History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 88

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 88

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On the 6th of April, 1818, the first town- ship election was held, resulting as follows: John Stearns and Jacob Ward, Justices of the Peace; Darius Francis, Treasurer; John Stearns, Assessor; Henry Parker, Constable; John Hulet, John Stearns and Solomon Dem- ming, Trustees; Samuel Tillotson and W. P. Stevens, Overseers of the Poor; H. Root and H. Bogue, Fence Viewers.

The following list comprised all the legal

voters then in the township: Capt. John Stearns, Solomon Demming, John Hulet, Har- vey Stebbins, Rev. Jacob Ward, Thomas Stearns, Maj. Andrew Demming, Joel Curtis, Elijah Hull, Henry Bogue, Ephraim Lindley, James Stearns, George J. Baldwin, Solomon Harvey, Horace Root, Darius Francis, Henry Parker, Daniel Stearns and John Hulet, Jr. In 1819 and 1820, many others arrived, and the township put on the garb of civilization.

A number of years before any settler came to the township, a man in Connecticut, named Williams, purchased the western half, but, fail- ing to meet his payments, he lost the land, which reverted to the State. Some time after- ward, this portion of the township was given in exchange for a number of improved farms in Berkshire County, Mass., the owners thereof preferring to come to the Western Reserve, then, and since, a justly celebrated locality. The contract, on the part of the State of Con- necticut, was made by its agent. Abraham and John Freese were sent out by the Berk- shire County purchasers to survey the land, locate farms, and inform those in the East as to the condition of the country. When all was in readiness, they came West. The eastern half was early owned by Messrs. Mc- Curdy, Kinsman, Sanford and perhaps others, who, after many years, employed Abraham Freese to survey it.

Capt. John Stearns became the owner of 1,300 acres of land located in the western part of the township. He had several sons who had reached maturity, and to each of these he gave a tract of land-about two hundred acres-and urged the necessity of clearing their land and providing themselves with homes. He also donated two acres to be used as a burying-ground, where, to-day, he and many others of the first settlers lie at rest.

The following is a list of old settlers, who died at advanced ages: John Ward, 92; Eliza-

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HISTORY OF MEDINA COUNTY.

beth Ward, 89; John Stearns, 92; Lucy Stearns, 76; W. P. Stevens, 87; Lydia Stev- ens, 69; Persis Kingsbury, 65; Samuel Til- lotson, 91; Sarah Tillotson, 77; Solomon Demming, 85; Roxanna Demming, 66; John Hulet, 86; Ephraim Fletcher, 74; Jabez Kingsbury, 80; Daniel Bogue, 72. An aver- age of eighty years.

Several of the first settlers are yet living, and their white hairs and venerable appear- ance tell of the ravages of time.

The township was surveyed by Abraham Freese, who laid off the western half into lots of three hundred and twenty acres each. This was done before the war of 1812. The eastern half remained almost wholly un- settled, and was wholly unsurveyed until after 1817. It was then owned by three men, one of whom owned nearly three-fourths, includ- ing all the northeast quarter, and a strip something over a mile wide, extending south to the northern line of Medina and adjoining the western half. The remainder was owned by two men, Sanford and Dickey, each of whom possessed a little more than a section. The most of the lots in the eastern half com- prise one hundred and sixty acres. In 1825, James Brooks arrived, and bought one hun- dred and thirty-five acres in the northeast corner, paying $2.50 per acre. He was the first settler on the northeast quarter, which was owned by the heirs of Mr. Swift, and the only one until about 1832; when Moses and Cornelius Sherman arrived and settled a short distance south. About the same time, Drake, Lanphear, Garret, Talman and Conklin ap- peared and purchased farms. Several others came on soon afterward, but the settlement was slow, owing in a measure to the price charged for the land. For some reason, for- gotten or unknown, the northwest part of the township was not settled until about 1830 ,

