Pierpont Township

Pierpont Township

This township, which is known as township number eleven of the first range, derived its name from Pierpont Edwards, who, upon the division of the lands among the members of the Connecticut land company, in 1798, drew this township as his share of the lands now comprised within the limits of Ashtabula County.

Surface And Soil

East from the centre road the surface of the lands is rolling, while the remainder Ls of a flat nature. The entire township is, however, well adapted to agricultural pursuits, with a soil principally of the nature known as a gravelly loam.

These are the Ashtabula creek and its tributaries, the former flowing in almost a direct north and south course, passing through the western portion of the township. The smaller stream rises in the township of Richmond, enters Pierpont at the southeast corner, and, flowing in a northwest course, passes into Monroe township, some two miles from the southwest corner. There are numerous other smaller streams, but they are unimportant.

First Settlement

In the year 1798 a young Vermonter, named Edward Spear, began settlement on lot No. IS (on what was afterwards known as the " Beaver Meadows''), about two miles from the head of the east branch of Ashtabula creek, before spoken of. He erected this year the first log house in Pierpont township (this building, we learn, was burned by the Indians subsequent to his removal), and the nest year (1799) raised the first crop of corn grown in the township. This was planted on the " Beaver Dam'' and the surrounding meadows. Spear lived in this cabin until perhaps 1801. when he took his departure. He was, however, during the early part of his sojourn in Pierpont, married, and a child was born to them. This was the first white birth in the township. The date, sex, or subsequent history of this young pioneer we wot not of. In the fall of the year 1S08 the first permanent settlers arrived in the township. These were Wareham Grant. Martin Vosburg, Harvey Rockwell, and Ewins Wright. Messrs. Grant and Vosburg erected their cabins about one mile north of the centre and near together. Rockwell built his cabin on lot No. 21, cleared a small piece of ground, sowed it to wheat, and in November, 1809, returned to Connecticut for his family. The cabin of Ewins Wright was erected near the centre of lot No. 17. In November, 1811, Benjamin Matthews arrived from Washington, Massachusetts, and located temporarily near the cabin of Martin Vosburg; remained until the December following, when he moved into a cabin which he had in the mean time constructed. In the summer of the year 1811 Amos Huntly arrived, selected his land, and made a beginning on lot No. 42. In the fall returned to Massachusetts for his family, with whom he arrived the next season. The next settlers were Asa Benjamin, Joseph Dewey, and Samuel Brown. During the summer of 1811 a number of gentlemen came on from Massachusetts, selected their land, and the following year (1812), with their families, occupied these lands, and began business in earnest. Among these settlers we find the names of Aaron H. Holmes. Asa Leonard. Shiron Turner and Jepthah Turner, Amos Remington, Abijah Whitton, Archibald Gould, Ezra Cole, Ezekiel Brayman, William Read, Eli Prince, Edson Beals, Asahel Cleveland, Reuben Benjamin, Zebina Rawson, and there were possibly others whose names are forgotten.

First School-House

This was built the summer of 1813 or 1814, and stood a few rods east of the old burying-ground, on lot No. 16. It was of logs, with stick chimney, puncheon floor, oiled-paper windows, and the other pioneer appurtenances. The first term taught therein was the summer the building was erected, by Lucy, the younuest daughter of Amos Huntley. The subsequent winter William Read, Jr., taught a term in the same building. The venerable Lampson Wright gives the following as the outfit of the average school-boy of that early date : " New Testament, T\ ebster s Spelling-Book and American Preceptor, a few sheets of foolscap-paper, some ink made from soft maple-bark and copperas, and a basket of johnny-cake and meat for dinner." was that of the Methodists, in about the year 1810. The members of this class lived in this and Richmond township and the adjoining settlement in Pennsylvania. On the 8th day of November, 1823, the Presbyterian society was organized in this township, by the Revs. Drs. Cowles and Woodruff. Among the first members we find the following names : Amos Huntley and wife, Benjamin Matthews and wife, James Huntley and wife, Esther Leonard, etc. The first church edifice erected in the township was in about the year 1840. This was a union church, members of all denominations uniting in defraying the expense of its structure. This is the building now owned by the board of education of the township, and is occupied by the Pierpont academy. It is located on the original site. The present churches are located at the centre. A Baptist class was formed September 12, 1830. Elder John Cheeny officiated at its formation. The following is a list of all the names of this class we are able to procure : Eli Prince, William Hardy, Lorena Perkins, and Reuben Benjamin. The Congregational church edifice is also located at the centre, and completes the list. Neither of these churches has at present a settled pastor, their pulpits being supplied by clergymen from other sections.

Saw-Mills

The first of these was erected by Martin Vosburgh, in about 1817, about one mile north of the centre, on the east branch of Ashtabula creek. It is related that at the " raising" of this mill a man named Pollock, from Chenango, Pennsylvania, fell from the plate, some twenty feet, to the rocks below ; he, however, sustained but little injury, and, after having been regularly bled by Dr. Vosburgh, returned home the next day. The present saw-mill is located at the centre. Is propelled by steam, and is owned by William Davison ; he also prepares blanks for handles, and has just received an order from New York for several hundred of those short, heavy handspikes used on shipboard in turning the capstan.

The first grist-mill was erected in 1S17, by Ewins Wright, and stood near the centre of lot No. 17. This was a building about twenty-four feet square ; was made of round logs, and the water conveyed into the old-fashioned tub-wheel through wooden troughs. There is at present a steam-flouring establishment at the centre, under the management of Messrs. Paden & Schwartz. There are of other manufactories a planing-mill and cheese-box manufactory, by Watson Brothers ; a steam shingle-factory, by E. Davis ; and quite an extensive steamtanning establishment, owned by Thomas Cain.

The First Post-Office

established in the township was in about the year 1825. Archibald Gould was the first postmaster, and the mails were distributed from his house, which stood on the spot now occupied by the dwelling of Andrew Lester. The present postmaster is E. O. Harrington. The office is located at his store at the centre. The mails were first carried on foot, the route extending from Jefferson to Meadville, Pennsylvania ; afterwards on horseback, and now on wheels.

