History of Lorain County, Ohio, Part 66

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

USA > Ohio > Lorain County > History of Lorain County, Ohio > Part 66

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

FIRST EVENTS.

The first marriage ceremony in Grafton township was performed by Henry Coit, Esq., of Liverpool, . November 5, 1818. The parties were Grindell Rawson and Maria Ashley. Mr. and Mrs. Rawson soon commenced housekeeping in their log house, already prepared, a half mile or more from neighbors.

The first marriage ceremony performed by our first justice of the peace proved to be a run-away match. The parties were Ezekiel A. Turner, hired man of the bride's father, and Electa Boughton. Mr. Turner was chopping in the direction of Esquire Ingersoll's, waiting and watching for his promised bride to fultil her part of the agreement-to meet at a given hour. Miss Boughton, under pretence of going quite a distance on an errand, prepared herself by wearing a clean checked apron, to stay a while at the neighbor's. But, instead of following out this ruse, she started upon a trail to find her betrothed, after which Mr. Turner left his axe, and Miss Boughton her apron in the woods, to await their return after

the law by the mouth of the justice had made them one instead of two, as they commenced life in the morning of that eventful day. Friends began oppo- sition and search too late, and this remains the first romantic matrimonial adventure in Grafton.

The first physician to locate in Grafton was Palmer, in 1834. He was succeeded by L. D. Gris- wold, M. D., now of Elyria. Then came Drs. Wade and Darrow.

Dr. Knowlton came to Grafion in 1845, and con- tinned a practicing physician for six years. During that time he was married to Caroline Kinney. only child of Wm. Kinney and Mary, his wife, both deceased. Mrs. Kinney was a daughter of Aaron Root, and near the spot where Mr. Root's first house was built, in 181;, Dr. and Mrs. Knowlton now reside.

The present medical staff is composed of E. W. Jewell. L. MeCune and C. 1. Wolcott.

The first white child born in the township of Graf- ton, was Nancy, oldest daughter of Seth C. Ingersoll. This event occurred on the ISth day of May, 1817.

The first grave made in Grafton was for Frederick, the oldest born of Aaron Root's second marriage, who died soon after the family settled in the township. In their affliction. they sent to Brunswick, Medina county, for Rev. Jacob Ward, a Methodist minister and former friend and neighbor in Pittsfield. The oldest son was sent for Mr. Ward, and they made their way as fast as possible through the five-mile woods from Liverpool, but night coming on, they were obliged to tie their horses, and, with saddles for pillows, spent the cold, rainy November night in the woods.

An incident connected with the first convicted thief in our new settlement, is distinctly remembered. This thief was a stranger, passing through our uncul- tivated forest, and might to-day be called a tramp. None of the first settlers, to my knowledge, have ever been convicted for wrong doing. It was in 1819, 1 think, when my brother James was constable, that onr first and only magistrate in number four, six- teenth range, decided that this culprit must be taken to the nearest jaul, which was in Medina, the county seat for that county. It was nearly night when the officer took charge of the prisoner, and our log honse, for the first and last time, sheltered a convict. My mother's admonitions to one and all are remembered. The idea that a thief was to stay all night, to unso- phisticated children, was terrible. During the even- ing, a handful of tow was brought forward, and the prisoner positively assisted in making a substantial string, to be used in tying the big toes of constable and criminal together, while darkness reigned su- preme outside of our dimly-lighted dwelling. Un- disturbed sleep soon bound them more firmly than tow strings could do, keeping them securely until morning light. How different the mode of convey- ing prisoners to jail then and now! A rifle and pocket compass, for safety and direction, were the outfit of

264

HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.

the officer, and with the prisoner by his side, a jour- ney of fifteen miles through the trackless forest on foot was made, instead of the one traveled road. The constable, as the law required, gave his first and last jail-bird to the sheriff, to be incarcerated within the massive walls, built of hewn logs. Thieves and bur- glers of 1879 would sneer at tow strings for manacles and fetters, and hewn logs for stone walls and iron grates and bars. How striking the change since those early days. Living now in sight of the jail in Elyria, from where, some two years ago, eleven prisoners were taken to the penitentiary at Columbus, all convicted at one term of the court, and when, with noisy shackles, this group of young men were conducted by Sheriff Braman, turnkey George Boyd, police otli- cers William Alger and R. C. De Witt to prison life for lengthened years.

