History of Lorain County, Ohio, Part 62

Author:
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Philadelphia, Williams brothers
Number of Pages: 626

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Phinchas Johnson kept a house of entertainment as early as the spring of 1820, but it was not until about 1830 that he formally opened a hotel. This was at LaPorte. During the period of stage coaches, two

248

HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OIIIO.

large hotels were in operation at this place. There is at present none. Another hotel was erected by Obed Gibbs, in the west part of the township (section twelve). Abiram Drakely also had a hotel on section nine. These existed at an early date. Both were long since closed as hotels.

The first store was oper ed in abont 1835. Alonzo Chapman was its proprietor and sole manager. The building occupied by him, stood on or near the site of M. V. B. Pitkin's present mercantile establishment. Mr. Chapman followed merchandising some years. There are now at LaPorte, in addition to the store given above, C. L. Hurlbut, general merchandise, and a tin store by H. Lake.

PHYSICIANS.

The first to locate in Carlisle, was Milton Chapman, whose residence was on the ridge. Dr. Chapman was a gentleman of excellent professional attainments, and practiced there many years. Deacon Turner, the builder of the mills bearing his name in the western portion of the township, was also a physician, but did not, we understand, practice his profession to any considerable extent. Dr. J. F. Butler, afterwards a prominent member of the medical staff of Elyria, practiced at LaPorte for a time. Dr. Hiram Thomp- son, now of Grafton township, also practiced at La- Porte some years before removing to his present loca- tion. After he left, the physicians of Elyria were employed to compound and administer the divers nau- seons drugs by aid of which dame nature is kept in proper working order over in Carlisle. At present H. E. Haring is the only physician in the township.

INDUSTRIES.

The first mills in the township were built by Phin- chas Johnson and Asahel Kelsey, in 1820. The one built by the former was a saw mill. It stood on the north side of the east branch of the Black river; and that of the latter was a grist mill, on the opposite side of the river. Of this mill, William Webster says: " The stones were home-made, and manufactured hy a citizen ont of hard-head stones found in the neigh- borhood. It required a strong and well-braced build- ing to stand the motion of the stone when grinding, as they were not very round or true, but did the work well for those days. In the spring of 1828, the water made an opening between the mill and the bank, in consequence of which it became necessary to remove the mitt to another location. This was done, and for some years the old mill was in operation. Dr. Turner built a second saw mill, in abont 1824, at Murray- vilte. This is, we believe, still in operation, and is at present owned by Henry Morehouse. Dr. Turner also erected a grist mill soon after the saw mill was put in operation, near the same place.

The first cheese factory was constructed near the center of the township, in the spring of 1869, by a stock company, composed of some twelve or fifteen persons. The patronage the first season was two

hundred cows. This factory was burned in the fall of 1873. The present factory was erected the follow- ing spring, by H. II. Prindle, Clark and Eckley. This factory was operated during the season of '78, by A. Wilmot, who utilized the milk of two hundred cows.

Walnut Grove factory is located on seetion eleven, and was started by H. H. Hart in the spring of 1872. and had four hundred cows the first season. It was conducted by Mr. Hart until the spring of 1877, when Messrs. Braman, Horr and Warner became the own- ers. This enterprising firm established the "Cedar Grove Creamery," in connection with the factory. In the season of 1878, four hundred and fifty cows were in contribution. John T. Vincent is the maker. In about 1840, Anson Braman planted the first stock in the Carlisle Nursery. This was the first nursery in Lorain county, Mr. Braman was its proprietor for a number of years.

In the year 1849, a stone quarry was opened, on section twenty-five, Carlisle township, by Messrs. Lockhart and J. W. Hart. The last named became sole owner, and in 1870 began the manufacture of grindstones, and this has grown to be the major part of the business.

