USA > Ohio > Ashtabula County > History of Ashtabula County, Ohio > Part 67
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PLIN SMITH.
It was in Sheldon, Franklin county, Vermont, on the 5th day of August, 1802, that the subject of the following sketch was born. His father, John Smith, who was born in New London, Connecticut. died when Plin was fourteen years of agre ; he, however, remained at home until 1821, when he came to Ohio, the greater part of the way on foot. Arrived at the house of his uncle, Roger Cad- well, in Andover, on February 15 of that year. His first business on reaching this wilderness was chopping. To procure an axe, he cut an acre of heavy timber and piled the brush ; he estimates that this axe and helve cost him at least seven dollar». HIc then hired out to chop, and continued to prosccute this vocation until he had cleared one hundred acres of forest. From the effect of this labor he became an invalid, and returned to his native place. In doing this he was so fortnuate as to engage for a gentleman to drive cattle over the mountains to Philadelphia. B. F. Wade was his companion, and they received for their serv- ices nine dollars per month ; arrived home, he learned the trade of wagon-making. On January 25, 1>20, was married to Anrelia, daughter of John Weeks, of Shel- don. Vermont, and the subsequent October started again for Ohio, and after some two weeks spent on the road arrived at the above-mentioned uncle's house. pur- chased twenty-five acres of wild land, put up a log house, and began house-keep- ing. The first wagon he built was hewn from the adjacent timber, his wife assist-
ing him in turning the hubs, and also in sawing logs from which to make the rails necessary to fence their farm. They have lived in Richmond and Austin- burg township, but the greater part of their lives was passed in Andover. They are living in Conneaut. The children of this venerable pioneer couple are Philo, born June 6, 1830, married Elsie Frink, and lives in Madison, Lake county ; Jasette, born November 4, 1832; she is the wife of E. B. Linn, M.D .. Rich- mond township; Sagito, born August 23. 1834. married Alicia Lake, and lives in Conneaut. Delia was born April 17, 1836. married Olmstead Baker, and now resides at Andover. Mary was born March 28, 1838; she is now the wife of the Rev. L. E. Beardsley. of Akron, Ohio. John Harrison was born March 29, 1840. married Martha Hartshorn, and lives at Frayer, Iowa. Aurelia, born March 12, 1842, married Cyrenus Laughlin ; home at Rouseville, Pennsylvania. Eliza Ann. the next ehild, was born March 19, 1544 ; died May 29, 1867. Plin Weeks, born January 1, 1847, married Mary Kelley, and lives in Chicago, Illinois. Aurelia A. was born May 6, 1849 ; her husband is Professor N. L. Guthrie, of Conneaut. Lizzie H., born December 12, 1853, married C'has. Morris, and lives at Millerstown. They have been life-long members of the Meth- odist Episcopal church.
GENERAL HENRY KEYES
is an only child ; was born on the 16th day of November, 1793, in New Marlboro', Massachusetts. His parents, Elias and Phebe Keyes, removed from that point to Ohio, in 1814, and made settlement in Conneaut township. The education of the general was obtained in his native State prior to his removal to Ohio ; arriving here his life has been spent in farming, he being now an extensive land- owner and capitalist. Has held numerous offices in his township; was first mayor of the village of Conneaut. The title by which he is familiarly known was given him years since, he having been commissioned as such in the State militia. Jan- uary 19, 1819, he was married to Mary Cale, of Conneaut. The children of this union are Henry P .. born February 14, 1820 ; married Sarah M. Huntington. Alvin C., born October 25, 1821; married Minnie Rupp. These two children reside at Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Mary C., the next child, was born November 14, 1823; she married Edward Grant, now living in Conneaut. In 1824 occurred the death of MIrs. General Keyes, and on July 9, 1829, he was again married. to Vesta Bates, from Cummington, Mass. Seven children have been born to them, viz., Marcus B., who married Louisa Gordon, deceased ; Martin B., mar- ried Ann Eliza Lloyd ; Charles W., died in 1854; Elias A., married Charlotte E. Trenton ; Phebe A., Russel MI., and Milo O. Of these, all living reside in Conncaut, except those designated above.
Politically, General Keyes is Republican. He is a Mason and a member of Evergreen lodge, No. 222, Conneaut, Ohio.
