Twinsburg Township (part 21 of 38)

Twinsburg Towxship

Miss Electa M. Pettibone ; they were the parents of three children - George Grant, born Dec. 16, 1865 ; Nettie P., born Aug. 18, 1868, and William Dennison, born June 4, 1870. After Mr. Wise's death, the family returned to Summit Co., and now reside in Copley Township. Mrs. Wise is the daughter of Dennison and Jane (Barber) Pettibone. The Pettibones are of French descent, their ancestors having left France during the Revolution, and after staying in England a few years removed to xlmerica. Dennison was born Oct. 22, 1807, in Hartford, Conn.; the son of Norman and Amelia (Whitmore) Pettibone ; he was married Feb. 26, 1834, to Jane Barber, who was born Nov. 6, 1816. After residing in Norton Township over thirty years, Dennison died, Jan. 18, 1872, leaving four children - Pamelia, now Mrs. Colbetzor, of Copley ; Electa M., now Mrs. G. W. Wise ; Phebe Ellen, now now Mrs. Albert Beach, and Jared B., of Akron. CHARLES F. ZIEGLER, miller, Copley Center ; sole owner and proprieter of Copley Mill. This gentleman was born in Germany in 1831. When but a small lad he came to the United States, which has since been his home. He was raised and educated in Philadelphia, and when a young man removed to New Jersey, and in 1862 came to Ohio, locating in Wadsworth, Medina Co. In 1866, Mr. Ziegler purchased the Copley Mill, paying for the same $3,300. The mill at this time was in a very poor condition. Mr. Ziegler immediately commenced renovating and improving the property, making additions as his means increased, placing in an almost new engine, until he now owns one of the best mills in western Summit Co. Under Mr. Ziegler's management, this mill turns out a brand of the best quality of Hour, and the mill has quite an extensive run of custom grinding. Since coming to Copley, Mr. Ziegler has purchased, besitles his mill property, a nice lot of land of 7 acres, on which he has erected a fine house at a cost of $1,500. While living in Wadsworth he married Lovina Yoder, and this couple have one son, Charles, who lives with his parents. Mr. Ziegler started in life a poor bo}'. At about the age of 14 he commenced learning his trade, which he has ever since followed, giving him an experience that entitles him to the name of being one of the best millers in this count}-. By industr}- and econom}' he has arisen from povert}' to one of ease and comfort. He is an intelligent and enterprising citizen.

ETHAN ALLING, deceased, whose portrait appears in this work, was bora in North Milford, Conn., Aug. 13, 1800, and was a son of Lewis and Elizabeth (Clark) Ailing. His education was received by a limited attendance at the schools of his neighborhood. In 1814, he entered tho gi'oceiy store of Loomis & Johnson, in New Haven, where he remained two years, when the firm failed. In March, 1817, he came to Ohio with three hired men for the purpose of improving some land his father had bought in Twinsburg Township, and in Tract 3. They at once commenced preparations for building, IVIr. Ailing thus becoming the first actual white settler in the town. In July, his father and mother arrived and became settlers. They both died in September, 1823. The subject was maiTied, April 24, 1824, to Miss Eliza Blackman, of

Bridgeport, Conn., who is yet living, and is now (1881) in her 80th year. ]Mr. Ailing opened a tavern in Twinsburg in December', 1826, a business he continued for a number of years. He was appointed Postmaster in October, 1827, and, in 1831, he commenced the mercantile business, and, in 1835, built a storehouse, in which he long did a good business, and was finally succeeded by his two eldest sons, Francis and Hoadly, who caiTied on the business imtil their death. 'Sh: Ailing retired from business, and, diu'ing the latter years of his life, lived upon the old homestead; he died April 22, 1867. He was an active and energetic business man, liberal in his support of chiu'ches and charitable objects, and in public enterprises a leader. By his mairiage there were five childi*en, birt one of whom is now living, viz., E. L. IVIi's. Ailing

MES. SAEAH C. BENNETT, farming; P. O. Twinsbiu'g; was born in Orange Township, Cuyahoga Co., May 14, 1838, to Almon and Henrietta (Squires) Smith, natives of Connecticut, to whom were also born -Almon S., Asher v., Susan H., Orange V., Orville and L^/man. Henrietta was a daughter of Morehouse, whose wife was a Mead. Henrietta came to Mahoning Co. about the year 1820, and moved to Orange, Cuyahoga Co., in 1822; her husband died in Orange in 1849. Mrs. Bennett was married, Jan. 27, 1858, to Elam Bennett, whose name she now bears ; he was born in this township, on the farm which she now owns; his parents were Henry and Fannie (Streeter) Bennett, natives of the Eastern States. Henry Bennett was one of the early settlers in this township ; he had three sons - Cyrus, Henry S. and Elam. Mr. Bennett's life was spent on the farm on which he settled. He was held in high esteem by all who knew him. He and his wife were members of the M. E. Church. He died Oct. 14, 1873, and she in May, 1878. Mrs. Sarah Bemiett lived happily with her husband until his death, which occurred Sept. 8, 1871. Since his demise, she has remained on their farm of 175 acres, with her thi'ee sons, Almon C.,Delos H. and Otis.

Eev. SAMUEL BISSELL, educator. Twinsburg. The ancestors of the above were of English descent, and the family trace them to one John Bissell, who left Somersetshire in ]628, landing in Plymouth in the same year, and, in company with others, went overland to Windsor, on the Connecticut Eiver, where he settled, and from him have sprmig a numerous family. Here was born Israel Bissell, who was the grandfather of our subject; he entered the Colonial army, and died of camp distemper, at the age of 45; the same fate came to the grandfather on Samuel's mother's side. Israel Bissell had three sons and towr daughters, viz.: Israel, Justus and Eobert; Eiuiice, Eoxana, Prudence and Anna. Eobert had three sons and two daughters,viz. : Samuel, Eoswell and David; Laura and Bianca. Samuel was born April 28, 1797, in Middlefield, Mass.; he came West with his parents to Ohio in 1806, and settled in Aurora, now Portage Co., which was at that time on the verge of the " Far West." Here his father settled and raised his family amid the wild scenes of that period. .No schools existed here at this time, except those of privation and haixl labor. Up to the year 1816, Samuel assisted his father in clearing up their forest home. Having a burning desire for an education, and, in the absence of proper schools, he began a systematic coiu'se of study, including the classical, and fitted himself for college, and graduated in Yale in 1823 ; two years later, in New Preston, Conn., he was licensed to preach, and retiu-ned to Am-ora, where he engaged in teaching a select school, and, shortly afterward, took charge of a small Congregational Chiu'ch society at Twinsburg, then in a weak and feeble condition, and ministered to their spiritual wants for about fom*- teen years; the society, in the meantime, grew and prospered. About this time, he gave up his pastorate and resumed teaching, and established the well-known Twinsburg Institute, a description of which the reader will find in the history of the township in this volume. Since that time, he devoted himself to teaching, having had chaj'ge of this institute for fifty-two years, during which time more than 6.000 students of both sexes have been under his instruction; among this number were 200 Indians, fi'om five different tribes, some of whom have surpassed in scholarship any of the white youth in the institution. It may truthfully be said of Mr. Bissell that, in his labors, he has been unselfish m his ends, not too highly esteeming worldly wealth or honors, but has given his life and labors to benefit his fellow-man. Mi-. Bissell was twice married - first, to Fannie A. Gay lord, who died leaving no children ; his present wife was Amelia C. Sikes, born Nov. 28, 1823, in Summers, Tolland Co., Conn.; her parents were Chauncey and Cynthia (Hancock) Sikes ; Chauncey was a son of Abel Sikes, and Cynthia was a daughter of Gribson and Eunice (Green) Hancock, all of South Wilbraham. The childi-en of Chauncey and Cynthia were Amelia C, Henry C, Francis, George M., Ealph F., Julia A. and Elizabeth M. Mi-s. Bissell gradviated, June 30, 1850, in the Wesleyan Academy at Wilbraham, Conn., and for

H. A. BISSELL, farmer; P. O. Twinsbiu-g; was born March 8, 1847, on the farm where he now lives ; his parents were Cephas and Isabel (Crawford) Bissell; his father was born in Middlefield, Mass., June ^5, 1800, and was the son of Justus, who was a son of Israel Bissell, who was a native of Connecticut. Cephas came West with his parents to what is now Portage Co. in 1806, and settled in Aurora. Feb. 28, 1829, he was married, by Rev. John Seward, to Isabel Crawford, who was born in Orange Co., N. Y., May 20, 1806, to Solomon and Anna Crawford, whose other children were Alexander and Cadwalder. Solomon was bom Feb. 14, 1772, and Anna, his wife, Feb. 24, 1783; they were married March 13, 1800. Cephas Bissell spent the early part of his life in Aurora, and removed to the eastem part of Twinsburg To'wnship in 1832, where he lived until his death, which occurred May 18, 1867; his wife still survives him. Their children were Cephas, born in Aurora April 19, 1830, died Sept. 28, 1873, leaving one son, Freddie; Isabel, who was born in Aurora Sept. 20, 1831, and died Dec. 27, 1833; Anna, born in Twinsburg Dec. 25, 1840, married Nelson Dodge, and died Jan. 30, 1862. Henry A. was married, Dec. 18, to Anna Nichols, born in this township Feb. 25, 1859; she was the daughter of Oscar A. and Ellen (Hutchinson) Nichols; she bore him one son - Roy H., Sept. 22, 1880. Cephas Bissell, the father of our subject, was regarded in the community as an upright man and worthy citizen; he and wife were both members of the Congregational Church. Henry A. is the only child living; he is engaged in farming and daiiying, and is doing a good business; his farm consists of 415 acres.

