Wellington Township (part 1 of 2)

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In the thirty-ciglith draft by the members of the Coiincctieiit hind comiiany, April 4, 1807, Ephraim Root and James Ross drew township number three in ranL,'e eighteen, witli other hmd.s, and in tiie division, Ei)hraini Root heeunie the original proprietor of Wellington.

The township contains an area of twenty-two and otie-halF miles and a fraction over - by tlie original snrvey, thirteen thousand nine hundred and twelve acres of land. It was divided into forty-eight oi'iginal lots. It was six lots deej), running from south to iiortii, and thence from north to south, and numliered in tliis order consecutively. It is eight lots in length east and west. They are of uue((ual size; tlie lots west of the center road are the larger. The first tier of lots is on the east side of the township. The s(uitheast corner lot is number onl^ numbei'ing thence north consecutively; number six is the northeast corner lot, returning thence on the second tier of lots to the south line; so back and forth, ending with lot forty-eight, in the south-west corner.

February 18, 1812, the general assembly of the State of Ohio fixed the territorial limits of the county of Medina by an act of that date, wherein it was provided that all tliat part of the (Jonnecticut Western Reserve lying west of the eleventh range, south of number five and east of the twentieth range, shall be attached to and be a i)art of the county of Portage.

The territory thus set to Medina embraced townshiii number three, range eighteen - Wellington. On the organization of Medina county in Januai'y, 1818, it was a part thereof, and so remained until the organization of Lorain county, January 31, 1834.

At the organization of Medina county, the sound of the woodman's axe had never been heard within the township. The only works of civilization were the blazed trees indicating the lot lines made by the surveyor's hatchet. The wilderness was unbroken. The Wyandots were still here, and here remained for several years after the arrival of the first settlers. Remains of their old wigwams, near an orchard of wild plums in Penfield township, were seen as late as 1840.

The township is traversed by several affluents of Black river, Wellington creek in the eastern, Charlemout creek and the west branch of Black river in the western and northern parts. It is therefore well watered, and has a diversified soil of alluvium and upland. The surface is level, and much of it back from the streams was originally regarded as swale lands, but their adaptation for meadow and grazing purposes is unsurpassed. There is not an acre of waste laud in the township. In the eastern jjart are still seen the remains of an old beaver dam, which in an early day served to Hood an extent of fifty or seventy-five acres, and was known as Wellington swain|i. It ali'orded a secure retreat for wild animals. It was the haunt of the bear and the wolf. Its impenetrable thickets afforded an effectual screen from the hunter's vigilance. The wolf, for miles away, when closely pursued, headed for Wellington swamp, and it was a struggle of skill and endurance on the part of the hunter to cut him off' from that retreat. The east and west center road, when constructed, crossed it in the middle. The road was made by felling the brush upon the surface of the morass, upon which stringers were placed lengthwise upo;i cross i)ieces placed on the brush; over these stringers the corduroy covering was laid. The road was literally a bridge, which, as used, would gradually settle below the surface, when other stringers were jilaced aud more corduroy was laid. It was too narrow for teams to meet and pass thereon. If two met, the lightest loaded was unhitched, load removed, wagon uncoupled and crowded to one side, team backed to terra finiin, while the other jnished on. Such hindrances rarely occurred, however, for the noise of the jolting wagon ujion the rough corduroy gave timely notice that the road was occupied.

The Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Indianapolis railway traverses the townshi]) diagonally, from the northeast to the southwest corner. It is crossed by five roads running north and south, and by three east and west. It is about midway between Elyria on the north, Ashland on the south, Medina on the east, and Norwalk on the west, and on the most direct road to each. This fact, at an early day, gave Wellington importance as the center of local trade, and rendezvous for land owners and settlers.

Ei)hraim Root, the original proprietor of Wellington, sold the township to Colonel Francis Herrick, Harmon Kingsbury, P'rederick Hamlin, and Norton and Stocking, of Berkshire county, Massachusetts. In the record of transfers of Medina county, for the year 1819, the first transfer from Ei)hraim Root to Francis Herrick of three thousand five hundred and sixty acres, township three, range eighteen, is entered. From the same to Joseph Kingshury, two thousand two hundred and seventy-eight acres. In 1820, the same to Amos Adams, six hundred and fifty acres; to Adams, Norton and Stocking, tiiree tlionsaud four hundred and seven ty-eiglit acres; to Lyniau and Saaford Brown and Frederick Hamlin, two thousand acres; to John ('Htford, tliree hundred and fifty acres; to .liilin (Milford, Ji'., seventy-five acres; to John llowk, seven liundred and thirty-four and threefourths acres. Tliese transfers were nuide to actual settlers. And it was a happy thing for Wellington that theso lands did not fall into the hands of speculators, in >[arch, 181S, the first settlers arrived. They were: E])hraini Wilcox and (Jharles Sweet, who came out in the employ of Frederick Hamlin; John Clifford and Joseph Wilson, of Berkshire county, Massachusetts; and William T. Welling, of Montgomery county. New York. The first four left Berkshire county in February, with i)acks and tools loaded upon a cutter, drawn by one old mare. One drove while the others walked. Welling joined them en route. In M:irch, they reached Grafton, the most advanced out-j)()st in the direction of their lands. They at once commenced cutting a " trail " to townshi]i number three, of range eighteen, and entered the townshijt at the northeast corner thereof, and thence to the center lots.

They reached their destination in the latter part of March, at night-fall. They camped for the night, and the next day commenced and nearly comjileted a temporary cabin, which was to be their home for months. It was erected near the corner of lots twenty-one, twenty-two, twenty-seven and twentyeight, upon the ground where the house of Mrs. J. P. Nickles now stands. They made benches for chairs; matresses of dried leaves for beds, placed upon bedsteads made by driving four crotched stakes into the ground, with stringers stretching from stake to stake, and white oak shakes crossing from strinoor to stringer, upon which the leaf matresses were laid. These rude beds soon gave place to more luxurious couches, made by the pioneer with axe and auger, consisting of four posts, four straight ])oles for the side and foot rails, extending from post to post, of requisite length and width, inserted in auger holes and interwoven with liasswood bark, which, until the bark got too dry and brittle, made a bed a kins might envy, if invparcd for its enjoyment by the toils of pioneer life.

Their temporary cabin completed, they at once commenced work upon their lands, finding them liy the surveyor's plat, and the marks upon the corner stakes of the lots, Ephriam Wilcox u])on lot twentyeight; John Clifford upon lot sixteen; Joseph Wilson upon lot fourteen; and Charles Sweet, for Frederick Ilamlin, upon lot twenty-seven. By the 1st of Ajiril the ringing of the woodman's ax, the crash of falling trees, gave token of the advent of civilization, of the dawn of that struggle to plant the institutions of New England in the forest, which it took a generation to complete.

On the 4th day of July, of that year, they wei-e joined by the family of Ephraiin Wilcox, consisting of wife and child, Theodore Wilcox and sister, Miss Caroline Wilcox, accompanied by Dr. Daniel J. Johns, Frederick Hamlin, and Austin Kingsbury. The log house was ready for their reception, into which they were received on this glad fourth of July, after a sejjaration of live months, passed by the husband and father in the depths of the forest, far from the sound of woman's voice, or children's )irattle.

These women were the first white women in Wellington. The site of their first home, - that first log cabin, - is still seen, about three-quarters of a mile northwest of the center of the townshiji. An old peach tree, an apple tree, a hop vine, the rums of the old stone and clay cliimney still mark the place in a field now owned by Daniel J. Johns. It is remote from any road, for it j)receded roads. No lovelier place for a home could have been chosen, facing the east, upon a gentle declivity, at the foot of which a bubbling brook sent up, in those days, the music of its unceasing murmur, and near by, an unfailing spring sent forth an abundant su])ply of the purest water. To such a home and such sceneiy were these women welcomed. The welcome and lovely scene was not unappreciated by them, which appreciation wiis manifested by Mrs. Wilcox in the most timely and fitting manner possible, to wit: by the j)resentation to her husband and infant colony of a num child, John W. Wilcox, born on the twenty-fifth day of Se])tember, A. D. 1818, the first white child born in the township. He grew to manhood, and died heii\ leaving a widow and two sons, Stanley and Arthur.

The journey of these last arrivals was performed from Massachusetts, in just four weeks' time. They came with horses and wagons, bringing such household goods as were absolutely necessary. Dr. Johns was then just twenty-one years old, and fi-om that day to this has been closely identified with every interest of Wellington and the surrounding townsiiips. He was for years the only jihysician in a circuit of fifteen miles. Here he j)urchased and cleared a farm, built a home, married and reared a family of children. He helped to organize the township and the county, filled various township offices, and was an associate judge of the Lorain court of common pleas from February, 18;i8, to February, 1845, inclusive. No further accessions were made to the settlement until in the late fall of that year. One morning the tinkle of a strange cowbell was heard from the direction of the center. Curious to see from what it proceeded, the sound was followed, and an emigrant's team was found grazing, and the first shanty ei'octed was found occupied, not by strangers, hut by friends from their old Massachusetts home, Josiah Bradley and wife, John and Alauson Ilowk, and their mother. Miss Electa Ilowk, and a sister and "Dean," a female servant, a relic of Massachusetts slavery, who had continued to live with her old mistress after the adoption of the constitution of 1780, and had folo lowed her into the wiklenicss. They had reached tlie center of the township after dark tlie night before. Their trail ended tliero. Tlie deserted slianty was found and occiii)iea until morning slioiikl reveal the whereabouts of the settlei-s. They were never accorded a more joyful welcome than that which then was given tlicm. The meeting of those pioneer women in the depths of the forest, months having intervened since two of them iiad looked upon any of their own sex save themselves, was one of intense emotion. Encircling arms, tear-dimmed eyes were the exi)ression of a joy too great for utterance. Alauson Howk sedled upon lot twenty-two ; .lolin llowk upon lot fifteen, and .losiah Bradley upon lot number forty.

Frederick Hamlin, having conii)leted his log-house on lot twenty-seven, that fall returned to Massachusetts for his family. The next year he returned with his wife, Mrs. Nancy Hamlin, and four children, viz: Frederick M., Lucius, Homer and Jane.

