USA > Ohio > Cuyahoga County > History of Cuyahoga County, Ohio > Part 106
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In 1850 Rev. Mr. Hopkins officiated as pastor. In September, 1851, Rev. E. D. Taylor began to serve the church in that capacity, and continued unti. 1855. lle was succeeded by Rev. Josiah Cannon. who closed his services in July, 1857. In June of that year the church united with the Cleveland presbytery of the New School Presbyterian Church.
For many years after this no records show the pro- ceedings of the church, and in fact, owing to the wa:
and various circumstances, during much of the time there were no regular services. In 1869 a decided effort was made to revive and strengthen the church. On the t4th of April, in that year, it was legally in- corporated under the name of the First Congrega- tional Church of Chagrin Falls. In October follow- ing, the Rev. G. W. Walker was called to the pastor- ate, and since that time the church has been steadily growing in numbers and usefulness.
Mr. Walker officiated until 1822, when he retired to take part in the government of Atlanta University, Georgia. TIe was succeeded in January. 1873, by Rev. T. D. Childs, who remained until May, 1874. At that time Rev. A. D. Barber was called to the pulpit, which he occupied for two years. Rev. Wil- liam Woodmansee also served for two years, and was succeeded in October, 1828, by Rev. Edmund Gail.
The church is now in a flourishing condition, hav- ing about a hundred and ten members. The Sabbath school attached to it has seventy-five members. The deacons are (in 1878) Lewis Gilbert, John Ober and R. W. Walters; the trustees, D. C. Eggleston, John S. Bullard and R. W. Walters; the clerk. George March.
THE METHODIST CHURCHI.
As soon as any considerable number of persons were settled in the township, the indefatigable Metho- dist ministers began to go " on circuit " among them, preaching to those of their faith and to whomsoever else might be willing to listen to their words. Down to 1844 the services were held in school-houses and private houses, there being no other means of accom- modation. In the summer of that year, however, a Methodist church was erected at the village of Cha- grin Falls, which has ever since been occupied by the by the members of that denomination.
Chagrin Falls was a part of a very extensive cir- cuit. The visits of the ministers were necessarily infrequent, and the records kept were of the most meager description. We find, however, that in 1854 the circuit contained Chagrin Falls, Mayfield, Gates' Mills, Bainbridge, Orange Hill, Orange C'enter, Solon, Russell and Chester. The circuit ministers were Rev. Messrs. Patterson and Fouts. These two, together with Rev. D. C. Wright, also served on the circuit in 1855. In 1852 Chagrin Falls and Solon were made a circuit by themselves, on which Rev. E. J. Kenney served in 1857 and '58, and Rev. T. Guy in 1859, 60 and '61. Since that time Chagrin Falls has been a separate station, with the following ministers:
Thomas Stubbs, 1862, '63 and '64; John Graham, part of 1864; II. N. Stearns, 1865 and '66; John O'Neal. 1864: Geo. J. Bliss, 1868; C. T. Kingsbury, 1869 and *40: G. W. Chessebro, 1871; N. II. Holmes, 1822 and 23; W. T. Wilson, 1814: B. Excell, 1875 and '26; A. II. Dormer, 1877 and 78.
THE DISCIPLE CHURCH.
Rev. Adamson Bentley was unquestionably the principal person engaged in founding the Disciple
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Church in Chagrin Falls, In February, 1831, he moved to the point now known as Bentleyville, and at once began preaching in the nearest log school house. Before long there were about thirty believers gathered, and a church was constituted under the general superintendence of Mr. Bentley, with Gama- liel Kent as assistant overseer. The first deacons were R. E. Russell and Zadoe Bowell. For several years the congregation usually met at the Griffith school-house; afterwards at the village of Chagrin Falls.
In 1846 a large tent-meeting of the Disciples of Cuyahoga and Geauga counties was held at Chagrin Falls, which was attended by the venerable Alexander Campbell, the most prominent minister of the de- nomination. Shortly afterward a church building was erected by the Disciples at Chagrin Falls, which has since been occupied by them. In 1849 lectures on the evidences of Christianity were delivered at the Falls by Rev. Isaac Errett, one of the ablest and most logieal of the Disciple ministers. Nine years later, James 1. Garfield, then a young Disciple min- ister, since distinguished as a soldier and a statesman. defended the cause of Christianity in a vigorous dis- cussion with Dutton, a celebrated infidel lecturer. in which the youthful champion displayed much of that thoroughness of information and closeness of reason- ing for which he has in later years become celebrated on a wider field.
