Youngstown City (part 6 of 33)

In March. 1854, he began a five years' apprenticeship to the printer's trade in Newmarket. Toward the close of this jn-rio<l a change took place in Mr. O'Connor's religious faith, which was brought alxwt in agitation mi the -nbjei t of establishing separate schools fur the children of Roman Catholics, Mr. O'Connor had been brought up a Catholic but on this question he took issue with his co-rei68 ligionists. A careful study of the Scriptures | resulted in his rejection of the doctrine of papal infallibility, and in January. 1S59, he united with the' Wesleyan Methodist church. At this time he was about nineteen years old. His change of faith being rebuked by his associates, and by his mother, now a widow, he left home and set out to wander as a journeyman printer from place to place. In June, 1862, he reached Youngstown and entered the employ of John M. Webb, then publishing the Mahoning Sentinel, a Democratic weekly paper that was opposed to President Lincoln's war policy. Mr. O'Connor's study of American politics while employed on this paper had the effect of making him a strong Republican, for he could not help being struck with the "inconsistency of Irishmen voting with the proslavery Democratic party while their fellow countrymen were suffering the oppression of tyranny on their own green isle."

In the spring of 1863 Mr. O'Connor returned to Canada, but resumed residence in ; Youngstown in 1864. On June 30th of the 1 latter year he was married to Miss I-orinda [ Dorothea Ewing, adopted daughter of the late Cramer Marsateller. and a resident of Youngstown. Early in 1865, in company with his brother Richard. Mr. O'Connor !>egan the publication in Youngstown of the Mahoning Courier, an independent, afterwards Republican, newspaper, of which he was editor until

1872. About the year 1868, during his editorship of this newspaper. Mr. O'Connor attracted considerable attention to himself through a newspaper controversy with the Rev. E. M. O'Callaghan, of Youngstown, on "The Errors of Rome." which was conducted through the columns of the Courier,

In 1872 Mr. O'Connor sold out his interest in the newspaper business and subsequently sj>ent some time as an itinerant preacher in the Erie conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Afterwards, on account of failing health, he returned to the newspaper business. In 1875 he was one of the editors and proprietors of the Youngstown Commercial, and in the following year became proprietor of the Morning Star, a short-lived paper devoted to the Greenback cuse. In July. 1876. Mr. O'Connor removed his family to Cleveland O., where he resided until August. 1878. working as compositor on the different newspapers of that city. He then returned to Youngstown and was for a short time editor and publisher of the \\-c Star.

In i86<>. Mr. O'Connor left the Republican party, owing to his failure, at a convention held in Canfield. to commit the convention to an espousal of the prohibition policy.

Chapter. Xvi

Austintown is township No. 2 of range No, 3 of the Connecticut Western Reserve. The soil in general is good and easily tilled, though in places stony. The early history of ; the township is somewhat obscure, ns many , of the first settlers remained but a short time, subsequently removing elsewhere. The records show'that John McCollum. born in New Jersev in December 25. 1770. l>ought the first land in the township in 170S and erected a cabin on it, to which he moved his family in 1800. His wife, Jane, whom he married in June, 17<>K, was born in New Jersey, in 1707. \ Hv a previous marriage to Rol>ert Damson she had five children. By her marriage to Mr. McG ilium there were eight children, David, Mary. Rolvett. John. Daniel. Anna. Ira and Harvey. The McCollums were people of industry rind resolution, well fitted for pioneer life. Mrs. McCollum was a good weaver, an<l , after other settlers moved in. occupied what spare time she had by taking weaving to do. to assist her husband in paying for the farm. They succeeded in carving out a good liomestea<l for themselves and their children, their farm being situated one-half a mile west of the line between Austintown and Youngstown. The parents died in 1840. within a few weeks of each other, Mrs. McCollum on March loth and her husband 011 April 7th, The latter saw military service in the War of 1812 under Colonel Raven.

Another early settler was Wendell Grove, who came from Pennsylvania in 1801. and whose son John succeeded to the homestead. Then there were James Russell. Jacob Miller, and Theophilu* Cotton, who settled successively on the same farm, afterwards owned by the widow Arms. The Webb family came to the township in 1814 John I.ane and David Dillon were also early settler1;. Dillon was the tir<t captain of the militia in the township. John Russell, above mentioned, was also a captain in the militia at an early elate. Dillon afterwards sold out and removed to thc western pirt of the state. 1 le had seven sons - William, Aaron. Asa. Jonathan. Jesse, Cyrus, and F.li -some of whom moved to other parts of the State Roliert Russell was one of the carlv settlers in the southwestern part of thc township, coming here with his parents in iSoo. He subsequently married a Miss Ham- «>n, and they had four sons - -James, who removed to Jackson township. John. Hnmson, and Samuel.

family, members of which settled in different parts of the county. John Duncan settled on the Ham son farm in the southeastern part of the township. In the eastern part were Jacob Leach and Jacob Parkius, who settled on Jacob Leach's farm, and afterwards sold out to Benjamin Leach, who spent his life in the township. Benjamin had two brothers, John and Abraham, who resided in the eastern part of the township for several years.

Henry Ohl, Sr., a blacksmith, came to the township about 1803. and set up a blacksmith shop on his farm. He had a family of ten children - Michael, David, Jacob, John, Abraham, Henry, Jr., Jonathan, Eve, Mary and Polly. Henry Ohl, Jr., in his later years resided in Canfield. David and Michael were drafted for the war of 1812, but after getting as far as Youngstown were returned. The family resided in a two-story log house, with a porch in front, where, it is related, that upon one occasion the daughter Eve courageously attacked and killed a monstrous rattlesnake.

William Wick, an early settler in the eastern part of Austintown, had the first bearing orchard in the township. John Trucsdale settled about half a mile southwest of the center. He had a large family. His sons, John, James, and William, married and lived on the home farm until their death.

Another early settler was James J. Russell, who came from Pennsylvania about 1806, and who died in 1870. He had ten children - six sons and four daughters. Robert Fullerton cleared a farm near the center and brought up a large family. Henry and Anthony Weatherstay settled near Four Mile Run; botb had families, the memhers of which are all long since dead or moved away. Another early settler in the same ncighljorhood was Jacob Wise. Archibald Ewing and Jacob Harding settled in the township about 1808. Harding on a partially cleared farm. Both had good sized

John Jordan came to Austintown in 18 1 3. having previously resided for a few years in Poland township. His family consisted of five sons and five daughters. He died in iS_>4, his .wife's death occurring a few years later.

The Cotton family were also among the first settlers. One of them, Joshua, was a captain of the militia. Frederick Moherman settled in 1803 in the eastern part of the township. His two sons, Daniel and Winchester, became prosperous farmers.

Jacob Harrof came to Austintown from Canfield. He was twice married; his two children by the first marriage. John atid Elizabeth, died iii Portage County. By his second marriage he had four sons and three daughters - Jacob, Andrew, William and Lewis, who all lived and died in Austintown, and Sarah, Leah and Rachel.

Henry Strack settled in the southern part of the township, and lived and died upon the ! farm subsequently owned by Henry Crum, second. He had six sons - Henry, Samuel, John, William, Joseph and Jacob - and some of his descendants still reside in the township. Abraham Wolfcale, with his sons, John and Abraham, were early settlers on the road east of the center. Henry Crum was an early settler at Smith's corners.

An eight-hundred-acre tract of land, which was a part of the Salt Springs tract, and was known as the Whitman tract, as it belonged to the Whitman heirs in Connecticut, was partially cleared by Samuel Whitman, who settled at the center.

Frederick Shivcly settled in the township in 1812. and was succeeded in possession of the homestead by his son George, who resided there for many years.

The first white child born in Austintown township was John McCollum, son of the first settler, the date of his birth being 1803. He settled in Milton township, where he died in 188 .

Early Conditions

Large families were the rule among the cariy settlers. The women manufactured all tl'e clothes for the household, and the spinning w heel and loom were kept going early and late. Wild animals were abundant and l>ears and wolves often wrought great havoc with the flocks. At night the howling of the wolves could he heard in all directions. Deer were also numerous, and furnished the early settlers with a large part of their meat supply. The amount of taxes due in 1803 was So.-'-J, divided anions twenty-six tax-payers.

School was usually kept in some log cabin which had been abandoned for resilience purposes, and. as in other parts of the county. ,' parents wishing- to send their children were ex- [>ected to suhscrilie a certain amount for tuition. One of the earliest schools was situated J near the site of the Disciple's church. Among the early teachers there were Asa Dillon and Elias W ick. There was another school house on the Sliivcly farm, where John Fullerton taught at an early date. P.y 18 12 there were several schools in various parts of the township. One. one the farm of Jacob I'arkus, was taught by Isaac Alley.

The population of Austintown is divided in religious lieliel The Disciples' church was organized in iSjS, a church building being erected soon after at Four-Mile Run. New ; buildings Slave been suh-crpiently erected, j Among the earliest incmU-rs were William I Hayden and John Henry (who were also among the first preachers ami elder* ) . John I-ine, several of the I .anternrms. Ira McCullom and Mrs. Jane Henry, \lexander Camiibell, the founder of the sect, frequently j preached here.

The Evangelical church at West Austintown was organized about 1841, the first meeting being held in Jacob Harrof's barn. As the first church building was not erected until 1853, meetings were held in private houses, Ixarns, and school houses for a number of years. The first preacher was Rev. Joseph Long.

