History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 99

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 99

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Lake Township, on account of its swamps and bodies of water, was the resort, in early years. of large numbers of wild animals, which found a safe retreat there when pur- sned. It thus became a favorite hunting ground. for. in the winter, when the marshes and streams were frozen. hunters conld trace the quarry to its lair. Many of the settlers were skillful hunters and trappers, and on account of the bounty offered for scalps and the market value of the furs, made consider- able money. The country was destitute of every kind of money. When the settlers first

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appeared, they often had considerable means, off in the woods, although after several min- but this was soon drained from them like utes it did not appear with the cows. Mr. Nodle at last succeeded in crossing the creek, and hurried forward to ascertain what the dog had encountered. It was now almost dark, but as the settler approached the spot where the dog stood at bay, he knew that something unusual was about to transpire. blood. After that they were obliged to do without money as a medium of exchange, and substitute their own wants instead. All com- mercial relations were carried on by a system of exchanges, the base of which were the individual wants of the parties participating. This gave rise to what were known as the He cautiously peered through the twilight, and saw with astonishment a mother bear and her three cubs. He instantly drew up and shot the large bear, and then. loading rapidly, shot in turn each of the cubs. He now had but half a bullet remaining, and it became a "trade price" and the "cash price." Those who were fortunate enough to have consider- able means at their command, and who were wise enough to invest it judiciously, soon amassed large fortunes, and their descendants are now reaping the advantages. Men with question of doubtful propriety in his mind whether he had better await the return of the sire of the bear family that had been slaughtered, or leave the spot immediately. He finally adopted the latter course. It is probable that the cows remained undisturbed in the woods that night. On another occa- sion. a bear caught and partly consumed a member of the genus Sus belonging to Mr. Nodle, who, the following night, guarded it with his rifle in hopes of killing the marauder. During the night the bear appeared, but was out money or property, and with large families dependant upon them for support, suffered incredible hardships and privations, and were often compelled by the force of circumstances to relinquish their title to their half-improved farms, and return to the Eastern States. The most of those who came to the West, however. made up their minds before starting to undergo the coming adversities, and to be cheerful under the burden of difficulties and dangers. The taxes on their farms had to be paid in money. This money was often raised by the shot by the unerring hunter. Many circum- sale of furs. There were the furs of the mink, the beaver, the muskrat the otter: and the skins of the bear, the wolf, the panther, the deer, and various other animals. The pursuit of these animals, both for sport and profit. led to many au exciting adventure, as thrill-

ing as any of those narrated on the page of fiction. Several of these incidents which transpired in Lake Township have never been made public. George Nodle, one of the ear- liest settlers, owned two cows that were per mitted to roam at will through the woods in quest of food. On one occasion about sunset. the cows not having returned, MIr. Nodle started with his little dog in quest of them. He was an experienced and skillful hunter, and as usual when leaving home, took his rifle with him, although he had but four and a half bullets left. Reaching one of the streams which had overflowed its banks, Mr. Nodle was unable to proceed any farther. but sent his little dog across to start the cows, should they prove to be on the opposite side. Away went the dog, and was soon barking vigorously

stances similar to the last occurred. The bears were extremely fond of pork, and would often come boldly into a door-yard, in broad daylight, and in sight of the family, who were peering in fright from the windows, seize and carry off a hog or calf. A very unusual and surprising incident occurred on one occasion -one that in many respects has no parallel in the history of the past. The incident is related on the authority of several prominent citizens of Greentown, and is as follows: An early settler, whose name could not be remem-

bered. was one day in the woods without his gun, when he was attacked in some manner by a bear, and compelled to ascend a small tree for safety. The bear was terribly en- raged, and began making desperate efforts to dislodge the territied settler, perched like a

hawk in the branches above. It began to tear at the tree with teeth and claws so savagely as to threaten, if continued, the speedy fall of the tree. The settler hallooed repeatedly and loudly for assistance. The calls finally attracted the attention of a boy of about four-

