History of Salem and the immediate vicinity : Columbiana County, Ohio, Part 10

Author: Hunt, George D. (George Dillwyn), b. 1819
Publication date: 1898
Publisher: Salem, O. : The Author
Number of Pages: 292


USA > Ohio > Columbiana County > Salem in Columbiana County > History of Salem and the immediate vicinity : Columbiana County, Ohio > Part 10


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149


THE MEDICAL PROFESSION.


judgment. Though self-educated, he advocated lib- eral provision for schools, and took prominent part in the educational affairs of Salem, and was quite an earnest worker in aid of the reformatory and philan- thropic agitations of his day. As a practitioner he kept even with the march of improvement and dis- covery in the line of his calling. " About eight years of his time in Salem, he was in partnership with Dr. J. M. Kuhn, and a part of the remainder with Dr. J. L. Firestone. He died in 1872, from injuries received by being thrown from his sulky.


J. W. Hotchkiss came to this place in 1851, and remained a few years. He practiced on the Eclectic system. Many people here entertained progressive ideas in medical practice as well as in many other matters; and this circumstance therefore gave him prestige. He had some students, one of whom was David G. Swaim, raised in the neighborhood. In the time of the war he entered the army, and became associated with Gen. Garfield. In the presidency of the latter he was appointed to an important office. and closed his life in Washington, D. C.


Reuben Schooley was born near Salem, and learned the trade of carpentry and millwrighting. Both of which he pursued with much success till some time in the forties, when he had a severe spell of sickness. which either incapacitated him for his arduous work. or set him to thinking about medical practice; where- fore, after a season of study he betook himself to this profession. Although he had perseverance and gained the confidence of some people, he appeared to many as if he would have been more in his right element building barns or repairing saw-mills.


John C. Walker graduated in the Cincinnati Medi-


1


150


HISTORY OF SALEM.


cal College and practiced here several years. J. L. Firestone had a successful practice here some years. He married Miss Rosa Prunty, who, for ten years had been a very successful teacher in the Union school. With her he took a tour in Europe. Hezekiah Scott left the blacksmith shop in New Waterford and opened an office here.


It was some time in the forties that a man named Palmer came to Salem and commenced practice with herb medicines. He was generally known as an "Indian doctor." Either the credulity of the peo- ple, or some extraordinary craft used by him, got him into extensive practice. Often, half a dozen riding vehicles were to be seen standing at his door, each one awaiting his or her turn. He walked the streets wearing an old and indented hat and slouched clothing which some people considered the emblems of his pro- fession. Liquor and some criminal acts, not belong- ing to legitimate medical practice ended his career. Yet. he was successful in some cases of ague and chill fever which then were quite numerous in our town.


A man named Popineau was another "Indian doc- tor" who gained some notoriety in this place.


Reformation in medical practice has been eagerly embraced in Salem, by many of the inhabitants. There have been, and still are many who believe in female physicians, especially for that sex, and their peculiar diseases. Hence here have been chances for some of such. About 1850 Catharine L. Church, widow of Dr. Church, of Pittsburgh, came to this place and opened an office in which she sold herb med- icines, and gave prescriptions; and sometimes she visited female patients. She possessed much intelli-


151


THE MEDICAL PROFESSION.


gence, general knowledge, and good conversational powers. She was highly respected where known, and was one of the kind of women that are much needed everywhere. Miss Elizabeth Grissell, M. D., began the work of a physician in this place in 1869. She was a graduate of the Philadelphia Female Med- ical College, and, during her residence in Salem, established a fair practice. She removed to Cali- fornia about 1877, and returned in 1888, and now is practicing here. Della M. Walker is also practicing. Mrs. Arter and Mrs. Augusta Black have also prac- ticed here.


Other prominent physicians of the regular kind were F. G. Young, William Lyon, C. L. Fawcett, John D. Cope, James M. Hole, Eli Sturgeon, A. C. Yengling, A. S. Hayden, Paul Barckhoff, James An- derson, J. A. McGuire, and some others. Dr. Orr was a specialist in eye and ear diseases.


R. B. Rush is a native of Pennsylvania. He prac- ticed homœopathy several years, and he is now retired from business. Thomas Church, F. M. Clark, Wil- liam E. Cook, and a few others of the same school, have been, and some of them are still located here. Homer W. Thompson, of the same school, now in practice here makes a specialty of eye and ear diseases. Recently he has given attention to ballooning. And he has made some successful ascensions at agricul- tural fairs, and at other assemblies of people, within a few years. Wm. L. Hazlet, Eli Garretson, B. W. Spear, and some others deserve honorable mention.