JAIHES BROWN, farmer; P. O. Twinsburg; was born Dec. 1, 1806, in Hampden Co., Mass, to James Brown, whose father's name also was James. The mother of our subject was Orvilla Phelps, of Connecticut; his father, being a poor man, he left home at the tender age of 7, and was buffeted aboiit from place to place until he was 11 years of age, when he was bound out until his majority, after which he worked out by the day and month, receiving small compensation for his labor. In his 27th year, he maiTied Emeline Waterman, daughter of Zebedee, a soldier in the war of the Revolution. Mr. Brown came West in the spring of 1839, to Twinsburg, where he manufactured shoes, which business he had followed to some extent before he came West. In 1841, he purchased the land where he now resides, which then was mostly unimproved. April 14, 1843, his wife died, leaving one daughter - Caroline, now Mi's. John W. Barge, who is a resident of Cleveland. Jan. 10 of the following year, he maiTied Maranda Hanchett, born July 1 , 1825, in Yates Co., N. Y., daughter of Seth and Patty Remington Hanchett, who were natives of Connecticut, and removed to Yates Co., N. Y., prior to the war of 1812. To them were born nine childi'en. The family came West to this township in 1833, locating in the southeastern part. 'Mr. Brown, by his last marriage, has one child only - Almon James, who perpetuates the family name. To James, the grandfather of our subject, were born James, William, Nicholas, Daniel, Thomas, Lewis, Israel, Petsey and Jennie. To James and Orvilla Phelps were born Hcinnah, Orvilla, James, Roswell and Almon. Almon James was born Feb. 16, 1846, and, on March 5, 1868, married Miss Danchee, who was bom Dec. 18, 1848, to Harrison and Sylphinia (Nye) Dunchee. Almon J. has one son - James H, bom Dec. 27, 1877. The farm consists of 300 acres, the result of hard labor and rigid economv.

H. W. CANNON, farmer; P. O. Twinbsurg; born in Blanford Township, Hampden Co., State of Massachusetts, March 5, 1830; was the only child of his parents, Nathan and Elizabeth (Waterman) Cannon, and came West with them to Portage Co. in 1833, and thence to this townshi]i in the following year, where his father pm'chased 80 acres of land on Lots 41 and 42. U])on this place our subject has since resided. His early youth was sjient on the farm and attending school, his education, in his later school-days, being received under the guai'dianship of Rev. Samuel Bissell, of the Twinsbm-g Institute, where he attended several terms. Since he has grown to manliood, lie has conducted the farm, and has been identified with the interests of the township. He has always been a stalwart Republican, and has repeatedly filled important offices of the township. He has been twice married - first, to Violetta Hamilton, Feb. 1, 1856, daughter of John Hamilton, of Nelson, Madison Co., N. Y. ; she died in May, 1862, leaving two children - Clayton and Hattie. Jan. 1, 1869, he married Delia Harmon, born in Aurora, Portage Co., Oct. 28, 1838, daughter of Israel and Maria (Benjamin) Harmon. IVIr. and Mi-s. Cannon are members of the Congregational Chm-ch. They have one child, Julia May. Israel Harmon was born Dec 25, 1808, and died at the age of 72; his wife was born Dec. 2-4, 1814; to them were born five childi'en. Nathan Cannon was a son of Nathan, of English ancestry, his childi'en were Israel, Sylvester, Tryphenia, Ai'tamissa and Salomi. Zebedee Waterman, the gi'andfather of our subject on his mother's side, entered the Continental army at the age of 14, and served as teamster. Nathan Camion died Aug. 17, 1869, and his wife Nov. 20, 1879.

ALBERT CHAPMAN, retired farmer; P. O. Twinsburg; was born April 12, 1812, in Hampden Co., Mass., being the fifth of a family of nine children of Nathan and Eunice (Parks) Chapman. Nathan was born in Groton, Comi., and was the son of Isaac Chapman, who was a soldier in the Revolution, and to whom were born Elislia, Abner, Nathan, Isaac, Bradford, Susan, Mary and Thankful. To Nathan and Eunice were born Polly, Betsey, Oriel, Albert, Vinson, Norman, Aldin, Carlos and Laura. Albert's father was a firstrate farmer, and raised his sons to become tillers of the soil. Albert, leaving the parental home about the time he became of age, engaged his services by the month, and labored industriously. In 1887, he came West to this State, spending the first year at Kent, Portage Co. ; he afterward went to Clay Co., Ind., where he bought 1()0 acres from the Government, and, shortly after, purchased 40 more. After nearly six years of pioneer labor, he traded his land for 65 acres in this township, where he removed in 1845. Here he has since resided. He formed a matrimonial alliance with Sarah Eno, born May 15, 1815, at East Granby, Hartford Co., Conn., daughter of Gay lord and Azubah (Phelps) Eno; her father was born in East Granby, and was a son of David, who was wounded while a soldier in the war of the Revolution; Azubah was a daughter of Azariah, of Welsh descent. Gaylord and Azubah had a family composed of David, Delia, Sarah, Lorenzo, Gaylord, Azubah, Charles, Lydia and Virgil. The worldly result of the labors of Mr. Chapman, assisted by his faithful helpmeet, is 250 acres of land, situated in the northern part of the townshi[), mostly on Lots 5 and 6; they have also valuable property in Cleveland. Since 1868, he has been retired from active business, and resides at the Center. They have two children - Nathan A., who married Grace How, having two children, Jennie G. and Albert C; Lydia, who married Ed Johnson, and has also two children - Albert E. and Arthur G. IVIi'. Chapman is a Jiaptist, and his wife a Methodist.

MRS. MARGARET COCHRANE, farming; P. O. Twinsbm-g; was born Aug. 14, 1824, in Edinbm-gh, Scotland, to William and Isabella (Shaw) Baxter; Mr. Baxter was a tanner by trade, having in charge a tannery in Scotland, the proprietor of which became bankrupt, which threw IVIi-. Baxter oat of employment, when he decided to come to America. Mrs. Cochrane emigrated to this country with her parents when she was 9 years of age; the ship was the Royal Blackbm-n, which was three months in coming across. They came near being wrecked, and at one time were out of provisions. The family located at Ravenna, Portage Co., where he followed his trade two years, and then engaged in farming, which business he followed mitil his death; his first pm-chase was 50 acres at Shalersville, for which he paid $4 per acre; he afterward added 64 acres, remaining upon it mitil removed by death, on Feb. 6, 1874; his wife died suddenly, Aug. 6), 187(5; they were members of the Established Church; they had fom- children - James, in Ravenna; Isabel, now the wife of John Moore, of Kent; Mrs. Cochrane, and David (deceased). June 10, 1845, oxu* subject married David Cochrane, whose name she bears: he was born in Scotland, to John and Mary (Brodie) Cochrane. David came to this country with his parents when it was new, the family locating on what is now Liberty street, this township. INIi'. Cochrane was a farmer, a kind man, and good citizen; he died Nov. 17, 1878, of consumption, having been in poor health for twenty years; the childi'en born to him are ten, viz.: James, Robert, Margaret, Willie, David, Isabella, Maiy and Martha (twins), Almina and John. Mrs. Cochrane still remains on the homestead, owning land in Ravenna and in this township, amounting to nearly 300 acres in all.

ELMORE TV. CLARK, hotel, Twinsbui-g; was born April 10, 1816, in Watertown, Conn. ; he was one of nine children born to Leverett and Amy (Warner) Clark, their names being Ann, John, William, Burk, Phila, Park B., Mabel, Elmore W. and Leverett. In 1823, Elmore came West with his father, who located on the south side of the square, pm'chasing 10(^ acres of land, paying for it at the time of the pm'chase; when he came, he had $1,000 in money, which was considered a very large amou.nt at that time, its possessor being looked upon as a rich man. At the age of 17, iVIi'. Clark engaged as clerk to Ethan Ailing at this place, I'emaining with him three years ; he afterward spent some time in the South, engaged in the mauTifacture of lumber, boating the same to New Orleans; next, he went to Willoughby, where he clerked thi-ee years, after which, for a period of thi-ee years, he was engaged in the mercantile business at Drakesbm'g, Portage Co.; Oct. 12, 1842, he was married to Ai-villa Carver, who was born at Whitehall, Washington Co., N. Y. ; Oct. 6, 1823, to Bernice and Rachel (Collier) Carver. Since 1855, Mr. Clark has been engaged in the hotel business at this place, and is an efficient and popular landlord. Of five children born to him, three are living, viz.: Bela B., Stella (the wife of O. P. Nicholds, of this township) and Etta M. Bela B. was married to Alice Pratt, born in this county to M. D. and Amanda (Hull) Pratt, who were early settlers in Copley Township. Elmore W. was elected Justice of the Peace in 1876, serving one term. Bela B. was his successor, which position he yet retains. For many years, Mr. Clark has been a member of the JMasonic fi'aternity. Bela B. is a member of Summit

EZRA CLARK, retired farmer; P. O. Twinsburg; son of Ezra and Naomi Williams; was born March 25, 1807, in Saybrook, Middlesex Co., Conn.; his father was a son of Paul, whose father was William, who, with two brothers, came from England and settled in Saybrook. Sarah Wheeler was the wife of Paul, who served in the war of the Revolution; their children were Sarah, Jesse, Asa, Betsey, Irene, Eliza and John (twins), Benjamin and Adah. Bemen, George, Peter and Paul were the offspring of William. To Ezra and Naomi were born Ezra, Gilbert, Fannie, Rufus, Dianah, Mary, Norman and Hem-y. Ezra came West with his mother and stepfather in 1821; they made the journey with two yoke of oxen, and by one horse, and were thirty days in coming; they located on the Wilcox Tract, Lot No. 10, for which he had traded his land in Connecticut. In September, 1831, Ezra was married to Lucy Webster, who was born in Washington Co., Ohio; she died Feb. 19, 1874, leaving four children, viz.: Celia, Mrs. Seymour S. Fowler, of Franklin Co., Penn.; Clarissa N., INIrs. Edwin Betts, in Hamden, Geauga Co.; Harrison L., same county; Emma M., Mrs. Edgar Betts, Hamden, Geauga Co., Ohio. Mr. Clai'k was married, Dec. 6, 1874., to Maiy C. Wright, who was born March 20, 1821, in Saybrook; she was the daughter of Joseph and Ii'ene (Clark) Dennison; Irene was a daughter of Paul and Sarah (Wheeler) Clark. To Joseph and Irene were born Louisa, Charles, Sylvia and Maiy; Joseph died in 1838, and his wife in 1835. Mr. Clark's fii'st purchase of land was in the northern part of the township; this he sold soon after, and made his permanent settlement on Lots \) and 16; he and wife are members of the M. E. Church, and he is a consistent Republican.