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teen years of age (probably the son of the distressed settler), who started with gun in hand to discover what was meant by the con- tinned calls. As he approached the spot, he was probably cautioned by the settler in the tree, and directed how to proceed. At any rate the boy cautiously approached the place until the bear was seen, when he drew np, took deliberate aim, and sent a bullet crash- ing through the bear, at which the animal fell over and gave up the ghost (if it had one). The settler, considerably relieved, descended from the tree, which was found to be com- pletely girdled, from the effects of which it died. The settler would not permit the tree to be felled, but kept it standing, in remem brance of the occurrence, until it was blown down. Did not the boy display remarkable intrepidity in approaching and shooting the bear? Many other incidents of a similar nature could be mentioned, but these will suf- fice to show that extreme danger often accom- panied the sojourn in the backwoods.

Industries began to spring into life imme- diately after the township was first settled. Saw-mills and grist-mills of primitive fash- ions began to appear on the various streams, to supply for the increasing demand articles nearer home. Roads were apparently bottom- less, and the sticking qualities of the mud were demonstrated to the settlers-often to their infinite annoyance and sorrow. The continued impassable condition of the roads (if they can be properly called such), led to a demand for mills. stores, etc., bear home, and led to their speedy erection. Whisky was an article found on the mantel in every honse- hold. for to be withont liquor was thought to be without one of the necessities of life. Men at work in the field must have it: and. when visitors appeared, it was deemed a gross breach of hospitality to restrain from setting up the drinks. No house or other building could be raised without it. It is asserted that there were fewer drunkards then than now: but this is undoubtedly a mistake. The custom of imbibing was so common and drunken men were so numerous that people did not notice the evil effects as they do now. Time has wronght a wonderful change in this, as in many other things. Sawmills

started up as early as any industry, but these, like those of the gods, were compelled to move slowly. The streams were sluggish, though there was double the volume of water then than now. George Creighbaum erected his saw-mill on a branch of the Nimishillen some time before 1830. and for many years did extensive work. as there was a steady and increasing demand for lumber to be used in the construction of dwellings and barns. His son William operated it after him until but a comparatively short time ago. when Elias, son of William, and grandson of George, assumed ownership and control. This mill in its time has been a good one. Simon Harsh also built an early one, not far from the year 1825. This was also a good mill in its time. Other mills will be mentioned farther along. The following men have, at various times, con- ducted distilleries in the township, some of them beginning in very early years: Jacob Harbrook. George Everhart, Lewis Hanshal- ter, Mr. Shriver, John Bushong, Andrew Pon- tius, George Creighbaum and Henry Swartz. More than one of these men owned the saine distillery. There were certainly enough to supply the township with all the liquor needed, which is saying a good deal, as the German element of humanity can carry as much lig- uor without staggering as any other. They are cold and phlegmatic, and not easily per- snaded to fall, when King Alcohol beckons.

There are four villages in the township --- three of them wholly. and one partly in Lake and partly in Plain. These four are Cairo, Hartville. Greensburg and Uniontown. The origin of these names is obscure or perhaps altogether unknown. Cairo is numerically the weakest. although it began its career many years ago. D. T. Machamer has been conducting a store there for a number of years. The village has a post office, and a church, built by the Lutherans and Reformers perhaps forty years ago. When these few things have been said. the past history of Cairo has been almost wholly unfolded. The records of Hartville are not much more voluminous, So far as could be learned, neither Hartville nor Cairo was ever properly laid out and recorded. Hartville has had a population of some twelve or fifteen families,

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while Cairo can scarcely boast of having had that number. As nearly as can be remem- bered. John Houghton opened the first store in Hartville soon after 1830. His stock of goods was small. but ineluded many useful articles. Joseph Brown embarked on the mercantile sea some time afterward. Peter Shellenberger was another early merchant. It is likely that others have sold goods in the village, but their names are locked forever in the casket of forgetfulness, and the key is concealed. Some future historian may dis- cover it. John Morehart opened a tavern about the year 1835. Daniel Baum is the present landlord. George Machamer and Henry Grossenbangher are the present mer- chants. They have a fair country trade, and are presumed to be making some money. Dr. Hoffman was located in the village quite early. Some other things might be said of the village. to its credit. Some thirty years ago, Elias Shriver erected, in the northern part of the township, a large grist-mill. in which were placed five sets of stone. The capacity of the mill, which is operated by steam. is said to be 360 bushels daily. The present owners are Bitter Brothers. The mill is in operation both day and night, and not only does, it have an extended custom trade. but it ships considerable flour to distant points from the station at Uniontown. It is probably the best mill of the kind ever in the township.