Since the war the church has steadily increased in numbers and vigor, and now contains about a hun- dred and forty members, with the following officers: J. G. Coleman and C. H. Welton, overseers: George M. King, Ransom Bliss and Martin Bentley, deacons; Mrs. Jennie Burns, Mrs. Louisa M. Tucker, Mrs. Calista MeClintock, deaconesses.
Ministers have not been regularly employed during the whole of the time since the organization of the church, but have been during a large part of it; the following being the principal persons who have oc- cupied the pulpit: Adamson Bentley, Wmn. Hayden, W. S. Hamlin, W. T. Horner, James A. Garfield, J. II. Rhodes, B. A. Hinsdale, Sterling McBride, R. G. White, W. S. Hayden, J. G. Coleman, Andrew Burns (1872 to 1828), and James Vernon, the present incumbent.
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST CHURCH,
This church was originally organized on the 25th day of August, 1839, at the Isham school house in the township of Russell, Geauga county, by Rev. A. K. Moulton, with nine members, viz .: Henry E. Whipple, John Walters, Reuben R. Walters, Jehiel Goodwill, Emily Walters, Sarah S. Morse, Hannah Mason, Faustina L. McConoughy, Lucy Goodwill. The first pastor was A. K. Moulton; the first deacon, appointed in January, 1840, was John Walters, who still holds that position; the second deacon was Wm. S. Phillips.
In February, 1841, the church was legally incor- porated by the name of the Russell Free Will Baptist Church, and in August following, John Walters, Otis B. Bliss and R. R. Walters were elected trustees.
Mr. Moulton's pastorate closed in September, 1841. A year or two Jater the congregation, having in- creased in members, began the erection of the framed house of worship at Chagrin Falls still occupied by them. It was dedicated in 1844, but was not finished until 1845. In February of the latter year the church took the name of the Chagrin Falls First Free Will Baptist Church.
We are able to give a full list of the pastors with their terms of service, the church record being of ex- ceptional excellence. 1. K. Moulton, August, 1839 to September, 1841: A. R. Crafts. Jannary, 1842 to April, 1843; Walter D. Stanard. June, 1843 to Au- gust, 1844: P. W. Belknap, six months; A. R. Crafts one year: E. HI. Higbee, June, 1846 to February, 1848: G. H. Ball, May, 1849 to November, 1849; Norman Star, January, 1850 to January, 1851. From this time until 1858 there was no regular pas- tor, the pulpit being supplied by the Rev. Messrs. Daniel II. Miller, D. W. Edwards, J. C. Miller, and others. Rev. E. N. Wright was pastor from February, 1858, nearly three years, The pulpit was then sup- plied by Rev. Messrs. Darius Woodworth, R. Clark, E. H. Higbee, R. Coley and others. Wm. L. Hosier served from April, 1862 to July, 1863. George Thomas and others supplied the place of a pastor un- til October, 1864. Rev. B. E. Baker served from that time until October, 1862; W. Whitacre, from October, 186; to February, 1812: C. Steele from then till the present time.
During these years there have been two hundred and seventy-seven members of the church, the pre- sent number being sixty-four. The present officers (18)8) are as follows: Deacon, John Walters: trus- tees, Wm. E. Walters, Augustus R. Vincent, Irwin N. Warner: clerk, R. R. Walters.
THE BIBLE CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
The Bible Christian Church at Chagrin Falls was organized in 1846 with seventeen members. The denomination, which resembles the Methodists in many respects, is of English origin, and this church was established on account of the migration of a number of English families hither shortly before the year just mentioned.
In 1851 the church had increased so that it was able to build a small, framed house of worship, which was occupied by them until 1824, when the present commodious brick edifice was erected. The society was legally incorporated in 1869.
The ministers have been Rev. Messrs. George Rip- pin, John Chapel, Joseph Hodge, William Roach, Wilham Hooper, George Haycraft, John Pinch, L. W. Nicket, J. Harris, J. Chapel, R. Mallet and L. W. Nicket again. The church is now in a flourish-
55
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TIIE TOWNSHIPS OF CUYAIIOGA COUNTY.
ing condition, with sixty-two members, and with a Sunday school of about ninety members.
