USA > Ohio > Stark County > Combination atlas map of Stark county, Ohio, compiled, drawn and published from personal examinations and surveys > Part 5
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EARLY CHURCH HISTORY.
Impressions of character extend through successive generations. Fromn small and wenk parties they have grown powerful and numerous. The Presbytering Churob in Canton was organized by Rev. MeCinin, in September, 1821. 'Till 1833 meetings were held at the old court-house or private rooms. The first church foundations were laid in 1827; it was finished in 1833; remodeled in 1844; and a bell puit in the steeple in 1858. Jos. B. Morrow was its first pastor ; installed June 21, 1826. Rev. T. M. Hopkins sucecoded him, in 1830. Other pastors were Wm. D. Reeves, S. T. Porter, and W. W. Taylor. In October, 1846, Rev. E. Buokingham eume to Copton. In the evening's service, the entire assembly sud- denly left him to see a nine-pin alley burn on Cherry Street. llo remained a quarter-century. The present church oost over fifty thousand dollars. Its corner- stone was laid August 18, 1867, and it was dedionted in April, 1871. W. J. Parker is pastor.
The Doptist Church was organized April 28, 1849. It had hut sevon members. The first building used for worship was erected by I. M. Allen for a school-house, to which uso it was applied in 1851. The prosent church was finished in 1871, and cost shout thirty-five thousand dollars. It will seat six hundred persons. W. A. Smith is pastor.
The Catholics are represented by two oburobes in Canton, and nearly a dozen in the County. St. John's is the oldest. It was built by Bishop Ilenni, in 1818, at a cost of five thousand dollars, and, standing on the hill north of the town, was in use for over forty years. The uow church, costing about seventy-five thousand dollars, was dedicated in 1372. Bishop Roscoranz laid the cornor-stone. Father Bartbalet is pastor. St. Peter's was organized in 1815, by llenry Luhr, with fifty families. The samo year they finished a church at a cost of seven thou. sund dollars. The foundations of a new church are laid, which, ou completion, will cost ovor one hundred thousand dollars. Victor Arnould is pastor. Tho two congregations number over six hundred families. The schools are taught by "Ladies of the Snored Heart" from Cleveland, and enroll six hundred and fifty childron,
The first Methodist exercises were hold in the old aondeiny. Futher Toffler and John and Thomas Dunfield were the chief supporters. The first church-a framno-was huilt in 1830, Milton Colt boing pastor. The new church, a bonu- tiful struoturo, was ercoled in 1863, at n cost of only forty-oue thousand dollars. Four wowbers, E. Dall, C. Aultman, L. Miller, aml T. R. Tonner, each gnvo nine thousand dollars to the work. C. W. Smith is in chorgo. Membership about three hundred and fifty. The second Methodist Episcopal Church was au out- growth from the first, in 1871. A building is in course of construction to cost about eighteen thousand dollars. Rov. G. A. Lowman is pastor. Mombership, two hundred.
Other denominations aro well roprosonted by handsomo churoliey, Among them are tho Lutheran,-L. M. Kubus, pastor. Tho Geriunn aud the Baglish Reformed aro in charge of P. Horbruck and his son, E. P. llerbruck, promising us an orator. Rov. Ingratu is pastor in tho Disciple Church, J. C. Laverty in the Episcopalian, and Elder Dooth in the United Brethren. Cauton forgets not the source of hor prosperity,-sbo is a city of churches and church- goers.
ASSOCIATIONS AND SOCIETIES.
In union there is strength. A clear recognition of this moxiw has bonded the munbood of Stark County in various orders, which, having the Golden Itulo for their motto, bave grown in numbers and importance, and aro thriving healthily.
