Twinsburg Township (part 1 of 38)

Twinsburg Township

TWINSBURG TOWNSHIP - PHVSICAL AND CLIMATIC FEATURES - EARLY SETTLEMENT AND IMPROVEMENT - PROGRESS OF INDUSTRIES - INCIDENTS OF PERSONAL NATURE - TWINSBURG INSTITUTE - SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES.

Toe AL history possesses a peculiarity which J evades a cursory view, remaining concealed until persons of greater penetration peer beneath the covering of average superficial human thought. People must be content with an accuiate, though sifted, partial narration of events. Innumerable transactions and events occur in life that should and must forever remain unrecorded, that should die out in memory with the 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 power and importance which each composing element bears to its fellows or to the whole. Historians cannot, especially if they were absent when the event transpired, which is Lisuall}' the case, they cannot write all the circumstances, all the motives, all the intricate blendings and relations of which an occurrence is composed. The}' must give an outline, must give the salient points with their proper degree of importance, must overleap the dark chasms of non-essentials which j'awn 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 Avhich history is written, but the long vistas of prominent events which are to be recorded for future usefulness and improvement.

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 significance 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 onlj' required that the}- 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 ave often given which should have been omitted. Human judgment is prone to err " as the sparks to fl}' upward ;" and even historians are not exceptions to this rule. It is the object in these pages to give onl}- that portion of the past that is worthy of preservation. Trifiing 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. Onl}' those events which will be valuable twenty generations hence are designed to be given.

Twinsburg is situated in the northeast corner of the county. It was originally attached to Portage County, from which it was severed when Summit Count}- was formed. LjMng as it does at the side of North field, its soil partakes largely of the valuable character of the latter. There are several valuable stone quarries lying so near the surface that a heav}- 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 count}-, 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 mainl}' destitute of clay, consisting mostly' of a dark loam, which contains a large proportion of decaj'ing 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 Ailing, 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 ai'e mainly followed.

The original proprietors of Twinsburg were Mills & Hoadley, who owned the south and southeasterl}' 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 Connecticut Land Company. While parties of the surveyors were running the meridians 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 boatman. Gen. Cleaveland named " Tinker's Creek." Tinker was engaged the following year in the same capacity, in the second exploring expedition to the Reserve. In the fall, when the company was returning down the lake, the boat containing Tinker was capsized, and he was drowned. But the stream still bears his name, and will until the end of time.

In 1810-17, Lewis Ailing, of Connecticut, purchased 400 acres of land of Mills & Hoadley, l3'ing 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 Ailing, Rodolphus Wolcott and Lex Johnson - were hired and sent out at the same time to assist him. After a muddy journc}', except one day's travel on the ice from Buflialo to Dunkirk, this little part}' of four arrived at the cabin of Mr. Post, in Hudson, on the last day of March. The next da}' 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 hard da3's' 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 the}^ came to "the falls," where the}' found some sticks of hewed timber which had been drawn there by settlers of Hudson who designed building a saw-mill. The project, however, had been abandoned, although a small, partly finished log cabin had been erected, which was yet standing, an emblem of desertion and loneliness. After returning to Hudson and remaining there two weeks, clearing in the meantime a piece of land to be planted in corn, the boys selected a hill known now as the Hawkins farm, the land being a portion that had been purchased by Lewis Ailing, and began clearing oft' the timber. On the 15th of April, the}' "moved" to the half-finished log cabin already referred to, 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. The}" 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 Ailing kept house, doing the cooking, etc., not onl}' for his part}- but for various visitors who were attracted to the spot, in order, perhaps, to get a " square meal." On the 7th of Jul}', Lewis Ailing and his family arrived, and moved into a log house that had been erected b}' the boys about the 1st of June. This building was the home, during the 3'ear, of the Ailing famil}-, and also of several others, numbering in all fourteen persons. The house was two-storied, having one room above and one below, and, although ever^'thing was in the most primitive fashion. 3-et all seemed to live well and enjoy themselves. Provisions were very costl}', though venison could be had without much trouble. Pork sold for about $8 per hundred, while the same quantity of venison could be bought for $\. Salt was $10 per barrel, cotton shirting 50 cents per yard, and calico 75 cents per 3ard.

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 saine time Loomis did. On the 1st of Jul}-, Lewis Ailing, Jr., Gideon Thompson and Zenas Ailing arrived with a drove of 104 merino sheep, having driven them, in thirty days, 660 miles. It was thought that sheep-rearing could be made profitable, but the owners were doomed to disappointment. The wolves killed many of them, as did also the dogs, while others died of strange diseases which baffled all care. The flock were soon all gone. At the close of 1820, the following settlers had found homes in the township : Lewis Ailing. William Allen, Elisha Loomis, Elias Mather, Joel W. Thompson, Josiah Myric, Noah P. Nichols, A. J. Palmer, Henry Bennett, Amos C. Taylor, Lyman Richmond, Keuben 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 present. Frederick Stanley was chosen Clerk, and a few other offices were filled ; but it was found necessary during the following autumn to elect the the remainder, at which time Lewis Ailing 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 brotheis. 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 dispose 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 INIarch 19. 1821. between p]mery W. Alger and Eliza Dodge, Lewis Ailing, 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 by a strong dam. furnished a fine water-power. 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 operated until about 1840, when it ceased from lack of patronage. The presence of these two mills at the falls served to atti-act 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 pi}' 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 and merchants had gone elsewhere, leaving the proprietors to repent in sackcloth and ashes for their short-sightedness. The mills, at this anticipated 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 finall}- 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 countr}' 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 largel}' graded by the owners of the land across which it ran. Mills and Hoadley worked the turnpike along their land, as did also Henry Champion. These men evidently had an object in view in this proceeding, as they afterward charged an additional dollar per acre more for the land adjoining the turnpike than for other portions. The citizens gave from $10 to $50 each to assist in defraying the expense of constructing this road, the amount given reaching very nearly $3,000. In 1821, the citizens living on the road running north from the Center, pledged themselves to labor on that road each alternate Saturda}'^ afternoon, or forfeit a half-gallon of whisk}'. 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, J]than Ailing 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 befoi'e. About $1,000 came to the township in 1833 from this source alone. Twinsburg has since been noted for its interest in dairy matters. The sales steadily increased until, in 1860, they amounted to more than $75,000, and in 1880 to nearly $100,000. 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, leaving the set- tiers to discover some means of getting along without it. At first, when raone^^ was abundant, prices were ver}' high ; bat when the mone}^ had served its purpose and gone to distant places, prices gradual!}' went down until they became ver}^ low. The settlers, who afterward came drizzling in (if the expression may be allowed) brought ready mone}', and the settlers already there were anxious to become their bosom friends. 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 horses, cattle, hogs, wheat, potatoes, etc., etc. Quite a number who came early were induced to promise to pay $5 or $6, per acre for their farms. 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. Early in the spring of 1821, Joel W. Thompson, seeing around him a strong demand for liquor, erected a small distillery at a spring in the southeastern part of the township. Considerable 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 Summit County, or what is now Summit County. Societies for the suppression of liquor-traffic and liquor-drinking were organized in every township, not only in this county, but throughout the eastern part of the Reserve. 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 later, the society boasted of 224 members - all living in the township. Those who were selling liquor at the Center were induced to close up their business and join the society, which could soon boast that there was no place in the township where liquor was sold. It was about the time of the organization of this society that the first effort was made to secure the raising of log-buildings without whisky, but the movement was met with violent opposition from those who thought liquor one of the necessaries of life. These men refused to appear at such raisings, but, when their temperate neighbors refused to assist them, unless whisk}' was omitted from the programme, they finally either dropped the use of liquor on such occasions, or sought associations more congenial with their intemperate habits. A spirit of hostility was thus created between parties, which terminated only when the temperance cause prevailed.