The United Evangelical church at West Austintown, a frame structure with stone foundation, was erected in November, jooo, at a cost of $3,000. ,\t one side of the main building there is an annex pulpit. The present pastor, Rev. S. T. P>i andyberry, assumed charge September 20, 1004, his previous pastorate having been at Fmdlay, Ohio. In addition to presiding over the church at Austintown he is also pastor uf two other churches, one at Sample and one at Calla, Ohio. Grace Reform church has as jwstor Rev. I. C. Shaaf. The Sunday-school superintendent is G. S. Jordan.

West Austintown

West Austintown, a thriving little settlement, was built soon after the completion of the Niles and New Lisbon Railroad in 1869. The first store was kept by D. B. Blott. The Anderson block was built bv Robert McClurc in 1871. The postofhee was established in 1870, Windsor Calhoun being the first postmaster.

The first store in Austintown Center was kept by Alexander Thompson about 1822. Soon after Dr. Packard. James Hczlip. and Col well Porter engaged in business. The last named l>ecame quite wealthy. He finally left Austintown and went to Cincinnati, where he continued in mercantile business with similar success. Judge Raven started a store here alwut 1830. employing Cornelius Thompson to keep it. John Cotton kept store on the southeast corner in 1830-31. John McCaught*ev kept the Inst public house and later went into the clothing business

John M. Owen, John Stanibauch, and others under the name of the Harrof Coal Company, the first mine being opened at W est Austintown. On the exhaustion of the Harrof slope in 1880, they opened a shaft on the Jordan farm, which for a number of years produced about 130 tons of coal per day. In 1871 the New Lislion Coal Company began operations, opening up the Fennel mine, which produced coal of excellent quality. The Tod, Wells & Co. bank, on the farm of Henry Kyle near Mineral Kidge, was opened about 1858, and was operated for many years, for a time by Morris, Robbins & Co. under lease. The Ohltown bank, opened about 1868, by Harris. Maurer & Co., was worked until 1868, when it became exhausted. Operations on the Thornton bank on the old Cleveland farm were commenced in 1870 by Case, Thornton & Co., under the name of the Ohltown Coal Company. They were succeeded by the John Henry Mining Co., who sunk another shaft about 1889. The mine turned out about 100 tons per day.

In early days iron ore was plentiful 111 some parts of the township and was taken out and hauled to the furnaces. Limestone has also been successfully quarried. The only furnace for the reduction of iron ore was the Meander furnace built by William Porter and others near Ohltown.

John Justice, who died about 1880, operated a tannery north of the center on the Ohltown road for manv vcars. Robinson Young, who settled in the township about 1S26, also built a tannery, which he operated with his ' brother William. Many of the early settlers operated small copper stills, wherein they used up their surplus grain, thus putting it into a more salable form.

moderately level, with a general northeast drainage. In parts it is slightly broken by low hills, but the land near the streams is low and subject to overflow. The township was originally covered with a heavy growth of timber, mostly oak, ash, maple, beech and elm. with some pine, all of which have been much reduced in quantity. Sufficient remains, however, to give pleasing variety to the landscape, provide shade for cattle and exert a beneficial effect on atmospheric conditions.

The principal stream is Mill creek, which flows through the township northward, west of the center, and which is fed by a number of small brooks. Big Bull Creek rises in the southeastern part of the township. Springs arc abundant, and water may be obtained almost anywhere by digging wells. The principal occupations arc farming, dairying and raising live-stock.

One of the first settlers in Beaver was Major Jacob Gilbert, who came to the township in i8oj, and settled on the farm subsequently occupied by Michael Wieland. One of his children, a daughter, married Adam Wieland, from whom are descended most or all of the Wielands in the township. Major Gilbert saw service in the war of 181 2. Another soldier of that war was John Shanefelt. who settled near GillxM-t on a homestead which afterwards came into possession of his son and namesake John.

In the northern part of the township the first settler was "Billy" Stewart, an old bachelor who lived alone in a small log cabin. Farther west the first settler was Abraham Miller. Adam Little at an early date settled near the center. On section 1 was Feter Stevens, who discovered coal in that locality and who uved to mine it in a small way for two cents per bushel.

Christopher Mentzer settled on section 13 in 1803. and soon after Christopher Clinker settled in the neighborhood of North Lima, with his sons. Abner. Josiah. Samuel and Isaac.

the pioneers of the southern part of the township were John Harman, Henry Xeidigh, and Frederick Sponseller. In the same year £ 1804) John Coblcntz, from Frederick, Maryland, settled on the south side of section 25. He had a family of four sons and one daughter, the last-named of whom became the wife of John Elsler.

Organization

The township was organized fur civil purposes in 181 1, and the first election held April 1st i.»f that year. The judges were Peter Fib, Frederick S]x>nseller, and Christian Clinker. The following were the officers elected: Trustees - John Crumbachcr, Christian Clinker, Frederick S|M>nscller; clerk - George Hoke; treasurer - John Harmon; lister - Adam Little; house appraiser, John Coblentz; constable. Jacob Gilbert ; overseers of the poor, Balzar Mower. David Gerringcr; fence-viewers, John Neiiligh, Sr., Christopher Mentzer; road supervisors - Christian Crcbs and Jacob C rouse; justices of the peace, I'eter Eib and Adam Little.

Coal was formerly mined in the county in considerable <|uantities. One of the largest mines was that of Azariah Paulin which yielded 1 500 to 2000 tons yearly. There were also coal banks on the farms of Daniel Crouse and Abraham Yoder. and a number of other mines south of Fast Lewistown which yielded good coal. The good mines arc now all exhausted and coal mining is practically a thing of the past.

The first mill put in operation in the township was built on Mill Creek, in section fifteen, in 1805, by Matthias Glass. It was subsequently replaced by one of greater capacity built by Jacob Crouse. In 1840 a steam mil! was erected by Anthony Smith, which was a three-story frame structure and had three run of stones.'

Abraham Stauffer had grist and saw' mills on Mill creek which were operated up to 1840. A water-power saw mill was put up on Turkey Broth creek, in section nine, by Jacob Detwiler. It was subsequently operated by John Fellnagel, who changed it to a steam nnli.

North Lima

This is a pleasantly situated village, and was founded about 1826 by James Simpson. One of the earliest merchants was a man named Hartzell; others were John Glass and John Xorthrup. The first regular store was opened by the Neill Brothers, whose clerk, John Leslie, subsequently became a partner in the business. Other early merchants were Crouse & Xorthrup, Buzard & Co., J. H. Donald and Mentz, Hahn, Fell & Co. The first public house was opened by John Glass in 1830.

About 1828 the first postofficc was established, with Jacob Gilbert as postmaster. Owing to the difficulty in getting the mail, the office was discontinued in 1831, but in 1834 it was re-established. Nathan Hahn was the first permanent physician in North Lima, coming her in 1846 and remaining until his death in 1874. Other doctors had previously practiced here for short periods of time, the first being Drs. Manning and U'illet in 1831.

East Lewistown

This well laid-out village, which is about two miles west of North Lima, was founded alxjut 1830 by John Xold. Henry Thoman, Sr.. I'eter Godcr, Sr., and George Houck. In 1830 a store was opened here by Jesse Motter in the house occupied by H. Thoman as a residence. Mr. Mottcr continued in trade until 1845. Other early merchants were Jacob S. Thoman, T. G. Nofthmp, Franklin

Dunn, Smith & Buzartl, George Buzard and Frederick Fellnagle. The first public house was kept by a man named Morrow, about 1843, in a building opposite the Thoman residence. Ten years later Conrad Stigletz opened an inn on the square, which he conducted till 1863.

The first postoffice was established about 1841 with Philip Fetzer as the first postmaster. For some time it had but a semi-weekly mail, but afterwards a daily delivery was introduced. Dr. Ethan A. Hoke was the first regular physician.

1st. - The North Lima special district, which comprises the North Lima High School of three rooms and three teachers (Superintendent H. W. Phillips) ; intermediate, Bessie B. Rice, teacher; primary, Maude Glenn, teacher.

The West district ( or Special District No. 1 ) contains three schools, namely : East I-ewistown district, Curtis Ziegler, teacher; Beard district, Henry Crumbacher, teacher; Boyer district.

Special No. 2. Pine Hill district, Ota Orr, teacher; Harter district, Adelia Basinger, teacher; Germantown district. The first-mentioned schools in the above are in the East precinct, the last one in the West precinct. The special district contains 176 scholars.

The Fractional district, with the school at Woodworth, comprises a small part of Beaver township, and a part of Boardrnan. Alice Renkenlx-rger is the teacher.

The school buildings of Beaver township are all substantial brick buildings, and a tew years since were pronounced by the state : school commissioner as being the best and most substantial of any township in the state. In the special school districts the branches taught are, orthography, reading, writing, arithmetic, geography, grammar, language lessons. United States history, physiology, physical geography, and algebra.

Morgantown Gang

While no township in Mahoning County possesses more law-abiding citizens in proportion to its size than that of Beaver, there was at one time a small but well organized lawless element that succeeded for twenty years in terrorizing a large part of the community by crimes of arson, theft, and perjury, until the reign of terror was brought to an end by the arrest and conviction of some of the ring leaders.

These troubles arose about the close of the Civil War, and it is said that political differences had no small part in originating them. The disturbers of the peace were in general of that class known as southern sympathizers, or "Copperheads,"' and their differences with their loyal neighbors brought on acts of aggression and retaliation that finally degenerated into the midnight crimes that for a time gave the township of Beaver an unsavory reputation.

