USA > Ohio > Ashtabula County > History of Ashtabula County, Ohio > Part 72
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fruits of his life-long industry. A sketch of his tasty residenee appears in this volume, in connection with Geneva township. Mr. Parker was on the 12th day of February, 1836, commissioned by Governor Robert Lueas as lieutenant second company First Light Infantry Battalion, Third Brigade, Fourth Division, Ohio State Militia. September 2, saure year, was commissioned captain of same eomupany. The fall of 1837 Mr. Parker enlisted a company in Hinekley, Medina county, and being eleeted eaptain, was, on the 22d day of January, duly eom- missioned as such by Governor Joseph Vance. He was afterwards eleeted major of the battalion, but, as to fill the office satisfactorily at that time required more means than was at his eommand, deelined the acceptance of the commission. Mr. Parker began his politieal life as a Whig, and from that became a Republican. Is, and has ever been, a warm friend of the colored raee. Is a zealous member of the fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons, and affiliates with Geneva lodge. Is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd-Fellows, and formerly a mem- ber of Hinekley lodge, No. 304, and was Past Grand of same; made Master Mason in Meridian lodge, No. 266, in Riehland, Summit county, Ohio. Disunited and united with Jackson (Michigan) lodge, No. 17; disunited and joined Geneva lodge, of which he is now a member. Was elected assessor of Jinks township, Jefferson county, Pennsylvania, in 1847; has served two terms as trustee of Hinckley township, and treasurer of the same township for three years, and has held several minor offiees ; was a heavy sufferer from the Chieago fire, being a stockholder in the Great Western insurance company, which failed iu eonsequeuee of losses sustained in that conflagration ; owns two brick bloeks and a pleasant home iu Jackson, Michigan.
HENRY BEDELL
was born in Amsterdam, Moutgomery county, New York, September 4, 1818, and is the second of a family of seven, the children of William and Margaret Bedell of that place, but who removed to Ohio in June, 1842. They located in the township of Orwell, this eounty, on the farm now owned by Henry Sansom. They are yet living in that township, and keeping their own house. Their ages are respectively eighty-three years. It is quite remarkable that there has not been a death autong these children in all these years. The subject of the present sketchi was edueated in the common schools of his native town prior to his re- moval to Ohio. His occupation has been that of a farmer, and in that capacity has eleared two separate farms. In the year 1864, Mr. Bedell purchased his first land in Geneva. This was the sixty-two acres now owned by O. F. Barry. Oc- eupied this some eighteen months, then sold it and purchased twenty-two aeres of land at the " north centre." Removed his family thither, and made a tour through the States of Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and Indiana. He returned to Ohio, however, perfeetly satisfied that this State was good enough for him. After two or three sales and purchases in 1869, he bought the farm he now oeeupies, which consists of thirty-five aeres, and is situated in lots No. 11 and 12. A view of his residence and pleasant surroundings appears in another portion of this volume. He has been township trustee several terms, and was efficient and prompt in the discharge of his duties.
Mr. Bedell was united in marriage, February 1, 1853, to Luey A., daughter of Sidney and W. A. Curtis, of Lenox, Berkshire county, Massachusetts. From this marriage two children have been born to them, viz. : Luzerne II., born in Orwell (this eounty), January 31, 1855 ; and Mary E., whose birth oceurred in Green, Trumbull county, on the 10th day of August, 1861. These children are both residing at home. Politieally, Mr. Bedell is ardently Republican. Both he and his wife are members of North Star grange, No. 671, Patrons of Hus- bandry. Financially, Mr. Bedell is beyond a eare for a " rainy day," having an ample competenee.
NELSON MALTBY
was born on the 13th day of November, in the year 1827. Is the youngest of a family of nine, the children of Jacob and Sally Maltby, who were originally from Norfolk, Connectient, and settled in Geneva ou lot No. 5, subdivision No. +, being the same now occupied by the subject of the present sketch, in the year 1823. Nelson acquired more than an ordinary education, attending, in addition to his eommon schooling, some eight terms at the Madison seminary, and finishing with two terms at Painesville academy. His early intention was to become a member of the legal profession. He read law for one year at Painesville, with William Mathews ; but was, upon the earnest solicitation of his parents, induced to abandon his legal studies and return to the farm, and his life has been tlrus far devoted to the farming interest, in addition to sueh other pursuits as we shall notice presently. Upon the introduction of sorghumu into this section, Mr. Maltby was indueed to put up a mill for the manufacture of syrup. This was in 1858.