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 tSus scro/a. He hurriedly cut a heavy club, and, seizing it, 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 whii;h the blood freely flowed, had been torn in the hog's shoulder, and, when first seen, the bear had just fastened his long white teeth in the tender flesh, with the design of tearing out another large mouthful. Mr. Clark was at first in a quandary what to do, whether to consult his own safety in flight, or to courageously attack the bear. His ax was still in his hand, and, after hesitating but a moment, 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 bear, which dropped on all fours and shambled off a few rods, when it turned, showed its teeth, 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. It was 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 wex'e knocked about like foot-balls. They soon learned, by sorry experience, to keep at a respectable distance, contenting themselves with sudden approaches and nips, when the bear's back was turned. The animal handled its fore feet with remarkable strength and dexterity, wheeling round and round to escape the sharp teeth of the dogs, and occasionally sending one of ihem end over end a rod or more away. At last, one of the men, with gun cocked, went close to the bear, and fired directly at its head, expecting to stretch it dead 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 count}', 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 suddenl}' that he had no time to raise his gun or retreat. The animal reared upon its hind feet, with a fierce growl, and struck a fearful blow at the hunter with its fore-paw, but, luckily, he leaped back far enough to avoid the stroke. He raised and cocked his rifle, probabh' in the same movement, and, as the bear was upon him, he thrust out his gun, with the intention of making a quick shot, and, as luck would have it, the 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 that, on several occasions, he had narrow escapes from death. He had a large butcherknife, which he invariably carried with him, 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 centur}^ ago by the fearless old bear hunter. Many other interesting stories of a similar nature might be narrated.

It is probable that I^lijah W. Bronson, the laud agent of the Wilcox brothers, erected the first house in the village of Twinsburg. The exact date is not remembered, but was prior to 1824. The second house was built by Mr. Myric, and was a frame structure, located on the south side of the public square. The Bronson building was on the east side, and was constructed of logs. In 1824, Leverett Clark bought the Myric property, the latter moving East. A man named Gould lived about ten rods west of the square in 1824. In 1823, Moses and Aaron Wilcox built a small frame house on the north side, and hei'e 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 & Hoadle3^ The}' had already given land for the public square, and $20 toward building the first schoolhouse, and they now not only sold their village lots at a low figure, but gave lots to tradesmen and mechanics who would locate there permanently. The result was that in five or six 3'ears, ten or twelve families were living at or near the Center, and various industries had arisen, giving the place a business-like appearance. While -' baching,'' the brothers employed Mi's. Clark to bake their bread ; but they otherwise, very probably, did their own cooking. 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 i^reservation, and both are occupied. In the fall of 1825, Ethan Ailing, after quitting the dairy business, commenced building a tavern at the Center, and the following year, the structure having been completed, Mr. Ailing moved in about the 1st of December. The tavern was formally opened on Christmas with a ball, and music and dancing 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, iMr. Ailing 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 .S36.01 ; in 1839, it was 8256.67, and in 1860, about $400. Twenty periodicals came to the office in 1828 ; about seven hundred came in 1 860. At that time a well-traveled stage route, running from Hudson to Cleveland, passed through Northfield Township, bringing an enormous custom to hotels there, and filling every industry with life. Mr. Ailing 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 through Twinsburg Center. With this object in view, Ethan Ailing and Jabez Gilbert, in 1828, bought out the entire stage pi-operty. 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 into every undertaking ; mechanics and teachers 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 other route. It is said that very 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 fact that, so far as can be learned, the stage line was well patronized. However, Mr. Ailing lost $600 the first year he was connected with the undertaking, and it is likely that those connected with him also lost heavily. In 1829, Mr. Ailing commenced the mercantile pursuit in his tavern bar, a room six feet by eight, placing therein $3.50 worth of tobacco and Scotch snuff. A few groceries were added the following year, and as the trade, though exceedingly limited, seemed brisk and promising, Mr. Ailing finally concluded to engage in the pui'suit more extensively. He accordingly rented his tavern in 1831, to Samuel Edgerly, 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 wei-e 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 1817 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 out, two years later, to Edward Kichardson, 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 a frame store building on the present site of the stone store, and began the mercantile pursuit with between $4,000 and $5,000 worth of a general assortment of goods. They likewise bought produce, and enjoyed a lucrative trade. At the end of about five years, Mr. Odell purchased his partner's interest and continued until his death, which occurred in about 1851. He was succeeded by his son, Delos Odell, now 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 continued thus some four or five years, when 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 forth in the village at different times, but these 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 workmen, and turned out large numbers of 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 greatly fallen off. It should be mentioned that Mr. Ailing, 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 was customary when the country was first settled that, when a death occurred, the deceased should be buried on their own farms. This was done in Twinsburg. In September, 1823, a cemetery of one acre was purchased northeast of the square, and Lucretia Hull, who died in September of the same year, was the first person buried there. In 1846, a new 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 $1,079.66. Other improvements were made, and, by 1860, the cemetery had cost the citizens about $1,850. It is known as Locust Grove Cemetery.

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 by the Wilcox Brothers to the State of Connecticut. These men, though undoubtedly upright in their intentions, were unable to pay off the mortgage, thus leaving settlers who had purchased of them in an embarrassing situation. When this condition of things became known, settlement upon this tract largely ceased, which accounts for the slow manner in which it was improved. Finally, the Rev. Mr. Bissell took the matter in hand, and, by his intercession with the proper authorities, succeeded in obtaining prompt and honorable relief The Wilcox Brothers were remarkable in many respects. As has been said, they were twins, and, upon arriving at man's estate. married sisters, Huldah and Mabel Lord, of Killingsworth, Conn. " In life, they so resembled each other that none but their most intimate friends could distinguish between them. They married sisters, had an equal number of children, held all their property in common, wrote alike, thought alike, looked alike, dressed alike, were taken sick on the same day, with the same disease, died on the same day, and were buried in the same grave-yard."* This remarkable coincidence in similarity probably never before occurred.