In 1872, the Black River Stone Company was or- ganized, with a capital of two hundred thousand dollars. The following well known capitalists were the incorporators: Selah Chamberlain, Dr. S. S. Steeter, William II. Grout, George E. Dascomb, John Dayton, and J. W. Hart. Mr. Hart retains one hun- dred and twelve thousand dollars of the stock. The officers of the company are, George E. Dascom, pres- ident; Dr. S. S. Streeter, vice-president; J. C. Ilills, secretary and treasurer; and J. W. Hart, superin- tendent. In 1849 and '50, a spur track was laid to the quarry by the C. C. C. & T. R. R., and a large quantity of the stone used in the construction of the bridges and eulverts of the above road, was quarried here. The stone from which the Forest City and Arlington blocks, and the First Presbyterian church. of Cleveland, were constructed, came from this quarry. Forty workmen are regularly employed, with a pay- roll averaging fourteen hundred dollars monthly. The company are now making heavy shipments of building stone to Toronto, Canada.

Just above the quarry named, is another extensive one, owned and operated by the Grafton Stone Com- pany. W. E. Milter, superintendent. They employ an average of thirty-five men. Their products are principally railroad and building stone. Both the above quarries are situated on the C. C. C. & I. and C. T. V. & W. railroads.

The Elyria Chair Company is located in Carlisle township, on the east branch of Black river, and was established March 15. 1848, by John Kelley, James Measley, and P. M. Peabody. It employs seven workmen. The investment is one thousand dollars. Wood-seat chairs are exclusively manufactured. There is also a saw mill at the same point, owned by Clayton Johnson.

Photo, by Lee, Elyria, O.

nompatterson

William Patterson comes of ancestors noted for longevity. Charles Patterson, his grandfather, was born at Danbury, Conn., where he married Miss Martha Hall, born at the same place. Moving into Berkshire Co., Mass., Charles died there, ninety- two years of age.

Joseph, his son, being born at Mount Washington, Berkshire Co., Mass., Oct. 17, 1780, took for his life partner Miss Elizabeth Kane, in 1808. He took up his residence in Carlisle, Lorain Co., Ohio, in 1834, and engaged in farming, moving to Minnesota in 1869. He there died in 1871, in his ninety-first year. His aged wife yet lives in Minnesota to mourn his loss.

William, son of Joseph, commeneed this life at Mount Washington, as above, Feb. 27, 1811. To use his own words, " I lived on my father's farm for years, amongst the rocks that afforded no advantage for either man or beast." Leaving such opportunities and going to Green River, N. Y., he there married Miss Phoebe Vincent, March 4, 1833. Following his father, he settled in Carlisle, in May, 1837, where he still resides. There, with little or nothing, a home has he wrought ont by hard labor as a farmer.

In the relation of father, by his first wife one son and two daughters look back to his efforts for their welfare, more especially in the matter of education : Dr. Patterson, of Baltimore; Mrs. Camp, of Jackson, Mich., whom so many parents and pupils of the Union School of Elyria remember as the kind and efficient teacher ; and Mrs. Harriet A. Herdman, of Zanesville, Ohio.

Mr. Patterson's first wife died in 1856, July 14. He was again married, in 1857, to Miss Caroline A. Blanchard, daughter of Dr. Jas. C. Blanchard, of Penfield, Lorain Co., Ohio, the happy mother now of an only son.

Mr. Patterson was elected sheriff of Lorain County in 1848, filling the office with great credit.

Again his fellow-citizens, knowing his fitness, made him commissioner of said county, and his own township have expressed their respect for him by electing him to every local office.

Proud of his children, with a competency, all who have to do with Mr. Patterson, love and respeet, and regard him as a finished example of a self-made man.

Photo, by Lee, Elyria, O.

CHAUNCEY PRINDLE.

Chauncey Prindle was born in Connecticut, in the year 1794, and resided with his father until the death of the latter, which occurred in 1812. Soon after this sad event he married a daughter of Johnson Merey, a happy union, which resulted in a family of three children,-one son and two daughters. The son, H. H. Prindle, who lives on the old homestead, has this sketch of his father, with the accompanying portrait, inserted in this work as a token of filial regard. Maria P., a married daughter (wife of A. W. Bacon), now resides at Oberlin. The other daughter, Mary J., married J. C. Stanton, and re- sided on an adjoining farm until her death.

