USA > Ohio > Trumbull County > A twentieth century history of Trumbull County, Ohio; a narrative account of its historical progress, its people, and its principal interests, Volume I > Part 35
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The following is a list of some of the descendants and relatives of members of the pioneer debating club, to-wit: Wal- lace W. Ford, Mrs. Mary P. Lawton, Mrs. Ester C. Nichols. Olive R. Harmon, Ella Harmon, Erwin Ladd, Mrs. Ilenry C. Dietz, Mrs. Albert Jameson, Mrs. Edward Briscoe, Mrs. Charles Ewalt, Virginia Reid, Lucy Hloyt, Anna S. Hoyt, Lney E. Hoyt. Abbie Hoyt. Charles S. Adams, Norman W. Adams, Thomas Kinsman, Charles P. Kinsman, Vance Potter, George Quinby, Harriet Stevens, Mrs. II. P. MeCurdy, Mary Stevens, Henry G. Stiles, George H. Jones, Mrs. Rollin A. Cobb, Harriet P. Jones, Fred T. Stone, Lanra Harsh, Mrs. Howard B. Weir, Mathew B. Tayler, George Il. Tayler, Mrs. John J. Sullivan, Mrs. Emerson J. Boyd, Donald MeCurdy, Charles D. Hapgood, Cornelia G. Smith, Mrs. Sarah Hapgood Van Gorder, Mrs. Lucy Baldwin Murdock, Charles Smith Adams, George W. Hapgood, Dr. Fred K. Smith. And besides the above named there are many more descendants and relatives of the Warren pioneer debaters now living in this city.
The following copy of a contract for rent shows a little touch of the simple life of ninety years ago in Warren :
" Agreed with Simon Taylor for the room for the use of the debating society, he to find candles and wood and make and extinguish the fire, for which the society are to pay 50e for each and every evening they may occupy said room from December 16, 1819."'
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From the records of the society it appears that the society was in an active and vigorous condition for six years. It may have been in existence much longer.
Public Library.
In 1814 or 1815 the first library in old Trumbull County was established in Warren. It contained about 1,000 volumes, mostly of biography and history. It was located in the cabinet shop of Mr. White, which stood north of the Presbyterian church. There was little, aside from church and social gatherings, to entertain people, and so this library was a popular institution. Mr. White served as librarian for more than thirty years, and there are many men and women living in Warren today who read those books which were under his care.
In the early '40s W. N. Porter and Mr. Ide had a cir- culating library. December 20, 1842, we find in the Western Reserve Chronicle the following: "Wheat, corn, hay, oats, wood, butter, tallow, and most kinds of produce will be received for subscriptions to Porter & Ide's circulating library. Mr. Porter was a cultured gentleman, who had a large and well regulated book store in the room now occupied by the Masters Brothers Grocery Company. His daughter, Charlotte, married Dr. David Jameson and resided all her life in the homestead on Washington avenue, near Mahoning. She died in June of this year. His son. William F. Porter, was associated with him for many years, but because of failing health moved to Colorado, where he stayed for some years before his death. He was artistic in temperament and painted some very creditable pic- tures. Ile married Nancy Williams, who still lives in their homestead at the corner of Elm and High streets. She is an ingenious woman, and at one time patented a cover for slate frames which would have netted her a handsome return had it not been at that time teachers decided to use tablets instead of slates. William N. and Nancy Porter had two sons, Eugene and William. The latter died in early youth, and the former by bequest of his aunt, Charlotte, Porter Jamison has received half interest in the old Porter homestead.
In 1848 Jacob Perkins, Dr. Julian Harmon, Judge George M. Tuttle and Orlando Morgan, with some others, originated the "Warren Library Association." The books of the first library were transferred to this company and the trustees and patrons
( Photo loaned by Fred Byard. )
THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
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desiring to extend the work of the library, opened a reading room in connection with it. George VanGorder was the li- brarian for three years, and the library was in his father's block, which was afterwards destroyed by fire. Some persons who had contributed books and money to the first association did not exactly approve of this library on the larger seale. However, it flourished for a time. It was sustained by private subscription, and entertainments, especially lectures. were given for its benefit. Among those who gave the lectures were Jacob Perkins, Judge Milton Sutlitf, George M. Tuttle. Dr. D.