GOLDEN GATE LODGE NO. 245, F. AND A. M.
This lodge was chartered on the 19th day of Oeto- ber, 1854. the following being the charter members: Caleb Earl, Orison Cathan, Jonathan Cole, Apollo Hewitt, Roderick White, Nathan Hobart, S. B. Kel- logg, Samuel Sunderland, Thomas White, L. D. Mix, Henry Burnet.
The Worthy Masters in succession have been as follows: Caleb Earl, L. D. Mix, D. A. Davis, S. L. Wilkinson, M. A. Lander, C. M. Foote, R. W. Wal- ters, II. M. Doty.
The following officers were in authority in 1828: II. M. Doty, W. M .; C. M. Foote, S. W .; James Lowrie, J. W .; F. E. Adams, treasurer; E. W. Force, secretary; Philip Heintz, S. D .; J. W. Smith, J. D .: S. A. Bayard, tyler.
CHAGRIN FALLS LODGE NO. 290, I. 0. 0. F.
This lodge was organized on the 29th day of June. 1855, the charter members being Thomas M. Bayard, John W. Williams, Il. A. Robinson, Uriah Ackley and Bennett Robbins. The following gentlemen have served in succession as Noble Grands of the lodge for one term of six months each, nuless otherwise speci- fied: J. M. Bayard, J. W. Williams, II. A. Robinson, S. N. Pelton (two terms), J. A. Foote (two terms), W. W. Ainger, G. S. Rathbun, II. W. Curtis, E. Sheffield, J. Il. Vincent, L. A. Sunderland, L. B. McFarland, D. White, Il. II. Caley (two terms), A. Il. Burnett (two terms), HI. Washburn, G. F. Stan- hope, W. T. Armour, W. E. Walters, W. A. Brannd, George Thomas, L. O. Harris, R. W. Walters, J. J. Davis, W. W. Phillips, C. R. Bliss, John Brooks, W. D. Stannard. D. Goddard, O. F. Frazer, E. F. Douglas, II. A. Pardee, M. II. Isham, W. W. Wilber, O. A. Crane, John Armour, A. B. Gardner (two terms), H. U. Bigelow, Wilson Wyckoff. John Hlaggett, M. F. Brewster.
PRINCIPAL TOWNSHIP OFFICERS
1845. Trustees, Ralph E. Russell, Stoughton Bentley, B. H. Bosworth ; clerk, A. Knox; treasurer, Thomas Shaw; assessor, George Stocking. 1846. Trustees, B. H. Bosworth, R. E. Russell, Charles E. Morton; clerk, A Knox; treasurer, O. Bliss; assessor, Geo. Stocking.
1847. Trustees, B. H. Bosworth, R. E. Russell, Harmon Barrows; "lerk, David Birchard: treasurer, John Mayhew ; assessor, Noah Graves. 1818. Trustees, R. E. Russell, Leonard Sampson, E. P. Wolcott; clerk, David Birchard: treasurer, J. A. Brown; assessor, Noah Graves.
1819, Trustees, R. E. Russell, E. P. Wolcott, Samuel Pool; clerk, Thomas Shaw; treasurer, Abel Fisher: assessor, N. Graves.
1850. Trustees, R. E. Russell, L. Lampson, Hannibal Goodell; clerk' L. D. Mix: treasurer, Chas. Force; assessor, N. Graves.
1851. Trustees, E. P. Wolcott, S. Pool, R. E. Russell; clerk, A. J. Wil- liams; treasurer, A. Fisher: assessor, N. Graves.
1852. Trustees, Horace Waite, S. Fool, R. E. Russell; clerk, John V Smith; treasurer, A. Fisher; assessor, Geo. Fankell.
1853. Trustees, S. Pool, Geo. Gladdeu, H. Goodell; clerk, S. K. Col- lius: treasurer, J. H. Burnet; assessor, Geo, Faukell.
1854. Trustees, Alonzo Harlow, H. Goodell, Ephraim Sheffield; clerk, S. K. Collins; treasurer, J. H. Burnett; assessor, J. W. Williams.
