History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 84

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892? ed
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1060

USA > Ohio > Stark County > History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio > Part 84

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Moses Porter kept a regular tavern on the present site of Malvern. and an old pear tree planted by him is still in flourishing health. He was there as early as 1807.

Daniel Shaeffer started a hotel in Waynes- burgh in 1816, in the house now owned by the heirs of Daniel Glessner. ITis house was a noted one, and was the headquarters of the Democratic party of that day. It was in this house that the first political meeting of the township was held during the Adams-Jackson campaign. Robert Creighton was the Whig advocate and William Hammers was the champion of Democracy. In 1831. Mr. Shaeffer built the brick building which stood for fifty years on the southwest corner of Main and Lisbon streets, and which at the time of this writing is being razed to the ground to give place to a more modern structure being built by Messrs. G. W. Elsass & Bro.

The first saw-mill in the township was built by Robert McCall, father of Thomas MeCall, Esq., late of Sandy Township, but now of Can- ton, about the year 1815, near the present resi- denee of MeClure Boyd, Esq. The first grist- mill was built by William Hardesty, where Malvern now stands, in 1816. Mr. Hardesty took his surplus stock of mill products to Cleveland by wagon. It required a week to make the trip and sometimes a part or all of Sunday. The first grist-mill in what is now Sandy Township was built by Jehu Brown, an early settler and a remarkable man in many respects. ITe was a fine mechanic, a preacher and a politician, but of these latter trades more anon. He built a grist-mill, saw-mill and wool- en-mill a short distance down the creek from where Messrs. Sherrod, Wilson & Co.'s fine steam mill now stands. The first distillery was built and operated by Daniel Shaeffer, near the spring just south of the present residence of

Alexander Robertson. A large thorn tree on the west side of the road from Waynesburgh to Canton marks the site of the first tannery. It was built and operated by James McClure. The next was kept by George Beatty, on the site of the Boory Tannery of the present time. The first coal mine in Sandy Township was opened by Samuel Allerton. the blacksmith, near where Mr. J. H. Ross is now operating a successful mine. There are at this writing, ' 1881,' eight mines in successful operation.

The Tuscarawas Indian trail passed through the township from east to west, keeping gener- ally near the banks of Big Sandy Creek. It crossed the Little Sandy, a short way north of where MeCall's saw-mill stood, and crossed Big Sandy at an easy fording on the lands now owned by Jacob Painter, and thence continued on the south side of the Sandy, Gnadenhutten. in Tuscarawas County, being its objective point. This trail seems to have been a popular route, a regular " trunk line" amongst the untamed traveling publie of those pre-Caucasian days. It was of quite narrow gauge, being not over eighteen inches wide. but its bed was beaten ' down by moecasined feet until it was two or three inches lower than the surrounding ground. There never was a toll road in the township. The bridge across the Sandy just north of Waynesburgh, was for a short timea toll bridge. The roads of this township. passing as they do, over sand and gravel have not required piking.

We have not been able to fix the date of the establishing the first stage or hack line, but it was at least as early as 1830 that a through line of good stages was put upon the road from Canton to Steubenville. The steep hill south of Waynesburg was the scene of several acci- dents, which, though very startling. were none fatal to human life. On one occasion. the brake upon the wheels of the stage gave way, just as it was applied at the top of the hill. The weight of a full load of passengers drove the stage upon the horses, and away they went, pell-mell, down the hill. The driver, Abe Hall, a famous "whip" of the route, was on the seat. He gathered the lines carefully, braced himself as best he coukl, and applied the whip sharply, keeping the horses ahead of the coach. By the time the level was reached. the team was in a frenzy of excitement, and they dashed clown the street at a terrible pace. The horses were in the habit of turning in at Hamilton's

w. a. Robertson

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SANDY TOWNSHIP.

The completion of the Tusearawas Branch of the Cleveland & Pittsburgh Railroad was a death blow to this primitive mode of travel. as well as to the Sandy & Beaver Canal, which was commenced through the township in 1-33. Work progressed until the financial panie of 1837 locked the wheels of that, as well as of most other enterprises, and its building was suspended until 1845, when new capital was invested and the canal completed, in 1$19. from the Beaver River to Bolivar, where it con- nected with the Ohio Canal. Its years were few. however, for, as before remarked. the rail- roads cane along by its course. in 1851. and it vielded to destiny.