The leader of this lawless element was Azariah Paulin, a man of such natural cunning and astuteness, though united to a vindictive and criminal disposition, as to earn for him the title of '"The Old Fox." By many, owing to his leading connection with the troubles referred to. and his ability in warding off from j. his subordinates for so long the legal conse- cjuences of their acts, he was termed the "Old Chief." The disposition of this man is well illustrated by his conduct in connection with a contract made by him with one Tom Campbell. Paulin possessed a farm at Steamtown worth $10,000. Campbell had a berry patch on Paulin's farm and it was agreed between them that Campbell should raise the berries and that he and Paulin should share equally in the proceeds. When the patch had been planted and was in good shape Paulin ignored the contract and ordered Campbell off his I farm, the latter thereby losing from $1,200 to | $1,500. This act, which took place about j 1880, was, it is said, the beginning of the final phase of the Morgantown trouble, which resulted in the final incarceration of the guilty parties. The town of Morgantown, which was named after John Morgan, the raider, was the place of residence and headquarters of the criminal gang who for a score of years kept the community in terror by their midnight depredations, barn burnings, and other criminal 1 acts of revenge. So well organized were these lawbreakers that for a long time, though they were well known, few could summon up courage to proceed against them, and when anyone did so the systematic perjury of the accused and other members of the gang always resulted in acquittal, while the one who had complained was made to feel the vengeance of the conspirators. A German farmer who was put upon the witness stand in connection with one of these cases declined to give evidence tending to conviction on the ground that he "didn't want to have his barn burned." About 1883, the situation liecame so intolerable that some resolute county officials, backed by the local press, made at last a determined and successful effort to bring the offenders to justice. Indictments were found against a number of the lawbreakers, some of whom fled the county, Several convictions, however, were obtained. George Paulin, a son of the "Old Fox," and Delmar Little received each a sentence of six years in the state penitentiary for perjury. Among those who disappeared were Azariah Paulin himself, his sons, William Henry and Charles, and his nephew, Simon Paulin. The last turned, who lived on a part of Azariah's farm at Steamtown, and who was indicted for arson at the May term of court, 1884, with Jacob Paulin and Bill Cluse, after absenting himself for a considerable time, returned March 6, 1885, and going to the jail in Youngstown at 2 o'clock in the morning, gave himself up. He was a very large stout man, weighing about 225 or 230 pounds, and had a wife and four small children. He was a son of Jacob Paulin, who was convicted of arson at the May term of court 1884, and sentenced by Judge Arrel to three years in the penitentiary. Those interested in the prosecution, however, were determined to have the chief conspirator, Azariah himself, who had been indicted on four charges - concealing stolen property, corrupting witnesses, perjury and arson. His bail was placed at $2,200 and the bond signed by Attorney P. F. Gillies, Mrs. Paulin securing Gillies by executing a mortgage on their farm of ninety-six acres in Morgantown. Azariah's disappearance took place about January 5, 1885. As near as could be ascertained, he went first to Columbiana, and thence to East Liverpool, remaining in that vicinity until January 13th. From there he went to Alexander, West Virginia. It was at this place that ex-Sheriff Lodwick got track of him and spent several days trying to get him, but failed. He was next heard of in Pittsgurg, where he claimed to have remained three days. On February 24, 1885, Sheriff Walker, who had received a clue as to his whereabouts, arrived with a requisition from Governor Hoadly. The sheriff left the city going directly to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where he found that Paulin had remained there for several days, but had left for Shippensburg on the Cumberland Railway. While in Harrisburg, the latter had passed himself off as a tramp and got free lodging one night in the jail, going under the name of "A. Summers."

From that place he went to Shippensburg on the Cumberland Railway. Here he took refuge with one Jacob Stoffer, whom he had formerly known as a resident of Poland. On arriving at Shippensburg, the sheriff found that Azariah had received mail at the postoffice. In leaving the building he saw him sitting on a horse across the street and immediately placed him under arrest. When arrested Paulin had but $7 or $8 in his possession.

The sheriff conveyed him to Pittsburg and thence to Youngstown. His bail bond in the meanwhile had been forfeited, but on his arrival the forfeiture was set aside.

was sure of conviction, but claimed persecution by his family. He had previously made charges of immorality against his wife, which were declared to be false by every reputable witness who was acquainted with the family, and in his disagreement with her he had threatened to commit suicide. In court he presented a grizzled and unkempt appearance. He pleaded guilty to subornation of perjury, and to the second count in the charge of arson (the first count being nolled by the court) whereby he was accused of procuring William Chuse to burn Blosser's barn.

In so doing he said : "I'm not really guilty of this crime, but I discover that I am so surrounded with witnesses who will swear my lilK-rty away and whose statements I cannot contradict, except by myself, that I have concluded to save the county expense and the court trouble by pleading guilty. I am satisfied that upon a trial I would be found guilty, although I am perfectly innocent of the charge. 1 take this step by the advice of my attorneys."

I. A. Justice, A. Paulin's counsel, made an earnest plea for judicial clemency, urging his client's age and the crusade that had been incessantly made against him.

Berlin is one of the most picturesque townships in Mahoning County, the beauty of its western portion being enhanced by the winding Mahoning river, with its woody banks and verdant valleys. In the southwestern quarter is Mill creek, with its tributary of Turkey Broth, and other small streams and runs that empty into it, and add variety of scenery to a well- watered landscape.

The surface of Berlin is almost level with a few gentle undulations here and there. The soil is a good strong loam, fertile and well adapted to fruits and cereals. With such inducements for the pursuit of agriculture, Berlin has naturally developed into a farming community. There are no large villages, Berlin Center, a somewhat straggling settlement with a population of about sixty, being the most important.

The township was formerly a part of Ellsworth and was not separately organized until March, 1828, when it was erected into a township and made an election precinct by the county commissioners.

The township officers fust elected were as follows, the election taking place April 7, 1828: Trustees, Nathan Minard, Thompson Craig, Samuel KautTman; treasurer, Salmon Hall; clerk, Joseph H. Coult; constable, John Stuart ; overseers of the poor, William Kirkpatrick, Christian Kauffman; fence viewers, Joseph Davis. Joseph Leonard; supervisors, Edward Fankle, Benjamin Mistier, Abraham Craft.

Settlement

The first white settler of Berlin was Garret Packard, who came from near Winchester, Virginia, to Austintown in 1803. After remaining there aljout two years, he removed to Deerfield. but six years later came to Berlin and settled on a farm on Mill creek in the southwestern part of the township. Soon after his arrival, he had a son born, Thomas, who was the first white child born in the township. For a numl>er of years his family was the only one here. In the war of 1812, being then the only man in what is now Berlin, he was drafted, and served three months. He died in 1820 at the age of about forty-five. His wife, whose maiden name was Eleanor Hendrickson, survived him ten years, dying at the home of her son-in-law, John McCollum. in Austintown, May 13, 1830, she being then alxuit fifty-four years of age. They were the parents of ten children.

The second settler in Berlin was Jacob Wetdy, who located with his family in the southwestern corner of the township. He had a large family.

Other early settlers were: Gorge Baum, whose father emigrated from Germany, settling in Salem, and who in 1815 married Betsey Packard; Joseph II. Guilt, who was the first settler at the (..'enter, and who was land agent for Amos Sill, proprietor of the greater l>art of the township: Abraham Hawn, who camea!*mt J.S-'O. and located alxmt two miles north of the center; Matthias Glass, who settle.! in the northwestern part of the township about i8_»j, and Reuben Gee, Joseph Davis and David Parshall. who came about 1824. Many of the early as well as the later settlers came from Pennsylvania, and were for the 1110,1 pan "<|i!ict. unobtrusive and progressive people."

The early name of Berlin township was "Hart and Mathers." from the names of two men wh. i', en: 1 :: r^iuall;. pr .pi el. > 1:1 it. It was named Berlin at the instance of one of the early German settlers. Matthias Glass, who wanted the name of the township to remind him of his fatherland.

Berlin was settled somewhat later than the other townships, and was for a number of years a great hunting ground for the settlers for miles around, gime U-iiig most abundant.

A sawmill was built by Matthias Glass, who also built a grist mill. U»th on the Mahoning, a short distance above Frederick. The grist mill was afterwards burned and the site purchased by Isaac Wilson, who built thereon a (louring mill, which was subsequently operant ed lor some years by Ins sons It was later purchased and conducted for - a while h\ George Schilling.

Another sawmill was erected by Joseph 11. Guilt on Turkey Broth creek, in the *oiithwe*i part of the town, and afterwards passed through a number of hands. In the same year David Shoemaker built a sawmill on Mill creek, which mill was subset |ucut!y purchased

Among the early store keepers were Joseph Edwards, who commenced business at the center in 1833; Garrison & Hoover, Daniel A. Fitch. David McGiuIcy. John Ward, Warren & Webl»er. Hughes Bros., and several others. For a time there were two stores at the center. In the early littles there was also a blacksmith's shop, a little west of the town house, and opposite was a store kept by Joel Booth. About 1836 or 1837 a man named Mckean established a tannery at the center, and also carried 011 a shoe making business.

A number of years previous. al*>ut 1839, a store was built at Belvidere b> Isaac Wilson, who afterwards bought the mill privilege there. 1 he store was carried on for some years by his sons, who afterwards sold it to Jacob Glass. It subsequently passed through a numl>cr of hands and finally ceased to be used as a store.

I he hist postotVice in the township was established about 1828 and was called Amity. The postmaster was Peter Miisser. who kept a tavern 011 the old stage road in the northern part of the township. After he moved away the office was discontinued. The p-'stottiie at Berlin center was established in 1833. Joseph Edwards l>eiug the first |>o>tm:istcr,

The first wedding at Berlin center was that of William Ripley and Miss Allen, h took place at the house of Josq>h H. Guilt, on a cold night in December, the guests coming from Ellsworth. Benton and other places, and carrying torches in order to intimidate the wolves, which were numerous and bold, owing to the severe weather.