Oral- Fellowship .- On June 9, 1845, the first meeting of Odil-Fellows was held in Stark County. The first boaril of officers was: O. P. Stidger, N. G .; James Armatrong, V. G .; Geo. Miller, Sec. ; and Ralf A. Ingersoll, Treas. The first meetings of the lodge were held on the second floor of what is now known as Bowen's grocery, in Sleepy Hollow, on Enst Tuscarawas Street. It was a part of the old Union tarern. Nimissilla Louge, on its twenty- fifth anniversary, hod initinted three hundred and thirty-nine members. Desides this lodge, there is the Mnoheim, of Cantau, the Stark, at Canton, tho Sippo, in Massillon, and the Alli- ance, at Alliance; ulso Daughters of Rebeces (suggested hy Schuyler Colfnx), and tho Contou Encampment. Other lodges exist at Navarro, Fulton, Minerva, and Waynesburg.
Musokic .- Cunton Lodgo, No. 00, was organized on the 1st of March, 1821, by Muses Andrews, W. M .; James Drennan, S. W .; D. C. Goodwill, J. W .; J. W. Lathrop, Orcu Pitkin, Josiah Brown, John Whipple, and Aaron Norton. At a semi-centennial, held on March 10, 1871, J. C. Dockius and Harmon Stidgar were present as the only survivors of those who signed the original constitution. The first Masonic celebration was hed on June 24, 1823. There were present from Canton fifteen, Wooster three, Now Philadelphin three, Now Lisbon four, nail Mousfield nine. They met at Philip Troup's tavern, marched to the court-house, where Brother Jones officiated, and thenco to Dewalt's tavern to supper and enjoyment.
Stark County Agricultural Society has keen in existenco somo twenty-five years. Its fairs have been generally successful. It owns some twenty acres of grounp within city limits to the northeast, is financially sound, and bas about four bun- dred members.
There are several lodges of Patrons of Husbandry organized in the County. The Y'onay Men's Christian Association was organized, in 1866, by Heury C. Fuglo and bori Miller. The society have heen and still are activo workers. The phy- wicians of Stark bave for years muintained a Medical Society. Insurance compa- nies are, and wisely ought to be, benvily patronized in the County. The Ohio Farmers' Inanrance Company have insured two thousand five hundred farmers in Stark County. Capital, $200,000. The Mutnal Life Ivanrance Company bas one hundred policy-hoblers in Canton alone, who carry $300,000 insurance. Assets of the company, $10,000,000.
From one, learn all. Human nature is unchangeable. The citizens of Stark believe in progression through association, as is evidenced in mercantile, mining. manufacturing, agricultural, oducational, religious, and various other societies And associations Damed.
STARK'S PLACE IN THE WAR FOR THE UNION.
What wero history without a record of services and devotion to our nation, when she hung crucified between the thieves of slarery and rebellion, gircu and shown by the loyal sons of Molly Stark ?
Four companies sprang to arms at tho tidings of Sumter's fall, and by April 25, 1801, the ranks wero full to overflowing; Captains BleGarr, Beach, Wallace, and Dentty in commaud.
On their return, they sent them back accompanied by hundreds more. The people followed them with numerous generous gifts. Thoy raised a fund for help- less families. Washington Township paid all her volunteers fifty dollars cncb; and when tho vaennt chuirs never more to be filled by loved ones grew many, they nerved their hearts to struggle ou.
It is impossible to say nocurntely how many men were raiseil in Stark County, but under the 75,000 and 300,000 calls the number was not far from 1048.
Represented as follows : Co. F of the 4th Ohio Infantry, three months and three years; 19th Ohio had A, F, and I, thoso companies served timo and veter- aned; 20th and tlst bad parts of companies from Stark ; 42d, one comt any ; 43il, ono company; 61th, one company; 65th, part of n company ; 70th, two companies ; 82d, represented; 104th, three companies and part of a fourth, full August 17, at Massillon; 107th, two companies; 115th, four companies, D, E, I, and F, full September 10, rendezvoused nt Massillon; 13th, one company from Massillon, first in County. The 162d, National Guard, wero out one hundred duys,-all Stark men but one company. The 3d Ohio Cavalry, represented by ono company. Stark's necount hy October 1, 1862, stood thus : eurollment, 7910; volunteers to September 1, 2477; drafted, 541. November 1, 1863, tho enrolled militia of Stark numbered 6182.