The providence that sent this family into the wilderness was beneficent to Wellington. Active in the organization of schools, earnest in promoting the interests of society, prominent in the civil affairs of the township and county, filling some of the most important places of jiublic trust in both, the name of Frederick Hamlin, and after hiui of his son Frederick M., ajipears on every ]iage of its history for the first forty years. , The father was one of the tirst common pleas judges of the county, sat u]iou the bench at the first term of court ever held in the county. May term, 182-t, and continued to serve until the March term, 1831. In after years, when the county had become populous and wealthy, the son, Frederick M., wa,^ chosen treasurer Of the county for two successive terms. He entered into the office in September, A. D., 1865, and retired September, 1869, and no man ever served the iniblic tlu-rein more acceptably.

Homer Hamlin removed to Iowa after seeing the township all settled and a large village springing up around the very spot where the old log house, the home of his childhood, stood. They have all passed away now, the work of their hands, and a fragrant memory are all that remain to speak for them.

On the 13tli of November, 1819, Ahner Loveland, from Otis, Massachusetts, came. He journeyed the entire distance on foot, reached the settlement on Friday, hired to Judge Hamlin (mi Saturday as a woodchiipper, and commenced his job on Monday. He linally settled in Brighton, but returned to Wellington in after years, where ho lived until his death, in March, 1879. At a very early period of the anti-slavery movement he identified himself therewith, and suffered bonds and imprisonment because of his devotion to the cause of hunuin liberty. This same year came Lyman Howk, who located upon lot ten, where he continued to live until his death.

returned with his family, consisting of his wife and ten children, six sons and four daughters, viz: John Clifford, Jr., Daniel, Luther L., Flijali M., (ieorge W., Benjamin F., Hannah, Theodosia, Harriet and Polly, a noble force for the woi-k in hand. They at once commenced the erection of a log house, and in one week their luuise was ready. Shortly after, an addition was built to it, and here was taught the first school, by Miss Caroline Wilcox, Mr. Clifford furnishing not only the house but over half the pupils. In this house was preached the first sermon, by Rev. Mr. McMalioii, pi-i'siding elder of the Methodist Episcopal church. And here Kev. Adam Foe jircached his first sermon. The old log house, in a few years, gave place to a substantial frame house, in which Mr. Clifford lived from thence to the day of his death, September 17, 18()9, aged ninety-two years, surviving his sons, Luther L. and George W. This was the first frame house built.

This year Mr. Hamlin opened a small store in a log house at the center, and here the first post office was kept by him, the first postmaster.

In 1847, Rev. Ansel R. Clark delivered an historical sermon to the First Congregational church of Wellington. Speaking of the progress of the settlement, he said tluit in the beginning of the year 1821, there were thirty-seven inhabitants in the township. That year came Amos Adams, Milton Adams, and their sister. Miss xVtlurnira Adams, who married Austin Kingsbury, Russell B. Webster, Ithel Battle. Whitman De Wolf, Loren Wadswor; li, Judson Wadsworth, William Foote, Daniel Smith and .Insiah B. Miinlev. The latter, with his wife and three chihiren, journeyed from Massachusetts with an ox team, and was forty days in making the journey, the last night of whii'h was spent in the woods within four miles of the settlement, without food for themselves or team; surivuiuded from dark till dawn by legions of howling Wolves. They arrived at the settlement at early dawn, aud found every man absent.

Lost In The Woods

The wonl had been sent the night before from Sullivan, that a child was lost in the forest, and lielp was wanted to search for the wanderer. These tidings liy faithful messengers, were for\varded to adjacent settlements in Brighton and Pittslield, with a recpiest that all should engage in the search and they assembled at Sullivan at sunrise on the next morning to organize. Many had come a distance of fifteen miles. It was a bleak November day, Init that morning beheld a column of men three miles long, asseudded at the l)lace of designation. As the child had last l.iecn seen east of the dwelling of its iiarents, the commander of the forces conceived the idea that the little wanderer was to be found east. The order to march was given, and the line moved forwai'd into the dejjths of the wilderness. They crossed Black riverand penetrated into the wilds beyond, where no child could [lossibly go. In the afternoon a violent snow storm came on.

It was thouglit the child must perisli; :i backward inarcli was made and the chiki was left to his fate. The next spring its remains were found, partially eaten by the Avolves. The child had crawled under the body and upturned roots of a fallen tree;, evidently for shelter, and thei'e had perished, west of the house and within half a mile thereof. Among those from Wellington was Ifiissell B. Webster, a young man of stalwart frame, with great jiowei-s of endurance, and possessed of mental force to malch. Exhausted with the long tram]) to Sullivan in the night, the fruitless march, and the ri'turn tramp home, some (jf tliecoml)any sank down exhausted by the way. Wel)stei' lifted, led or carried these to places of safety, where rest could be had. Webster besought the leader to let the company search the woods around the house on all sides first, but was unfortunately overruled.

To get lost in the woods was no uucom?non occurrence to the pioneers themselves, but over children such careful watch was kept that it was rare, and but ftnv instances of the kind happened. If a man at nightfall did not return it was surmised he was lost. Tin horns were blown and guns were fired to direct his course, should the sound reach him, while the man himself would climb a tree the better to catch the sound he know his friends would make, and if no sound reached him the Ijranches of the tree were his resting place till morning, unless the rigors of the season demanded constant walking to i)revent freezing. The craft of the experienced w(jodmen soon taught them when the sun was hidden to follow the wafer courses; sooner oi' later these would lead to a settler's path. Every nuin's house was a home, the latch string always hung out, the wanderers, the weai'y aiul the hungry always were welcomed with a hospitality that ]nits to shame the cold civilities of nu)re modern life - the hospitality of the heart.

Wolves were numerous, their nightly howls were hideous, their havoc among sheep and domestic aiiinuils ruinous. The sheep, for better j)rotcction from them, were nightly housed in folds, and woe to the flock if this precaution was neglected. They often followed at a safe distance the pioneer's footsteps, rarely, if ever, attacking him. Their attitude was one of perpetual threatening, but like all cowards, never executing, ready and willing to make an attack, ojjportunitv presenting, and hunger pressing. At last the legislatui-e of the State legistated the wolves to that land from whose bourne net wolf returns. A state bounty of four dollars and twenty-five cents for the scaJ]i of every wolf over six months old, was offered and paid, and for those under six months, two dollai's and fifty cents. As this was about the only way of getting money, except counterfeiting, which latter method was confined to Akron, mainly, every man, theoretically or practically, became a wolf-hunter. Old worn out horses and diseased cattle were conveyed or driven into the loneliest depths of the forest and slaughtered, and their carcasses surrounded with wolf traps, hidden among the leaves, chained to heavy clogs, that would prevent escape, but not hold the animal so fast he could not drag it after him. If caught by the leg and held immovable the wolf would escape by gnawing off the leg. The other way he could barely crawl, leaving a broad trail behind him made by himself, t rap and clog, to some thicket where he could be easily found. Wolf scalps, black salts, for pearls were the only products the settlers had to sell, these afforded theiroiily means for getting money to pay their taxes, which was about the only use they had for money.

Clothing And I'Uou

They made their own cloth from yarn sjiun from wool raised from their own slice]), or fiax raised themselves and dressed by themselves; carded and sj)un by the women. They wore hats home made from braided straw, orca])sfrom the skins of animals, with a well preserved suit, brought from New England, for Sundays. The njek ma])le afforded an abundant suijjily of sa]), which in March was gathered and boiled into sugar sufficient for the wants of a year. For the first few years their wants, outside of home lirodnctions, were few indeed. The forest snpjilied them with the choicest venison for substantial meat, while for delicacies, they had wild turkey, duck and l)heasant. The woods furnished grazing for cattle, and though the butter and milk had a flavor of garlic from the locks with which the woods abounded, 111)011 which the cows fed, yet they learned to make that "do with an onion." For early vegetables the streams afforded water cresses, the marshes, cowsb'iis for greens. Fox grapes, wild gooseberries, and wild ])lunis were abundant. The curculio was unknown. Hogs fattened ui)on hickory nuts, beech nuts and acorns, without cost or trouble to the owner, and of all the domestic animals thrived the best.

Ijarge numbers of cattle were annually lost from murrain, taking often the settler's only cow or team, and he without the means of rei)lacing the loss. Such misfortunes were common to every neighborhood and were at that time a real calamity, the extent of which can not now be ai)i)rehended. This disease gradiuiUy disaii])eared as the country became older, and is now nearly or (juite extinct.

Travel Axd Its Dangers

The new roads for the larger portion of the year were almost imjiassable; nearly all travel was with ox-tcauis hauling loads, and on horseback for Journeying.

The streams were not bridged, and crossing was dangerous in high water, even after bridges were constructed; for the overflow of the flats obscured the track, and washed it away. The crossing of Black river, on the northern boundary of the township, was ])articularly hazardous in high water, and iinniorous anecdotes are told of accidents and hairbreadth escajjes here. Here President Fairchild came near losing his life by flood. Here Russell B. Webster, in midwinter, saved his, by the vigorous exercise of the great strength with which nature had endowed liini, iind that reniavkahlc fortitude and self command tlirougli wliicli liis presence of mind never forsook liini. ITnder the floating ice, and on the ice, unable to swim, he succeeded in drawing himself out of the jaws of death into the hranches of a tree, there to remain, chilled to the bono, until help came. lie saved liiniself, Ijut lost his team.

Ague and bilious fever were the prevailing diseases, before which many a hardy pioneer succumbed, and moss-grown tombstones mark their early graves, cut off in the prime of their manhood in their stern battle with nature's forces.

Death Roll

The first death occurred on August 31, 1824. Josiah B. Munloy, at the early age of thirty-two, died of disease incident to the new country. It was a great shock to the infant settlement, and a grevious loss to the community, and irreparalile to his family, consisting of a wife and three children.

Miss Caroline Wilcox married Dr. Iliram Hamlin, and lived at Wellington most of her life. She died December -1, 1801, at the age of sixty-two years.

Ephraim A. Wilcox, after filling various responsible township positions, died August 28, 1835, aged forty-four years. His widow survived him ten years. One marble slab marks their resting place, on which are incribed their names and dale of deatii, and these words, "The first family of Wellington settlement. Erected by early settlers of Wellington."