In November, 1819, occurred the death of William Crittenden, and his remains were the first interred in the cemetery at the center of the township.

In 1822, the workshop of Major William Ingersoll was burned, and with it the lathe, tools, loom, several bags of wheat, etc. Immediately afterwards Mr. Ingersoll set abont building a frame house. This was completed and first taken possession of in May, 1824. David Ashley built the first frame house in Grafton township. The first postoffice was established at the center in about 1825, (there are no records). David Ashley was appointed postmaster, and kept the office at his residence. Those who know only of to-day can scarcely conceive the importance attached to these pioneer postoffices. Then a letter started from the far away east, and after consuming weeks in its journey, was at last deposited at its destination by a foot carrier. It cost twenty-five cents to send each letter. Next came the horseback carrier. Then the stage coach with its four or six horses, and its wonderful driver, the special admiration of the juveniles. No stage coach with four or six horses are remembered until a late day. Soon that was dis- placed by steam, and in time we have the fast mail, the greatest achievement of the postoffice department, so far as rapid transit is concerned. Truly, time works wonders. The present postmaster at. the center is O. W. Nichols. A second office was established at Rawsonville, some years since, but no one seems te know when, or who was first postmaster. H. E. Kelsey is the present postmaster. This office was first named Rawsonville; July 1, 1875, the name was changed to Grafton. and the center office to Belden.

The pioneer mercantile establishment in the town- ship of Grafton was at the center (now Belden. ) Messrs. John Freese and Charles Root were the pro- prietors; the date, 1830. These gentlemen erected the building. They were only in trade a short time, closing ont to Reuben Smith and William Root, who conducted the business some two years. They were succeeded by Messrs. Wells & Johnson. Clement Stebbins and C. R. Baldwin opened another store at

the same point in 1832. The location was in a small building standing on the site now occupied by the depot. After perhaps two years this partnership was dissolved, and the firm of Stebbins & Wells formed. This firm erected the building on the northeast corner, now occupied by a drinking saloon. In this they operated a store for seven years. They put up an ashery and did an extensive business. They were succeeded by William Hart, who is still in the mer- cantile business at Rawsonville. The first store at this village came into being the fall following the completion of the C. C. C. & I. R. R., Messrs. Hand & Sawtell, proprietors. The present business at this place is shown by the following: Wm. IFart. L. B. Daniels and Richard O. Newton, general merchandise: W. T. Watson and James Artress, hardware; Il. E. Kelsey, drugs and notions: Mrs. Wm. Hart and Mrs. E. Mayhew, miHiners; JJones & McCune, and W. E. Capell, meat markets; Willis Reichard and V. M. Ryan, boots and shoes, and George Beeder, jeweler.

William Crittenden began keeping a hotel at the center, in 1818. He had ereeted a double log honse, with a capacious ball room in the second story. In this the anniversary of our national independence was -celebrated, July 4, 1818. The address was delivered by William Bishop, and it was on this occasion that the name Grafton was given to the township by Major Ingersoll.

The hotel at this point, (Belden House), owned by HI. Crittenden. is at present under the management of Thomas Ward, formerly of Massillon, Ohio. At Raw- sonville there are two hotels, the National, A. D. Smith, proprietor, and the Railroad House, kept by T. E. Ray. There are also two liveries at the same point, owned by L. B. Daniels and F. MeClintock.

