History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 101

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?; Battle, J. H; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926; Baskin & Battey. Chicago. pub
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1014

USA > Ohio > Medina County > History of Medina county and Ohio > Part 101

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strength. Mud dams were found too frail to resistthe action of the water, and were accord- ingly strengthened by stone and timber abut- ments erected on the lower side. Notwith- standing all this, however, the dam was often swept away. The owners soon learned wis- dom by experience, and built dams that could withstand any volume of water likely to sweep down the creek. The Watring Mill was a good one, and under the management of its able owner, turned out large quantities of sawed lumber, at prices ranging from $2 to $3.50 per thousand, or one-half of the logs. Settlers with but little money were compelled to adopt the latter method in paying for their lumber. The fourth saw-mill on this creek (which should be named Mill Creek) was built by Mr. Ross. It resembled the others in design, and in all essential particulars was identical. These mills received a large patron- age from other townships, and all were thus enabled to afford the owners a profitable revenue. None of them could run longer than five or six months of the year, and most of them were operated day, night and Sundays, as long as the water lasted. One night, after a heavy rain, Mr. Ross was out watching his dam, and to see that his logs were not carried down the stream, when, upon passing near his corn-field, he suddenly came upon two men, who had a bushel basket, and seemed to be intent on the unlawful business of stealing corn, whereupon, it is related, the following conversation took place: "What in the devil are you doing in my corn-field?" "Cooning." "Yes, cooning in a corn-field with a bushel basket! Do you get many?" Here, unfortu- nately, the narrator ended his tale, the re- mainder of which is in danger of falling into forgetfulness. It is probable that the sequel will show, that, after the event narrated, the practice of coon-hunting with a bushel basket (or any other kind of a basket) was abandoned.

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HISTORY OF MEDINA COUNTY.

The four saw-mills on "Mill Creek " were not the only ones early in the towuship. In 1834 or 1835, Edward Dorsey built a saw-mill in the southeastern part, on a small stream called Burt Creek, from the first settler living on its banks. The motor was water, and the mill was operated successfully by Mr. Dorsey for about a year and a half, when it was sold to Abraham Whiteside. Soon afterward John Robb became the owner. Several additions and improvements increased the operative capacity of the mill, which began to do quite extensive work, with a steadily increasing patronage. After a time, Andrew McDonald purchased an interest in the mill privilege, and soon afterward steam was employed to take the place of water in operating the mill. But, notwithstanding frequent trials, the en- gine could not be made to work satisfactorily, and, in about 1848, the mill,with a small patron- age, passed into the ownership of Joseph Robb and John McDonald, who permitted it to run down. About the time this mill was erected, Andrew McDonald built one on another small creek, about a mile northwest. The mill building was quite a large frame structure, and the dam was constructed of mud, stone and timbers. The framework of the mill was large aud strong, and the tim- bers, many of them as sound as when first prepared, are being used in building a church at the village of Chippewa Lake. Mr. Mc- Donald conducted the mill a few years, when it was permitted to run down, and, as was stated, the owner purchased an interest in the Dorsey Mill.

Jonathan Palmer was probably the first blacksmith to work at the trade in the town- ship. He erected a small log shop on his farm in 1834, and for ten years did considerable work. The next year after his shop was built, a Mr. Holbon, liviug a short distance north of the Center, built the second blacksmith-shop.

He also did quite a thriving business for a number of years. In about 1842, a number of prominent men in the township concluded that a grist-mill could sustain itself, formed a stock company, and, in accordance with their conclusion, built a large, three-storied frame structure, locating it half a mile south of the Center. A Mr. Barnhart, an experienced mil- ler, was employed by the stockholders to take charge of the mill. But the judgment of the owners as to the self-sustaining capacity of the mill proved to be erroneous, as, notwithstanding the efforts made by them, the patronage se- cured did not pay a fair percentage on the capital invested. Finally, the company sold the mill to J. O. Simmonds, who soon after- ward transferred it to others. After passing through several hands, Mr. Van Orman pur- chased the machinery, which was removed. The building is at present used as a black- smith-shop. The building was altered to a two-storied one several years ago. During the early history of the township, the settlers were compelled to go to Akron, Wooster, and other distaut places for their flour. Going to mill was an occasion greatly dreaded, for, ordina- rily, the roads were poor, and during the spring mouths practically bottomless. Sometimes an entire week was consumed in the journey, and the cattle or horses suffered severely from the harassing tramp through the mud and mire.

