USA > Ohio > Ashtabula County > History of Ashtabula County, Ohio > Part 87
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The first marriage occurred in 1810, at the residence of Captain Manoah Hubbard, the contracting parties being his daughter, Miss Julia, and Mr. Walker Richmond, of New York.
The first white child born in Plymouth was a son to Daniel Burnet, in 1807, and the first death was, without doubt, a widow lady named Hanan, who died in the spring of 1807.
The first school-house was built in the summer of 1810. It was of logs, and stood in the " hollow," a short distance north of the present cemetery, on the farm formerly owned by Ashor Blakeslec, and the first school taught thercin was in the succeeding winter, by Warner Mann. There were twelve scholars in at- tendance,-the parents paying each his share of the teacher's salary, which was, undoubtedly, a trifling sum.
222
HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY, OHIO.
The first saw-mill was erected in 1809, by Thomas Gordon. on the site where Was afterwards located a woolen-mill. In the spring of 1831, Emmerson Gibbs put in operation a carding-machine, and in the fall of the same year cloth-dress- ing machinery. The next season a mill for grinding corn was also placed in the same building. In 1839 this site was purchased by Messrs. Hubbel & Kenney, and a woolen-factory of one hundred and eighty spindles established. This was destroyed by fire on the night of December 24, 1847.
The first frame house was built by Captain Moses Hall, on the uorthwest cor- ner lot ; the date we are unable to ascertain. And the first frame sehool-house was erected in the spring of 1817, by subscription ; its location was some three- quarters of a mile north of the centre.
The first church organization was that of the Episcopal denomination, April 28, 1536. However, serviees were held by all denominations, from the time of the first settlements, at the houses of the settlers, and at the frame school-house mentioned above. There are now two fine church edifices in the township. The Episcopal, which is located some half-mile east of the centre, was erected in 1841, and the Methodist at the centre, which was not finished till perhaps 1874. The first post-office, and in fact the only one in the township, was established June 16, 1846. William W. Mann was the first postmaster, serving twelve years. The present postmaster is H. J. B. Seymour, whose office is situated at the depot.
The first store was established in 1849, by William W. Mann, in a building then standing between the school-house and the present residence of Charles Wright. Mr. Mann continued in trade some ten years in Plymouth, removing first to East Ashtabula, where lie engaged in the mercantile business for two years more, and then moved to his present place of business, corner Centre and Park streets, Ashtabula. In 1824, and for the five years subsequently, he was engaged as mail boy for the Recorder, publisbed in Ashtabula, which paper was, we believe, the first one published in Ashtabula County.
Peter La Grange also conducted a store in Plymouth for some years, though at present there is nothing of the kind, we believe, in the township.
Plymouth has been largely devoted to the manufacture of butter and cheese, principally by individuals. There are doubtless many farmers in the township
entitled to meution in this connection, among whom are the following, who have for years kept on the average at least thirty cows each : they are B. P. Mann, Levi P. Blakeslee, Cornelius Morgan, Andrew Willey, and H. C. Graham. In 1872 a small factory was started by D. Clump, for the manufacture of cheese, be only eontinning the business in this township one year. The present Plymouth Ridge cheese-factory began operations in the spring of 1875. Tbe location is on the farm of the proprietor, W. B. Johnson (lot number six), from whom we learn that the first year he manufactured the milk from one hundred cows, and his report for that year shows the total number of pounds of milk received was 377,214; number of pounds of cheese made, 34,338; amount of cash received for same, $3444; number of pounds of milk to make a pound of cheese, 10; average price per pound of cheese, 10 cents, net ; to patrons, 9 eents.
During the year 1877 the business has been about the same as first year, cheese bringing better priees, however.
The following shows the present condition of schools, class statistics, etc., for 1877:
Number of school-houses in township, 7; valuation, $4000; whole amount paid teachers, $1035 ; total enumeration of scholars, 214.
ASSESSORS' RETURNS.
Wheat ...
269 acres.
2,557 bushels.
Oats.
64S
18,469
Corn ...
391
44
18,225
44
Potatoes.
128
5,739
Orcharding
25S
11,465
Meadow
1591
1.840 tons.
Butter.
24,145 pounds.
Cheese
52,733
=
Maple-sugar.
11,217
The population in 1870 was 657, and the secretary of state's report shows tbat in 1876 Rutherford B. Hayes received 22 votes and S. J. Tilden 61.