The first of those modern industries-cheese facto- ries-was started by Hobart Corning, in 1867. The location was near Daniel Kinsley's. There was a pat- ronage of over four hundred cows. This was sold to Messrs. Robson & Trann, in the winter of 1877-8, and removed to Rawsonville, where it is now in oper- ation. In the fall of 1877, Nahum Holcomb erected a cheese factory on Duke Mennell's farm, lot number forty-three. This worked the past season the milk of two hundred and fifty cows. Other factories have been in operation in Grafton. They are now closed.

INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS.

In the winter of 1816-17. an addition, or wing, was constructed on the back part of the house of Major William Ingersoll, and in this his son Thomas began the manufacture of splint-bottomed chairs. This was the pioneer manufactory in Grafton township. The father became quite an adept cooper, making tubs, bnekets, churns and other useful articles. This shop was burned, as before stated. The first saw mill was built in the summer and fall of 1817, by David Ash- ley, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, In 1818 another saw mill was erected at Rawsonville, by JJonathan and Grindell Rawson and Nathan Boughton. This is now

VIEW WEM

A W. Nichols

BIRTH - PLACE , YOR

RESIDENCE OF A. W. NICHOLS .G

OF RESIDENCE.

Who A. Ti ALcholo

VINGSTON CO., N. Y

FTON , LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO. 1879.

265

HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.

torn down. In 1826 these same persons built a grist mill near the saw mill. The present grist mill is at this place, and is a fine steam affair, owned by C. F. Banmetz. There are also two steam saw mills in the township.

From the address of Hon. W. W. Boynton, we learn that Grafton township, when first settled, be longed to Medina county, which was formed in 1812, * * From its foundation to its organization, it remained attached to Portage county, where the deeds of the carly settlers were recorded. On the 25th day of July, 1818, on petition of the inhabitants, the town was incorporated by the name of Grafton, by the commissioners of Medina county,

The first election was held at the house of William B. Crittenden, on August 3, 1818, at which time the following persons were elected: Eliphalet Jones, William Ingersoll, and William B. Crittenden, trus- tees: William Bishop, clerk; Reuben Ingersoll, treas- urer: David Ashley, appraiser of property: Seth C. Ingersoll, lister of property; William Turner and Giles Sibley, overseers of the poor; Grindell Rawson and Reuben Ingersoll, fenee viewers; Jonathan Raw- son, Seth C. Ingersoll, William Ingersoll, Jr., and David Ashley, supervisors of highways; Gny C. Boughton, constable; and Jonathan Rawson, justice of the peace. Previous to this, the township had been attached to Liverpool township, for judicial purposes, and at the April election, 1818, Reuben Ingersoll had been elected a justice of the peace,- the first in Grafton township. At the State election, holden on the 13th of the following October, there were thirteen votes cast.

Following are the officers for 1878: J. C. Lehman, T. C. Mennell, and W. S. Terry, trustees; HI. S. Williams, clerk; Joseph Hudson, treasurer; G. B. Chamberlin, assessor; Isaac Root and W. J. Gibson, constables: James Ilulbert and John R. Jones, justices of the peace, and sixteen supervisors of highways.

CHURCHES,

The first sermon delivered in the township of Graf- ton, was preached by the Rev. Reuben Jones, of the Methodist connection, then residing at Mantna, This meeting was held at the dwelling of Eliphalet Jones, in the summer of 1814. Other meetings followed, and during the subsequent fall a small class was formed, with Aaron Root leader. We are unfortu- nately unable to give the names of those composing this class at its formation, but in 1820, we find that the following were members : Lydia Crittenden, Oli- ver, Polly, and Eliza Ashley, Mary and Polly Jones, John P. Root, Daniel Crittenden, and it is quite probable there were others whose names are not remembered. Meetings were held at the dwellings of Messrs. Root, Crittenden, Ashley and others. In the summer of 1818, a log school house was built at the center, and in this meetings were held with more or less regularity. In 1827, quite a large two story frame building was constructed, also at the center. This

was for the purpose of a town hall, school and church. All denominations occupied it we believe, at pleasure. It was afterwards sold to the Baptist society, and occupied by them for a church so long as the organ- ization existed, after which it was converted into a dwelling, and is now occupied by William Moses.