The only hotel which has ever been in Pierpont is the one at the centre. This was built in 1S37, by Messrs. Benjamin k. Joseph Williams. This is owned at present by Dr. L. E. Brayman.

Road Record

The first record we find of a road having been officially authorized bears date June, 1816, and extended from "Pierpont to Ferguson's bridge, in Monroe." December, 1818, " From the southeast corner of the lot No. 31 to Pennsylvania line." December, 1S23, " From the north line of lot No. 11 in the first range, between the first and second tier of lots; thence southerly on the line of said tier of lots until it comes near the north line of No. 10 ; thence southerly to township line, where the north and south line begins between lots Nos. 2 aud 3, in township No. 10 ; thence southerly through said township to the east, north, and south road in Andover." June, 1828, "From the southeast corner of lot No. 80 in township No. 10, in the first range, and running west on the north line of the south line of lots in said township to the first range turnpike road in said township." was undoubtedly that of Marvin Cook to Clarissa Read, by Zebina Rawson, Esq. This occurred at the residence of the bride's father, in about 1820.

The first birth, aside from the Spear child before mentioned, was Martha Rockwell, in the year 1811. She eventually married Byron Hareourt, and is long since deceased.

The first death was that of Polly, the wife of Jesse Turner, at a very early day. She was interred in the woods, in what is now the cemetery, on lot No. 16.

The first physician was Jacob Vosburgh, who was one of the pioneer settlers. Was quite skillful, and, of course, a valuable member of the community. He removed, after a term of years, to Erie, Pennsylvania, and died there. The present representative of the medical profession in Pierpont is L. E. Braymau, M.D., who is spoken of as a gentleman of culture, and well versed in the successful compounding of the thousand and one nauseous drugs which are required to keep dame Nature in the right track.

Organization

On June 18, 1818, the territory now embraced within the townships of Pierpont and Richmond was detached from Denmark township - which comprised four townships when organized - and erected a separate township, to be known by the name of Pierpont, and an election ordered, to take place on the succeeding 4th day of July, at the house of Amos Huntley. The record in the office of the township clerk reads as follows, viz. : " At a town-meeting held in the township of Pierpont on July 5, 1818, Asahel Cleveland and Reuben Benjamin were chosen judges and Martin Vosburgh clerk of said election. Officers elected: Reuben Benjamin, Sihon Turner, and Harvey Rockwell, trustees; Martin Vosburgh, clerk and treasurer; William Read and Ewins Wright, overseers of the poor; Orange Huntley, lister; and William Read, Jr., appraiser; Benjamin Matthews and Jesse Turner, fence-viewers ; James Huntley, constable ; and Martin Vosburgh, Asa Benjamin, and Harvey Rockwell, supervisors of highways. The first justice of the peace was Zebina Rawson, who was elected October 30, 1818. Sihon Turner succeeded him in 1820. The present officers are F. H. Follett, D. L. Huntley, and Eli Adams, trustees; E. 0. Harrington, clerk; L. C. Winship, treasurer ; Allen C. Kinnie, assessor ; Barton Germond and Milton B. Hoskins, constables. The present justices of the peace are D. L. Huntley and Charles E. Morrison.

State Election

The first State election was held October 10, 1818, at which time the following persons each received nine votes: George Worthington, governor; Peter Hitchcock, member of congress ; Levi Gaylord, assembly ; James Montgomery and James Harper, county commissioners ; and Rufus Houghton, coroner.

The Pioneer Store

was that of Messrs. Payne & Trimmer, who opened in the year 1837. The building occupied by these gentlemen stood on the site now occupied by the drugstore of Dr. Brayman. The following shows the business of Pierpont in the spring of 1878 :

Cheese-Factory

The first of this class began operations in the spring of 1873. This was under the management of a stock company, consisting of Messrs. T. S. Winship, N. Follett, Alvin Schramling, and Aaron Smith. The factory began with six hundred cows contributing. Was operated by these persons some three years, when it was purchased by the present proprietor, Philip Watson.

Free And Accepted Masons

Relief Lodge, No. 284, was organized under dispensation July 15, 1856, and began work under its charter October 22, a.l. 5856. The charter members were Otis Burgess, Elihu B. Ford, David Foster, Elias Centrice, Amos Centrice, Solomon Ashley, Ambrose Ford, Ebenezer Williams, Freeman 0. Bushnell, Archibald Gould, M. A. Leonard, and Dr. William Fobes. The officers on charter were Otis Burgess, W. M. ; Elihu B. Ford, S. W. ; and David Foster, J. W. Present officers: Andrew Wilson, W. M. ; John Lafferty, S. W. ; A. L. Aldrich,

J. W. ; F. H. Follett, Sec.; and L. C. Williams, Treas. Membership, sixty. Nights of meeting, first and third Wednesdays of each mouth. Their two-story Masonic hall was erected in 1857, and is valued, with regalia, furniture, etc., at two thousand dollars.

Some time about the year 1818, Lydia Rock and her daughter, Susan, took their departure from Boston, Massachusetts, and came to Ohio on foot. This journey was accomplished that they might visit a brother and sister, then resident, the brother in Richmond and the sister in Pierpont. The mother after finishing her visit returned home in the same manner she came, and it is said she made three trips of this nature.