BENONI ANDREWS
was a practical and successful farmer and dairyman, industrious, energetic, deter- mined, and persevering in character. The manufacture of dairy products was his specialty, in which he was self-taught and eminently successful, having been awarded the first premiums at the State fairs in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Zanesville, and Sandusky, and winning for his products prices far above the gen- eral market. He was a critical observer, analyzing and comparing in order to understand the philosophy of his manipulations. He was a good financier, meet- ing his obligations promptly, and never suffered the humiliation of a dun. He performed the duties of magistrate with honor to himself and to the satisfaction of his fellow-citizens.
In his domestic relations he was kind and affectionate. an obliging neighbor. and a true friend. As a temperance man he was a model, his ouly beverage being water. He yielded his influence and gave his support to all movements for elevat- ing the condition of humanity, morally, intellectually, and religiously. He was bitterly opposed to the extension or perpetuation of slavery, and well acquainted with the working of the " underground railroad." From an earnest Whig he became an active Republican, and gave the party his warmest support. He was a warm friend of education, and gave several of his large family the advantages of academical instruction.
Benoni Andrews was born on the Sth day of April, 1809, in the town of German, county of Chenango, New York. He emigrated to Wayne with his father's family in the year 1821. Ile was married to Betsy Palmater in 1825. He soon purchased about three hundred acres of wild land on credit, lying on the north and south centre road, near the north line of the township, which he eleared, improved, paid for, and on which he erceted good farm buildings without pecu- niary assistance. IIere he carried on his business until the financial inflation of 1865, when he sold the entire property at inflation prices, and moved his home- stead to Conneaut, where he died April 27, 1876, at the age of sixty-seven.
169
HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY, OHIO.
REV. ORRIN T. WYMAN.
This gentleman was born at Millville, Orleans county, New York, August 25, 1836. His parents, who were natives of New England, were Oliver and Emily Wyman. The mother is yet living ; the father died in 1861. The education of the Rev. Mr. Wyman was academic. In 1855, feeling the need of a better prepa- ration for the ministry, he, in September, entered " Meadville Theological School" for one year, then became a pupil of Antioch college (Yellow Springs, Ohio). Sickness obliged him to leave this school after two months. September, 1857, returned to Meadville, Pennsylvania, completed a three-years' course, and gradu- ated June, 1859. About October 1, 1854, he left home with an uncle-Rev. S. H. Morse, evangelist-to assist in revival meetings in Chautauqua county, New York. Preached his first sermon at Fluvanna, New York, January 14, 1855. After leaving school continued his studies, and supplied churches at different points in Orleans and Chautauqua counties. Was ordained at a special session of Erie Christian conferenee, called for that purpose at De Wittville, New York, June,
1862, and on the 15th of same month delivered his first sermon in the Christian church at Conneaut, Ohio. The membership, when he became pastor of this church, was not numerous, but during the sixteen years he has been in charge, he has raised its membership to two hundred and fifty, and has thoroughly repaired the church edifice. His labors have certainly been crowned with merited success. Ile is a strong advocate of temperance, and a member of the Independent Order of Good Templars and Royal Templars of Temperance. In politics, Republiean. He is also president of the Erie Christian conferenee, and a trustee of " Christian Biblical Institute," at Stanfordville, New York.
On the 7th of September, 1859, he was united in marriage to Miss T. V., daughter of Newell and Lucy Putnam, also natives of the New England States. This estimable lady received an academic education, and was a teacher for several terms. She is also a member of the Christian church.
But one child has blessed this union, Benson N., whose birth occurred on June 17,1863.
HARPERSFIELD £ TOWNSHIP
IT may appear to the reader, perhaps, that the history of this, the pioneer town- ship of Ashtabula County, should be of length commensurate with the date of settlement. To such we have but to say that, as those who came here eighty years ago have finished their labors, and, in many instanecs, have left no descend- ants, we have been compelled in the preparation of this history to depend almost entirely upon tradition for details, except in the case of the first three families. As we have received it so it is given to you, and the simple fact that we do not manufacture history must be our apology for its brevity.