During the Rebellion Plymouth sent many of her brave sons to the front in support of the flag and defense of the integrity of the nation, having represen- tatives in the glorious old Twenty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, the One hundred and Fifth, and doubtless other organizations. They gave to their State and the Union their bravest efforts and much of their best blood.
LENOX TOWNSHIP.
No. 10 of the third range of the Connecticut Western Reserve was first named Millerstown, in houor of Ashur Miller, of Middletown, Connecticut, who was originally the owner of a goodly portion of the lands contained within the present boundary lines of the township. In 1813 the name of Lenox was substituted. During the year 1796 the four easteru meridians of the Reserve were established from its south line to Lake Erie, being the parallel of 41 degrees north latitude. The members composing the surveying-party were, without doubt, the first white persons in the township.
Lenox was not among those townships where the immigrants first commenced settlement, owing, no doubt, to a defect in title. The following from the county records shows the several ownerships :
On September 5, 1795, the State of Connecticut deeded this township entire to Oliver Phelps, as agent for the Connecticut land company. November 8, 1798, the trustees of the Connecticut land company deeded the township with other lands to Gideon Granger, Jr., and Oliver Phelps, who, on March 4, 1800, deeded the sontli part of the township, consisting of twelve thousand six hundred and seventy-eight acres, to Ashur Miller ; at the same time Miller gave quitclaim-deed of the remaining lands in the township, being two thousand six hundred and fifty-nine acres, or the northern part of same, in favor of Oliver Phelps, who, on the 15th of April, 1801. gave a mortgage-deed of the same land (two thousand six hundred and fifty-nine acres) to the State of Connecticut ; and on May 10, 1809, the State of Connecticut executed a quitclaim-deed to Gideon Granger, Jr., whereby the ownership of the two thousand six hundred and fifty-nine acres of land vested in him and his heirs forever. Ashur Miller gave a mortgage of the south twelve thousand six hundred and seventy-eight acres to the State of Connecticut, August 4, 1800 ; and on August 8, 1808, the State of Connecticut gave quitelaim-deed in favor of Burr Gilbert, and for the same tract Gilbert gave a mortgage in return. December 15, 1814, the State of Connecticut gave
another quitclaim of the same twelve thousand six hundred and seventy-eight aeres to Solomon, Alpha, and Martin Rockwell, the decree of foreclosure against Miller having been determined at the November term of the court of common pleas of Ashtabula County.
The first dwelling of any deseription in Lenox township was made by first fixing forked posts in the ground. On these rested a pole for a ridge, and over it were stretehed long strips of bark as a roof. These served also for sides. One end was covered with the same material, while at the front was built the fire, which not only served to warm the occupants, but also to keep away the wild animals with which the forest abounded and the mosquitoes, who, no doubt, were as persist- ent in presenting their bills tben as now. This rude cabin was built by Lisle Asque, and first occupied by him and his family (consisting of wife and four small children) on the night of June 10, 1807. Setting to work, they soon erected the first log honse in the township, and after a six weeks' sojourn iu the bark hnt removed to their new house, which stood near the spot now oeeupied by the frame dwelling of Samuel Asque. Lisle Asque died in October, 1854, and Mrs. Asque in July, 1864. The residence referred to above stood on the bank of Asque creek, on the Jefferson road. Lisle Asque emigrated from Mary- land, on the Chesapeake bay. In 1806 and 1807 a considerable number of farmers and mechanics removed from the city of Washington, D. C., and vieinity, to Lenox and Jefferson. They all, however, after a few years' sojourn iu tbe wil- derness, took their departure for other and perhaps more congenial localities, ex- cept Mr. Asque. A short time after Christopher Randall arrived in the town- ship, with his family, and settled on an adjoining piece of land, residing there some six years. The same season Thomas Johnsou and James Maee, with their families, located on the Granger traet, some three miles southwest of Asque and Randall's. Johnson remained some three years, while Mace only stopped a few weeks. These four families constitute the first early pioneers in Lenox, though
223
HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY, OHIO.
several parties inade previous purchases of land in the township, never, however, occupying the same. Of those who subsequently became residents of Lenox, we find Erastus Oliver and Almon Fowler, Jotham, Cyrus, and Isaac Williams, Benajah and Almerin House, E. S. and Sylvester Gleason, James and Jonathan Bailey, Justice Markham, Chauncey French, Asa Hartshorn, Sylvanus Norton, Horaee Little, - Gun, O. Elmore, O. Bacon, A. Moshier, - Van Wor- mer, Thomas Holeman and family, Hiram Walcott, - Ball, John Halsted, Jesse Wheeler, James Ray, A. Dodge, O. King, J. Lawson, D. HIurlbert, L. Car- ter, J. Udell, the Churches, and doubtless there were others whose names we are unable to obtain at this late date.