John Uowk lived until December 24, 1809. He died aged seventy-eight years. On the headstone to bis grave is inscribed, "Here lies an honest man," and in his case it was no unmeaning comiiliment, but a deserved tribute to worth.

John S. Reed, one of the earliest merchants, died in .June, 18,55, at the age of forty-two years. He was drowned wliile bathing in Black river, and his loss was a grevious one to Wellington. He was active in all matters of puljlic interest, and a friend to progress. His early taking off, his untimely fate, his prominence, all conspired to make the event one of especial significance in the histor3'of Wellington.

Colonel Francis Herrick lived until 1855. He died at the advanced age of eighty-six years. Though one of the original proprietors of the town, he did not remove here until several years after the arrival of the first comers.

Loring Wadsworth died in 1871, seventy-two years of age. His father, Benjamin Wadsworth, died December 30, 1814, aged seventy years; Amos Adams, June 19, 1830; Josiah Bradley, September 1, 1809; David Webster, October 14, 1807; Alanson Howk, April 9, 1850.

Organization, Name, Etc

The township was organized in the year 1821. The records of the first years are lost. They were kept upon slips of paper at first, and when a record book was opened in 1824, the transcribing was neglected. The first township officers were John Howk, Josiah Bradley and Austin Kingsbury, trustees; Ephraim Wilcox, justice of the peace, and Amos Adams, township clerk.

In selecting a name for the township, tlie honor of naming it was put up and struck off to the highest bidder. The bid being an offer to chop out roadway, the highest offer to chop, linear measurement, to win. Charles Sweet bid eighty rods, and the naming of the township was accorded to him. He named it Charlemont, which was not acceptable to the rest. They offered to do Sweet's job for him, he surrendering his right to name. He consented, and Wellington was the name agreed upon, to the satisfaction of all concerned, some favoring that name through admiration of the Iron Duke, others through a desire to honor their compatriot, William T. Welling, one of the first five who came, so that all were gratified.

The first election of which any record is preserved was a special election held July 5, 1824, for electing a justice of the peace. The record certifies that the result was a tie between E. Wilcox and R. B. Webster. It seems a second balloting was had, which resulted in ten votes for Wilcox, seven for Webster, and two scattering. This election was declared irregular, another was called and resulted ' in the election of Mr. Wilcox. At the annual State election, on the 12th of October, A. D. 1824, Benjamin Wadsworth, Judson Wadsworth and James Wilson acted as judges of election, and D. Z. Johns and E. A. Wilcox clerks. There were but ten votes cast at this election. A cojiy of the poll list shows that thei'c were ten electors, as follows: Loring Wadsworth, Whitman DeWolf, .Tames Wilson, Frederick Hamlin, .Judson Wadsworth, E. A. Wilcox, D. J. .Johns, Beiij. Wadsworth, Silas Boly and Amos Adams. Allen Trimble had ten votes for governor and Alfi'cd Kelly ten votes for representative in congress. As these were the candidates of the federal party, it is inferred that these electors were all federalists. The democrats did not vote; they perhaps forgot the day, for it was before the times when electors were kept from the polls by bulldozing. The next election of which a record is kept in the township records, was held October 14, 1828, and Allen Trimble, out of the whole number of votes cast, which were thirty, had thirty votes. Again Wellington patriots all voted one way. But at the presidential election, on the 31st of October of that year, there were forty-five votes cast, of which the federal candidates for electors had thirty-eight votes and the democratic electors had seven votes.

At tlie Octol)er election, 1S;50, there were thirtysix votes east, of which l>uncan McArtluirhad thirtylive votes for <>ov('rnoi-, and Hobert Lucas had one vote. At an election for justice of the ])eace, in 183;5, there were fifty-five votes cast. At the October election, in is:u;, the total iiuniiicr of votes polled was one liiindnMl and thirty, of which Eli Baldwin liad sixty-nine, and .Josejih \'ance sixty-one foi- governor. .Tosei)h ViMice was the whii;' candidate. At the presidenlial election that year, there were one hundred ;ind sixty-three votes polled, of which number the whin' electors received eiglity-seven votes, and the democratic seventy-seven, making one more than the whole number of votes cast. At the election, in 1837, Eber W. Ilubliard, democrat, and Daniel T. Baldwin, whig, had each sixty-seven votes for representative in the State legislature. At the Sfate election, in 1838, Joseph Vance, whig, had seventy-four votes, and Wilson Shannon, democrat, had seventythree. At the State election, in 1840, the total vote was one hundred and fifty-six, of which Thomas Corwin, whig candidate, had ninety-five, and Wilson Shannon, democratic, fifty-nine votes for governor. Sherlock J. Andrews, whig candidarte for representative in congress, had ninety-six votes, the highest nundjer cast for any candidate at that election. At the president:ial election of that year, the Harrison electors received eighty-nine votes, the Van Buren electors sixty-live votes, and the electoral ticket for James G. Birney, the candidate of the anti-slavery party, called the liberty party, for president, received three votes.

Wellington Village

On the 14th of March, A. I)., 1830, the legislature chartci'ed the Cleveland, Columbus & Cincinnati Rail Hoiid Company, l>ut the charter became dormant liy 11(1)1 iisfr, and an act of revival was i)assed in 1845, March I'Z. After this, active steps were taken to push the enterpiMse. Several routes were contemplated liy the company, among which was one via Elyria and west of Wellington; one via Ashland and east of Wellington, through I'enfield; another through Wellington, touching no large towns, en route to Columbus, even leaving Delaware to the west about two miles. The struggle to secure the location was spirited. There is but little doubt that Elyria was a dangerous competitor to Wellington, had she seen fit to exert herself. The latter place did her best. Dr. D. Z. Johns, in its behalf, was instant in season and out of season. He was untiring in exertions to arouse the energies of the lown. He called meetings, he gave tinu' and money, he secured the right of way by donation wlierever possible. He gave valuable lands himself, and all the people who had means subscribed liberally to the stock of the comiiany. They succeeded in securing the location through the center of the township, within twenty rods of the stone that marks the center. The credit of this achievement belongs to Dr. Joiins more than to any other. It was the turning point to the fortunes of the place. The road on either side would have lilasted all village prospects, and where the village now is would have been four farms and nothing more. As soon as the location was secured and the line of the road established, the company began the work of construction and pushed it most vigorously. One of the deepest fills on the road is in Wellington, at the crossing of ('harlomont creek, nnd was quite an obstacle that had to be overcome, in securing the location of the line. Clouds of workmen, in the summer of 1840, with shovel and pick entered the township, and the work of grading went forward with vigor. From the hour of location the growth of the village has been most healthful: not rajiid, but steadily increasing from year to year.

Two disastrous fires, as regarded at the time, have visited the place - one on the 13th of Septendjcr, 18.")8, which consumed the entire business portion of the town on the west side of Main street, burning five stores and much of their contents. The other fire occurred on the 1st of May, 1865, and burned the store of Foot & ^'an Deusen, on the corner of Main and Liberty sti'cets, with adjoining Imildings.

The corporate limits embrace about one thousand two hundred aci'esof land, being original lots numbers twenty-one, twenty-two, twenty-seven and twentyeight. The organization of the village as a municipality was effected August G, 1855. The first corjiorate election was held the 3d of December, 1855. John M. Swift was chosen Mayor. The following is a list of the incund)ents of that office from that date to 1879, inclusive, to wit:

The population of the village at the census of 1860, was one thousand and twenty-nine; in 1870, it was one thousand two hundred and eighty-one; in the census of 1850, covering both tow-nship and village, the population was one thousand five hundred and fifty-six; in 1860, it was one thousand seven hundred and twenty; in 1870, one thous.and eight hundred and ninety-one. The vilkige, in 187'.», estim;ifed by the vote, two thons;ind two hundred: the township and village, three thousand.

The business of tlie place is mainly commercial - lart^e ouantities of merchandise are annually retailed. At the time of the incorporation of the village, the

Hon. Joseph H. Dickson

Tli.s attention was directed early in lii'e to the possibilities embraced within the scope of high legal attainments, and entering accordingly upon a course of study, he found that his earnestly directed and energetic ambition urged him rapidly forward ujion his chosen path, and graduating eventually with conspicuous honors, he was, in August, 1852, admitted to the bar.

Directly upon his settlement in Wellington he began to win popular recognition, and to make his influence felt in a more than ordinary measure.

He was chosen to represent Lorain County in tbe Fifty-eighth and Fil'tyninth General Assemblies of the State of Ohio, whereby he was enabled to contribute something toward the legal recognition of the equality of all men before the law by voting for the adoption of the joint resolution ratifying, on the part of Ohio, the adoption of the fifteenth amendment to the constitution of the United States.

Residence Of J. H. Dickson , Wellington , Ohio

There wai'e several manufacturing establishments, among which were the following: Mills of the Wellington Manufacturing Company; carriage factory of E. S. Tripp; Bennett, Kirk & C!o., wood work and agricultural implements; cabinet work and furniture store of A. G. Couch.

In 18.")3, a newspaper was established here, under the management of George Brewster, elsewhere in this work referred to; afterward it was discontinued, and in ISOG, the Wellington Enferprisn was established.

The Dairy Interest

Soon after the completion of the Cleveland and Columbus railroad the business of buying and shipping cheese at Wellington was opened by R. A. Horr, then residing in Huntington. Mr. Horr built up a large order trade. Others soon went into the business, which rapidly grew. The first cheese ware house or shipping house was opened by B. G. Carpenter. Others were speedily established until, in 1878, there was a number of different houses and firm.f engaged in the business of manufacturing, buying and selling cheese and butter. Among the principal ones in that year were Messrs. Horr, Warner & Co., Baldwin, Laundou & Co.; George W. Crosier & Co.; Palmer & Lewis. The first-named firm that year sent Mr. Horr to Europe, where he formed business arrangements whereby this firm have since been making large shipments of butter and cheese to Liverpool and Glasgow. The amount of cheese shipped from Wellington in 1878 was six million four hundred and sixty-five thousand six hundred and seventy-four pounds; butter, one million one thousand six hundred and sixty-one pounds.