Statistics For 1877 Biographical Sketches

was born in Auburn, Cayuga county, New York, on January 14, 1823, and is the third child of Grettis and Mary Follett, of the former point, but who removed to Ohio in the year 1839, and located in Pierpont township, on the farm now occupied by the subject of the present sketch. The father still resides in this township, at the age of eighty-five years. The mother died May 19, 1872. The education of Mr. Nathaniel Follett was acquired by the aid of the common or district school, and from the completion of which until the present time has followed the occupation of farming. On January 7, 1849, he was united in marriage to Emily M., daughter of Linus and Harriet Burhuell, originally from Hartland, Connecticut, but who were residing in the township of Monroe at the time of this marriage. From this union three children have been born. These are Della A., February 17, 1853 ; Hattie L., November 20, 1856 ; and Frank W., whose birth occurred on the 8th day of September, 1859. These children are still inmates of the parental home. Politically a warm Republican, Mr. Follett has been elected to many of the offices within the gift of his fellowtownsmen. In the fall of 1874 he was chosen to the office of infirmary director, and was re-elected in the fall of 1876. He is spoken of as being an efficient officer, and faithful in the discharge of his duties. Has ever been an ardent supporter of the educational interests of his township.

Mr. Schramling, a view of whose fine farm residence may be seen on the opposite page, is a native of New York State, being born in Cattaraugus county, New York, in May, 1828. At about the time of his birth his father removed to Otsego county, and when Mr. Schramling was eight years of age to Columbus, Warren county, Pennsylvania, which was then a new country, with extensive forests. Here the subject of our sketch spent his boyhood days engaged in lumbering, rafting, chopping and clearing land. Being the oldest child of a family of seven boys and three girls, he was compelled to undergo severe labor, and received but little education. When nineteen years old he acquired under competent instruction a knowledge of the carpenter trade. January 1, 1850, he was united in marriage with Miss Deliah Robbins, who has been to him a faithful companion, and to whom he is largely indebted for his prosperity in life. In March, 1854, he settled in Pierpont township, this county, purchased fifty acres of land, and which now constitutes a portion of the homestead farm. In four days after his arrival he and his wife were living and keeping house in a dwelling of their own erection. The same year he built a shop and began the manufacture of the revolving horserake, which he introduced throughout western Pennsylvania and a portion of Ashtabula County. Three years later he built the first steam saw-mill, at the centre of the township. This he sold to try his hand in the oil business in

In 1863 he was made first lieutenant, and afterwards captain, of the Ohio militia. In 1S64, after expending a great deal of time and money to prevent a draft in his township, he offered his services in defense of his country, received a recruiting commission, and during the last year of the war served as second lieutenant in Company K of the One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Regiment,

Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Mr. and Mi-s. Sehramling are the parents of three children, one son and two daughters. A great bereavement came to them in May, 1875, by the death of their only son. But Mr. Sehramling does not complain of his lot. lie has been greatly blessed with prosperity, has a beautiful home, and enjoys the esteem of his neighbors : and his only desire is that the remnant of his days may be spent in being useful to himself, his family, his neighbors, his country, and his God.

Cherry

The lands included within the present limits of this township (Xo. 9, second range) were purchased of the Connecticut land company by Samuel Mather, Jr., on the 8th day of November, 179S. This township was originally surveyed into three equal divisions or sections, running east and west. The numbers of these sections began with the southern division.

The largest of these, the Pymatuning. rises in the northeast part of this township, and is the southern outlet of an extensive marsh, the greater portion of which, however, lies in the township of Dorset. The course of this stream is southerly, through the eastern part of the township.

Giddiugs creek, another considerable stream, has its rise in the southwest quarter of the township, and flowing easterly, its waters are discharged into the Pymatunins. Patch creek flows from the western part, and also empties into the Pymatuning, in the northeastern part of the township.

That portion of the township lying east of the Pymatuning creek is gently undulating, with a rich, gravelly soil. For a strip of perhaps one mile in width west of this stream are alternately ridge and swamp. The balance of the township is clay soil. The extreme western portion is of a flat nature and poorly supplied with permanent water.

In about the year 1817. Henry Patch began operations in the northeastern quarter of the north section. He was accompanied by Zebulon Congdon, soon cleared a small piece of ground, and upon it erected the first log house in the township ; worked during the summer, and in December abandoned the claim and removed to New Lyme. This improvement was on the stream which is now known as Patch creek, between the Hare and Creek roads, and a saw-mill was erected on this site in 1830, by William and Wooster Benjamin, of whom see further mention. In the month of December, 1818, Nathaniel Hubbard, from the State of New York, arrived in the township, and, with his family, moved into the cabin vacated by Patch. The following year two families settled on lands in the middle section, and near the east line. These were Nathaniel Johnson and John Fenn. The lots upon which these three families originally settled are now occupied as follows: the Hubbard place by E. Beals, the Johnson property by Silas Searl, and the Fenn homestead by Horace Lindsley. Josiah Creery, from Richfield, Otsego county, New York, purchased the property now owned by his eldest son, Track Creery, Jr. This was in 1823. His first stop was in a log house which stood opposite the present residence of Sidney Carpenter, in Andover ; building, as soon as practicable, a log house on his property, into which he removed with his family in the spring of 1825. The name Cherry Valley was suggested by Josiah Creery. The next settlers were two brothers, Wooster and William Benjamin, the former of whom purchased, on the 28th day of November, 1829, fifty acres in the south part of lot No. 2, in the centre section. William, on December 17. 1828, purchased the same number of acres in lots Nos. 7 and 8, in same section. Wooster Benjamin was killed on the 21st of December, 1835. while engaged in making some repairs upon the mill, previously referred to, and M illiam's death occurred while he was going from the mill to the bouse. Was found with his head partially under water, in which position it is thought he had fallen while in a fit. The Benjamin heirs still occupy the old homestead. John M oodworth, another pioneer, located on the farm now occupied by A. T. Woodworth. Jesse Steele and family emigrated from New Hartford. Litchfield county, Connecticut, in the year 1816. He first settled in the township of Andover; remained there until 1827, when he removed to Cherry Valley. Located on the northwest corner of the crossing of the Hayes and the east and west centre roads. This farm is still occupied by the Steele heirs. A. W. Steele, son of the original owner, prosecutes the business of watch-maker and jeweler at the "old homestead." In relation to the high price charged for the necessary article of salt, it is stated that Mr. Steele transported from his place to the lake three bushels of wheat, six bushels of rye, and one bushel of corn, which was exchanged for one barrel of salt, the " voyage" consuming five days' time of himself and team.