Chauncey Prindle removed to Ohio in the fall of 1822, and first settled on fifty acres of land located in Carlisle township, Lorain Co., which he had received in payment of a debt. He started from his native place in Connecticut with fifteen dollars in money and about the same amount invested in tinware.

The journey occupied six weeks, and he bartered most of his tinware with tavern-keepers on the road West, and was glad to find that he could do so, and thus save what little cash he had on hand. The

appearance of his land was anything but flattering when he arrived here, as it was covered with several inches of water, and presented anything but a bril- liant prospect for the anxious pioneer. By dint of hard work, and assisted by his excellent wife, he soon had his land cleared, and added to it from time to time until he had one hundred and thirty aeres well improved, and upon which he erected comfortable buildings.

One of the peculiar hardships he had to encounter was the construction of about a mile of road through the woods, in order to get to his land. He also ex- perienced great difficulty in getting his wagon through the mud and mire.

Mr. Prindle continued a farmer until his death, which occurred May 8, 1872, his good wife having preceded him to the grave about a year, Sept. 23, 1871. They were in every sense a worthy couple, and enjoyed the esteem and respect of all with whom they came in contact, either in business or social communion.

Mr. Prindle held several offices in his township, all of which he filled with the same houesty of purpose and faithfulness to duty that characterized the management of his personal affairs.

249

HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.

ORGANIZATION.

Carlisle and Elyria townships, then of Huron county, were organized as one township, for eivil purposes, under the name of Elyria, on the 20th day of October, 1819. This connection was continued until June 4, 1822, when the present township of Carlisle was organized. The first record of an elee- tion we are able to procure, bears date April 4, 1825, when the following persons were elected: Lyman J. Frost, Obed Gibbs, and Samuel Brooks, trustees; I. A. Sexton, clerk; Sammel Brooks, treasurer; and Ransom Gibbs, Barton Waite, and Hezekiah Brooks, supervisors of highways. Phinehas Johnson's bond as justice of the peace,-and he was without doubt. the first person to till that office,-bears date February 19, 1823.

The officers for 1878 are, William Patterson, Julins Beuhring, and James McMullin, trustees; M. R. Bennett, clerk; John Booth, treasurer; William II. Sutliff, assessor; William L. Taylor and John Einig, constables. There are twenty-six supervisors.

Justice of the peace, Phinehas Johnson, was suc- ceeded in 1832 by Hezekiah Brooks, and following are the names, with date of election, of each person who has filled the office until the present time: April 6, 1835, David Bennett; August 22, 1836, Joseph Patterson; February 25, 1837, Henry M. Warner; April 2, 1838, Solimus Wakeley; April 3, 1843, Dan- iel Tenney; October 23, 1843, David Bennett; 1846, both re-elected; 1849, Nelson Groat and J. P. Noble; 1851, Joshna C. Bassett, who resigned March 7, 1853; Adna Groat, October 14, 1852; Daniel Tenney from 1853 to 1856, Lyman Rawson, 1856; 1859, Tenney and Rawson re-elected; 1862, Nelson Groat and James Carroll; 1865, I. S. Straw and Daniel Tenney; 1868, William Patterson and Warren S. Suntliff; 1874, Pat- terson and Sutlitt re-elected; 1877, Sutliff and Elbert llaring.

CHURCHES.

On the 29th of October, 1822, agreeable to previous appointments, the people convened to consider the propriety of organizing a church in Carlisle township. The Revs. Joseph Treat and Alfred Betts, mission- aries from the missionary society of Connectient, and members of the Presbytery of Portage, were present, and the following persons were duly constituted the " Congressional Church in Carlisle," viz: Hannah (wife of Phinehas Johnson), Samuel Brooks and Sophia his wife, Hezekiah Brooks and Hannah his wife, Lydia, wife of James Brooks, Samuel Eldred and Irene Johnson. Samuel Brooks was chosen clerk. This church was removed to Elyria and con- solidated with the Presbyterian church at that point, upon its organization, November 25, 1824. It remained thus until August 2, 1833, when at the request of Deacon Samuel Brooks, the members residing in Carlisle were granted permission to form themselves into a church in that township. For a

time the church flourished. A substantial meeting house was erected in about 1836, and a Sabbath school was organized. Gradually, however, the ranks were decimated until preaching was abandoned and the church ceased to be.