The present Methodist Episcopal Church was erected in the year 1850, but was not fully completed until the following year. The first regular minister was the Rev. Mr. Smith, of Pittsfield. This was in abont 1820. The following list of pastors in this church is given from memory by Mr. Ashley Root and wife, and is substantially correct: Ezra Booth. Ezra Fields, Zera Castin, Taylor, Adam Poe, Il. O. Shelden, HI. Calclizer, E. C. Gavitt, Geo. Elliotl., William Reynolds, Carpenter, John T. Callum, Cyrus Sawyer, Brewster, II. L. Parish, A. P. Jones, Break- field. Thomas Pope, Peter Sharp, Kinnear, Jacob Brown, George Phillips, A. L. S. Bateman, John Mitchell, Foote, Uri Richards, Thomas Thompson, William Thatcher, Euratas Bush, William Spatford, Safford, Charles Thomas, Matthew L. Starr, Asbury Cassel, L. M. Pounds, A. K. Owen, T. J. Gard, Ward, John R. Jewett, Holbrook, W. Ben Taggart, W. W. Smith. F. S. Wolf, John Mitchell and George Hani- wault, the present pastor. The last of these gentle- men, upon the breaking out of the rebellion, doffed their clerical robes for the "faded coat of blue, " and served their country valiantly during the entire war. The present church officers are Ashley S. Root and Henry S. Williams, leaders; D. G. Kinsley, II. S. Williams and -, Goodsell, stewards; Charles Cragin, superintendent Sabbath school. Attendance, one hun- dred scholars; the total church membership is abont seventy.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

The Methodist Episcopal Church at Rawsonville was formed in March, 1871. Meetings were held in Hart's hall by Rev. Mr. Isbaugh, and a small class formed, the following persons constituting it: E. Robson (from whom we obtain valuable data), William Trann and wife, Robert Salisbury and wife, Theodore Witbeck and wife, and A. J. Wilson and wife. Charles Bolton was appointed class leader; ser- vices were held in the above hall; a Sabbath school organized, and everything moving along harmoniously when a fire destroyed their place of worship. The members at onee set abont building a church edifice, and on January 14, 1875, it was dedicated by the Rev. Mr. Currier. The total cost was twenty-four hundred dollars. The ministers have been Revs. Brice, Pope, Richards, Brien and Foote. There are at present eighty members. The church officers are John Dent and William Trann, class leaders; A. J. Williams and John Dent, stewards; E. Robson, Win. Tran, A. J. Wilson, John Dent, Ilenry Hornby and Fred. Burgess, trustees; Sheldon Seers, superintend- ent of the Sabbath school. Total enrollment seventy- five.

266

HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.

THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCHI.

In point of time the Episcopal Church was the next formed. Service was read as early as 1817 by the Rev. Roger Searls, then travelling on this portion of the Reserve as a missionary. This church grew to respectable proportions, and as early as 1834 erected a fine brick edifice, the first in the township. This was located at the center on the site now occupied by the town hall. The causes leading to the close of this church we are unable to give, but certain it is that in 1852 meetings ceased, and the building was sold and removed.

A BAPTIST CHURCH

was also formed at an early period, but has long since ceased to hold meetings or keep up an organization.

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHI.