In 1846 John D. Cope, a hydropathic physician, established a water-cure institution at the corner of East Main street and Garfield avenue, where A. W. Jones & Co.'s store now is. Many patients came to


152


HISTORY OF SALEM.


be treated by him. For a time he published a paper entitled The Water Cure Aduccate. Its object was as its name imported besides advertising his institution. Although hydropathy took readily with many people in the town and vicinity, the enterprise was aband- oned in about a year.


The profession of dentistry has been represented in Salem in a very creditable manner. Samuel Ball was the first practitioner in this art. After a course of instruction in dental surgery at Philadelphia, he set up the business in this place in the year 1845. After about a year's practice, he went to the west. He was awhile in Indiana and Iowa. John Harris, after com- pleting his studies with Dr. Stanton, practiced med- icine a few years, and then took up dentistry. This business was then new, and to many a great novelty. He practiced several years with great success and then retired.


John C. Whinnery learned the trade of hat-making, and set up in Salem. This business declined in his time. And then he turned his attention to dentistry, and attained great proficiency in it, and eminence in the practice of it. After some years of great success, and acquiring a considerable of wealth, he retired and his son started "in the footsteps of his illustrious predecessor."


This profession, during late years, has been rep- resented by J. L. Jamison, W. E. Linn, H. E. Phil- lips, E. Y. Hogan, E. E. Dyball, J. L. Coffee, and some others.


In regard to skill and ability, and readiness to attend to the calls of the sick and otherwise afflicted persons, the physicians of Salem will compare well with those of any other city of the same or larger


153


THE MEDICAL PROFESSION.


population. They have been eminently progressive in the new discoveries in their profession. It need not be presumed that they were always successful. We know that not all enterprises are successful. The healing art is, therefore, like all others. It has had its empirics; but candor obliges us to confess that it has performed many wondrous cures. If it be asserted that our city has had some quacks; we ask what place has had a less per centage of them, or fewer cases of malpractice?


CHAPTER XVII.


THE LEGAL PROFESSION.


OSEPH J. BROOKS came to Salem from Ver- mont in 1832. He first kept a term of school, and he rendered some service as salesman in Wilson's store. He first opened an office for his pro- fession in a one-story room on the north side of Main street, and near the position of Lease's bakery. Afterwards he had a room in Jehu Fawcett's house. Business prospered with him. And, after a few years, he built for himself the house at the north west corner of Green and Lundy streets. Adjoining it he had his office. This house and its premises have been much changed since his time.


In his profession Mr. Brooks was eminently suc- cessful, and acquired much wealth in the form of real estate. He gave his son, J. Twing, a good education in science, literature and the policy of business, thus rendering him one of the most efficient business men of our city at this time. He now holds an important office with the Pennsylvania Company.


During a few years J. J. Brooks had, as a partner, Robert Crozier, who came from Carrollton. This was some time in the fifties. This partnership con- tinued a few years; then Mr. Crozier went to the west.


Mr. Brooks had some students who made their marks in the profession. One of them was Martin Heckard. He was first a very successful school teacher in Salem. After doing some legal work here, he went to Pomeroy, Meigs county, where he ran a


155


THE LEGAL PROFESSION.


bright career. He was elected judge of the cir- cuit court, of that district. Another student was Thomas Kennett. He served as justice-of-the-peace, and did much legal work in this place. Then, after being on a farm in Butler township for a few years, he emigrated to the west.


About the year 1846 Henry Ambler left the cleri- cal profession and betook himself to the law. In this he soon acquired great proficiency, and got some bus- iness. After one or two years of practice, he went to the west. His brother, Jacob, who had been study- ing with him then, took his place.


In 1856 P. A. Laubie came to this place from Pitts- burgh, and he entered into partnership with Jacob Ambler. This partnership continued a few years. When the war commenced he enlisted and rendered good service against the rebellion. After the war his management and argument in a case against certain bankers in Lisbon got him into extensive business. He was appointed circuit judge, which office he yet holds.


Jacob Ambler has had his abode here ever since he commenced legal practice, doing much business in the courts of this and some neighboring counties. Now, his son Byron, is associated with him. He has served two terms in the Ohio senate, and has twice been elected to congress. In 1859 he was elected judge of the Ninth judicial district of Ohio, and held the office till 1867. Then he resigned and resumed practice here. He has had charge of many important cases in the United States court.


One of our newspapers published this item: "In July, 1856, there were six lawyers in Salem, and yet, not one of them was willing to defend a liquor-seller charged with violating the liquor laws."