1855. Trustees, H. Goodell, A. Harlow, E. Sheffield; clerk, E P. Wol- cott; treasurer, A. Upham; assessor, Jonathan Cole.
1556. Trustees, H. Goodell, E Sheffield, E. R. Sage; clerk, A. Harlow; treasurer, A. Upham; assessor, J. Cole.
1857. Trustees, H. Goodell, E. Sheffield, A. Upham; clerk, Thomas Shaw ; treasurer, G. B. Rogers; assessor, G. G. Morris.
1858. Trustees. H. Goodell, E. Sheffield, A. Upham; clerk, Thomas Shaw; treasurer, G. B. Rogers; assessor, S. L. Wilkinson.
1859. Trustees, H. Goodell, E. Sheffield, A. Upham; clerk, L. D. Mix; treasurer, Chas. Force; assessor, L. B. MeFarland.
1860. Trustees, S. Pool, Orrin Nash, H. Goodell; clerk, T. Shaw; treas- urer. A. Upham; assessor, E. B. Upham.
1861. L. E. Goodwin, E. Sheffield, Julius Kent; clerk, Thomas Shaw; treasurer, L. B. McFarland; assessor, E. M. Eggleston.
1862. Trustees, E. Sheffield, L. D. Mix, Charles Force; clerk, T. Shaw; treasurer, L. B. McFarland; assessor, E. M. Eggleston.
1843. Trustees, E. Sheffield, L. D. Mix, Charles Force; clerk, Lucius E. Goodwin; treasurer, L B. McFarland; assessor, E. M. Eggleston.
1864. Trustees, E. Sheffield, L. D. Mix, Charles Force; clerk, W. J. Armour; treasurer, L. B. MeFarland; assessor, E. M. Eggleston.
1865. Trustees, Charles Force, E. Sheffield, E. M. Eggleston: clerk, W. J. Armour; treasurer, L. B. McFarland: assessor, E. B. Upham.
1866. Trustees, E. Sheffield, C. Force, W. W. Collins; clerk, W. J. Ar- mour; treasurer, L. B. McFarland; assessor, L. A. Sunderland.
1867. Trustees. E. Sheffield, W. W. Collins, H. Goodell; clerk, George King; treasurer, Th. Shaw ; assessor, A. H. Rogers.
1868. Trustees, C. Force, S. W. Brewster, Silas Christian; clerk, Elea- zer Goodwin; treasurer, Thomas Shaw ; assessor, E. B. Upham.
1869. Trustees, C. Force, S. W. Brewster, Silas Christian; clerk, C. R. Bliss; treasurer. T. Shaw ; assessor, E. B. Upham.
1870. Trustees, C. Force, S Christian, J. G. Coleman; clerk, W. H. Caley; treasurer, T. Shaw ; assessor, E. B. Upham.
1871. Trustees, J. G. Colemau, S. Christian, Washington Gates; clerk, W. H. Caley : treasurer, T. Shaw; assessor, George Gladden.
1872. Trustees, C. Force, Wm. Hutchings, Alex. Frazer; clerk, Aus- tin Church; treasurer, T. Shaw: assessor, George Gladden.
1873. Trustees, C. Force, W. Hutchings, A. Frazer; clerk, A. Church; treasurer, T. Shaw; assessor Geo. Gladden.
1874. Trustees, C. Force, Wm. Hutchings, A. Frazer; clerk, A. Church ; treasurer, Alfred Williams; assessor, George Gladden.
1875. Trustees, C. Force, Wm. Hutchings A. Frazer; clerk, A. Church; treasurer, A. Williams; assessor, George Gladden.
1876. Trustees, C. Force, Wm. Hutchings, A. Frazer; clerk, A. Church ; treasurer, A. Williams; assessor, George Gladden.
1877. Trustees, Z. K Eggleston, Wm. Hutchings, A. Church; clerk, D. O. Davis; treasurer, Joseph J. Davis; assessor, George Gladden.
1878. Trustees, Chas. Force, Alfred Church, Wm. Hutchings; clerk D. O. Davis; treasurer, J. J. Davis; assessor, Geo. Gladden.
1879. Trustees, Austin ( 'hurch, Z. K Eggleston, Silas Christian; clerk, D. O. Davis: treasurer, J. J. Davis; assessor, L. O. Harris.
