USA > Ohio > Columbiana County > Hanover in Columbiana County > History of Hanover, Columbiana County, Ohio, 1804-1908 > Part 2
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Thy voice, how like to that of man, When age has creased the brow,
And Time, with ever fleeting years, Has withered hand and bough.
Old Town Pump! We greet thee, Friends of the long ago; And as we gather round thee now, Sweet recollections flow.
Flow free as does thy water's yet To days long passed away. Old friend, we shake, and greet again This glad Home Coming Day.
June 5, 1859, was a cheerless, cold day, the morning being the memorable frost in which wheat and all vegetation was killed. Mrs. Mary Sweeney had lifted her tomato plants from the garden and taken them in the house the night previous and thus became the envy of all Hanover, having the only plants in the township.
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MILLS, Etc.
The old Independence mill, which stood half way between Han- over and Kensington, was owned by George Freace and Thomas *Richards, and was rented by Burton Sinclair in 1845 at $100 per year. He operated all departments, falling, grist, carding and saw mill.
The Independence, with the exception of the old Brown mill north of town, was the only mill in this part of the county- to be operated by water power. Water was carried to it by means of a ditch, be- ginning in the vale north of the canal site at a point near the resi- dence of Florents Sheraw.
In those days another grist mill, operated by water, was located near Kensington. It was built by Samuel Holland, water being con- veyed to it through an open channel, or race, from the valley east of Kensington. Traces of this race can yet be seen. Its water supply, however, soon failed, and its owner installed a large tramp power. Five big steers were used in propelling it. Linseed was ground and linseed oil made for several years. This mill was built and in operation before Independence mill.
Another sawmill was also located and operated just inside the entrance to the now Joseph Marshall farm, its owner being Garrion Ellis. This mill was erected by Burton Sinclair, water used for its operation being secured from springs on the Calvin Cooper farm, now owned by Charles Wernet.
Samuel Brown entered two quarters of land north of town, build- ing a log grist mill structure, this being located south of the now Grim mill. The water in the operation of this was secured by means of a dam constructed in the vale, at north side of farm now owned by Edwin Dutton. Traces of breastworks and waterway to this mill can still be also seen.
This mill was later rebuilt by William Schooley, who placed a second story of frame on the log part. In 1851 Samuel Fox, father of Seth Fox, put in a boiler and engine.
That known as the Grim mill was built by Burton Sinclair and Henry McCann. The frame was raised June 4, 1859, *** some who assisted in raising it helping to place the rafters on the Disciple church the same day. This mill was always operated by steam power.
Lawson and Levinger purchased the lower mill property after Mr. Sloan's death in 1870, and controlled it for a number of years, when it passed into the hands of Mr. Ruble. The mill is four stories high and can manufacture about thirty barrels of flour per day.
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Y
In 1835 a man from Salem built; and operated a foundry plant in Hanover. It was later bought by a man named Kingsley, who con- ducted it for a number of years.
A distillery for the making of whiskey, operated by the firm of Lockard & Kennedy, was located on the lot to the rear of the Disciple church in 1829. This was later abandoned and in 1832 or 1833 another was established by Joshua Stackhouse, son of Benjamin Stackhouse, one of the earlier settlers, this being located southwest of the hotel.
About this time there were also two other distilleries near town, one owned by Samuel Sinclair, on what was later the John Merrick farm, three miles northwest, the other owned by Joseph Figley, located on the farm now occupied by Mrs. Chas. Winder. Harmon Brown was another man in early days conducting a distillery.
The first sawmill erected at Hanover stood at or near the corner of what is now Canal and Plymouth streets. It was operated by water power, the same water providing power for the old grist mill, built in 1829.
Almost all the sawed timbers used in building the Arter & Nichols warehouse were gotten out at this mill, the same being furnished by Burton Sinclair, who operated it at the time of its building.
Two tanneries added zest to the business enterprise, one owned by A. R. Arter, the other by John Levinger. Henry Walser was con- ducting a carriage and wagon manufactory with an extensive trade. Lewis Milbourn was engaged in sawmill work, owning then what was known as the old Independence mill, located on the Falcon farm on the Kensington road. J. B. McCrea was the cabinet maker and fur- niture dealer. Ickes, Cain & Cochran,, Arter & Swearingen, Pearce & Brown, were the general merchandising firms, each having splen- didly well stocked stores. Joseph Hesten and Levi Reeder were partners looking to the interests of the drug trade. The boot and shoe man was W. L. Parthe, while the harness and saddlery industry was well cared for by Jacob Lindesmith. J. B. Taylor and L. D. Cope were grocers and provision men. George Ickes and his mother were "mine hosts" at the Mansion House, one of the most popular hotels of that day in Eastern Ohio, while Thomas Richards and Lawrence Ling conducted other lodging places in accommodation of the travel- ing public.