In the year 1797 a number of persons residing in Harpersfield, Delaware county, New York, formed themselves into a company, and in June of that year entered into a contract with Oliver Phelps and Gideon Granger, of the Connecti- eut land company, for six townships of land in what was then termed New Con- necticut, at the Northwestern Territory. The present township of Harpersfield was one of the six so purchased. This company was comprised, in part, of the following persons : Aaron Wheeler, William McFarland, Roswell Hotchkiss, and Alexander and Joseph Harper. The September following a committee was sent to Ohio for the purpose of ascertaining " how the land lay." After due search it was decided that Harpersfield was the most cligible locality in which to commence settlement, and accordingly, on March 7, 1798, Alexander Harper, William McFar- land, and Ezra Gregory, with their families, and Benjamin Hartwell took their departure from old Harpersfield for this " El Dorado" or " land of promise." Arriving at Rome, New York, they remained until the 1st of May, at which time the journey was resumed ; first in boats to Queenstown, from thenee by teams to Fort Erie, going up on the Canada shore, as there were at that time no roads west of the Genesee river ; in faet, there were but three families in Buffalo, and only a garrison at Fort Erie. At this point they found a small vessel (which was used to transport stores for the garrison) about ready to sail. In this a passage was secured for the families and a small quantity of provisions. The vessel was too heavily loaded to adiuit of much additional weight. It is thought that this vessel was the only one owned on the American side of Lake Erie. Arriving at the Peninsula, they were, after a week, enabled to procure siuall boats, with which to complete the journey, and by the aid of which they arrived at the mouth of the stream now known as Cunningham creek on June 28, 1798, and the first night encamped on the beach of the lake, with no other shelter than the " starry- decked canopy of heaven." The following day they ent a road through to what is now Harpersfield, and at evening made an eneampment in the northwest eorner of the township; and it was here, near the residenee of Phineas Pixley, that Alexander Harper erected the first log house in the township, and undoubtedly within the present limits of Ashtabula County. The evening of their arrival, however, a rude bark hut was constructed beneath the wide-spread branches of a giant tree. This must have been a capacious affair at least, for we learn that the whole colony-consisting of twenty-five individuals of all sizes-found an abiding- place for some three weeks within its walls.
William MeFarland located originally east of Unionville, where he remained a few years, eventually removing to the south side of Grand river, and made a per-
manent location on lot No. 76 (now owned by F. B. Brakeman ), where he resided until his deeease, March 20, 1820. He was a valued member of the colony. And we have often heard the title " Unele Mack" used in connection with the school days of our honored muothers,-le having taught several terms of school. Ezra Gregory also went south to the river, living for perhaps one year on lot 80 ; removing in the fall of 1799 farther up the stream, and making a permanent location on lot No. 90.
Mr. or " Judge" Gregory, as he was familiarly called, was also a public-spirited man, and it was through his efforts that many early improvements in the township were brought about.
In July, 1799, Joseph Harper and family joined the colony, and in October of the same year Aaron Wheeler and family arrived, and with them John Harper, and located near the present Episcopal church. This year also Daniel and Abra- ham Bartholomew, and a sister, Betsey, from Wooster, Otsego county, New York, arrived in the township, and located on lot No. 9, erecting a log house a little north of where now stands the residence of Orlando Miller. Late the same fall Daniel returned for his family, which consisted of a wife and four children (the youngest of whom, Daniel B., is yet living, and is thought to be the oldest pioneer resident of the township), and on March 3, 1800, arrived at the mouth of Cowles creek. The ice upon which they had driven from Buffalo had parted from the shore, and much difficulty was experienced in effecting a landing. In June, 1801. Ebenezer Hewins and a brother, William, originally from Stockbridge, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, arrived in the township and located, the former opposite the present residence of B. D. Bartholomew. Remained there until the winter of 1811, when he removed to the house now oceupied by D. M. Dow, keeping in this house the pioneer hotel, known in old staging times as " The Bull." Mr. Hewins was an upright, honorable man, and for many years associate judge of the common pleas court of Ashtabula County ; was also county commissioner, fill- ing that and other county offices to the satisfaction of his constituents. His brother William located on the farm now occupied by his son, William A.
In 1802, John Brakeman, of Davenport, Otsego county, New York, arrived in the township, and located on lot No. 77, now occupied by William D. Hutch- ins. IFis was a numerous family,-Mary, the fourth child of this gentleman, afterwards became the wife of Gustavus H. SeChevercll, and to this couple the writer is indebted for numberless favors.
Ezekiel Woodworth and family, and Levi Montgomery and family eame about the same time ; the former of whom located south of Unionville, on lot No. 48, now occupied by his heirs. Montgomery located just down the river from Brake- man's, on lands now owned by Galusha Tower. This year also came - Meeker and family from Delaware county, New York, who located on lands now occupied by John Saxton (lot No. 96), and remained there until his death. This gentle- man was the grandfather of Charles Atkin, to whom we are indebted for assist- ance in the preparation of this history ; also Davis Williams, who settled on lands now oceupied by Mary Williams. In the spring of 1803, Joseph Bartholomew and family arrived, and began housekeeping iu the log eabin erected by his
170
HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY, OHIO.
br thers .- David and Abraham .- who had removed to the farm now owned by Frank Knapp. Their log cabin stood on the north side of the ridge, near Knapp's Farn.
