several times appeared determined to silence her screams with the tomahawk. At length, when they had become buried in sleep, Sarah obtained a small brand from the fire, with which she barely succeeded in burning the cord which bound her to the savages, but leaving her hands still tied together. In this situation, and surrounded by the midnight darkness, she succeeded in tinding a canoe, and loosing it from its fastenings. in which she reached the opposite bank, und, finally, found her way back to the smoking ruins of lier recent home, where she gave way to the most violent lamentations. Though her cries were distinctly heard at the encampment, she was not pursued until morning, when she was re-taken.

The Indians then commenced their journey through the woods, carrying their captives on horseback. After pursuing their route three days in a westerly direction, they halted and sent back a war party of about one hundred. After five or six days, the party returned with several scalps, and the horror of the unfortunate captives can scarcely be imagined, when they discovered among the number, those of Mr. Carter and Mr. Duncan. These men on returning from their labors and seeing the desolation wrought by the Indians, repaired to the nearest white settlement, and procured the aid of forty men, with whom they returned for the cattle, and with the faint hope of recovering the captives. Just as they gained the vicinity of their recent home, they were suddenly surprised by the yell of these savages and by the flight of their arrows. About half of Carter's men instantly deserted, and left their companions to fight the battle as best they could, Yet. though struggling against such fearful odds, these brave men stood their ground, till Carter found himself alone - all besides having hecn down by the tomahawks of the enemy. Some four or five of those wounded in the early part of the engagement, succeeded in crawling so far into the forest as to elude the subsequent search of their wily foes, and at length reached their homes.

On the return of the Indian warriors to the encampment, there was great lamentation and mourning among the savages, over those of their number ew up among the Indians, imabits, and married one of their daughters. It is a remarkable circumstance that among the articles which the Indians carried away with their captives was a Bible, which they afterward gave to their young favorite. He had previously learned to read, and by means of this book.

100 being among the slain. The Indians then recommenced their march through the woods to the residence of their nation. could recollect, they traveled several days diligently in a northwesterly direction. and at length arrived at their place of destination.

and friends. separated from each other. did these lonely captives spend the long and tedious winter, in astate of almost perfect starvation. The Indians would never go abroad to obtain new supplies of food so long as one morsel remained. and then sometimes returned with little success.

Nathaniel, the youngest of the captives, having from the first been a general favorite with the Indians, was treated by them with great comparative kindness and attention, and with so much success. that the little white stranger soon ceased to mourn his bereavements. and join heartily in the amusements and pastimes which they devised for the purpose of diverting him, and making sport for themselves. Early in the spring they deserted their winter quarters and journeved toward the lakes. After a tour of several weeks they arrived in the vicinity of Fort Niagara, where Elizabeth and Sarah were ransomed through the negotiations of Sir William Johnson. But all efforts to obtain Nathaniel were unavailing. No consideration would tempt appear, he had become so much attached to them that he would not consent to leave them. - His sisters, after bidding him an affectionate and final from a missionary among the Indians, stating that he had sent on to be educated a young half-breed Indian, of fine talents and exemplary piety, named Carter, expressing a wish that he would become acquainted with him. An early acquaintance with the young man was sought by Mr. Bates, and greatly to his surprise he discovered in him a son of the long lost captive. The youth remained at the schoo! some time. frequently visiting his relatives in that vicinity. After completing his studies. he returned to his native country with a view of there preaching the Gospel.

The first saw-mill was built in 1818 by John Farnam, about one and one-fourth miles north of the Center, on Furnace Run. near what is A few years later, it was moved lower down the creek. In subse- mills on Furnace Run at different times, and two saw-mills and one grist-mill in the west part of the township. But the first and most primitive grist-mill was built by Enoch D. It was made by hollowing out the top farewell, were conveyed to Albany. where their | Connecticut friends, being apprised of their ransom, | , at the Center and one (now the largest and met them. and they soon had the unspeakable gratification of once more visiting the home of their | most flourishing) about three-fourths of a mile nativity, and of finding themselves surrounded by sympathizing friends and relatives. Yet it was long, very long, before they ceased to mourn over the dreadful scenes through which they had passed, and their sad hereavements.

