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GENEALOGY COLLECTION
GEN
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 02279 4314
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GEORGE D. HUNT.
HISTORY
-OF-
SALEM,
AND THE IMMEDIATE VICINITY.
Columbiana County, Ohio
By GEORGE D. HUNT.
SALEM, OHIO : PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR.
1898.
1
111
1.
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1
PRESS OF THE A. K. TATEM LABEL COMPANY, SALEM, OHIO.
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C W GARVER BINDER
PREFACE 1164603
History and biography have always been favorite topics of literature with the author of this book, and he feels convinced that many persons are equally concerned in the same kind of intellectual entertain- ment. When history is of such a character as to point a moral for the reader, his attention to it must be a source of benefit to him. Local history has a special interest when it relates to the home and vicin- ity of the reader, who then, has a better chance to judge of its veracity. All people are, in some degree, cinquisitive. Their own personal history, and that ccof their neighbors and ancestors, they like to know. The gratification of this inquisitiveness is often a source of something more than mere pleasure to the inquirer. While he knows what his present con- dition and circumstances are, he can imagine what they might have been had he lived in former days. And then the question may be asked-what would he have been and done if he had lived in earlier times?
History tells about the situation, and other condi- tions of people different from those of the present dav. We learn about their toils and ambitious schemes; some of which were crowned with success, while others were signal failures. A wise person learns good lessons from failures as well as from suc- cessful efforts. Defeat is said to be "a school in which truth grows strong." It suggests these inquiries: 1st. Was the undertaking a possibility?
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PREFACE.
2nd. Were adequate means applied so as to make it a success? 3rd. What agencies, and, how applied, would have accomplished the work? In the experi- ence of others we may see something that we may imitate; something that we should avoid; and some- thing that will suggest originality.
The history of Salem and its vicinity shows how a vast wilderness has been transformed into a pros- perous and wealthy city, and much of the domain into productive farms. Many of the young people of both sexes, who have been born and raised here will not be content to remain here, but will go west where they will expect to get land at a low price, and then grow in prosperity with the place of their choice for a home. What our pioneers have done will be examples for them to imitate; and perhaps improve- ment on them can be made by adventurers from our city.
Much of this history is the fruit of the author's observations; much he has learned from the early set- tlers with whom he has had acquaintance; and while some has been gathered from other sources, due credit thereto is given. Where the language of other individuals is copied quotation marks are given. In some instances, however, a few words were neces- sarily changed. Some items have been copied from The Columbiana County History. To Samuel Chessman acknowledgement is due for his account of the rail- road enterprise; and to Rev. G. C. Schoeneman for the same about the Catholic church; and also to cer- tain others for information about the other Christian churches. Prof. Southworth, Charles W. Harris, Samuel J. Chisholm, and some others have given important help.
5
PREFACE.
For errors, only a reasonable apology is craved. Gratitude is due to all who have given aid or encour- agement in any way for this work.
So, if some moral it shall teach, In hearts which it may haply reach, Some satisfaction it will seem ; The author then his work may deem, Not wholly done in vain, nor lost, Excepting monetary cost.
SALEM, O., 1898.
NOTE -- The county seat of Columbiana was first named New Lisbon, but it was generally known as " Lisbon." Within a few years the lawful name has been changed to " Lisbon." Hence in this book it Is given by both names.
CONTENTS
CHAPTER
PAGE
I .- Settlements 9
II .- Character and Habits of the Settlers .
17 1-
III .- Salem in Former Days and its Progress . 28 .
IV .- The Post Office .
40
. V .- Schools and Education 44
VI .- The same continued . .
55
VII .- Religious History
63
VIII .- The same continued .
82
IX .- Religious History concluded
91
X .- The Printing Press . .
100
XI .- The same continued . .
108
XII .- The Printing Press concluded .
114 .
XIII .- Manufacturers . 119
XIV .- The Mercantile Business . 130 .
XV .- The Abolition Campaign . 137 .
XVI .- The Medical Profession
147 .
XVII .- The Legal Profession
154
.
157 ·
XX .- The Railroad
167 .
172
XXI .- Public Organizations and Public Works. XXII .- Anecdotes and Miscellanies 186
XXIII .- Cemeteries . .
200
XXIV .- Military Record : 203 .
XXV .- Necrology of Prominent Persons 222
.
XVIII .- Secret Societies
XIX .- Banks 163 .