In 1504 a number of persons began settlement in the township : among these were Thomas Atkin and family. who located on lot 110. now occupied by Charles Atkin ; Eleazer Davis and family, who was the first settler on the Iliekok road, hi- hour having been erected near the spot now occupied by the dwelling of John Harly (lot 20). In this year also JJohn Lamont | usually pronounced Lemon) and his son Robert and Benjamin Custin arrived in Harper-field, from Geneva (they having lived there some three years previous . and erected a log cabin on the corner of lands owned by John Brakeman. Of these persons, we learn that Robert. in the early part of the War of 1812, joined the Northwestern army, and after the disastrous affair at the River Raisin, was dispatched by General Harrison with a flag of truee to Malden, then under command of the white savage. Proctor. On their way the party stopped for the night in a log hut, which stood where is now the thriving city of Toledo, affixing their flag near the entrance. In the course of the night a party of the enemy came upon them, and in total disregard of the flag ( to which they had trusted for safety), fired through the opening left for a chimney. killing Lamont instantly, and wounding the French guide and Dr. MeGehan. his traveling companions. Robert was an only son, and hearing of his murder. the old man. his father, became frantie, raved at the destitution of British honor and of Indian barbarity, and swore ven- geance on them all. "Tis said many a red-skin lost his sealp to avenge the anger of the father. In 1805, Jacob Tiffany made the first settlement on the river road east of the centre. His house was near the present one of Daniel P. Tuttle. Of other settlers at about this time of whom we have no details, we find the names of David Hendry, William Blanchard, Michael Thomas, Benjamin Morse, Daniel and Gilbert Prentice. and it is highly probable there are others whose names are forgotten. Of additional settlers on the south side of the river, David Brainard occupies an honorable position, he having arrived in the township from old Har- Dersfield. New York. in 1813, and located on lot 104. This property is now occupied by the youngest son, Newell W., with whom resides the father, at the advanced age of eighty-nine years. Josiah Dodge and Jehoiakum Burget settled in the township about the same time, and Archelas Parker and Isaae Patehen a few years later ; William Burget and family located on lot 118 in 1817 ; Samuel Wilder about same time located on lands now occupied by his son Benjamin.
SCHOOLS.
In the year 1802 a log school-house was erected ou lot No. 14, and a term taught therein the summer of the same year by Elizabeth Harper, who after- wards became the wife of Judge Tappen. This was the first school-house ereeted in the county. The winter subsequent the school was taught in the same build- ing by A. Tappen, at which time scholars were in attendance from Windsor and Burton townships.
The first frame school building was ereeted in the year 1817, and was located at Unionville. It was two stories in height, the upper part of which was oeeupied for a Masonie hall, and the lower for school and church purposes. The first sehool- house on the south side of the river was of logs, erected in 1827, and stood near where now stands the eCheverell meeting-house. Miss C. Brakeman taught a summer school the same season the house was built. There were some twenty scholars in attendance, and she received for her services the sum of seventy- five cents per week.
In 1577 there were ten school-houses iu the township, which were valued with grounds at five thousand dollars. There were of the requisite sehool age three hundred and thirty-nine, and the total amount paid teachers for the year was one thousand three hundred and fifty-eight dollars.
CHURCHES.
The first sermon delivered in the township was by the Rev. Joseph Badger, who came on to the Reserve in the year 1800 as a missionary. Where this meet- ing was held we are unable to learn, but it was doubtless at one of the pioneer dwellings.
The first edifiee erected for church purposes was on lands formerly owned by Judge Hiekok father of Hiram Ilickok, who has aided us materially in the preparation of this sketch). This was of hewn logs, and was probably built in 1504. In about 1830 the first frame church was erected. This was on lands now owned by Manuel Wharram (lot No. 104). and was known as the " Baptist Meeting-house." This was built by individual subscriptions ; gradually went to decay. and some few years since was torn down. The church at the eentre was erected in, probably, 1-36. This was also by subscription. and was a union church. There was at one time a large and flourishing elass here, with a fine choir and Sabbath-school. The church-going people have, many of them, removed. and
a new element taken its place, and now regular religious services are discontinued, and the building is rapidly going to decay. The church at South Harpersfield was formed at the house of G. H. S.Cheverell. where many pioneer religious meetings were held prior to the crection of a church. This class consisted of seven muembers, the leader of which was G. H. S Cheverell. The Rev. John Crawford was the preacher in charge at this time. In about 1846 the church edifice at this point was erected | corner lot No. 122), and is now in a flourishing condition, with a large membership, choir, ete. Rev. S. S. Collier is the minister in charge at present.