The reader who has followed thus far our narrative, may feel an interest to know something of the The -oldest* frame: builiino sow standine mae > > fully recovered. Though she lived to old age, her intellect was permanently ° paired; she died in Goshen, Conn. Elizaheth was married to Mr. Benjamin Oviatt, of Goshen, and died in that town in 1835. Among her children were Mr. Luman Oviatt, of Goshen; Heman Oviatt, Esq., an enterprising citizen of Hudson, and a liberal patron of the college at ri lace, more recently a resident of Richfield; the center of Richfield (occupied by 8S. R. Oviatt), and was built by Gen. O. M. Oviatt in He also built the store at the center of Richfield in the same year. Two of the old pioneers who assisted in building the store are still living, viz., John Payne and Lester Hall. The following year, the frame houses of John Farnam, John Newton, Salmon Oviatt and following members: Elijah Welton and Hannah, his wife; Isaac Welton and Anna, his wife; Stephen Pixley, Newcomb Carter, Birdwere built by two young men who were carpenters, and who came on foot from Guilford, Conn., in 1820, with their knapsacks, and settled for a short time in Brecksville; their | sey N. Oviatt, Augustus Adams (now living), names were Martin Chittenden and James W. | Mary Oviatt, wife of Salmon Oviatt, Sarah Weld. A few years later, they settled in Rich- | Sturtevant, wife of Bradford Sturtevant, and field, and, together with Deacon T. E. Ells- | Lydia Carter. Newcomb Carter was the first worth, were for some years the building | Clerk, and he and Isaac Welton the first mechanics of Richfield, and were among our | Church Committee. Meetings were occasionally most worthy citizens. Deacon T. E. Ellsworth held under the auspices of Missionaries Sewstill is living in West Richfield. Mr. Chitten- | ard and Hanford until November 2, 1820, when den served a few years as Justice of the Peace, | Revs. J. Treat and Israel Shaler, as missionand died in 1841. James W. Weld, about | aries, officiated. Rev. Israel Shaler was duly from Cleveland to Massillon. He was Justice of the Peace for a number of years, and a well-read lawyer, although he never practiced at the bar. He was Treasurer of Medina County two years, from 1840 to 1842. He

William Wheatly and Robert Garget have paid special attention to Durham cattle, and are among the largest owners in the township. In an early day, I. T. Welton did much to improve the stock of this section. Richfield, although a grazing and farming township, is not without its mechanical industries. or four blacksmith-shops, two harness-shops, two carriage and wagon shops, two furnitureshops, two drug stores, two dry goods stores,

Richfield contains four churches, viz., Congregational, Methodist Episcopal, Baptist and United Brethren. The first church organization was effected May 15, 1818, under the

(now called the Ellas House) at the center of | Richfield. It was the stopping-place for the | four-horse stage-coach on its route through | installed the first Pastor of the " Church of Christ " April 24, 1821, and Stephen Pixley elected the first Deacon August 30,1822. The church formerly united with the Grand River and Portage Presbytery February 18, 1824. In April, 1837, it united with the Western was "incorporated" and organized. It hired the Rev. Horace Smith as its Pastor until 1849, and again from April, 1854. to April, 1860. | Rev. S. C. Leonard occupied the pulpit from ' 1849 to April, 1854, and Rev. Reuben Hatch from 1860 to 1863. From August, 1864, to the present time, Rev. J. A. McKinstry has supplied the pulpit. The church building was erected in 1832, and is still in good condition. The first Methodist church building erected was raised and inclosed in 1822, but not finished for many years, and was burned in 1852. It was succeeded by the present beautiful building, nearly west of Richfield, with a flourishing society worshiping therein. The Baptist Church, built at West Richfield in 1838, is still in good condition, and has sustained religious services most of the time since its erection. The Church of the United Brethren, in southeast Richfield, is a large and flourishing church, ' with a new building, recently erected, called - the " Centennial Church." _ The old_ Richfield Academy is worthy of i mention. It was built in 1836, and was in successful operation for about thirty-five years ; then, yielding to the modern free-school system, it passed away with other relics of the Under the administration of Rev. Harvey Lyon, who was its Principal for many years, it stood in the foremost rank of | the academical institutions of the West. From its spacious halls, where "studious lore was conned," went forth many of our practical business men. Teachers in vast numbers, students for college, merchants, mechanics. surveyors, ete., ete., here received their education and the foundation for their higher honors.