Thomas Cass, one of the earliest settlers, was a wheelwright, and erected a small shop on his farm, where, for a number of years, he man- ufactured spinning-wheels and various other useful articles, which were sold to his neigh- bors. His wares were mostly prepared during the winter months and at odd times, and on rainy or stormy days wheu nothing else could be done. Many of his productious were sold iu Medina, and undoubtedly, to-day, the spin- ning-wheels preserved as curiosities in the gar- rets of the residences of many of the old settlers

HISTORY OF MEDINA COUNTY.

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were made by Mr. Case. There were coopers among the early settlers, who made a limited number of kegs, tubs, rude pails and buckets, and barrels, selling them to the neighbors. No distillery has ever cursed the township with its productions. The citizens, many of them, however, "loved to court the society of the ruby god," and were proud of being con- sidered good judges of superior whisky and brandy. Generally, the settlers were sober, temperate, industrious and honest.

The village of Chippewa Lake was laid out and platted in 1873. Sixteen lots were origi- nally laid off, to which several additions have since been made- one in 1877, by Jonathan Palmer, and one in 1880, by Mr. Clark. Al- most the first building in the village was one moved in by J. Cotner, in the spring of 1874. This building was immediately occu- pied by Koppes & Rickard, who placed there- in about $1,500 worth of a general assortment of goods. During the summer, the building now occupied by this partnership was erected, and, the following fall, the stock was removed to the new building. A steady and moderate trade has been given the merchants, sufficient in amount to afford an opening for something more extensive. The stock has been added to until it now is valued at some $2,000.

In the spring of 1873, largely through the influence of Jonathan Palmer, a post office was established at the village, or, rather, at the residence of Mr. Palmer, who was appointed Postmaster. A year later, Mr. Palmer re- signed, and Mr. Koppes, at the village, re- ceived the appointment, an office he has retained until the present.

In 1874, Simpson Pomeroy erected a black- smith-shop, and, about the same time, E. L. Richtell entered into partnership with him, and the two conducted a combined wagon and blacksmith shop. H. Morrison has a small shoe-shop in the village.

Several residences have been constructed, ten or twelve in number, and the village started thus late in the history of the county is destined to become quite populous. It is sufficiently removed from other railroad sta- tions to render it apparent that two or three good stores could not only be self-sustaining, but afford the owners a fair compensation for their labor and capital invested. The proximity of the village to Chippewa Lake, after which it was named, will also add to its attractions. In coming years, the approaches to the lake will be improved, larger and better places of resort will be erected on its shore, pleasure vessels of various kinds will be launched upon its waters, the sedges and grasses growing so luxuriantly along its bor- ders will be removed and possibly replaced, at least, in some places, with stone and gravel, thus providing a suitable beach for those desir- ing to bathe, and the village will be frequent- ed by pleasure seekers from home and abroad. On the western shore of the lake is an excel- lent landing of hard clay, which has been there since the earliest times. It is known as the "Indian Landing," and tradition has it that the earth was placed there by pre-historic man. However that may be, it is a safe and conven- ient approach to the lake, and will, undoubt- edly, be utilized in the near future. The lake should be made the home of trout and other varieties of large and valuable fish. All these events will transpire within a comparatively few years, and the villages should begin to make readiness to assume metropolitan airs, as the village will receive a permanent and extensive benefit.