The following sketch of the Methodist church is prepared from data furnished us by A. A. Chapman, a former member: Rev. II. O. Sheldon, it is believed, was the first minister of this denomination to hold services in Carlisle township. This was in 1834 or 1825. A class was not formed, however, until 1830 or 1831, which consisted of the following persons: A. A. Chapman, Cornelius Vandebergh, Nancy, Jane and Cathorine Vandebergh, J. B. Andrews and wife, (Andrews was local preacher, ) Henry Spicer and wife, Stephen Winchell and wife, Enoeh Foss- finder, Paul Taylor, Harriet Taylor and James V. Baker and wife. Cornelins Vandebergh was first leader of this class, and it was formed in the western portion of the township. A second class was organized in the eastern part of the township, now called Laporte, in about 1833. Among its members were O. J. Humphrey, leader, wife and two daughters, and Mrs. Abigail Webster and a daughter. The church edifice at this point was erected some thirty years since and cost one thousand dollars. There is a present membership of sixty. The pastor is Chester L. Foote; class leader, William Brush; stewards, Thomas Pound and Gilbert Fields; superintendent of Sabbath school, Gilbert Fields. The attendance is sixty. The following are some of the early ministers: Elnathan C. Gavit, George Elliott, William Runnells. He that is now Bishop Harris was on this circuit in 1835 and 1836. Thomas Barkdull, D. M. Conant, M. L. Starr, W. M. Safford, Win. C. Pierce, Spafford C. Thomas, Il. L. Parrish, T. J. Pope, James, - Sawyer, Guiberson and others. Both the Baptists and Universalists have had an organiza- tion in Carlisle. None now exists.

SCIIOOLS.

In the summer of 1821, Miss Julia Johnson taught the first term of school in the east part of the town- ship. This was held in a little log school house erected the previous spring, on the hill east of the river. In the west part a school house was built on section ten, now the farm of D. C. Pember. This was erected about the same date as the one mentioned above, and the first term taught therein was by Miss Minerva Murray,-cannot give the exact year.

May 29, 1826, the township of Carlisle was divided into two school districts. The western half was number one, and contained the families of Abner, J. D. and Philo Murray, Wilham and lona A. Sexton, Abiram Drakeley, Dr. Milton Chapman, Noah H. IInrd, Obed and Ransom Gibbs, Henry and Charles Smith, Barton Waite, John Bacon, Salmon Sutlitf, Asahel Powers, Anson Seward, Chauncey Prindle, Lyman J. Frost and Moses C. Baker. The residents

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HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.

in district number two, then comprising the entire eastern half of the township, were, Samuel, Hezekiah and James Brooks, Phinchas Johnson, Asahel Kelsey, Thouret F. Chapman and Dudley Griswold.

Carlisle township had in 1878 eight school houses, whose valuation, including grounds, was seven thous- and dollars. The total amount paid teachers for the same year was one thousand four hundred and seven- teen dollars, and there were of the requisite school age two hundred and eighty-five children.

AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS FOR 1878.

Wheat,

700 acres.

.11,082 bushels.

Potatoes, 105

.11,345 =

Oats, 716

.30,623

Orchards, 337

5,050

Corn, 1,053

61,014

Meadow, 2,051

2,821 tons.

Butter.

52,750 pounds.

Cheese.

251,960

Maple Sugar

450

Population in 1870

1,219

VOTE FOR PRESIDENT IN 1876.

llayes

33 | Tilden, 180

SHEFFIELD.