On the 22d day of April, 1809, occurred the first marriage sclemnized in the township; this was an event for our little settlement. The parties to this wed- ding were Nicholas Miller, of Jefferson, and Miss Sally, daughter of Christopher Randall of former mention. Who made the twain of one flesh tradition does not statc. Another incident in our annals of pioneer life took place on the 12th day of October, 1810, when a little baby-girl came into the family of Lisle Asque, demanding and no doubt receiving the customary amount of attention accorded the baby everywhere. She afterwards became the wife of Reuben Morrison, of Jefferson. The succeeding year two diminutive specimens of the masculine per- suasion put in an appearance at the settlement. The first was born to Nicholas Miller and wife, February 5, 1811, and the second on the 3d of May, same year, to Christopher Randall and wife. As they were " only boys," of course no one will be interested in knowing " whither they went or how they fared." Upon the Sunday succeeding that upon which Hull the traitor surrendered Detroit and its defenses to the red coats and their Indian allies, the first sermon was de- livered in the township by Rev. Jacob Young, of the Methodist connection, at the house of Liste Asque. This was on the evening of August 23, 1812.
As an illustration of slow transit in these early days, it is stated that in May sue- ceeding their settlement in Lenox, Lisle Asque and James Mace, of this, and three settlers of Jefferson township, started for Warren, Trumbull county, for supplies (Calvin Pease, Granger's general agent, residing there). Going first to Austinburg, they obtained a canoe and proceeded up Grand river to Morgan. Procuring there a flat-boat, they continued up the river as far, it is thought, as Mesopotamia, where, leaving their boat, they struck out through the woods for Warren. Soon losing their way, however, they wandered, without food, two days, and had well-nigh ceased to hope, when one more trial brought them to a house, and they were saved. After suitable rest they proceeded on their way, and in due time arrived at War- ren, without further incident. But they were doomed to disappointment, as no supplies were there to be obtained. They were therefore obliged to quake a fur- ther journey to Poland, now Mahoning county. Teams were there loaded with the necessary provision and forwarded to their boat, and thence home, where they arrived after an absence of thirteen days. Now the same journey could be per- formed in less than one-half that number of hours. To multiply description of the constantly-recurring privations and discomforts attending the first settlement of a country-sufferings constituting the almost exclusive patrimony of the hardy pioneer-would be but to tell again what has been a thousand times unexeep- tionally told.
In 1807 the subdivision of the area south of the Granger traet into one-hun- dred-acre lots was consummated by T. R. Hawley. The survey of the Roek- well traet was made by Charles Parker, in 1808 or 1809, while the ownership was vested in Ashur Miller. In the month of June, 1811, Erastus N. House and Levi French, from Sandisfield, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, made a settle- ment on the Rockwell traet. In the fall of the year 1811, Mr. House put up a log dwelling near the southwest corner of lot No. 24, which was the first house in this portion of the township. On the 24th of March, 1812, Mr. House was married to Sybil, daughter of William Crowell, of Rome. Mr. French and family settled on the land still oceupied by the family. During the years 1814 and 1815, Benjamin Waters, Joseph Walling, Jared Merrells, and Seth Smith, with their families, were the principal additions to the population.
ROADS.
March, 1813. A road was located from Lisle Asque's to the centre of Mills- ford (now Dorset).
August, 1817. Road from a point on the west line, between lots 30 and 31, easterly to eentre; goes out of township between lots 30 and 31.
March, 1818. Alteration of Orreu Elmore's road, beginning west from the north and south road, running by residence E. N. House, then east to said north and south road, thenee east by so much south as to intersect the road at lot No. 24.
Same date. From a corner-post marked 37-34 northeasterly, on line of lots, to diagonal road leading from No. 9 in first range to Jefferson.
December, 1820. From a stake 39-31 north till it interseets the road leading by Lisle Asque's.
Same date. From east line at corner of lots 11 and 12 to west line.
June, 1822. From south line of township, running north 30° west on line of lots to its intersection with road leading from Morgan to Jefferson.
December, 1826. From west line of Lenox, at southeast corner of lot No. 60 in Morgan, easterly to centre of Lenox, thence east on line of lots to east line of township.