Tho members of Stark's Military Committee deserve honorable mention of their names: J. U. Underhill, John C. Mong, G. G. B. Greeuwood, Anson Pease, S. Molby, II. Knoblook, J. S. Kully, D. B. Wyandt, J. F. Reynolds, J. P. Res, and 11. S. Martin. How well Stark stood at the oloso the following shows : quota of Stark for 1864, 408; recruits furnished, 373; drafted, 5; deficit, 30.
FOUR CAPTAINS WHO FELL.
Captain James Wallace, Contou Zouaves, Co. F, 4th Ohio : was wounded at Fredericksburg, Deeemher 13, 1862; died January 4, 1863.
Captain Bernard F. Steiner, of Piko Township, served three months a privato in the loth Ohio; raised D of the 107th ; fell at Gettysburg from a bullet through his head ; came homo to die August 13, 1863.
Captain William Rakestraw, of Washington Township, baving served three months, raised a full company for the 19th; died December 24, 1861. Over his remains wore held the first military funeral ever witnessed in Canton. A hand- some monument marks the spot.
Captain Joseph S. Ilurter, of Canton, served three months, and, returning, re- eruited Co. E of the 115tb; died by accident August 26, 1803.
" How sleep the braro who sink to rest, Dy all their country's wishes blessed !"
GENERAL SAMUEL DEATTY AND THE 19TIL OHIO AT CHICKA- MAUGA.
" They are true to the last of their blood and their birth, And, liko reapers, deseond to tho burvest of Death."
" Immediately Van Clevo became ougnged with the enemy. Goneral Beatty's brigado wont straight nt them with tho bayonet. Deatty hus a brigmile drill of his own. lle taught his men to firo one volley, and, boforo the smoke cleurs nway, to mako a bayonet chargo at a keen run and without a oheer. Straight at the thick und bristling lines they went on the double-quick, capturing four guns andl ilriving the brigade in their front into the gloomy woods beforo them in utter confusion,
" Delivering another volley, they charged again into the dense forest. Here they were met by a counter-charge, and both sides halting, fought each other nt short runge ; so near, indeed, that they could look into each others' fiery eyes.
" I'Inaked ou hoth sides, they were forced hack ighting desperately, benring with them their worthy trophies, prisoners and guns. Fourteen hundred men made that gallant obargo, Three hundred and ninety oamo bnek as Crittenden's overpowered corps fell baok."
22
LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN.
The eld Army ef the Cumberland were climbing the mountain, "londing, firing, ebarging, and cheering ; under tree-trunks, among rocks, facing tho stenily fito of eight thousand infantry, they move upward. Thirteen theusanil men nro charging up. A row of inverted V's slowly mores upward ; at the angles ware the regimental Ongs,-yon enn count fifteen ef thetn. Swarms of bullets sweep the hill; you can count twenty- eight iu one little tree. The rebels tumblo rocks upon the rising line; they light the fuses and roll shells down the steep ; they lead the guns with handfuls of enrtridges in their haste. Just as the sun, weary of the scene, wns sinking out of sight, the advance surged over the crest, with magnificent bursts all along the line, exactly as you linve seen the crested woven leap up at the brenkwater. In a minuto those fings Buttered along the fringe, where fifty rebel guns were keuneled. What colers were first upon the monutain battlement one ilaro not try to say ; bright honor itself might be proud to bear, nay, to fullow, the hindmest. Foot by foot they bad fought up the steep, slippory with much blood ; let thom go to glory together." The soldiery ef Sturk woro worthy of the name; the people of Stark were worthy of their soldiers.
THE NEWSPAPER PRESS.
The Ohio Repository has been elsewhere neticed. John Saxten was editor and proprietor from March 30, 1815, to December, 1831; Joshua Saxton theu beenmo his partner in the publishing department. May 18, 1838, Jobu became again sole editor and publisher, aud continued snelt till 1851. The sen, Thomus, associnted with his father in publicatien, the lutter continuing editor till December, 1866. Captain S. S. Dilley then bought a third interest; next year, be anil Thomas bought the old gentleman's interest.