The first families who settled on the Hayes road, in the south section, were Benoni, William, and Eli Andrews. On the centre road we find that Francis Webster located on lot No. 28. In the north section Noah Sweet purchased one thousand four hundred and twenty-three acres in 1830. At the same time James Cornwell purchased three hundred and eighty-three acres, and Noah Rowley one hundred acres, in same section. February 1, 1842, Marvin Giddiuss purchased fifty acres also in same section. Henry Krum settled about threefourths of a mile from the south line of the township, on the Hayes road, in the spring of 1S26, and Abel Krum, his brother, three years later. Also, in 1826, Lockwood Lobdell located near Jesse Steele's. In 1831, John Williams and Elkanah Crosby, from Orleans county. New York, settled in the south part of the township, central. And in 1832, Conrad Petrie, from Herkimer county, New York, located near them. Henry Tuttle, originally from Litchfield county, Connecticut, settled in the township in January, 1834. His location was about onehalf mile from the south line of the township, on the Creek road. His son still occupies the old homestead. Mr. Tuttle was commissioner of Ashtabula County from 1829 to 1832.

The first road established in the township was in June, 1812. This was named the Hayes road, as a compliment to Richard Hayes, of Wayne township, the establishment of this road having been accomplished mainly by his efforts. The remainder of the roads in Cherry Valley were " laid out" in the following order : December. 1828, " From near the southeast corner, on the east line of the township, on the southwest corner of Merrick Bates' lot in Andover, and running west and westward to the main Cherry Valley north and south road at the north end of Giddings' mill-dam.'' Same date, " From a line between Creery's and S. Meeker's to east side of New Lyme, west." Same date, " From near Case and Slater's southwest corner, running nearly west to the west line of said township." And also, on same date, " From the Hayes road, near the centre of great lot No. 4, eastwardly to the town line," etc.

The first frame barn in the township was erected by John Fenn, in 1818, and the first frame house by the same, in 1825, both being on the farm now occupied by Horace Lindsley.

The first marriage which occurred in the township was that of Wooster Benjamin to Loretta Johnson. June 20, 1824. Rufus Houghton, justice of the peace for Andover township, solemnized the contract, which was consummated at the house of the bride's father.

The first death was that of Nathaniel Johnson, which occurred on the 28th day of June, 1825. The funeral services were conducted by the Rev. Harvey Coe, and the body received interment in the cemetery at West Andover, there being no place of burial yet established in Cherry Valley.

" Resolved (upon the petition of Anson J. Giddings, Benoni Andrews, and others), That so much of the present township of Andover as is included in surveyed township No. 9, in the second range, be set off and erected a separate township, to be known and designated by the name of Cherry Valley; and that an election for township officers be held at the house of Josiah Creery, on the 4th of July next."

Pursuant to this action, the qualified electors assembled, appointed William Andrews, Wooster Benjamin, and John Fenn judges, and Josiah Creery and A. J. Giddings clerks. The following were the officers elected : William Andrews, W. Benjamin, and Henry Krum, trustees ; Henry Krum, township clerk ; Josiah Creery, treasurer ; John Burget and W. Benjamin, fence-viewers ; John Woodworth and William Andrews, overseers of the poor ; A. J. Giddings, constable ; and H. Krum and H. Lyman, supervisors. The first justice of the peace for Cherry Valley township was John Woodworth, whose election occurred the spring following the organization of the township. He was succeeded by Henry Krum. The present incumbents to that office are A. W. Steele and Monroe Cornwell.

First Store

The first store was opened by William A. Clark, in 1829. This was located on lot No. 14, section 2, being the southeast corner, at the crossing of the Hayes and centre roads. The next store began operations in 1832, Joel Rice, proprietor. The building stood just across the road, opposite the site of Clark's mercantile establishment. The present stores are, one at the centre, by Squire Randolph ; and a short distance south another, which is connected with the cheese-factory, by Charles E. Petrie. A millinery establishment is also in operation at Steele's Corners.

established in Cherry Valley was on the 28th day of April, 1829. William A. Clark was first postmaster, whose commission bears the date above given. Mr. Clark held the office for a number of years, and was succeeded by Lockwood Lobdell. The present postmaster is R. Skeels, and the office is located at the centre.

The First School

was taught by Mrs. Hannah, wife of William A. Clark, in the winter of 1828-29. The house occupied on this occasion was of logs, and stood near the store of Mr. Clark. The entire .youth of the township attended this school. It is related that the teacher economized the time fully, occupying that portion not devoted to read- . ing and spelling in the, to her, perhaps, more congenial avocation of sewing (she was a tailoress). Numerous quilts were created during the season of this school. Many articles of gentlemen's wearing apparel were made ready for use. A. W. Steele, one of the pupils at this school, states that the scholar who misbehaved while the teacher was at work was admonished that his ease would be duly considered " when her needle was out" ; and no doubt the aid of all the saints in the calendar was invoked by the unlucky urchin that the thread might be extended ad infinitum.

The first physician was Dr. William A. Clark. The second was Harvey Spellman. The present physician is F. G. Spencer, whose office and residence is a short distance west of the centre. Dr. Spencer is a young man of more than average ability, and is building up a fine practice.

The First Saw-Mill

was erected by Elisha Giddings, in 1826. The mill was situated on Giddings creek, on the south line of the township, on the Hayes road. There are at

The first cheese manufactured in Cherry Valley was in 1820, by Mrs. John Fenn. This was from the milk of one cow. The machinery for pressing the cheese was primitive indeed, it being simply a pole, one end of which was placed beneath this lever, near the house, the cheese was duly pressed. At present a factory does the cheese-making. This first began operations in 1870. Its location is north of the centre, and opposite the residence of the proprietor, Charles E. Petrie. The first year Mr. Petrie manufactured the milk of something over seven hundred cows, averaging twenty-five cheeses per day, weighing fifty pounds each. During the past two years the proprietor has made butter in connection with the factory.