The first cheese factory, erected in Lorain county, was built by C. W. Horr, of the present firm of Horr, Warner & Co., in 1866. It was located in a fine dairy section in Huntington township, and from the start proved a successful undertaking. In the year 1878, from that beginning there were over forty cheese and butter factories owned by Wellington dealers, the products of which were all delivered at Wellington for market. This interest has built up a large business in the manufacture and sale of dairy implements and utensils. Tiie dealers in cows in February, March and April do an extensive business in buying and selling to supply the demand for dairy purposes. The number of men in and around Wellington, engaged in this business directly or indirectly, is numbered by thousands, so that at this day there is scarcely a town in the non-dairy sections of the

United States, where Wellington cheese is not found. The industry shows no signs of decline as yet, but the promise of enlarged demand and increase in the product is good.

Banking

On the twenty-fourth day of June, A. D. 1864, tlie charter for a national liank to be called Tiie National Bank of Wellington was issued. It was organized with a ca))ital stock of fifty thousand dollars. Hon. S. S. Warner was chosen its first president, andR. A. Horr, Es(j., its first cashier, which positions they have continued to fill from that time to this. On the twenty-ninth of November, A. D. 1871, the capital stock was increased to one hundred thousand dollars.

The second year of its existence the safe of the bank was burglarized and i-obbed of sixty thousand dollars in government bonds and currency. A large reward was offered for the apprehension of the robbers. The police of the cities, stimulated by the reward offered, became vigilant; finally trace was found, so that one of the robbers was caught in New York, one in Charleston, South Carolina, whither an agent of the bank followed and apprehended him, armed with a requisition from the Governor of Ohio upon the Governor of South Carolina, which was the first made, and recognized after the close of the war upon that State. Nearly forty thousand dollars of the stolen bonds were recovered.

Life Insurance

In 1874 there was organized a life insurance association on the co-operative plan. The charter members were S. S. Warner, W. R. Wean, R. A. Horr, A. K. Hand, J. H. Hood, Alfred Elwell, A. Y. Waters, W. W. Boynton, J. H. Dickson. The growth of the association has been rapid, and at the close of the corporate year, A. D. 1819, there were five thousand members thereof. It had paid about sixty thousand dollars to the families and heirs of deceased members. Hon. S. S. Warner was chosen the first president of tiie association, and W. R. Wean, secretary, which positions they still fill. The association has agencies in almost or quite every county in the northern part of the State extending south to the central. It confines its operations to the State of Ohio entirely, and mainly the northern part.

Benevolent Societies

The order of F. and A. Masons established a lodge September 27, 1844, called Wellington Lodge No. 127. The first master was Jabez L. Wadsworth; Daniel TiJlottsou, the first secretary. A Masonic Chapter was subsequently organized. O. Herrick was the (irst high priest. The lodge now numbers eighty members; the chapter forty-five. W. S. Ste--

The order of Odd Fellows organized a lodge known as Lorain Lodge No. 381, May 25, IS.'ir). The lirst. noble grand was R. II. Holcomli. Tlic pi-csent. officers are Ransom Peabody, N. (i.; Henry Wood, V^ 0.; C. N. Christy, secretary; Levi Bowman, treasurer.

In 1840, Gideon Adams erected a building for school jnirposes. It was designed for an academical school. The school was oi)ened that year by Miss Mary Ann Adams, an accomplished instructor, who had been for a number of years at the head of the female department of Oberlin College. Under the management and charge of Miss Adams, the school prospered and acquired a liberal patronage, and was highly serviceable to those desiring an academical course of instruction. Under other management this school was continued a number of years after the incorporation of the village, after which the schools wei-e organized on the graded plan of the Ohio union school system. Much effort was put forth to concentrate all interests in the public schools.

W. S. Eversole was the first sujierintendent, and, under his advice, a most complete course of study was prescribed, the different grades estaiblished, and the schools well started.

In September, 1870, W. R. Wean became superintendent, under whose efficient management and thorough instruction the schools have acipiired :i just celebri ty.

The marked progress of the Wellington schools, nnder Mr. Wean's administration, has afi'orded a practical illustration of the beiiotits of the graded system, that has greatly endeared it to the peojde. They have become the pride of every patron, and have been the source of inspiration to many young men and women who to-day are nninfully fighting life's battles. The healthy ambition infused into the minds of the students is evinced by the number of the graduates of the Wellington high school, who are found in the higher universities of learning throughout the country.

The growth of the village is quite fa.irly illustrated by the growth of the schools. The superintendent's report for each successive year, fmm the year ending June 30, 1871, showing the wlmlc number of |)npils enrolled, is as follows:

On the 20th day of April, A. D. 1824, the Rev. Lot B. Sullivan and Rev. Alfred Betts, being commissioned by presbytery, organized a church, which they styled the church of Wellington. The names of the members were Joseph Kingsbury and wife, ]\rartha Kingsbury; Amos Adams and wife, Huldah Adams; David Webster and Harmon Kingsbury, from Otis. Massachusetts; Nancy Hamlin, Sarah Wilcox and Sarah Battle, from Tyringham, Massachusetts; and Lydia Sullivan, from Lyme, Ohio. Letters nf dismissal and rec(mimendation were granted to Mrs. Sullivan December 20, to Joseph llunnon and Martha Kingsbury June 13, 182.'>, leaving the church composed of seven members - two men and five women. In October, 1825, there was an accession of four members, one of whom, Mrs. Orpba Webster, still survives - April 1, 1870. The first place of meeting was a log school house at the center, where the brick block on the northeast corner now stands. In June, 182G, Austin Kingsbury and Milton Adams joined, the latter of whom, through all the changes and vicissitudes of fifty-four years, has continued his church membership, and at this date is still a consistent member thereof. In 1827 the accessions were six by letter; in 1828, six; in 1820, five, in 1830, thirteen, of whom Deacon John L. Case still continues; in 1831, forty-two, mostly by profession' of faith; in 1832, eight, among whom were Russell B. Webster; in 1833, four; in 1834, twenty-four. In the first ten years there were one hundred and twenty-four members added to the rolls. On the 20th of Novemlier, A. D. 1828, Rev. Joel Talcott was settled as pastor over the church. He was the first settled minister, and remained as such until September 4, 1837. It was during his ministry that the above exhibit of growth mainly occurred. During the nine years of his pastorate there were one hundred and fifty-two accessions to the church; in whicdi connection it should be borne in mind that the number of inhabitants in the township was but small from whom to recruit its ranks. On the 5th of October, 1838, the church and society extended a call to Rev. li. W. Fairfield to become its pastor, the pul])it having lieen filled, during the interval since Mr. Talcott resigned, by temporary supplies from Oberlin, mainly by Professor Henry Cowles. On the 1st of April, 1830, Mr. Fairfield requested the church to release him from his engagement, which was not acceded to, but ]\h-. Fairfield's name, as minister, does not appear but a few times thereafter. In 1841, Horace A. Taylor, of unenviable subsequent notoriety, preached, residing in Oberlin, and on the 8th of December, A.D. 1841, the church voted to settle him as its minister by a light vote of thirteen to one, Imt in those days only men voted in church and society meetings. They, the same year, voted to raise four hundred bushels of wheat for the support of the gospel; whether to be l\Ir. Taylor never became a settled minister to this cliurcli. In accepting the call lie imposed certain conditions, which were rejected by the cluirch, and bis ministrations being soon after interrnpted by conlineinent- in jail for a year, no more is heard of him as a preacher. The next settled minister was Kev. I). W. Lathroj). He came in April, 1843, and was settled in 8ei)tembor of that year. During liis ministry certain radical differences among the membershiji, njion doctrines and church polity which had been for a number of years growing to a head, culminated in what seemed a hopeless estrangement and division.

The incejition of the dillicnlty was probably first in tlie dilference of views respecting Presbyterianism and Congregationalism. The ciiurch was organized by agreeing to adopt tlie congregational mode of discipline, but yet was connected with ju'esbytery, in accordance with the very general usage among the churches of that day iu the new communities.

On the oOtli of August, 184;^, Harvey Grant offered in church meeting a preamble and resolution, as follows: "Whereas, it has come to the knowledge of this church that there are persons who wish to join this church who cannot fully subscribe to the fourth, s.^venth and thirteentli articles thereof; therefore, resolved, that we will not require an assent to these articles asacpuditication."' The resolution was adopted by a vote of fifteen yeas to nine nays. After the adoption of the same, ou the -1th day of September, 1842, Matliew Allyn, Clara Allyn, Lawton Wadsworth, Nancy 1\. Wadsworth, and Benjamin Warien were received into the church, assent to the said articles being waived in their behalf. The fourth article was a doctrinal belief in (iod"s sovereignty. The seventh was the enunciation of a belief "that God did, from eternity, choose some of the human race to salvation through yanctilication of the spirit and belief of the truth; and that all of those whom he has thus chosen he will renew and sanctify in this life, and keep them by his power through faith unto salvation." The thirteenth article was a formulation of the doctrine of infant baptism.

On the 14th of December, 1842, Philo llerrick offered the following preamble and resolution iu church meeting: '-Whereas, we are a Congregational church and believe in true congregational principles; resolved, therefore, that we take the lirst op|)ortunity to ask leave of i)resbytery to withdraw and unite with Lorain association, and that we appoint delegates for that purjiose, and tiiat a committee be chosen to recommend the best coui'se to be pursued in the premises."

This resolution was adojited, and on the 3nd day of .January following, a most vigorous protest was spread upon the church records, signed by eighteen members, all loading and influential men iu the chui'ch.

At the next meeting of the church a reply to the [)rotest and to the presbyteiy was made, and also S[)read u[)on the records. Out of this difference a tierce controversy arose, and was most vigorously sustained on either side. Strong int,clleets and iron wills gra[)|)led in a manner more creilitable to brains than to ])iety.

On the 27th of Mai-ch. 1843, thirty-nine members withdrew in :i body, and organized a new church, called the Independent church. This body took advanced ground on the subject of slavery, and were foMowed by othei's from the First church, until some |fifty-seven members had withdrawn. They built a meeting iiouse of their own, settled and sustained Ipastors, and kejit up a stated preaching, and all the 'institutions of the church.