ERASTUS DANIELS, farmer; P. O. Twinsburg; son of Lemuel C. and Eunice (Young) Daniels; was born in August, 1824, in Middlesex Co., Conn.; he was raised to farming in his early boyhood, which business proved distasteful to him, and he learned the wagon-maker's trade. Of the children born to Lemuel and Eunice Daniels, were Aristar- chus, Setb, Levi, Amasa, Edmund, Harriet, Rosetta, Esther A. and Euncie. In 1S4U, Erastus came West, to this township with h.s brother Levi, piu'chasing 105 acres of E. Carver, on Lot 14, for which they paid $3,000; for about fifteen years they followed their trade, in connection with farming. Jan. 9, 1800, he married Wealthy Matthews, who came West in 1853; she was born June 20, 1830, in St. Lavn'ence Co., N. Y., and was the daughter of Jolm Matthews, who was born in January, 1807, in Hamilton Co., Vt.; her father was a son of Joseph, who was born on Cape Cod Aug. 10, 1772, and was a Sea Captain; he died Dec. 0, 1845; his wife was a Hall. The mother of Mrs. Daniels, prior to her marriage was Delulia Thompson; their marriage was solemnized Jan. 1, 1827, and her death occurred Sept. 20, 1840; the Matthews family are of English ancestry; the children born to John and Delulia Matthews were as follows: Louisa, Mary, Martha, Amelia, George, Wealthy, Harriet and Alma. To Mr. and IVIi's. Daniels have been born one child- -Minnie G. ; they are members of the Congregational Church; in politics, he is Republican, yet no politician; his farm, consisting of 105 acres, is situated nearly one mile south of the Center; his brother Levi died in February, 1805, and was unmarried.

S. FREEIVIAN, physician, Twinsburg. Among the successful practitioners of materia medica in this county who are self-made, and who have justly merited the success gained, is Dr. Freeman, who was born in Painesville Oct. 1, 1880, to Jeduthan and Sally (Edison) Freeman; Jeduthan's father bore the same name as himself, and was of piu-e English stock; his children were Jesse R., Calvin, Russell, Moody, Jeduthan, Lucy and Keziah; Jeduthan was a soldier in the war of 1812; was a blacksmith by trade, which vocation the Doctor became thoroughly versed in during his minority; having a love for the science of medicine, he began a course of reading while at work at his trade; he took his first course of lectures in the school of homoeopathy in Cleveland, and his last in Chicago; he began practice in 1858 in this township, and has since continued, having a large practice.

Dr. L. G. GRISTE, physician, Twinsburg. The Griste family descended from John Griste, the great-great-grandfather of our subject, who came from England to America in 1720, and settled in Norwich, Conn. ; he had three children, among whom was John, Jr., born July 31, 1734, married Delight Lathrop, had the following childi'en: George, Charlotte, John and Eunice. George was born Aug. 14, 1772, and married Lois Bradner; had thirteen children, among whom was John B. Griste, the father of our subject, born Nov. 13, 1811; married Louisa Hale Aug. 31, 1837; was born April 3, 1813. The fruits of this union was two children - Perry O. and Luman G. Obed Hale, the grandfather of L. G.,was born in Enfield, Conn., Oct. 29, 1740. His wife was a Mindevell by name, born in Massachusetts May 10, 1741. The Hales are descendents of Sir Matthew Hale, the Jurist. John B. Griste came to Ohio in 1833; was a carpenter by ti-ade, he died Aug. 11, 1807; his wife yet survives him. The Doctor was raised to farming, but, at the age of 19, began reading medicine Aug. 7, 1 802. Enlisted in Co. E, 105th O. V. I. ; after serving in several hotly-contested battles was wounded in the hand, losing his third finger by gunshot. Was discharged Feb. 24, 1804, on account of disability. In November, 1807, married Zilpha Freeman, born April 0, 1840, in Chagrin Falls; daughter of Jeduthan and Sarah (Edison) Freeman. He was born June 9, 1808, in New York; son of Jeduthan of English stock. Sarah Edison was a daughter of Levi and Clarrisa (Moulton) Edison; he was a son of Levi, born in Tolland Co., Conn. His wife was Mary Blodgett; Levi was in the war of 1812, and the father of seven childi-en. To Levi and Clarissa were born twelve children. In 1809, the Doctor graduated at Eastman's College at Poughkeepsie. Served as Town Clerk six years, when he resigned and attended lectures at the College of Homoeopathy at Cleveland. In 1874, began the practice of medicine in Twinsburg, where he has a lucrative practice. Has two children - Le- Mars and Ethel L.

his father was a native of England, and upon his arrival in America, settled in East Windsor, Conn. His children were named Joseph, Hannah and Grant. At the outbreak of the war of 1812, he went out to battle; he died about the year 1817, leaving his wife with seven children, and in straitened circumstances. Joseph came West about the year 1829 to Hudson Township. Dec. 15, 1831, he married Lucia Pond, who was born March 5, 1815, in Winchester, Conn. Preston and Esther (Whedon) Pond, both natives of Connecticut. The family came West in 1818, with their ox team, and her father's first location was on Lot 14, in Twinsbm'g Township; he was among the first, aii'ivals, there being but about five families in the township at that time. Lucia was one of eight children, viz., Lucia, Harriet, Mary, Sarah, Laura, Julius, Julia and Lewis. Mr. Pond remained in this township but a few years, and then removed to Hudson, where he died about the year 1833. His companion reached the ripe age of 85. He was a good man, upright and conscientious in his dealings, and although not a member of any ecclesiastical order, yet he lived a Christian life. After the marriage of Mr. and IVIrs. Hawkins; they lived in Hudson until 1837, when they moved to the southeastem part of this township, and engaged in farming. In his early life, he served as Captain in the militia, afterward as Colonel. He was the fii'st to introduce the stock of Devonshire cattle in this township. Mi\ Hawkins died Aug. 12, 1873, having at the time of his death -lOO acres of land. The farm was first settled by Lewis Ailing. IVIi-. Hawkins was a member of the Congi'egational Church, of which his wife is an active representative. There are two sons - Albert W. and Alfred; A. W. resides on homestead.

CHAUNCEY LANE, farmer; P. O. Twinsbiu-g; was born Aug. 31, 1803, in Middlesex Co., Conn., and was the son of Phillip Lane, who was born in Killingworth Jan. 9, 1766, and was mairied, November, 1795, to Rebina, who was bom Nov. 26, 1770, in the same county. To them were born Luman, Hemy and Harry, Lovina, Chauncey, Julius, Abner, Harriet, Nathan and Polly. The parents of the above died in Killingworth Jan. 11, 1851, and June 2, 1850, respectively. Phillip was a son of Joseph, whose father was John, the son of Robert, who emigi-ated from England about the year 1670. Chauncey remained at home until he passed his majority, when he came West in November, 1828. In Februaiy of the following year, he purchased 1 00 acres of land for $300, on Lot 12. May 31, 1837, he married Phebe Bailey, born Jan, 20, 1811, in Groton, New London Co., Conn., to Asher and Abigail (Smith) Bailey, her father having been born in the same place in December, 1775. He was a son of John, who was one of three brothers, who came from England and settled in Connecticut. Abigail was a daughter of Samuel Smith, who was 16 years of age at the time of the battle of Fort Griswold in Revolutionary times. The Baileys were Congregationalists, and the Smiths Baptists. Mrs. Lane came West to Geauga Co. with her brother in 1836; her parents followed soon after, and settled in Munson, same coimty. Two childi-en Chauncey P. and Caroline, were born to Mr. and Mrs. Lane. C. P. now resides on the fai'm where he was born Jan. 14, 1844. He married Mary E. Ames, a native of Vermont, and has three children - Carrie, Frank and Eddie, who is now serving as Justice of the Peace. Caroline resides in Minnesota, the wife of Hon. William Fowler. INIr. Lane has a good fai'm of nearly 100 acres.

ORRIS LEACH, farmer; P. O. Twinsburg; son of Daniel and Anna R. (Bissell) Leach; was born Oct. 18, 1818, among the hills of Hampshire Co., Mass. His father wi^s a son of Daniel, Sr., whose sons were Daniel, Ii-a, Joseph and Isaiah. Anna Bissell was a daughter of Justus, who served in the war of the Revolution. The Bissell family have all descended from one John, who came from Somersetshire, England, to America in 1628. The parents of Orris died when he was in his minority. His father was a farmer, and was also engaged in the milling business. At the age of 23, Orris came West to Am-ora, where he engaged at fm-m labor. April 28, 1850, he man-ied Sallie M. Blair, who was born A.ng. 21, 1819, in Aurora; she was a daughter of Isaac and Rebecca (Taylor) Blair, who were among the eai-ly pioneers of that county. Isaac

Blair was a son of Isaac and Bathsheba (Frost) Blair, to whom were born ten children - Matthew, Elijah, Elam and Eli (twins), Isaac, Bohan, Mollie, Julia, Anna and Kebecca. To Isaac and Eebecca Taylor Blair were born Maiy A., Milton, Emily, Sallie, Carroll, Jane, Louisa, Emeline and Annilla. Isaac served in the war of 1812. Mr. Leach came to Twinsbm'g in 1851, and for several years was engaged in trading. He moved to his present home in 1870, and has over 100 acres of land where he resides; he also owns 05 acres in Michigan. Mrs. Leach was for twenty-three years a teacher, and taught eleven years in one place. Their children are - Addie, Mrs. L. Hawkins; Bride, Mrs F. L. Haggett; and Manly.