ILLUSTRATIONS
PAGE
George D. Hunt (Frontispiece ) .
facing title
Friends' Meeting House. Dry Street.
Opposite page . 13
High School Edifice 45 .
Reuben McMillan . 49
William D. Henkle
56
Prospect Street School Edifice
61
John Flitcraft
77
Disciple Church, Ellsworth Street
85
Presbyterian Church, East Green Street
91
German Lutheran Church, South Lundy Street 95
John Hudson . 112
Jonathan K. Rukenbrod
117
Joel Sharp
126
Zadok Street .
131
Deming Co. Manufactory
164
Salem R. R. Depot . 169
Home for Aged Women .
184
Norman B. Garrigues .
221
CHAPTER I.
SETTLEMENTS.
HE history of Salem dates from the year 1803. Samuel Smith had previous to this time entered and settled on the section of which the south- west corner was marked by what is now the crossing of Main and Ellsworth streets. His log cabin was built somewhere near the residence of Joseph E. Post. His house became a stopping place for persons who came to explore the land. Samuel Davis came at this time and bought the section, or a part of it, of Smith ; and he afterwards entered the second section east of it. A part of this is now owned by a grand daughter (the widow of Isaac Thomas). Samuel Davis settled on the land that is now nearly covered by a part of Salem. Much of this he cleared and put into a tillable condition. Other pioneers soon followed; amongst whom was Elisha Hunt, from Brownsville, Pa. In a letter written by him about the year 1870, he said, "In the year 1803, I was where Salem now stands; it was then a wilderness-no roads-no wagon had ever been there. Now we see a beautiful town, fine farms, good houses, railroad cars running daily at the speed of thirty miles an hour, where it required the whole day to go that distance thirty years ago."
It was about this time that Ohio was admitted into the Union as a state. Previously it was known as "The Territory north-west of the Ohio river." The land office for this part of the territory was at Steubenville. Land was then entered for speculation as often as for settlement. Government land could
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HISTORY OF SALEM.
not be purchased in quantities less than a section. Some sections had more than one owner before actual settlers had possession of them. Sometimes two or more persons put their money together, and with it entered a section which they afterwards divided; sometimes to make settlements, or, for further spec- ulation.
In 1803 Jonas Cattell and Elisha Hunt entered the section bounded on the east and south sides by what is now Ellsworth and West Main streets. In divid- ing J. Cattell took the north half, and gave it to his son Enoch, who built a log cabin on it and commenced clearing off the native forest. He and his wife both died soon afterwards leaving an infant son, Jonas D. Thomas French was appointed guardian for him, and on attaining maturity he assumed possession, and there he passed the most of his life. He became an intelligent and well informed man. He served as justice of the peace several years, and two terms in the state senate, besides filling some minor offices, and he took much interest in public affairs.
Elisha Hunt sold the west half of his portion to George Baum, Sr., who settled on it, and there passed the remainder of his life. He raised several children -a few of whose descendants remain in the neigh- borhood of Salem. In 1805 or 1806 Zadok Street, Sr., bought E. Hunt's land. His son, John, kept a store in New Lisbon about a year and then moved to Salem. He bought an acre of John Straughan* for twelve dollars. This was at what is now the corner of Main and Depot streets. There he erected a log dwelling and a store room, and opened the first store in the place. Years afterwards it was superseded by a brick building that still stands.
*This spelling was used by this branch of the family, others spell it Strawn.
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SETTLEMENTS.
John Straughan and Zadok Street having pur- chased adjoining lands, conceived the project of starting a town. Whereupon a plot of land for this purpose was made, and inducements were offered for persons to come and settle here. This was in 1806. The town was named after Salem in New Jersey, from which the Streets came. As laid out it was on the four corners of four townships, namely: Goshen, Green, Salem and Butler. Samuel Davis and Israel Gaskill entered into the project. The latter had purchased and settled on land in the north-west corner of Salem township. Both of them furnished additions to the town. These people were Friends (commonly called Quakers), and they thought that there must be ground for a meeting house, and a place for burying the dead. Wherefore Samuel Davis donated two acres on the north side of Main street; and Israel Gaskill as much on the south side. By this means the town was divided into two distinct parts, and continued so for many years. These worthy men evidently had but a vague idea of what size the town might become.