This society was formed at Grafton Center, by Rev. Joel Talcott and Rev. Oliver Eastman, on the 15th day of March, 1834, and consisted of the following mem- bers: Philip F. Davis, Barratt Benjamin, William Davis, and Aseneth, his wife, Silo Thorp and Jacob Rood. The church was organized in connection with Medina Presbytery, on the plan of union adopted by the Congregational and Presbyterian churches of the Western Reserve, and continued as a Congrega- tional church until January 13, 1873, when it became Presbyterian, and the following ellers were elected: 1I. E. Bartlett, I. L. Fisher and J. F. Mantor; deacons J. T. Walker and T. B. Rogers. The present elders, elected 1876, are: I. L. Fisher, I. S. Thorp and W. N. Shoot. T. B. Rogers is the present superintendent of the Sabbath school, which has an attendance of thirty scholars. This church first met in the build- ing before referred to in connection with the Metho- dist Episcopal church. In fact, we learn that this church continued to hold services there until the erection of their present church edifice, in 1844. This was only enclosed and temporarily seated at the time, and was used in this condition for four years, when scats were added and the church completed. The Congregational officers were: J. W. Rood, Tru- man Bagg and Edwin Rogers, trustees; ft. E. Bartlett, secretary; and C. R. Baldwin, treasurer. The pres- ent officers are: 1. L. Fisher, Cyrenus Simmons and I. E. Thorp, trustees; T. B. Rogers, clerk; and I. T. Walker, treasurer. J. W. Rood was the first clerk of the church, and held the office until 1846, when he was succeeded by 1. L. Fisher, who is the present incumbent. The pulpit has been supplied by the following ministers, in the order in which they are named: Reverends O. Eastman, Israel Shaler, Wil- liam Salisbury, James Eals and John P. Cowles. October 27, 1846, Rev. G. C. Judson was ordained and installed pastor of the church, and remained until June 1, 1852. Rev. Erastus Cole served the church as stated supply seven years. Rev. II. Law- renee succeeded him for seven years. Then came Rev. Madison Elliott, who remained the same number

of years; Rev. S. M. Burton, three years; Rev. Wil. liam Honnell, nine months; then Rev. Owen Jenkins, one year, and he was followed by the present pastor, Rev. Il. Thrall, of Litchfield township.

RAWSONVILLE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHI

was organized at the house of Eleazar Goodman. January 8, 1854, by Rev. Ansel R. Clark, who had held services at that point since January 1, 1853. The first members were: Eleazar Goodman, Sr., and wife, Eleazar Goodman, Jr., and wife, Titus H. Iland and wife, Mrs. Adaline P. Preston, Harry Chandler, and danghter Jerusha. The present house of wor- ship was dedicated May 30, 1855, by Rev. Henry Cowles, of Oberlin. The following are clergymen who have had charge of the church: Reverends A. B. Clark, Stephens Cook, D. M. V. Stewart. Julius O. Beardlee, - Conklin, S. M. Burton, H. II. Honnell, - Cady, O. Judkins, R. A. Baird, and Rey. Mr. Hyde, who is at present officiating. The membership is tifty. The officers are: A. A. Bisbee and David Stockwell, deacons; J. A. Berthrong, clerk; H. Il. Hickok, Frederick Smith and A. A. Bisbee, trustees; Theodore Belding, superintendent of Sabbath school. The attendance is forty children.

ST. MARY'S CHURCH, (CATHOLIC. )

This was the first church of this faith formed between Cleveland and Sandusky. It was organ- ized in 1840 by Bishop Rapp, of Cleveland, and began with a small membership. A small wood building was erected in Carlisle township, near the present cemetery, on seetion six, soon after the church was formed. In this meetings were held until about 1863, when it was removed to Rawson- ville, Grafton township. Four years after the pres- ent massive stone church was erected. This is in size forty-five by eighty feet, and cost ten thousand dollars. This chnreh has now a total membership of seven hundred. The Rev. Mr. Halley, of Norwalk, Huron county, was the first resident minister. Revs. R. A. and Alexander Sibley held service here prior to Mr. Halley. Father John Daudet, the present pas- tor, assumed charge in 1871. After the building of the present church the old builling was enlarged to double its former size, and converted into a school room. This is now under the management of the pastor, and has an enrollment of fifty scholars.

SCHOOLS.

The first log school house was built on the south- east corner of Mr. Turner's lot, in the spring of the year 1818. The first teacher was Miss Mary Sibley, in age only a few years in advance of her scholars, of whom there were eighteen, and it is a somewhat remarkable fact that of this number twelve are yet alive. The report of the board of education for Grafton township, for the year ending August 31, 1878, shows six school houses valued at three thou- sand eight hundred dollars. The amount paid teachers

PHOTO BY IFF .ELIRIA

RESIDENCE OF DR. C. B. KNOWLTON , GRAFTON, LORAIN CO., OHIO.