HENRY LIVINGSTON, cheese manufacturer, Twinsburg; son of Hemy and Nancy (Lacore) Livingston; was born April 20, 1830, in Watertown, Jefferson Co., N. Y. His father was a son of Henry Livingston, Sr., who was born in Ai'magh on the Emerald Isle. Nathaniel was the father of Nancy, he had born to him Nancy, Margaret, Luke, Cleantha, Champion and Jerusha. Henry, the father of oiu- subject, was born about the year 178(), in Ireland, and emigrated to New York in the early part of the present century. He was an Irishman, born of a highly respected family who were among the intelligent class, ranking high in social position. He was identified prominently with the interests both of a local and general character. As a Freemason he ranked high, having advanced fi'om the Blue Lodge to the orders of Knighthood. To him were born seven children, viz., Margaret, Sarah, Henry, J. A., John W., Jane and William. The family came West to Cleveland Sept. 10, 1837, where the father died soon after. At the age of 10, Hemy learned the shoemaker's trade at this place. Dec. 25, 1850, he was married to Laiu-a Done, born in this township May 23, 1832, and the daughter of A. B. and Maria Done, who were from Connecticut, and came West about 1820. Aiig. 29, 1804, he enlisted in Co. E, 177th O. V. I., and served until the close of the war. Fpon his return home, he resumed his former , occu])ation. About the year 1808, he engaged in the manufactiu-e of cheese at this place.

He has but one child - Ella M., who is now the wife of George L. Fuller, of this township. Two others died - Russell H., at 17; and Laura A., 2 years of age. Mr. L. is a member of Summit Lodge, A., F. & A. M., No. 213, and Siimmit Chapter, R. A. M., No. 74. He is in politics a Democrat.

J. W. McINTOSH, retired farmer; P. O. Twinsburg; is one of the early settlers on Liberty street; he was born Feb. 4, 1805, in Trumbull Co., this State; son of Pascal and Abi (Clark) Mcintosh. He was a son of Ebenezer, whose birth j)lace was Scotland, and emigrated to the Eastern States prior to the Revolutionary war, in which he was an active participant. To him were born Betsey, Pascal, Moses, John and Daniel. Ebenezer's wife was a Marvel prior to her marriage. Pascal was born in New Hampshire, received a collegiate education at Yale, and was a man of superior ability. He came W^est about the year 1799; first to the mouth of Chagrin River, where he lived about two years; then moved to Mantua, where he kept bachelor's hall for some time. Abi was a daughter of Ephraim, whose children were Isaac. Ephraim, Acenath, Rachel, Abi, Polly, Hannah, Pascal. The father of the above died in Mantua Townshij) ; for many }^ears he has been a substantial member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His superior education made him a useful member of the society in which he lived, and of which he was ever a loved and honored member. John W. left home at 22, and learned the carpenter and joiner's trade, at which he worked for several years. At the age of 24, he married Olive Fends, who was born March 11, 1814, in Suffield, Portage Co., to Granderson and Mary (Card) Ferris. Her mother was born in Portage Co., and her father in Virginia; he was a son of John, who married Jerusha Lockwood. Mary Card was a daughter of Silas Card. Mr. and Mrs. Mcintosh came to this township in September, 1831. He built his cabin about forty rods south of his present residence, " all woods " at this time, and game very abundant ; he killed, one afternoon, three deer and two turkeys. They had several children, all of whom are deceased; biat two lived to be grown, viz., Mary, who married David Riley, and died leaving two children - Randolph and Mary. Alexander, who died at the age of 19, was a young man of miich promise. He was a student imder James A. Garfield at Hiram, and before his death prophesied that Garfield would be President.

A. L. NELSON, merchant, Twinsbm-g; only son of Salmon C. and Mary (Thompson) Nelson, was born Dec. 8, 1827, in Hebron, Washington Co., N. Y. Salmon was born June 11, 1804, in Washington Co., and was the son of Moses, whose father was John Nelson. Moses Nelson married Chloe Carver, who bore him Salmon, Mary, Silas, Fannie, Harley, Daniel, Almira and Eliza J. Mary Thompson, the mother of A. L., was born Nov. 2, 1807, in North Granville, N. Y., to James and Catharine (Kelleyham) Thompson. Her father was born in England, her mother in Ireland. They died when she was quite young, hence she knew but little concerning their history or origin. Mrs. Nelson was married to Salmon C. Dec. 30, 1826. They came West in 1833, locating in this township and engaged in farming, remaining until he was removed by death. April 7, 1866. He was a man highly respected in the community, and possessed kind and generous impulses. She still survives him. A. L. was married, June 12, 1853, to Belvia A. Smith, a native of the Empire State, daughter of George B. Smith, who married Clara Everest. In 1853, Mr. Nelson engaged in biTsiness at this place, and has since continued. He is a successful and reliable business man. He was for several years Postmaster. He keeps a general store, composed of such things as are I'equired in the farming community. Although not a member of any chiu'ch society, he is not unkindly disposed toward any ecclesiastical order, and in bestowing charity where it is needed, he is not found wanting.

JUNIA NORTH, retired, Twinsbiu-g; was born in Litchfield Co., Conn., April 30, 1796. He was the son of Junia and grandson of Noah North, whose ancestors came fi'om Fai-mington, England. Noah North's wife, whose maiden name was Looms, bore him three sons and two daughters. To the father of om- subject were born Roxania. Tryphenia, Ariel, Ruba, Willard, Sabrina, Junia, Lm-a,

Lorain, and Frederick and Philomelia (twins). Mr. North who was laised a farmer, came West in the spring of 1823, and lived in Braceville the first year; the year following he piu-chased with $1,500 100 acres on Lot 24, in this townshif). April, 1824, he married Lovina Meriam, who taught the fii*st school in the township. She came West with her uncle, who settled in Hudson as early as 1802. Mr. North remained on his farm from the time of his marriage until about the year 1862. His wife died leaving seven children. Mr. North's present wife was Mrs. Mary Knapp, whose maiden name was Wolcott. His home and chui'ch, to which he was greatly devoted, are at the Center. For sixty-five years he has been a member and one of the pillars of the Regular Baptist Chm-ch, and was one of the six who formed the church body at the time of its organization in the township, and has filled the office of Deacon for many years. Far advanced in yeai's, he is nevei-theless remarkably well preserved, and, like a shock of gi'ain fully ripe and fit for its master's use, he stands ready awaiting His call.

HORACE NORTON, retired farmer; P. O. Twinsbui'g; youngest son of Aaron Norton, was born June 10, 1808, in Otsego Co., N. Y. His father was born July 3, 1751, in Killings worth, Conn., and served as a soldier in the Revolution. He was twice manied - first to Eunice Rutty, and moved to Pittsfield, Mass. ; thence to New York, where he mai'ried Lydia Hutchinson. He has ten children, viz., Uriah, Selden, Eber, Lebbeus, Simon, Joseph (by the first marriage); Lydia, Sawyer, William A. and Horace (by last maiTiage). The parents of Horace died suddenly of an epidemic disease, and were bm'ied in one gi'ave. Horace came West to Am-ora, Portage Co.. in the year 1814, with his brother Selden. with whom he lived for several years. "WTien a lad of 8 years, he was sent to mill with oxen and cart to Northamjjton, seventeen miles distant, which jom'ney occupied three days; the first day he reached the mill, sleeping on his sacks : the following day he had his gi-ist gi'ouud, and started home in the afternoon; night coming on he sought lodging of George Powers, and, in the absence of money, pi-offered a portion of his gi'ist, which was not required nor taken; on the following day he reached home. His early life was spent in the woods battling with the monarchs of the forest. For several years he took jobs of clearing, and, at the age of 21, he in one year, chopped 25 acres ready for logging, and cleared 10 acres ready for wheat. May 14, 1838, he married Miranda Fisk, who was born April 13, 1816, at Batavia, N. Y., to Benjamin and Beulah (Lamberton) Fisk. Her father was born in York State Dec. 22, 1787, and her mother in the same State Aug. 22, 1794. He was a son of Benjamin, who served in the war of 181 2, and was sent to Canada as a spy and was poisoned by eating food given him by a woman. The Fisk family came West to Chester, Geauga Co., in 1818. Benjamin Fisk died October, 1872, his wife Jan. 18, 1868. To them were born Meranda, Tryphena, Orin, Sophrona, James, Benjamin and Horace. Mr. Norton purchased land in Geauga Co. before his marriage, and sold it ! soon after; then he piu'chased 123 acres upon i which he lived nine years. In 1842, he removed to this township, where he has since lived. He now has 118 acres of land. Of I a family of ten children, he alone is living. I The others died at the average age of 70 ' years. None of the boys were ever intoxicated or went to law; all were hard-working and industrious men, honest and upright in their dealings. Mr. and Mrs. Norton are members of the Methodist Episcopal Chvu-ch. Their children are Paulina, who married J. M. Baker, of Ashtabula Co., Ohio; Cordelia, Mrs. C. Baldwin; Newton, in Michigan, and Mrs. Samuel Crankshaw.

S. F. OVIATT, farmer; P. O. Hudson; born Nov. 27, 1827, in Hudson Township; was the son of Benjamin and Rhoda (Kellogg) Oviatt; his father's name was Benjamin, who married a Carter, and by her had the following children, viz., Luman, Heman, Benjamin, Salmon, Nathaniel, Hulda, Olive, Mary and Betsey. She was captured by the Indians at the age of 12, remaining a captive foiu-teen months, when she was ransomed by the British. Her father was an early settler in Connecticut; in his absence to the settlement for provisions, the Indians (^ne. mas^^cr^ the mother, a son 17 years of age, and infant, bm-ned the cabin and took Miss Carter, a sister and her little brother, 5 years of age, with them, whom the tribe adopted and he ever after i-emained with them. The Oviatts are said to be of Scotch descent. Benjamin, the father of Salmon F., was born in Litchfield Co., Conn., Febiaiaiy, 177U, and emigrated West in 1799, to what is now Hudson Township, locating on the land his father had previously piu'chased. He married Rhoda Kellogg, who was a daughter of Bradford Kellogg, whose wife was a Thompson, to whom were born Alonzo, Alfred, Rena, Luna, Alvira, Rhoda and Polly. To Benjamin and wife were boi'n eleven children, of those who gi-ew to be adults were Elizabeth, Olive, Hanford, Julia, Silas, Salmon F., Martha and Mary. Benjamin, the father of the above, died in 1849, aged 69, having at the time of his death about 700 acres of land. He was for a number of years a member of the Presbyterian Chiurch, and took an active part in religious matters. May 9, 1849, Salmon F. married Margaret Cameron, who was born in Stark Co. Jan. 31, 1831, to Jeremiah and Elizabeth (Andrews) Cameron, to whom were born six sons and three daughters. Since Mr. Oviatt's marriage, he has resided in the southeastern part of the township, where he has been prosperous and hajjpy. He has no childi-en. His land consists of 575 acres.