About the spring of 1852, a hack and mail route was established to connect New Philadel- phia with Bayard Station. These places were the termini of the then proposed railroad, which on the Ist day of January. 1854. ran its first train into Waynesburg. This hack line was owned and operated by Thomas C'annon. John Karn. of Waynesburgh, and John Stevenson. now one of the oklest and most popular conduc- tors on the Cleveland & Pittsburgh Railroad. were drivers. It was on the first regular trip of this hack line that the first daily newspaper came to Waynesburg. The paper was The Forrest City. published at Cleveland. As the railroad grew longer the hack line grew shorter. and its history closed with the completion of the railroad. Several of our citizens took a lively interest in the building of the railroad. Robert Nelson and JJohn W. Mays built the mile which passes the village of Waynesburg. and I. N. Ross had the contract for the mile next east ; both parties made money by their contracts. The work at this point was heavy. and was conducted to the end with but a single serious accident, which resulted in the crippling for life of Mr. William tlessner, who still lives to tell the story of his sufferings. Sandy Town- ship lays claim to a very early railroad enter-

prise, which was the result of the mechanical

hotel. and the driver realized that it would be impossible to stop them otherwise than to skill of Jehu Brown, whose name has already guide them into the inclosed barnyard. The hotel people saw the stage coming. opened wide the gate, and by taking all the circuit the street afforded. the driver managed to guide the terror-stricken beasts safely through the gate, and landed safely about as badly scared a lot of passengers as ever alighted from a stage coach. been mentioned. It was in 1833 or 1834. that it became necessary to transport a large num- ber of heavy stone from David Reed's stone. quarry to what has been for years known as Seaburg's or Elson's dam. To do this conven- iently. Mr. Brown, who had charge of the work. contrived what would to-day be voted a good. substantial railroad, of three-foot gange. It had its embankments, bridges, trestle works and all in order, save the iron rail. The rails were of maple wood, fastened with wooden pins. The motive power was a mule. The time made was not remarkable, but the work was well done, and the road answered fully the purpose for which it was built. it was about half a mile in length, and was considered a wonderful piece of work by the rural inhabitants of that day. one of whom gave us the above account. Nost a trace remains of this early and successful railroad enterprise.

Sandy Township has not been lacking in political preferment and as the years have rolled away, several of her citizens have been chosen to fill positions of honor and trust. Of the first grand jury ever called in the county. Peter Mottice was an honored member. The tirst man of Sandy to bear legislative honors was Robert McCall. father of the venerable and respected Thomas MeCall. of Canton ; the next was Jehu Brown, and next. Dr. James Welsh, of Waynesburgh. The dates when these gen- tlemen served the county at our State Capitol, the writer is not able to fix from any data at hand. Thomas C. Snyder. of Waynesburgh, was elected in 1879. At the county seat. the follow- ing men have held office during the time indi- cated : Gen. John Augustine was Sheriff: 1819 to 1825. he also served in the Senate and House of Representatives at Columbus. Timo- thy Reed. Sheriff. 1826 to 1827 : Peter Mot- tice. Commissioner 1-25 to 1829 ; James Down- ing. Commissioner. 1-33 to 1835 : Robert It. Met'all. Treasurer, IstI to 1814 : Thomas Me- Call. Auditor. 1-58 to 1859. Amongst those who served as Justices of the Peace in Sandy Township. are the following : (When known. the number of years of service is given.) James Hewitt. first in office : Peter Mottice, at least 24 years: Gist. Clinefelter; John Ross; An- drew Hamilton : Michael Welker, 3 years : J. S. Brownewell. 6 years : \. B. Silver, 3 years :

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HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY.

John C. Mong, 20 years ; William Raedel, 15 years (in office) ; Richard Netz, 3 years ; John K. Bowers, 3 years ; Thomas C. Snyder : Charles II. Slutz, in office.

The village of Waynesburgh was laid out in 1815 by Joseph Handlon, who had previously laid out Hamburg, north of the creek. It is believed that Daniel Shaeffer, the father of the once numerous Shaeffer family in the village, assisted Handlon. It is certain that these two men had very intimate business relations. for a short time afterward, Shaeffer became Hand- lon's assignee, and in 1818, purchased the land which Handlon had entered, receiving the war- rant therefor from James Munroe. President, on the 21st of January, 1819. The first house was the cabin of Isaac Van Meter, which stood. as has been before mentioned, on the bluff. where Market street descends toward the rail- road. This cabin was afterward occupied by Daniel Shaeffer, until he could buikl for himself.