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CHURCHES
OLD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
The Presbyterian church organization was organized about 1830, the first church edifice being a frame structure, located south of the present one.
The next edifice was of brick and was erected on the hill in the northeast part of town in 1841, the trustees in charge of the build- ing being George Sloan, James Robertson, Hugh Jordan, Samuel McClellan, George Long and Hugh Lee. The decision as to the matter of building either brick or frame was decided in accordance with the amount of money subscribed.
At the conclusion to build a new church, location was first chosen in southeast part of town, where Howard street intersects Dungannon road, and work was begun. The ground was of a swampy character then, and when the walls were partially up they settled and cracked and the other site was at once chosen and the one where work was commenced was abandoned.
Contract for stone foundation was awarded Frederick Taggart at 75 cents per perch, he to lay range stones and sills for $3, the same to be completed by Junè 1. James McBride and George Hausel- man received contract to furnish 7,000 bricks, delivered at $3.43 per thousand. W. F. Gardner laid the brick, furnishing his own labor, at $2 per thousand. Carpenter work was awarded Joseph Robertson, he to furinsh material, except nails, and do the building, window
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fames $1.50 each, window sashes, seven cents per light; fancy window frame, $5; door frames, $10; floors, $3.75 per square; joists and roof, $3 per square. John Robertson and Elimelech Swearingen were named to see that work was done according to contract. The first subscription not being sufficient, a second was called for, all being completed in 1843.
The pastor in charge at this time was Rev. James Robertson, father of James, and John, as above mentioned. He was a native of Perthshire, Scotland, educated in that country and came as a missionary to Charlottetown, Cape Breton Island, at mouth of St. Lawrence river. Later he served as pastor in Scotch settlements of Genessee, N. Y., and in Columbiana county, near Wellsville, finally coming to Hanover. He established a number of churches in this part of the state, among them that of Bethesda, four miles south. He died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. George Sloan, December 13, 1856, his remains reposing in the cemetery west of town.
NEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
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M. E. CHURCH.
There were seven charter or original members of the Methodist Episcopal church, Joseph and Elizabeth Hilleman, Mr. and Mrs. James Kynett, Hannah Ball, Charlotte Arter and Mrs. Vernon. The society was organized in 1834 with Joseph Hillerman as leader. He with Michael Arter and Joseph Myers were first trustees.
The first church structure was erected in 1837, which after being used as both church and school for a year, received an addition of a second story. Preaching services had previously been held in the Disciple church.
June 30, 1876, the building was demolished by a violent wind storm which swept over the town. Upon its ruins was the present church edifice built, it being completed in 1877.
Among the roll of ministers who have been stationed here are the Revs. Alcinus, Young, Eddy, Gardner, Montgomery, Crouse, Petty, Weekly, McClure, Jordan, Ellett, Rogers, McGregor, King, Slutz, Roller, Robbins, . McCall, Wright, . Vogleseng, Culp, Sparks, Stevens, Anderson, Nulton, Baker, Russell, Martin and Mummy.
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DISCIPLE CHURCH.
Christian church history in Hanover dates back to 1820. Enos Ellis was chief leader in its organization. Its early preachers came over from Kentucky, among these being Revs. Seachrist, Hughes and others. The first house of worship was a log cabin south of the village.
About 1825 dissensions arose in the church, owing to the intro- duction of what was then known as "Disciple doctrine." This in 1830 resulted in a victory for the Disciple element, they absorbing well nigh the entire congregation. They reorganized according to their faith, leaving the Christians to pass from view. At this time the congregation numbered about 100, Joseph Rhodes and Christian Keith being prominent in the society. An addition to the log church was built, it serving as a church until 1859, when the present edifice was built.
Among ministers laboring in this church since 1830, the names of Revs. John Whitacre, Wesley Lamphere, John Henry, Van Vorhes, James Hartzell, Cyrus Bosworth, C. W. Huffer and Har- rison Jones.
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HANOVER SCHOOLS
OLD SCHOOL HOUSE
These schools that are now known far and near, like almost everything of worth, had a small and obscure beginning. We only feel sorry that their earlier history is not more complete.