Richfield was one of the foremost townships in Summit County in establishing a township library. Such an organization was made in 1825, under the supervision of Dr. Rawson. It contained at one time several hundred volumes of the best standard works to be obtained. and

_ Township, possessing more than a passing in- . , terest to its citizens, is the great sleigh-ride of The following is the substance of this . ' memorable event, as taken from a recent news- .

into the spring. ing the winter, a border township turned out quite a number of four-horse sleighs. while one of the number bore a rude banner made of cot- ton, a yard square, upon which was painted a | negro boy with his thumb upon the end of his | nose, his hand spread out, and a scroll from his | banner passed as a prize, from one to another. as it was captured by a larger number of four or six-horse (none other counted) sleighs than had been turned out by the predecessor. until ship. To such an extent had the affair gone that it now became a county matter, and Cuyahoga and Medina Counties entered the contest. A day was set - March 14, 1856 - when they acourse of people to witness the friendly battle. As Richfield held the prize, it was decreed that the meeting should take place in this township, and the particular township turning out the largest number of sleighs on the great trial day should receive the flag, it to its respective county.

Cuyahoga County, 151: and Summit County, 171 - a total number of 462 four and six-horse sleighs in one grand and friendly rivalry for a rude banner cents.

decorum. Upon arrival, the flag was presented to Hudson Township. as having the largest number of teams. by James W. Weld, of Richfield, and received on behalf of Hudson by Dr.

It was variously estimated by eye-witnesses that not less than five or ten thousand persons witnessed this grand sleigh-ride. Many of the sleighs were handsomely decorated with evergreens and profusely ornamented with flags. All passed off in the utmost harmony. and not an accident of any kind occurred during the day. Akron received the banner with great dignity, which was to be preserved among the should come with a larger number of teams than she had turned out on this occasion. The glory of being the possessor of the prize was short-lived. On the following Tuesday. Medina County came over with 185 four and six-horse sleighs. being fourteen more than Summit County bad turned out. turned over to Ler and carried to Medina. where it was deposited among the archives of the county. to be Kept until captured by some other rival. It still remains the prize of Medina County. sleigh-ride on record.

For a period of nearly twenty years. Richfield was the central point for the union fair of this and adjoining townships. The institution is now abandoned. and the agricultural. horticultural and mechanical interests of the town-

A lodge of Free and Accepted Masons was instituted in Richfield September 5, A. L. 5823. known as Meridian Sun Lodge. No. 69. The charter members were [Isaac Welton, Isaac M. Morgan. Abraham Freese, Joun Smith. Adoniram Swift, Jonathan Sheldon, Salmon Oviatt. David Green, David Jones and others. The held the office until November, 1826, when | Solomon Curtis was elected Master, and served | as such until 1828. The lodge held its meet-_ at the house of Orson M. Oviatt from .

removed to the house of Ebenezer Palmer. | Willis Welton was elected Master in 1828, and | served as such until 1832, at which time the» In October, 1855, it was re- - organized as Meridian Sun Lodge, No. 266, in :

Richfield, with the following charter members : Hiram Bronson. L. F. Ward, James W. Ward, Elihu Parmelee, Joshua Finch, Ebenezer Palmer. John Churchill. Sr., Thomas E. Ellsworth and Oliver Hart. The first Master was Hiram Bronson. The lodge room is located

The township of Richfield early took an active and prominent part in the war of the rebellion. When the news came that the rebels had fired on Fort Sumter, the excitement was intense, and in a few days the men, old and young, were drilling. The first company that grew out of the excitement was composed of all classes of citizens, and was commanded by Norris Humphrey as Captain, and Martin Big- The company were though no one knew very well what was required in the way of military tactics, we made up for all deficiencies by the ardor with which we went to work. This organization finally died a natural death. and from its remains were formed the Richfield Grays, A. N. (Groldwood. Captain ; R. C. Ellsworth, First Lieutenant ; CG W. Wood. Second Lieutenant. The meibers of this company were of the very best mitterial (all young men), and was one of the most thoroughly drilled and efficient volunteer military companies ever in Summit County, nearly all of the members of which sooner or later drifted into the army. Our township turnished 137 soldiers for the Union army in the great war of the rebellion. There are at the present forty soldiers living in Richfield. Of this number, army at that time, but all furnished -substitutes. We lost in the war twenty-seven soldiers. Of this number five were killed; the rest died of disease contracted while in the South. Six of our soldier friends carry honorable scars, received from our misguided brethren in the late unpleasantness. Thirteen remember the genial hospitalities extended to them by the Southern Brigadiers in the pleasant picnic grounds of Libby, Andersonville, Salisbury and other pleasant resorts of comfort, happiness and plenty, which were so freely extended to them by their rebel friends. The larger part of our old comrades have emigrated to the Western States, where they are now engaged in the different pursuits of life.

