USA > Ohio > Columbiana County > Salem in Columbiana County > History of Salem and the immediate vicinity : Columbiana County, Ohio > Part 11
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15
-
CHAPTER XX.
THE RAILROADS.
THE people of Salem knew something about the advantages of a railroad long before there was one west of the Allegheny mountains. They only lacked the means and the enterprise necessary for such work. The co-operation of certain other places, which would have obtained quite as much advantage thereby, was lacking also.
Some time in the thirties a meeting was held to consider what could be done for the purpose of get- ting a railroad through this place. Gen. William Blackburn was chairman and Nathan Hunt, secre- tary. John Campbell and Zadok Street were among the active participants in this meeting. A report of it was published in a New Lisbon paper, and that was the amount of the affair, except that it showed that our citizens felt some concern in such a project. Several meetings were held at subsequent times, and once or twice Joseph J. Brooks was sent to Columbus by citizens of Salem to arouse the legislature to the subject.
Several surveys were made, which contemplated a railroad from some place on the Ohio river to Cleve- land or some other place on Lake Erie. But none of these projects materialized.
The following account of the building of the rail- road through Salem which has added so much to its wealth and prosperity has been furnished by Samuel Chessman, and it is deemed that nothing better in
168
HISTORY OF SALEM.
the way of a history of that enterprise can be given than by its insertion here:
"The first successful attempt to built a railroad was from Wellsville on the Ohio river to Cleveland on Lake Erie. This project was started in 1845, and a charter obtained under the name of the Pitts- burgh & Cleveland Railroad Company. The com- pany was organized and a board of directors elected. Among whom was Zadok Street, and Samuel Chess- man, of Salem. Cyrus Prentiss, of Ravenna, was chosen the first president of the company. At a meeting of the directors held in Salem after their organization, for the purpose of locating the route, it was decided to locate the road from Wellsville to Salineville, and Alliance. Then via Lima and Ravenna to Cleveland. "
"After that decision of the majority of the direc- tors, Street and Chessman resigned their office of directors in that company and immediately com- menced to raise a voluntary subscription to do the preliminary work to start the building of a road from Pittsburgh, Pa., via Rochester and New Brighton, Beaver county, Pa., to Salem, Canton, Wooster and Mansfield, in Ohio, to insersect the Cleveland, Columbus & Cincinnati Railroad. A fund was freely and quickly subscribed, and a preliminary survey was made by Capt. Whippo, of New Castle, Pa., from the Ohio river at Rochester, Pa., to Salem, Ohio, and a charter procured from the legislature of Ohio, and supplemented by the legislature of Penn- sylvania, for a railroad under the name of the Ohio & Pennsylvania Railroad Company, and other pre- liminary work done by the people of Salem in 1847."
"Immediately after procuring the charter in the
SALEM RAILROAD DEPOT.
169
THE RAILROADS.
early part of 1848, a company was organized, and a board of directors chosen. Gen'l William Robinson, Jr., of Allegheny, Pa., was chosen president, and Zadok Street, of Salem, one of the directors; Wil- liam Larimer, of Pittsburgh, treasurer ; Samuel Chessman one of the assistant treasurers for Ohio ; J. J. Brooks, counselor-at-law. Two hundred and ninety-two persons subscribed and paid stock amount- ing, in the aggregate, to over ninety thousand dol- lars in Columbiana and Mahoning counties. Pitts- burgh manufacturers, having become interested in having a western outlet for their productions, stock was readily subscribed, and the building of the road commenced and pushed with vigor. And when com- pleted as far as New Brighton, Pa., passenger trains were run to that point. until another division was completed to Enon, which is seen by the time table No. 3, issued November 24th, 1851, Enon was reachd at that date. "
"A passenger car was run in connection with the construction train between Salem and Alliance in the fall and winter of 1847. The constructing western division from Alliance working east and the con- structing division working west, met near Columbi- ana in January, 1852, and the Ohio & Pennsylvania Railroad commenced to do business from Pittsburgh to Alliance soon after. The Cleveland & Pittsburgh road had, a short time before, been opened for traffic, so that railroad transportation was opened from Pittsburgh to Cleveland in January, 1852. The Ohio and Pennsylvania pushed the building of their road west to Crestline, and it was soon opened to that point."