The first recorded school teacher of whom we can obtain any certain facts was Prof. Andrew Pettit, and the first school house, aside from secular schools, was located in the Armstrong district, known now as "Tunnel Hill." The old log school house then stood on the top of the hill, west of the present one, where the lands of Rezin Brown, William Haessly and Taylor Temple corners join. Here the children of all of what was then known as the town of Hanover attended school.
The first school of which we have any knowledge in the town of Hanover was in a building now owned by Joel Winders.
Prof. Willet taught here in 1832. Previous to that there was no record of any special teacher.
School was held in the old Disciple church south of the canal on top of "First Hill." In the years 1834-35-36-37, in the Presbyterian church, and from there to the M. E. church, where school was held for several years.
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The schools were now moved from the Presbyterian to the M. E. church, in the basement of which the rod and ferule held sway for several years. Here it was that Professors Chester Reeder, Wil- liam Gore, Mr. Porter, Jesse Markham, Miss Makham and James Seymour, together with several others whose names could not be obtained, continued their labors in training the "young ideas how to shoot."
Mr. James Sloan furnishes us with the facts, that the first school taught in the town of Hanover was held in one end of Isaac Craig's blacksmith shop, which was a log structure, located on the lot now occupied by the M. E. parsonage, and was then moved to where we located it in the beginning of this article.
The Union school was organized in 1849 and Reuben McMillen was the first principal, his wife, Susan, the secondary, and Adaline McClellan the primary teachers.
This brings us up to what we of a later period know as the "Old Hanover Union School House," which was built in the spring and summer of 1855, and destroyed by fire on May 15, 1888, and around which many fond memories of the writer yet cling. These fond recollections are still with all who yet remain and will be until death closes the eyes of all for the last time on earth. The first superintendent to teach in this building was Prof. J. C. Breckinridge, who was followed by Prof. William Dressler, Asbury, Arter, Jesse Markham, Sallie Voglesong, A. M. Norris, J. P. Todd and others. :
The present brick structure was erected by Contractor Richard Brightwell, a colored gentleman, who when a young man, learned the tanner's trade with Michael Arter. Prof. M. D. Merrick was the first superintendent of the school held in the new house.
It was in the old building and under the supervision of Prof. William H. Dressler that the schools reached their highest point in the literary arena. During his reign as superintendent, which com- menced with the fall term of 1856, and ended with the winter term of 1862, he publicly stated at the close of the term that he had sent out and had had under his instructions during that time 37 ministers, 17 lawyers, 11 physicians and 180 school teachers, besides merchants, bookkeepers and men and women of various other occupations in life. During the administration of Mr. Dressler the Hanover Literary society reached its zenith. It was nothing uncommon for the society to open at 7:30 p. m. and to continue without recess until 11:30 and 12 o'clock midnight. Many able debates were made in this old so- ciety, which proved of great benefit to many through after life.
The schools then lapsed somewhat, but were again revived by Prof. James H. Weaver and Prof. A. M. Stevenson and the old literary
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spirit sprung up and again we were at the head of the county in literary work. This was so stated by Harvey Morrison, Esq., one of the county examiners, whose pleasure it was to attend one of these meetings. We may not, perhaps, have everything just in chronological order, but it contains the facts of the old school, and how it was brought about from the start. Should this ever fall to the eyes of any who attended here they perhaps can, like the writer, recall many fond recollections of the past, that in a few more short years will fade forever from memory, to live alone in the great beyond.
SCHOOL TEACHERS.
Sallie Smith.
Lizzie McQuilken.
Miss Kuhn.
Mary Voglesong.
T. R. Smith.
Charles Ling.
Laura Yates.
Lizzie Atterholt. L. F. Ling.
Minnie Fawcett.
Annie Sinclair. Mable Ray. Rosa Hoffee.
NEW SCHOOL HOUSE
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RAILROADS
The saddest and most unfortunate of all the history in the annals of Hanover is that of railroads. In its grasp lay the location of the Cleveland & Pittsburg railway in 1852, and the fact that its trains are not thundering through the vale wherein nestles the village is due to a misjudgment as to the feasibility of routes and a slight travesty on the dignity of one who held the situation in his hands.