although the land had been surveyed nearly

a score of years before, and a large settlement had been formed west of the center. How- ever, in about 1830, there came into the north- west part James Hosford, Nicholas Weather- by, Edward Heath, Enos Doolittle, Moses Goodrich, Ellery Hicks, George Aldridge and others. The most of these men were intelli- gent and industrious farmers, from the New England States, who came to Ohio to better their material prospects. Many of the houses built at this time were frame, the lumber being obtained at the saw-mills on the river in Liverpool Township. John Hulet was a carpenter, and his services were required on all occasions where superior skill was neces- sary. He had learned his trade of John Stearns, who worked by what was known as the " scribe rule." The rule was that every timber in a frame building was made for the place it was to occupy, and very likely differed in length from every other in the building. The studding, joists, rafters, etc., were cut for the special place they were to occupy, and neces- sarily varied in length from others of the same use. It is likely this rule was employed by Solomon Demming when he built the large wooden cart which became the wonder of the township. This cart was constructed wholly of wood, without nails or bolts, and, when in motion, creaked and groaned like a human being in distress. It was large, strong and cumbrous, and was capable of sustaining an enormous weight. Its unearthly sounds could be heard several miles, as the huge "Juggernaut " rolled slowly on its way. It was built as an experiment, and was an emi- nent success in point of noise and as a curi- osity. It served its time, and, when no longer capable of being used, was greatly missed by the neighborhood. Its creation was regarded as an abuse of the "scribe rule."

The settlement of the township was not as rapid as that in Liverpool, although a suffi-

8. Linaley

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HISTORY OF MEDINA COUNTY.

cient number had arrived prior to 1820 as to make the erection of saw-mills advisable. Accordingly, in about 1824, a man named Entiton, erected one on Plum Creek. The building was a plank shanty, and the saw, which was an up-and-down one, was operated by water-power. A large dam was built across the creek, and in times of freshets stored up an enormous volume of water. This was used sparingly, and by careful management the mill was enabled to operate about five months of the year. It was called a "thunder mill," because it depended upon thunder-storms for supplies of water. The mill was operated by Mr. Entiton about four years, and was then purchased by Bogue & Wyman, who made several alterations and improvements ; the dam was enlarged and the motion of the saw increased by a greater depth and pressure of water. At the expiration of some ten years, the mill was sold to Isaac Hulet, who increased its capacity by improvements in the machinery. Mr. Hulet operated it six years, when, the pat- ronage having become reduced, it was per- mitted to stop, and soon afterward the dam was washed away. This mill was not the first in the township, however. Nathan Clark, a settler of great enterprise, erected one, and began operating it as early as 1820. It was located on Plum Creek, and was about a mile and a half below the Hulet Mill. It was also run by water power, and had a good business. It ceased operation after about four years, and was motionless and deserted until 1838, when Mr. Clark refitted it and rebuilt the dam, which had been washed away. After a few years, Fletcher Hulet bought the mill. It ceased running about 1858. Maurice Squires built a saw-mill in the northern part in about 1840. It was operated some ten years, after which it was removed to the western part. where it was owned and operated by a Mr. Allen. Bennett & Stowe owned a large mill

in the northern part in comparatively late years. It was run by steam, and, inasmuch as it continued in operation day and night, two sets of hands being employed, it was the most extensive mill ever in the township. Large quantities of lumber were turned out by this mill.

One of the best saw-mills ever in Brunswick was built in the northeast part in 1843, by Hiram Brooks. This young man was a fine scholar-was a graduate of one of the Eastern theological colleges, and often preached in cabins and schoolhouses in early years. He had great resolution and superior courage. Soon after his father, James Brooks, came to the township. When Hiram was about fourteen years old, he took his rifle one afternoon and went out hunting. After he had been gone a few hours a severe snow-storm set in, and con- tinued with great intensity all night. The air became very cold, and the boy, who had wandered several miles from home, found that he would have to pass the night in the woods. He found a large hollow log that had been split open on the side, and, after gathering several armfuls of dry wood, built a roaring fire at the opening, using several small limbs over the fire to shield it from the descending snow. He sat in the opening of the log, receiving the genial warmth of the blaze, and complacently viewing the severe storm that was raging without. The, members of his family were greatly alarmed when night came and the boy did not return. His mother passed a sleepless night, and early the next morning, the storm having spent itself, the family sallied forth to search for the missing boy, expecting to find him frozen to death. They were overjoyed when they saw him com- ing, safe and sound, toward them. As was stated, he built a saw-mill, in 1843, on the creek near the northeastern corner of Bruns- wick. The valley of the creek is some fifteen

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HISTORY OF MEDINA COUNTY.