The town of Union was laid out by Elias Brenner and Thomas Albert. owners and pro- prietors. in April. 1816, from portions of the northeast and the northwest quarters of Sec- tion 7. Township 12. Range S. Sixty lots were laid out, and immediately offered for sale. Albert was an old bachelor, and like all members of that class was possessed of curious or eccentric traits of character. A few houses were immediately built, and as many families resided therein. As early as 1825. George MIvers and W. II. Whitney opened a store, and not long afterward secured the location of a post office at the village. It is said that George Guisweit was in with a small stock of goods before these men, which. if true, would make him the first merchant in the village. When he first began selling

goods is not so well known. He peddled his goods all over the surrounding country, which fact secured for him the universal and homely appellation, "Cheap George the ped dler." He did not have altogether more than $200 worth of goods, and although a portion of these was sold at his house in the village, the greater portion was peddled as stated. He became known to everybody, who seemed to think that he was a proper subject for their jokes. All was taken in good humor by him, and he was well liked and well patronized; so that. although he sold his goods very low. he contrived to make considerable money. After him came Myers & Whitney, who kept a good country store, and had an extensive trade. Other merchants in the village have been Aultman & Holwick, Samuel Woods. J. B. Woods. D. T. Frank, William Steese, Feather & Glasser. M. & M. Joseph. Woolf & Foust. Stutzman & Price, W. H. Nees. Noes & Price. Mr. Nees is yet in business in the village. It is probable that others than those named have followed the mercantile pursuit in Uniontown. Charles Brown is one of the present merchants. as is also the firm, Huus- man & Schick. Some of the earlier stores were inferior and short-lived, while others were well filled and had an extensive trade. There have been times when Uniontown was a lively business village. In early years, when there were no railroads on which to transport goods and thus vary the cost of con- veyance. one store was about as good as another. Stores in small villages could sell as cheaply as those in large villages, and in consequence, if they were well filled, it was better to patronize them, for they were nearer. Some of the early stores had on hand as high as $10,000 worth of goods, and probably Hunsman & Schick have more than that quantity at present. John Bolender built a cabinet shop in 1868, which he has since con- ducted. He furnishes work for some three employes, and manufactures bureaus, tables, chairs, bed-steads, secretaries, etc .. and has a fair trade. Joseph T. Halloway preceded Mr. Bolender at the occupation, for he began not far from the year 1830, and continued a number of years. John Woolf was another, who made spinning-wheels, etc. Sammel

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Woods opened a tannery many years ago, begining with some ten vats, which were ' afterward increased to more than twenty. Large quantities of leather were prepared, and what could not be used at home was shipped to distant places. There were no such persons in early times as commercial travelers. Merchants in the West were in the habit of going East twice or more times a year to purchase their goods, which were then hauled by wagon to their destination. Then it was that settlers crowded in to have their choice of the stock on hand. Wearing apparel of all kinds was not ready made, but made to order. Farmers were obliged to buy the cloth with which to clothe their families, after which either a tailor was employed to do the cutting, or the task was turned over to the wife and mother. Some of the latter became proficient from long practice, and could furnish a neat fit every time. Journey- men tailors traveled throughout the country to secure engagements at cutting, fitting, or making. Shoemakers did the same. Leather enough to make shoes for the whole family was purchased at the tanneries, after which the services of a shoemaker were called into requisition, and the family provided with shoes for the coming year. In this manner, Samuel Woods' tannery secured a large trade. His son, J. B., succeeded him. Charles Glas- ser also conducted an early tannery, as did William Motz. There were two of these in the village at the same time, but it is thought that Mr. Woods' disposed of the most leather.