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 and a church. The first teacher was Miss Lovina M. Miream, who taught a short term, receiving her pay by subscription. This lady afterward became the wife of Mr. North. Other district schools were not instituted until about 1828, and several were as late as 1833. 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 wa}', j'et they have been mainly primar}^ in their nature, from the reason that, ordinarily, as soon as the scholars became quite well advanced in their studies, they were sent to the Twinsburg Institute. So that, really, the country schools have been hardly equal to the average throughout the county. The history of the township would be incomplete without a record of the Twinsburg Institute, an institution which, for more than half a century of usefulness, has done more to improve the intellect and morals than perhaps any other organization, not even excluding the churches. It dates its origin as far back as 1 828, when yet the townsnip was but a frontier settlement, and almost its entire surface was covered with primitive forests. Its founder and supporter, who is 3'et living, hale and hearty, at the advanced age of more than fourscore years, was Rev. Samuel Bissell, a native of Connecticut 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 studies were completed under many difficulties ; in truth, the life of this man has been one unceasing round of struggles, through which nothing 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 cla}'. In the room were placed a few rudely and hastily constructed seats and desks, and the onl}- 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 3'outh. 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 Count}', 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 Ailing Hotel property) was secured and fitted up for the accommodation of students, a lai'ge 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 studies, including the classics, higher mathematics, French and German, vocal and instrumental music and penmanship, was provided, and all necessary opportunities were aflforded 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 :^uition 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 eacli of from 0 to 12 shillings per week. The great value of the institute to the village and to all the surrounding countr}' need not be detailed. Twinsburg became noted lor 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, lawyers, professors, physicians and artisans, in all portions of the country, trace the beginning of their education to the door of the Twinsburg Institute. A good librar}^ 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 even educated hundreds at his own expense, who were unable to pay their own wa^^ 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-fiuding 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 mauj^ important respects to any other ever in the institute. His presence was fine and imposing, and he displayed rare gifts in logical force and fervid eloquence. Mr. Bissell saj^s that the qualitj^ of his eloquence, the unusual power of his intellect and the force of his delivei'y, 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 lai'ge audiences with great success. He afterward did his people good service in Michigan, as is seen b}' the following in his own language: " I left Traverse Bay the last of February, 1851, and went on snow-shoes to Saginaw Ba}^, on m}- way to the capital of Michigan with petitions from my people to become citizens of the State. I appeared before the Governor and officers of the State, and obtained 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. AH 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 $40,000. 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 b}' Mr. Bissell. To offset this, not more than $12,000 have been received from all sources. These expenses were too heav}^ to be borne, and an embarrassing debt was the result. When the last war broke out, the institute was greatly injured. Several of the buildings were sold to pa}' the debts, which amounted to some $6,000. A few hundred dollars were left, which purchased a small building that was used for the school. 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 largel}' done by Mr. Bissell. He obtained the loan of $1,500, and with this purchased the necessary tools, a horse and wagon, etc., and without any previous experience, put on the roof, made the doors, window frames, etc. The entire cost was about $8,000, and when it is known that the age of Mr. Bissell at that time was seventy, not only was the undertaking gigantic, but its wisdom may be doubted. The institute is likelj' to fail altogether, when the Principal's hand is removed by death from the helm. 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 rendered 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 unquestionably due from the citizens to provide him with at least the necessaries of life. Religious meetings were held in the township prior to 1820. They had been held in one or two of the few dwellings and, it is said, in the upper stor}' of the grist-mill, ver}^ likely bj' Kevs. John Seward, of Aurora, and William Hanford, of Hudson. After the erection of the schoolhouse, in 1822, at the Center, they were usually held there. Lewis Ailing, Sr., usually led the meetings ; Asa Upson also did. A circuit minister, whose name is forgotten, organized a class at the house of Asa Upson as early as 1821, and the first members were Asa Upson, Emer}^ Alger and their families. Mr. Seward was preaching for the society at this time about once a month. Mr. Hanford also held regular service there. A Congregational society was organized August 23, 1822, and at that time consisted of the following members : Lewis Ailing, Luman Lane, Hanford White, John A. Wells and the following and their wives : Robert Hurd, J. H. Kelsey, Belizer Beech, also Irena Thomas, Comfort Nichols and Julia White. Revs. Seward and

Hanford organized the society. It was greatly strengthened by a revival in 1827. On the 30th of April, 1828, Rev. Bissell was given charge of the societ}'. Rev. Hair was its Pastor in 1835. At this time or soon afterward, a division was made in the society, and Rev. Bissell became the Pastor of one of them. Revs. Treat, Ward and Chapin occasionally preached at the Center. Rev. R. C. Learned was Pastor in 18-13 ; Horace W. Palmer, in 1848 ; Joseph H. Scott, in 1853 ; Sidney Bryant, in 1860, and the President and professors of Western Reserve College have also filled the appointment. A proposition to build a combined church and schoolhouse on the square met with opposition. Timbers were prepared, and, finally, under protest, the house was erected. The house was twice moved, and then torn down. Another building was erected in 1831, at a cost of $700. The present one was built in 1848, at a cost of $3,000.

The fine marble monument standing in the public park is a credit to the patriotism of the citizens and an emblem of gratitude to the brave boys, living and dead, who fought in the last great war. Their names and the companies and regiments in which they served are chiseled into the white stone. The structure was erected the " semi-centennial year of the settlement of Twinsburg.'" Its total height is twenty-eight feet, and it rests upon three superimposed bases of sandstone, which form a series of steps to the foot of the marble column. Standing on the summit, with wings outspread, is a life-sized statue of the American eagle.

City Of Akron

ALLEN FAMILY, Akron. Jesse Allen, Sr., the progenitor of the Allen family, was born in 1770, in Cornwall, Conn. His father Nathaniel Allen was killed in the Revolutionary war, when Jesse was rather young. He (Jesse) lived with a family in Connecticut, until he grew up, and there learned shoemaking. When a young man he went to Tompkins Co., N. Y., where he married a lady of German origin named Catharine Teithrich, in 1796 ; she was born in Trenton, N. J., in 1776. He abandoned his trade for farming, and bought a farm near Ithaca, N. Y., but lost it by " bailing " a man, and thus his hard earnings were swept away, except a few hundred dollars, with which he determined to remove to Ohio, and, in the summer of 1811, set out with his family of seven children, and brother's famil}-, bound hither ; he bought land which adjoins the Sixth Ward, then Middlebur}'. During the war of 1812, he served under Maj. Spicer, and, while gone an Indian spy came into the house, and the little boys working in the clearing came with their axes to hew him down ; it is supposed the same Indian was killed near Summit Lake. Mr. Allen continued to reside in Coventry Township until his death, Sept. 12, 1837. Mr. A. was a member of the Baptist Church, and in the early days, before ministers came to the country, he, being an excellent reader, used to read sermons at the pioneer religious meetings. He was the father of ten children, seven of whom were born near Ithaca, N. Y., as follows : Jonah (see sketches in Coventry Township).