267

IHISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.

one thousand one hundred and forty two dollars. The number of children of the requisite school age is two hundred and seven. This does not include the "Raw- souville Union School District," which was organized August 15, 1868, and is composed of school district number one in Grafton, and an adjoining district in Etton township. The board of education at that time was T. Mattison, president ; O. Harper, clerk ; and ff. B. Rawson, treasurer. The present fine school building was erected in the summer of 1875, and cost complete, ineinding furniture and apparatus, seven thousand dollars. The course of study embracestwo grades, grammar and primary.

The following have been the principals and assist- ants: 1869, John Blanchard, at present county re- corder, and Miss Lucy Westover; 1870, same principal, Miss J. Boughton assistant; 1871, E. S. Snow, same assistant: 1872, M. G. Young, Miss Mattie Richard- son assistant: 1873, W. W. Richardson, same assistant; 1874, D. L. Hinckley, same assistant; 1875, 1. N. Saddler, who is the present principal; Miss Mattie Richardson was his assistant, and continued to occupy that position until the spring of 1878, when Mrs. Allie M. Saddler, the wife of the principal, succeeded as assistant. The board of education for 1848 is: V. M. Ryan, president; Ileury Weedon, treasurer; and F. C. Smith, secretary. The amount paid to teachers in 1878 was seven hundred and thirty-four dollars. The total attendance is one hundred and forty-live. This school is spoken of as being in a flourishing and highly satisfactory condition.

SOCIETIES.

Grafton Lodge, No. 239, Knights of Pythias, holds its sessions at Rawsonville on Wednesday evening of cach week. The date when this lodge was instituted was October 18, 1876. The names of the following gentlemen appear in the charter: John Gorman, J. G. Kinsley, Daniel Gray, W. T. Watson, William Hart, Willis Reichard, A. P. Jones, R. O. Newton, 11. E. Kelsey, and Daniel Nesbett. The first officers were: W. T. Watson, C. C .: J. G. Kinsley, V. C .; John Gorman, P. C .; Daniel Gray, P .; 1I. E. Kelsey, K. of R. and S. ; William Hart, M. of F .; R. O. Newton, M. of E .; A. P. Jones, M. at A .; Willis Reichard, 1. G .: and Daniel Nesbett, O. G. This body has now a membership of twenty-six. The officers for 1878 are as follows: R. O. Newton, C. C .; Dr. C. J. Wol- cott, V. C .; H. E. Kelsey, C. P .; F. Burgess, P .; Frank Gee, K. of R. and S .; F. C. Smith, M. of F .; W. 11. Weedon, M. of E .; L. McClane, M. at E .; E. A. Blitz, 1. G .; and T. B. Belding, O. G.

We understand there is another benevolent society at this place, called the " Hibernians," but were una- ble to procure the data necessary for a sketch.

OIL INTEREST.

When the hardy New England pioneers began to explore the wooded fastness of number four, they discovered along the margin of the stream now known

as Center creek, two marshy spots or springs, one on the farm of Eliphalet Jones and another on lands now owned by Ashley Root, which attracted their attention, from the presence, upon the surface of the water at these locations, of a dark colored substance, having an oleaginons appearance and a peculiar odor. In after years small quantities of it woukl be gathered, but we have no evidence that it was ever utilized. Finally samples of this substance were examined by experts, and it was pronounced petroleum. Nothing was done, however, towards boring for oil until the year 1856, when a gentleman from Pennsylvania, we are unfortunately unable to give his name, snuk a well on the farm of Erastus Jones. At a depth of thirty feet oil was found. A pump was applied. The well yielded some forty barrels, when the supply ceased and the business was abandoned.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Lorain County, Ohio, Part 66

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

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