Another of Richfield's claims to notoriety is contained in the fact that the now famous * Old John Brown" was once a resident within its borders. If he was not an "Ohio man" originally, he was certainly a citizen of Ohio for a | time. For a few years - how many is not remembered now - between 1840 and 1850, he lived in Richfield Township. spondent writing from Richfield : though somewhat visionary and unfortuate in business affairs, yet honest. firm and unyielding in his convictions of right, he challenged the admiration of the world in his devotion to human liberty and freedom." a record of mortality for a portion of the time - in our past history. From 1839 to 1880. a period of +1 years, there were 860 deaths: the | greatest number in one year was 31, the least :

1.019, and in 1880, 1.253 ; it is thought that in 1840 it was about 1,300. 9 residents of our town who were pensioned for services rendered in the war of 1812, of whom Stephen Welton is the only survivor. Many of our Western Reserve townships have been, in the way of holding re-unions from from year to year, for the purpose of getting together present and past residents, renewing

The neighboring towns all sent huge delega- | tions, and many old residents were here from | hundreds of miles away. Gov. Axtell, Presi- | dent of the Re-union Association delivered a | fine address of welcome, after which he read |; the following " greeting," written by Dr. A. E. Ewing, who was not able to be present, and was therefore compelled to perform his part by | proxy. The greeting is as follows:

| of Akron, Andrew Hale, of Bath, the first white child horn west of the Cuyahoga River; George Howlet, of Cleveland, and F. Wilcox - sons of !

Medina, Dr. Pixley, of Peninsula, and possibly others not now remembered. The music, both vocal and instrumental, was highly appreciated, and the dinner, which was abundant in quantity and superb in quality, was enjoyed by the many Toward the close of the afternoon, a vote was taken, and without a dissenting voice, all agreed to meet on e located in the southeast part. on land owned Mallet had two brothers, John and Daniel, who, as well as himself. were in favor of hard currency. They accordingly erected a mint on a point of land ever since known as "the money shop, just over the line in Northampton. where they manufactured "the currency to order. This drew to the settlement a set of individuals that did not add to its respectability, and the inhabitants. therefore. destroyed the shop with fire. Notwithstanding the destruction of his mint.

In 1820, the people, being without a stated preacher, met in town council to elect a person "to lead in meeting" (presumably a sermon reader). The candidates were Bradford Sturtevant and Elijah Ellsworth. On a full canvass, Ellsworth was declared duly elected "to hold his office during good behavior." As he was somewhat addicted to swearing, he agreed to abandon the practice so long as he held the office. He fulfilled his engagement, and more than answered the expectations of his friends. In fact, he did his work so well that he was afterward elected the first " train-band captain " in town, and finally rose to the post of Colonel. He lived in town till quite an old man, and then moved to the south part of Bath. where he died about twenty years ago.

Source changes here: from Centennial History of Summit County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, by Doyle, William B., B, published 1908; 2,112 words in this source stream.

Northfield Township

Northfield was first settled in April, 1807, when Isaac Bason brought his family from Massachusetts and built a log-house for them about a mile and one-half from the present Town Hall. Other early settlers were Jeremiah Cranmer, George Wallace, Orrin Wilcox and William Cranny. The township was organized May 24, 1819, when an election was held, at which Jeremiah Cranmer, John Duncan and George Wallace were elected trustee.? ; Henry Wood, clerk ; Watrous Mather, treasurer; and Abraham Cranmer and Edward Coyne, constables. In 1840 the township had a population of 1,041. It furnished more than one hundred and twentyfive men to the Federal Army in the Rebellion. In 1907 M. A. Van Horn is township clerk and 0. E. Griswold and H. A. McConnell, justices of the peace. Flourishing centers are Northfield, Little York, Macedonia and Brandywine.

Norton township was originally a part of Wolf Creek township, but was organized as a separate township in April, 1818. It was named for Birdsey Norton, one of its Connecticut proprietors. It was first settled in 1810 by James Robinson, who came from New York and built a cabin for himself on Wolf Creek. Other early settlers were .John Cahow, Abraham Van Hyning, Henry Van Hyning, John D. Humphrey, Charles Lyon, P. Kirkum, Seth Lucas, Charles Miller and Nathan Bates. At the organization in April, 1818, the following officers were elected: Clerk, Joseph D. Humphrey; justice of the peace, Henry Van Hyning, Sr. ; trustees, Charles Lyon, Abrahaim Van Hyning and Ezra Way; .supervisors, .John Cahow, Elisha

Hin.sdale and Jo.seph Holmes. Norton possesses some of the richest land in the county and many of her citizens have amassed much wealth from agriculture and mining of coal. The township also posse.-ses some of the most prosperous hamlets, like Norton Center, Western Star, Loyal Oak, Hometown, Johnson's Corners, Sherman and Dennison.