In 1816, Samuel Allerton came to town and started a blacksmith's shop, on the lot now oc- eupied by Frederick Maekaman's buildings. on the southeast corner of Main and Lisbon streets. John T. Rice was the first shoemaker, and Henry Wagoner the first tailor. Simon Shook was the first cooper ; he had his shop on the lot where L. B. King now resides. The first well ever dug in this town was on the Boegle property, now owned by Mrs. Sarah Guinney, and it was located about eighty feet north of Lisbon street, and fifty feet west of Main street. The first regular mail brought to Waynesburgh was carried by Andrew Luckey, of Jefferson County. He traveled on foot from Steubenville to Canton, sixty miles, making the round trip easily in two days, one day each way, once a week. This was about 1825. George Beatty was the first Postmaster, and kept the post office on Sonth Main street, in a log house yet standing, just across the alley from where John C. Mong, Esq., now resides. The post office has not changed hands very often. The following persons have held the office : George Beatty, Dr. James Welsh, Dr. Robert II. Me- Call, Henry Rhoads, George P. Augustine, Rob- ert Hamilton. Robert B. Hamilton, Edward Scott. Mr. William A. Robertson was ap- pointed to the place under Andrew Johnson. but he never removed the office from the care of Mr. Scott.

On the 6th day of February, 1833, the Legis-

lature of Ohio passed an act, entitled " An act to incorporate the town of Waynesburgh. in Stark County." and on the 6th day of May fol- lowing, an election was held at the house of Jacob Steiner (now the residence of Jacob (lessner), at which John Koontz and Jacob Steiner were Judges, and Rice Blackford, Clerk, for the purpose of electing officers for the newly made incorporate town. At this election, R. K. Gray, a prominent storekeeper. was chosen Mayor ; Rice Blackford. a hatter, was elected Recorder ; Dr. James Welsh, Daniel Shaeffer, Charles C. Camp, Solomon Koontz and Andrew Hamilton were elected Trustees, as the mem- bers of the Village Council were then called.

The first meeting of this board of officers, was held on the 20th day of June. 1833. Its first official act was to elect Andrew Mays, . Marshal ; Alexander McIntosh, Treasurer, and John Koontz, Street Commissioner. Amongst those who have held the office of Mayor, are the following: R K. Gray. James Welsh, Jo- seph Doll, John Ross. Gist Clinefelter, J. Il. Estep, Robert Jones, nineteen years in succes- sion, and John W. Glessner, present incumbent, who was first elected in 1874. Illustrative of the straits to which the early builders were at times put, we mention the building of a large two-story barn by Joseph Handlon. It was the largest structure of the kind in town, and was as well finished as any other hereabouts, but in his whole construction there was not used a single piece of sawed lumber. Doors. door-frames, floors, shingles, everything in the shape of lumber was made by splitting it from trees ent near by. and every nail used, and they were not many. was made by the village blacksmith.

The first "sign-board" which was hung out in Waynesburgh was that of Daniel Shaffer's Ilotel, in 1816, and its making and painting was a matter of serious consideration. When the board was finished. it was necessary to send to Canton for a painter, who painted on a black ground in yellow letters the words, "Tavern by D. Shaffer." It did service for many years in guiding the weary traveler to comfortable rest. The first pegged shoes and boots made in Waynesburgh were made by a man named Henry Pickard. He made his own pegs, and had considerable trouble introdueing pegged work, as people thought the pegs would rot off. The first frame house built in town was the one

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SANDY TOWNSHIP.

now owned by Mr. Jacob Glessner. It was built by Andrew Mays. The first and only iron foundry Waynesburgh has ever had was established in 1845 by Patrick Call. Hle removed it from Magnolia to Waynesburgh at the instance of R. K. Gray, who assisted him to some extent. Call sold out in 1817 to Rob- ert Jones. Esq. who. at this writing, has con- dueted the business for nearly thirty-four years.

The first fire which resulted in serious dam- age to property was in about 1831. AA log house, occupied by John T. Rice, which was situated on the site now occupied by the - llam- ilton House." It took fire early in the evening. while a congregation was listening to preaching at the residence of John Koontz. The people left the preacher without benediction, and has- tened to the assistance of their unfortunate neighbor.

The only brewery the village has had up to this time was built by Roger Morledge.

The first serious accident was the scalding to death of Phillip. a son of Daniel Shaffer. The ebild was watching its father boiling some- thing in a large kettle, out of doors, and in an unguarded moment. fell into the kettle. It died in a few hours, and was the first body buried in the cemetery here.