The following incident is not inappropriate. When on the beach of Lake Erie, the wagons with the provisions were delayed by accident, and Levi and other boys, with John, a little fellow, were on before with the cattle and were without provisions, except the milk of the cows. At night, he (Levi) covered John with sand to keep him warm, and thus they passed the night alone. Their first work upon arriving, in July, 1811, was reaping in a harvest field for Mr. Norton. He (Levi) grew up a close thinker, and was a man of sound judgment.

David, the third son, was born Dec. 2, 1800 ; when about 18, he learned the trade of machinist ; he and his brother Jesse and McMillin commenced the manufacture of carding machines about 1833. He (David) married, in 1829, Beulah Jones. He died in 1842.

Jacob, the fourth son of Jesse and Catharine Allen, was born in Lansing, Tompkins Co., N. Y., Feb. 11, 1803 ; he was 8 j'earsold when his family removed to Akron ; he learned his trade with Humphrey & Bagley in the woolen mills at Middlebury, Ohio, and, when about 18, he went to New York State and built a woolen factory near Ithaca, where he lived until 1835, when he returned to Akron and built several woolen factories, which he started, and sold while in successful operation. He was in cornpan}' with Simon Perkins and Jedediah Cummins for several jears, and was interested in all the railroads, doing all he could to promote the interests of Akron, widening Howard street and making various improvements. He was interested in the manufacture of flour for several years, and established an office for its sale, which his son, Frank H., is now conducting in

Biograppiical Sketches

New York City. He was a Democrat ; never sought office, but was several times in the Council. He married Miss Catharine Van Sickle Feb. 10, 1830 ; she bore him five children, three of whom are living - Frank H., Mrs. Rufus Wright, of Brooklyn, Long Island, and Miss Lizzie Allen. He was liberal in the support of all churches, and died Nov. 25, 1879, in his 77th year.

John, the fifth son, was born Dec. 5, 1804 ; he learned the trade of stone-cutter, and was a contractor on the locks of the Ohio Canal. He died at Piketon, Ohio, Nov. 23, 1829.

Jesse, the sixth son, was born May 1. 1807 ; he learned the trade of stone-cutter also, and, with his brother David, manufactured carding machines in Akron in early times ; he engaged in flouring-mills in 1856, which he continued until his death, Sept. 24, 1863. He was a strong Whig during the last thirt}' years of his life, and an active business man, and firmly established in uprightness and integrity ; of high moral standing, talented ; to know him well was to esteem him.

Sarah was born Jan. 3, 1812, and was the first one of the children born in Ohio. She married James M. Hall, .^larch 22, 1832. She died Jan. 27, 1877.

Hiram was born Sept. 14, 1814 ; he came to Akron in 1840, and, with Jacob Allen, his brother, erected in succession a woolen mill on Cherrj' street, the old portion of Cit}- Mills and brick mills, now occupied b^' Allen & Co., first used as woolen factories ; he erected the block north of the Beacon Block, and which burned in 1871, when he immediatel3' put up the present one. He died Sept. 21, 1878, unmarried.

Christiana (Allen) Caldwell, the youngest of ten children, was born Jan. 30, 1822 ; she came to Akron in 1840, where she still resides in a pleasant home on Broadway'.

Albert Allen, the son of Levi Allen and the grandson of Jesse Allen, Jr., was born March 12, 1827, in Coventry Township, where, until he attained his majority, he was emploved at farming and clearing, after which he learned millwrighting under John S. Gilcrest, of Springfield, and engaged in pl3'ing his trade for a period of nine years. In 1856, he built for

J. & J. Allen & Co., the Allen Mill, and was employed as manager of the same for ten years. In 18(j7, in company- with Alexander H. Commins. he purchased the Stone Mills, which then had but four runs of stone ; they conducted a successful business under the firm name of Commins & Allen, which continued up to the time of the death of Mr. Commins, in 1880, since which time the firm name has not been altered. The mills do an entirely merchant business, and grind from two hundred and fifty to three hundred barrels of flour per day. In the spring of 1881, the mills were changed to the Hungarian process, which enlarges the capacity of the mills to four hundred and fift}' barrels of flour per da}'.

FRANK ADAMS, President and Superintendent of Akron Sewer Pipe Company. Sixth Ward ; was born in Windsor Co., Vt., July 5, 1819, and is the son of Benjamin and Betsey (Crowley) Adjuns, who were natives of Massachusetts, and were married in Vermont, where they had moved with their parents when young. In 1838, they came to Ohio, the journey being made by a wagon to Troy, N. Y.; thence by canal to BuflTalo ; thence b}' lake to Cleveland : and thence to Norton Township, in what is now Summit Co., where they settled on a farm previousl}' purchased ; the}' farmed thereabout ten 3'ears, when they removed to Akron, v>'here the}' lived a retired life until his death, which occurred Nov. 22, 1849 ; Mrs. Adams died about twenty years later. They were members of the M. Vj. Church for more than forty years, and took an active interest in all church affairs. Frank remained at home until within a few months of his majority ; his education was confined to a limited attendance at the district schools. Upon leaving home, he went to live with his brother-in-law, Mr. Samuel Manning, who was publishing maps, and with him remained two years, in the printing department. He then engaged as clerk in the post office at Akron, remaining one year, when he left, and. at the expiration of another year, he returned to the post office, remaining this time two years, when he engaged in the map business, forming the partnership of ^Manning & Co., and remained one year, when the firm became Adams & Egleston, the latter buying out Manning. They continued until the spring of 1 848, when their building was destroyed by fire, which necessitated a dissolution of the firm and the discontinuance of the business in Akron. He then took an active part in the campaign, and was Treasurer of the Whig Club. In March, 1849, he , was appointed Postmaster of Akron by President Zachary Taylor, and held the office during his administration and that of his successor, Millard Fillmore. After retiring from the post office, he opened a hat store, which was burned in the spring of 1855. In May following, he purchased an interest in the business of Mei'rill, Powers & Co., and, in 1859, the firm became Hill & Adams, which continued until 1868, when the business was merged into a stock compan}', known as the Hill & Adams Sewer Pipe Company, and, in January,

1871, Mr. Hill retired, and the corporate name became, as now, "The Akron Sewer Pipe Company-," of which Mr. Adams was made President, also Superintendent, which offices he still retains, having held them from the first formation of the stock company. During the war, Mr. Adams served as a member of the School Board, member of Council, Treasurer of School Board, Corporation Treasurer, and Treasurer of the Soldiers' Relief Fund. He was married Jan. 21, 1846, to Miss Sarah J. Gale, a native of Vermont, who came to Akron when young, with her parents. She died Jan. 11, 1863. They had three children, two living, viz., Julia Latham and Ma}' Perkins, both of Akron. He was again married, Sept 2, 1863, to Mrs. Janetta L. Murphy, formerly Miss Hart ; they have two children, viz., Frank H. and Belle M. Mr. Adams was a Whig up to the formation of the Republican party, and a Republican since that time. He has been a member of the Episcopal Church for twelve years.