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HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY, OHIO.
The building was a small affair, and the rollers and machinery were of simple con- struction, and propelled by horse-power. Made a few gallons of syrup the first year, and gradually increased the product up to 1862, when the growing of sor- ghum had arrived at sufficient magnitude to warrant the enlargement of the building and machinery. Accordingly this was done. A ten horse-power engine and improved machinery were procured, and the making of cider commenced. The greatest amount of sorghum syrup made at any time was five thousand five hundred gallons, and the average was about that for perhaps five years. With the increase of custom in the cider department, a still further enlargement became · necessary. and a fifteen horse-power engine was substituted. This branch of the business has assumed large proportions. In 1876 there were eighteen persons employed in the manufactory ; sixty thousand bushels of apples were converted into cider, jelly, etc., making some eight thousand barrels of juice. The elegant residence of this gentleman, a view of which appears in another part of this volume, was completed in 1874, is finely finished throughout, and cost the snug suin of four thousand dollars.
Mr. Maltby was, on the 21st day of April, 1852, united in marriage with Helen L., daughter of Warner A. and Hannah Munn, of Geneva. The children of this marriage are Edna Genevra, born May 24, 1853, married December 7, 1876, to Charles B. Tyler, of the firm of Tyler Brothers, grocers, Geneva, Ohio ; Sarah Almira, born June 13, 1855, married May 27, 1875, to Hubert F. Morris, also of Geneva ; S. Eliza, born July 24, 1858, died February 19, 1860 ; Adelaide Elvene, born January 5, 1861 ; Nina Irene, born June 18, 1863 ; Stella Gertrude, born March 13, 1866; Helen Eliza, born January 6, 1869, and Nelson Hiram Wirt, born November 27, 1871.
Mr. Maltby is a member of North Star grange of the Patrons of Husbandry, No. 671, of which body he is at present Master. He is also a member of the church of the United Brethren. Politically, he is a Republican, though, being of strong temperance proclivities, he favors the Prohibition principles. Was always an uncompromising adherent to the abolition element, and was, we learn, one of the managers of the " underground railway," and in that capacity aided many a colored man on his way to Canada. The grandfather of Mr. Maltby was a sol- dier of the Revolution, was a native of Connecticut, and died in Southington, Trumbull county, Ohio, in about 1835, at the advanced age of ninety-seven years. The race seems to be a long-lived one, Mr. Maltby's father having lived to be eighty-eight years old, and his mother to be seventy-six.
NORMAN S. CASWELL.
Among the prominent and influential business men of this beautiful village is the one whose name appears at the head of this sketch. He was born in Mar- cellus, Onondaga county, New York, April 12, 1819, and is the third son of Joshua and Jane Caswell. In 1821 removed with his parents to Centreville, New York. Remained until 1833, when he came to Ohio, locating in Conneaut for about two years, when he came to Geneva. He had lived with his parents, assisting them on the farm and attending district school (in which he acquired
his education), until about 1836. Being then seventeen years of age, he bought his time of his father for fifty dollars, and began work for George Webster, of Saybrook, for nine dollars per month. After two years' hard labor at farming, chopping, etc., he obtained funds sufficient, paid his father for his time, and became his " own man." His first labor now was at Austinburg, in the oil-mill ; here he labored for two years by the month, then went to Indiana and purchased his first real estate, returned to Austinburg, and ran the oil-mill on his own account for two years. Began learning the clothier's trade in 1841. This business he prose- cuted for three years, when, his health having become impaired by over-work, he made a six months' trip to Thunder Bay island on a fishing excursion. In November, 1844, he was married to Maria A., daughter of Philander and Lovisa Knapp, of Geneva. The winter following he purchased a woolen-factory in Girard, Pennsylvania, and removed there with his wife; had then eight hundred dollars. In 1846 disposed of his factory, returned to Geneva, and assisted his father-in-law in running the " Eagle tavern." In 1847 he entered the agricultural implement trade, beginning by selling hoes from a wagon, adding forks, scythe, snaths, stones, etc., in 1849. In 1854 he commeneed the manufacture of agri- cultural tools, in company with O. H. Price, in the " Arcade" building, on South ridge. In 1857 put in a trip-hammer, and made forks, garden- and horse-rakes, cultivators, etc. In 1860 the sales were some twenty thousand dollars, and the trade had extended to Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Michigan. This year he became sole owner of the business, and continued as such until 1868, when he formed a copartnership with Charles Tinker, of Garrettsville, Ohio. Their combined capital was thirty thousand dollars, sales about forty thousand dollars per year. At this time the manufacture of steel goods was conducted at Garrettsville, and wood at Geneva. In 1870, Mr. Caswell founded the Geneva Tool company, selling out his works to this institution; he, however, retained an interest of fifteen thousand dollars, and acted as superintendent for nearly two years. His fine residence was erected in 1872. In 1873 engaged in the produce and com- mission business, and in 1875 built the Geneva flouring-mill, which he still operates in connection with the commission trade. He retains his interest in the tool company, and has been one of the directors since its organization.