JOEL R. PARMELEE, farmer; P. O. Twinsburg. The Parmelee family originated from three brothers, who came from England to America prior to the Revolution. The family settled in North Killingworth, Conn., one of whom was killed in King Phillip's war. The subject of these lines was born in Fairmont, N. H., July 14, 1815; son of William Parmeleo, whose wife's maiden name was Fannie Rice. William was a son of Daniel, who was a son of Lemuel, who was born in 1700, in Killingworth, Conn. To William Parmelee was born thirteen children. Those who grew up were Lucius, Mary, Fannie, Joel R., Samuel N., Harriet, Daniel S., Emily and Edward (twins). William Parmelee came West in 1828, located in this township, and cleared up his farm; remained in the township until his death; he was a good citizen; a

Deacon in the Congregational Churcli for several years. Joel R. i-eceived a liberal education, fitted for college, taught school some, but finally settled down to agi'icultural pursuits. Aug. 24, 1844, married Harriet A. Holt, Dec. 7, 1815, in Chester, Conn.; daughter of Benjamin and Lucy (Southworth) Holt. The Holt family emigrated from England to America: descended from one William Holt, born 1010; removed to Wallingworth, Conn., in 1675. Had seven children born to him, among whom was Nathan, who was wounded in King Philip's war; he married Rebecca Bel)ee; by her had three childi'en; his son Nathan mar ried Phebe Tomlin; had four children. His son William married Sarah Way, and had seventeen children. Sir John Holt was a Baronet. Joseph Holt was born in September, 1709; he was a soldier in the war of the Revolution. Benjamin Holt was born Dec. 22, 1700, his wife Jiilia July 2, 1704. Mr. and Mis. Parmelee have four children - Howard R., now a minister in Edinbui'g, Portage Co.; Mary E., now the wife of Amizi Wilson; HaiTiet F., who is now a missionary to Kiyata, Japan; William B., a student in college. Mr. Parmelee and all his family are members of the Congregational Chui'ch - he for fifty years.

GARDINER PARMELEE, farmer; P. O. Twinsburg; born April 2, 1827, in this township; is the eldest child of Zeno and Juliet (Post) Parmelee. His father was boi'n Jan. 21, 1801 , in Killingworth, Conn. He was but a small lad when his father died, and, at the age of 7, went to live with one Mr. Wilcox, remaining seven years, when he began learning the blacksmith's trade with him, and, on completing it, he walked from his native State to this township, where he established a business iu a log shop at the Center as early as 1822 or 1828. He was married to Juliet Post, daughter of Joshua and Mollie (Dee) Post, who was born Aug. 29, 1806, in Westbrook, Conn. She was the daughter of Joshua and Mollie (Dee) Post. To them were born five childi'en, viz., Gardiner, Mary, Henry and Juliet. He died in April, 1862; she also is deceased. Both were members of the Congregational Church. Gardiner learned the blacksmith's trade with his father; after attaining his majority, he conducted the business for his own benefit for a few years. Nov. 9, 1848, he married Rhoda Roach, who was born Dec. 10, 1829, in Hebron, Washington Co., N. y. She was the daughter of James Roach, whose wife was Mary Nelson. February, 1862, Mr. Parmelee purchased 100 acres a little west of the Center, which place has since been his constant residence. On the farm is an excellent stone quany, which is a considerable source of revenue to its owner. He has three daughters, viz., Mary, who married F. Dolaishe, residents of Put-In-Bay; Jose B. at home; and Chloe O., now IVIrs. Charles Riley, of this township. He is not a member of any chiu'ch, but favors religion and practices morality.

PHILO POST, farmer; P. O. Twinsbui-g; was born June 29, 1817, in Saybrook, Conn., to Joshua and Mollie (Dee) Post. His grandfather's name was also Joshua Post. The father of Mollie Dee was Marcus. To Joshua and Mollie (Dee) Post were born thirteen children, viz., Joshua, Polly, Deborah, Emily, Dianah, Jerusha, Mercy, Belinda, Sallie, Hettie A., Hannah, Juliet and Philo. Philo came to this county with his parents when 4 years of age; the family located in the southern part of the township, near Brandywine. upon land w^hich his father ]>urchased before leaving Connecticut. Joshua died about two years after his an-ival. When 14 years of age, Philo moved to Liberty street, this township, with his mother, who pui'chased oO acres. With her he lived until his union with Miss Luna Carpenter, which event took place Jan. 1, 1850. She was born Aug. 7, 1828, in Boston Township, and was the daughter of Aaron and Tirzah (Drake) Carpenter, both of Avhom were natives of Connecticut, and were among the early settlers of Boston Townshi]). To them were born a family of [children whose names wore Melinda, Luna, Martha, Mary, Cynthia, Maria, Elijah, Cornelius B., George, Comfort, Elijah. Aaron Carpenter was for many years a member of the Methodist Ejiiscopal Church, and a Class-leader of the same. He was a just and upright man, and worthy citizen. The political status of both sides of the families have l)eeD AMiigs. and more recently Republicans. .Since INJr. ;md Mrs.

Btogkaphical Sketches

Post have been married, they have resided on the fann where lie first located. He has been an industrious man, and has been successful in accumulating a good share of this world's goods - having 200 acres of land, which is adorned l^y excellent farm and house buildings. Of six childi'en born him, those living are: Emma v., now the wife of L.Bennett; Stella L., Harry E. and Rosa M. Willie died when J 5 months old, and William at o years of age. MOSES N. ROACH, mechanic and farmer; P. O. Twinsburg; was born Oct. 10, 1882, in Hebron, Washington Co.,N. Y.,to James and Mary (Nelson) Roach. His ancestors came from Ii-eland. The Roach family came West in 1836, locating in this township on Lot No. 1. AVhen Mr. Roach aiTived here, he had but |5 in money. He was a carpenter and joiner, and worked at his trade, earning enough to pay for his land, which was unimproved. He worked at his trade diu'ing the day, came home, and by night cut down trees, which the boys would trim up the next day; this was continued until the land was cleared. For nearly a score of years he worked at his trade, and spent the remainder of his life on the farm. He died in February, 187(3; he was an upright man, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. To him were born Gilbert, now in Cleveland; Chloe C, Mrs. Horatio Bartlett, in East Cleveland; Rhoda, the wife of Gardiner Parmelee; Moses N. and Martin Y. B. At the age of K), Moses left home and learned the blacksmith's trade. June 11, 1853, he married Minerva Beldin, daughter of Erastus and Betsey (Armstead) Beldin, to whom were born seven childi'en. Since Mr. Roach was maiTied, he has been engaged at his trade and at farming, and, with the exception of three years si)ent in Hudson Township, he has been a resident of this. He rents 180 acres of land in the west part of the township, and carries on his shop at the Center. He has tv/o childi-en - Albert E. and Alonzo N. Both he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcojial Church. He is much interested in the Sunday-school cause; is a Superintendent thereof, and an ex-

(s- rcellent mechanic. He is a zealous member of the Masonic fraternity: a member of Summit Lodge, A., F. & A. M., and Summit Cha])ter, R. A. M.

OLIVER RONIGER, farmer; P. O. Twinsburg: he was born June 10, 1807, in Eri, Switzerland; his parents were Mecher and Frances (Miller) Roniger, to whom were born seven children - two sons and five daiighters. Oliver was bereft of his father when 2|^ years old; remained with his mother until a lad of 14, when he began to provide for himself. When 21, he went to learn the stone-mason's trade, at which he worked four years, learning the plasterer's art and the laying of brick as well. To better his condition, he set sail for America in November, 1832, coming on direct fi'om New York to this township; arriving here, his worldly possessions amounted to a haversack of old clothes and 75 cents in money, which he afterward loaned to an acquaintance to purchase necessaries for his family. When Mi-. Roniger came, he was not familiar with the English language, which was taken advantage of, at times, by uni>rincipled men, who endeavored to profit by his native honesty and unsuspecting manner. Two years afterward, by diligence and economy, he purchased 35 acres in the southeast part of the township. In November, same year, he married Jane Burroughs, born April 1, 1812, in Mifflin Township, Mifflin Co., Penn. ; her parents were John and Sarah (Dm-st) Burroughs, who emigrated to Palmyra, in Portage Co., when she was about 15 yeai's of age. Since the location of Mr. Bolinger in this township, he has been a constant resident and worthy citizen; he has been industrious and prosperous, having acquired 175 acres of land. He is a member of Summit Lodge. No. 213, A., P. & A. M.; has no children, but adopted a son, Morris Dunn, at 2 years of age, who now bears their name; he was born in Boston Township, Oct. 22, 1846, son of John and Martha (Reed) Dunn. Morris married Mary Sabin, born in Ravenna; they have five children - Minnie, Martha. Millie F., Elsie M. and Oliver.

Source changes here: from History of Summit County, Ohio, by William Henry Perrin, published 1881; 260,848 words in this source stream.