ISAAC C. ALDEN, Treasurer of Whitman & Miles Manufacturing Co., Akron, Ohio ; is a son of Henr}' and Abbie C. (Smith) Alden, and was born Nov. 20, 1851, at Bridgewater, Mass. When very young, the family moved to Abington, Mass., where he went to school until he was 15 3'ears old, and then entered a wholesale dry goods store in Boston, remaining two 3ears. In 1869, he entered the knife manufacor}' at Fitchburg, which place he held until

1872, when he came to Akron and was made Assistant Treasurer of the Whitman & Miles Manufacturing Co., and, in 1877, he was made Treasurer of the concern. He was married, Dec. 10, 1874, to Miss Emma L. GiflTord, of Fitchburg, Mass.

ANGELO ANDREW, of R. L. & A. Andrew, Akron ; was born Feb. 1, 1846, in Boston Township, this county ; he lived at home until 1 7 3'ears of age, when he was apprenticed to the printer's trade with the Akron Bmcon. After serving two years, he went to Cleveland and worked on the Ohio Farmer until Aug. 23, 1864, when he enlisted in Co. H, 177th O. V. I., and served until the close of the war, taking part in all the engagements in which his regiment participated. On his return from the arm3', he followed the business of painting, in Peninsula, for three 3'ears ; he then engaged as clerk in the same village, in a general merchandise business, for a period of five 3'ears. He then came to Akron and worked at his trade with his brother, and, in 1877, formed the partnership indicated above. Their business is confined to wall paper decorations for public buildings and residences, which they handle by the wholesale as well as retail, and all kinds of painting, emplo3'ing from six to twelve skilled workmen. Their store is 22x66 feet, with two stories and a basement ; church and hall decorations are a special feature of their business. Aug. 14, 1873, he married Miss Lizzie Warburton, a native of Northampton Township ; they have three children - Ma3'belle. Frank and Bessie.

R. L. ANDREW, of R. L. & A. Andrew, Akron. R. L. Andrew, senior partner of the firm of R. L. & A. Andrew, is a native of Boston Township, this count3' ; his parents, Robert and Ann A. ( Tubbs) Andrew, were natives of England ; his father came to America in 1838, and lived with a brother in Boston, Summit Co., Ohio ; in the following 3'ear, he returned to England and married, returning to Boston with his wife in 1840 ; here he followed the trade of ornamental painter, remaining in Boston until 1873, when he moved to Akron, where he has since resided. Mrs. Andrew died in Akron Oct. 3, 1879. R. L. Andrew was born May 24, 1841. the eldest of three children ; he lived at home, learning the trade of his father, and clerking at Peninsula and Akron for some five years until 1862. In June of this year he enlisted in the 85th O. V. I., Co. B. and served four months, taking part, in the meanwhile, in the engagements at Prentiss, Miss., and Yickburg. In August, he enlisted in Co. H, 177th 0. V. I., and served to the close of the war with the rank of Sergeant ; he was present at the battle of the Cedars, the engagement at Shelb3'ville Pike, Town Creek, and was present at Johnston's surrender. Returning home after the war, he engaged as clerk in the store of E. H. Cole, at Peninsula. He subsequently went to Michigan and clerked in a store in lona, then at Marshall, and finall}' at Ann Arbor, for E. B. Thompson & Sons, who moved their business about as indicated. Oct. 6, 1869, he came to Akron and took up the business connected with his trade of ornamental painting. In 1873, he built the present store propert}', 240 East Mill street, where he has since conducted his business. Jan. 1, 1877, he formed the partnership with his brother Angelo. Sept. 6, 1866, he married Miss Emerancy Hall, a native of Northampton ; she died April 3, 1879. Two children were born to them, both deceased.

JOHN H. AUBLE, real estate, insurance, railroad, steamship and foreign exchange agent, Akron, Ohio ; was born Dec. 2, 1842, and is a son of Daniel and Susanna (Orwig) Auble, natives of Miftliuburg, Union Co., Penn., where our subject was born. His parents came to Ohio in 1854, and settled near Wadsworth, Medina County. He worked on a farm until 15, when he entered the store of E. G. Loomis, at Wadsworth, as a clerk, until July, 1861, when he was made a partner, under the firm name of Loomis, Auble & Co. He was doing a prosperous business, when he enlisted in Co. I. 103d 0. V. I., Aug. 2, 1862. Soon after enlistment he was detached as Clerk A. G. 0., under Maj. Gen. A. J. Smith, and served in the army of Mississippi ; was in active service first against the rebel Gen. Kirb}' Smith, in Kentucky ; at the siege of Vicksburg, with Gen. Sherman, on the Yazoo, and Grant at its final surrender. He was in the Missouri campaign under Rosecrans, with Thomas at Nashville, and in Gen. Scofield's department during the last months of service. He was mustered out with his regiment at Camp Cleveland, June 24, 1865, and returned home. He was at once emplo3'ed as salesman by M. W. Henry & Co., of Akron, where he remained five years, and, in 1871, engaged in the real estate, insurance, foreign passage and exchange business. In January, 1875, he took the business management of the Beacon Publishing Co., leaving it in the fall of 1877 with its financial condition greatl}' improved. He is Secretary of the Akron Coal Co., operating rich mines in Guernsey County. In May, 1880. he was appointed agent for the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad, a position he still holds. He was married in August, 1870, to Miss Harriet E., only daughter of Rev. W. F. Day, D. D., formerly of Akron M. E. Church. They have five children - Anna Helen, Susie Orwig, Hattie Day, Bessie Norris and John Henry, Jr.

J. PARK ALEXANDER. The subject of these lines was born to John and Mai-y (Scott) Alexander on Aug. 7, 1834, in Bath township. Summit Co., Ohio, where he worked on a farm until the age of 18, attending district school and the academy at Richfield. At the age of 20 he went to the normal school at Marlboro, entering the engineering class under Pi'of Holbrook, being a class-mate of Prof Mendenhall. Having completed an engineering course, he was, in 1856, emplo^-ed in the public schools of Akron, where lie taught two years. In 1865-66, he bought the present site of his firebrick manufactory-, then used as a manufactorj' of stoneware, being, at that time, a small concern. He enlarged the buildings, and at the same time contracted for such an amount of stoneware as twelve or fifteen manufactories of Summit count}- could make. The aggregate amount of some years was two million gallons of ware. He established a warehouse at Detroit, maintaining it eight years, and one at Chicago five years. In 1867, he began manufacturing fire-brick, which he has greatl}- improved in quality. In 1875, he succeeded in obtaining a patent for the manufacture of a nearl}' pure (98.78) silica brick from white pebble. This was the first business of the kind in Ohio. They make about one and one-half million bricks per year, employing twenty men in the making, and a large number in the handling of them for market. In 1872, he bought two oil refineries in this city and ran them, in connection with the Standard Oil Compau}-, for five years. In 1858, he was elected Secretary of the Summit County Agricultural Society, holding the position for five years, which were followed by seven 3'ears in the presidency of tiie same, during which time (1858 to 1870), great improvements were made in the society. In 1868, he was elected member of the State Board of Agriculture, and, in 1872, Treasurer of the same. He was made member of the City Council in 1865, and, with the exception of two years, has continued such, being for the past eight vears President of the same, and witness- ing during that time all the public improvements, the city having grown from 3,500 to 20,000 inhabitants. Religious and educational institutions have repeatedly been the recipients of his munificent gifts. On Sept. 5, 1860, he was married to Miss Martha D. Wright, of Tallmadge, Ohio, daughter of Francis H. Wright, of which union there were eight children, one of whom, George B., is dead. Those living are Clara W., Helen B., Grace F., Mattie D., Bessie H., J. Park, Jr., and Alice S.