"The Ohio & Pennsylvania Railroad had done a
170
HISTORY OF SALEM.
good business, and in a few years was consolidated with the Ohio & Indiana, built from Crestline, Ohio, to Fort Wayne, Indiana. And here the Ft. Wayne & Chicago, built from Fort Wayne to Chicago, Ill., was added; the three roads forming one line and one company, under the name of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway Company-now one of the most important national thoroughfares, -which had its birth, as above stated, in Salem, Ohio, the citizens of Salem being the first to move and appro- priate money for the preliminary work."
From this account it appears that travel from Pittsburgh to Salem by railroad commenced in the winter of 1851 and 1852. As soon as the road was opened to Alliance travel was extended to Cleveland, as the Wellsville & Cleveland Railroad was then in operation.
The Cleveland, Columbus & Cincinnati Railroad was in operation before the Pennsylvania & Ohio was extended to Crestline. Hence, many travelers to Cincinnati from Salem, and even many from Pitts- burgh, went by Cleveland till shorter routes were opened.
In September, 1852, the Ohio state fair was held at Cleveland, and there was a special arrangement by which people could go from Salem, attend the fair, and return on the same day. It was then regarded as a wonderful opportunity.
Several other railroad projects have been contem- plated, of which Salem was to be an important point, but only one has been successful. In November, 1891, a railroad from Salem to Washingtonville was com- menced, and it was completed and set into operation in September of the next year. It connects directly
171
THE RAILROADS.
with the Niles & Lisbon Railroad; and it now does much business, especially in the transportation of coal.
CHAPTER XXI.
PUBLIC ORGANIZATIONS AND PUBLIC WORKS.
F NTERPRISES of this character have received a fair amount of attention in our city. For account of them the author has copied much of the following from the County History:
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES.
"A meeting of farmers and others residing in the vicinity of Salem was held December 25th, 1841, in the district school house, for the purpose of consid- ering the propriety of forming an agricultural soci- ety. "
"At this meeting Benjamin Hawley presided, and Charles Weaver was secretary. B. B. Davis, Stacy Hunt, John Fawcett, J. D. Cattell, and Daniel Bon- sall were appointed a committee to prepare a consti- tution to be submitted to the next meeting. At an adjourned meeting, January 8th, 1842, a constitu- tion was read and adopted."
"At a stated meeting of the society, March 5th, 1842, the following officers were elected: Joseph Wright, president; Daniel Andrews, vice-president, Benjamin Hawley, treasurer; J. D. Cattell, record- ing secretary; Joseph Straughan, corresponding sec- retary; John Fawcett, Samuel Mather, and Stacy Hunt, executive committee."
In October, 1842, their first annual exhibition and cattle show was held.
FAIRS AT SALEM.
"In 1852 or 1853, a horse, fair association was
PUBLIC ORGANIZATIONS AND PUBLIC WORKS. 173
formed in Salem, about thirty acres of land were leased, in the north-east portion of the village for exhibition purposes. It was designed for the exhi- bition of all classes of horses, and, especially for trials of speed, and a half-mile track was constructed for that purpose. There were about three annual exhibitions held, and considerable interest manifested. Charles H. Cornwell was the prime mover of, and president of the association, with Geo. B. Weaver, secretary; T. C. Boone, treasurer; and Edwin Phil- lips, chief marshal."
"In 1855 or 1856, a new organization was formed, styled the 'Salem Agricultural, Horticultural, and Mechanical Association,' by whom the same grounds were leased. The objects of this association were more varied and embraced a wider field of enter- prise, claiming the attention of and patronage of all classes of people. Much interest was manifested therein, and the annual exhibitions were successful. These called together large companies of people to witness very fine displays of all kinds of stock, as well as agricultural, horticultural, and mechanical exhibits."
"Besides the annual meetings during the summer seasons, there were monthly exhibitions held in the town hall, mostly devoted to horticulture. These were seasons of great interest in this branch of the enterprise, and some of the finest floral exhibitions ever witnessed in this part of the state were had on these occasions. The organization was in existence five or six years, or, until the inauguration of the rebellion, when more absorbing matters claimed the attention of the people, and the enterprise was abandoned."
174
HISTORY OF SALEM.
"Conspicuous as friends of the enterprise were John Gordon, Edwards Bonsall, Jacob Heaton, Dr. J. Harris, Maggie Boyle, Edith Weaver, Caroline Stan- ton, Julia and Susan Myers, Mrs. Robinson, Mrs. Bowen, Mrs. Jones, and many others."
No more efforts to hold fairs were made here for more than twenty years after the war. In Septem- ber, 1887, a fair was held in the Evans grove. It was a passable thing of its kind, but was too much pestered by fakirs and blacklegs. One or two others were held there a year or two before or after this one. They were under the management of tempo- rarily organized companies.