His first child, Frank, was born March, 1847, and died in infaney. Loren, the next child, was born April, 1848, also died young. Mrs. Caswell died February 10, 1862, and on November 13, 1862, he was again married, to Emma A., daughter of John B. and Aris Gilbert, of Conneaut, Ohio. The children by this marriage are Byrd G., born March 20, 1864 ; Glen G., born June 20, 1867 ; and Don N., born October 8, 1871.
Mr. Caswell is a member of Geneva lodge, No. 294, Independent Order of Odd-Fellows, also of Encampment, No. 94, Independent Order of Good Templars, No. 491, and North Star grange, No. 671. He is a strong advocate of temper- ance, his politics being Prohibition, he having been identified with that party for some years. His religious belief, one God and no hell. Believes the spirits of departed friends communicate with mortals on this earth. Was elected a justice of the peace in 1854, and served three years. He was a director of the First National bank of Geneva for a number of years.
N.S.CASWELL.
MRS.N. S. CASWELL.
RESIDENCE OF N.S.CASWELL, GENEVA. ASHTABULA CO., OHIO.
EFFE
RESIDENCE OF ISAAC BROOKS. SAYBROOK TP. ASHTABULA CO. O.
RESIDENCE OF O. H. CALLAWAY, SAYBROOK TP., ASHTABULA CO. O
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, GENEVA, ASHTABULA COUNTY, OHIO.
SAYBROOK TOWNSHIP.
THIS township is composed of No. 12 and fractional No. 13, in the fourth range. The original owners were William Hart and Samuel Mathcr. The former of these sold his proportion of the lands to Josiah Wright, whose son Samuel and Jessic Blackington succeeded him. Hart it appears took a mort- gage prior to the sale, and Wright dying before he had perfected his title, the lands reverted back to Hart, and the unfortunate settlers, many of whom had paid entire for their farms, were either compelled to pay again or lose the fruits of their years of toil. Some did this, but we learn that the majority became discouraged, and removed to other localities.
Messrs. Hart and Mather employed Timothy R. Hawley to survey No. 12 into one hundred and sixty acre lots; subsequently Gideon Lcet, Wright's agent, caused a still further survey to be made by Harvey Taggert. Fractional township No. 13, it appears, was divided by the Connecticut land company into equalizing tracts.
TOPOGRAPHY-STREAMS, ETC.
The southern portion of the township is crossed from northeast to southwest by two ridges or elevations of land. These are known as the north and south ridges, and are situated, the former perhaps three and one-half miles from the lake-shore, and the latter some three-fourths of a mile south of this. The surface in this part of the township is decidedly rolling, with a soil principally sandy loam. The northern portion of the township is of a flat nature, with clay soil. Iron ore existed in considerable quantities near both ridges, and has been mined to some extent. Of the geological formation of these ridges we quote from Professor M. C. Read as follows: "The summit of the ridge at this place (the cut on A., Y. and P. R. R.) is two hundred and two feet above the lake. No. 1 of the section is composed of water-washed sand and loam, from four to six feet thick, the maximum thickness being south of the crest of the ridge, where the sand is stratified in billowy lines, evidently carried by the wind from the old beach on the opposite side. No. 2 is yellow clay, and No. 4 blue clay, the first ranging in thickness from twelve feet to nothing; the latter, twenty feet to the railroad track. Both these deposits of clay are unstratified, filled with fragments of the local rocks, apparently having derived the great mass of their materials from them, but containing many fragments of metamorphic rocks, marked with striæ, without water-worn pebbles or boulders. No. 3 is an old swamp, contain- ing fragments of coniferous wood, the earth deeply stained with iron, and, in places, with deposits of bog-iron at the bottom ; the whole swamp had its origin in the eauscs which raised the clay ridge into its position, and was evidently filled with swamp vegetation at the time the waters of the lake were resting upon the northern slope of this ridge, the winds gradually carrying the beach-sands over the crest of the ridge into the swamp basin, and in time bringing it beneath the constantly accumulating sandy deposit."