Thomas Saxten then bought Dilley's interest, and conducted tho paper till 1868, when the Repository was consolidated with the Republican. John Saxton continued upon tho editorinl until his death, in 1871. Ho was, therefore, its editar for fifty- six years. The Repository and Republican, by Josiah Minrtzell and T. W. Saxton, continued till May 1, 187-4, when the former sold to W. T. Bascom, the present editor.
In 1874 the folio sheet beenme a quarto, and took the name of The Canton Repository. The circulation is the largest of any iu Northeastern Ohio. Whig
in the olden times, it has been decidedly Republican since the formation of that party.
The Ohio Staatezeitung was started in Conten September 15, 1873, hy 1lugo l'reyer and John MoGregor. In April, 1874, Preyer bought out his partuer, and continued the paper alene. The same perty started the Stark County Heruld June, 1874.
The Fulton Herahl, in the second year of publication, is conducted by A. J. Baughman, in Canal Fulton. The paper is local, and neutral in polities.
The Minerra Commercind is, potitionlly, Republican. First number was issued, September, 1868, by R. E. Watsen, who, on February 1, 1872, sold out to its present editors and publisbers,-the Wearer Brothers. At Alliance, these gentlemen used the first chrematie press ever gent to this State by tho Press Cempany of Canton while they were doing business in Chienge.
The Alliance Monitor was begun Juty 1, 1864, hy J. W. Garrison, and by him comluetoil as editor and publisher till November, 1869, when it passed out of his hanils to those of A. W. Tuyler, who soen sold to W. K. Brown. In the year 1870 it passoil into the control of Mrs. M. MeClellan Brown, its editress from its ineep- tion. This lady has been publisher and editress sinee January, 1875. Griginally Republican, now Independent.
The Sunday Telegraph begun ns a weekty, in charge ef S. G. MeKlee, editer, McKee & Vanderkar, publishers, in December, 1872; changed te a tri-weekly ; not supported, returned to a weekly, and such continuos. Politically independent; circulation rapidly increasing.
There have been a notuber of ephemeral papers started in the cities of Stark, which died early, or blended existence with the more selid.
The Alliance Review is an outgrowth from the carliest publication of that city, known as the Alliance Ledyer, published by L. 1 .. Lambern in June, 1854. The Ledyer was soll te A. H. Lewis; James Eslett bought Lewis out, and ebunged the onme te Times ; passed to S. G. MoKce in 1856, who published it up to 1861. After this, Barlow & Morgan, Etmslie & Co., and Gotchell Brothers were successivo proprietors. Pattersou & Mekco they brought the office, and issued the Local. Joseph W. Gillespie bought Patterson's interest iu May, 1871, and Mokco's in November of same year, and, changing its polities to Republican, its hand-press to a steam-cylinder, began entirely now, aud has a bonu fide circulation of thirteen hundred.
'The Stark County Democrat was issued in 1833, under its present title, by John Bernardl, who, dying within a year thereafter, was sucecoded by William Dunbar, now of Monut Vernen, first es editur, and ultimately, with his brother George, beomme a proprieter. In time, the Danbars soll to Daniel Getshall, who, in April, 1817, sold ngein te E. L. Carney and B. F. Leiter. In May, 1848, John and A. MeGregor, father and son, became proprietors by purchase. The father dying in September following, the son became sole proprieter, and is still the editor. The Demoernt is supplied with five pewer-presses, driven hy steam ; bas a circulatiea of two thousand, and still iacrensing. Tho eititer has stood by the party, for went
or too, n quarter-century, and experienced the ups aud downs ef party polities.
The Massillon Weekly American was established iu the fall of 186y by James W. Garrison, formerly of the Alliance Monitor. Originally the paper was a quarto, hut was changed to a folio, and enlarged. In August, 1870, Jubn MeCurdy and John W. Geesaman bought and conducted the journal, till December 21, 1550, at which date Messrs. S. & J. J. Hoover bought the paper, and still conduct it. The paper aims at execlloace ; in independent politically, and well supported.