feet deep, and at a point where it was very narrow, a strong, substantial dam was built. Above the dam the valley took a circular form, and, when this was covered with water to the depth, in some places, of fifteen feet, a broad pond was formed. This pond afterward became the resort, in the spring of the year, of large numbers of wild ducks and geese. The mill was located on the south bank of the mill-pond, and was a large, two-storied frame structure. When first built, the old-fashioned saw was used, but, when others of superior design came in vogue, it was discarded. Saw- ing was done, either on shares, or at the rate of from $2 to $3.50 per thousand. The entire cost of building the mill and dam was $1,500. Large quantities of lumber were prepared at this mill. One day, soon after the erection of the mill, Lyman Brooks attempted to cross the mill-pond on the ice, but on the way he was taken with a fit, and, falling into an air-hole, was swept under the ice by the cur- rent and drowned. When his body was recov- ered, he had been dead an hour. His brother Elnathan came very near sharing the same fate. He and another young man went bathing in the pond, and, when out in the water, he was seized with the cramp and immediately sank. He arose to the surface and called to his companion for help, and immediately sank for the second time. When he arose, his friend seized him, telling him at the same time not to clinch, and started for the shore, which, after a hard struggle, was reached in safety. Hiram Brooks operated the mill until his death, which occurred some three years after its erection. His mother became owner at his death, and Spencer Brooks was intrusted with its management; but, at the expiration of five years, Elnathan Brooks became the owner, and, after operating it about four months, it was burned to the ground. Two years later, it was rebuilt by Spencer

Brooks, who made several improvements and additions, and soon afterward sold it to Charles and Henry Warner. This was just before the beginning of the last war. Vari- ous parties have owned it since, and much of the time it has remained inoperative. In 1880, it was removed. On the bank of the stream, near the old mill, quite a number of lime bowlders were unearthed in an early day and burned, affording a fair sample of lime, which was used in plastering houses.

Willis Peck built and conducted a tannery about two miles north of the Center, begin- ning in 1838. He sank five vats, and dressed skins of all kinds for about ten years,. at which time the apparatus was removed. In early years, Solomon Demming built a large two-storied frame tread-mill, placing therein a small set of " nigger-head " buhrs for grind- ing grain. The mill was located about a mile west of the Center, and here the settlers came in early times for an inferior article of coarse flour or meal. Chopped feed for horses and other animals was prepared at the mill, which was patronized mostly in this re- spect. The majority of the early settlers made it a practice to take advantage of dry times and good roads, and go to Middlebury or some other place equally near and noted, with their wheat to mill. If necessity compelled them to go sooner, or in wet and muddy times, they usually went to the mills on Rocky River. As a last resort, they obtained flour at Mr. Demming's mill. The presence of the mill was often a great convenience, as it ob- viated the necessity of borrowing, or a jour- ney through bottomless roads. Many were satisfied with the flour furnished, and none were altogether averse to eating it. The early settlers were not so particular in regard to their diet as to be wholly unwilling to eat the flour, even though it was dark and coarse. The mill was continued in operation some ten

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HISTORY OF MEDINA COUNTY

years, when it was allowed to run down. It was the only grist-mill ever in the township. One day, Mr. Hulet concluded to send his son Wesley off to some distant mill, where a better article of flour could be obtained. The oxen-two yoke were hitched to the wagon, the grain loaded iu, and away the boy started. The mill was at last reached, and, when there, the boy discovered that he had neglected to bring proper food for his cattle. He at length concluded to feed them bran. They ate so much of this dry food that two or three of them died, and the boy was compelled to leave his wagon and go home after other oxen. A large quantity of dry bran was discovered to be not the best food in the world for oxen. It was about this time that John Chadwick and another boy, while returning from near Medina, came very nearly being devoured by wolves. It was training day, and they had been down to see the troops, or rather militia, march. It was late when they started for home, and the condition of the road was such that night overtook them before they had gone half-way. To add to their alarm, the wolves began to howl around them, and the boys hurried on as fast as they could through the tangled forest. The night-wind swept through the branches of the trees, rustling the leaves here and there, and startling the anxious boys with the apprehension of sudden danger. Finally, one of the boys discovered a wolf near him, and soon afterward several more were discovered, and then it became clear that they were followed by the ravenous creatures. The boys were now thoroughly aroused, and ran forward as fast as they could, keeping a close watch around them. Twelve or fifteen of the animals were close on their heels, and it was at last concluded to ascend trees, much as such a course was dreaded. The boys were barely out of reach when a small pack surrounded the trees, and began snarling