B. Woods, and Dr. Julian Harmon. Later the Library Asso- ciation decided that it could not keep open both reading room and library, and decided to close the reading room and stop periodicals ; to remove the library to the office of M. D. Leggett ; to keep it open for the drawing and changing of books on Tues- days, Thursdays and Saturdays of every week; that the stock- holders be taxed the sum of fifty cents and those not stock- holders one dollar per year for the use of the library. In 1854 the library suspended and the books were sold at public auction and to private individuals. There were about two thousand volumes and many of them are now to be found in the libraries of the older residents. The people who had objected to the formation of this second library had occasion to say "I told you so," and those who had given books to the first library had reason to feel rebellious when they were sold to the highest bidder.
In 1877 some books were gathered together and the nucleus of a new library was established. From the beginning Dr. Ju- lian Harmon had been interested in the library question, and this third library was entrusted to his care in his office on Har- mon street. Professor E. F. Moulton was president. Dr. Har- mon was secretary, and the library was maintained by dollar memberships. For eleven years this organization was in exist- ence, then President Moulton called a meeting at Dr. Harmon's office, on the 10th of July, 1888, to consider seriously the ques- tion of a library for Warren. The meeting was adjourned a week and twelve or fifteen persons perfected the plans at the office of P. L. Webb. George T. Townsend was chairman of that meeting and P. L. Webb secretary. Marshall Woodford was elected president. P. L. Webb secretary and treasurer ; ex- eeutive committee, Dr. T. M. Sabin, Judge D. R. Gilbert, and
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Mrs. S. W. Parks. So far as we know this was the first time a woman had acted in official capacity in connection with the library association. More women than men were pres- ent at this meeting. among them, the Misses Mary Id- dings, Maria Heaton, Ella Estabrook, Fanny Hall, Helen Bierce, Mrs. S. W. Park, Mrs. Woodford, and Mrs. W. T. Brown. The name of the Warren Library Association was retained. The two cases of books which had been in Dr. Harmon's office, were transferred to Mr. Webb's office and he served as librarian for two years. On the 22nd day of September, 1888, the library opened with two hundred and ninety-four volumes. Ten years later they had 4,000 volumes. This library was opened two afternoons and evenings in the week. No one in connection with this association received any salary, but there were expenses to be met, particularly that of the purchase of new books. The association therefore arranged for a course of lectures, and the committee having this in charge secured a list of responsible persons who agreed to make good, individually, any deficit and to give to the Library Association any profits. The first course was given in 1888 and '89 and the lecture course was continued five years. Eight hun- dred dollars was realized in this way, and that sum really made it possible to continue the work. In 1890 the association was incorporated, by Henry B. Perkins, Marshall Woodford, B. J. Taylor, P. L. Webb. S. W. Parks, W. C. Stiles, and W. S. Ker- nohan. Marshall Woodford was president, B. JJ. Taylor, vice- president, O. L. Wolcott, treasurer. T. D. Oviatt, secretary and librarian. From this time on the success of the library was ap- parent. Mr. Woodford gave a great deal of thought and time to the management of affairs, and when he was suddenly taken away, Mrs. Woodford took his place, acting as librarian.
The law of the state of Ohio allowed a tax to be levied for library purposes, and supervision to be had either by the city council or the board of education. The association chose to put itself in the hands of the board of education rather than the council. This body therefore made the levy and for the first time in its existence, the board of edneation divided on the lines of men and women, the women voting for the higher levy and the men for the lower.
On April 1, 1898, the Warren Free Library became a real- ity. The first books were drawn that day, and the library was
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opened to all citizens and residents of school district. During the summer the evening hours were lengthened, the room being open from 6:30 to 8:00. The officers of this first Free Library were: President, B. J. Taylor; vice-president, W. C. Stiles; treasurer. P. L. Webb; librarian and secretary, Mrs. Wood- ford. In 1896 one hundred and ninety-eight people drew books; in 1898, one thousand and twenty-five. In 1899, the high school library, of two hundred books, was transferred to the Free Library. In 1899 the library had become such an attractive place that people who went there for books, stayed and visited until the trustees voted that no talking above a whisper should be allowed. So well was this law enforced, as long as the library was in the building, that to this day when towns-people open the door of the National American Women Suffrage As- sociation, they begin conversation in a whisper.
In 1898 an endowment gift of $3,500 was made the library and the interest from this has served a goodly purpose.
In 1878 Judge Milton Sutliff left by will $10,000 to pro- vide the youth of Warren with a place for entertainment and enjoyment. The phrase relating to this was obscure and for that reason, nothing was done with it until. by mutual agree- ment, George M. Tuttle, the trustee, with the consent of all per- sons interested under the will, agreed that this amount might be turned over to the Library Association. The old building which had been used as an academy and which had been occu- pied by Mr. Sutliff as an office, was turned over to the library, and the rents acerning therefrom were used for its mainte- nance. This had to be done through the city authorities and all were pleased when it was thus settled.