In that year, through the efforts of Rev. II. E. Peck and others, a union of the two churches was effected. Rev. Mr. Bartlett was chosen the first pastor of the re-united church. He was followed by Rev. Fayette Shii)herd. On the 1st of April, A. D. isi;."). Rev. L. B. Stone was settled as its pastor, and remaiueil with the church as such until A[um1, 1877.

This cliui'ch, since its organization, has erected three houses of worshiji, - four, including the house erected by the Independent church. The latter, after the re-union, was sold to the township for a town hall, and served for that purpose the wants of the township for some fifteen years, or over.

The first meeting house was erected in the year 183'.J. It was comi)leted, and accepted by the society in November of that year. A series of revival meetings was being held the winter following. A iVIr. Ingersoll, fi'om Ashtabula, was preaching, when the house was discovered to be on fire. As the congregation began to raise the alarm of fire, the preacher cried out, " Never mind the fire that water will ([uench, the fires of hell are what you need to fear," which admonition had but little effect upon the moving congregation that seemed intent upon escaping the fire the most imminent.* The house was burned to the ground, and the loss seemed irreparable. The cost of the house was about three thousand dollars.

The next season the church and society entered u}ion the work of rebuilding, and put up and finished a new one, upon the same site, and upon the same jilan as that destroyed, at about the same cost.

In May, 1877, the Rev. James A. Daily came to this church and was engaged as its pastor in August of that year. Under his ministrations a new imjietus was given to the church and society. The old wood structure of almost forty years' standing was seen to be insufHcient for its congregation. The work of building a new one on a new site was entered upon. Tlio first blow was struck in March, A. D., 1878. The I'difice was completed, and the church di'dic-atud Ajiril ;J, 187!). Rev. Thomas K. I5eecher, of Elniiia, New York, dolivei'ed tlie dedication sermmi. Tiie total cost of the structure, exclusive of the site, was twenty-four thousand nine hundred and eighteen dollars and live cents, the whole of whicli was provided for before dedication.

Tlie erection of this beautiful church was the result of Mr. Daily's efforts. A live man, earnest, energetic and persistent, he gave himself to it with an ardor that no obstacle could daunt, no discouragements could Hag.

Moral Qiiesti0N8

This church very early took advanced grounds upon the subject of temperance and slavery. In 1833, on the subject of temperance the following preamble and resolution were adopted : "Whereas, the use of distilled spirits as an article (if drink has been the occasion of great trouble to the church, and is destructive to vital godliness: therefore, resolved, that this church will rerpiire a pledge of entire abstinence in tlie use and traffic of this article for the above purpose, of all members which are received in future. And we who vote for this resolution pledge ourselves to abide by the same rule which we prescribe to others.

In 1836, the following resolutions on the subject of American slavery were adopted : Resolved, 1st, that slavery, as it exists iu the United States, is a heinous sin against God, and ought immediately to be abolished.

2d. That inasmuch as the church is deeply involved in the sin and guilt of slavery, it becomes tlie duty of all who love the christian name publicly to bear testimony against this heinous sin, and to use all scriptural means to eradicate it from the church."

When consideration is had of the very early day in the anti-slavery movement at which this action was had, the record is one of which the church may take just pride. There were twenty-five male members whose names are recorded as voting upon these resolutions and iu favor thereof. To-day it may well be said of them: Stalwart men ! in tiie van of human progress !

Discipline

They were strict disciplinarians and the names of male members are few against whom, at one time or another, charges were not preferred, truils had thereon, and confessions extorted from recusants. There are many incidents that at this day provoke a broad smile in the contemplation thereof. One case sliould ])e preserved. In 1834, the standing committee preferred a charge against B for "making use of

1834, and for using profane language at those times. The defendant was cited to appear. He sent word to the church "to jjroceed without delay in this case of discipline" but remained absent himself, neither confessing or denying the charge. So the ehuch gave him the benefit of the legal presumption of innocence, assigned him counsel, and proceeded with the trial. Witnesses were examined, and the evidence seemed (|nife clear that on these occasions, which it will be perceived was just at the close of haying and harvesting on each of these years, the old gentleman "if not full, just Jiad plenty," and duly, or unduly, celebrated "harvest home," and recklessly said "damn it," and "I swear." So they voted him guilty, and after reasonable expostulation and duo delay, to give an opportunity for repentance, they ]iroceeded to j)ronounce the sentence of expulsion, wliich is recorded in these words: "On motion, voted unanimously,

This pretty effectually "got him out." While he might not have been "cut out" for a very good ehurcli member, all who knew him will unite in saying he was a good neighbor, citizen, and friend. He was genial, kind-hearted, and generous. His love of fun led him doubtless to the " celebration "that scandalized his brethren.

Of the early members but few remain. Among the few who are left are Jlilfon Adams, Russel B. Webster and wife, Mrs. Orpha Webster; of those whose names are upon the rolls some have moved away, but most have gone to their rest.

Methodist Episcopal Chuech

It is said that as early as 1823 Rev. Zarah (Ezra?) Costin came to Wellington, as he was traveling tlie Black River circuit, and preaciiod in the log school house then standing on the corner, north-eact of the center of the town. In 18'^4 the circuit was traveled by J. C. Taylor, and in 1825 Elijah Field succeeded to the work. It seems that at Rev. Costin's first visit a class-meeting was held, but a regular organization of the church seems not to have taken place till 1825. In 1820 Rev. Ansel Brainard and H. 0. Sheldon were the preachers, and during this year the log church was built, about twenty rods west of Mr. Case's tannery, three-fourths of a mile west of the center. At this time, among the members were John Clifford, Sen., and wife, Charles Sweet (who brought a letter from Alassachusetts), John Clifford, Jr., and wife, Daniel Clifford and wife, a daughter of John Clifford, Sen. (who married a Mr. Knox), Theodosia Clifford, Lyman Ilowk, .Tosiah Bradley and wife, and Asa Hamilton and wife. The j)reachers afterward were: 1827, Orrin Gilmore; 1828, Shadrack Ruiick; 1829, Cyrus Carpenter; 1830, Cyrus Carjienter and

In 1837 tlie i)reaciiers were .Ino. T. Kellani and Cyrus Sawyer; 1838, 11. L. Pai-rish and Jas. Brewster; 1S39, .Tohn Mitchell and Philip Wareham; 18-10, Jolm Mitchell and Myron T. llnrd; 1841, M. L. Starr and Joseph Jones; 1843, M. L. Starr and Jno. S. Ferris; 1843, Wesley J. Wells and C. C. Graves; 1844, Wesley J. Wells and Jos. Sanlley; 184G, Wesley Broch and Wm. Goodfellow; 1848, Wm. Thatcher and J. M. Morrow; 1840, Wm. Runnels and H. Safford; 1850, Wm. Runnels and H. Chapman; 1851, T. Thompson and J. Matlack; 1853, H. Humphrey and L. F. Ward; 1853, II. Humphrey and S. Fairchild; 1854, C. L. Foote and W. C. Huestiss; 1855, C. L. Foote and N. B. Wilson; 1856, C. Hartley and R. H. Chubb; 1857-58, A. K. Owen and C. Thomas; 1859, H. Safford and T. L. Waite; 1860, H. Safford and D. Stratton; 1801, G. A. Ruder and A. C. Hurd; 1803. L. F. Ward and W. M. Spafford; 1863, L. F. Ward and J. H. Close; lS04-'65, Uri Richards and S. D. Seymour; 1866, Wellington, made a station, and Q. AV. Pepper, pastor. New brick church built in 1867. First subscriptions by Miss Armenia Herrick and J. II. Woolley, five hundred dollars each. The dedication sermon was preached by Bisho)) Kingsley, July, 1868. 1867, Rev. E. H. Bush, pastor; 1868-70, F. M. Searles; 1871-73, E. Y. Warner; 1873, J. W. Mendenhall; 1874-'75, Geo. Mather; 1876-'77, A. Pollock; 1879, Rev. Albright. The church has - beginning of 1879 - two hundred and seventy members and an average attendance iu its Sunday school of two hundred and thirty-five.

This church was organized October 5, 1853, with -eleven members. In 1861, they built their first meetinghouse. It was dedicated in October, 1861. James A. Garfield, who at that time was a Disciple preacher, delivered the dedicatory sermon. The number of the present membership is eighty. Rev. Mr. Thompson came to this society as its preacher in 1877. Rev. Mr. Allen preceded him and preceded Atwater also.

The growth of the church has been gratifying to its friends. It is established ujjon a firm basis, and is regarded as one of the permanent institutions of the place. Its liberality towards others has been one of its marked characteristics. John Pierpont, when other churches were closed against him, preached from the Disciple pulpit. Mr.Forbush, Liberal Unitarian, delivered a series of discourses from the same pulpit; so that, while it retains its standing among sister churches of the ])lace, it has obtained a broad sympathy iu the community among those outside of all churches.

"The fii'st catcher made and |iut in operation was made at Wellington, this county. The wants of the post office department were communicated to nie by G. B. Hamilton, Esq., then a route agent on the Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati railroad. Hamilton invited me to go with him, in hojie that I could devise some machine or way in which the mail could be caught by the agent when the train w;is in ra]iid motion. After going to Columbus and back with him, I saw my way to the invention, and immediately made a catcher and went to Cleveland and ajiplied it to the car. It worked well from the first. I made, or caused to be made, several catchers, each of which was an ini]irovement. They have been in constant use on the Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati I'ailroad to the present time. This was late in the year 1864. It was a desideratum with the post office de- ]iartment to obtain a catcher that could lie used. Numerous trunk lines of railroads had built postal cars (traveling distributing offices), but as they could do no local work, they stood idle in the shed, or were made into liaggage cars. This was on the Erie rail way, on the New York and New Haven, on the old Michigan Southern and Northern Indiana, as well as on the Michigan Central and other roads. Special agents were sent to this road, from Washington, to try this new catcher; and after repeated tests by different parties, in December, 1866, the post office department definitely agreed to adopt it so far as a full trial was concerned. G. B. Hamilton was appointed special agent to put the catcher in operation, which office he held until the 1st of .June, 1867. In January, 1807, and after the department had adopted the catcher, I obtained a patent for the same. Mr. Hamilton started the catcher on the Washington branch of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, and on the Erie railway, which was completed about the 1st of .June, 1867. The October following, I was detailed to superintend the catching service, started it iu October on the Lake Shore, and Cleveland and Toledo railroads; on the Vermont Central, Northern New Hampshire, Concord, Boston and Lowell railroads; and during the winter on the Boston and Alljaiiy, Hartford and New Haven, and New York and New Haven railroads; since which time over sixty-one thousand miles of railroads are using the catcher - catching thousands of mails daily, and at the highest rates of sjiecd.