Lots were sold, houses built, mechanics and other kinds of working people came and made their abode here; so that in a few years there were over a hundred people here. In 1808 and 1809 the first meeting house was built. A temporary log building had been occu- pied previously. It was for the Friends; and was on the south side of Main street, and situated a few rods back from the highway, and between what is now Broadway, and Depot street. When the masons went to their work one morning they found the tracks of a bear that had passed over the foundation in the night, leaving its marks in the mortar. The foun-
r
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HISTORY OF SALEM.
dation of this building was not well laid; too many small stones were used in it; wherefore in about thirty-five years it showed signs of sinking so as to make cracks in the walls; then a new house was deemed necessary. And besides this fact more ground belonged to the society than was needed. And it could then be sold to good advantage for town lots. The house on Dry street was therefore erected. The first meeting in it was held on the 27th day of July, 1845. This is a good structure and reflects much credit on the building committee who had charge of the work; especially David Fawcett.
Robert French married Anna, a daughter of Zadok Street, Sr., and received as a dower the land bought from Elisha Hunt, except what was taken for town lots. This land he cleared, and built on it a saw
mill. The dam and some vestiges of it are yet to be
seen. This mill did much work in its time. Timber was then abundant; more so than the market for sawed lumber.
Zadok Street, Sr., was an old man on his arrival in Salem. And but little is known about him after- wards. He died in 1807. His son, John, was then just in middle age; and he engaged in mercantile business at the center of the town, and continued at it until old age. When he was succeeded by his son, Zadok, Samuel, another son, took charge of a farm, on the south side of the town. John, the youngest, also had some interest in the store. The Streets were active business men, and their position in the Society of Friends gave them prestige with that class of people as well as some others. They owned some farms out in Goshen township.
John Straughan and Job Cook bought the section
C
FRIENDS' MEETING HOUSE, ON DRY STREET.
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SETTLEMENTS.
from which the south-west quarter of the town was formed. J. Straughan was a hard working and industrious man; and he raised two sons and three daughters, who became good and useful citizens; and they never did anything to dishonor the family. Joseph, the oldest one, occupied the homestead for some years and then went to Lisbon to take care of his aged father-in-law. Jesse, the second, became a civil engineer and was engaged in the survey of sev- eral railroads.
In dividing this section Job Cook took two-thirds on the south side. He subsequently sold one hundred acres from the south-west part of it to Jonathan Stan- lev, who settled thereon and rendered it a good farm. The section south of this was entered and settled by Joseph Wright. A part of it and a part of Job Cook's, bordering on the road extending south from Salem, was purchased and cleared by James Tollerton. It is now in possession of A. H. Phillips, whose wife is a grand-daughter, and Augustus H. Tollerton a grand son. The land on the east side of this road was set- tled by John Schooley and Zaccheus Test.
The second section west of Salem was entered and settled by John Blackburn, Sr., who came from Pennsylvania. And it was inherited by his sons, John, J. Armstrong and William. The last named was an officer in the war of 1812. Afterwards he served several terms in each branch of the Ohio Leg- islature. And he was appointed by President Van Buren land agent at Lima, O. There he passed the remainder of his life. His brothers remained on the land of their inheritance during all of their lives except that John was for a few years at Lima. The section south of this was entered and settled by Hugh
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HISTORY OF SALEM.
Burns. After his time and some changes it got into other hands. None of the original family or their descendants now occupy any part of it.
The low ground, south of Salem, at that time was a swamp, covered with bushes and saplings; so that it was with much difficulty that a road through it was made. It had been a beaver pond, and being at the source of two streams, we see there an instance of the sagacity of these animals in choosing this place for their quarters.
Israel Gaskill came in 1805, and bought the land now covered by the south-east corner of the city. He lived in his wagon till he got his cabin built. In this he dwelt till he built the brick house which still remains as an old land mark-on Lincoln avenue. Some of his grand-children are now living in Salem.
Elisha Schooley came at an early date, bought land and built a grist mill and a saw mill, near the Lisbon road. Some vestiges of it are now to be seen, though · the railroad passes over the place were the mills were. His son, John, and son-in-law, Mahlon Hole, and some others took charge of these mills after his time. His son, William, also had a grist mill further down the stream. And still further down John Antrim had a saw mill and carding machine. Wmn. Schooley's mill was bought, rebuilt and carried on several years by Abraham Shinn. Out on what is now the Franklin Square road were lands owned by Abraham War- rington, Thomas Conn, John Hillard, Sr., and Henry Coy.