The principal streams are as follows, viz .: Indian creek, which derived its name from the fact that along its banks was the favorite camping-ground of the Indians during their hunting excursions to this township, rises in the sonth- western part of the township, south of and near the south ridge, through which it passes northerly across the north ridge, and is discharged into the lake about three-fourths of a mile east of Geneva township line.
Big brook has its rise also in the southwestern part of the township, and from two small branches from Austinburg, crosses the ridges, flows into Geneva, wliere it is known as Cowles' creek. The lands along the ridges are well supplied with springs of excellent soft water. There are also numerous mineral springs, and saline springs or dcer-licks, as they were formerly termed. These are situated between the two ridges principally.
SETTLEMENT.
In February, 1810, George Webster arrived in the township with his widowed mother, and began settlement about sixty rods east of the west line of the town- ship. Their log cabin was situated on the spot uow occupied by the residence of Reuben Smith, lot No. 67. This family was originally from Courtright, Delaware county, New York. The next family was Joseph Hotchkiss, formerly from Harpersfield, New York; his settlement was west of Mr. Webster's, and adjoining the west line of the township.
Zadoc Brown, from Blanford, Massachusetts, settled on the south ridge, one
mile east of the west line, in 1811. Stephen Herriman came about this time, as did also Oliver Steward, and, up to the year 1816, there were settlements made by the following persons : Josiah and Samuel Wright, Jesse Blackington, A. Whipple, Thomas Stevens, Theodore Blynn, Jesse M. Wright, Solomon Bates, Jarvis Harris, Charles Pratt, Amasa Tyler, Chandler Williams, etc. The majority of these families were from Pownal, Vermont. They all settled along the south ridge except Charles Pratt, who erected his dwelling on the north ridge, near the centre of the township. Benjamin Sweet, a man who seemed to figure quite con- spicuously in the township, came in an early day and located on lot 46. Of these pioneers, J. N. Wright, Solomon Bates, and Amasa Tyler are yet living in the township. Of other carly settlers we find the names of Asa Gillett, Levi Beck- with, Captain Savage, Abel Edwards.
Of the first white settler (George Webster) we find the following in the MSS. of Joel Blakeslee, written about 1855: " Mr. Webster arrived in the county in the year 1804. He was then but fifteen years of age. The journey was accomplished with two teams, one of horses and another of oxen, attached to a stout wagon. They came by way of Cooperstown, Utica, Cayuga, Batavia, and Buffalo; arriving here, they were told that there was no settlement west until they reached Max, at Cattaraugns. They were to keep the beach some cight miles and a marked road the rest of the way; keeping the beach as directed they turned off into the woods, traveled until night, and, not finding any sign of a habitation, encamped in the dense forest. The next morning they proceeded till about ten o'clock, when they arrived at a log cabin. This proved to be the dwelling of a man nanicd Cnin- nings, who informed them that they had driven in directly an opposite direction from the point intended, and advised them to return direct to the lake-shore. This they accordingly did, hiring Cummings to accompany them as guide. At the end of the third day they reached the shore of the lake, but a few miles in advance of where they left it. On arriving at Ashtabula creck they found the water was high, and, not knowing its depth, of course dared not attempt to ford. There was no house in sight. While considering what course to pursue, they discovered a woman paddling down the creek in a canoe. She proved to be Mrs. Beckwith, widow of George Beckwith, who perished in the snow. She assisted them in erossing the stream, leading the horses by the side of the eanoe; the cattle were obliged to swim. Bed-cords were fastencd together and attached to the wagon-tongue, the other end carried across and the team hitched on, and the wagon floated across ; doubling the rope as it struck the sand, they soon drew the wagon ashore. Attaching the teams, as they were about starting the Hon. Matthew Hubbard rode up. The sight of a white person was a glad one to the family. The land upon which they settled in Saybrook was purchased of T. R. Hawley, he having received it of the proprietors in payment for services as surveyor. At the raising of their cabin the settlers were present from Geneva, Harpersfield, Austinburg, and Ashtabula."
FIRST FRAME HOUSE.
This was ereeted on the south ridge near the centre of the township, in the year 1818. Samnel Wright was the builder, and the materials from which it was constructed were all drawn from the mill of HIall Smith, located at Ashtabula.