In 1890 " The Salem Fair & Exposition Company" was organized. And each year afterwards it has given an exhibition of agricultural products, includ- ing, also, various kinds of live stock; manufactured articles, such as farm implements, mechanics tools, household furniture, and almost everything that is used to promote happiness and prosperity were shown.
About thirty-five acres are enclosed and fitted for exposition purposes. There are stalls for horses, cattle, sheep and swine; and there is a commodious hall for the display of horticultural products, fancy articles, and all productions of artistic skill. There is a race track that is kept in the best condition during the season. There are also stables for keeping horses that are being trained for the summer meet- ings. Privileges of these are rented to persons who have horses to be trained for exhibition of speed. For this purpose the place has been kept in good order during several past years. There is a large number of seats, and a good stand for judges, from which a fair view of all animals displayed in the ring can be fairly had.
175
SALEM FIRE DEPARTMENT.
In 1898 the lease of this fair ground was sold to another party named "The Salem Driving Park Company." And by them it is expected to be con- tinued, for purposes similar to the same as heretofore. Albert H. Phillips is president; Wm. W. Burns, vice- president; William G. Bentley, secretary; C. H. Chal- fant, treasurer. J. T. Brooks, J. C. Trotter, and Wallace D. King, directors.
SALEM FIRE DEPARTMENT.
"The first official movement of the town council looking towards protection from fire and the estab- lishment of a fire department was at a meeting of that body, May 10th, 1831. Jacob Snider and Benj. Stanton were appointed a committee to appropriate $10.00 for purchasing ladder and fire hooks, and to provide a place of deposit. The next action was on the 11th of April, 1836, when a resolution was offered in the town council, 'That a committee of three be appointed to make investigation and report to a future session of the council of what measures they deem it necessary for the council to adopt relative to protection against damages by fire.' S. C. Trescott, Aaron Hise, and B. Stanton were appointed such committee."
"At a meeting of the council in June of the same year, it was resolved, 'That there be six scaling lad- ders provided for the use of the town in case of fire, and that there be a suitable shed provided for their safe-keeping. Samuel C. Trescott, Aaron Hise, and Isaac Boone were appointed a committee to carry this resolution into effect.' July 24th, 1836, the com- mittee on provision against damages by fire made their report, and on motion it was resolved, 'That there be an ordinance making it obligatory on each
176
HISTORY OF SALEM.
freeholder, resident in town, to provide and keep two fire buckets, either of leather or tin, for each house which he shall hold for rent; said buckets to be kept under such regulations as the council shall direct.' J. J. Brooks and B. Stanton were appointed a committee to present an ordinance for that purpose at a future sitting of the council."
"July 28th, 1836, the council went into further consideration of the report of the committee on the subject of preventing damages by fire, and adopted the following preamble and resolutions:
' WHEREAS, Henry Mall and Amos Hawley have proposed to sink and put in order for use wells, each in front of his respective lots where they now reside, provided the town of Salem will be at one-half the expense. Therefore, it is
Resolved, That the town council of the said town accept said proposition, and authorize an appropriation for that pur- pose, provided said Mall and Hawley, in constructing of said wells, conform to the direction of the committee which the council shall appoint to superintend the same, and leave the wells, when completed, to the control of the council. Samuel Reynolds and Aaron Hise are appointed to superintend the said work, and instructed to have said wells six feet wide in the clear after walling, and to have them finished with pumps.'"
"On October 26th, 1836, $100 had been subscribed by citizens to procure a fire engine, which was offered by an agent of the American Hydraulic Company. The council deeming it expedient to purchase it at the price demanded ($250), the president was author- ized to give an order for the amount, and the sub- scriptions were paid into the treasury. February 6th, 1837, the council ordered a building erected- 10 by 12 feet in size, and costing about $100,-in which to keep the fire engine. It was to be placed on the Friends' property, opposite the dwelling of
177
SALEM FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Amos Hawley. On the 22nd of September, 1837, it was resolved to dig three wells in the street in the following places:"
".One at the corner, at Wm. Chaney's house: one between the engine house on the corner of the street and B. Stanton's house; and one at the cross street at John Street's. ' The wells were to be seven feet clear of walls, provided with good pumps, and completed at a total cost of $178.30. Measures were taken in the councils of the town to encourage the organization of a fire company; and, on March 21st and 29th, 1841, an ordinance was perfected author- ing the formation of such a company."