"Before starting the 'Fast Mail," Mr. Geo. S. Bangs, Genera' Superintendent of the I'ailway mail service, sent for me to come to Washington, and asked me to get u]> an improved heavy catcher for that sjiecial service. I devised and brought out Ward's iniiuoved heavy catcher, with cast head, which works so finely as to have superseded all the lighter and earlier ones.

mail service. To briefly show the lulvanlages of tliis invention, I may say, before its inlrdiiiietiun, mails were carrit'd on local or accoininodation trains, and at short distances. For instance, to bej;iii at ISiew York, the tirst day, the local service was done to -Mbany, New York; tJu' next to Syracuse; the next to liulfalo. New York; tlie day following, fi-oni Buffalo to Cleveland; the day following, from Cleveland to Toledo; the next day, from Toledo, Ohio, to Chicago, Illinois - six days for the local woi'k froin New York to Chicago. By the use of the catcher, the work is now done in less than thirty-six hours; and the rural districts are favored with all tlie facilities of lapid mail exchanges, as well as the larger cities."

Kescue Case

No ])roi)er history of Wellington could be written without reference to the so-called and ever memorable Wellington rescue case, which seemed the beginning here of those troublous times that ci'nwdeil so rapidly upon it. On the morning of the loth of September, 1S.5S, the burning of a large portion of the business part of the town, heretofore nicntinned, had called together a large crowd of }ieople from the surrounding country. It was nearly noon before the flames were extinguished. The flames being seen to a great distance, the ci'owd was continually augmented. Shortly after noon it was rumored that a negro had Ijcen kidnap]ied at Obei'lin, under the charge of being a fugitive slave, and that his captors had him confined in the Wellington House. This rumor received confirmation, aiul it was soon known that Mr. Jennings and Mr. Mitchell, of Kentucky, and U. S. Marshal Lowe and Samuel Davis, of Columbus, were at the hotel then kept by 0. S. Wadsworth, having in custody a negro named John, wliom they claimed to be a fugitive from Kentucky arrested by them at Oberlin, and that they awaited ihe train for Columbus to jjroceed on their way to Kentuckv. The marshal and assistants were (juickly followed by numbers of men from Oberlin, who mixed in with the excited crowd already assembled, and soon made it the most remarkable day Wellington ever saw. The crowd rajjidly grew Ijy constant accessions from Oberlin. Men on horstbick, men on foot, armed and unarmed, were seen coming from the north as far as eye could reach.

The hotel was surroiiiuled; \n> avenue of escai)e was left unguarded; its halls and rooms were filled with men eager and determined. The slave-catchers were alarmed, and fled with their charge to the attic, which was difficult of access, while the public stpuire and streets on either side were filled with men. The marshal attempted to speak to the people, to ex)ilain to them, as he said, the situation. Magistrates were sent for, law officers went Inisily through the crowd, which they cautioned and urged to do no violence, assured none was needed to rescue the man.

were told that no hurt was designed them personally - that till! captive was all the crowd demandetl, and that it was useless to try to get him away. The captors tried to make John make a s|)eech, and say he wanted to go back - was tii'ed of staying away from his old master. So John came upon the hotel balcony, with marshal and assistants on either side, and made his memorable siieech; "I want to go back, because - because, I 'spose I must," and was hurried back to the room in the attic. The door was barricaded, and, treniljling with fear, they awaited behind it what fate had for them.

Such was the forbearance of the crowd, that the afternoon wore away in parleying on one side, and demanding the man on the other. There was a stern determination that the visiting Kentuckians should not be injured, and that the negro should not go south with them. The train south came in at its time and departed, but they were not on board. Towards evening a rumor was circulated that a telegram for troops had been sent to Cleveland. This seemed to decide the course of procedure. A long ladder was thrown u[) to the attic window, and two stalwart men, - one of them John Mandeville, - ascended it. Others forced the door on the inside, these, the window on the outside, and in an instant the negro man was seen borne high upon hands uj)- lifted, with arms and legs sprawling over the heads of the crowd, into a buggy driven by Simeon Bushnell, and conveyed away upon a rapid run. To the credit of all concerned, but especially to the cool men of Wellington, who exerted all their influence in that direction, no man was in the slightest manner hurt. No insult was offered to the marshal or assistants. Not a hair of their heads suffered, other than that occasioned by standing on end, which was inconvenient to each hair and owner. It was a mob of principle. It was a mob obedient to all law, except the fugitive slave law, and in resisting this, it did not propose to do murder, or even to commit an unnecessary assault. As soon as tiie man was rescued, the terrified slaveholders saw the crowd disperse, and greatly astonished at the forbearance manifested, walked to the next train of cars, and wended their way home again.

In December of that year, the grand jury of the United States district court for the northern district of Ohio, found bills of indictment against thirtyseven persons, for rescuing, or aiding in rescuing, the fugitive. Of the number, Abner Loveland, Matthew Gillett, Matthew De Wolf, Loring Wadsworth, Eli Boise, John Mandeville, Henry Niles, Walter Soules, Lewis Hines, and William Siples were citizens of Wellington, all of whom were immediately arrested. The government not being ready for trial, they entered into their individual recognizances to apjiear when called for.

On the 5th day of April, 1859, their cases were called, and all of the above named were present in court. The government finally dismissed all proceed-

" A fair ship Bails on the sea of time ; Prosperous gales befriend her. Yet storm may wreck - the ship go down ; Watch well thy pilot, mariner."

Lawton Wailsworth was the third son of Jonathan and Deidama (Snow) Wadsworth, and first saw the light June 24, 17S5, in Becket, Berkshire Co., Mass.

Mr. and Mrs. Wadsworth settled in Bceket, and became the parents of seven children. In 1833 they migrated to Wellington, Ohio, where the ensuing year Mr. Wadsworth built the first brick house seen in the town, their first residence in Wellington having been a log cabin.

In common with the pioneers of the West they battled bravely for existence amid the hardships of frontier life. and,su]iported by strength of will and earnest purpose, prospered as time passed on, and lived to see fertile farms and blooming gardens where once a wilderness covered the vast expanse.

Mr. and Mrs. Wadsworth passed the declining years of their lives at the home of their son Francis, and when they were at last called upon to leave the scenes of their earthly labors the record of their lives bore upon it the satisfactory assurance that the duties of existence had been faithfully performed.

Their children, as already observed, were seven in number, as follows: Milo H., born Oct. 2, 1S07, and married July 6, 1836, to Miss Huldah Andrews, of Winchester, Litchfield Co., Conn. ; Oliver S., born May 22, 1809, and married to Miss Alma Van Deusen ; Lorenzo Q., born Aug. 27, 1813, and married July 6, 1835, to Miss W. A. Whitney, of Pittsfield, Ohio; Elijah M., born Feb. 9, 1815, and married Feb. 9, 1840, to Miss Clarissa Batclle, of Wellington ; Albert 0., born Aug. 27, 1819, and married in 1S40 to Miss .Sarah Mason. Their other children were Francis S. and David L.

David L. Wadsworth, seventh son of Lawton and Nancy R. Wadsworth, was born in Becket, Berkshire Co., Mass., June 1, 1S25, and in 1833 removed with his parents to Wellington, Ohio. Favored in early life with a good common-school education, he passed also a few terms at Oberlin preparing for duty as a teacher. Teaching school for about seven years, he also, in 1S40, read medicine with Dr. Hall, of Orange; but soon acquiring a tlistaste for the pursuits of medieal science, he retired to the homestead, where he busied himself with farming and trading in stock, and developed to a considerable extent an inherent speculative and enterprising spirit.

Oct. 20, 1S50, he was married to Miss R. C. Woodworth, of Rochester, Lorain Co., Ohio. She was born in Bristol, N. Y., Nov. 5, 1831, and was the second daughter of Hiram and Caroline (Wales) Woodworth, who were married in Fenner, Madison Co., N. Y., Sept 20, 1828.

Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Woodworth moved to Rochester in 1832, and were closely identified with the first settlement of the township. He purchased a large tract of land,/elled the first trees, built the first log cabin, and accumulated in the course of time a handsome competency. After Mr. Wadsworth's marriage he purchased the old homestead, and devoted himself largely to farming and stock-dealing.

In 1856, May 20, the Wadsworth household was cheered by the presence of the first-born, - Kitty May, - who remaining but briefly upon earth, jiassed away April 6, 1858, in which year Mr. Wadsworth leased his farm, and with his family removeil to the village.

In 1865 and 1866 the present homestead was erected. In 1869, Mr. Wadsworth purchased a planing-mill, and began the manufacture of doors, sash, blinds, etc., dealing also largely in lumber, shingles, laths, etc. Since then he has added to the mill an extensive cheesebox and butter-box factory. Among his other real estate possessions may be enumerated twenty-five or thirty dwelling and business houses which he erected in various parts of the city.

Mr, Wadsworth's present political faith was established upon the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, in 1861, ^vhen he became a zealous War Democrat, and materially aided at all times the work of enlistment by furnishing liberally of his means.

Since assuming a prominent part in local political history he has participated in all Democratic State and county conventions, and before the Democratic State Convention of 1875 he was a defeated nominee for the office of State treasurer, but by only a vote or two. Not long thereafter he was appointed by Governor Bishop to be one of the trustees of the Clevelaml Asylum for the Insane.

Mr. Wadsworth was one of the early members of Masonic lodge No. 127, of Wellington, and filled in succession all of the official positions of the lodge. He is now a member of Oriental Commandery, No. 12, of Cleveland, Ohio.

Mr. Wadsworth's public spirit takes a wide scope of action, and towards the building of churches always reaches out an assisting arm irrespective of creed.