When the court house was building, provision was made on the first floor, west wing, for the library, and here the associa- tion established itself in 1897. Mrs. Woodford was librarian at the munificent salary of $300 and her assistants gave their time gratuitously. It thus being determined that the Library Association was a fixture in the community, donations were made to it of money and of books and those donations have been continued. Mrs. Woodford resigned to accept a position in Oberlin where she would be with her mother and her sister, and Miss Elizabeth Smith, of Cleveland, succeeded her. Miss Smith served two or three years, and upon her return to Cleve- land, Miss Cornelia Smith was elected librarian and has served ever sinee. Too much praise cannot be given to Miss Smith
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for her devotion and her interest. Under her management, the library has become a place where young and old cannot only receive books, but can be guided to all sorts of references and helpful articles.
Abont 1904 the Library Association decided to accept the offer of Andrew Carnegie to give $28,000 to the library and building was begun in the fall of that year. It was finished in February, 1906. As Mr. Carnegie always requires that the city obligate itself in the expense of maintaining his libraries, the city levied a proper tax. The bill providing for this free library placed the control in the hands of the city authorities. The city now levies .7 mill and last year this amounted to $3,200. As the library was built on the Sutliff land, and as a provision of the Sutliff will must be carried out, the first floor was made into a hall and named "Sntliff Hall," and the library proper is on the second floor, although part of the rooms on the first floor are used by the library for storage. Within the last year this hall has been used as a gymnasium for boys. The will of Mr. Sutliff provided for both boys and girls.
The library now contains over 15,000 books.
The officers are president of the board, B. J. Taylor; vice- president, T. I. Giller; treasurer, P. L. Webb; members, S. W. Parks, Homer E. Stewart, Charles Fillins, Mary Perkins Lawton.
Trumbull County Artists.
A number of Trumbull County citizens have made their mark in the artistic world. Foremost is Kenyon Cox, the son of J. D. Cox, who is mentioned in connection with the Warren schools. This artist now lives in New York City, and enjoys an enviable reputation among artists and art schools. His wife is likewise an artist.
John W. Bell, the son of Renben Bell, had decided talent in painting, and some beantiful prodnetions of his are in Trum- bull County homes. Mr. Cox studied abroad and had every advantage, but Mr. Bell was not so fortunate, and developed his talent largely in New York and eastern cities. His specialty was autumn landscapes. He did some very good work in water color. He married Ella, the daughter of Dr. Metcalf. who like- wise had artistic tastes and who was successful in marketing his pictures. He had the truly artistic temperament and cared
HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY
little for the financial part of picture painting.
A. T. Millar, a resident of Cortland, a student of Mr. Bell, afterwards studied in New York and Europe, and now does very creditable work. He lives in New York.
John Crawford was the first of Warren's artists, and had good ideas of colors. He died when very young, giving great . promise.
William F. Porter had decided artistic tastes, but did not make this his profession.
CHAPTER XXVII.
FIRE DEPARTMENT .- FIRE OF 1846 .- PRIMITIVE METHODS OF FIRE PROTECTION .- FIRE COMPANIES AND APPARATUS .- " THE
GREAT FIRE."-CITY HALL AND PAID DEPARTMENT.
Until within a few years the citizens of Warren became greatly alarmed at the ringing of the fire bell. Even as late as 1880 a day-time fire brought forth an enormous crowd, while an alarm rung in the night called men from their beds and caused women to anxiously await the result at home. This unnecessary fear was present because of the terrible conflagra- tions which in the past had visited the city. The tale had been so often told that although people were too young to have seen the destruction, still it was firmly fixed in their minds.
The first destructive fire was in 1846; the others in 1849, 1855. 1860, 1866, and 1867.
In the early days of Warren there were few ways to spend money raised by taxation, and in 1838 there was a surplus of $800 in the treasury. During that fall it was decided to spend $295 for a rotary engine for a fire department. Machines of this kind, at that time, were very imperfect. This one was built after the plan of a force pump and was warranted to throw a hundred gallons of water per minute upon a three-story build- ing. It was necessary to have a tub, to be filled by a bucket brigade, so, after all, this machine did not do away with the primitive fire department-men and pails.