After the aluOition movement liegan there were occasional disturbances in the township, owing to the discussion of the slavery question, and 011 one occasion, in 1X37. a Presbyterian minister. Rev. M. R. Robinson, who came from Salem to deliver a lecture against slavery, and to vindicate the Bible from the charge of supporting it, was moblied. stripped, and tari?8 red and feathered, after which his clothes were put on again. Twelve of the perpetrators of this outrage were arrested, and compromised the matter by paying Mr. Robinson $40 each.

The first schools in Berlin were not different materially from those in other parts of the county, the buildings l>eing log structures. At first the (ierman language was taught alternately with English. About 1824 a log schoolhouse was erected on Turkey Broth creek, near the center, in which Sarah McGee was one of the first teachers. Martha and Eliza McKelvey were among the first teachers in the southeastern part of the township. In the northern part Alexander Hall taught school at an early penou.

There are now five school districts, in which is included the Berlin High School organized in 1005. All the school houses are frame buildings. J. R. Campbell is superintendent, and tbere are about 125 pupils enrolled.

The Methodist society was formed previous to 1830, and a church built at the center in 1839. The present church edifice was erected in 1886 at a cost of $3,500. a parsonage being added in 1005; the church has a membership of about one hundred ; Ixrth buildings are frame. The present pastor is Rev. M. Moses.

Ashur Kirkbridge. G. A. R. Post, located at Berlin Center, where it owns its own hall, was organized August id. 18K6, through the efforts of Martha T. Hughes, wife of Dr. Wallace K. Hughes. I ts tir<t commander was Francis White. Mahlon Kirkbridge is the present commander.

Miscellaneous

Berlin township owns its own hall, which is located at the center. There are two cemeteries known respectively as the North cemetery, which is situated two miles north of the center, and the West cemetery, situated one mile west of it.

The present postmaster at the center is La Rue Hawkins. There are three general stores, conducted respectively by Stanley & Hawkins, E. O. Carlin, and George Muskrey. C. F. Fifer is proprietor of a hardware store. The medical profession is well represented by Dr. W. K. Hughes and Dr. Frank Carson.

The natural aspect of this township is one of beauty, with just enough of hills and valleys, fields and woodlands, to please the eye by presenting to its gaze a varied and lovely landscape. The western and northwestern parts of the township are watered by Mill Creek and its tributaries. Yellow Creek Mows for over two miles through the southeast of Boardman, thence entering Poland township near the village. The surface is in general undulating and in some portions nearly level. The township is essentially a farming community, there being no villages of any considerable size.

The township derived its name from Elijah Boardman. who, accompanied by six companions, among them Nathaniel and Ebenezer Blakely and. a man named Summers, settled here in 1708. Mr. Boardman who was a member of the Connecticut I -and Company, came from New Milford, Connecticut. lie spent his time during the summer in making surveys and establishing landmarks, the men who came with him l>eing engaged in making clearings. Five of the six, leaving behind the two yoke of oxen they had brought with them, returned to Connecticut on foot, the oilier one of the Blakclys settled permanently in the town. A stone which Mr. Boardman set up to mark the center of the township was unearthed alwut 1878 or 1X79, and his initials. E. B.. discovered on it.

During the next ten or twelve years settlers from Connecticut, with a few from Pennsylvania, came in rapidly, so that in 1810 (lie population was alxmt 850. In a list of property holders contained in the township records for the year 1806 ap]>car the following names: Abner Webb. William Drake. Joseph Merchant. Linus Brainard, Kli Baldwin, Hayncs Fitch, George Stillson. John Davidson, Oswald lX-tchon, F.bjah Boardman, Fleazer Fairchild. with his sons. John Amos, and Daniel Francis Dnvler. Richard J. Elliott. Samuel Swan. Peter Stills, >n. W arren Bissel, and David Noble.

Major Samuel Clark, who came in 1810, was one of the first postmasters, and used to bring the mail from Poland once a week in his pocket. About |8^(> he served as justice of the peace, and he was also commissioned lieutenant, captain and major of militia. He was a native of Connecticut, as was also his wife- Anna, whose maiden name was Xorthrup. He died in 1847, anil his wife in i8(>o.

Richard J. Elliott, who came in 1804 or 1805, was a memlier of the legislature in 1808 ami i8lxj, at his last election receiving every vote in Ins district. Henry Brainard came in 1800 and settled alx tit a mile from the center on the road running west. One of his sons, Dr. Ira Brainard, was probably the first settled physician in the township. After practicing here a few years, however, the doctor moved to Cauncld. Oswald Detchon. a native of England, was one of the very first settlers; he located three fourths of a mite east of the

Fleazer Fairehild was another early settler, and located on what was later the farm of Eli Reed. Among those who came between t8oi and 1S10 were several families by the name of Simon f r> .m Washington county. Pennsylvania. They atl brought up large families and many of their descendants still reside in the tow nship. From the same county came George Zedaker w ith his son John. The latter was the last survivor, in Boardman. of the war of 1S12. dying in the late seventies of the century just closed. George Pope, who came to Boardman from Virginia, after settling on Benjamin McXutt's farm removed to the northwestern part of the township near Mill Creek: he attained the age of ninety-eight years. Other pioneers, w ith the date of their advent in the township, were as follows: John Twiss. 1818: Charles Titns, 1819; Amos Baldwin. 1811; Asa Baldwin, brother of Amos, 1811 or earlier; Thomas and Elizabeth Agnew, from Pennsylvania, 18J4; Henry Foster, previous to 1808: Philip and Catherine Stambaugh. 181 1; Eli Baldwin, from Connecticut. 1801 ; the De Camps, Shields and Woodruff families, 1801 ; Josiah Walker, i8o}; Isaac Newton. 1811; William and Pamelia hankie. 1816: David and Mary (Walker) Porter, 181 5. The last named who came from Adams county, Pennsylvania, settled in the southeast corner of the tow nship. They had live children, one of whom was named David. Another. Harvey, rem. wed to Kansas. Their daughter, Martha, married a Mr. Slaven. The father, David Porter, Sr.. was killed by a falling tree in June, 1819.

The first township meeting for the election of officers was held April 7. 1806, previous to which year the township had been included in Youngstown, It was organized as Boardman township in 1805. Eli Baldwin was the first justice of the peace. The amount of taxes levied in Boardman in 1803 was $17.17. being distributed among twenty-nine tax payers.

The earl)' settlers were much troubled with lx-ars and wolves, and hunting was Imth a favorite amusement and most useful occupation. A bounty of So each was paid by the county for the scalps of wolves. There were als abundance of deer, turkeys and pheasants, and more than enough of rattlesnakes, upon which the settlers, of course, made constant war. There was scarcely a house without a rifle, whose crack meant usually either the destruction of a common enemy or food for thu family. It is related that Curtis Fairchild. a noted hunter in those days, killed 105 deer in one season, besides trapping thirteen wolves. The skin of a deer was worth seventy-five cents, but the meat was not valued and was unsalable.

There were three drafts made during the War of 1812. each taking one-third of the militia. There were few, if any, volunteers. At one time, though but for a short period, not an able bodied man was left in the township. Boardman's soldiers took part in some sharp fighting with the Indians at the Battle of the Peninsula, near Sandusky. After the war and until 1820 money was scarce, though provisions were cheap in comparison with the prices which prevail today. Butter could be bought for five cents a pound, wheat was twenty-five cents a bushel in paper money, and eggs cost tour cents a dozen, in "store pay." Every article of clothing was manufactured, except leather for shoes. Shoes, however, were only used on social occasions in the summer, most of the settlers going lwrefoot. Many of the men wore buckskin breeches.

St. James Kpiscopa! church is the oldest in the county, having been organized in July, 1809. Among the first memlxTs were many of the principal settlers, including Turhand Kirtland, Jared Kirtland. Arad Way. Josiah Wetmore, Charles Crittenden, Kleazer Fairchild, Kli I'latt. John Fiddle, Joseph l'latt, Ethel Starr. John Loveland, Lewis Hoyt. Joseph Liddle. Samuel Blocker. Francis Dowler, Russell F. Starr, and Ensign Church. All these persons were instrumental in forming the first Episcopal society. The

The German Reformed church, one of the oldest churches in the township, was erected in 1 81 6, the church edifice being rebuilt in 1845. The present pastor is Rev. E. D. Weadock.

A Congregational church was established in 1813 by Rev. John Field, from Connecticut. Among its first officers were Charles A. Boardman and Samuel Swan. In 1849 organization ceased to exist on account of the death or removal of its principal members. It was sometimes called the Presbyterian church.

The Methodist Episcopal church was founded at an early date, though the year is not known. Oswald Detchon, elsewhere mentioned, was one of the most prominent among its early meml>crs, and the first meetings were in a log schoolhouse on his farm. The church edifice was erected about 1835, those chiefly instrumental being Thomas Agnew, Major Samuel ( lark, and Josiah Beardslcy.

The Disciples church was organized about 1854 by an evangelist named Reeves, and a church building erected two year* later, but organization ceased to exist alxmt 1872, and the church was sold to the township which converted it into the town hall.

The first burials in Boardman township were made u|x»n the farm of Adam Simon, and soon after the (German cemetery was laid out. The cemetery near the center was laid out in 1805.