As nearly as can be gathered, no frame building was erected in the village of La Fayette prior to 1840. Earlier than that date as many as ten or twelve log buildings of various sizes, appearances and capacities, had been erected, and were occupied by as

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HISTORY OF MEDINA COUNTY.

many families. The village, begun as early as 1834, was not compactly built, but the log cabins were scattered along the main street for a distance of eighty rods. It is not remembered that any industry had been started prior to the above date. In about 1840, Joshua Phillips, of Westfield, erected the first frame building in the village. It was a small structure and was intended for a store- room. Soon afterward, a small stock of goods was placed in the room, and Stephen Phillips, a crippled son of Joshua, was given charge of the store. The stock was not worth more than $200, and was composed largely of whisky. Soon afterward, George Love brought to the village over $1,000 worth of goods. This was the first store of any consequence, and he kept a general assortment, including dry goods. In 1848, Earl Moulton opened a store, beginning with some $1,500 worth of a general assortment, among which were gro- ceries and dry goods. He owned a good store and made considerable money. In 1849, he built an ashery, and began the manufacture of pearl-ash and scorched salts, buying his ashes from wherever they could be obtained, and paying at the rate of 6 cents per bushel for field ashes, and 8 cents for those burned in houses. As high as eight tons of pearl- ash were manufactured per annum, and a ready sale was found at Cleveland, at the rate of from $70 to $100 per ton. When ready, the ash was loaded on wagons and conveyed to market; the trip consuming several days. A considerable quantity of "scorchings" were also manufactured and sold in a similar man- ner for about $48 per ton. The ashery was conducted with fair profits until 1855, when the occupation was discontinued. The second frame building in the village was erected by Dr. Hickox very soon after the Phillips store had been built. This dwelling is located just north of the town hall. Mr. Moulton dis-

continued his store some five or six years after beginning. He lost considerable money through the influence of a man he had trusted, and thought best to sell his stock, which was accordingly done. After the lapse of many years, Mr. Moulton, though eighty years of age, is now in business in the village, with a stock of boots and shoes valued at $1,000. J. F. Badger purchased Mr. Moulton's stock in about 1853, but, after continuing the mercan- tile occupation for some two years, closed out his goods at auction. In about 1850, J. O. Simmonds brought several thousand dollars' worth of goods to the village. He kept an excellent store, and for several years com- manded a lucrative patronage. It is said that he offered for sale one of the best stocks of goods ever at La Fayette. After a few years his stock and store privileges were purchased by William Kelsey, who, after conducting the business a number of years, was burned out. A Mr. Lampman had an interest in the store at the time it was burned. The building and goods in store were destroyed, and were almost a total loss. George Love sold goods, with varying success, until 1848. His father was also engaged for a short time in the mer- cantile pursuit in the village. In 1854, or 1855, Miller & Bowman brought in a stock of goods that had been purchased from a Mr. Wirtz, who had closed out his stock in some neighboring village. Their stock was in- creased, and, two years after coming to La Fayette, they moved into the corner store. Here they did a splendid business during the last war, but, at its close, when goods began to depreciate in value, they sold out to W. B. Chapman, who has conducted the business ever since. Mr. Simmonds engaged in manu- facturing potash about a year before Mr. Moulton sold his ashery. He continued the manufacture about two years, but, finding the enterprise unprofitable, it was discontinued.

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HISTORY OF MEDINA COUNTY.

In autumn, 1847, Mr. Hickox built a saw-mill in the village. It was a large frame structure, located on the side of a steep bluff. The engine was placed in the lower story, together with the furnace, while the saw, an up-and- down one, occupied the upper story, into which the logs were rolled from the bluff. In 1852, R. F. Bissell bought the mill, and some six years later he sold to Carlton & Buchanan. In 1866, Winter Brothers bought the mill, and it is yet under their ownership and man- agement. The mill, since it was first set in operation, has proved more valuable than any other ever in the township. It has turned out large quantities of excellent lumber, and, being operated by steam, it has been enabled to run during the entire year. In 1876, a small pat- tern of planing machinery was introduced in one apartment, but removed at the expiration of about two years. In 1879, Mr. Winter placed in one apartment set off on the lower story, a single set of stone for grinding grain. This small grist-mill is operated two days of the week. In about the year 1852, Mr. Hickox erected a large frame building near the saw mill, and began the manufacture of blinds, sash, doors, etc. This was quite an important industry, and it soon met with sufficient suc- cess to warrant its continuance. The enter- prise was conducted with fair profits until 1870, when the building was fitted up and has since been used as a cheese-factory, under the ownership and management of Daniel Fellows and J. L. Wightman. In 1854, the township purchased the Congregational Church, and con- verted it into a town hall. Prior to that, elec- tions and other town meetings were held in the church, a circumstance not at all relished by the members, who regarded the sanctity of their house violated on every election day. In 1879, the building, which had become quite old and rickety, was remodeled and enlarged. A thick coat of white paint has so altered its appear-

ance that it is now one of the finest buildings in the village.