The Episcopal church, situated about one-half inile east of Unionville, was ereeted in about the year 1831 ; have now no settled pastor. There is also a Congregational church at Unionville. In 1816 the eecentrie divine, Lorenzo Dow, delivered a sermon in the barn of Judge Tappen. The citizens generally attended, and many amusing anecdotes are related of this discourse.
POST-OFFICES.
The first one established in the township was in about 1820. Ezra Gregory was commissioned first postmaster, and the mails were distributed from his house, which stood on the hill north of the river. The present postmaster is Ambrosea Jerome, and the office is located at the eentre. In about 1830 another post-office was established in South Harpersfield. Gustavus H. S.Cheverill (through whose efforts, mainly, the office was established ) was commissioned first postmaster, and the office was kept at his house on the State road for a number of years, removing to the centre road in about 1850. He continued to be postmaster for a term of years. E. Phillips is the present postmaster, the office being kept at his residence on lot No. 137.
ROADS.
The first road in the township, and probably in the county, was laid out in the year 1802 by Aaron Wheeler. Eliphalet Austin, and Solomon Griswold, commis- sioners. James and William Harper and D. Bartholomew comprised the survey- ing-party on this occasion. This was what is now known as the south ridge road, and was formerly the route of the primitive stage-coach from Erie to Cleve- land. The first entry on the commissioners' record shows that in March, 1915. a road was opened from " D. Hendry's to John Brakemau's." June, same year. " From the west line of the township, at the end of a road lately laid out from Painesville, through Madison to Harpersfield line; thenee northeasterly, parallel with the ridge road, to Ashtabula creek." March, 1816, " From near the house of Judge Hewins, thence southerly to the Windsor road." June, same year, " From the river road, on the southeast corner of David Brown's lot of land. thenee west to the road from John Lamont's to the ridge road, at the southeast corner of William Ellis' land." Same date. " From the northeast corner of Ben- jamin Curtin's lot, aud running easterly to the road leading from Zeri Cowles' tu Austinburg mills." December. 1817, " From the northwest corner of lot No. 102, and the northeast eorner of lot No. 113, and running south between said lots to the southeast corner of lot No. 151 and the southwest corner of lot No. 150 to the south line of township." Same date, " From a little east of the northwest corner of lot No. 75 to Thompson's road, west of A. Stiles' barn, on lot No. 107." De- eember, 1818. " From the ridge road to the lake on the west line of the county." December, 1819, "From the southeast corner of lot No. 119, running thence through lot No. 134 to the house of Samuel Wilder, on lot No. 133; thenee east- erly through lots Nos. 132 and 131 to the south corner of lot No. 115; thence to east line of township." Same date, " From the Windsor road, on north line of lot No. 105, and site of bridge on lot No. 71." June, 1820, " From west line of township, between lots Nos. 128 and 144; thenee easterly on line of lots to each line of 117 and 133; thenee northeasterly to east line of township, intersecting Windsor road between lots No. 113 and 129." June, 1821, " From the ridge road opposite the Geneva centre road, on or near the line between lots Nos. 7 aud 8; thence south to road leading to bridge on Grand river."
MILLS.
The first saw-mill ereeted in Harpersfield township (and possibly in the county ) was in 1803, ou Grand river, lot No. 89, by Ezra Gregory. And a grist-mill was soon after put in operation at the same poiut. This was what was afterwards known as the " Schillinger Mills," and for many years did a flourishing business. In time other will- were established in more accessible locations, and this mill went into decay, until at this date not a vestige of it remains. In 1822 or '23 a saw-mill was erected on the same stream, near the centre of the township. This was burned. and in 1837 John Ransom began operations at this spot, ereeting a woolen-factory. grist- and saw-mill. The business, under the energetie management of Mr. Ran- som, rapidly inereased. until perhaps 1843, when it was at its zenith. He was employing from thirty-five to forty workmen, and had erected quite a village of tenement-houses for their accommodation, was operating an extensive store, and
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