It is also fortunate in having within its limits that marv&l of the closing years of the nineteenth century, the "Magic City" - Barberton. It is a city that was almost literally built in a day. In 1890 its site was a typical Ohio farm, with its fertile fields, rich meadows, stretches of woodland, running brooks, comfortable farm-houses and huge bankbarns. In its center was a little pond of clear water, fed by springs in its bottom, and named "Davis Lake." Rolling farm lands surrounded it on all sides. A mile or two to the north was the village of New Portage, a station on the Erie and Cleveland, Akron and Columbus Railroads, a port on the Ohio Canal, and the southern terminus of the Portage Path, that aboriginal highway which connected the northern waters of the State of Ohio with the southern. Five miles further north was Akron, then a city of 27,000 people. In one short year all this was changed as though a magician's wand had swept over the scene. The old farms were platted into city lots, .streets, parks and factory sites. An army of men .set to work, leveling the land, removing fences and grading, and curbing the streets. Hundreds of workingmen's cottages were commenced; splendid residences along the shady boulevard around the lake gradually took form ; great factory buildings along the railroads arose day by day, and a belt line of railroad began to encircle the town. By the end of 1891 there was a population of nearly 2,000 people settled on the old Coventry farms of the year before. The reader should bo cautioned that this was not a "boom" town ; that its growth was not like the mushroom towns of the western mining regions; that the buildings were not temporary structures to be replaced later by a more substantial construction. Here were no rough pine store-buildingri, no tents, no "slab" saloons or groceries. On the contrary, severe building restrictions were incorporated in each deed of land and were strictly enforced by the grantors. The residences around the lake would be a credit to any oity. The storebuildings were mainly of brick and each factory building was of the most modern steel, brick and stone construction. Indeed, the thing which imOvSt impressed the visitor in .those early days was the substantial, permanent character of all he saw about him. During that first year the construction of the magnificent Barberton Inn was commenced. No city in Ohio had a better hotel at that time. The fine railroad station and the Bank building were also started. In a few months more than a million dollars had been invested in permanent improvements. The old farms had disappeared forever; the walls of Barberton .had arisen to endure so long as men shall buy and sell.

The founder of Barberton was Ohio Columbus Barber, the president of the Diamond Match Company, the American Sewer-pipe Company and a hundred other companies, and the boy who, in the fifties, had peddled matches which his father had dipped by hand in the little frame building in Middlebury. Early in 1890 he a.ssociated with himself Charles Baird, John K. Robinson and Albert T. Paige, and together they purchased nearly 1,000 acres of land. Later in the year they sold an undivided one-half interest in their holdings to George W. Crouse, Sr.. and a Pittsburg syndicate, the head of which was M. J. Alexander. In May, 1891, these men organized themselves as "the Barberton Land and Improvement Company," with Mr. Barber as its president. One-half of the stock was owned and held by the four men first above mentioned. Their first endeavor was to bring to Barberton as many manufacturing establishments as possible. They organized many themselves. By 1892 the following big -concerns were doing business in the new city and emploving many hundreds of workmen, namely: The National Sewer Pipe Company, with a capital invested of a quarter million of dollars and employing 200 men ; the American Strawboard Company, capital $6,000,- 000, and employing 200 men ; the Sterling Boiler Company, capital, half a million, workforce, 300 ; Kirkum Art Tile Company, $300,- 000, 500 employees; Creedmoor Cartridge Company, $500,000, men employed, 200 ; the American Alumina Company, $500,000, employees, fifty ; the United Salt Company, capital one million, men employed, 150. Mr. Barber was made president of all these companies, as well as of the Barberton Belt Line Railroad Co., and the Barberton Savings Bank Company, Avith a capital of $100,000. The other men interested with him were elected directors and officers in nearly all these companies. The next year the great corporation, known as the Diamond Match Company, and which had its principal factory in Akron, began the constmction of its vast factory on the line of the Cleveland, Akron and Columbus Railroad just south of the station. When completed, the entire Akron plant was moved to Barberton and the working population of the town was thus increased by nearly a thousand persons. The Creedmoor Cartridge Company was soon absorbed by the Cartridge trust, to the great profit of the local promoters, and the plant dismantled. The buildings, however, did not long remain idle, for the Alden Rubber Company was later organized and its business grew so rapidly that large additions to the original buildings were soon neces,sary. Before the end of the decade had been reached the Columbia Chemical Company, with its millions of capital and its hundreds of employees, had come within the zone of Barberton's activities. Its plant covers many acres in the southern part of the town and it has been one of the big industrial successes of the place. About the same time the Pittsburgh Valve and Fittings Company was added to the long list of industries successfully doing business in Barberton. So, we say, advisedly, that Barberton will endure so long as men engage in commerce. Its foundation is as substantial as any biLsiness community in the world. It has shown a remarkable power to rallv from reverses. It has had several such.