The Massillon Weekly Independent, first issued in 1836, passed through many hands up to 1862, when J. Frost & Ce. tock control, and conducted the paper for ten years. It then passed into the bands of Welker & Taylor, the present pub- lisbers. It is a lively, enterprising sheet ; ciroulatien, seven hundred, and Repub- lienn in politics.
Our thanks are due to many friends for their aid in compilation, No history is faultless, but here is garnered much of value thut ere long bad perishedl. Te R. Il. Folger wo are indebted for bases ef Perry and Juekson; te F. McCall for Sanily and Sugar Creek ; te Dr. Slusser for Lowrenee and Tusearowas; to L. L. Tamhorn for Lexington; and others have given time and attention to our inquiries. This volume, the work of many, inshrines upon its pages the names and nets of a welt- nigh perished race. Its maps aro minutely accurato, the result of travel, close nicosurements, and careful observation. Its biographies are true to life, and a lesson for the rising raco.
Handsome and costly edifices, in city and County, barn been sketched by the artist, and one looking upon these portraits will venerate their memory. Stark hos, within her borders, all the elements of productivo industry and substantial enjoyment.
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNSHIPS OF STARK COUNTY.
PARIS TOWNSHIP.
To the southeast lies Paris Township. In accordance with a petition presented hy Rudolph Bair, it wos incorporated on the first of April, 1818, and the first etection was held on the 11th of April, in the town of Paris. The surface along the Black Creek to the west of the division in comparatively levnl ; to the south- ward bills rise to greet the vision in constant succession, and they are rich in their store of mineral wealth, requiring only the construction of an already surveyed railroad to develop and market their enormous deposits. The proposed railroad passes through the villages of Paris and Robertsville, and may yet waken their dorinant energies. The grado is easy ; the gauge is narrow ; estimated oost per mile, eight thousand dollars.
In erops the hills and valleys alternate according to the season. Near Paris, n large orchard of eight years' growth attracts attention, planted by Jacob Gerwig. Black and Sandy Creeks drain the Innds. Gn rond crossings guide-boards aro universally found, -a fnvorahlo indication.
The first settler on the Clear Fork (to distinguish it from the Maddy) of tho Sandy River was Mr. Rinchnrt, from "Old Pittsburg," Pennsylvania, who arriveil ahont tho year 1814, camped on the bank east of Minorva, cleared a small patch, and built his rude cabin-home. Johu Whitacre, a minister, coming in on De- cember 19, 1819, moved upon land upon which a part of the town of Minerva stands.
In 1821, Mahlon Whitaero settled north of John's place, while Daniel Berger, took up bis abode on land near the Minerva damn.
In the spring of 1820 a saw- and flouring-mill, with the necessary and lucrativo addition of a distillory, was huilt by John Whitnero, and was long known as the Whitacro Mills.
The firm of Hubbard & Taber kept the first store, in 1824, and were succeedod " by John Pool in 1820.
The leading religions seet bore the name of Biblo Christians, and created a strong feeling on sacred subjects during the year 1822. Rovival meetings were held at different houses, and, during the summer, in the woods.
The town of Minerva was luid out in the winter of 1833-34 by John Pool and Jobn Whitacre. Pool was the first guardian and delivorer of mail matter. Tho town has a newspaper and railroad enmarunication with the outside world. Bennet Perdue, in 1834, built a house and entertained travelers. Robarteville was laid out by Joseph Robard, a Frenchman, in 1840, who bought the land from Samuel Roads, wno of the carly peace-guardians. Gf its first tavern, Samuel Young was proprietor. There were no schools until the establishment of freo schools in 1827. New Franklin, in the northeast part of the township, was platted hy Jolin Un- kefer, abont 1830. This man erceted a brick bouso und initiated himself ia tho present obsolete business of tavern-keeping (it is nll hotels now), and gave a nucleus to the town. To the northwest of the township wo come to Paris, whoso Grst atoro-keeper was Robort Alexander. First residont physician, Robort Estep. First justico in the towaship, Daniel Phillips. Daniel Bair put up ono of tho earliest grist- mills, and Peter Gyster, in a little hut, mado it his business to dress suob bides as wero iatrusted to him, and so finds a vamo as tho first tapaer in tho towuship. Jacob Woutz, Bossermno, nud Sponsoller were carly settlers in the northwest port of the towuship ; Neidig settled in the southwest about 1808, nad Ileuning came in 1800 and settled with his family in the western part. The old settlers aro gouo; their dosceudants have indifferent rocollection, nad tho towu- whip records are wasting prior to 1849. Tho township clerk is engaged iu teneh- ing, as aro tho clerks of other townsbips. Churches, school- houses, public-houses, stores, and doctors' offices are indicativo of an ability and disposition to provide for human wants, spiritual and temporal.