156


HISTORY OF SALEM.


Joseph D. Fountain is a native of New York city, and has been twice elected sheriff of this county, and, has served as mayor of Salem, five years. These offices have given him much prestige as an attorney. Frank Mercer has been mayor four years, and is now engaged in legal practice.


Besides those of the aforementioned attorneys who are now engaged in business in this city, the bar is now represented by Henry C. Jones, Warren W. Hole, W. S. Emmons, George S. Walton, J. E. Rogers, J. C. Boone, J. E. Scott, S. W. Ramsey, J. C. Carey, W. C. Boyle, F. J. Mullins, and Taylor and Metzger.


.


CHAPTER XVIII.


SECRET SOCIETIES.


HE first settlers of Salem and its vicinity were mostly of such character as to give but little countenance to secret societies. Some time in 1828 one William Morgan, of Batavia, N. Y., renounced masonry and published a book in which he exposed the forms of their oaths, ceremonies and other secrets; and he tried to show that masonry was a very bad institution. His book made a great sensation in many states. Soon after its publication the author mys- teriously disappeared; and then there was no small amount of speculation about the affair. Many believed that he was abducted and murdered by masons. This gave a setback to the society that lasted some years. Many lodges were disbanded. Other anti-masonic publications followed, which were eagerly received by the credulous people. During several years news- papers and almanacs were publised bearing the title of ".Anti-masonic."


An anti-masonic political party was formed. In 1832 William Wirt was candidate for the presidency on this ticket, and he received a large number of votes. Darius Lyman, of Ravenna, was candidate for governor on the same ticket in the same year. In this year John Frost commenced publishing the Aurora in New Lisbon. Anti-masonry was his hobby; the Odd Fellows, too, got much vituperation from him, and this got him many enemies. But his literary taste, as shown in his selection of some good moral and scholarly productions, and his temperance and


158


HISTORY OF SALEM.


anti-slavery principles got him many friends and patrons, especially in Salem:


This paper was much read and admired. A man named Avery Allyn traveled around lecturing on the evils which he attributed to masonry. He had with him a few companions, and with them he would hold a mock-lodge meeting, in which they purported to show how candidates were initiated. This doubtless made much sport for the ignorant and unsophisticated peo- ple. A publication, entitled, "The awful and ter- rifying ceremonies of the Odd Fellows," was read with wonder and horror by some people. While the genuine odd fellows laughed at their weakness. It was much like modern newspaper cartoons.


After less than fifteen years of this impotent kind of opposition there came a re-action in favor of these mystic societies. It was some time in 1846 that J. R. Williams, known as " The old missionary, " came to Salem and commenced lecturing on temperance. He manifested great zeal in the work; and he often lec- tured in the street, standing on a store box. He told many quaint stories and anecdotes; and his style was peculiarly impressive, and was effective in reaching those who drank too much liquor. He commanded respect from the temperance advocates, and doubt- less did much good. He first told the people here about the order of Sons of Temperance. This was sometimes represented not to be a "secret society," but a society to promote temperance. But that it had secrets had to be admitted, and these were said to be insignificant and not harmful. Some of the ignorant people called this society "The Sunday Temper- ance," and thought it and the odd fellows were one and the same. Without doubt, this society did much


159


THE ODD FELLOWS.


to promote temperance, but its novelty gradually wore away. There was a division in Salem that was kept up for several years; connected with it was a similar society for boys, called, "The Cadets of Temper- ance." There was also a society of " The Daughters of Temperance."


These societies were followed by the "Good Tem- plars." Their object was also temperance and mutual help in want or distress. They all made a great show of benevolence. And they very much mitigated the prejudice against masonry, odd fellow- ship, and other secret societies that then prevailed. The futility of objections to them, and the absurdity of the ridicule that was aimed at them became pow- erless.


About this time there was a revival of interest in these orders. New lodges were constituted about as fast as lodges had been broken up in the Morgan excitement. The enemies became silent. And some of the best citizens of Salem became friends of these orders. Lodges were constituted, of which the fol- lowing synopsis is taken from a publication in The Daily News:


THE ODD FELLOWS.


"Amity Lodge No. 124, I. O. O. F., was instituted December 28th, 1848, and is now nearly fifty years old. The charter members were Zacharias Bertolet, Cyrus R. Greiner, Amos H. Levan, Henry Rankin, and Simeon J. Webb; all of whom are now dead except C. R. Greiner, who is not now affiliated with the order. The same evening six members were admit- ted so that the lodge started with eleven members. Since that time 493 others have united with the lodge, 55 have died while members, and 155 now remain working odd fellows."