It was due to the influence of Hon. Earl Moulton, as much as to that of any other man, that the first post office was established in the village. In 1850, an application for the es- tablishment of an office at La Fayette was properly signed, sealed and sent on to the Postmaster General, who gave the desired order. So little was to be paid the carrier that no one desired the position, which was desti- tute of any allurements except those of honor. Finally, more as a matter of necessity and ac- commodation than for any other reason, Mr. Moulton consented to carry the mail. In after years, when the value of having the office in stores became apparent, from the fact that trade was improved by those who went after their mail, a change came over the spirits of business men in the village. Every man was extremely anxious to be honored with the posi- tion of postmastership, and each was willing to sacrifice considerable to be carrier, in order to gain the coveted prize. Mr. Moulton received the appointment of first Postmaster. Three years later, it was transferred to Mr. Lamp- man, and soon afterward to another party. From that period until the present, the office has shot back and forth between the rivals for governmental position, like a shuttle across the threads of the warp. The office is not paying, except that it brings trade to the store wherein it is located. Dr. Hickox began the practice of medicine in the village soon after 1840. He was in partnership with Dr. A. W. Rawson. The latter became quite eminent in his profession, and was worked so hard by the sick and afflicted in the township as to injure his health. Himself and partner changed their location in 1850, and the village for sev- eral years following was without a follower of Esculapius. After an interval of a few years, Dr. Smith, of Medina, came to the village,

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HISTORY OF MEDINA COUNTY.

where he remained some two years. He was followed by Drs. Hudson, Foltz, Hoyt, Slutts and Parker. Unlike some other villages in the county, La Fayette has not seen its best days. Improvements are slowly going on, and the present condition of the village is not inferior to that of former years. The energy and bus- iness push in any locality depend upon the en- terprising character of the citizens and their circumstances regarding finance. This view of the matter leads an observer to the conclu- sion, that, inasmuch as La Fayette is blessed with both those characteristics in a compara- tively limited degree, it is true yet to a suffi- cient extent to warrant a continuance of growth and a revival of business pursuits discontin- ued in early years from a lack of patronage.

Wherever civilized men go, schools and churches are sure to follow. They are both the exponents and the originators of enlightened society and progressive intelligence. Desti- tute of social, educational and religious ad- vantages, society would relapse steadily into barbarism, and a nomadic and practically sol- itary life would take the place of the one now smiling with hope and promise. How quickly schools and churches dot the landscape when settlemeuts begin to spring up, almost like magic, in the deserted depths of the forest! Each hill and vale becomes the site of an ed- ucational or a religious edifice, which, like the human heart, sends its rapid pulsations of wis- dom and morals through every artery and vein of the social body. These privileges are the concomitauts of early settlement in the back- woods. If pioneers are so few in numbers as to render the erection of a schoolhouse or a church unadvisable, they go to distant locali- ties, where the desired opportunities may be obtained. Uusually, some six or eight years elapse after the first settlement, before the first schoolhouse is built. After that, the rap- idity of their erection is proportioned to the | name of that important personage, the first