The first log school house was built a few roils west of the center in 1803 or 1804. Nathaniel Blakely was the first teacher. Mrs. Simeon Mitchel, who settled at the center in 1 8 to, also taught school for several terms. In 1809 a two-story frame school house was j erected, which was called "The Academy." and "was used for school, church, and meetings for forty years or more." In the seventies it was moved a mile ami a hall east of the center and converted into a stable. About the same time a* thc sch.Hil house at the center

The present frame school building at the center of the township, known as the "Centralized school." has four rooms, with Prof. W. B. Randolph, Minnie Kiper, Olive Beard and Ethel Walters, teachers. The Woodworth school, on the south line of the township, is a one-room brick building; Alice Rcnkenbergcr is the teacher.

Isdl'Striks

In 1X05 George Stillson built the first frame house in the township, where he afterwards kept tavern for twenty-five years. Joseph Merchant, who came from Connecticut in 1804. started a tavern alxmt 1S14 a short distance east of the center.

Baird's mill on Mill creek, near Eiutcrnian's halls, was the first grist mill in the township. It was at first a small log building but afterwards a larger one was built on the same site. Tlvmas Shields was the proprietor for many years and was succeeded by Eli Baldwin. About 180X a saw null w as built a mile and a halt from the center, and was conducted for a short tunc by Richard Elliot and Elijah Boardman. Another sawmill, known as IV l amp's, was constructed in the northwestern part of the township, but like the first named had a short lease of life. Another sawmill and a grist mill were erected later on Mill creek bv Kli Baldwin; a'.-, a cloth mill.

The were several small stills in the township, and in )So8 or iX-vi, Eli Baid wm. who seems to have been a verv enterprising citi/en for his day. built a distillery near the north line of the township on the S'otuigstovvn road.

James Moody, who came to Boardman in 180.4, ht'ih a tannery, and continued in business as a tanner for forty years or more subsequently. Charles Boardman and William Ingersol] opened the first store in a room of Stillson's tavern.

Some First Events

Andrew Webb, the first blacksmith in the township, came about 1804. He manufactured scythes, which he sold for $.> each, eastern scythes being then worth $.'.;«. John Davidson and Elijah Deane were probably the first shoemakers 111 the township.

Peter Stillson. in 1804. made the first cheese in Boardman. which was also, perhaps, the first made on the Western Reserve. He carted several hundred -weight of it to Pittsburg, where he easily disposed if it.

The first sermon was preached, in 1804, in the log school house at the center, bv Rev. Joseph Badger, a Presbyterian missionary from Connection.

Cautieid. the centra! township of Mahoning county, was one of the earliest settled townships on the reserve, and has always been the home of a thrifty and pros|terotis agricultural class, having besides contributed able men to tlie leading professions espeoallv that of law. That her «.ns have not been equally prominent 111 trade, commerce and manufactures. i< iliic to the limited opportunities afforded In the township in those directions. No large stream ilows through Canfield. but there are plenty of small creeks am! fresh water I springs, affording a plentiful supply of pure eld water for dairy ami agricultural purposes. These industries are further favored by the soil, which is a rich and easily cultivate*! loam, suitable to a large variety of crops.

Canfickl was township No, i in range No. 3 of the purchase of the Connecticut Eand Company, ami contained 10,324 acres. It was purchased from the company by six persons who owned 111 the following proportions: Judson Canricld, 0.171 acres; James Johnson, 3.50J acres; David Waterman, 2.- 745 acres: Elijah Wadswoith. 2,069 acres; Nathaniel Church. i.4ix> acres; Samuel Canricld. 437 acres. The total price paid was Si 2.903.23. or a trille more than seventy-nine cents per acre. l."t No. 2 in touiiship No. 1 m the tenth ratine, consisting of fifty-eight atnl a half acres. was added to it under the equalization system adopted by ihe Connecticut Land Company, which has been explained in a previous chapter.

In 179X the land was surveyed into lots and improvements commenced. The surveys were superintended by Nathaniel Church, who was accompanied by Nathan Moore, of Salisbury, surveyor ; Eh Tousley. Nathaniel Cridley. Barker King. Reuben Tupper. Samuel Cilson, Joseph l'angburn, and one Skinner, of Salisbury. ( ills' >n and l'angburn were axemen. The center of the township was first found, the cast and west road laid out, and clearings made, and some oats and wheat sow n. A log house was erected at the center and two houses and a barn east of the center.

Ali« iiit a mouth after their arrival the hist family of settlers arrived, consisting of Champion Minor, with his wife and two children, who made the journey in an ox team from Salisbury. A few days after their arrival the youngest child died, and was buried in a cotbn of split wood, which was the first white burial in the county. After cutting through the east and west road most of the party returned to Connecticut, Samuel C:Kon and Joseph Panghuni remaining, with Champion Minor ami bis family. The township was denominated Campneld by the surveyors above mentioned, but on April 15. iXuo. it was voted that it should lie called Cantield, in honor of Judson

In 17'y) the settlement was strengthened by the arrival of I'luneas Keed. Eleazcr Cnlson and Joshua llollister, and in the following year by that of Nathan Moore and family, who arrived May 15. after a journey of forty-live - lays. In lisoi came James Doml and family, Calvin Tobias, Abijah I'eck and IchaU-d Atvvod. In 1.S02 there was a larger immigration and thenceforth for a number of years there was a steadily increasing stream of settlers, some of whom, however, remained but a short tune, afterwards moving to other townships. A I) of the first settlers came from Connecticut. A numl>er of Hermans came in 1X05. and during subsequent years, those who settled permanently doing much to develop the agricultural resources of the township.

An epidemic, in 1X13, carried off a large number of the settlers, including Aaron and Lavinia Collar, who came to Cantield in 1X02. They left descendants who still reside in the township. W illiam Chidester. who also came in 1X02. was the first justice of the l*acc 111 Canlicld, and in early days officiated at numerous marriages, both in this and other townships. He died in 1X13. at the age of fiftyseven. Some of the pioneer settlers lived to a remarkable age. John Everett, one of the oldest among the immigrants, died ui 1X19. at the age of ninety-two Mrs Esther Heardsley, wife of Captain Philo Heardsley. died at the age of ninety-one; and Ethel Starr, a comparatively early settler, was ninety-two years old at the tune of his death in 1861.

Herman Cantield. Sr., who was a brother of Judson Cautield. settled here in October, 1X05. lie and his wife, whose maiden name was l'itia 15. .st wick, were the parents of live children - Herman. William H., Elizal>cth. Cornelia and l.ora. Lieutenant-Colonel Herman Canlield died at Crump*.' Einding April 7. iSl.j. while 111 the serv.ee of his country, lie was an able law ver and served as state senator of Medina county. William 11. Cantield. who studied law under Hon. Klislta Whittlesey, leinoved t.> K.i:> s in iSi.o. and in 1X70

James Reed, one of the immigrants of 1805. whose father, also named James, came 1 out "and lived with him, during the war of 181 2 set up a distillery to furnish the soldiers with whisky, that being considered an essential part of their rations. He died in 1813; his wife survived him forty-seven years, dying in i8(Y> at the remarkable age of ninety-eight. They were the parents of ten children, several of whom lived to an advanced age.

One of the most important immigrants was Elisha Whittlesey, who came in 1800, a sketch of whom may l>e found in the chapter of this volume entitled "Bench and Bar." He was one of the foremost lawyers in the county, and was almost constantly in public service up to the time of his death in 1863. A number of distinguished men acquired a part of their legal training in his office, among them being Hon. Benjamin F. Wade, General Ralph I\ Ruckland. Hon. Joshua R. Giddings and W. C Otis.

In 18c/) came also Adam Turner and wife. Margaret, from .New Jersey, with their five sons and three daughters; they settled in the northwestern part of the township, on the road that was afterwards known as Turner street.

The first male child born in Canfield was Royal Canfield Chidister, the date of his nativity being June 1802. his parents residing near the center of the township. The first person buried in the cemeterv east of the center was Olive, wife of Charles Chittenden; she died September 30, 1801.

Joseph l'angburn and Lydia Fitch were the first ample to get married in ('.infield, the ceremony l)eiiig performed April 11. 1801, by Caleb Baldwin. Esq.. of Youngstown. There would have tieen an earlier marriage - that of Alfred Wonleott to Marv Gilson. in February. 1 800- hut there 1 icing no person duly qualified to perform the ceremony, they were

The building of a sawmill was begun in the northw estern part of the tow nship, in 1801, by Jonah Scoville, but before finishing the mill, he sold out his interests to a Mr. Atwood, who completed it and put it 111 operation in the spring of 1802. In the same year another sawmill was erected on what was known as the "Brier lot," one-half being owned by Elijah Wadsworth, the other proprietors being Tryall Tanner. William Sprague and Matthew Steele. The land was rented by Mr. Wadsworth from Judson Canfield for seven years, the consideration being "one pepper-corn yearly, to be paid if demanded." About 1810 a canting machine propelled by horse power, was erected by a company, and lor some time did a fair business.

Early Merchants

The first store was opened in 1804 by Zalmon Fitch and Herman Canfield. who were partners. Mr. Fitch also kept a tavern in Cantield until his removal to W arren in 1813. In 1807 Messrs. Fitch and Canfield took as an additional partner in the business Comfort S. Mygatt. who had arrived in that year from Danbury. Connecticut, with his family. The latter consisted of four daughters, two sons and two step-sons. Two years later the partnership was dissolved ami the business was continued by Mr. Mygatt during the rest of his life, which terminated in Octolier. 1823.