One of the original surveys for the road and the one really decided upon by the officials, passed at a point near where the creamery building now stands, thence running just west of Adair in the northwest corner of the township, and by way of North Georgetown to Alliance. James Farmer of Salineville, a man promi- nent in the building and promotion of the road, called a meeting in its interest for Hanover. When the meeting assembled influential men of the town were present. Mr. Farmer arose and spoke, among other things saying that if the people of Hanover would take stock or subscribe $10,000 toward its building the road would be assured for the town. There was a moment of reflection in consideration of the matter, when one of the number present arose and with a characteristic smile remarked that the money would not be paid, that the road could not other than be built on that survey, as it was shortest and best. This talk ruffled the sensitive nature of Mr. Farmer and he gave reply, "We'll show you! We'll build it just near enough so you can hear the whistle," and immediately left. George Sloan later seen Mr. Farmer and agreed to take the $10,000 stock himself, but imagine, if you can, Mr. Sloan's chagrin and feeling when came the answer, "You're too late, George, the route is fixed. You'll hear the whistle." Thus an opportunity was lost, the road was built one and a half miles to the leeward and the whistle is heard day by day. Had the road been located by the Hanover sur- vey, the line to Alliance would have been seven miles shorter, with a better grade and the terminal of the Tuscarawas branch at Hanover instead of Bayard. On this old original survey was the new road made by the railway officials in their prospecting for a second track for the road in 1906.
Later a horse railway was promoted from Hanover to the sta- tion, portions of the roadbed being yet plainly visible, but the project was later abandoned and a "hack line" established, the same yet plying the intervening distance.
Railroad surveys have since from time to time been run through Hanover, but nothing ever materialized. In 1872 a narrow gauge
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OLD BUS Which Runs from Hanover to Kensington
road, known as the Ohio & Toledo, was promulgated, this route passing along the line of the canal in this section, and a roadbed was actually graded from the town west for some distance, hope running high at this time, but it, too, went glimmering. At a more recent date a "cut off" line was surveyed from Smith's Ferry to Kensington by the Pennsylvania company, right of way being secured across the Big Sandy & Beaver canal tunnel and payment made for same, but this project, too, lies dormant.
HENRY McDANIEL.
Henry McDaniel is the son of Stephan McDaniel. He was born in Hanover, and has lived there all his life. The picture is that of his little home on the Arter farm, where he has lived the last few years.
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During the Civil War Period
During the Civil war period the ever-patriotic spirit of the citi- zens of Hanover and the people of the township was clearly demon- strated. According to records on file in the war department at Washington, Hanover, according to population, furnished more men for the war in defense of the Union than any township in the United States. More than a hundred enlisted in the service from Hanover alone.
Prior to the war, while anti-slavery agitation was at its height, Hanover took active interest and became an important station on the "Underground Railroad." The "underground railway" was a sobriquet applied to routes from the slave holding districts, whereby slaves were aided to escape thralldom- by their transportation to Canda, where freedom was allowed them. This was done in direct contraversion to law and was carried out generally under cover of night and in the most secret, quiet manner possible. Stations were homes where the blacks being transported were concealed during the day. Among the Hanover homes where these escaped slaves were thus befriended were those of Michael Arter, Daniel Voglesong, George Sloan and Dr. James Robertson.
In days of anti-slavery spirit, people walked as much as fifteen or twenty miles to even attend small meetings and some were even known to walk to Massillon, a distance of perhaps forty miles, to attend an anti-slavery convention.
Hope of returning peace following the close of the war in 1865, after news of the fall of Richmond flashed over the land brought days of wild rejoicing in Hanover. It was broken, however, by the later news that Abraham Lincoln had fallen, a victim to an assassin's bullet, and a martyr to the love and devotion in the cause of his country. This dark hour in the nation's history produced much con- cern and lament and it was seeming hard for the people to take up the burden of their duties again, nor was it a grief that ended with a day.
Such facts indicate the self-sacrificing spirit of those who early enlisted in this, their unpopular cause.
Not alone did the white brethren give voice to the demand for universal freedom, but the escaped slaves also joined in the mighty anthem whose quickening burden swelling to amplest volume rolled from sea to sea. Among the fugitives were William W. Brown,
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called Wiliam Box Brown, because of having escaped from slavery concealed in a store box; and Joe Mason, who cheered on the cause with vigorous songs, adopted from plantation melodies, but not weighted with plantation sentiments. The following, with additional stanzas, as sung by Brown was a favorite:
Ho! the car Emancipation Rides majestic through the nation, Bearing on its train the story, Liberty a nation's glory. Roll it along Throughout the nation, Freedom car Emancipation.