The early newspapers show that the early citizens feared what came to them and tried to avoid it. We read that on December 9, 1840, a call for citizens who were interested in the protection of property from fire to meet was made. In the following March we find this statement: "At a city meeting held in Mr. Babbitt's school room the question of better fire equipment was discussed and it was resolved that an efficient fire department was necessary for the protection of property."
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Again, in August, 1845, "The tax-payers of the borough of Warren are requested to meet at the court house on Thursday evening next to take into consideration the propriety of pur- chasing a fire engine by tax."
At the time of the purchase of this engine a fire company was formed and its duty was not only to manage the fire but to do police service as well. The citizens of the town were requested to take their place in the bucket brigade. This com- pany had to practice once a month, and after the novelty wore off, the filling of the tub was a laborions task, distasteful to all. Notwithstanding the preparation, this company had no chance to serve in the first fire, of 1846, because the buildings were largely of wood and the fire was under such headway that nothing as small and as inefficient could have mneh effeet upon the burning mass. The fire department did the best it could, but citizens became very much excited and often ran throwing water on the fire from the individual buckets instead of keeping the tub filled, and finally the truck broke and the engine was placed on boxes where it was worked, but to little purpose. This fire started abont eleven o'clock on Monday night, June 1st, the alarm being given by the Presbyterian bell, now rather worse for its years of work, but still hanging in the Presbyterian steeple. It originated in the grocery store of Fred Bolemyer, which stood where the Warren Hardware Company now is on Market street, went down Main street nearly to Franklin, and east on Market to Park (Liberty) and down Park a short dis- tance. Twenty-four buildings were burned, and among them some of the best firms in town lost heavily. Among these were Smith & MeCombs, whose store was in the block of Henry W. and Charles Smith, S. M. Rupp, hardware store, the Liberty Herald Printing Office, several law offices in the Smith Block, the brick building of J. L. VanGorder, and the three-story brick building of Daniel Gilbert, on the corner of Market and Park. the store of Iddings & Best, the publie market house, Democratic printing office. the postoffice, the county treasurer's office, the store of B. P. Jameson (here a man lost his life), James Hoyt, Patch and Allison, were all destroyed. The park was filled with all sorts of merchandise, furniture. The store of Henry Stiles and Asael Adams, standing just north of Market, on the east side of Park, were saved. although the goods were car- ried ont and more or less damaged. Many ladies were in the rank of the bucket brigade and did heroic work in helping to save these
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buildings as well as the bank. Little insurance was carried in those days and the financial loss was very great. Among others suffering loss in this fire were: A. Bartholomew, Morgan & Stell, Lott & Freeman, L. S. Kibbee & Son, Kibbee, Moser & Co., Thornton & King, L. Graham, A. F. Hunt, Zalmon Fitch, J. W. Collins, J. M. Milligan, A. Inke & Co., Daniel Jagger, George Anstin, Fred Bolemyer, J. & J. Dunlap, Caleb Peck, J. R. Williams, Levi Nichols, A. Luke & Co., A. & C. Westcott, the postoffice, Woodrow & Chapman, Day's barber shop, Dr. W. Iddings, Dr. J. Farrell, and two or three lawyers' offices on Franklin street.
The old Western Reserve Bank stood where the present Union National stands, and George Tayler, with the assistance of friends, heroically saved this building, which was on fire several times. The Odd Fellows lodge, several doctors and lawyers had their rooms and offices burned and suffered accord- ingly. Changes were made in firms and in businesses at that time. The Liberty Herald was never issued again; the pub- lisher, Mr. Tait, became librarian of the Cleveland Public Library, and the editor, Mr. Rice, became editor of the Ohio State Journal at Columbus.