THIS TOWNSHIP, known as number seven in range seventeen, is bounded on the north by Lake Erie, south by the shire township of the county, Elyria, east by Avon, and west by the township of Black River. The soil through the greater part of the township is clay. The ridge passing southwesterly across the extreme southern portion of the township, presents a sandy soil, and along the streams are flats or bottom lands, fertile, and of great productiveness. It is an agricultural township. Along the shore of the lake large quantities of barley are grown, and of a very superior grade. Red clover seed is also another important article of production in this region.

The streams are Black river, French and Sugar creeks. Black river, the most important water course in the township, crosses the southern boundary line on lot seventy-five. It flows a general northerly course to near the center of the township, where it. makes an abrupt bend westward and flows from the township on lot fifty-two, its waters emptying into Lake Erie a short distance west, in Black River town- ship. French creek enters the township on its eastern line, lot seven, and flowing a southwest course, forms a junction with Black river on lot sixty-four. Sngar creek rises in Ridgeville township, flows across the southwest corner of Avon, and enters Sheffield near the southeast corner, on lot two. It empties into French creek, on lot sixty-four.

ORIGINAL OWNERS.

Town number seven, in range seventeen, in the original partition by draft, was drawn by William Hart, of Saybrook, Conn. Tract fourteen in Hen- rietta township was annexed to Sheffield to equalize it. In Jannary, 1815, Mr. Hart sold the entire town- ship to Capt. Jabez Burrell and Capt. John Day, of Sheffield, Berkshire county, Mass. After the pur- chase Obadiah Deland, of Sheffield, Capt. Joshua Smith. Col. Joseph Fitch and Solomon Fitch, of New

Marlborough, Berkshire county, Isaac Burrell, of Salisbury, Herkimer county, State of New York, and Henry Austin, of Owasco, Cayuga county, same State, became partners.

SETTLEMENT.

Previous to Hart's disposition of the lands now comprised within the boundary lines of Sheffield township, and in about 1812, he agreed with Timothy Wallace to give him his choice in lots, if sold by lot. if he would settle and occupy the same. Wallace accepted. He selected lot sixty-five, now owned by Edward P. Burrell, improved a few acres, and finally abandoned it. This was the first attempt at settle- ment in Sheffield township.

" The two Burrells, Day, and Smith, explored the township in June, 1815, and selected lots for them- selves and friends. About the first of October follow- ing. Captain Smith, and his oldest son Douglas, then a lad seventeen years of age, left Massachusetts with a yoke of oxen and one horse, and the necessary tools for clearing and cultivating a new farm." The boy made the greater part of the tedious journey alone. Ilis father left him soon after starting, to visit friends at Sackett's Harbor, New York, and did not rejoin him until he had nearly reached the " Mecca " of their toilsome pilgrimage, Ohio. On the 11th day of No- vember, they arrived at the hospitable dwelling of Wilber Cahoon, in Avon township. This being Sat- urday, they remained here over the Sabbath, and on Monday morning. November thirteenth, 1815, they followed down French creek, without a trail, and commenced on lot sixty-four, the first permanent set- tlement in the township. This farm is now owned by Frederic Kreble. Captain Smith's nearest neighbors were John S. Reid and Daniel Perry, at the mouth of Black river, some four miles distant, Wilber Cahoon, of Avon township, five miles away, and Captain Mo- ses Eldred, seven miles distant, at Ridgeville. " In a

PHOTOS BY LEE ELYRIA O

M. E. Partos

Parks

251

HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OINIO.

few days after the arrival of Captain Smith and son, they were joined by two young men from New Marl- borough, Samuel B. Fitch and Ashar Chapman. These four men soon built a rude cabin, where they spent the winter of 1815-16, shut out from the outer world, and dependent upon their own resources for amusement and enjoyment. Captain Smith was a humorons, jovial man ; enjoyed a joke and was fond of a good story. He was well calculated to amuse him- self and companions in their seclusion."

In February, 1816, Freeman Richmond arrived in the township, and settled on lot two, now owned by Joseph Townshend. Mrs. Richmond was the first white female who became a permanent settler in Shef- field township. This family afterwards removed from the township, and we believe, reside at present in Amherst, this county.