The first church built in the village, was on or near the site of the present St. Paul's German Reformed Church, it was a large log structure, and remained unfinished for a long time. It belonged to the Lutheran and German Reformed societies, and these organizations. having flourished finely, in 1844 built the pres- ent briek structure, and continued to worship together in it until 1879, when they separated. the Lutheran Society building their present elegant edifice. The next church edifice was built by the Presbyterians. It was situated on the lot next east of West street, and on the south side of Lisbon street. The present First Presbyterian Church was built in 1867. when Rev. T. V. Mulligan was Pastor. The Metho- clists built a brick church about the year 1838. on the east side of the south end of Market street. This gave place. in 1864. to the present church on South Main street. The Disciple or " Christian" Church was built in 1855 to 1860.

Nelson, granting him the right of way through the streets, to lay pipes, and establish water works. lle was prompt in the discharge of his part of the work, and expended nearly $2,000 in building a reservoir and putting down cast- iron pipes. It was soon discovered. however, that the supply of water from the spring used, was not adequate to the growing demands of the town, during the summer season, and, although the water works are in running order at this writing, not more than half the inhabi- tants draw their water supply from this source. On the 8th day of September. 1856, the Coun- cil granted Robert Nelson permissien to sell his water works and franchise to the "Waynesburgh Joint Stock Water Company," in whose posses- sion they now stand. At this writing an effort is being made to have the village build new water works. The inhabitants are much divi- ded in opinion in regard to the matter, and an injunction, sued out by the opposing party, has brought matters to a standstill. after the expend- iture of $1,000.

On the 15th day of May, 1841, the first ordi- nance was passed, compelling the laying of proper sidewalks. It created quite an excite- ment, and it was considered by many that the members of the Council were assuming by odds too much authority.

Of the numerous secret orders popular throughout the county, several have been es- tablished in Waynesburg. including Sons of Temperance. Good Templars, " Know-Nothings," I'nion League, Grand Army of the Republic. Freemasons and Odd Fellows. Of these only the two latter have an existence.

The following is a list of the business houses of Waynesburgh . Beans & Elsass, J. Shaeffer & Son. Raedel & Blythe, dry goods and gro- ceries : W. A. Strayer, Charles H1. Slutz. hard- ware : Robert Jones, stoves, tinware, foundry and plow works : L. S. Bonbrak, stoves and tin- ware : George W. Elsass & Co., groceries and notions : Lewis Scott, exchange broker ; George W. Burson, Edward Scott, drugs and stationery; William Glessner, furniture store ; L. Scott & Co .. manufacturers of iron-roofing ; John W. Glessner, jeweler : W. Il. Evans, merchant (ailor : William A Rhoads, Cailor : Christian Gruber. brewery ; Charles Gruber, drinking saloon ; Christian Elsass. shoemaker and drink- ing saloon ; John Bangs, barber ; Barnhart

On the 5th day of December. 1854. the town Council entered into a contract with Robert , Wingerter, undertaker and notions ; Morledge

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HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY.

& Mackaman, grain and produce ; Netz & Myers, clothing and carpets ; Sherrod, Wilson & Co .. millers ; G. B. Belding, cooper ; E. O. Belling, cooper ; James Gibson, stock dealer ; R. B. Hamilton, agricultural implements ; Ed Ham- ilton, Harry W. Shine, livery stables ; Doty & Troll, carriage makers ; Constantine Derringer, William Wirebangh, blacksmiths ; H. Sweet, eggs and produce ; Yarger & Gruber, butchers ; I L. Klotz. J. W. MeCollum, Henry Elson, shoemakers ; William F. Boory, tannery : Geo. Bieter, marble-yard ; Marshall & Randal, con fectioners; Mrs. Alice Morledge. bakery ; Josiah Flemming. Elwood Shine, painters ; Charles Il. Jones & Co., tire insurance : R. C. Fawcett, attorney and Notary Public ; John C. Mong, attorney and Deputy Probate Judge : William Raedel, Charles IT. Stotz, Justices of the Peace ; Mrs. R. Guinney. Mrs. M. Maeser & Sister, mil- liners ; Miss Louvina Reed. Miss Ada Koontz. dressmakers ; Emerson Koontz, Henry Casper, harness-makers . Andrew Waggoner. Andrew Derringer & Bro., stone-masons ; Jacob Phil- lippi. B. Monroe, plasterers ; Snyder Bros .. builders and brick-makers ; L. B. King, job printer ; Joseph Fliekinger. wagon-maker ; W. T. Jackman. dentist ; A. F. Atwell, John W. MeCort, G. C. Welch. J. M. Bye, physicians ; Harmon Creighton. butcher ; Corwin Firestone. A. Newkirk, sawing machines ; A F. Rhoads, telegraph operator ; Henry W. Rhoads, agent C. & P. R. R .; William A. Robertson. Alex- ander Robertson, John Hewitt, farmers ; Ham- ilton Hotel. by Hamilton heirs ; - Morledge House," John Shaeffer.