Although the fire of 1846 has been handed down in press, and by word of month, the following is quoted from a letter which the mother of Samuel Dickey wrote to him when he was in New Hampshire on a visit, "Ere this reaches yon, you will doubtless learn from public papers what a great conflagration there has been in Warren, last Monday night. Some say even greater than that in Pittsburg, according to the population of the place. On Monday night abont half past eleven, I was awakened by the church bell. Looked out of the window and saw a bright light. I thought in the direction of the Preshy- terian church. We got up, partly dressed ourselves, and went ont to the road. Found it sonth of the church. Your father called up John and Jake and he, himself, went as far as the bridge barefooted. He could then see it was on Market street. He could see VanGorder's block all aflame, Smith & McComb's store burning and likely to take the whole of Market street, and Main street. He came home, dressed himself, went back again. got into line and stayed until the fire subsided, which was abont three o'clock. When he came home, to our deep re- gret, he told us Market street was in ruins as far as Adams store, market house and all, and Main street above the post
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office. One or two houses on the other side of the street were saved with great exertion. There are no other stores remain- ing now except Adams' and Stiles' on Liberty street, on Main street, Hoyt's, Charles Smith, and many of the goods of those stores were taken out and much injured. Our friend, Towne, had almost everything taken out of his house and a great many other houses were emptied of their contents. Mr. VanGorder remained in his house so long, clearing out goods, that his friends were alarmed about him, and he had at last to jump out of the second-story window. Mr. VanGorder is said to be the greatest sufferer among them all. He is said to have lost $10,- 000. He had intended to have insurance when he completed his fine block of buildings. The sympathy of the public are deeply enlisted for him. It is supposed he will go on with the flour mill across the river. There is a good deal of property covered by insurance. Mr. Bidwell says the insurance companies of Trumbull County will break up and that he himself will lose very much."
Warren now knew that one thing it must have was an efficient fire department. In July, of this same year 1846, James Hoyt and Oliver H. Patch, upon request of the citizens, went to Cleveland, purchased a Button at the cost of $600. This was the type of hand engine with which we are all familiar. It was a great improvement on the old one. There was little or no money in the treasury at the time, and apparently the town had no right to levy a tax. However, then, was done the thing which always can be done when an emergency arises, a way was found to use an old and unused law in regard to bonding the city for this purpose. This statute allowed the treasurer to issue certificates on the treasury which were receivable for taxes. After a good deal of effort a sufficient amount of certifi- rates were sold to pay for the engine. The old fire company was abandoned, and a new one was perfected. Charles Mes- senger became the chief. (William's History of Trumbull & Mahoning Counties.) "The Conneil offered a standing premium of $3 to the member of the company who would reach the en- gine house first in case of fire. The house stood on Liberty street, back of the First National Bank building. A close con- test was made for this prize, on the night of the great fire of 1849 which consumed two blocks on Market street. The fire was seen apparently at the same time by W. R. Stiles and James Hoyt, both merchants. Both ran with all possible speed toward
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the engine house, where they arrived so nearly at the same time that at the instant Mr. Hoyt grabbed for the latch, Mr. Stiles seized it, thus winning the money."
The constitution of the Mahoning Fire Company No. 1, adopted in 1863 and of Neptune Fire Company, No. 2. adopted in 1868. are on file in the present fire department. Part of article 4 of Mahoning reads, in reference to members. "On the alarm of fire they shall repair to the engine house to assist in conveying the apparatus to the fire-to assist in using it while there-and to return it to its proper place in the house. Any member leaving the apparatus without the permission of the foreman, or the commanding officer, shall be subject to a fine for the first offense. of 1212 cents, for the second offense, 25 cents, and for the third offense, expulsion."
In the Neptune constitution, we read, "No person shall become a member of this company under the age of seventeen, or who is not of respectable moral character."
In both the constitutions, great stress is laid on fines and on expulsion. In the old records we find several dismissals for drunkenness.
In an old book at the fire department, yellow with age, are the following names of the active members of the Neptune Fire Company No. 2, for 1867: W. J. Kerr, W. H. Herzog. D. H. Hecklinger, Whit Adams. R. S. Elliott, John Hardy. B. Gear- ing, David Camp, C. S. Fusselman, Frank Camp, Adam Mack. Amos Dillon, William Hayes, Marion Wisell, Joseph Robinson. James Robinson, George Gandholt, Robert Clark, James Park- er, John Spear, J. L. Smith, L. Hecklinger, A. Burnstein, Joseph Alescenter, Sam Tandzenheizer, W. Clark, H. A. Strong, Eli Vakir, H. Schultz, J. Hammell. Ben Miller, W. Bushnell. J. Lewis. James Moon. R. Braden, J. M. Tuttle. H. M. Pierce, Andrew Hahn, John Moon, Joseph Waldeck, A. N. Dietz. S. Miner, V. Cady, Byron Harrick, Levi Camp, Alfred Wilson, Theo. Boholsky, William Crawford, Horace Bushnell, Fred Squire, John Wrecter. R. S. Wilkins, Z. Long. W. Brown, J. W. Gilbert. Patrick Duffy, Adam Waldeck, D. Symes. W. Ward. Jr., W. F. Peffers, S. Wright. W. Morris. A. Winders, Andrew Jewell, Bostick Parker, D. D. Drennen. C. W. Tyler.
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