DAVID S. ALEXANDER, agricultural implements, Akron, Ohio ; is a son of John and Mary (Scott) Alexander, both of whom were born in Washington Co., Penn., and were married in 1828. In February, 1831, they came to Ohio, and settled in Bath Township, where he had previoush' bought 175 acres of land, upon which was some impi'ovements. He followed farming there for several years, and, about 1840, began to import fine sheep (Saxon breed) from Washington Co., Penn., of the McKeever stock, driving overland. He was for some years a prominent breeder and wool-grower, and brought into the county the first flock of Spanish merinoes. He died in 1856, aged 58, and his wife in June, 1880, at the age of 80 years. The^' had four sons, of whom David, the subject, was the oldest, and was born July 7, 1829, in Washington Co., Penn., and was an infant when the family came to this county. He grew up on the farm in Bath Township, receiving his education in the schools of Bath, and attending school in Akron from 18-47 to 1849, under Gen. Leggett, now of Cleveland. At 24 years of age, he commenced business for himself, and, in 1851, bought the farm of J. P. Baldwin, and for eleven years followed grain and stock farming successfully. In 1861, he came to Akron, and bought several lots on " Ely Tract," and commenced dealing in sheep, but dogs were very destructive to them, and he quit the business. In 1871, he began to deal in agricultural implements, which he still con tinues. His establishment was destroyed by fire in 1879, entailing upon him a loss of $12,000. In rebuilding, he fell from a scaffold and broke his thigh. In June, 1853, he married Miss Sarah C. Hale, a daughter of William Hale, of Bath Township. Five daughters were born to them. Lucy J. was the wife of C. R. Grant, of Akron, and died June 8,1880. Three brothers of subject died when 3'oung ; those

FRANK M. ATTERHOLT, lawyer, Akron, son of John and Emeline (Williams) Atterholt, was born Dec. 19, 1848, near New Lisbon, Ohio, where he lived on a farm until he was 14 years of age, in the meantime attending school, and then entered the New Lisbon High School, which he attended for three years. At the age of 17 he began teaching, and continued some twelve years, spending his summer vacations in the National Normal School of Lebanon. He graduated from Mt. Vernon College in 1870, having entered three years previous. He was for three years Superintendent of the Columbiana Public Schools, and for some time editor of the Independent Register of that place. In the Medina Normal School of 1872 he taught mathematics, and in 1873 was made Principal of the West Salem Public Schools, which position he retained for five years. In June, 1878, he began the stud}' of law under the direction of Upson, Ford & Baird, and pui'sued his studies with them two years, being admitted to the bar on Oct. 5, 1880, at the session of the Supreme Court at Columbus, and has since been in practice here, having moved here in 1879. He was married to Miss Mar}' E. Beard, of Columbiana, Ohio, Dec. 31, 1872 ; she was a teacher in the public schools of that place. She bore him one child, a son.

O. C. BARBER, Vice President Diamond Match Co., Akron. The subject of this sketch is a natiA'c of Middlebury, now Sixth Ward of Akron, Ohio. He was born April 20, 1841, and is the fourth of eight children born to George and Eliza Barber, who were natives of Connecticut and Ohio respectively. George Barber was born in the year 1804. His parents, Ezriah and Ann Barber, moving to Onondaga Co., N. Y., when he was 1 year old, and where he remained until he became of age, his schooling was confined to a few months each year at the district schools of his neighborhood. At the age of 18, he was apprenticed to coopering, and worked for three years. In the year 1826 - feeling the same pioneer spirit that had actuated his parents and grandparents before him (he being a descendant of a family that came to this country from England in 1620) - he thought he would take a look at what was then considered the far

Biographical Sketches

West, i. e., Ohio, and, after a few years' travel through the State hi the clock business, he finally settled down at Middlebury, where a considerable milling interest was well established, and where and at Akron he followed his trade until the year 1845, when he began the manufacture of matches, being one of the first to take up the business in the West. Meeting with indifferent success at first, owing to the great difficult}^ of distributing the goods he manufactured. There being no railroads at that time that would transport matches, it was necessary to distribute his product by wagons. In the year 1852, feeling somewhat tired of the struggle, and the necessity of a rest, he concluded to retire from the business, and traded his fixtures and factoiy for a hotel at Middlebury, and was appointed Postmaster of Middlebury, under Pierce's administration. Of this he tired in about one year, and again engaged in the manufacture of matches and buttons, the latter part of the enterprise proving unprofitable was soon abandoned, and he again gave his entire time and attention to the manufacture of matches, the facilities for which were inproved from time to time, to keep pace with the growing demands of the trade ; and from making matches by hand in a barn, step by step the business was so increased that in the year 1880, the business was conducted in buildings that, if on one floor twenty-two feet wide, would be over one mile long, and in which are made enough matches every twenty-five days, if placed end to end, to span the earth, and from which the Grovei'nment received for internal revenue stamps over $2,000 per day. Our subject, who is the only surviving son of the founder of this immense business, was raised in his native village, and received a course of study in the common schools. The circumstances of the family early ushered him into business affairs, thus at the age of 16, he began selling matches for his father, operating in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan and Penns3dvania, in which States, through his activity and industr}', the reputation of the Barber match soon became well-established. In the 3'ear 18(52, the entire management was left to his dictation, from which time the success of the enterprise became more marked. Ver}^ much of this success Mr. Barber attributes to his associate and active business friend, J. K. Robinson, who about this time took charge of introducing the goods into new markets, as well as the taking charge of the markets where the reputation of the goods were established, and no man in the entire West is better or more favorably known to the jobbing grocer trade of the country than Jack Robinson, as he is familiarh' dubbed by his many friends. In 1864, the business was merged into a stock company', known as the Barber Match Co., of which George Barber was the President and 0. C. Barber the Secretary and Treasurer, and John K. Robinson was General Agent. In January, 1881, the company had by far the largest and best equipped match works on this continent. The same enterprise that had made it what it was, suggested to Messrs. Barber & Robinson the propriety and economy of consolidating all the match companies of the States into one ownership or one company, and through them and other active manufacturers, a consolidation was made of twenty-eight of the leading manufacturers of the country, under the name of the Diamond Match Co., with a capital of $2,250,000, of which William H. Swift, of Wilmington, Del., is President ; 0. C. Barber, Vice President ; and William B. Gates, of Frankfort, N. Y., is Treasurer. The business of this company' is conducted or managed by these officers, as an Executive Committee, with co-ordinate powers, the subject of this sketch having charge more direct!}' of all the compan^^'s factories in the States west and south of Pennsylvania ; the sales department in the same territory being in the charge of John K. Robinson. 0. C. Barber married Miss Laura L. Brown, of Akron, Oct. 10, 1866. By the marriage there have been two children, one of whom is living, viz., Anna Laura : Charles H. is deceased.