In April of that year a company was organized, in accordance with the ordinance, called the 'Salem Fire Company.' J. Eggman, W. Kidd, J. Antrim and E. W. Williams were chosen a committee to examine the fire engine and give it into the possession of the company. This engine was known by the name of · Soul-Grinder.' J. C. Marshall was secretary of the company in 1842."
"July 17th, 1841, for the more efficient security of property, it was deemed advisable to purchase another fire engine. The citizens had subscribed liberally, and the president was instructed to sub- scribe $166 to make the full sum needed, which was $700. Samuel Scattergood was appointed agent of the council to make the purchase. The engine was purchased of John Agnew, of Philadelphia, and was taken in charge by the Salem Fire Company, and was known by the name of 'Columbiana.' It was afterwards remodeled, and, upon the organization of the Deluge Fire Company, was given into their charge."'
178
HISTORY OF SALEM.
"June 13th, 1861, a committee was appointed to visit Pittsburgh to purchase a fire engine, and, upon their favorable report the hand engine, 'Vigilant, ' was purchased for the sum of $1450, and placed under the management of the ' Vigilant Fire Insurance Com- pany;' the town hall being enlarged to accommodate the additional fire apparatus. A contract was entered into between the town council and H. C. Silsby, June 26th, 1869, for a rotary steam fire engine, to cost S7500. This engine was received, and passed into the charge of the 'Deluge Fire Company.' "
"A cistern was located, March 17th, 1874, on the corner of Fourth and Lundy streets, in front of the · school house. At a meeting of the town council, March 23rd, 1875, it was resolved that Norman B. Garrigues be authorized to place a 'Clapp & Jones' steam fire engine in the city on trial, and, April 20th, it was voted to retain it. The total cost was $3700. It was named the 'Vigilant, ' and given into the pos- session of 'Vigilant' Fire Company.''
FIRE COMPANIES.
The first company (organized in April, 1841), was, by the ordinance, to contain twenty-five men. The minutes do not show that number, and, it was not until November, 1847, that by-laws seem to have been drawn up. In section 1 of this company it was desig- nated the 'Salem Fire Company, ' the name previously adopted. "
"The two engines-'Sonl-Grinder' and 'Colum- biana'-were controlled by this company until 1869. April 6th, of that year, a constitution was adopted, and the company was to be known and designated as the 'Vigilant Fire Company.' 'Deluge Fire Com- pany' was organized in May, 1865, and it took charge
179
THE WATER-WORKS.
of the 'Columbiana, ' and, upon the purchase by the town council of the Silsby steamer, the latter also was given to their charge. . Rescue Hook and Lad- der Company' was organized March 31st, 1875."
By these companies the fire department was man- aged until the completion of the water-works. When it was found that the pressure from the hydrants would force water to any height likely to be required. This, in most instances, superseded the use of engines. Two engines are kept which may be used in an emer- gency.
There is now a system of fire and patrol stations, at certain places in the city by which an alarm can be sent to the headquarters, at any time, and, such relief as may be needed, can be sent quickly. And there are three volunteer fire companies, having from twenty-five to forty members each. These companies receive bounties of $250 each from the city. With this they pay the rent of rooms and the expense of furnishing and keeping them in order. These rooms are furnished with baths, and other appurtenances for recreation and entertainment. This is all for the benefit of the firemen, who are then expected to be on hand in times of fires, and render such help as the chief of the department may direct.
THE WATER-WORKS.
"A large spring on the Davis or Hawley farm sup- plied the city with water for several years. In 1860 Abel Phillips built a reservoir of brick, 2412 by 41 feet, and covered it; also, a tower with two tanks, one above the other, and each 20 feet in diameter. The top of the upper tank was 20 feet from the ground. Friday, May 30th, of that year, after the pumping of the day, the water rose in the reservoir
180
HISTORY OF SALEM.
six inches in two hours, showing the spring's capacity to be about 1750 gallons an hour. A contract was made with the authorities in 1862, under which iron pipes were laid through the village, supplying water for domestic and for fire purposes. The works were sold to Daniel Koll, who sold them in 1868 to L. B. Silver, who, in turn, sold them in February, 1879, to A. R. Silver.""" It was sold to the Salem Water Com- pany in 1887."
AN ARTESIAN WELL.