Twinsburg Township

_J evades a cursory view, remaining concealed until persons of greater penetration peer beneath the covering of average superficial human thought.

age in which they transpired. History, at best, is but a partial narration of particulars, depending largely upon the mental and moral caliber and culture of the writer. Perhaps no two writers, in describing the same historical event, will present the same features, the same shades of thought or sentiment, the same degree of is composed. They must give an outline, must give the salient points with their proper degree of importance, must overleap the dark chasms of non-essentials which yawn beneath them, and touch only on the heights where the sunshine of human experience, human nature and human frailties reveals not only the object for which history is written, but the long vistas of

The peculiarity spoken of, which is connected with the narration of local history, consists in the writer's being required by an inexperienced and short-sighted people to give an account of occurrences which are better unrecorded, which have no special signifleance nor value in coming years, which are a clog to the mind of the reader while endeavoring to decipher the more important events from the general obscurity, and which are only required that they may answer individual ends. On the other hand, the historian must be careful, must be broad of heart and mind, that he may grasp the local situation, and paint events in their true colors ; must be argus-eyed, that nothing may escape his scrutiny ; and must be honest and conscientious, that his discoveries may be truthfully recorded. He should also be a good judge of human nature, that the suggestions of selfish and bigoted people may be impartially scanned, and accepted or rejected. Events are often omitted, which, apparently, should have been given ; and again, events are often given which should have been omitted. Human judgment is prone to err "as the sparks to fly upward ;" and even historians are not exceptions to this rule. It is the object in these pages to give only that portion of the past that is worthy of preservation. Trifling personal incidents, adventures and ambitions are omitted, except such as show the surroundings under which the settlers labored ; and the great mass of historical rubbish, though perhaps of present interest, is thrown aside as useless and burdensome. Only those events which will be valuable twenty generations hence are designed to be given. Twinsburg is situated in the northeast corner of the county. Portage County, from which it was severed when Summit County was formed. Lying as it does at the side of Northfield, its soil partakes largely of the valuable character of the latter. There are several valuable stone quarries lying so near the surface that a heavy blast of powder would, apparently, throw out hundreds of perches of the gritty sandstone. <As it is, large quantities are taken out, and are used not merely in the county, but in adjacent counties. The township is well watered, and also well drained. In times of drought, the wells are not so liable to fail as those located on the bluffs which bound the Cuyahoga

River. The township is drained almost wholly by Tinker's Creek. This stream enters near the southeast corner and flows northwest, leaving one mile east of the northwest corner. There are several valuable falls, the principal one being at Millville. In early years, in the northern part of the township, the bed of the creek widened out to three or four times its | ordinary width, thus creating what might be termed a lake on a small scale. There is considerable quite level land, which. when the country was new, was very wet, affording but little satisfaction to those who were obliged to cross it. Since the opening of the forests has let in the heat of the sun, the soil is found to be in about the proper condition to work. The soil is mainly destitute of clay. consisting mostly of a dark loam, which contains a large proportion of decaying vegetable ingredients. Large quantities of stone are being taken out at the quarry one mile north of the Center. Much of the early history of this township has already been written by some of its earliest and most reliable citizens. While much of this must be repeated, not only from its value. but from the fact that it is unusually complete. new items of historical importance. which have been carefully gathered and selected. will be added. The writer has taken pains to collect additional information on those subjects which are treated quite fully by Ethan Alling, Luman

Lane and Gen. Bierce. In a few instances. those writers have made mistakes. some of which have been discovered and will be avoided. Other subjects have not been treated as thoroughly as their historical value demands, resulting no doubt from the primary nature of these records. Again, other important topics have been altogether overlooked. The writings of the above-named men are valuable, and are mainly followed.

The original proprietors of Twinsburg were Mills & Hoadley, who owned the south and southeasterly parts; Henry Champion, who owned the west and northwesterly parts, and Moses and Aaron Wilcox, who owned the north and northeasterly parts. The principal stream in the township was named by Gen. Moses Cleaveland. in honor of the principal boatman, Joseph Tinker, who accompanied the first exploring expedition sent to the Western Reserve by the Connectieut Land Company. While parties of the surveyors were running the merid- ians in the eastern part of the Reserve, during the summer of 1796, Gen. Cleaveland, accompanied by Joseph Tinker, went up the lake on . an exploring voyage, as far as the mouth of the ° Cuyahoga, and then up that river until they © discovered a large creek, which, in honor of his '

In 1816-17. Lewis Alling. of Connecticut. purchased 400 acres of land of Mills & Hoadley. lying in the southeast part of Millsville Township (now Twinsburg). On the 3d of March. 1817. he sent his son Ethan, then a stripling aged sixteen years. to this land in the Reserve to commence an improvement. Three young men - Zeri Alling. Rodolphus Wolcott and Lex Johnson - were hired and sent out at the same time to assist him. After a muddy journey. except one day's travel on the ice from Buffalo to Dunkirk. this little party of four arrived at the cabin of Mr. Post. in Hudson. on the last day of March. The next day the party, accompanied, or rather guided. by Mr. Mills, started north to have a look at the land. upon which they were destined to undergo many hari days labor. Following a line of marked trees. they at last reached a spot which Mr. Mills informed them was the center of the township. They all sat down and rested under a beech tree which stood just at the southeast corner of the square. The spot was muddy and uninviting. and the party followed up the creek until they came to " the falls," where they found some sticks of hewed timber which had been drawn there by settlers of Hudson who designed building a saw-mill.

taking with them a barrel of stale pork that had been bought of Capt. Oviatt for $25, a barrel of flour that had cost $8, ten bushels of potatoes that had cost $5, and a gallon of whisky that had cost $1.50. They were supplied with a bake-kettle without a bail, two tin pans, one case knife, one iron spoon, and were compelled to use chips for plates and sharp sticks for forks. Ethan Alling kept house, doing the cooking, ete., not only for his party but for various visitors who were attracted to the spot, in order, perhaps, to get a " square meal." 7th of July. Lewis Alling and his family arrived, and moved into a log house that had been erected by the boys about the Ist of June. This building was the home, during the year, of the bering in all fourteen persons. two-storied, having one room above and one below, and, although everything was in the most primitive fashion, yet all seemed to live well and enjoy themselves. Provisions were very much trouble. Pork sold for about $8 per hundred, while the same quantity of venison could be bought for $1. Salt was $10 per barrel, cotton shirting 50 cents per yard, and calico 75 -

Toward the latter part of May. 1817, Maj. Elisha Loomis, E. W. Mather and Lester Davis arrived from Connecticut. and, after stopping a few days with the Allings. built a log cabin at a place since known as Loomis Mills. Mr. Loomis had been a sailor on the ocean for many years, having sailed twice round the world in the ship Oneida. Frederick Stanley came in about the same time Loomis did. On the Ist of July, Lewis Alling. Jr., Gideon Thompson and Zenas Alling arrived with a drove of 104 merino sheep. having driven them, in thirty days, 660 miles. It was thought that owners were doomed to disappointment. wolves killed many of them, as did also the dogs, while others died of strange diseases which bafHled all care. The flock were soon all gone. At the close of 1820, the following settlers had found homes in the township: Lewis Alling, William Allen, Elisha Loomis. Elias Mather. Joel W. Thompson, Josiah Myric. Noah P. Nichols, A. J. Palmer. Henry Bennett. Amos C. Taylor, Lyman Richmond. Reuben Chamberlain, Frederick Stanley. John Bassett,

The township was organized in 1819. An election was ordered to be held in April of that _ year, by the Commissioners of Portage County, and on that occasion nineteen voters were presi ent. Frederick Stanley was chosen Clerk, and a | few other offices were filled; but it was found nec- | essary during the following autumn to elect the ' the remainder, at which time Lewis Alling and Samuel Vail were chosen Justices of the Peace, receiving their commissions from the county 'court. Elisha Loomis was the second Clerk, E. W. Bronson third, and Luman Lane fourth, the latter serving in 1822. The township was named in 1819, in honor of, and at the suggestion of, the Wilcox brothers, who were twins. These brothers did not come West until 1823; but owning as they did several thousand acres in the northeastern part, they proposed giving six acres at the center for a public square, and $20 toward building the first schoolhouse. providing the township was named Twinsburg in their honor. Their proposal was accepted ; but prior to that time the township was known either by its range and number, or as Millsville. Elijah W. Bronson was the real estate agent of the Wilcox brothers, being authorized to dis- ' pose of their land previous to their coming to 'the township. Luman Lane was the first. or one of the first, to erect a dwelling on the Wilcox tract. Maria Stanley was the first child born, that event occurring November 23. 1819. The first death was in the spring of 1819. and was that of a child of Reuben Chamberlain. The first marriage occurred March 19, 1821, between Emery W. Alger and Eliza Dodge, Lewis Alling, Esq., performing the ceremony in backwoods fashion.

In 1817, Elisha Loomis erected a saw-mill in the southeastern corner on Tinker's Creek. <A natural fall in the stream, of. some ten feet. aided

Water was supplied by means of a race, and the mill continued to do good work for a number of years. In 1818, E. W. Mather built a frame grist-mill at the same place, on the op- posite side of the creek. This mill was oper- - ated until about 1840, when it ceased from lack - of patronage. The presence of these two mills at the falls served to attract settlers to that locality, and several dwellings were soon seen on the adjoining hills. This proceeding met the approval of the proprietors of that tract, | who had already placed on paper a plat of the prospective village of " Millsville." They saw a general disposition on the part of the settlers to locate there, and determined to profit by it. They accordingly laid out a number of lots, and offered them for sale at prices ranging from $50 to $200; but they had greatly miscalculated, as scarcely a lot was sold. There were but few mechanics in the country then, and | they sought larger villages in which to ply their craft. And then the price asked was ten times too much for that early period of the growth of the village. All shunned the village, and at | last, when the proprietors awoke to the true _ State of affairs, they were too late to remedy | the evil. There was no demand for the lots ' then at any price. The tradesmen, mechanics

| their short-sightedness. The mills, at this antici- | pated village, were not the only ones in Twinsburg in early years. Apollos White built a ' dam across Tinker's Creek in about 1835, and erected thereon two mills - one for grinding | grain and the other for sawing lumber. Both _ did fair work for a number of years. White finally sold the grist-mill to a man named Gibbs, who, after operating it a few years, sold to other parties. It finally burned down in about 1865, George and Alfred Ledgsham being the owners | at the time. These mills did good work, and had an extensive patronage in their day. It. was an accommodation to get flour and lumber | | so near home, for it saved tiresome journeys | | through roads whose bottom was too far down | to be reached with comfort. | Roads were important considerations when the country was first settled. If a path was cleared through the woods for that purpose, it | seemed as if all the stagnant water for rods | around was sure to settle there. The turnpike | | was largely graded by the owners of the land | | across which itran. Mills and Hoadley worked | the turnpike along their land, as did also Henry | Champion. These men evidently had an ob. , ject in view in this proceeding, as they after- | ward charged an additional dollar per acre more for the land adjoining the turnpike than for other portions. The citizens gave from $10 to 350 each to assist in defraying the expense of constructing this road, the amount given reaching very nearly 33,000. In 1821, the citizens | living on the road running north from the Center, pledged themselves to labor on that road | each alternate Saturday afternoon, or forfeit a - half-gallon of whisky. Tradition tells us of a | great many forfeits paid ; but does not utter a » syllable as to what became of the whisky. In | spring time, when Tinker's Creek was raging, | the settlers living on the opposite side found it extremely difficult to cross over to the Center. This finally led to the erection of a bridge more than forty rods in length. which lasted for a number of years. Brush and stone and logs were placed in muddy spots in the roads ; and. some time in the distant future, when these places are invaded, and portions of the wood found in a fair state of preservation, newspaper speculations as to how long they have been there will be in order.