The first religious services were in about the year 1825, by Elder Davis, of the Methodist connection. This was at the house of one of the pioneers. The congregation, which numbered some twenty-five, comprised all the settlers within reach, they coming in from Andover and Millsford (now Dorset) with their rifles on their shoulders. The early services were held in school-houses usually. The first regular ministers were Elder C. R. Richmond, of the Baptist, and Rev. Sturges, of the Methodist, denomination. The former church was organized about 1840. There are now two churches located at the centre, one for each denomination above referred to. There is also a town hall at this point.

Golden Rule Lodge, No. 331, was organized U. D. July 26, a.l. 5860. The first officers were Moses Dickinson, W. M. ; William H. McLaughlin, S. W. ; Lockwood Lobdell, J. W. ; R. W. Jones, Sec. ; S. F. Hollestcr, Treas. ; A. W. Steele, S. D. ; Philip Hanson, J. D. ; and J. B. Wood, Tyler. Date of charter, October 20, a.l. 5860 ; organized under charter November 7, A.L. 5860, Brother T. J. Carlin, Past Master of Evergreen lodge, No. 222, proxy of Grand Master, officiating. The officers for 1878 are Alpheus W. Steele, W. M. ; Daniel B. Debow, S. W. ; Sylvanus W. Stone, J. W. ; James B. Wood, Treas. ; Franklin O. Sisson, Sec. ; Parley Serine, S. D. ; J. Albert Steele, J. D. ; Allen J. Blanchard and George M. Stell, Stewards; and William D. Sutherland, Tyler. Present membership, forty-two. Stated communications, first and third Thursdays.

As will be seen by reference to the soldier record, this township was well represented in the regiments which Ohio sent to the support of the grand old stars and stripes during the dark days of the Rebellion.

Biographical Sketches Horace Lindsley

The parents of the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch were Abraham and Molly Bidwell Lindsley, of Litchfield, Connecticut. Their ancestors were of English origin. Removed to Paris, Oneida county, N. Y., where Horace was born on the 7th day of July, 1811. His father died at this point, and in 1818 his mother was married again, to John Fenn, and soon after removed to Ohio, coming via the lakes, and after a long and tedious voyage, not devoid of danger, arrived at the mouth of Ashtabula creek. At this time there was at this place one log cabin and a partially-constructed building intended for a warehouse. They first went to Madison, Lake county ; only remained a short time, however, and then removed to No. 9 of the second range (now known as Cherry Valley) ; here they effected a permanent settlement in the wilderness. There was but one other family at this time in the township, their neighbors being principally the wild beasts of the forest. At night they were lulled to sleep by the soothing howl of wolves and the hootings of the owls. Mrs. Lindsley Fenn died September 27, 1842. The education of the gentleman under consideration was acquired at common school, and his first occupation was the felling of the huge forest-trees surrounding his home. In his youth he taught school in winter seasons for a time, but his life-work has been that of farming. On December 26, 1842, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth A. J., daughter of Joseph and Esther Giddings Warren, of Williamsfield. Eight children were born of this marriage. These are John Quincy Adams ; Joseph Warren, married Elma C. Sweesy ; Mary E., married George II. Burnell ; Lucretia Weston, married E. H. Greene ; Lucretia M. (died) ; Matthew Hale (died) ; Frank Hildreth, and Wendell Phillips. Their political position is shown by the names of their children. They were ever warm friends of the colored man, and many a slave had reason to thank them for food, clothing, and shelter while en route for that freedom in a foreign country which was then denied him here. John Brown and his sons were intimate friends, and the last home of the unfortunate Aaron D. Stevens, who was one of the victims of the Harper's Ferry affair, and was executed at Charlestown, Virginia, was at one time with Mr. and Mrs. Lindsley.

Abileno E. Beals

In the year ISIS. Edson Beals, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, who was a Universalist minister, and Jane Beals, his wife, removed from Burlington, Orange countv, New York, to Ohio, and made settlement in the township of Pierpont (this county). Remained there until 1828, when they removed to Cherry Valley. The place of their location was in the east part of the township, on the Creek road, purchasing what was known as the Hubbard farm. Here the Rev. Mr. B. lived until his decease, in 1851. The mother is still living at the advanced age of ninety-two years, the last twenty of which she has been confined almost constantly to her bed. Ethener Beals, father of Abileno E., was born in Burlington, New York, February 13, 1S1G. His wife, Lucretia Low, was born December 28, 1815 ; lived in Pennsylvania during her youth. They were married in 1838, and lived pleasantly together until his death, July, 1872. This worthy couple were among the hard-working settlers of the township, always striving to do that which was right.

A. E. Beals was born in Cherry Valley, September 15, 1848 ; lived at home until February 24, 1870, when he married Miss Elrena J.. daughter of Charles and Sally Skeels Spellman, of Wayne township (this county), and immediately began housekeeping on a farm purchased for him by his father, some two miles south of the old homestead, where he yet resides. They have one child, Frank, horn December 1, 1876. The other children of Ethener and Lucretia Beals are Josiah, born 1839, died at Grand River institute, Austinburg, 1861, and Ensign, born February 8, 1842, married Maggie Sell; resides on the old farm. This family are Republican in politics.