160


HISTORY OF SALEM.


THE MASONS.


This was the next secret society organized here. It dates from 1850, and is the strongest society of this order in the place. "There are Salem Com- mandery No. 140, Knights Templars, Omega Coun- cil No. 44, Royal and Select Masters, Salem Chapter No. 94, Royal Arch Masons, and Perry Lodge. Perry Lodge No. 185, Free and Accepted Masons was chartered in 1850, and now has 170 members. Salem Chapter No. 94, was chartered in 1865, and now has 160 members. Omega Council No. 44, was organ- ized in 1867, and now has 60 members. Salem Com- mandery was organized in 1886, and has now 175 members.


The new masonic temple is located on the third floor of the Snyder-Lease Ohio Mutual building, cor- ner of East Main and Lundy streets. They have secured a 20-year lease on these quarters."


This lodge room was formally dedicated on the 26th of June, 1898. There was a grand parade in the forenoon of that day by representatives of lodges at Warren, Canton, Massillon, East Palestine, Pitts- burgh, and other places. The dedication services in the afternoon were conducted by Most Worshipful Grand Master Nelson Williams of the grand lodge of Ohio. It was a notable day in Salem.


THE ROYAL ARCANUM.


"The Royal Arcanum is represented in Salem by M. R. Robinson Council No. 350. This council was instituted July 3rd, 1879, with 22 charter members, and, has lost by removals to other councils, 12 mem- bers, and by death, 9 members, having to-day, an active membership of 120." "Fraternal orders are a national blessing. They promote thrift, economy


161


THE RED MEN.


and sobriety. They bring men into closer relations, and cherish those feelings that thrive and put forth blossoms in .each other's welfare. They make men thoughtful and helpful, expounding the sentiments of virtue, mercy and charity. They teach us the religion that breaks bread to the hungry, gives freely to the needy, watches at the bedside of the sick and comforts the widow and the fatherless."


THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS.


" This lodge is known and hailed as Salem Lodge No. 142. The lodge was instituted on April 24th, 1882, with 42 members, some of whom are still enrolled and in good standing. Others have departed this life. This is not the full growth of the order in the city, but in the last few years several have drop- ped out to lessen their expenses. The order teaches that the true knight should care for home and loved ones first. There are twenty-six deceased brothers whose graves are decorated each year, the second Tuesday in June being the day set aside as decora- tion day. The motto of the order is 'Friendship. Charity and Benevolence,' and the teachings are so to live that when we come to the river that marks the unkown shore, our hands will be filled with deeds of charity, the golden keys that open the doors to the palace of eternity. "


THE RED MEN.


"Powhatan Tribe No. 149, Improved Order of Red Men, was founded in Salem by Henry A. Kling in 1892, and was instituted November 12th of the same year by Great Sachem Enos Pierson, of Woos- ter, with 32 charter members, assisted by Fleet Foot Tribe, of Canton, and Leola Tribe, of East Pales-


162


HISTORY OF SALEM.


tine. Mr. Kling was made the first Past Sachem of the tribe. The order in Salem has been steadily growing and numbers nearly 100 members."


SILVER CLOUD COUNCIL.


Silver Cloud Council No. 46, degree of Pocahontas, Improved Order of Red Men, was organized by mem- bers of Powhatan tribe, and was instituted May 6th, 1896, by J. W. Nelson, Great Sachem, of Springfield, Ohio, with 76 charter members, assisted by Osceola Council, of East Liverpool, Ohio, and Great Chief of Records, Thos. J. Irwin, of Martins Ferry, Ohio, Great Junior Sagamore, H. N. Clemens, of Cleveland, Ohio. Mrs. C. F. Kesselmire was made its first past officer.


THE B. P. O. ELKS.


"Salem Lodge No. 305, although organized only three years ago, has a membership of over 100. Each year this lodge gives a benefit in the way of a min- strel show. These are always fine performances, and it has been the experience that long before the evening of the show every seat in the house was sold."


In addition to the aforesaid mystic societies there are The Daughters of Rebecca, Trescott Post of the Grand Army of the Republic and the Women's Relief Corps, The Knights and Ladies of the Maccabees, The Martha Washington Council and some others.


CHAPTER XIX.


BANKS.


THE FARMERS BANK OF SALEM.