East of Salem, and on the south side of the road were the farms of Jonathan Evans, Nathan Ball, Jesse and Aaron Holloway. And on the north side, coming towards Salem were those of Wm. Hunt,
15
SETTLEMENTS.
Samuel Farquhar, David Painter and David Fawcett: all of them respectable farmers. Jacob Painter came in 1802 and settled on the land now owned by Joseph E. Post. He had seven children who settled in that neighborhood. They were all exemplary Friends.
In 1805 John Webb settled on the section north of Samuel Davis's. He had a numerous family, who set- tled in the neighborhood; so that at one time there was a whole section of Webbs. Some of them are vet living in and near Salem.
Abraham Warrington settled on land north of that recently owned by Jonas D. Cattell. He had two sons and four daughters-none of whom are now living. but there are some descendants among the Hunts and Bonsalls. Michael Stratton also settled on this sec- tion. He came from New Jersey in the time of the first settlements here. He had a large family ; some of whose descendants are now well known in Salem. These two families were prominent and exemplary Friends.
The second section west of Salem and in Goshen township was entered by Thomas Hutton, and by him sold to Joseph England (north-west quarter). Enoch Gause (south-west quarter), and Isaac Bar- ber, Sr. (south-east). These individuals settled on the land thus purchased and converted it into good and productive. farms. Isaac Barber died a few years after settling on this land. His sons Abram and Isaac remained thereon, and were well known in and about Salem. The same might be said of Joseph England. Isaac Barber moved from his paternal inheritance and Jacob Thomas bought it. Jacob Barber, another brother, lived some years on this quarter section.
16
HISTORY OF SALEM.
" To attend elections in the several townships the inhabitants of Salem and vicinity went to the town meetings in four different directions. January 8th, 1830, the town of Salem was incorporated, and the election for officers of the incorporation was held in that place. The civil divisions being inconvenient and the occasion of confusion, the people of Salem petitioned the commissioners of the county to form a separate township, to be called Perry. The town- ship was set off in accordance with the petition in 1832."*
*Columbiana County History.
CHAPTER II.
CHARACTER AND HABITS OF THE SETTLERS.
I HE first people of this town and vicinity were, with few exceptions, industrious and frugal in their habits. Their situation and circumstances rendered these qualities absolutely necessary. Many of the comforts and conveniences, that are now readily obtained, were then unknown, or not to be had in any way. Goods that are now imported by railroad, were then brought in wagons from eastern cities. The facilities of transportation have called out much ingenuity in inventors and manufacturers for supply- ing the natural and artificial wants of the people: of which wants our forefathers were in blissful ignor- ance. The cost of all imported goods was then great.
A man who then possessed a wagon covered with strong tow canvass, and six horses, was an important character. With such teams, goods were often brought from Pittsburgh, and sometimes from Phil- adelphia and Baltimore. In the same manner country produce was often sent from this region to those cities.
The old fashioned taverns were a great contrast with modern hotels. In them refreshment and enter- tainment could be had in many forms, to suit the customer, however small his wants might be. This might be only a dram, or a check (a cold dinner or supper), to be had for twelve and a-half cents.
Wagoners were important customers at these hostelries. They carried a feed trough that, in trav-
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HISTORY OF SALEM.
eling, was swung across the hind end of the wagon, and fixed on the tongue when the horses were to be fed. For beds they had mattresses that were spread on the bar-room floor. And they were readily rolled up and placed in the wagon on departure. On the national turnpike sometimes ten teams, or more, would pass a night at one tavern. If there was a person among them, or one at the place, who could play the fiddle, they would have "a stag dance;" that is one without females. The wagoner was a character in those days.
It is true that drunkenness then was not uncom- mon. But the liquor then furnished was the genuine "Old rye." Lager beer and drugged liquors were . then unknown, and equally unknown were delirum tremens and mania a potu. In the harvest field, and when buildings were raised "Black Betty " was often passed around; and there were people who would not help at such times without this stimulant. But when temperance reformation commenced Salem was one of the foremost places in this good work.
The first object of a settler was to build a log cabin, and commence clearing his land. When the timber and underbrush were cut off the ground and burned, a crop of wheat could sometimes be raised without plowing the ground. But it required several years for the roots to rot so that plowing could be easily done.