Magnolia, the second village in the township. was laid out by Richard Elson and John W. Smith in the year 1834. The line between Stark and Carroll Counties divides the village, the portion lying in Carroll County being officially known as Downingville. This part of the town was laid out by Isaac Miller, and named in honor of his son-in-law, James Downing, of whom the reader has read before. During the days of the brief existence of the Sandy & Beaver Canal, Magnolia enjoyed a season of prosperity, which, for a time, justified flattering hopes of future greatness : but the departing canal boats took away her trade, and for years she was almost a deserted village, but prosperity is contageous. and, within the last ten years, there has been a steady growth, which, if not rapid. has been at least substantial. and the traveler of to-day tinds

a pleasant village of about 300 people, who are both industrious and hospitable.

John G. Croxton kept the first store. E. J. Barkdoll & Co. were the largest general dealers ever in Magnolia. They soll and bought every thing sellable and buyable. Mr. Ed Scott, now Postmaster of Waynesburgh. was their chief clerk. Wm. Harkness was also a prominent store- keeper. It was with him that William H. Greer. Esq .. one of Magnolia's most successful business men. laid the foundation of his present worth. Isaac Teller was a storekeeper on a smaller scale, and with him John Walser, of Canton, learned the rudiments of business, which he has since so successfully pursued. Messrs. Adams & Chapman were also heavy dealers in general merchandise. Magnolia once had an iron toun- dry. It was built by Patrick Call, in 1834 or 1835, near the present residence of A. R. Elson. He conducted the business four or five years, and then removed to Waynesburgh as already stated. There are two churches of comfortable style and capacity. belonging respectively to the society of " United Brethern in Christ " and to the " Evangelical Lutheran. N. S."

In the Stark County part of Magnolia are the following business men : W H. Knotts. agent agricultural implements ; Jacob Wadsworth, harness maker : A. R. Elson, miller : Richard Elson, farmer ; Felix Motter, stonemason : Ma- thias Koehler, saloon ; Dan'l Klopman, hotel ; John Gregory, hotel. A. R. Elson's mill, estab- lished by Elson & Smith in 1834. is one of the finest water power establishments in this part of Ohio. He has saw mill and other wood- working machinery. and transarts a very large business.

Of the progress of religion in Sandy Town- ship a whole chapter might be written, and the difficulty with the writer has been, what not to write down rather than what to record. The honor of the first preaching is claimed by both the Lutheran and Presbyterian people, but it is likely that Lyman Potter, a missionary of the Presbyterian Church. preached the first ser- mon to a white congregation, although Elisha MeCurdy was a missionary among the Wyandot and Shawnee Indians some years before white settlement. Lyman Potter baptized James llewitt. of Waynesburgh, at the house of Peter Mottice, while he was yet an infant. about 1810. Joshua Beers was the next preacher for the Presbyterians, and about this time a Lutheran

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preacher named Wagonholtz came to the town- ship and preached at Downing's house, which was open to all comers, although Downing was himself a Presbyterian. The first preacher for the German Reformed Church here was named Rodocker. This congregation nnited with the Lutherans. as before stated, in the building of the first church in Waynesburgh. The Baptist Church had an early and able minister in carly times, whose name is already familiar to the reader-Jehu Brown. He was a man of much force of character, and made an impression. however engaged in life. In those days, as has been intimated, the practice of dram-drinking was almost universal. and preachers were not all strangers to the spiritual strength to be de- rived from the omnipresent bottle. Brown was for many years not an exception to the rule, and it is related that he would go. just before preaching-time to Shacffer's tavern, take a full gill of good brandy, and then repair to the grove north of town, now owned by M. M. Mays, and preach fervently, laying aside his coat to gain greater freedom of action. He was often eloquent, and always an interesting speaker. He would often dwell at length upon the frail- ties of humanity. and was wont on such occa- sions to tell his congregation to "do as I tell you, and not as I do." He was afterward a convert to the ideas of Alexander Campbell, who held several meetings here, and it is said that after this time he entirely eschewed stimu- lants and died an earnest advocate of temper ance.

new brick structure, in the valley south of the old church, and the name changed to Centenary Church. The first society in Waynesburgh had for its first class-leader James HI Rogers, who is now and has for many years been a much respected preacher, being now a member of the the East Ohio Conference.

The German Methodists, or AAlbrights, once had a society in the township, and held their meetings at the house of Mr. Camp, on the farm now owned by John Rogers, Esq.

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History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 84

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892? ed Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey Number of Pages: 1060

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892? ed
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1060