with disappointment at having missed the ex- pected repast. The boys began to call for help as loudly as they could, and, after con- tinuing it for some time, saw some oue ap- proaching, with a torch of hickory bark. The wolves immediately fell back, and were soon out of sight and sound. The torch-bearer proved to be Ephraim Lindley, who, hav- iug heard the calls for help, had come out to ascertain their meaning. The boys were overjoyed to escape a loug night of anxiety, perched in the trees, with the unpleasant prospect of death so near them. They were soon at home. Chil- dren were ofteu lost iu the woods, and sometimes days elapsed before they were found. Information of children lost was sufficieut to arouse the entire neighborhood to immediate action, as otherwise the lost ones might be devoured by wolves. Elvira Thayer and Maria Lane were thus lost, and, after wandering all night in the woods, came accidentally and suddenly upon the cabin of a neighbor, where they were cared for. Older persous were often completely bewildered; and even those who had passed a lifetime in the woods sometimes found it extremely diffi- cult to keep their bearings. The sensations on such occasions are described as maddening. The seuses, through which a knowledge of things external to one's self is derived, refuse to guide aright, and the mind becomes dis- tressed with doubts as to which course to pur- sue; and, wild with bewilderment, when every effort results in failure, lost people have been known to pass withiu a few rods of their owu home, and refuse to recognize a single familiar object.

A man named Woodbridge erected a dis- tillery a mile or two north of the Center, iu about 1828. The building was a low frame structure, in which was placed a small copper still, having a capacity of about twelve gal-

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HISTORY OF MEDINA COUNTY.

lons. The sottlers evidently regarded the liquor manufactured as too precious an article to ship-at least it was drank as fast as made. An excellent article of rye whisky was man- ufactured. William Clark had an interest in the distillery. The grain was ground in a trough in which a stone revolved, the power being furnished by horses attached to a sweep. The trough was not a success, and was soon displaced. After continuing in operation for a few years, the enterprise was abandoned. It was the only distillery, so far as now remem- bered, ever in the township. Horse-thieves carried on their nefarious practice in early years. John Stowe missed one of his best horses one morning, and, for some time, could discover no trace of the missing animal. At last, an animal answering to the description was found to have passed through Cleveland, stopping there overnight at a feed stable. From there, the animal was traced to Tecum- seh, Mich., where it was found in a livery sta- ble. It proved to be the horse sought, and the thief was found and arrested by the Con- stable of Brunswick, whom Mr. Stowe had taken with him. The thief proved to be one of Mr. Stowe's nearest neighbors, and, when taken into custody, boldly acknowledged tak- ing the animal, saying that, instead of intend- ing to steal it, he had merely borrowed the animal for a few weeks, as he was obliged to go to Michigan and had no money nor horse of his own, and that, when he returned, he intended to restore the borrowed animal as se- cretly as he had taken it. The story was doubted, and arrangements were made to take the thief to Medina County. But he effected his escape, and it was thought best not to pur- sue him, as his story had many plausible feat- ures.

An occurrence took place in early years, at Brunswick Center, which kindled the indigna- tion of the neighborhood at the time, and has

been regarded with chagrin ever since. The occurrence, as related, is this: A German, who had just arrived from the old country, stopped for a short time at the Center to make some inquiries about the land that he had seen advertised for sale. While there, he stole an ax at one of the stores, and, after he had been gone a short time, the theft was discov- ered, whereupon he was pursued by the Constable, who arrested him and took him back to the Center. He was taken before a Justice of the Peace, and, soon after his trial for the theft began, the owner of the ax, and several others, took the case in charge and in- formed the man that he might take his choice of two punishments-either receive thirty lashes on his bare back and leave the town- ship, or be imprisoned several months with but little to eat. The poor man, seeing there was no help for himself, chose the former punish- ment, whereupon the lashes were inflicted, ten at a time, with great severity. It is said that the poor man fainted at the conclusion of this unheard-of punishment. He immediately left the township, and what became of him is un- known. The Justice before whom the man was to be tried could do nothing with the men who took the law in their own hands. He left the room when his authority was disregarded. Nothing was ever done with the men who had openly defied the law, to the great regret of the better class of the people. The neighbor- hood looked upon the affair as an outrage, and this view is taken to-day by all who are famil- iar with the circumstances.