Ileury and Mary (Day) Root, and family were the next settlers. They left their native town, Sheffield, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, on the 15th day of February, 1816, and came, at least a greater part of the way by teams, both oxen and horses, arriving at the mouth of Black river on the 1st day of the sub- sequent April. For perhaps three weeks they re- mained in the Smith cabin; in the interval preparing a habitation upon lot seventeen where they perma- nently located. This was near where now stands the Catholic church, in the eastern part of the township. Of this family, a son, William H. Root, Esq., says: "This proved to be an unfortunate location, so far as lands about it were concerned; and, for long years, was one of the most isolated spots in all that part of the county, no neighbor nearer than three-fourths of a mile, for eighteen years." Following are the children of this couple: Aaron, who was a sailor, and gener- ally known as Capt. Root. He married Esther Buck, and had nine children. He died a few years since. William Henry, the next child, married Eliza Case, and by her had three children, daughters, two of whom are now living, Maria at home, and Mrs. 11. Garfield, now living in Shetlield. Mrs. Root died April 29, 1833, and on April 15, 1834, he contracted a second marriage, taking for a companion Miss Fanny Day. The fruit of this union was three boys. Orville, the eldest, is now the obliging auditor of Lorain county, whose many courtesies the writer takes pleasure in acknowledging, and Walter and William, twins, who are living near the paternal mansion, The next child of Henry and Mary Root was Julia Ann, who married Norman Day, now deceased, Jane, who married Harvy Austin, now lives at Monroe, Michi- gan. Francis died unmarried. Mary, the youngest child, married A. R. Fitzgerald, and is now deceased. Henry Day died April 9, 1829. Mrs. Day died Feb- ruary 6, 1857.

Soon after the arrival of Mr. Root and family, Ol- iver Moon, from Avon, State of New York, located on lot eleven; Milton Garfield and John B. Garfield, of Tyringham, Massachusetts, on lots seventy-three and seventy-four; A. R. Dimmick on lots seventy-five

and seventy six; William Richmond on lot two, with his brother Freeman, and Willis Potter, on lot one.

On the 26th of July, Capt. Day and family arrived. The children were as follows: William, generally known as "Judge Day." He married Angusta Bur- rell. They have a family of seven children, all of whom are now living. The judge resides on the old homestead, lot sixty-six. Ilis son is postmaster at Sheffield post office. John, Jr., the next child, mar- ried Cornelia Ann Sackett, of Avon. They reside on lot eighty. Their children number eight, four of whom are living: Norman, married Julia Ann Root, and resides on lot forty-two. They were blessed with seven children, all now living. To this gentleman we desire to express our obligations. From his "anniversary address," on the settlement of Sheffield, we have gleaned much valuable data. Fanny, the next child, became the wife of William II. Root, Esq., and is now deceased; James, married Ann Eliza Austin, and resides on lot sixty-four. Of their seven children, five are now living, Lydia, mar- ried Kendrick K. Kerney, Esq. They have but one child, a son, who resides with them on lot seventy- one. Kellogg, married Mary L. Ingalls, of Napoli; New York. He was a teacher among the Cherokee Indians for a term of years. He is now engaged in merchandising at Denmark, Iowa. His family are three daughters, all living. Frederick, married Mary S. Sackett. He died August 11, 1840, leaving two children, a son and daughter, who are now living in Michigan. Edmond, the next child, was born subsequent to the settlement in Sheffield. Hle mar- ried Camilla Austin. He was a physician for many years, but is not now practicing. He resides in Cleve- land. Of their four children, three are now living. Eleanor, the youngest child, married James Austin, and resides on Jot seventy-four; they have but one child, a son.

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History of Lorain County, Ohio, Part 62

Author: Publication date: 1879 Publisher: Philadelphia, Williams brothers Number of Pages: 626

Author:
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Philadelphia, Williams brothers
Number of Pages: 626