THE FIRST SAW-MILL
in the township was built at an early day. Its location was on lot 46, and was erected by Messrs. Wright & Blackington. There is now no mill in the township which is propelled by water.
The first steam-mill was located on lot No. 55, and was erected by Asa Gillett, Jr., in the year 1850 ; this was long since destroyed by fire. The present mills are as follows : one on lot No. 5, with a planer and matcher in connection, this is owned by Ulysses Atwater, and another by MI. & J. C. Wright, located on lot No. 46.
FIRST SCHOOL-HOUSE.
The first school-house (built fall of 1815. Miss Adaline Gates taught the first school; she had twenty scholars) was of logs, and stood on land now owned by Amasa Tyler. Its location was on the south side of the Ridge road ; stood for a few years and was destroyed by fire. The next was a frame strnetnre on lot 56. This was built by Benjamin Sweet, and was occupied for many years for school
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HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY, OHIO.
and church purposes. The present prosperous condition of the schools in the township is shown in the table of statistics at tbe close of this history.
FIRST CHURCH.
The first religious society organized in Saybrook was that of the Methodist Episcopal church, in 1816. As was customary in those early times, they held their meetings in private houses. In about the year 1835 a small church was crected on the north ridge, on lot 43. This we learn was afterwards used for a select school. It is now owned by Omar Gillett, and is occupied for a dwelling. The present substantial church edifice of this society was erected in 1849, is located on lot No. 43. Its cost was some two thousand dollars. The Congrega- tional church, on same lot. was built in about 1850, originally stood on lot 45, and was removed to its present site in 1861. The pastor of this church is the Rev. S. Streeter. Rev. Mr. Wisner occupies the pulpit of the Methodist church. Both societies are in a flourishing condition, with a numerously attended Sabbath- school continuing through the year.
FIRST STORE.
The first mercantile establishment in the township was opened in the spring of 1828, by Hubbard Tyler. It was located on the south ridge, near the Sweet tavern ; was in operation but about two years. The second store began operations west of the centre, on the north ridge, in 1830; Levi Jenks and Henry Harris were its owners. Tbe present stores are one by Bradley Bates, and another by D. R. Garner, both on lot 43; at the depot Richard Hutchinson has the third store, and closes the list.
HOTELS.
The first house of entertainment in Saybrook of importance stood at the centre, on lot 46. This was erected by Benjamin Sweet, in the year 1813. Wm. Crowell, Jr., was the builder. Another tavern was established soon after, by Nathan Williams; this stood, perhaps, one mile east of the first one. Both of these botels did a big business. There is at present but one hotel in the town- ship. This is owned by L. Munson ; was erected in 1872 ; is located on lot No. 72.
A nursery was planted by William Humphrey in 1814, on lot No. 80. Many of the trees planted by the pioneers in different sections of the county were from this establishment.
THE FIRST BIRTH
of a white child in Saybrook was in 1810. This was William, a son of Zadoc Brown. He removed to Illinois many years since.
FIRST DEATH.
The first death which occurred in the township was in the year 1816. This was the infant daughter of Jesse Wright, who was burned so severely that death ensued. The funeral sermon was delivered by the Rev. Joseph Badger, and is believed to have been the first religious service in the township.
PHYSICIANS.
The first doctor who located in Saybrook is thought to have been Solomon Jinks, who began practice prior to the spring of 1828. The present physician is Allen Fouts, who represents the Homoeopathic school.
CHEESE-FACTORIES.
The first of these to begin operations in Saybrook was established by C. L. Johnson, on lot No. 69, in 1870. The first year he manufactured the milk from one hundred cows. In 1875 he did his greatest business, making that year fifty tons of cheese. In 1877 there were made some forty tons; the milk of three hundred cows. This is a private enterprise, and is still in successful operation.
The next factory was at the depot, lot 36, opened by a stock company. They conducted it but a single year, and then disposed of it to P. P. Chamberlin. He is now deceased, and the factory is conducted by his wife.
The third factory is on lot 62, opened by L. B. Brockett in 1872. The business done by these two last factories is considerably less than that of Mr. Johnson's.
POST-OFFICE.
The first one established was in 1816. A. Whipple was the first postmaster. In relation to the first mail-route, it is a fact that the mail was carried along the south ridge some time prior to 1816. Jacob Metcalf was mail-carrier, going at first on foot ; at length the route became passable for teams, and a clumsy lumber- wagon was put into the line. A daily mail was afterwards established in 1821, and was transported along this route by four-horse coaches. At this time it was the great route of land-travel to the east.
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