New roads, especially through the woods, were often very muddy, On low lands they were more so. As a remedy trees were cut and laid across the roads, and then covered with dirt dug from the sides, so as to form ditches. As the land was cleared, it held less water and then better roads could be had.
19
CHARACTER AND HABITS OF THE SETTLERS.
From this cause also, many streams, that once afforded water enough to run a mill, became so dimin- ished in amount of water as not to furnish a suffi- ciency for that purpose to keep a mill going long enough to reward its attention, even if custom were not lacking.
The first settlers brought with them the social and domestic customs of their native places; and by the conglomeration of these the general character of the place was formed. From Pennsylvania came the Barbers, Blackburns, Boones, Burnses, Cattells, Cookes, Davises, Englands, Evanses, Heacocks, Hunts, Jennings, Straughans, Thomases, and many others-more than from any other state. From New Jersey came the Balls, Frenches, Gaskills, Hilliards, Swaims, Tests and Warringtons. From Virginia came the Fawcetts, Holloways, Painters, Stanleys, Schooleys and Wrights. From Maryland came the Bentleys, Silvers, Webbs and Zimmermans. When the settlement had got a good start some came from other states, and some foreigners ;- from England, Ireland and Scotland.
"House building, which will include all classes of structures made of wood, iron, stone and brick, either alone or combined, and intended for any use which may subserve the necessities or happiness of man, in the present state of civilization and enlightenment, is a department of human industry that has claimed an important place, in all nations and at all times, whenever and wherever man has been raised out of savage or nomadic barbarism, and occupied a fixed residence, and laid the foundation for a house, with its refinements and endearments, its privileges and opportunities. The houses built and used by early
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HISTORY OF SALEM.
settlers were rude in structure, and plain in appear- ance, built chiefly of wood, with but little expense ; many of the pioneers being both architects and build- ers, in planning and constructing their houses and barns. The buildings in a country town or city indi- cate not the wealth alone, but the refinement and taste, the modes of thought and the intelligence of the people. The relative expense of building house and barn, and the care and attention given to each, speak to the observant stranger in language not to be misunderstood, of the tendencies and aspirations of those who build and occupy the same. If the chief care and expense is bestowed on the house, the owner has chief regard for his family; if upon the barn, for his stock, grain and profits."*
Barns and stables in early times were built in much the same manner as houses-of unhewed logs. A plank floor for a barn could not be had till saw mills were set in operation. Threshing was done with a flail, on a barn floor, making a sound, once heard, would always be remembered.
Most of the clothing, then worn, was home-made. There were women who could cut, fit, and make a garment that suited the wearer as well as any that is now sold in clothing stores; and it was generally substantial.' Fashions were not then as closely fol- lowed as now. It was not till some time in the thirties that fashion plates were to be seen in tailor shops.
A log cabin was a quaint structure. When timber was plenty, it was easy to build one. A stone was placed at each corner for a foundation, the logs were cut to a proper length, and hauled to the place. The
$Upper Ohio Valley History.
CHARACTER AND HABITS OF THE SETTLERS. . 21
two foundation logs were then placed and " saddles " made on their ends; that is, they were sliced in a sloping manner, so as to fit into notches that would be cut into the logs that would be placed across form- ing the other two sides of the building. These then would be fixed in the same manner for the next two. Thus the corners were made and kept as near per- pendicular as possible. When the structure was high enough, the end logs were made shorter and beveled so as to form a gable. These were connected to the opposite end by smaller logs called "ribs; "and on these the clap-boards were placed. The last logs before the gable were some longer than those under it. so as to have a small log on each side to keep the clap boards from slipping off. These were kept in place by weight poles, between which billets of wood called "knees, " were placed to keep them from sliding down- ward. Sometimes these cabins were built two stories high. The upper story would be reached by a ladder. If there was a saw mill in the neighborhood, boards would be used for doors and floors. Otherwise the floors were made by splitting logs into halves, and hewing the flat sides smooth. And these were placed on sills. For a chimney a few logs were cut off in the middle at one end so as to leave an opening, about six feet wide. There a chimney was built of stones and mortar. If stone was not plenty, a few logs were cut to a proper length and fitted into those of the main building. Inside these some stones were plastered over with mortar, and a pen of sticks, about two inches square, and well plastered formed the upper part. Inside the structure wooden pins stuck into the walls and clap-boards laid on them made shelves to hold the household utensils. The lower
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