Wesley Clark

This gentleman is the fourth of a family of seven children. He was born in Albany, New York, November 18, 1814. His parents were Dr. William A. and Polly Vandervier Clark, originally of Monmouth, New Jersey. Removed to Cherry Valley on October 10, 1822, and are both deceased. For a further description of his parents, see the history of Cherry Valley. Wesley Clark was educated at common school, doing much study at home by the light of the huge open fire. Among the early incidents and hardships of pioneer life is remembered the fact that the father of the subject of this sketch moved into the wilderness of Cherry Valley, erected a log cabin, put on a part of the roof, and moved in. That night the snow fell to the depth of eighteen inches, making for strangers in a strange land an exceeding cool reception. Wesley Clark was married March 3, 1850, to Emily, daughter of Marvin and Laura Snow, of Cherry Valley. From this marriage were born two children : Bent Wade, the eldest, died in infancy ; Alcha E. was born March 22, 1860. The political party to which Mr. C. belongs is that of Democratic. He is also a member of the order of Freemasons. He is a worthy and influential citizen.

Sheffield Tofnship

The township of Sheffield is bounded on the north by Kingsville, on the south by Denmark, on the east by Monroe, and on the west by Plymouth. It lies in range 2, township 12. The central and southern part of Sheffield is level, while the northern part is moderately hilly. The township is traversed from east to west by the Ashtabula river, which, with its tributary, Pine creek, drains the larger part of its territory. The township of Sheffield was formerly called East Matherstown, Saybrook being called West Matherstown. Samuel Mather was one of the first proprietors of the township, and for him it was named ; but at the date of the organization of the township, in 1820, it was given the name of Sheffield by John Greggs, who was elected the first justice of the peace in the township. Samuel Mather had three heirs, and he had the township divided into three equal parts, the division being made north and south. Elijah Hubbard married his daughter Lydia, and she inherited the middle portion. The division of the land was made in the year 1818. by General Smith, of Vernon, Trumbull county, and Judge Tappan, of Harpersfield. Matthew Hubbard acted as agent for the sale of the central portion of the Sheffield lands for many years, and was successful in disposing of a large share of them to actual settlers. He was succeeded as agent by Henry E. Parsons, of Ashtabula, in 1837, and in 1838 Mr. Parsons became agent also for the east and west portions of the lands of the township. At the time of the arrival of the first settlers the whole township was one mass of forest, with the exception of here and there a small opening or glade on the banks of the Ashtabula river. The bear, deer, wolf, and other wild animals were plentiful. The timber which grew on these lands consisted of the oak, whitewood, hemlock, cucumber, beech, maple, and the black ash. The last grows on the low, wet bottom-lands, and has been, and is now. of great service in the way of fencing the farms. The east and west parts were not surveyed and offered for sale till the summer of 1825, though there were some squatters on the west part before this time. The middle part was sold in the summer of 1817 to Stephen Bidwell and his son-in-law, Phineas Webster. The latter came on the same summer, and had this part surveyed and offered for sale.

Old Major Moore, who had been a soldier in the Revolutionary war, was the first man to break the forest in Sheffield. He erected a cabin in 1811, on the Hall place, now owned by Mr. Usher, and cleared two or three acres. He then went into Richland county, Ohio, and after being gone one or two years returned, and iu 1817 married a daughter of Reuben Mendall's, she being only sixteen years old, then moved back to Richland county permanently. Smith Webster, justice of the peace of Kingsville, married them, and it was the first wedding in Sheffield. Chauneey Atwater, Sr., went on foot to Jefferson for the license, and on his way back intended to stop with John R. Gage, but lost his way in the forest, and lay in the woods all night. In the morning he found the river so much swollen by the rains of the night and previous day that it was not possible to cross it, and there being no bridges, he had to go to Kelloggsville, some four miles farther, before he could cross to the other side. It may be said here that this river in spring and fall, during heavy rains, overflows its banks on the bottomlands adjoining the river.

Some two or three years before this land was offered for sale, Reuben and Amos Mendall, and their brother-in-law, Abram Springstead, with their families, had commenced improvements in this middle part of the township, north of the river. A brother of the Mendalls, while on a furlough from the army, visiting here, died of consumption in 1817, and was buried on the northeast corner of the Rood farm, now owned by Mr. Hawkins. He was the first white man who died and was buried in Sheffield.

Among the earliest of the squatters on the west division was John Shaw, who arrived in Sheffield in 1812. He has now numerous descendants in this part of the county. It is related by his son, Truman B. Shaw, of Sheffield, that John Shaw, his father, in the War of 1812, between the English and the United States, belonged to and was a soldier in the British army, then in Canada. But preferring the freedom of an American to the bondage of a British soldier, he, with several of his companions in arms, took a small boat from Long Point, Canada. and crossed Lake Erie to Ashtabula in the night, a distance of forty miles, making good their escape. During the year 1817 other families commenced settling in the middle portion of Sheffield, among them Chauneey Atwater, on the farm known now as the Wellman farm. He had three children, - John T., Lyman, and Laura Atwater. The first, John T. Atwater, for many years was a prominent man in the township, adding to his occupation of a successful farmer that of a merchant, dealing largely in stoves and hardware, but was suddenly cut off in the midst of his usefulness and in the prime of life. Whilst engaged iu the procuring of timber for a mill which he was about to erect on the banks of the Ashtabula river, a little east of his house, which is now called the Atwater farm, owned by James Purdy, in felling a tree, a limb was broken off, and, striking him, was the cause of his death. He left a property of six hundred acres of land, which was divided between his three sons. - Chauneey W., Wilbur, and Almon Atwater, - the two first still residing in Sheffield, and are successful farmers, the last occupying a prominent position as chief engineer on the Canada Southern railroad. Lyman Atwater resides in Monroe township, and his sister, Laura Coveil, in Topeka, Kansas, she being one of the first settlers in that region.

Another of the early settlers in this part of the township was Thomas Fargo, who purchased in 1817 what is known as the Eastman farm, and moved there in 1821. He set out the first orchard in the township on that farm, and also erected the first frame residence and barn. Samuel P. Castle, on the Ufford farm, was another early settler.

In the summer of 1818, Phineas Webster moved his family on what is known as the old Johnson place, now owned by Mr. Freeman, and in March, 1820, he died, and the middle third of the township reverted to the Hubbards.