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.
Jabn Meeso with his family eamo west in 1809, and settled about ono milo cast of Mount Union, in the midst of au unbroken forest. Ellle N. Johnson came the sato year from Pennsylvania to this neighborhood, to onter government land,
and while prospecting made his home with Meeso. Ile choso and entered the quarter-seotion on which is located the " Pioneer Home."
In 1823 Ezekiel Marsh and John Duval made a small clearing in the northeast part of tho township. No roads were as yet laid out. The nearest road was four mites south of Muunt Union, connecting Canton and New Lishon. A wood path led to a grist-mill at Lexington, five miles north, and a road was brushed and binzed to Salem.
The township's organization dates from December 3, 1821. Tho first election was bold December 25, 1821.
April 14, 1824, Ellis N. Johnson moved into his new log house, ercoted whers his brick now stands on the hill. This was the first family that moved into the present corporate limits of Mount Union. Richard and Amos Fawcett and J. Sharpless owned the lands cornering in the town. Joh Johnson built a howed log honso in 1830 for a dwelling-house and store. During this year a post-offico was granted, and Johnson was appointed postmaster. The town of Mount Union was named from its high position, and at first rejoiced in tho cognomen of Jobs- ville.
The first mail-carrior was James Vaughn, a Harrisburg shocquaker. Ho madn his trip hetween his rillngo and Salem weekly, collecting and distributing as ho weat. Ho went on foot through thickots and cloarings.
Ia 1831 the first road through Mount Union was made. In 1833, the road known as Portago Street in town Was worked. Then, men garo ono day in the week to roads ; now, two days in a year.
In 1834 Juhason kept store, tavern, doctor's office, and post-office in his house. Enoch Shreves looked after the office. Matthins Hester was next storo-keoper. Tavern-keepers were in ilemand, and C. Black and Z. Bolton hought out lfester, and the sture became a tavern. In 1836 Ifilton suceceded them. Great six-horso canvas-covered wagona now camp through, loaded with dry goods and groceries for the towns and villages beyond.
In 1838 " Viok" Milhous, Esq., built a residence and store combined.
1840 is meinorublo in the annals of ths township for Robert Ifilton's temperance moeting. Nfo burned hiz stock of whisky and the notes ho hold against parties for liquor, and kept a tomperoneo tavern.
1n 1840, Wasbington had a population of one thousand three hundred and eighty-nine. It has clevea school districts. "T'ho Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chi- cago Railroad crosses the towaship on tho northwest. Maximo Post-Gffico is on tho road. Frechurgh Post-Gffice is a hamlet in the south. The country is well watored with creeks and hus fino springs in tho east, which aro said to nover fail.
LEXINGTON TOWNSHIP. " Nothing so dear as a talo of the olden time."
Sottlement in Loxington Township was made in the years 1805 and 1800, hy families attached to the Quaker faith, among the first of whom were Amos liollo- way, Zacchous Stanton, Notban Gaskill, Joha Grunt, David Berry, and Jasso Foltz.
Amos lfollowny omigrateil from Virginia and entered land, afterwards chosen for the sito of the oneo promising, now ancient, town of Lexington, and in con- junction with Nathan Guskill was a proprietor of the placo.
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