In i8j8 there were three merchants in Canfield - William Hogg. Alson Kent and E. T. Boughton. C. S. Mygatt, son of Comfort S.. began business in Canfield in 1833 with the firm of I^ockwood, Mygatt & Co.. general merchants, and was subsequently in business here until 1800. most of the time in partnership.

the geographical center of the county, was made the county seat, which it continued to be for thirty years. This naturally made Canfield a place of importance; the legal business of the county was transacted here, and the volume of general business increased. But this state of things was not to continue. The establishment of the iron industry in Youngstown gave that place a formidable advantage over her one-time rival, and she gradually forged ahead, slowly at first, but afterwards with big strides, until she had left Canfield far behind in the race for industrial and commercial importance. Being thus superior in wealth and population, she went a step farther and began to proclaim her intention of having the county seat. A rival agitation was at once begun, which was carried on spiritedly on both sides until the legislative session of 1874-5, when Voungstown gained her point, and in 1870 ljecanve the county seat of Mahoning.

Can Field Village

The village of Canfield was incorporated by act of legislature in 1849, and the first election held in April of that year. L. L. Host wick being chosen mayor; H. B. Brainenl, recorder; and John Clark, Thomas Hansom. M. Swank, Charles l'rttliv and William B. Ferrell. trustees.

Canfield is like a "city that is set on an hill" and "beautiful for situation." The town is about a square mile in area and situated on a gradually rising elevation uoo feet above sea level and O40 feet higher than Lake Kric.

Its elevation and natural drainage caused by the land surface falling away in gentle undulations of hill, plain and valley in all direc lions, together with the total absence of mill and factory smoke and dust, give the town an abundance of pure, invigorating air all the year round. Its healthiness is excellent, just what would be expected from such favorable conditions, Adding very much to the health, comfort and Iteauty of the place, the streets are wide and lined with noble trees, elms and ma pies predominating. Main and Broad streets crossing- at right angles are each ninety-nine feet wide and a mile in length. A neatly laidout park of eleven and one-half acres, studded with rows of trees, stretches its avenues of shade through the town from north to south for two-fifths of a mile.

The material conditions and natural environments of a community exert a silent but continuous and decided influence on its moral and social life. And this is es|>ecially true oi mosphere are good and wholesome, making it an ideal place of residence.

Northeastern Ohio Normal College

Overlooking the park from the south end and near the highest elevation, stands the N. K. O. Normal College, commanding a fine outlook and panoramic survey of the park and town and of the surrounding country of meadows, rolling uplands and native forests for miles in every direction. From both the moral and educational point of view the location of the Normal College in such quiet, healthful surroundings in the midst of a fertile, pros[>crous and intelligent farming community, is almost ideal. The history of the institution since its opening in 188 J, incorporated 1S81, gives ample testimony to the advantages of such wholesome and healthful surroundings and location.

Although the particular aim of the school has always l>ccii and still continues to be the training of young men and women efficiently for the profession of teaching and business pursuits, her many graduates from the collegiate courses who are now filling |>ositions of trust and honor in the learned professions of the Christian ministry, law, medicine and journalism, attest the excellent character of the work done. Many of these received no other academic training than what they obtained at the Normal, while others found here the kind of preparatory training needed for entering other and older colleges.

The Commercial Department has sent large numbers of trusted and successful accountants into every line of business, while the department of Music has played it.; important

From the Normal or Pedagogy department have gone successful teachers into all grades of public school work, school superintendents and college instructors. The institution points with just pride to the sterling worth and Christian character of her alumni and students, qualities which make for the largest success.

The present outlook is promising and assuring. The great scarcity of teachers throughout Eastern Ohio, Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia opens the way for a greater usefulness of the school and a larger attendance than ever before. To meet the urgent demands of the teaching profession, and to | meet the requirements of its patrons, it aims to give the students of the Normal Department \ the most practical and thorough instruction and the most helpful preparation possible for the work in which they are to engage. This part of the work is carefully planned and per- 1 haps has never been stronger than it is now. j The faculty has under consideration the opening of a well organized summer school in iyt>8. The Music Department is in a flourishing condition under the very competent direction of Miss Anna K. Means, a graduate of Obcrhn of Music, an accomplished pianist and vocalist and a. successful teacher of both voice and piano.

Charles O. Allaman, A. B.. graduate of Woostcr University, is president and has i charge of the departments of Latin, Creek and English Literature, and conducts the teachers' class in literature.

Franklin B. Sawvcl. Ph. D., one of the instructors associated with Prof. Helman during I the earlier history of the Normal, has the de- ! partmcnts of Philosophy, History and Peda- ! gogy and the teachers' training class in Arith- j metic.

Miss Florence Rose Wilson, Ph. M.. has 1 charge of the department of Ccrman, Normal branches and the review classes in United States history and English grammar.

The school is interdenominational and therefore unique in character among Normal schools and colleges. It has now about one hundred scholars.

Among Canfield's other acquisitions, she rejoices in an up-to-date and interesting newspaper, the Mahoning Despatch, which was established by Henry M. Fowler, father of the present editor, C. C. Fowler, and has just completed its thirtieth year of existence. Mr. C. C. Fowler, who began his connection with the paper as printer's devil at its origin, has continued with it ever since, and has made it one of the most robust and firmly established enterprises of the village. In his own words. "It circulates very largely throughout Mahoning County and weekly visits nearly every state in the Union. Its advertising patronage is not surpassed by any local publication in this quarter of the state, while the job printing dejKirtnient output lias steadily grown in public favor." On March 2(>th of the present year, (its thirtieth anniversary), it printed an issue of approximately 3,000 copies of a twenty-tour page p;i|x*r. An interesting feature of the newspaper is its publication from time to time of valuable articles dealing with local history.

\Yc can give no tetter description of Canfield during the last thirty years than is contained in two articles of this kind that were published in the anniversary issue above referred to. One is from the pen of Hon. Charles Fillius, who became a resident of Canfield thirty-two years ago, when a young man of twenty-three, and who was for some three years thereafter superintendent of schools; he describes Canfield as it was at that time. The other article is by Dr. J. Truesdale. well known as one of Canfield's oldest and most prominent citizens, and as a local historian of well-earned repute. Dr. Truesdale depicts the changes which have occurred in the period under review. We quote largcby. if not entirely, from both articles. Mr. Fillius writes as follows: to an end, and there was 'necessity laid upon me' to do something. Learning through Mrs. Judge Servis that there was likely to he a vacancy in the superintendency of the Canfield schools. I made my first visit there in June of that year.

"It struck me then as a quaint old town. On my way up to the hotel from the station I had the experience, which 1 afterwards learned was common to newcomers, of being greeted with an unearthly sort of noise from a barefoot, queer-acting individual whom 1 afterwards learned was Rupright, and of being similarly informed by Sammy Ruggles, who evidently 'caught onto' the fact from my appearance that I was to the country lx>rn, that the county seat could not be moved from Canfield to Youngstown because it would be impossible to take the court house through the covered bridge at I winterman's Falls. That was substantially my first introduction to the court-house removal controversy that was then raging. I put up at the Bostwick Hotel, which looked then much as it did twenty years later. The room that was given to me seemed to partake in its general appearance of the character of the landlord and the building proper. It ought to have been condemned lor being unsanitary, and the excuse for a bed which I had precluded the possibility of a good night's sleep.

"The next day I took in the town. Its Broad street, with interlying parks, made a very great impression upon me. Court was then in session. There appeared to be a great many lawyers in town, and it seemed to me as if at least half of the buildings on the street were occupied as law offices - little buildings erected for law offices and used exclusively as such. I remember very well the more imposing offices of this character, namely, the one then occupied by Judge Servis, lxring a more pretentious building of this character than any of the others perhaps, a brick building on the west side of Broad street. 1 was told that it had been used as a law office for many years, and was formerly occupied as such by Hon. Klisha Whittlesey, who had been a member of congress, and that at once invested the building with unusual importance in my mind. Then across the street from Judge Servis' office was a larger office building then occupied by the firm of Van Hyning & Johnston, which I was told was formerly the office of Judge Newton, who was then still living, active, nearly eighty years old, and one of the most kindly and genial old gentlemen that I ever knew.

"As I say, the town seemed to be a town of lawyers, and I remember seeing upon its streets not only those named above, but A. \V. Jones, Gen. Sanderson, M. H. Burky, L. D. Thomas, and others still whose names after the lapse of these many years do not readily come to me. M. V. B. King was then probate judge.

"The parks then were simply so much naked land, meadows if you please, in the midst of the town. They did not even subserve the ordinary uses of a park, save as they made fresh air possible for the inhabitants, and as I now remember they were mowed each year for the grass that grew upon them. The trees that have grown up since so beautifully were not planted until several years after I left Canfield.

" There were at that time three leading hotels in the village, the one at which I stopped on my first arrival in Canfield, the brick hotel, then occupied by Mr. Clark, and the large wooden structure on the east side of Broad street, a sort of a companion to the other one, and one about as desirable as the other to keep out of.

"I met on this occasion the members of the board of education, and the village board of examiners. I do not now recall the names of the members save two, Judsou Canfield and Doctor Truesdale. The village board of examiners was made up of the three ministers of the three leading churches in town, the Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregational. "Father" Guy, as he was affectionately known, was pastor of the Methodist church, then, Mr. Peterson of the Congregational church and editor and publisher of the newspaper, and Mr. Irwin, pastor of the Presbyterian church. I was not subjected to the ordeal of an examination by this b>ard for the reason that it was ascertained that the Ixiard had no legal existence, and I therefore was examined and obtained my certificate from the county hoard of examiners. I afterwards came tn knmv Father , (iuy. Mr. Petersen and Mr. Irwin very well. They were all must excellent men. Father (iuy was an especially kindly man, and I have of him very affectionate memories. Mr. Mc- Lain was then living in Canrield, a retired Methodist preacher of the old school, who fondly imagined that he had reached that stage in Christian experience and life where he was no longer in danger of sin, and his g<xxl life warranted his follow villagers in sympathizing with hint in tlist conviction. 1 always regarded Jiidson Canrield as a character. He was always my Ik-si and stanchest friend. He was the village's handy man, always ready to do anything from surveying a farm to mending a wagon. He had a hahit of what 1 called ridiculous profanity. His swearing was of that peculiar and energetic kind that never suggested wickedness, but always aroused one's risibilities.