Zebediah Whipple emigrated from New London, Connecticut, in 1818, to Sheffield, and now resides in the south part of the township, on what is called Maple street. He settled on the farm now owned by Ben. Summers, in the north part of the township. There he cleared ten acres. It is related by him that in the spring of the year they had to endure many hardships, among which was scarcity of food, having to gather the cowslip greens and wild onions, with what wild game they could catch and kill, for food. In the fall their chief food was peaches and milk. In 1820 he built a small frame barn, the neighbors coming from Ashtabula, Conneaut, Kingsville, and surrounding settlements to help raise the same. For every pound of nails which he used in the erection he paid one bushel of corn. Zebediah Whipple is still living, and is at the ripe old age of cighty-two years. He has a family of four children living in the township. Their names are Andrew, John, William, and Gibson.

The First Roads

The first road surveyed and opened in the township was one running from Ivelloggsville, then known as "Ferguson's settlement," towards Jefferson. It was surveyed by Martin Kellogg at an early day, and was only underbrushed and used as a bridle-path. The next road was that running from Monroe to Plymouth.

First Births

John B. Gage was married in October, 1817, to Ruth Woodbury, of Ashtabula, and in November following settled on the south side of Ashtabula river, on the farm where he now lives. He was the first settler on the south side of the river ; aud his daughter, Lodema Clark, now living in Austinburg, was born in July, 1818, and was the first child born on the south side of the river.

Joshua L. Gage settled on the south side of the river, on the farm now owned and occupied by him, in November, 1822. In the following year was elected justice of the peace, which office he held for twelve years in succession without having a case appealed, though litigation was quite common in the changes incident to a newly-settled community. Their brother, Stephen, also lived for many years a neighbor to them. The two first raised large families, who, with their children, are scattered from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

In the spring of 1818 Elam Osborn and John Usher settled near what is called Sheffield Corners, on the places known as the Peck and Richmond farms, respectively, and they were the second and third settlers on the south side of the creek, J. L. Gage being the fourth.

One of the most prominent and useful citizens who ever resided in Sheffield was Elder Edmund Richmond, who came here in 1836. He gave the land for the Baptist church, was mainly instrumental in building the same, and preached there till his death, in 1861. His remains lie buried in the township cemetery, within a few rods of the church he loved so well, surrounded by those of his two wives and his sons, Judah L., Horace, and Calvin.

Hammon Stevens settled in Sheffield in 1836. His father, Enoch Stevens, emigrated from New Hampshire to Ashtabula in 1810, purchasing the farm known as the Winthrop Watrous farm, and settling there.

Very much could be truthfully said of the virtues, the public spirit, and the pioneer pluck displayed by a large number of Sheffield pioneers, and although history may be silent, tradition will carefully preserve the names of Bliss, Johnson, Swift, Hardy, West, Shepard, Ward, Purdy, Kingsbury, Hawkins, Bennett, Rogers, Eastman, and others.

First School-Houses

The first school in Sheffield was one taught by Clarissa Cassell, in a log cabin which stood near where Mr. Uff'ord's residence now stands. The first school-house was built in 1819, about forty rods west of the present school-house, in district No. 11. The second school-house was erected of logs, in 1823, and stood on the rise of ground north of the residence of James Rogers, and on the southeast corner of the Eastman farm. The next school was a frame building, erected on the northwest corner of what is now known as Sheffield Corners. This was built in 1829, and was called the Red School-house, and this building figured prominently in the early history of Sheffield, it being used as a meeting-house, and also the town elections and meetings. We can give but a few names of those who, in early times, instructed the scholars in these schools. They are as follows : Eliphalet Gage, Harriet Woodbury, Lake Guernsey, Samuel C. Johnson, and Asal Aldridge.

The first religious meetings in Sheffield were held by the Methodists, in the first log school-house built in the township. Religion advanced hand in hand with education. In 1824 the first church was organized, Elder Lane, of the Erie conference, preaching once in every four weeks. Among the names of the first pastors we find the Revs. Wilder B. Mack, John P. Kent, Parson Hall, (Episcopal), Joseph Davis, Elder Palmer, Elder Bailey, Somerville, and others.

The present church was erected in 1844, and is still in a state of good preservation. The presiding elder, Hiram Kinsley, preached the dedication sermon, the Revs. John Luccock and E. B. Lane at that time being the pastors of the church. The present pastor's name is Rev. E. S. Baker, who resides in Kelloggsville. The number of present membership is forty.

Baptist Church

The Baptist church was organized on July 6, 1835, by the Rev. Edmund Richmond, who gave the land for the church, and was mainly instrumental in the building of the same. He labored here till his death, in 1861. Under his ministry, on March 26, 1843, William Ward was converted and baptized. For four years after his conversion he attended the Baptist Theological seminary, in the city of New York, preparing himself for the ministry. In 1848 he was sent, under the auspices of the Baptist Missionary Union, as a missionary to Assam, India, where he faithfully and effectually labored for a period of twenty years, and died among the people for whose spiritual good he had so earnestly striven. The number of members at the time of organization was thirteen. The present membership, twenty-four. The Rev. Edwin Dibble is the present pastor.

Free-Will Baptists

The Free-Will Baptists organized in 1839, Rev. D. M. L. Rollin presiding. They held their meetings in the school-house at Sheffield Centre until the present church was built, in 1853, which occupies a lot a few rods north of the townhouse. Membership at time of organization, nine ; present membership, twentyseven. The present pastor, the Rev. Rufus Clark.

United Brethren Church

The United Brethren church was organized by Revs. George Sleeper and Ambrose Shelly in 1857. The present pastor is Rev. Landeau. The membership at the present time is twenty-five.

Farm Crops

The township of Sheffield is more adapted for the growing of grass than for other farm crops, but corn, wheat, oats, potatoes, apples, and garden-vegetables are raised, and yield well and abundantly. The soil is clay, but along the banks of Ashtabula river is a mixture of clay and gravel. The timber which grew on the Sheffield lands aided largely the pioneers and settlers of this township in the payment of their farms, as well as in the erection of their residences and barns, and is also a means of support to many now, who carry their wood and lumber to the surrounding towns to market.