In 1875, Mr. and Mrs. Wailsworth celebrated their silver wedding with a regal entertainment, in which upwards of three hundred guests participated, and presented a multitude of costly silver offerings, precious mementos of a joyous occasion.

ings against Wellington defendants, except Mattliew Gillett. Matthew De Wolf, Abner Lovelaud, and Loring Wadswortli, all of whom were men of means, and able to jiay their fines. All of tlumi, except Matthew Gillett, entered a plea of nolle rtmiendrc. Judge Andrews, of Cleveland, on entering this plea, addressed the eonrt in their behalf in coneiliatory remarks. The court fined them twenty dollars and costs of prosecution, which were high, and sent tliem to jail for twenty-four hours.

Matthew Gillett refused to plead augiit hut "not guilty." The government was exceedingly anxious to get rid of the case as to him. The odium of the prosecution had aroused tiie indignation of the people. Tlie old man Gillett, over seventy years of age, kept in jail, was a buruiug rebuke to the crime of human slavery, which demanded for its support fugitive slave laws, that transformed every citizen into a slave catchei', at the beck of any slave-holder whose chattels had lied. The old man refused to plead inillr roii/rnilre; he refused to give bail; he refused to go home on his own recognizance. " If you are turned out of jail, will you go?" asked the government attorney. " If the choice lies between sleeping in the street and going home, I shall go home," answei'cd the inllexiblo old man. " Go, then," was the response, and the venerable man came home in triumph.

The remarks of .Judge Andrews were published in the Herald of the same evening. Mr. Loveland, on reading them, instantly addressed the following card to that paper:

"J/('.<.s-'r.«. Editors: - After reading your remarks in last, evening's Herald in reference to me, I deem it due to myself to ask you to state that I did not authorize my counsel yesterday to give my views on Government to the Court, and disclaim holding to many of the doctrines exjjressed by him. I simply authorized him to enter for me the plea of tiolk r nfendre, protesting, at the same time that I am not guilty of violating any law, and re(|uiring the protest to Ije entered on the T'ceords of this court.

Of these men, who thus suffered for a cause, and who eontriliuted to the upbuilding of that public sentiment that finally, by its ii'resistible force, made human slavery impossible in this country, none are now left. Two of them died without seeing the fruition of their hopes for freedom. Matthew Gillett died September 5, 1863, aged seventy-seven years. Loring Wadsworth died Novembers, 1863, aged sixtytwo years Matthew DeWolf and Abner Loveland. survived the war, and saw the emancipation of the slave, and tiie death, eonsefpiently, of the fugitive slave law. Abner Loveland was the last to go. lie lived to give to the writer many of the facts which are here recorded, and ]iassed away in March, ISli). Of him and his compatriots it may be«said: "They did something for mankind and for their country."

In this work are already given the names of her soldiers and the history of her service, of her dead, and of her part in that fiei'ce conllicl, and il- may be said in a, bi'ief word, she did her i)art well.

Of those who died, and who now sleej) in her cemetery, there are twenty-six transferred from fields where they fell by loving hands to sleep their long sleep in the home they loved so well. Eleven more are in nameless graves on the hills of Virginia, at (ihattanooga, at South Mountain and elsewhere, "where men men died to make man free."

Every May. day, garlands of flowers are strewn upon their graves, or offered upon the shrine of their memory by gentle hands, and moistened by teardimmed eyes. And so it shall be for ages hence.

"When spring, with dewy fingers cold. Returns to deck their hallowed mould, She then shall dress a sweeter sod Than fancy's feet have ever trod."

Finale

In this brief and iini)crfect record of Wellington there is but little to regret, and much to awaken just ])ride. On all the stirring questions of her time she has occupied advanced ground in the van of progress. Her people were the early friends of the temperance cause, and zealous advocates of the anti-slavery movement from the start. Knowing that good society is the outgrowth of a sound morality as taught in the church, she established churches, and liberally maintained them. Knowing that the sum of human hai)piness is increased by culture, she early established schools, and has generously sustained them. Knowing that prosperity is the reward of enterprise, she has evinced a stirring activity in the pursuits of the various industi'ics, and has ju-ospered. Knowing that intellectual vigor is begotten by intellectual activity, her jieople have always been upon the alert, and she has no inmates in the asylums for the insane or idiotic. Knowing that a manly independence is what makes the free man, her people have carved their own way, and are not place-seekers. Knowing that worth makes the man, her people do no homage to place or station and court no man for patronage. Her history is not yet made; the first half century of her existence was laying the ground work, from which history is hereafter to be constructed.

Francis S. Wadswokth

Francis S. Wadswortli was born in Beckct, F.erkshire county, Ma.ss., April 27, 1821, and was the sixth son of Law ton and Nancy II. Wadswortli.

He spent the greater part of his time on the home farm until his majority, gaining in the meantime a irood common sciiool education, witii several terms at the select schools. For the next ten years his t.ime was ofcupied in working at the trade of a builder and l)aiiiter, excepting two years, spent as a student in Oberlin College.

September 20, ]8.">4, he was united in marriage to Saraii A. Leonard, of Akron, Summit county, Ohio. Siic was l)orn January G, 18;);5, in Middlesex, Ontario co\inty, New York, and Wi^s the youngest child of Truman and Uoxana (Allis) Leonard.

Her father died February U, 1846. In July following she removed with her mother to Akron to live with a brother and complete her schooling. September 12, 184(i, her mother died.

lu the (lavs that followed, two children came to bless this union, a daugiiter and a son. Etta R. Wadsworth, born Ai)ril 'Ih, iK.iiS, graduated at the Wellington High School, with the class of ISTT. She was married to H. ]?. Ilerrick, son of Hon. Lucius Herrick, December 27, 1877. Franklin L. O. Wadsworth was born October 24, 186(!, and early developed a genius for mathematical and mechanical pursuits.

Mr. Wadsworth is an earnest worker, ever seeking to elevate the standard of agriculture, often contributing articles of \vi>rtli to the leading jnurnals of the day.

For the past twenty years he has been a prominent member of the Union agricultural society, located in Wellington, holding the office of president, vice president, &c., and executing the duties of said offices with commendable satisfaction. The brighter side of his character is l>est known in the home circle where peace sits a daily guest.

lu addition to the many duties devolving upon a farmer's w'ife, Mrs. Wadsworth tinds time to contribute many articles to the press, corresponding regularly for two weekli'^s and occasionally for others. We judge the articles are not without merit, as they are nearly all |ii-iimiitly |inblislu'd. and others solicited by the editors to whom they are sent.

Mr. Wadsworth is an earnest, practical, thorough business man, carrying into daily practice the precepts and examples taught in youth by most worthy parents. His reputation for personal honesty and

Joseph Bacon was born in (Jardner, Worcester county, Massachusetts, Afarch 2, 1787, was educated in the common school; learned the carpenter ti'ade, and was esteemed a most excellent young man. He married Miss Lucy Wood, August 26, 1813.

Miss Lucy Wood, wife of .Joseph Bacon, was born September 30, 1782, in Gardner, Massachusetts. After marriage this couple settled at housekeeping in Grafton, Windham county, Vermont; Mr. Bacon carrying on the business of farming, as well as keeping up the practice of his trade as the opportunity presented.

During their residence in said locality, live childi'en were born to bless their union, viz: Francis S., born March 28. 1817. Aaron Wood, born December 28, 1818. Sereno D., third son, - see biographical sketcli. Lucy Almira, born April 16, 1827. Mary M., born June 25, 1835. Francis S. married Miss Jane Ann Lee, of Burlington, Vermont, December 20, 1840, now resides in tbe city of Brooklyn, New York, and is tbe father of two daughters, EJleii and Marion.

Aaron Wood married Miss Mariali P. Prindle, of Carlisle, Lorain county, F'ebruary 16, 1848, who now lives in Oberlin, and who left no heirs.

Lucy Elmira was married Novemljer 22, 1847, to Elijah Rose; settled in Carlisle, and has three sons, viz: Dr. F. A. Rose, who settled at Olmstead Falls, Ohio; George E. and Charlie E., who are both single. Jlary M. was married July 9, 1864, to Howard Fisher, and settled in Adrian, Michigan; died November 22, 1876, leaving three little boys: Carl, aged twelve years; Rcibbie, aged ten years; and Elwin C, aged two years.

Joseph Bacon died in Carlisle, August 29, 1865. Lucy (Wood) Bacon died in the same place, September 20, 1871. Their record through life Wiis brightened by good deeds, and '"their works do follow them."

S. 1). Bacon, third son of .loseph and Lucy (Wood) Bacon, was born in Grafton, Windham county, Vermont, June 23, 1825. Seventeen years of his boyhood were spent in this home among the hills, receiving in the mean time a good common school education, as well as acquii'ing a knowledge of farming.

In the year 1842 the family removed to Carlisle, Lorain county, Ohio; founding a new home in the then most settled portion of the township, and as before following the business of farming.

Mv. Bacon was married to Mary Ann Bailey of Carlisle, F'ebruary 26, 1846. She was born April 19, 1827, in Gowanda, Cattaraugus county. New York. She was the youngest child of Asa and Mary (Cox) Bailey. Her mother dying soon after her birth she was adopted J)y Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Morehouse, residing in Hanover, Chautauqua county. New York.

Mrs. Selden Hall

At the age of twelve years she came with her adopted parents to Medina, Medina county, Ohio. In 1843 tlie family removed from Medina to Carlisle, wliore they made a permanent home. After niai-riage Mr. and Mrs. Bacon rented a farm in Carlisle and went to house keeping, making dairying their principal business. In 1S51 they removed to Pittsfield, Lorain county, stoj)ping for a few months on a rented farm. In December 1851 they again moved, this time to Wellington, bujnng a farm on which they now reside. The fruit of this union was one son and two daughters. The dates of births were as follows: George Bacon, I>orn June 13, IS.")!. Enphame Bacon, born August 22, 1853. Ada. Bacon, born November 13, 18G3. George Bacon married Miss Ida Peck of Pittsfield, Lorain county. Their present home is in Penfield, this county. Enphame Bacon was married to Charles Findley, January 13, 1874; both living at home till her death, January 19, 1875. Siie left an infant son five days old. The child lived a few months only, dying Marcii 17, 1875. The two were buried in one grave, and slept in the silent city of the dead. Miss Ada Bacon, now in her teens, resides at home, the light and Joy of the household. At school she has ever stood at the head of her classes, and bids fair for a bright record in the future.