"My employment as superintendent 01 the schools followed shortly after my first visit, and late the following August school opened under my charge. I succeeded Mr. Fording, who had lieen the deservedlv popular superintendent tor a number of years preceding - so popular, indeed, had he U-cn that it made my position as his successor doubly difficult, but owing to the kindly and firm support of the board 1 succeeded in getting along after a fashion. The school yard was then barren of trees. Many of those that now adorn the yard were planted by myself.

"I was impressed then, as I continued to he during my three years stay in Cantield. with the character of the inhabitants of the village. It seemed to nie then, and it seems to me now. as I recall those impressions, that the people of the village were remarkable for their intelligence, character and goodness. Many of them, if not all of them. 1 recall as my friends, who placed me under lasting obligations for kindnesses shown me. sympathy extended me in my work, and all those thousand and one things that make life in a given community happy and worth living. Your readers I am sure will he interested to know about some of : them, and at the risk of omitting some who are equally worthy of mention w ith the others, I will recall some. There were Judge Scrvis and his wife and two daughters; Judson Canrield and family; Judge New ton; Judge Van Hyning; Judge Johnston; Judge King; Mr. Hine, a tall, dignified, elderly gentleman, who lived 111 a white house on the east side of Broad street, about half way lietween Church's store and Van Hyning & Johnston's law office; G. F. Lynn and his wife who lived next door; "D'ri" Church, as he was familiarly called, who kept the store on the corner, whose widowis still living; William Clack, who kept the brick hotel then, and with whom 1 lived tor a year, his widow and his eldest daughter, now Mrs. l.cct. now living in Warren; Ira Bunnell, who kept a harness store, whose religious experiences were of that character that they revived at every religious revival and lapsed between times. Then there was Colonel Nash, always dignified and courteous; Mr. Edwards and his family, who kept a store and lived next the Congregational church; C. W. Shellhorn and family, with whom 1 lived a year, who did a thriving business in the boot and shoe line on the w est side of Broad street ; good old Dr. Caldwell and his son and daughter; Charley French and his wife; the Lynn boys, who kept a drug store next to Trucsdale & Kirk's store on the west side of Broad street: Charley Schmick and his iather; the Whittlesey*, who lived near Judge Scrvis; the Mygatts, father and son, who kept a store on the corner north of the Truesdale & Kirk store. And there were others whose names do not readily come to me. These all lived within the village, but just outside lived many others, whom I knew equally wetl and favorably, and among whom I now recall with greatest satisfaction my old friend, II. A. Manchester, now your kmker. some of whose children attended school in the village. And then with an ever widening radius I came to know ihe people for miles about through their children, who were sent to the Canheld school.

"Those whom I have mentioned were but a type of the. general character of the inhabitants tlie village and country around - sturdy, intelligent, honest, htgh-mi tided, gen-

"The preachers were of the old-fashioned type. I remember very well hearing Father Guy direct the attention of his audience to the terrors of hell by depicting to them in very plain and vigorous language the streams of molten lava in which the sinner would meet his final doom. Mr. Irwin of the Presbyterian church was equally sure that he who indulged in playing with these 'instruments of Satan,' i. e., cards, was in danger of eternal punishment. Good old Dr. Caldwell was a fervent member of the Disciple church, and got a good deal of satisfaction in attending regularly upon its services and engaging often in public prayer, in which he was sure to ask the Lord to deliver the individual members of the congregation from 'works of supererogation.'

"It was the next year that the county seat question assumed an acute stage, and upon the issues of its removal Judge 1 human was elected probate judge, and Judge Conant of the common pleas court decided, uinm a suit brought for the purpose of contesting the question, that the law providing for the removal of the county seat to Voungstown was constitutional. 1 remember very well going into the court room one evening on my way home from school when the case was being argued l)eforc Judge Conant. It was there that 1 first saw Judge Tuttle, who is now nearly ninety two years old and comes daily to the office, He was representing the Cantield people in their attempt to prevent the removal, i When I went in lieu. Sanderson was talking to the court, and Judge Tuttle was walking about in deep reflection, apparently, until his eye fell on me, with my school books, and he came over and looked at them. After Conant's decision the court house officials quietly and secretly arranged to remove the records during the night to Youngstown. and so one morning the good people of the village awoke to the fact that the county seat had actually been removed, not w ithstanding Sammy Ruggles' early declaration that that would be impossible owing to the covered bridge.

"As 1 write I am reminded of the wonderful changes that have taken place in the last thirty years. In those days we knew nothing about an electric street car, a phonograph - indeed we knew nothing scarcely at all of all the various uses to which electricity is applied now - nothing of arc and incandescent electric lighting, nothing of electric motors and the various kinds of electric power machines. Indeed the text books then in use in our schools told all that was known alx>ut electricity in a very short chapter in physics, lireat changes have taken place in thirty years."

"In the most conservative or fixed communities changes are constantly occurring by reason of death. Neither a death nor a birth in a family can occur without modifying to some extent the social relations of that family. And it often happens that the death of one individual in a community leads to the necessity of a very considerable change of its social and industrial relations. As we shall see, Canfield is no exception to this rule. During the past thirty years no devastating epidemic, plague or disasters have visited us, yet no one year of these thirty has passed without the removal of some of our number to their last resting place. This change by death is made more apparent by getting back by the aid of memory and recalling the names of residents of former years on a few of our streets as an illustration for all. To this end we w ill begin at the lower end of West Main street. There thirty years ago we find Mathias Swank engaged in the manufacture of wagons and buggies from the raw materials to finished products: employing more men and doing a larger business than any other industrial enterprise in the town. A little community of laborers made their home* near his establishment and the suburb was known by the now forgotten name of Kensington. The business, although profitable at tn>t. became unprofitable, for the reason tint machinery driven by steam power could construct a wagon or a buggy at a less cost than Mr. Swank could do by hand labor. A part of the buildings remain and are occupied by the Kimcrle Brothers, whose workis more in the line of repairs than new work.

"In our retrospect we move up East Main street and soon come to our village cemetery, and at once notice the great change that has taken place since the late seventies. Thirty years ago the surface was rough and uneven and covered with a thick rleece of ground ivy, and about every species of foul weeds known in this locality. A great amount of labor was necessary and has lieen accomplished to dig up and remove the entire surface to low parts and tit the ground for a sward of timothy and the use of a lawn mower. Thirty years ago the maple trees were mere saplings. Now they are trees that Virgil could rest under and admire their wide 'spreading branches.' A public receiving vault, and a private one are useful additions. In short, we have a creditable place for the repose of the dear ones we have in the years past placed there for their last rest. Apparently the population of this spot has doubled within the last three decades, judging I from the great number of monuments recently erected. Passing up the street we notice the absence of many old dwellings, one church structure, store rooms, and shops that in former years lined the street have been destroyed, moved away, or burned. In all I recall tourteen antl am not sure that I have them all. [ Some of them have been replaced by modern dwellings, and of others the ground remains unoccupied. But few who lived on the street in 1877 remain residents to this da v. I can only recall Martin Kimerle. a part of the Mc- Coy family, Mrs. Mary Nash. Mrs. Sarah I Tow, and myself. The general appearance of the street has improved by the erection of modern dwellings, and the remodeling of most of the older ones.

"I have prepared a list of the old familiar residents of thirty years ago, but space forbids their use. In the later seventies, and for some time after the northeast corner retained a large part of the retail business of the village. But repeated fires have done much to change the 1 locality of trade' to where it now exists. At intervals between 1857 and 1887 a succession of destructive tires occurred at the northeastern and southwest corners, the last of which destroyed the three-story brick block belonging to the estate of the late John k. Church, and was never rebuilt, which finished that comer as a place of business. Within the period allotted for men the old Mygatt store building on the southeast corner had long been a landmark and was moved away to give place to the indispensable town hall. A sweep of the eye takes in all of the north part of the village. After a long drowsy spell this locality has become rejuvinated. Some old offices and dwellings have disappeared and a number of modern structures have l>cen erected within the last few years, and other old residences have been so remodeled as to appear new and fresh. But what a change on the part of residents ! Not a soul is there found who lived there thirty years ago. What spot can be found within so small limits that has produced more distinguished men? This is apparent when we mention such names as Elisha Whittlesey, Judge Eben Newton and Columbus Lancaster, whose united services as congressmen extended to twenty or more years. Other prominent men in this same locality might be mentioned, but our task relates to other matters. West Main street may be treated much in the same way as East Main. A few old landmarks have ceased to exist, notably, the old Boughton and Cronk homes, and the old red building built by Ensign Church, the old M. E. parsonage and possibly, the old Tryal Tanner homestead. All these places have been replaced by modern dwellings. Some other new structures have been erected on the street within the period mentioned. The old Presbyterian church has been replaced by an elegant, up-to-date modern church, costing $12,000. The new Methodist parsonage is a beautiful structure, costing $2,500, so that we arc able to say the street has made substantial improvement within the decades mentioned. But when we look for the residents of thirty years ago but few remain to answer the roll call. The aged ladies, Mrs. Mary Hoover and Mrs. Mary Ilartman; to these may he added Mrs. Martha Fowler, C. C. Fowler, then a young man, Miss Myra Smith, Miss I.ucy llartman, Miss Sarah Barnes, Mrs. S. W. Brainerd and son, Fred. George Hollis, son and daughter, Miss Bond, are all that I can recall. But I see plainly that 1 must abandon minute details. To follow out the plan so far pursued with other streets in the village would practically be a repetition. It will be enough to say that the improvements and buildings l>eginning at the east end of Lisbon street, have mostly been made since 1877, and the same may be said with reference to Court street.