And Eepresentative Citizens

The Kirkum Art Tile Company ceased to do business after its large plant had been entirely wiped out by fire. The Barberton Pottery Company, after an unsuccessful career, was finally sold in bankruptcy proceedings. One of Barberton's two banks also found the stress of competition too severe and succumbed. There were other failures which also brought great losses upon Barberton people, but they are all infinitesimal in comparison with the colossal successes which have been won. Barberton today is a splendid monument to American energy and sagacity. The census of 1900 was the first in which the name of Barberton appeared. The total population then was 4,354. Today it is probably in the neighborhood of 7.000. The present officials are: Mayor, James McNamara; clerk, George Davis; treasurer, E. A. Miller; marshal, David Ferguson.

Green and Franklin are the southern townships of the county, and originally were part of Stark County, being inhabited by the descendants of the Germans of Pennsylvania, or, as they are familiarly called, "Pennsylvania Dutch." Summit County is made up of fourteen townships from Portage, and Franklin and Green from Stark, the formation taking place in 1840. Vigorous opposition aro.?e on the part of Stark to this separation, both because of natural affection for the parent Dutch stock and on account of the geographical location of the new county seat at Summit. At the time it was said that the Dutch and Yankees could not mix, but, like all idle assertions, time has shown the absurdity of that remark.

Franklin is noted in natural features for the possession of numerous small lakes. The Tuscarawas, in early days a much larger stream than at present, offered a water supply apparently unfailing, and Turkeyfoot Lake seemed to hold out large promise. The coal deposits have always been large, and during the first settlements the cranberry crop was an unfailing source of revenue, great quantities of this berry being sent east. The peach crop was also large, and from this a compound known as peach brandy was made, and thoroughly tasted before shipment abroad. In 1833 distilleries were established, but flourished for a comparatively short time. The more stable product of lumber enriched the possessors of forest, and great quantities of it were shipped up to Cleveland, and from thence to the more distant Lake ports.

The early settlements of Franklin were Cartersville and Savannah. The -first w^ named for a Wheeling quaker, who owned large tracts of land on which his town was located. Inability to withstand the encroachments of the rivers made this place speedily uninhabitable, and shortly after its founding, 1806, it was abandoned. In 1816 David Harvey planted and planned the town of Savannah, but after a struggle of ten years, this settlement yielded to the superior merits of Clinton. The latter had all the advantages resulting from proximity to the canal. Clinton was originally laid out in 1816, and from the first was a consistent busine.-« mart. It became the center of business for several adjoining counties. Large storehouses for grain were erected, doctor.*', lawyers and merchants settled there, and the increased shipment of coal made the town a veritable emporium. After flourishing till about 1850, Clinton declined in influence and, owing to the encroachment of Akron and several allied towns, decreased in power and influence. The passing of the railroad beyond its borders consigned it permanently to the role of the rural village. The town of Manchester was started in 1815, and, being inland in location, never rose to anything like the business gait of Clinton, but, nevertheless, has had a steady, substantial growth.

The township organization took place in 1817. Previous to that, in 1811, it, with Green and Lake and Jackson, Townships of Stark, had had one set of officers. In matters of education and religion Franklin has been second to none. While it is somewhat uncertain as to the first teacher, yet it seems that a Mr. Mishler ha.« that honor. Rev. J. W. Ham- mond was the first preacher and varied the hTiigaiage of his sermons according, as the majority of his hearers were German or English speaking. The township has an. honorable Civil War record, and was very active in the promotion of the celebrated "Underground Railroad."

At the present time Franklin has a tax valuation on all its property of over a million dollars and from her people have gone forth men who have served with fidelity and intelligence in all the walks of life.

The township has given to public life Hon. Hugh R. Caldwell, judge of common pleas; Hon. John Hoy, judge of common pleas; Hon. Jacob A. Kohler, representative, 1883- 85 ; attorney general of the State of Ohio, 1886-88, and judge of common pleas, 1900- 1906.