George Winters began hatting in the vil- lage in about the year 1833; he was an adept at the occupation, having followed it in the East before coming to Ohio. Except, perhaps, by means of a few rude mechanical contriv- ances, all his work was done by hand. During the month of June, he visited the surrounding farms where sheep were kept, and selected the finest article of lamb's wool to be found to be used in hatting; he owned a small shop in which his goods were kept for sale; he con- tinned some ten or twelve years, manufactur- ing, in the meantime, large numbers of excel- lent hats; his hats became celebrated for their capability of resisting rough usage and continued wear; he finally left for other fields.

In about the year IS55, C. W. Lane erected suitable buildings and began manufacturing płows, kettles, pots, skillets, etc., an occupa- tion that he followed a number of years, when he sold the foundry to H. B. Richards and John Fritch. These men built a large shop and greatly increased the scope and capacity of the undertaking. They attempted the manufacture of cultivators, but failed to pro- duce satisfactory implements, and finally the whole project was either abandoned or trans- ferred to some other locality. The following doctors have practiced in the neighborhood, while residing in the village: Devaux, Reed, Zollers, Parliman, Weimer, Buchtel, Ashman, Steese, the present physician, Allen, Hatcher, McConnell, Waldron and Richards; this may not be a complete list. George Bolinder opened a tavern in about the year 1825; he had for a sign a large blue ball; in 1827, this sign was removed, and an ordinary sign- board erected in its place, bearing the date 1827. Other tavern-keepers have been Will- iam Wagner, Isaac Statden, Samuel Swine- hart, Joseph Dreese, J. W. Creighbaum, John Bender, Leonard Raber, Amos Johnson, James Woolf, Urias Weitman, Enos Fasnocht and John Leed, the present landlord. Joseph T. Halloway is said to have been the first Post- master, receiving his appointment about the year 1825. The office is now under the con- trol of Mrs. Dr. Steese. This concludes the brief history of the village of Uniontown.

Greentown has had a similar history, vary- ing only in names and dates. No one can realize the truth of the maxim, "History re- peats itself," until he has made history a study. Human nature is the same the world over, and as history is but a record of human experiences and achievements, it necessarily repeats itself. Greentown was laid out in February, ISI6, by Henry Wise and Peter Dickerhoof, owners and proprietors. A total of sixty-four lots was laid out, thirty-two of which were on the land of each proprietor. The lots were laid off from the northeast and the southeast quarters of Section 30, Town- ship 12, Range S. In accordance with a peculiar freak of the owners, the village was unusually and peculiarly laid out. Each square was divided by two diagonal alleys,

Jacob Schwary

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and at the four corners of the central square were four small open parks, or squares, the one at the northwest being called Jones' Square, the one at the northeast. Burrow's Square, the one at the southeast. Blakely's Square. and the one at the southwest, Allen's Square. Mr. Wise owned the northern half of the vil- lage. and Mr. Dickerhoof the southern half. Both men, in after years, did a great deal to build up the village. It is said that the daughters of Mr. Dickerhoof worked regularly in the fields. One day, Betsey, his daughter. while busy in the field, suddenly felt some- thing touch her shoulder, and. turning quickly around, saw a tall Indian standing laughing at her side. It is also related that there was a man at the village. in early years, who had lost an arm and a leg. both from the same side of the body. One day Betsey asked him how he came to lose his limbs, but he avoided her repeated questioning for some time, and at last said: "I will tell you, if you promise not to ask another question." This she agreed to do, whereupon the man said: "They were bit- ten off." As may be imagined that answer made the whole subject more mysterious than it was before; but her promise prevented Bet- sey from asking any further questions. But to return to Greentown. It is said that James McNabb built the first house in the village. When this building was torn down. a few years ago, the air-dried body of a rat was found between the walls, in such a position as to show that it must have been inclosed there when the building was constructed. It is thought that this building was erected imme- diately after the village was laid out. Other buildings were soon erected, and erelong, several families were found residing in what may be called ancient Greentown. It is probable that a man named Goodwill opened the first store in the village. The date is not given, although it was not far from 1820; he did not own over $200 worth of goods. Hiram Myers, who succeeded him, had a very good store, and made some money, devoting the most of his time to this pursuit. Other mer- chants have been: Ephraim Ball, who failed, and " became $1,000 worse off than nothing." G. & M. Wise, W. J. Lininger, Henry Nuna- maker. Wylie, Smith & Co., Henry Clemmer,