"But the greatest feature of our industrial improvements centers around the railroad station. There we find indisputable evidence of growth and prosperity. Thirty years ago the novelty works may have had a small beginning. Since then it has swollen to large proportion. The buildings have been greatly enlarged and much machinery addded. The output of articles manufactured indicates prosperity and its present outlook promises stability and success. The company gives steady employment to a large force of men and teams, affording a ready market for nearly all kinds of timber, taken from the stump or shipped in by railroads. Thirty years ago the Canheld Lumlnrr Company was a small affair. Under the present management it has grown wonderfully in the amount of business transacted. Its sales during the past year have amounted to between forty and fifty thousand dollars, and the company is now prepared to do a much larger business in the future. They have taken down the old mill and erected a new and capacious one with new machinery for sawing and dressing lumber. Callahan & Xcff, it is said, are doing a business of over one hundred thousand dollars per annum. Recently the company have expended several thousand dollars in improvements to their immense ware houses, and purpose making further improve ments the present season. They deal extensively in hides and tallow, and the purchase of pipe and building blocks.

deals largely in hides and tallow, sewer pipe, building blocks and feed stuffs of every description. I hear good reports of business success and I know from the character of the men who form the firm they are bound to succeed. These different establishments around the station give employment to a large force of men and teams. We have neither time or space to comment upon our banking institution or the X. E. O. N. C, which we cherish so highly for its past success and for its future prospects.

" There are other changes which have been made in our town during the last three deccades, that we cannot pass by without notice. In 1877, our park, as it then existed, was quite

I different from what it now is. What were tw igs then, are trees now, affording a delightful shade in the noon-tide or eve of a hot day. The up[>er part of which was then surrounded by a railing that has since lieen removed. This leads to another important change that has taken place. Thirty years ago we uniformly thought it essential that our lots and public buildings must be surrounded on all sides by a fence. Now. almost by the same unanimity, we have cast our front fences aside. The old

I has led to the cultivation of sightly and wellkept lawns. Another marked feature of change , are the long stretches of cement sidewalks, j Although badly constructed at first, they arc much superior to our old plank and cinder walks."

The Presbyterian church in Canfield was organized in April. 1804. and consisted at first of nine members. Meetings were first held in a log school house, and for some time, there being no regular pastor, ministers of various orthodox organizations were invited to preach. Lay meetings were also held frequently and were generously attended. A revival of religion in 1 S3 1 added some twenty-five mcmlwrs to the church. Among the early ministers were

Revs. Joseph Badger, Robbin6, Wick, Curtis, A. Scott, 1. Scott, Dwight, Chapman and others. Rev. Mr. Stratton was installed as the first regular pastor October, 1828.

The church had been originally established on the plan of union adopted by the general assembly of 1801, ami remained under that plan of government until 1835, when the pastor and fifty members, acting under a special request from the Presbytery of Beaver, separated from the Congregational part of the society, organized themselves into a regular Presbyterian church, and built a house of worship, which was occupied by the society until within the last few years. Alxmt the same time Rev. \V. O. Stratton severed his connection with the congregation and in April, 1839, Rev. William McCombs was installed as pastor. He was succeeded in a few years by Rev. James Price, who was followed by Mr. J. G. Reaser and Rev. J. P. Irwin successively. Since Mr. Irwin, the pastor has been the Rev. William Dickson, who has occupied the pulpit for the long i>criod of twenty-five years. His place will soon be taken by Rev. George V. Reichel, who has recently been elected to tire pastorate. The church now has a membership of 200, and occupies a fine new building which was erected in 1904 on the site of the old edifice. The Sunday school, with an attendance of 100, is under the charge of Dr. Daniel Campbell.

Methodist Episcopal

The first Methodist society was organized in Canfield in 1820, previous to which time the history of Methodism in the township has not been preserved. It is probable, however, that some of the ministers sent to labor on the western circuits preached here occasionally. This first society consisted of Rev. S. Bostwick, wife and sister. Comfort Starr and wife, Ansel Beeman and wife, and Ezra Hunt. In 1 82 1 Canfield was visited by the circuit preachers Rev. Dennis Goddard and Rev. Charles Elliott. In 1822 it was known as the Youngstown circuit and was visited by different preachers from that time on. Services were held in a frame school house that stood a little ! east of the center. In 1826 it was supplanted by a brick building with galleries that was known as Bethel chapel. In 1836 Canfield became a part of the Erie Conference, just then formed. In the following year Dr. Shadrach, one of the early preachers, who w as also a physician, died at his home in Canfield.

About 1 86 1 the old Bethel chapel was torn down and a new structure erected, partly with the same material. The new church was dedicated in June, 1861. In 1869 a comfortable dwelling house was purchased for a parsonage. : For a number of years beginning with 1836 Canfield was included at different times in the circuits of Poland, Youngstown, Ellsworth and Canfield, hut it is now no longer in the I circuit, supporting its ow n pastor. On the site of the old Congregational church the society is now erecting a new church edifice. The society has an enrolled membership of 200. The Sunday school enrollment is 170.

Christian

This church had its origin in a Baptist society that was formed in January, 1828, at the house of David Hays. Thomas Miller was the clergyman, and among the principal members were Deacon Samuel Haydcn, William Hayden, John Lane of Youngstown. and Elijah Canfield of Palmyra. Later William Hayden became a preacher and ministered to the church, the services being held in a small log house. In the w inter of 1827-28 Walter Scott, a follower of Alexander Campbell, came into the community and preached a sermon I that had the effect of converting most of the Baptists present, who during the winter organized themselves into a Disciples church. Soon after they erected a frame building for public worship in the northwestern part of the township. The church prospered, making converts, and from time to time receiving additions from other sects or denominations. In 1847 al>out twenty of the members who lived near the center formed a separate organization and erected at the center a neat and commodious church, which is still their place of worship.

In Octul>er, 1867, they were joined by the remaining members of the church, which had first been established in the northwest part of the township, the older members of which had died. and there having been for a long time but very few accessions. Since then the church has had a prosperous ami useful existence. The building has lately been remodeled, both inside and out. The membership is alxnit sixty ; that of the Sunday school thirty-five. Of the latter Mrs. Anna Osborne is superintendent.

Reformed

The Reformed church, formerly known as the German Reformed Lutheran church, was organized previous to 1810, by a number of German settlers in the township, the first pastor being the Rev. Henry Stough. A log church was built in the same year and was used by both the German Reformed and Lutheran congregations until it was destroyed by fire in 1845. It was replaced in the same year by a new and more suubstatilial building. For more than fifty years the services were conducted in German, which language subsequently gave place to English, for the benefit of the later generation. Some twelve years ago the church was again burned down, the present building, located alxnit three-quarters of a mile north of Cantield village, being erected in 1895. The membership of the , church is 145, with a Sunday school attendance of fifty.

The first school house in Canfield stood alxnit a mile and a quarter east of the center, the fust teacher being Caleb Palmer. Here the educational system of Canfield was inaugurated with a three months' term in the winter of 1800-01. Miss Getia Bostwick and Ben- 1 jamin Carter were among the early teachers, as was also Miss Olive Langdon, who taught school in a small log building about two miles south of the center. Klisha W hittlesey also

The early schixils were carried on without much system or method, no sound working plan of education being devised until 1867, when the union school law was adopted and a board of education elected. Since that time Canfield has been well abreast of other townships in educational matters, her schools being provided with a thoroughly efficient corps of teachers, the Normal school, already mentioned, providing students with excellent opportunity for acquiring more advanced knowledge.

An advanced school known as the Mahoning Academy existed in Canfield from 1857 to 1800, or a little later. It was established by David Hinc, A. M., a graduate of Williams College. Massachusetts, who was also its principal. In October. iSfio. it had .240 students on its rolls, but the war. by draining the country of so many of its young men, caused its downfall, and it perished during the continuance of that struggle. The building was afterwards converted into a dwelling.

The Press

The first newspa|>er in Canfield was the Mahoning Index, a Democratic sheet that was started in May. 1846. by two printers from Warren - James and Clate Herrington. They sold out later to John R. Church, a prominent Democrat, who conducted the office and published the paper until September, 1851. when the building with all its contents was destroyed by fire. In the follow ing year another Democratic paper was established - the Mahoning Sentinel - and was conducted for some time by an association, with Ira Norris as editor. The paper was printed by H. M. Fowler. It subsequently passed through several hands, being purchased and repurchased until in i8<>o John M. Webb, who was then the proprietor, removed the office to Youngstown. In the spring of that year a small Republican paper called the Herald was started, the proprietor being John Weeks, who came from Medina at the instance of Hon. Elislia Whittlesey. It also passed through a numi>er of hands, until it came into those of Mr. Ed E. Fitch, who had for a time been Mr. Weeks' partner, and by whom, .in 1 870, it was enlarged. Two years later Mr. Fitch sold it to McDonald & Sons, who changed its name to The Mahoning County \czes. After being' thus conducted for eighteen months it was disposed of to \V. K. Brownlee. who made the paper Democratic and afterwards sold out to Rev. W. S. l'etcrson. who soon after removed to Warren, v anfield was then without a newspaper until Mr. H. M. Fowler started the Mahoning Despatch in May, 1K71. which paper is still in existence, and in a prosperous condition, being now conducted by Mr. C. C. Fowler, son of the first proprietor.