June, 1827. State road running through the townships of Lenox, New Lyme, and Colebrook.
The first death in the township was that of Mrs. Sybil House, which occurred July 31, 1818. The body was interred in the cemetery located near the centre, and on lot No. 36. The officiating minister was undoubtedly Rev. Giles Cowles, of Austinburg. The first orchards were doubtless planted in 1808; the first by Liste Asque, on lands now occupied by Samuel Asque, and the second about same time, by Christopher Randall, ou the lot now owned by B. L. Asque, Sr. There were perhaps twenty-three trees in each collection.
The first wheat was two acres sown by Asque, near the orchard lot, in 1808. He also planted two acres of corn and a few potatoes at the same time. It was not until 1818 that a school-house was ereeted in Lenox. The building was of logs, and stood near where is now the house built by Ira French, but owned by Jacob Tisch. Asaneth Waters taught the first term in this house during the summer of 1818. A second term was taught the succeeding winter, in the same building, by N. A. Atkins. The first frame school-house was built in the year 1821, on the premises of Ira French. It stood south of his house, on the west side of the centre road. This building was also used for a meeting-house. The first saw-mill was built in the fall of 1819, by Ira French, a short distance south- east of the present Beede mill. A small grist-mill was also started about this time by N. A. Atkins.
On the 13th day of December, 1819, the commissioners of Ashtabula County ruade an organization of the township, and ordered an election to be held on De- eember 27. It did not, however, occur until the 17th day of January, 1820. The following copy of the record shows the result : " Be it ever remembered that on Monday, the 17th day of January, in the year of our Lord 1820, the electors of the township of Lenox held their first township election. Meeting opened in due time and forin. Nominated E. N. House chairman, Erastus Fowler and Levi French judges. Poll opened, and proceeded to ballot. Poll closed at four o'clock. Found elected Benjamin Waters, Comfort Gunn, and Erastus Fowler trustees ; Levi French, clerk." On April 3, 1820, the first regular township election was held at the house of Erastus Fowler. Ira French, John Lawson, and Benjamin Waters were chosen trustees ; N. A. Atkins, clerk ; Orren Elmore, treasurer ; T. Waters, constable ; there were thirty-one votes cast. The first justice was Levi French, who was elected March 27, 1820, and re-elected March 20, 1823. In 1826, Benjamin Waters was elected the second justice of the peace. After him eame Erastus Fowler, who was succeeded by T. H. C. Kingsbury. Then Samuel Plumb, and after him J. O. Crosby, who served twelve years. Nelson French succeeded him ; served two terms, when M. S. Jewett was elected ; this was in 1866. Gates Hyde, taking his place in 1869, served one term, when M. S. Jewett was again elected, and is still the incumbent. A second justice was anthorized some years since, and II. S. Smith is the present incumbent. At the presidential election held November 3, 1820, there were polled thirteen votes. The vote for President in 1876, as shown by the report of the secretary of state, was-R. B. Hayes, one hundred and seventy-seven. S. J. Tilden, forty-two.
The first Sabbath-school was established probably as early as 1830. Williamu Beach, of the Congregational communion, was its first superintendent, the school convening in the school-house on French's land before mentioned,-which, by the way, was called the Synagogue.
The first church organization occurred in the year 1826, the Rev. -- Carr, Methodist, forming a small elass. In 1829 the Free-Will Baptists formed a class of seven members, under the supervision of Elder John Chauncey.
The first physician who made a permanent stop in the township was Z. Smalley, who settled in 1835, and remained until his death, which occurred in 1843. In the years 1835 and 1836 a meeting-house frame was raised and inelosed. It was located near the southwest corner of lot No 24. It was completed in 1843, and dedicated on the 11th day of October of that year by Rev. Ira Norris, of the Methodist denomination. M. W. Alfred was the first stated preacher. He was also a doctor.
In the spring of 1833 the first temperance society was formed, with eighty-five members. The first post-office in Lenox must have been established some time in the early part of the year 1825, as the first commission for a postiuaster was issued to Col. House, and bears date June 8 of that year. In the year 1837 James Ray converted his dwelling into a tavern, soon, however, resigning the position of landlord to his son, J. M., who furnished entertainment for the travel- ing publie a terju of years. The first select school was taught in the fall of 1841,
56
224
HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY, OHIO.
by M. R. Atkins, a graduate of Allegheny college. This school was kept up until about January, 1844, when Mr. Atkins removed to Jefferson, to resume there the same occupation.