Cheese-Factories

The great demand for this article of American manufacture has led the farmers throughout the United States, whose lands are adapted for the growing of grass and the keeping of dairies, to study and understand thoroughly the process of making cheese, so as to utilize every possible facility in the production of this very important article of food. This branch of industry has reached a high degree of perfection, as to the mode of manufacture, in this locality, - the lands of Sheffield being well adapted for pasture, and also well watered. Natural advantages are here enjoyed to an extent which not many localities are able to furnish, and hence the manufacture of butter and cheese constitutes the leading employment of the citizens of this township. The Buckeye cheese-factory, situated on Maple street, on the land of Gilbert Whipple, opposite the residence of H. L. Smith, is a large and prosperous factory, and has been in successful operation for about four seasons. It was built in the spring of 1874. It is owned and operated by a joint-stock company. The names of the present salesmen for the company are as follows: H. L. Smith, S. M. Booth, and J. C. Andrews. Chauncey W. Atwater, Amos Stevens, and George Peebles are engaged in the manufacture of the " farm-dairy cheese."

The First Saw- And Grist-Mills

The first saw- and grist-mill was erected by Elijah Peck, in 1827, on the Ashtabula river, a short distance east of Sheffield Corners. It is said of this mill that it would saw about three or four hundred feet of lumber a day, and that the grinding of four bushels of corn constituted the capacity of the grist-mill. It is said that Thomas Fargo, who lived on the Eastman farm, took some corn to this mill at an early day to be ground, and Mr. Peck, in order to ascertain whether the corn was being ground fine enough, sent Mr. Fargo down-stairs to watch the meal as his grist came forth. He went below as directed, but, after watching for some time, and unable to see that any flour issued forth, or that any corn was " pecked,'' as they called it, looked up and saw a large rat sitting in the shoe of the mill, devouring the " pecked" corn as fast as it fell from the mill. This illustrates the mill's grinding capacity. Elijah Peck had been a resident of Monroe township for some time prior to 1827. He raised a large family of children, many of them now living in the county. There are at present four saw-mills in Sheffield, - one at Sheffield Corners, owned by Mr. James Rogers ; another (steam-mill) on the lands of B. B. Hardy, owned by Brownell & Spears ; a water-power mill on the north branch of Mills creek, in the south of Sheffield township, owned by L. M. Farr ; and the last, about one mile west of James Rogers' mill, on Ashtabula river, owned by Harvey Clark, who, in addition to this mill, runs an extensive flouring-mill. This mill was erected first as a saw-mill in 1829. In 1840 it was enlarged and a gristmill added. After which it was sold by Joseph Hawkins to Mr. Rathburn, who swept the whole of the old mill away and erected on its site the present commodious saw- and grist-mill, now owned by Harvey Clark.

A pump and butter-tub manufactory is carried on by Cleveland Brothers, in North Sheffield, and was built in 1869. Capacity, twenty-five pumps and fifty butter-tubs per day.

The First Store

was built by Norman Thompson and John C. Richmond, and kept by Salmon Chandler, in the old store building opposite the Methodist church. There are at the present time two stores, - one at the Sheffield Corners, kept by J. P. Smith, and the other at Sheffield Centre, by Henry Fox, who also holds the office of postmaster.

was kept in a building nearly opposite the Baptist church. David Richmond was the first postmaster, in 1845, and the first quarter's income was eighty-three cents.

First Hotel The First Physician

In 1828, Zaccheus Bugley and his son Horace, having settled on what is known as the Kemp farm, and being fond of hunting, started one morning from home, and got as far as the Gould farm, and, while crossing over Pine creek on a log, the father slipped, his rifle was discharged, the ball penetrating his son's skull, killing him instantly. This was the first accident in Sheffield.

In the month of October, 1854, Daniel Richards, while drawing a load of cornstalks from one of his fields on the west side of George Ufford's farm, which land he was owner of at the time, had the misfortune to upset his load, throwing him upon a pitch-fork, and so injuring him that he died in a short time.

On the 3d of January, 1869, Perry M. Whipple, son of Zebediah Whipple, died from the effect of a bite received from a hog, which he was helping butcher on the farm of John A. Stanton.

The First Officers

in the township were elected in 1820: John Gage, trustee; John Griggs, justice of the peace ; and Chauncey Atwater, township clerk ; Samuel Johnson, treasurer. The records of the township from the time of organization in 1820 till 1852 have not been preserved, and we are unable to give the names of the township officers between those dates. The following are the names of those holding town offices since 1852 :

Trustees. - William Todd, Joseph Hawkins, George Ufford, Johnson Gillett, Hammon Stevens, Melancthon Wellman, E. Gillett, N. Bonnell, Dan. Swift, W. 0. Lilly, J. R. Gage, D. W. Peck, J. C. Quinn, W. R. Howard, F. Mann, C. W. Atwater, A. A. Fink, R. T. Moore, Elijah Peck, J. Hardy, Jr., Erastus Hawkins, James Rogers, A. Whipple, C. A. Brown, K. K. Warda, S. M. Booth, H. D. Cleveland, D. Y. Richmond, H. Shepard, J. Dickson, B. C. Smith. The present trustees for 1877 are B. P. Hard, A. C. Stevens, and J. P. Avery.

Treasurers. - Elisha Peck, H. Purdy, Beriah Bliss, D. W. Peck, W. Shepard, S. T. Gage, H. M. Clark, A. Shelley, Norris Gage, Ira A. Blodgett, A. Marr, Elijah Peck, H. D. Cleveland, Darius Van Slyke. H. D. Cleveland treasurer in 1877.

Real Estate Assessors. - Hammon Stevens was elected in 1859 to hold the office of real estate assessor, which office is held for ten years consecutively. C. W. Atwater was elected in 1870.