BRANCH of the State Bank of Ohio, under the name of the Farmers Bank of Salem, was chartered February 16th, 1846, with a capital of $100,000, in conformity to the laws of the state. One hundred and twenty-three per- sons constituted the corporation, and took from one share to one hundred and seventy-nine shares of stock, of $100 each, Zadok Street taking the highest number, and Simeon Jennings the next."


"Simeon Jennings, John Dellenbaugh, Zadok Street, Samuel Chessman, Allen Farquhar, Joseph J. Brooks, and Lemuel Bingham were chosen directors. Sim- eon Jennings was elected president, and Joseph J. Brooks member of the board of control."


"March 14th, John H. Ebbert was employed as cashier, and was succeeded by Charles H. Cornwell, P. S. Campbell, and R. V. Hampson."


"Business was first commenced in the west end of the old store of Zadok Street, a long low brick build- ing, then situated in the middle of the present street of 'Broadway,' about fifty feet back from Main street."


"In 1857 the corporation erected and occupied the building now owned and used by the Farmers National Bank of Salem, and closed business in 1865."*


"THE CROWBAR LAW. Salem became the scene


*Columbiana County History.


164


HISTORY OF SALEM.


of a short war, begun and carried on about 1853 or 1854, to test the constitutionality of a law. The democratic party had come into power and the legis- lature of Ohio had passed a law anthorizing the county treasurer to levy and collect taxes additional to those called for by the charter."


"The State Bank of Salem being the only bank in the county, it was determined to test against it the validity of the law. J. H. Quinn, county treasurer, came up from New Lisbon with a posse of ten men and demanded the taxes which were refused. After a second attempt he obtained possession of the bank, and, not having the keys to the vault, finally forced an entrance with crowbars, but found no money. Thorough search being made, there were found in the chimney flue a number of bags of coin, with which the sheriff retired; but the end was not yet. Suit was afterwards brought by the bank; the action of its officers sustained, and the law eventually repealed. The odious enactment became known as ' The Crow- bar Law.' "*


GREINER'S BANK.


Greiner's bank occupies a building on East Main street that was erected for its purpose in 1858. This bank first commenced in 1853. Joseph G. Thomas and Hiram Greiner being proprietors. By them it was managed and continued till 1864, when Mr. Thomas died. Mr. Greiner alone managed it till 1866 when T. Chalkley Boone entered as a partner. In 1871 he retired, and thenceforth it was known as the bank of Greiner & Son until the death of the father. Since which it has been managed by the son.


Columbiana County History.


BRON FOUR OR


ASTOREHOUSE


-


NE SHOP.


THE DEMING COMPANY


WAREHOUSE.


LAMINE MIL


P.F.W. & C.Ry.


THE DEMING COMPANY'S MANUFACTORY.


165


CITY BANK OF SALEM.


THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF SALEM.


"This institution was chartered September 7th, 1863, with a capital of $125,000. The following officers were chosen: Alexander Pow was elected president, and Henry J. Stouffer cashier. Upon the death of Mr. Stouffer, in 1868, Joseph H. Hollis was chosen to the position of cashier, upon whose retire- ment, November 1st, 1870, Richard Pow succeeded to and still holds the position. Upon the death of Alex- ander Pow, in 1879, Furman Gee was elected to the presidency. The bank was transferred to its pres- ent quarters in Pow's block upon the completion of that building."


"Upon the expiration of the charter of this bank in 1882, a new bank of the same name was organized, with a capital of $100,000. The officers of this new bank being: Furman Gee, president; J. A. Ambler, vice-president; Richard Pow, cashier; all of whom are now in office."*


FARMERS NATIONAL BANK OF SALEM.


"On the 25th day of March, 1865, a certificate of incorporation was issued by the Bank Department of the State of Ohio to twelve corporators, as follows : J. Twing Brooks, L. W. Potter, Geo. England, Joel Sharp, Allan Boyle, Robert Tollerton, James Bin- ford, Alfred Wright, Lewis Schilling, R. V. Hamp- son, James Fawcett, and J. B. Kerr. The charter of this bank is dated April 1st, 1865; capital $200, 000. The present officers are J. Twing Brooks, president; R. V. Hampson, cashier." +


CITY BANK OF SALEM.


This bank was a private institution, and was


*+Columbiana County History.


166


HISTORY OF SALEM.


organized in April, 1872, by Joshua J. Boone, Jack- son Cotton, and Robert O. Campbell. By them it was managed for a few years, when Mr. Cotton retired. By the other two persons it was continued till April 1st, 1894; when its business was closed and settled. Business by this party was commenced at the corner of Depot and Main streets; and afterwards was removed to the Pow block, at the corner of Main street and Broadway.




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