HARVEY W. CURTISS.
Harvey Willard Curtiss, M. D., was born at Charles- town, Portage county, Ohio, on the 22nd day of Feb- ruary, 1824. Hle is the son of Chauncey B. Curtiss, a leading farmer and a man of large social and political influence in Portage county, who takes an active in- terest in public affairs, and has filled at different times numerous local offices of trust.
The subject of this notice studied at and was graduated from the Grand River Institute, in Ash- tabula county. In 1849 he commenced the study of medicine, and in 1851 was graduated from Cleveland Medical College. He entered upon the practice of his profession in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, but was obliged, on account of ill health, to leave the city. He then, in 1852, removed to Chagrin Falls, Ohio, where he has since resided.
Like his father, he early became interested in polit- ical affairs, and when but nineteen years of age "stumped " his native county in the interests of the Liberty party of that day. Upon the organization of the Republican party he united with that body, and became active in local politics.
In the fall of 1869 he was elected a representative from Cuyahoga county in the Ohio legislature, taking
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his seat in January, 1820. The question whether Ohio should ratify the fifteenth amendment to the United States constitution was before the legislature during that year and Mr. Curtiss took an active part in securing the ratification. He served as a member of the committees on railroads and benevolent insti- tutions. In 18:1 he was re-elected to the legislature. and on taking his seat in 18 2 was appointed chair- man of the committee on railroads, besides holding places on several other committees. During this term a number of bills of more or less importance were ad- vocated by him with marked success. He also intro- duced a bill for the prevention of cruelty to animals. the first legislation on this subject in the State. This bill met with great opposition, but by persistent ef- forts of Dr. Curtiss and some others, a majority of the legislature was convinced of its propriety and it was duly passed.
In October, 18:3, he was elected to the State senate. The political party to which he belonged was in the minority at that time, and hence he was assigned to inferior places on committees. Instead of forwarding desirable measures he was engaged in combating those he considered deleterious, among the most noted of which was the "Geghan bill," which it was claimed was introduced and pressed in the interest of the Ro- man Catholic church. In 18;5 he was again elected to the senate, and served as president proton. Upon the resignation of Gov. Hayes and the installation of the lieutenant governor as acting governor in the spring of ISit, Mr. Curtiss was made president of the senate and acting lieutenant governor. He took an active part in the debate- during this term.
In the fall of 1822 Dr. Curtiss peremptorily refused to become a candidate for renomination, and in- structed the delegates from his township under no cir- cumstances to allow his name to go before the conven- tion. There was, however, such a strong desire to see him again in the field, that one hour before the con- vention organized parties were dispatched to the Her- ald office and a few ballots were hurriedly printed. Upon the second ballot Dr. Curtiss was renominated over four competitors. He accepted with great re- luctance, but was elected and served the full term of two years.
In addition to his legislative duties he has taken an active and a prominent part in the administration of local affairs. He served for fifteen years as a member of the village school board, and then resigned. Three years after he was again induced to become a candi- date, and in the spring of 1879 his name was placed on both tickets. He was re-elected by an almost unan- imous vote.
As a politician he ever preserved the strictest honor and integrity. Possessing great ability, taet and skill as a legislator, he always exerted his influence in the cause of right and justice. During the rebellion he was an ardent supporter of the Union, and contrib- uted in different ways to the assistance of the National cause. Ile is an active and valued member of the
Masonic order, and also of the order of Odd Fel- lows.
Dr. Curtiss is a man of strong and unflinching will. Ile is willing to receive the advice of others, but when he has once decided on his course, adheres to it with extraordinary firmness. As a physician he has been pre-eminently successful, and has attained a wide celebrity. Of dignified presence, courteous address and high character, he is in every way fitted for his profession of physician, as well as for the position of a representative of the people. In Chagrin Falls he is to a considerable extent the adviser of both poor and rich, quite a number of the citizens making a consultation with Dr. Curtiss the first step in any im- portant transaction. He was married in 1846 to Miss Olive B. Rood of Charlestown. They have had four children: Dwight C., engaged in the manufacture of paper in Akron: Dan P .. a promising lad who died at the age of thirteen: Paul, and Virginia.