By industry, economy and jjerseverance Mr. and Mrs. Bacon have accumulated a nice property, and their residence (see engraving) is fair to look upon.

In politics Mr. Bacon is a staunch republican; standing by his party with firmness and fidelity. He was elected to the oflBce of town trustee in 1870, and has retained the same office ever since. He was also elected infirnui-ry director, in October, 1875. This office also, is still in his keeping. In reputation, he. stands a representative man.

Abner Loveland, Jr., was born November 5, 1796, in Berkshire county, Massachusetts, was educated in the common schools, and followed the avocation of a farmer. In 1819, when the frosts of autumn were tinging the foliage of the wide-spreading forests with golden gleams, Mr. Loveland came to Lorain county, Oiiio. In 1830, he purchased land in Brighton township, and commenced the toil of a hardy pioneer, in full faith that the future would yield a rich return. March 28, 1826, he was joined in wedlock to Miss Pamelia DeWolf, of Otis, Massachusetts. Pamelia was the oldest daughter of Captain James and Naomi (Ames) DeWolf, born July 10, 1794. Soon after marriage they commenced housekeeping in Brighton, and, eight years thereafter, purchased a farm in Wellington, one and a half miles south of the center, where he pursued his avocation according to the most approved methods in use, making it their home for eighteen years, and rearing their children, four in number, two sons and two daughters. In 1850 he erected a nice brick dwelling house in the village of Wellington, removing thither in 1852, where be might secure the best advantages for completing the education of his children.

For integrity, honor and sterling worth, Mr. Loveland had no superior. He was of a quiet, retiring disposition, never seeking notoriety; yet, when duty called, he wavered not, but was firm in defense of right, however great the sacrifice. Politically, Mr. Loveland (in his younger days) was an old line whig; later, a zealous and devoted abolitionist, or friend of bondmen; later, a staunch and faithful republican. Offices of trust were given him l)y butli county and town, and were always administei'ed with fidelity and zeal. Though honor and distinction were sought not, yet the people award liiin a record of worth}' merit.

Mrs. Pamelia, wife of Abner Loveland, Jr., died June 5, 1802. Before marriage. Miss P. DeWolf spent her time in tenching. Edwin died November 4, 1800. Mr. Loveland died March 3, 1879, and the people mourned his loss. By loving hands this tribute of respect is dedicated to loved ones gone before: "Blessed are they who die in the Lord, for their works do follow them.''

Roswell Smith

The subject of this sketch was a son of .Joel and Nancy Smith; was born in Sandisfield, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, June 1. 1797. Very little is known of his early life, aside from the fact that his parents lived upon rented land, and were in indigent circumstances. There was a large family of children, which made it necessary for Roswell to shift for himself at an early age. Record of family: Joel Smith, born 1767, died February 4, 1824; Nancy Smith, born 1773, died August 39, 1829. Children: Catharine, born November 7, 1793, died 18 - ; Phebe, born June 1, 1795, living; Roswell, born .June 1, 1797, died October 36, 1866; Daniel, born February 27, 1799, living; Lovisa, born September 19, 1800, died July 1, 1870; Lois, born March 7, 1803, died April 30, 1840; Martha, born September 13, 1803, died August 13, 1877; Eunice, born Aiu'il 4, 1806, died May 7, 1859; Emily, born July 18, 1807, died April 24, 1807; Lucinda, born May 10, 1810, died February 8, 1854. Roswell, soon after becoming of age, left home, and for about three years was employed in the salt works near Syracuse, New York. Here he contracted chills and fever, and becoming rather reduced in circumstances, he resolved to push on farther west, arriving in Wellington, Decem'ber 35, 1833, with very little capital to begin life with, and in a half dead condition from the effects of the ague. For the next five years he made it his home with his brother Daniel. At that time it was one unbroken wilderness, with few, if any, thoroughfares. The red men were far more numerous than the white, were friendly, and often came to the house for the purpose of exchang- ingyenison, etc., for salt, bread, and other commodities of civilization. Game was plentiful, including deer, bear, wild cat, wolves, etc. Tlie latter were very bold, coming uninvited many times to the settler's home, making it necessary to confine stock nights in enclosures built of logs. In May, 1823, Roswell bought seventy-five acres of land of Frederick Hamlin, for the consideration of two hundred and sixty-eight dollars, being part of lot forty-one, in Wellington township. Several years after, he bought seventy-five acres adjoining, on the south of said lot, of Milton Hamlin. He married, November 7, 1837, Jane G., youngest daughter of Luke and Elizal)eth Whitlock. He moved on his farm in 1828, erecting a log cabin in the northeast corner. They lived here ten years. In 1837 he built a more commodious dwelling, in a more central location. At this time, he took corn to Captain Remington on the ridge, exchanging a bushel of corn, even, for a pound of nails; the price of a yard of factory muslin, being the same. In IS'l-i, his fatherdying, hisbrother Daniel returned east, bringing back with him the widowed niotlior and five sisters, leaving three sisters there, viz: Catharine, Lovisaand Lois. The mother lived with Roswell after his marriage. She died in 1829, and was buried in the old cemetery, in Wellington. Although the pioneers did, of necessity, see many hard times, there were also bright sides to their lives. During one year there were five marriages out of the Smith household, viz: Roswell, to Jane Whitlock, November 7, 1837; Daniel, to Marie Humphrey, in 1828. She dying, he married for his second wife, Mrs. Mary Bell. Eunice married Calvin Adams, October 7, 1838, Rev. Joel Talcott officiating. Mr. Adams died, March 1, 1SG4. Martha married Ransom Foote, March 19, 1838. Emily married Selden Hall in 1838. Mr. Hall died November 38, 1878. The other children married as follows: Lucinda to Almond Green; Phebe to Josiah Arnold; Lovisa married Elisha Smith, January 22, 182-1:. Mr. Smith died east, September 7, 1844. About ISriO his widow moved to Ohio, where she resided until her death.

To return to Roswell: In politics, he was first a whig, then a freesoiler, and afterward a republican. He was a strong anti-slavery man, and when the war broke out, himself and sons contributed over one thousand dollars in money toward suppressing the rebellion. Hisbrother, Daniel, took a prominent part in the underground railway system, and many a slave has cause to be grateful to him for food and shelter, and a free passage to Oberlin. He came to Wellington in the spring of 1821, his labor for three years being compensation for one hundred acres of land. Roswell, when but eighteen years of age, embraced Christianity, and soon after reaching Ohio, united with the Presbyterian church, of which he was one of the original members. lie afterward Ijecame a Congregationalist. He paid freely toward building the different churches of the place. He not only believed it to be his duty to support the church, but nothing but sickness prevented his regular attendance at public worship. He died October 26, 1866, beloved by all as an upright, conscientious, christian man, a man who was a peace-maker in the broadest sense of the term. He left two sons. Philander W., born April 30, 1830; Orlando E., born November 27, 1839. His widow, April 29, 18G8, married Selden Hall, but continued to reside at the old homestead. Mr. Hall died November 28, 1878, leaving her a widow the second time. Jennie E. Whitlock, a niece of Mrs. Smith, came to live in the Smith family in 185*;, and has had a home there since. She was born in Brighton, Lorain county, November 23, 1853.

Jane G., wife of Roswell Sniitii, was the youngest daughter of Luke and Elizabetli Whitlock, was born May 15, 1813, in South Brunswick, Middlesex county, New Jersey. Luke Whitlock was of French descent. He was married November 2, 1799, to Elizabeth Griggs, in South Brunswick, Middlesex county. New Jersey. Luke Whitlock was born July 38, 1779; he died May K!, 1847. Elizabeth Whitlock, born January 38, 1783; she died March 15, 1845. Children: John v., born December 30, 1800; died January 31, 1877. Margaret V., born Seiitember 10, 1802; died October 3, 1860. James G., born May 23, 1806; died November 30, 1807. Ellen S., born November 37, 1808; living. Sarah, born September 39, 1811; died November 10, 1811. Jane G., born May 15, 1813; living. In April, 1844, John was married to Hannah Jones. She died December 25, 1846. In April, 1847, he married Eliza Jones, a sister of his former wife. She died April 33, 1856, leaving three children, the youngest of wiiom, Jennie E., was taken and cared for l)y her aunt, Mrs. Smith. Margaret was married to Leonard Loveland in 1830. Ellen S. was married to Elijah S. Fox, in 1835. Mr. Fox died February 38, 1875. Jane G. married Roswell Smith, November 7, 1827. The family arrived in Brighton, Lorain county, April 13, 1822. The father's occupation was teaching. While on his way homo from a school he was taken ill, died, and was buried at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The mother died, and was buried in Brighton.

Philander W., eldest son of Roswell an<l Jane G. Smith, was born April 30, 1830, in the log cabin. He remained at home during his boyhood, working on the farm. He was married January 13, 1853, to Miss Laura J., only daughter of George and Eunice Cowles. She was born in Colebrook, Connecticut, January 39, 1833. George Cowles and family came to Wellington in October, 1836, and have since resided on their farm known as "Maple Hill."' For nearly ten years after his marriage Piiilander W. lived at the old homestead. In the summer of 1801 he erected a house on the corner of the old farm, where he has since resided. They had two children, Arthur G., born May 8, 1853. Clara M., born October 10, 1867. In November, 1875, the family left their home, and went to Florida, to try the effect of the climate upon members of the family. After spending eighteen months there, with little or no material benelit, they returned to their old liomc. In politics, Mr. Smith has always been a rc- ])ublican since that party had an existence. He cont ributed freely towards carrying on the war. Although never taking an active part in politics, he was ever in full sympathy with the Union army. la 180C he purchased what is known as the James Spellman farm, adjoining the homestead on the south. He has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1873, himself, wife and son united with the First Congregational church, of Wellington, Dr. L. B. Lane being pastor at that time.

Orlando E., youngest son of Roswell and Jane Smith, was born November 27, 1830, at the old homestead. During his boyhood he did not enjoy good health, but as he approached man's estate he became more healthful. He was married December 23, 1862, to Lydia J., youngest daughter of William and Polly