JOHN RICHARD BUCHTEL, manufacturer of reapers and mowers, Akron, whose portrait appears in this work, was born Jan. 18, 1822, in Summit Co., Ohio. He was the son of John Buchtel, a farmer, and the grandson of Peter Buchtel, who was a native of Pennsj'lvania, whence he moved to Ohio in 1809, entering service here as a soldier in the war of 1812, and dying in the army. He engaged in farming when a youth, with no opportunity of obtaining other education than such as he could acquire b}' himself so that, when he attained his majority, he could with difficulty write his name. At that age he began to work land on shares, continuing it for several years, until at length he was able to purchase a small farm of twent}^ acres. Finally disposing of this, he bought a farm of IGO acres in Coventry Township, Summit Co., Ohio, which he improved and lived upon until 1854, when he sold it, and purchased a farm in La Porte Co., Ind., purposing at the time to remove there, and continue faiming. Before doing so, however, he modified his plans and entered into the employ of Ball, Aullman & Co., of Canton, then just beginning to make and introduce very extensively the ''Ohio," and afterward the " Buckeye" mower and reaper, continuing as their agent until the spring of 1856. The fiim was burnt out soon alter, and made an assignment to him for the benefit of its creditors. They obtained an extension, and he gave them such important aid that the fiim, C. Aullman & Co., was again on a secure foundation. In 1864, he succeeded in persuading the Canton manufacturers of the "Buckeye" machines, to build a manufactorj' at Akion also, and he superintended the constiuction of the necessary buildings, and purchased a one-sixth interest in the new establishment. By the following spring they began manufacturing their machines in the new buildings. The next year the business was organized as a stock ccmpany, of which he was elected President. This company has over $1,000,0(10 of paid-up capital, and $500,000 surplus. Its works have capacit}- for building over ten thousand machines annuall}'. The Akron Iron Company, with its large rolling-mills and fine blast furnaces, and the Akron Knife Works, of the Whitman & Miles Manufacturing Ccmpany. for the production of knives and sickles for mowers, grew indirectly out of the establishment of the Buckeye works ; and the Akron paper-mill of Thomas Phillips & Co., the rubber works, the the chain works, and man}- other flourishing industries, owed very much to Mr. Buchtel for their location in Akron. He was an officer of the Canton incorporation of C. Aultman & Co., a Director of the Akron Iron Company, of the Bank of Akron, and of the Weary. Snyder & W^ilcox Manufacturing Company, besides many smaller business interests. In politics a Republican, and in temperance matters a prohibitionist ; he was the candidate of the latter party for Secretary of State of Ohio, in 1874. He was appointed by Gov. Hayes, and confirmed by the Senate, one of the Trustees of

State Agricultural College, and was a member of the executive committee during the erection of its buildings. Througliout the war of Secession, his services to the community were simply invaluable. When others deemed the obstacles to filling up the quota and escaping the draft to be insurmountable, he, b}- his direct and supervisory eflfbrts obtained the apportionment laid upon his town. In religious belief, he is a stanch I^niversalist, but nevertheless contributed for the erection of everjchurch built in Akron, after he began to take an active part in ati'airs. The crowning work of his unstinted liberality was reached in the establishment and endowment of Buchtel College, Akron, an institution under the control i and patronage of the Universalist dencminaj tion of Ohio. As the outgrowth of three I years of earnest thought and persistent eflfert, I the corner-stone of this college was laid Julj- 4, 1871, Horace Greeley delivering the address of the occasion. Besides donating at the outj set, his library to the institution, he from time to time contributed toward its ccm.pleticn and peimanent endowment, until his gilts, in this direction, amounted to over $100,000. This college, at first an experiment, steadily made its way foiward until it holds a place of acknowledged merit among the most flourishing institutions of the West. His generous contributions to the Akron Library Association, of which he was President, did much to place that organization upon a peimanent basis. It ma}- be safely said that he gave away all he earned, and was a great public and private benefactor. In 1844, he married Miss Elizabeth Davidscn. and their union is without issue. In 1877, Mr. Buchtel went to Athens Co., Ohio, where he purchased for the Akron Iron Company, on the line of the Hocking Valley Branch Bailroad, 1,400 acres, comprising some of the richest deposits of coal and iron in the State. During the same year, the railroad compan}- located a station on these lands, and in honor of his ettbrts to develop the mines, they named the station Buchtel. and later, the post office there received the same name. As purchaser, projector and general manager of the company during the past four years, he has made five openings and established large furnaces, which combined, re- i quire a force of over four hundred men to operate, with a mining capacity' of 1,000 tons of superior furnace coal. The rich veins of iron there are worked with great facility on account of contiguous quarries of limestone which produce lime suitable for fluxing.