CHAPTER LXXIII. DOVER
Boundaries, Surface, etc. Attractions as a Place of Residence Early Settlement Joseph Cahoon-The Old Tea Kettle-C'ahoon Pioneer Association - A Large Riding Whip-Asahel Porter-First Store- Leverett Johnson Plulo Taylor Dr. Turner-The Flat-Iron Cure- Other Pioneers Blood's Tavern J. & N. Crocker Moses Hall and Family Amos Sperry Sylvanus Smith and Others First Births and Marriages Drowning of Mrs. Porter-Captured by Indians-tivil Or- ganization- First Election and Officers- List of Principal Officers- Dover Center and North Dover -Post Offices-Second Congregational Church Methodist Church at Dover Center -- Lake Shore Methodist Church First Baptist Church St. John's Church-Lutheran Church -Schools Dover Academy- Agricultural Society-Dover Lodge, I. O. O. F -Northwest Encampment-Daughters of Rebekah-Other Or- ganizations- Burial Places-Dover Furnace-The Grist Mill, Etc .- Wischmeyer's Vineyards-Dover Lay Grape Company-Stone Quar- ries.
THE township of Dover, which occupies the extreme northwestern corner of Cuyahoga county, is bound- ed by Lake Erie on the north: by the township of Olmsted on the south: by Rockport on the east. and by Avon, in Lorain county, on the west. It is town- ship number seven in range fifteen, and covers an area of about twenty-five square miles. The surface is generally level or gently undulating, the soil is fruitful, and the people are chiefly engaged in agri- cultural pursuits.
The farmers as a rule are men of education and good understanding, and they have not only trans- formed the forest of sixty years ago into fine-looking farms, but they have also embellished it with many handsome residences-evidences at once of refinement and wealth. The lake shore region is largely devoted to the culture of the grape, the business being exten- sive and profitable. Fruit-growing has latterly re- ceived liberal attention in all parts of the township, and in time this branch of agriculture is likely to be- come very important. The public roads are mimer- ous and well constructed, but as yet the limits of Dover have been untouched by a railway, although there is convenient railway communication at stations
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near at hand in other townships. Although there are numerous small streams their water power is feeble, and is used to only a very limited extent. As a place of residence, especially in the summer time and near the lake shore, Dover has attracted much attention, and in the season mentioned many come within its borders to seek the healthful atmosphere and cooling zephyrs found upon the bluffs which overlook Lake Erie.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The first white person to settle in what is now the township of Dover was Joseph Cahoon, who migrated with his family from Vergennes, Vermont, and on the morning of October 10, 1810, located upon land purchased of Datus Kelley, the agent for Hubbard & Stowe, the Connecticut owners of this portion of the Western Reserve. Mr. Cahoon's family consisted of himself, wife and seven children, of which latter the only one now living is Joel B. Cahoon, who, at the age of eighty-six, still resides on the old homestead. They traveled from Vermont to Dover in a wagon drawn by four horses, and a fifth horse was ridden by the girls in turn, in order to give some relief to a ter- ribly tedious journey. They finally stopped on lot eighty-five, on the east side of Cahoon ereck, at its mouth. In four days Mr. Cahoon had completed a Jog house, the big wagon-box having meanwhile served as a place of nightly repose for the females of the family.
The tea-kettle which did duty on the occasion of the first meal taken by the Cahoon family in Dover is still in the possession of Joel B. Cahoon, and at the first celebration by the Cahoon Pioneer Association (held October 10, 1860, on the spot where Joseph Cahoon built his log house in [Sto), a fire was built on the old hearth-stone, tea was steeped in the old tea kettle, and pies were eaten and made from apples borne by the first fruit-tree set out in the township.
The Cahoon Pioneer Association, it may be noted. has for its purpose the annual celebration in a pleas- ant and social way of Joseph Cahoon's settlement in Dover. Meetings are held upon the Cahoon place, and are participated in only by members of the ('a- hoon family and their immediate friends. At the meeting in 1828, about one hundred and twenty per- sous were present. These assemblages were hell for a few years upon each 10th of October-the anniver- sary of Joseph Cahoon's settlement-but, in deference to the wishes of some aged people, the date was changed to Angust 28. the anniversary of that gentle- man's birth.
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