The first cider-mill was erected by Chauncey French and Erastus Fowler, in about 1838-39, on lot No. 36, near where now stands the house owned by Mrs. Bentley. That Lenox may have credit for some of the " iniquitous" institutions, we must go back a little from the regular chronological order. In about 1820 there was built and put into operation on lot 25, by John Udell and Sylvanus Merrill, a small distillery for the manufacture of whisky. It was " in blast" some two years, but just how many gallons of the " simmering compound of liquid devils" were made we are unable to state, but doubtless enough for the good of the neighborhood.
On the evening of June 21, 1823, Lenox was visited by a full-grown hurricane, which uprooted the forest-trees on a strip some sixty rods wide and perhaps three miles long. From a description written by an eye-witness we quote : "Ou moved the spirit of the storm, lowering and terrific as the dark, gloomy Erebus of ancient, classic Greece. Soon heaven's dread artillery announced the coming on of ele- mental strife, the ' windows of heaven were opened,' and such a terrible display was made of the mighty workings of heaven's own machinery as might well appall the stoutest hearts. The lightning was an almost incessant flash, the thunder a ceascless peal, the winds roaring terribly, while added to this was the crash of the towering forest-trees as, uptorn from their roots, twisted and broken, they were dashed to earth by the terrific gale."
In relation to the soil of this township, we learn that it is not perhaps so well adapted to grain-raising as some other portions of the county ; yet for grazing it excels many townships in the county, and taking the average, it is perhaps as pro- ductive as the majority of the other districts in Ashtabula County. Dairying has largely predominated for many years, followed principally by individuals until the year 1841, when Abiather Fowler inaugurated the factory system. His first efforts were in a small way, only working the milk of a few cows belonging to his near neighbors, gradually increasing his business until, iu 1845 (when he closed out, in consequence of an extensive drought), he had five hundred cows contributing. From the time of the elosing of the Fowler factory individuals again made their own cheese until 1861, when John Chapin established a factory on lot No. 55, opposite his house. The first year he made some six tons, which he sold for eight cents per pound. This factory continued in operation till the fall of 1876. The average amount produced has been some sixteen tons per year. In 1863, William De Witt started another factory in the south west part of the township, subsequently removing to the State road. We are unable to give the statistics in relation to this factory, further than the fact that it closed in the fall of 1873. The present factory was established in the year 1870, by T. B. Wire. We are unable to ob- tain the amount manufactured the first year ; but in 1876 the number of pounds of milk received was 3,092,053, from which 300,915 pounds of cheese were made, and sold for the sum of $29,417.17.
In the year 1835 was opened the first store. The proprietors were Messrs. Wing & Carpenter, of New York. The present store is owned by Messrs. Cook & Watson, who keep a general stock aggregating some six thousand dollars. Yearly sales, from thirty to thirty-five thousand dollars. There are at West Lenox a number of industries represented,-wagon-factory, manufacturing shoe-shop, blacksmith-shop, ete.
The first seed drill owned in Lenox was purchased by John Chapin on March 20, 1866; on that and the succeeding day he drilled in sixteen acres of oats. The August and September following he drilled in with the same machine one hundred and fifty acres of wheat.
The township boasts of a fine musical organization, by name the " King Cornet- Band." The first organization of this " institution" was in 1861, under the lead- ership of Prof. H. M. King. They soon afterwards enlisted under Captain W. R. Allen as a brigade band, in General Lane's division. Embarked for Kansas, but on arrival at Chicago found an order from the secretary of war, by which they were sent home. Afterwards a portion of the band went to Governor's island and went into training for the regular service. Returned home in 1863, and in the fall of 1864 enlisted as private soldiers in Captain S. H. Cook's company of the Fiftieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, en route for the front. They were retained at Columbus, by order of General Heintzelman, as a post band, and remained at Todd barracks until the close of the war. The band now numbers sixteen players, but of the original organization but two remain, viz., Prof. King and Captain Cook.
Lenox Grange, No. 1299, was organized, January 18, 1877, by Deputy V. N. Stone. The charter members were J. M. Ray, Delos Smith, T. B. Wire, J. A. McNutt, T. A. Thatcher, William Ashley, H. B. Woodruff, J. O. Holman, John Forrest, and Jacob Tisch, with their respective wives. The officers are J. M. Ray, Master ; Delos Smith, Overseer ; T. B. Wire, Lecturer ; J. A. McNutt, Stew-
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