"In 1860 a number of persons in Salem, prominent among whom were John Sheets and Benjamin Pen- nock, put down an artesian well with the hope of finding oil. The boring was made at a point a little east of the Methodist Episcopal church, on Broad- way. At the depth of one hundred and eighty feet a vein of water was struck, which filled a four-inch tube and rose seven feet above the surface. This unsought spring has maintained its capacious flow to the present time. The well was purchased by Abel Phillips, who leased the property, for a term of years, to the gas and railroad companies, having first laid pipes to the premises . of these corporations. The works are now owned by Albert R. Silver."
By the aforesaid means and some, wells, the city was supplied with water till the system of water supply now in use was completed. On the 19th of March, 1887, an ordinance was passed "Providing for the supply of water to the village of Salem, Columbiana County, Ohio, and its inhabitants, author- izing the firm of Turner, Clark & Rawson, of Bos- ton, Massachusetts, and their successors, or assigns, to construct and maintain water-works in said village, contracting with said Turner, Clark & Rawson,
THE ELECTRIC LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY. 181
their successors or assigns, for a supply of water for public uses, and giving said village an option to purchase said water-works. "
This ordinance contained plans, specifications and every requirement of the aforesaid water-works. On the 24th of July, 1888, they were accepted as com- pleted according to contract. And they were set into operation. Much of the water, for awhile, came from a spring on the farm of George Rogers. This is now shut off, and all the water is obtained from the aforesaid Hawley spring, and from wells drilled at the tank in the western part of the city.
By engines at these places water is pumped into the stand pipe on East Main street, and thence by pipes is conveyed to all parts of the city. The stand pipe is eighty feet high, and thirty feet in diameter. having a capacity for 300,000 gallons. From this the city is now amply supplied with water for all purposes, including what may be needed in time of fires.
THE SALEM GAS LIGHT COMPANY.
This company was chartered November 30th, 1858. An establishment for the making of gas was soon afterwards built. At one time the capital stock was over $15,000. It continued to supply light to the city until the electric lights were constructed. Since that time gas light has been much less used, although the plant is still kept in use.
THE ELECTRIC LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY.
This organization was formed some time in 1887. and got its works so far progressed as to commence giving the city an incandescent light, commencing April 1st, 1888. In February, 1894, arc lights were
182
HISTORY OF SALEM.
substituted. By these the streets have been bril- liantly lighted every night. Lights of both kinds have been furnished to dwellings, stores, workshops, and wherever wanted. This establishment also fur- nishes motive power for the street railway cars.
An ordinance "Granting to the Salem Electric Railway Company the right to construct and operate a street railway" was passed by the city council on the 27th day of September, 1889. They thereupon commenced, and finished it in the ensuing year; so that street cars were started on the 23rd day of May, 1890; and they have been in successful operation ever since.
SALEM BANDS.
"A band was organized in this place, called the ·Salem Whig Band, ' in 1840, and continued in exist- ence until 1846. A free concert was given in the district school house, June 11th, 1842, in which twenty-two pieces were rendered. About the year 1854 or 1855, a band was organized for the presiden- tial campaign of 1856, and continued in existence for a year or two, the members furnishing their own instruments and instructor. "
"In the spring of 1859, a new organization was perfected, and new instruments purchased, the citi- zens contributing about $30 for that purpose. This band played through the presidential campaign of 1860, and, in the fall of 1861, three or four of their number enlisted in the band of the 19th Ohio volun- teer infantry. After their return from the army the band practiced but little, and only for occasions of public interest until 1865, when the 'Salem Cornet Band' was organized. N. B. Garrigues was chosen leader, and continued in that position through sev- eral reorganizations."
183
SALEM BANDS.
"In 1866, with aid received from the citizens, and, about $200 realized from concerts, the band pur- chased a set of German-silver instruments. Prof. D. Marble, of Akron, O., was engaged as instructor. In 1869 this band, upon invitation, accompanied a party of excursionists in a trip to Lake Superior, vis- iting Thunder Bay, Fort Williams, Isle Roval, the coppered district, Eagle Harbor, the Pictured Rocks, and Marquette. In 1870 uniforms were bought at an expense of $700 or $800, of which about $275 were contributed by citizens. January 3rd, 1875, a new set of instruments, nine in number, was purchased by the band at a cost of $542.25. A concert was given in Concert Hall by this band, assisted by Miss Abbie Whinnery, who had just returned from Europe, a finished soloist, and Miss Celestia Wattles of the Conservatory of Music, Oberlin, Ohio. The net profit of the concert was $260. The organization was then in a prosperous condition, and acquired an extended reputation for musical ability.
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.