It is not certainly known who built the first house in the village of Brunswick Center. It is likely, however, that the first was built in 1819 by Thomas Stearns. The building was a round-log structure, and a short time after its erection a few hundred dollars' worth of goods were placed in one apartment. This, so far as now remembered, was the first stock

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HISTORY OF MEDINA COUNTY.

of goods offered for sale in the township. A short time after the store was opened, Col. John Stearns built the second residence, and soon afterward it was thrown open for the re- ception of the public. The presence of a tavern at that point was demanded by the large travel on the Cleveland and Columbus Turnpike. An unceasing stream of travel from the central part of the State to Cleveland by way of this turnpike, brought many stran- gers to the little tavern, and the proprietor soon realized a handsome revenue. Mr. Stearns was also induced to open his store by reason of the calls made for various articles by travelers. However, Archibald Miles

opened the first store of any note in the vil- lage. In about 1824, he placed in a store- room, built for the purpose, some $1,500 worth of a general assortment of goods. He began with a flattering patronage, largely afforded by travelers, and continued at the occupation for about eight years, when his goods were removed. Not far from the year 1830, Hor- ace Root opened a small store, nearly a mile north of the Center, on the turnpike. He continued the business for a number of years,

and finally closed out his stock. Nathan Clark opened a sort of cabinet-shop in the village at an early day. He manufactured coffins and various other useful articles. He had a small shop where his wares were kept for sale. A few years later, a man whose name has been forgotten, erected a small building, and began the useful occupation of

manufacturing Windsor and other chairs.

He did a moderate business for several years.

No man did more to build up the village than

Dr. John Clark. He was a well-educated man and a good physician, receiving the confidence and patronage of the citizens. When he first came to the township, he was not familiar with

the general practice of medicine, having made the important subject of cancers a specialty.

But the people in the backwoods were not af- flicted with the last-named disorder, and the Doctor soon discovered that he must alter his course of studies. He mastered, so far as possible, the general practice of medicine, and soon had all he could do. He acquired a wide reputation for his skill and success in curing the dreaded "Cuyahoga fever," and adopted methods peculiar to himself and un- known to his brethren. At an early day, he built a large storeroom, and placed therein about $4,000 worth of goods, the largest and best stock in the township in early years. He also erected several other buildings, one of which was used as a farm and household im- plement factory ; snaths, ax and hammer handles, cradles, etc., were manufactured, and several assistants were employed to conduct the business, while Mr. Clark devoted much of his time to his store. He manufactured Windsor chairs, tables, stands, cupboards, etc. One of the buildings was used as a foundry, where various useful articles were manufact- ured. Many workmen were employed to carry on his extensive business. While engaged in these pursuits, he had a large medical prac- tice, which called him from the village a large share of the time. He also conducted an ashery in connection with his store, and made considerable potash, which was mostly con- veyed to Cleveland, where it was sold. All these pursuits gave Brunswick Center a stir- ring business aspect. He continued many years, making a small fortune, and finally retired from business. In about 1845, Horace Root built a large store on the east side, in which was placed a large, fine stock of goods. Mr. Root did an excellent business for many years. Abner Martin also kept a small store for a number of years, about the same time. About fifteen years ago, Horace Root died, whereupon James Root occupied the same building for a few years. Various others have kept goods

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IHISTORY OF MEDINA COUNTY.

for sale in the village, among whom are Pomeroy & Hicks and Hicks & Root. There are several stores at present, and most of them have a fair trade. The Sons of Temperance organized a lodge in the village in about 1854, but after a few years the charter was returned to the Grand Lodge, and the members dis- banded. In 1820, the settlers came to the conclusion, that having to go to distant points for their mail was a thing no longer to be en- dured. A petition was circulated and signed by all, for the location of a post office in the township. The prayer of the petitioners was granted ; Dr. Seth Blood was appointed first Postmaster, and the office was located at his residence. He served a short time, when John Freese became his successor. Dr. Seth Blood was the first practicing physician in the town- ship. He was a skillful practitioner, and soon obtained an extensive trade. He was called into the northern counties of the State to prescribe for those afflicted with the "Cuyahoga fever," and for many years en- joyed an envied reputation. He was finally taken with the same fever he had driven from so many, and after a short illness died. Among the early physicians were Ezra Summers, Elijah Summers and B. B. Clark. The little village has seen lively business times in past years. Moses Bennett opened a store in the Center in comparatively late years. He began business with about $1,000 worth of goods, but afterward increased the stock until it in- voiced at more than $4,000. He conducted an ashery at the same time, and is said to have made as high as twelve tons of potash per annum. Others have engaged in mercantile and manufacturing pursuits in past years in the Center.

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History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 88

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