CAPT. GEORGE BILLOW, undertaker, Akron, the representative of his line of business, has an eventful history. He was born April 2, 1833, in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, and is the son of John and Elizabeth (Milljus) Billow, both natives of Hesse-Darmstadt. His parents, with five sons and two daughters, emigrated to the United States about the year 1844, and settled on a farm near Sandusky, Ohio. George remained with his parents till he was 17 3'ears old, and then went to Fremont, Ohio, to learn the trade of a wagon-maker ; he spent three years there at learning his trade, and then he went to Cleveland, where he finished in fine workmanship ; he then came to Akron, and for a time was emplo3'ed by E. A. Collins. About this time he was married to Miss Mary, daughter of Conrad and Charlotte (Graff) Fink ; their marriage took place on Sept. 19, 1854. His wife, as well as her father and mother, were natives of Germany. After his marriage he returned to Cleveland for a time, and then again came to Akron, when he engaged in the manufacture of spokes for Mr. Collins, and for Oviatt & Sperry, of Tallmadge. About the time he was engaged in this business, the war of the rebellion had grown to a point when President Lincoln issued a call for 300,000 men. Mr. Billow sold out and closed up his interests as best he could, and then entered the army ; he enlisted in Co. I, 107th 0. V. I., as a private ; this was a German regiment, and was enlisted specially for Sigel's command ; he entered the army in July, and in the following November he was promoted to Second Lieutenant ; shortly after this he rose to the rank of First Lieutenant, and then was made Captain of his company. Much of his term of enlistment was spent in detail service, though he saw some hard fighting ; he was in the Fredericksburg campaign, and was at the battle of Chancellorsville from July 1 to 4 ; in the first bayonet charge at this battle, the Captain and thirty men of his company were lost. Hagerstown and Boonsboro will also l)e remembered by him as places of battle in which he participated. From Warrenton Junction they embarked for South Carolina ; their command had been so cut up that the 1st Division of the 11th Corps was united with Gordon's Division, and the command known thereafter as Gordon's Division. They went to Folly Island, under command of Gen. Q. A. Gilraore. Capt. Billow was at the capture of Fort Wagner, and about Christmas, 1863, he was at the battle of James' Island ; he was subsequently ordered to the assistance of the troops at Jacksonville, Fla. ; there he was stricken with typhoid fever, and, after recovering, he was detailed Brigade Commissary of Subsistence, which position he held for three months, and had the honor of having been complimented by Commissary General Kilbourn on his success. Again he was detailed, and this time on the staff of Gen. Foster, as Post Commissary at Fernandina ; he remained there about nine months, and was then sent to Jacksonville as local Provost Marshal, and was there for three months, and then he was returned to Fernandina, where he remained till the close of the war. When he returned from the army he engaged in the grocery business in Akron, with Mr. C. Kolb ; thev were in business for about two years, when he took charge of the co-operative grocery ; he then, for about one and a half 3'ears, was traveling and selling stoneware. Having seen much of the South during the war, he removed to Huntsville, Ala., where, for four years, he was on a cotton plantation ; finding this speculation unprofitable, he returned to Akron, where he arrived the 1st of April, 1875. He has now been Notary' for five years, and is doing an extensive business as agent for different ocean steamship lines and in foreign exchange ; this, in connection with his business as undertaker, makes an extensive trade. He is a member of Akron Commander}', No. 25 ; and while he was in Alabama, he was a member of Huntsville Commander}-, No. 7, and held the office of Grand Captain of the Guard of the order in that State. Politically, he is a Republican. His famil}^ consists of the following children : Anna, George W., Charles Fernando (named after the Major), Ida, Albert C, Jacob L., Edwin M., and the baby, Claire. WILLIAM BUCHTEL, lumber, etc., Akron; a son of John and Catharine (Richards) Buchtel, was born Dec. 23, 1822, in Green Township of this county. His father had but little means, except his land (106 acres) and his children only went to school when they could be spared from the farm in winter. He (subject) and his brother, John R., cleared a large portion of his father's farm. At 22. he commenced for himself, and in one year bought the homestead, and engaged largely in wheat-raising. He followed farming until 1856, when he bought an interest (having rented out his farm) in the Chamberlin Mills, which he operated for some time with good success. He served in the 164th 0. N. Gr. during the late war, and was honorably discharged in the fall of 1864. After leaving the arm}', he removed to Akron, and in the following year he made one of the firm of Jackson, Buchtel & Co., and engaged in the lumber business for five years - subject being most of the time in the pineries near Saginaw, Mich., supe^-intending the manufacture of lumber. He is at present in the lumber business. Since 1865, he has located and handled over 20,000 acres of GoA'ernment and State lands, in Clare, Isabella and Missaukee Counties, Mich., and still owns some 3,000 acres there. He was married March 7, 1842, to Miss Martha Henderson, of Springfield Township. By this mai'- riage there are four children, viz. : James H., John D., Wm. M. and C. J.

JOHN D. BUCHTEL, Akron, second son of Wm. and 3Iartha (Henderson) Buchtel was born May 20, 1849, in Coventry Township, this county. In 1864, when his father went into the army, he came to Akron, and worked in the mill until his return, when he went to school for two 3'ears. He then engaged in a flour and feed store ; attended commercial school in Poughkeepsie in 1868, and spent two summers at Saginaw, Mich. He was in the employ of Thomas & Son one year (1871), and teller in the Citizens' Savings and Loan Association, from May, 1872, to March, 1877, when his health failed and he lay sick for some time. In 1878, he was a member of Tlermania Printing Co. for a short time and then went to Chautauqua Lake where he clerked in a hotel for three months. He then came back to Akron, and in November, 1878, opened a feed store on Mill sti'eet, which he kept until the spring of 1881, when he became a member of the firm of Wm. Buchtel & Sons, lumber dealers.

CHARLES W. BROWN, barber, Akron, a son of John and Margaret (Groves) Brown, was born in Cleveland, Ohio, May 7, 1843, where he lived until 15 years of age, attending the public schools of that city. At the age of 14 he entered his father's barber shop as an apprentice ; he, being a leading barber on Superior street for some fifty j-ears. Subject worked in the shop until the war broke out. He had drilled with a compan}' of colored men under Capt. Paddock of the " Cleveland Grays." This company, through John Brown (subject's father) tendered their services to Gov. Tod, who telegraphed in response : " When we want niggers we'll let you know." Subject then recruited fifteen men, and upon offering themselves to Rhode Island were accepted. He then returned and raised twenty men more, but Ohio had, in the meantime, discovered that "niggers" would stop bullets as well as whites, and got out an injunction against their leaving the State. Gov. Sprague of Rhode Island was notified, and sent two of his ablest attorney's to manage the case. In the trial of the case, Gov. Tod's telegram was offered in testimon}', and after a full discussion of the pros and cons, the " niggers " were allowed to follow their own bent, and at once reported to Rhode Island, where they were mustered into the 14th Rhode Island Heavy Artillery. They entered the service in October, 1862, and were discharged at New Orleans in the spring of 1865. Subject served in the Gulf Department, and was in the battles of Red River, Mobile, Plaquemine, La., and was 1st Sergeant of Co. K. He came to Akron in the fall of 1865, and has done a good business as barber ever since. His shop is located under the x\cademy of Music, and runs from three to five chairs with competent artists, and has a bath room attached. He has always been a stanch Republican and is the first colored man elected to office in Summit Count}', b}' a popular vote, being elected Trustee of Portage Township in 1880, an oflfice he has faithfully filled. He was married, July 29, 1867, to Miss Laura V. Lewis, of Cleveland ; the}' have two daughters and one son. His parents were free-born and came to Cleveland about 1820, where the mother still lives, aged 85 : father died in 1868. They had two sons and two daughters. Subject is a fine musician, and was leader of the first colored band ever raised in Akron.

DAVID BUNN, policeman. Akron. Ohio ; a son of Jacob and Sarah A. (Whaler) Bunn ; was born in Wells Co., Ind., May 23, 1842, his father having mo\'ed to that locality in an early da}'. Subject worked on a farm, and helped to clear 200 acres of woodland. He went to school, two miles distant, and, at 19, came to Ohio, where he worked for David Gailhouse. of