In 1825, Ethan Alling began the dairy business with twenty-two cows, several of which had been bought for $12 each. The butter made was taken to Akron once each week. and sold at 8 cents per pound for the use of the canal laborers. Considerable cheese was also made. but from a lack of suitable places in which to keep it, a large portion was lost. Six hundred pounds, however, were sold at Aurora for 5 cents a pound. This was the first cheese made in Twinsburg. In 1828. Joseph Chamberlain also began making cheese and butter from the milk of some thirty cows. About the same time. several others began the same occupation. which was conducted so extensively that money began to flow into Twinsburg, instead of out of it as before. About $1,000 came to the township in 1833 from this source Twinsburg has since been noted for its interest in dairy matters. The sales steadily increased until, in 1860, they amounted to more than 375,000, and in 1880 to nearly 3100.000. It is difficult to conceive how scarce | money was in pioneer times, and how people , managed to get along without it. When the | settlers first rushed to the township, there was considerable money for a few years; but when | a lull in the immigration occurred, the ready money flowed away like water, leaying the set- | allowed) brought ready money, and the settlers - already there were anxious to become their bosom triends. This rapid change created two distinct prices - one called the trade price, and the other the cash price. Promissory notes, due at some future day, were made payable in ~

Quite a number who came early were induced to promise to pay $5 or $6, per acre for their Some succeeded, but most of them failed, and were obliged to leave the farms, several of which, with all their improvements upon them, were afterward sold for $3 an acre.

siderable rye whisky was made for a short time, which was carried away in gallon bottles. as fast as it was made. In 1826, a strong impulse was given to the temperance cause in

Great enthusiasm prevailed among the workers, and scores of persons ceased to manufacture and sell ardent spirits. A branch society, with headquarters at Cuyahoga Falls, was organized in Twinsburg in about 1830, and, three years raising of log-buildings without whisky, but the movement was met with violent opposition from those who thought liquor one of the neces- These men refused to appear at such raisings, but, when their temperate neighbors refused to assist them, unless whisky was dropped the use of liquor on such occasions, or sought asscciations more congenial with their intemperate habits. A spirit of hostility was thus created between parties, which termi-

Many interesting incidents are told by old hunters or their descendants concerning adventures had with bears or other wild animals. Ezra Clark was one day chopping on a piece of woodland belonging to Mr. Lane, when suddenly he heard a hog, off some twenty rods distant, begin to squeal as though in the greatest distress. Clark instantly surmised that a bear was endeavoring to carry off the hog, or was killing it on the spot. Though unarmed, he instantly made up his mind to prevent, if possible, the untimely death of the Sus scrofa.

he ran rapidly forward to a large log, behind which he beheld a scene which was often enacted in the backwoods. A savage-looking bear of average size had thrown a full-grown hog on the ground, and was busily engaged in tearing its flesh with teeth and claws. A large hole, from which the blood freely flowed, had he approached with the intention of striking it into the bear. But the moment the bear beheld his approach, it leaped back from the hog, and, rearing up on its hind feet, in the act of defense, faced the woodsman with a savage growl, showing two rows of gleaming teeth discolored with blood. The man stopped short, as he had no desire to encounter the embraces of the animal. He threw his club, however, with all his strength, fairly striking the and, after viewing the intruder a moment, turned and made off as fast as it could through the forest. On another occasion, a bear was seen to pass across the southern part of the township, going north. An alarm was given, and a party of men with dogs and guns started rapidly in pursuit. The bear was overtaken by the dogs, and treed near the cabin of Aaron Post. The men came up, when one of them fired, bringing the bear to the ground. badly wounded, but had plenty of life and flight remaining, and the men, knowing that it could not escape them, determined to have some fun, if it could be called fun. The dogs, five or six in number, were urged on; but whenever they came within reach of the bear, they were knocked about like foot-balls. They soon learned, by sorry experience, to keep at a contenting themselves with sudden approaches and nips, when the bear's back was turned. The animal handled terity, wheeling round and round to escape the sharp teeth of the dogs. and occasionally sending one of them end over end a rod or more At last, one of the men, with gun cocked, went close to the bear. and fired di- in its tracks ; but, just as he fired, the bear made a sudden movement, and thus escaped the shot unhurt. Another tried the same experiment, and succeeded in killing the wounded animal. It is related by Mrs. Elizabeth (Walker) Lappin, of Boston Township, who is the oldest settler living in the county, having been born in October, 1788. and who came to Hudson in 1802, that, on one occasion, a man named Cackler, while hunting in the woods in Twinsburg, as early as 1808. came very nearly being killed by a bear. While following its

| trail rapidly, with head bent down, he came directly upon it so suddenly that he had no time to raise his gun or retreat. The animal reared up on its hind feet, with a fierce growl, and fore-paw, but, luckily, he leaped back far enough to avoid the stroke. He raised and cocked his rifle, probably in the same movement, and, as the bear was upon him, he thrust out his gun, with the intention of making a muzzle was plunged into the animal's mouth. The trigger was instantly pulled, and a ball went crashing through the brain of the huge animal, which, a moment later, fell upon the ground in the agonies of death. Had it not been for the lucky thrust of the rifle, it would have fared hard with the intrepid hunter. Mrs. Lappin says that her father, John Walker, killed sixteen bears after coming to the county, and, whenever a bear was killed, a notch was cut on the deer-horn handle. This knife is now in possession of Mr. Walker's grandson, who lives in Indiana, and upon the handle are the sixteen notches. cut there more than half a

Wilcox built a small frame house on the north | side. and here the brothers *bached" for a . short time, selling, in the meantime, portions | of their land, and using their best efforts to induce settlers to locate at the village or farther north on their tract. They did not commit the mistake that resulted so disastrously to Mills & Hoadley. They had already given land for they otherwise, very probably, did their own | In about 1826, each of the brothers built a small frame house on the north side, | and both of these buildings are yet standing | in a fair state of preservation, and both are | In the fall of 1825, Ethan Alling, | occupied. after quitting the dairy business, commenced building a tavern at the Center, and the following year, the structure having been completed, ruled the hour. This building is yet standing, and composes a part of the large, low frame structure which stands, dark and deserted, on the southeast corner of the square. In the bar of this tavern, liquor was kept for sale, a universal thing in those days. The Wilcox brothers had succeeded in getting a Post Office at the Center as early as 1825, and Moses Wilcox was commissioned first Postmaster. At his death, which occurred in the autumn of 1827, Mr. Alling applied for the appointment, and was commissioned October, 1827. Mail was then obtained from Hudson once a week. The total amount of postage received in 1828 was $36.01; in 1839, it was $256.67, and in 1860, about $400. Twenty periodicals came to the office in 1828; about seven hundred came in 1860. At that time a well-traveled stage route, running from Hudson to Cleveland, passed enormous custom to hotels there, and filling every industry with life. Mr. Alling and others in Twinsburg saw this, and became envious ; or, at least, they resolved to make the effort to have the stage route changed so as to pass

1828, bought out the entire stage property. The sequel is easily guessed. The route was immediately changed, and the splendid impetus given to every industry at the village soon produced a marked result. New life was infused ers appeared, and the outlook for the village seemed highly favorable. It was one of the most important events occurring in the history of the township. A tri-weekly mail was thus secured, and from one to five stages passed over the route daily. The road was extensively traveled by persons going to Cleveland to market, who had previously gone by some It is said that yery often as high as fifty horses were kept over night at the tavern barn. But although the stage line was a splendid thing for the village and township, it was a losing investment to the owners. This is difficult to understand in view of the in his tavern bar, a room six feet by eight, placing therein $3.50 worth of tobacco and Seotch snuff. A few groceries were added the following year, and as the trade, though exceedingly limited, seemed brisk and promising, Mr. Alling finally concluded to engage in the pursuit more extensively. He accordingly rented his tavern in 1831, to Samuel Kdgerly, and built a frame house, an apartment in which he fitted up for a storeroom, the remainder being devoted to the use of his family. A few hundred dollars' worth of goods comprised his stock ; but this was slowly and steadily increased until, in 1835, the goods were valued at some $600, when he erected a large storeroom on the northwest corner of the square. Here a good business was done with a stock which, at its best, was worth about $7,000. All the different varieties of country produce were bought and sold, and the store did much to centralize the efforts of the citizens in the village. The sales of goods, exclusive of flour, salt and produce, amounted in 1847 to $14,000. In 1848, Mr. Alling's sons, Frank A. and George H., were given charge of the store, and continued until about 1851, when George purchased his brother's interest, and conducted the business until 1856, when he died, and the store fell into the hands of Bishop & Chamberlain. The stock at this time was worth about $10,000, and a brisk and profitable trade was had with the surrounding country. At the expiration of two years, Chamberlain sold his interest to his partner, the latter continuing alone until about the opening of the war, when he likewise sold out. In 1830, the tavern now owned and conducted by Mr. E. W. Clark, was built by Eli and Otis Boise. It was intended for a combined store and dwelling, and, in what is now the office, about $1,000 worth of goods were placed. The brothers sold or traded who, at the end of some three years, disposed of his goods and converted the building into a tavern, a use to which it has since been devoted. In about the year 1839, Odell & Taylor erected the stone store, and began the mercantile pursuit with between $4,000 and 35,000 worth of a general assortment of goods. They likewise bought conducting a harness-shop in Macedonia, and two or three other gentlemen, all under the partnership name of Odell, Price & Co. In 1857 or 1858, A. L. Nelson took possession of this store building, but was soon afterward burned out, whereupon he erected the stone store building he now occupies. This merchant, at times, has done an excellent business. Messrs. Hart, Dodge, Santford and Bishop, in about 1851, built the store building now occupied by the Madden Brothers. These men, who were partners, began selling goods, and until his death, which occurred in about 1851. | ceased should be buried on their own farms. | He was succeeded by his son, Delos Odell, now | This was done in Twinsburg. In September. | cemetery was prepared on Lot 10, Tract 3, © consisting of an acre and a half. The yard - 'was fitted up, planted with trees, and a . _ stone wall built around it, at an expense of