ARTER WAREHOUSE The Only Seven-Story Build- ing in Hanover.
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MORGAN'S RAID
GEN. JOHN A. MORGAN, Repulsed at Hanover, Ohio, July, 1863.
General Morgan thought Hanover was a fortified town. Jack Henry scared him.
Sunday morning, July 26, 1863, was a bright and beautiful one. Almost all the children and many grown people had assembled at a Sunday school in the M. E. church.
About 9:30 a. m. Reason Pritchard stepped to the church door and told Rev. George Voglesong, superintendent, that Morgan and his raiders were approaching and that it would be better to inform the school, rather than have all massacred right there in the church. Rev. Voglesong then said to the school: "The rebel general, John Morgan, with his army, is about five miles south of here and is coming at the rate of five miles per hour."
It is needless to say the school adjourned and that, too, without the usual benediction or long doxology. Everyone made a rush to
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get out the doors, many crying and screaming, while down town drums were beating and people were yelling as hard as they could. This merely added to the consternation and excitement of those at church. By the time the church people were down town the street was fiilled with people and a sheepskin band was sending forth soul- stirring strains of music on the public square.
The "Hanover cannon," a formidable piece of artillery about two feet long, was brought out and with A. J. Henry as chief gunner, was fired several times to warn the people of the danger and to intimi- date Morgan and compel him to take another direction. Finally, Mr. Henry loaded the gun with lead slugs and placing it in position to sweep the old canal bridge, declared he would "annihilate Morgan and his entire rebel force" should they attempt to cross.
In the meantime Rev. Joseph Kreusch, captain of the Home Guards, was busily engaged trying to rally his company; he parad- ing up and down street with an old flint-lock shotgun belonging to Thomas Ickes. It had been quite a weapon in its day, but at this time had no hammer or lock. This made no difference to Mr. Kreusch, as it was a gun, and guns were scarce, especially just when they were most needed.
At this itme there was an unusual stir on First street, and Dr. Yates, Hugh D. McCrea, James Cochran, Isaac Shaw and others were seen rushing their horses out of town to prevent their falling into Morgan's hands. It was a lively race, but they won, Morgan having changed his course at Bethesda church, going toward Dun- gannon.
Jack Henry still maintains the firing of the "Hanover cannon" frightened Morgan away. Shortly after noon a heavy cloud of dust was seen to the southwest. This was reported by lookouts on top of Arter's warehouse, and excitement was again intense. At all blacksmith shops men were busily moulding bullets and Theodore Arter continued to deal out powder, lead and caps.
The unusual dust, however, was soon explained when Rev. John Rogers, a Methodist preacher, who had formerly preached at Han- over, rode in at the head of a hundred and fifty men, armed with old shotguns, squirrel rifles and muskets. They presented a formid- able appearance and would no doubt have made it warm for Morgan had they caught him.
After feeding his horses and men Rev. Rogers started toward Dungannon in hot pursuit of the enemy, but had not gone far when he was met by a messenger, who informed him that Morgan had surrendered to General Shackleford near West Point, about eight
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miles east of Hanover. Captain Rogers wheeled his troop and rode back to Hanover. As they arrived one of General Shackleford's troop- ers came in riding a horse and leading another. As he was rather tough looking he was arrested as a rebel. He said he was a Union soldier on a "French" home to see his family near Salem. Not satis- fied by this the troopers marched him to Salineville as a prisoner of war, his comrades having lots of amusement at his being captured by a lot of home guard soldiers.
Passing through town again next day, having been granted a six days' furlough, he said he was glad he had been taken back, as he had a six days' leave instead of one.
OLD OUT-DOOR BAKE OVEN
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A. E. MELBOURN
HANOVER POSTOFFICE
A postoffice was established at Hanover about 1812, when James Craig was postmaster. At that time the name of the postoffice was Hanoverton, as there was already a Hanover in Ohio. After the failure of the company store which Craig managed, the postoffice was discontinued for a time. Then in 1832 Owen Williams was appointed postmaster. George Freace was the next postmaster, in 1837, and after him the office was held by the following persons: Henry Freace, J. R. Arter, William Hamilton, A. N. Kinear, George Akers, Phillip Voglesong, Herod Pearce, Edwin Strohn, Stephen Keith, Fretty Johnson, Mary West, J. B. Speidel and A. E. Mel- bourne, who is the present postmaster, being appointed June 23, 1897, and taking charge of the office July 1, 1897.
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