rapidity of settlement. It is probable that the first schoolhouse erected in La Fayette Town- ship was a small, unpretending, round-log structure, built and located on the farm of Ephraim Harris, now owned by William Bleek- man. It was built in about the year 1831, and was used for a combined schoolhouse, church and town hall. It is stated that the first township election was held in this build- ing. It was built by all the settlers, who turned out and constructed it in one day. It was the understanding, when it was erected, that any and all religious denominations were to have the privilege of assembling there to worship God in their peculiar way; but, erelong, an unpleasant envy or rivalry was incited, which led to angry disputes and a sen- timent of religious intolerance. Mr. Harris, upon whose land the building had been erected, had granted the lot to the use of the public so long as it was used for certain specified purposes, otherwise to revert to the owner. He, therefore, thought that he had as much right to direct the uses to which the building was devoted as any other man in the neighbor- hood. He was a Methodist, and saw with envy that the membership of the Disciple society, which assembled at the building, was outstrip- ping that of his own denomination. Actuated by some sudden freak, he one day posted a notice near the church that, thenceforward, no horses must be hitched to his fence. To retaliate for this unsocial conduct, Mr. Doane, who was a Disciple, and who owned land across the road from the church, posted on his fence that all persons, without regard to the religious de- nomination to which they belonged, might have the privilege, at all times, of hitching to his posts. No serious outbreak occurred, and the building was used until about 1838. All facts concerning the schools taught here have faded from the minds of the old settlers. The

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teacher, is lost in the gloom of the past. In reading the preceding pages, it will be seen that, between 1830 and 1835, large numbers of settlers came in and purchased farms. This rapid settlement led to the immediate erection of several schoolhouses in different parts of the township. The construction of churches was a few years later. In 1830, a log schoolhouse was built at the graveyard, about a mile southwest of the residence of N. G. Wightman. It is not remembered with certainty who was the first teacher, although a Miss Brown and a Mr. Gallup were among the first. The teacher received his pay by subscription, and boarded around. Who can grasp the meaning of the words "boarded around " without having passed through that ordeal in early years, when all the members of a family-some ten or a dozen-occupied the solitary small room of the log-cabin, in which were enacted all the social and domestic relations of the family? Into this room, the unfortunate pedagogue was thrust without cer- emony, there to see strange sights and hear strange sounds. This building was used some four years, when a frame structure was erected to take its place. In 1853, the frame was de- stroyed by fire, and the remainder of the term in progress at the time was taught in a vacant dwelling near by. About a year later, the present frame schoolhouse was erected, nearly half a mile north of the cemetery. The year after the old log house was built at the ceme- tery, another log school building was erected near where the old grist-mill now stands. The first teacher in this house was Miss Sarah Chase, whose health failed during the prog- ress of the term, and who was compelled to give up the school. The remainder of the term was taught by Miss Elmira Phinney. The school was taught during the winter months, and Miss Phinney was employed to teach a short term the following summer.

This schoolhouse was used until about 1850, when a school building was built at the Cen- ter, after which the old house was used for other purposes. A schoolhouse was built quite early in the southwestern part, in what was called the Chase neighborhood. Neither the year the school was taught nor the name of the first teacher is remembered. Miss Jemima Averill taught in this house in 1839. It is related that one of the early lady teach- ers severely whipped a large boy, who after- ward became her husband. This lady could not have been Miss Averill. Miss Chase also taught at the Chase schoolhouse. It is probable that she was the first teacher. The old house was used a few years, and was afterward re- placed, successively, at irregular intervals, by several others, each being an improvement on the former. The first school structure in the southeastern part was erected on the farm of John Lee, in 1837. The house was of round logs. Miss Delight Vincent, from Seville, was the first teacher. After she had begun to teach, it was discovered that she had no certifi- cate, whereupon she was taken to the resi- dence of Mr. Chapin, the School Examiner, to see if she was qualified to instruct children. She rode a horse belonging to Mr. Palmer, while that gentleman plodded along in the mud at her side. The lady succeeded in ob- taining the desired certificate, and the school was continued. In 1843, a hewed-log school- house was erected where the old frame build- ing now stands. It was used until about 1855, when the last-named building was built. In 1880, the finest school edifice in the township was erected, about forty rods west of the old one, at a cost of some $800. The Spitzer dis- trict was supplied with school advantages in 1836, since which time other houses have been built, to accord with the progressive condition of the neighborhood. About two years after the Harris log schoolhouse was destroyed,

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HISTORY OF MEDINA COUNTY.

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History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 101

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?; Battle, J. H; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926; Baskin & Battey. Chicago. pub Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago : Baskin & Battey Number of Pages: 1014

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?; Battle, J. H; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926; Baskin & Battey. Chicago. pub
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1014