Mr. Bishop sold to the others and withdrew. Three years later, Mr. Dodge sold to the Stephens boys. and thus the partnership continued until some three years later, when the parties failed and made an assignment of their goods. After that, the building was vacant, or practically so, until 1866, when MaddenBrothers took possession and began to manufacture and sell ready-made clothing. They were practical tailors, and did a good business in their line. continuing until the present time. The firm is known as I. & P. Madden. Richardson & Taylor commenced the mercantile pursuit in about 1846, and continued until 1850, when Mr. Richardson sold to Mr. McFarland. and the latter, two years later. to Osman Riley. Soon afterward. the partners failed in business. and the building was finally destroyed by fire, and was not rebuilt. Other merchants have held were the principal ones. James Alexander, at an early day, began to manufacture wagons, conducting the work in a small shop, on a small scale. He steadily increased his business until, in 1849, he gave employment to ten or twelve first-class wagons and carriages. He burned out in 1851, but immediately rebuilt, and has continued the same occupation until the present, although in late years the business has

Mr. Alling, at an early day, bought ashes and manufactured a limited quantity of potash for a number of years, in the village. A few other industries of less consequence have flourished from time to time.

It should be noticed that the first principal settlement in the township was made upon the Wilcox tract. This tract. it seems, was incumbered by a mortgage which had been given

, Married sisters, Huldah and Mabel Lord, of forth in the village at different times. but these , _ bled each other that none but their most inti- |

Killingsworth, Conn. "In life, they so resemmate friends could distinguish between them. They married sisters, had an equal number of children, held all their property in common.

In the year 1822,a log schoolhouse was built upon the square at the Center. This was the first public building of any character in the township, and it was used as a schoolhouse, a town hall andachurch. The first teacher was

The houses put up were usually rude log buildings, which were used for a few years, or until there seemed occasion for the erection of better , ones. Although these schools have been fair in their way, yet they have been mainly primary in their nature, from the reason that, ordinarily, as soon as the scholars became quite well ad- |

: usefulness, has done more to improve the in- ' tellect and morals than perhaps any other organization. not even excluding the churches. ' It dates its origin as far back as 1828, when yet the townsnip was but a frontier settlement, and almost its entire surface was covered with Its founder and supporter, who is yet living, hale and hearty, at the ad- and a graduate of Yale College. Immediately after receiving his diploma. Mr. Bissell began a course of theological studies. designing to enter the ministry upon their completion. These round of struggles, through which but invincible determination in the path chosen and unfaltering patience and selfdenial could have proved triumphant. Soon after his ordination, he came to Aurora, Ohio. and, in 1826, began a private school, which was continued until 1828. when he was invited to take charge of the Congregational society at Twinsburg. an invitation he accepted. A block-house had been erected for his accommodation, about a mile west of the Center. into which he moved. On the same lot was a rude log house, twenty by thirty feet, with rough boards on the floor, and loose ones for the ceiling, the building having been originally built for a shoe-shop. Three openings were made in the logs composing the walls, in each of which was placed a sash containing four small panes of glass, while at one end of the dismal room was a broad fire-place, with chimney built of stones and sticks plastered with clay. In the room were placed a few rudely and hastily constructed seats and desks, and the only cheerful feature of the apartment was the roaring fire which lighted the place with fitful and ruddy glow. Mr. Bissell, upon his arrival, had made known his wish to teach the youth of the neighborhood ; and with his first school in the room just described began that unusual system of philanthropy which became a characteristic feature of his institute, and was the means of educating so many indigent youth. This schoolroom was thrown open to any young people who desired to attend, without any charge, except from those disposed to pay, in which case the tuition for the term was to be $2. About forty students attended the first winter, and so much interest was created that several terms were taught in the old house, but in 1831, a combined church and schoolhouse was erected, in which Mr. Bissell taught and preached until 1835, when he went to Portage County, but returned in 1837, and built a house 20x35 feet, in which he taught for twenty-nine consecutive years. Two years later, this building was enlarged, and other arrangements made to meet the growing demands of the institute, which was fast getting a name. In 1843, a large, two-storied frame building (the Alling Hotel property) was secured and fitted up for the accommodation of students, a large number of whom were from a distance, and were compelled to board in the village. Within the next five years, two other large buildings were secured for a similar purpose. There were now in attendance about three hundred students, at least fifty of whom were boarders. Seven teachers and assistants, at the head of whom was the Principal, Mr. Bissell, were necessary to conduct the numerous classes. A thorough academical course of ics, French and German, vocal and instrumental music and penmanship, was provided, and all necessary opportunities were afforded to prepare students for college. No charter was ever obtained, and no public money ever appropriated to strengthen the institute, which rested upon the shoulders of one man. The quition charged was usually $2 for the term, and never more than $4, even when the classics were taught. Elaborate and systematic arrangements were made for boarding the stu- dents in the numerous buildings referred to, at a cost to each of from 9 to 12 shillings per week. The great value of the institute to the village and to all the surrounding country need not be detailed. Twinsburg became noted for its thrift, energy and general excellence in education and morals. More than six thousand students have been in attendance at the institute during its continuance, and, out of these, about two hundred have been Indians of the Seneca, Ottawa, Pottawatomie and Ojibway tribes. Ministers, statesmen, generals, law- portions of the country, trace the beginning of their education to the door of the Twinsburg Institute. A good library was secured. and literary and other societies were instituted. The benevolence of Mr. Bissell was such that he not only greatly lowered the tuition, but who were unable to pay their own way. He was accustomed to give such students a few light chores to do, and these trifling duties were so divided and subdivided, that the work was more in name than in reality. It is related that on one occasion, after Mr. Bissell had gone to extremes in this respect. some of the students thus detailed grumbled about having more to do than others. Considerable ill-will was thus incited. One morning Mr. Bissell arose at his usual hour. 5 o'clock. and.

| beginning with these chores, completed the entire round before the time for opening the school. Not a word was said, but the act spoke in volumes to the fault-finding students. who, after that, vexed the ear of the Principal with no more grumblings. Among the Indian youth was George Wilson, a Seneca, about whom | a great deal has been said. He became a fine ' scholar - superior in many important respects ,

Mr. Bissell says that the quality of his eloquence, the unusual power of his intellect and the force of his delivery, resembled in a marked manner those of Daniel Webster. He afterward became chief of his tribe, and was sent to represent their interests to the New York Legislature, and to the New York Historical Society, receiving from the latter several thousand dollars for his people, who were in a starving condition in the West. Another one named

Jackson Blackbird, or " Mack-a-de-bennessi," was an Ottawa, and a direct descendant of Pontiac. He excelled in composition, and composed a comedy, three hours in length, that was presented by the societies of the institute publicly to large audiences with great success. He afterward did his people good service in Michigan, as is seen by the following in his own language: the passage of a joint resolution of both Houses in favor of the petitions." Mr. Bissell became known throughout the Reserve for his philanthropy in the cause of Indian education. Some two hundred were educated at the Institute, from whom no compensation worth mentiontioning was ever received. All their expenses were paid. including board, tuition, room, fuel, light, washing, books and stationery, and some clothing, at the fair estimate of $200 each, a year. This expense. borne by no one except the Principal. estimated at these figures, has amounted, during the history of the institute to over 340,000. Almost as much has been expended on indigent white youth. and when the cost of erecting the various buildings is added to this, the total amount foots up to the enormous sum of over $80,000, all of which has been borne by Mr. Bissell. To offset this. not more than 312.000 have been received from all sources. These expenses were too heavy to be borne. and an embarrassing debt was the result. broke out, the institute was greatly injured. Several of the buildings were sold to pay the debts, which amounted to some 36,000.

At this time, and without means. the foundation of the present stone building was laid. The manual labor connected with the erection of this house was largely done by "r. Bissell. He obtained the loan of 31,500, anda with this purchased the necessary tools, a horse and wagon, etc., and without any previous experience, put on the roof, made the doors, window | doubted. The institute is likely to fail altogether, when the Principal's hand is removed by death Mr. Bissell is now almost penniless, and is compelled to teach for a living at the age of more than eighty years. Considering the invaluable service he has ren-

' dered the village and township in the past, how _ scores of people now living there have been the recipients of his generous bounty, how - patient self-denial and faith in God have been | the watchwords of this venerable old man, it is were usually held there. Lewis Alling, Sr., usually led the meetings ; Asa Upson also did. A circuit minister, whose name is forgotten, organized a class at the house of sa Upson

Asa Upson, Emery Alger and their families. Mr. Seward was preaching for the society at this time about once a month. Mr. Hanford A Congrega- and at that time consisted of the following members: Lewis Alling, Luman Lane, Hanand their wives: Robert Hurd, J. H. Kelsey, , Belizer Beech, also Irena Thomas, Comfort