Isaac Hunsberger, Thomas Gorgas, Pollock & Hayes, J. H. Wise & Co., Henry Shanafelt, Young & Stine, Feather & Glassor, Willis & Baugh, H. Shanafelt & Co., Peters & Shafer, France & Bair, S. S. Bumberger, who failed, O. P. Shanafelt, Shanafelt & Shafer and Isaac Hall. Some of these kept large tine stocks of goods on their shelves, and received excellent patronage. Others had small stocks and small patronage. It has in all cases been true that a good store at the village has done well; it is the case in all small villages, and in large ones, also, that poor stores, miserably conducted. apparently poison the public confidence and respect. They vitiate the public taste for good ones. This is true everywhere. Too many men undertake the mercantile pursuit. as a result of uncontented dispositions, who were never cut out for John B. Astors or A. T. Stewarts; knowing nothing of this inter- esting occupation, they blindly peg along for a few years, perhaps, after which the signifi- cant words, "failed" or "busted" could be appropriately inscribed on their banners. This is true in every occupation in life. Men should search for the pursuit best adapted to them; when found, it should be followed to the exclusion of all others. The system of skilled labor has become both a science and an art. Experience teaches that it is better to seek excellence in few things than mediocrity in many. Various industries have flourished from time to time in Greentown. In about the year 1857, Houek, Morgan & Co. pur- chased the old Methodist Church, intending to use it as a shop in which to begin the man- ufacture of engines, etc. One was really con- structed, several others repaired, and then the undertaking was abandoned, much to the dis- appointment of those men at the village who may be looked upon as capitalists, and who had expected to be financially benetitted by the presence of the industry. After the enter- prise was abandoned, the owners built the grist-mill, which is yet in operation in the village. The mill is operated by steam, and has two run of stone. A small custom trade has been the extent of the mill's operations. It has changed owners several times; one of the owners, finding that he could do better with the mill elsewhere, threatened to remove

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- it to Alliance, in case he could not sell it. The citizens did not wish the mill removed, and to prevent this disposal of it, finally formed themselves into a company with the title, Wise, Housley & Co., and purchased the mill property for $6,000, paving much more than it was really worth. These men were Leidigh Housley, John H. Wise, Michael Wise and Abraham Miller. Several changes in the ownership were afterward made, until the mill is at present owned by Housley & Ball. It is doing a limited custom work. A number of years ago, Christian Kryder and Henry Shanafelt, Sr., started a furnace on Section 36, and began manufacturing stoves. plows kettles, pots, skillets, ete. They at first bought their pig iron at Hanging Rock, and had it shipped by canal to Massillon, whence it was hauled by wagon to the furnace. The enterprise was begun soon after 1840, and was continued by these men some twelve years, when the property went to Levi Kryder, son of Christian, who conducted the business until ten or twelve years ago, when it was purchased by Wise & Acker. The present owners are Wise, Acker & Hissner. who manu- facture scrapers, cultivators, some hollow-ware, plows, making a specialty of plow points, of which they manufacture great numbers. Col. Ephraim Ball, who resided at the village about forty-five years ago. had his attention called to a new threshing machine, and, after he had examined it, he concluded to engage in the manufacture. Himself and brother finally formed a partnership, and purchased the right for Wayne County for $200, giving their written obligations for that amount. After some maneuvering, they finally built appropriate buildings at Greentown, and Mr. Ball made the first machine with his own hands, having scarcely any tools, or other suit- able implements: he had no money nor credit in the undertaking, for all the neighbors looked upon the project as erratic and vision- ary, and besides Mr. Ball was in debt over $1,000. This first machine was sold to John Miller, of Greentown, for $102. It was not portable, which was considered a serious drawback to the value of the thresher; so Mr. Ball set his wits to work to devise one that was portable. The necessary patterns for the cast-

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History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 99

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