History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 119

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?; Graham, A. A. (Albert Adams), 1848-
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1104

USA > Ohio > Summit County > History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio > Part 119

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ern barn. But although the stage line was a splendid thing for the village and township, it was a losing investment to the owners. This is difficult to understand in view of the fact that, so far as can be learned, the stage line was well patronized. However, Mr. Alling lost $600 the first year he was connected with the undertaking, and it is likely that those connected with him also lost heavily. In 1829, Mr. Alling commenced the mercantile pursuit

in his tavern bar, a room six feet by eight, placing therein $3.50 worth of tobacco and Scotch snuff. A few groceries were added the following year, and as the trade, though ex- ceedingly limited, seemed brisk and prom- ising, Mr. Alling finally concluded to engage in the pursuit more extensively. He accordingly rented his tavern in 1831, to Samuel Edgerly, and built a frame house, an apartment in which he fitted up for a storeroom, the remainder being devoted to the use of his family. A few hundred dollars' worth of goods comprised his stock ; but this was slowly and steadily in- creased until, in 1835, the goods were valued at some $600, when he erected a large store- room on the northwest corner of the square. Here a good business was done with a stock which, at its best, was worth about $7,000. All the different varieties of country produce were bought and sold, and the store did much to centralize the efforts of the citizens in the vil- lage. The sales of goods, exclusive of flour, salt and produce, amounted in 1847 to $14,000. In 1848, Mr. Alling's sons, Frank A. and George H., were given charge of the store, and con- tinued until about 1851, when George pur- chased his brother's interest, and conducted the business until 1856, when he died, and the store fell into the hands of Bishop & Chamber- lain. The stock at this time was worth about $10,000, and a brisk and profitable trade was had with the surrounding country. At the expiration of two years, Chamberlain sold his interest to his partner, the latter continuing alone until about the opening of the war, when he likewise sold out. In 1830, the tavern now owned and conducted by Mr. E. W. Clark, was built by Eli and Otis Boise. It was intended for a combined store and dwelling, and, in what is now the office, about $1,000 worth of goods were placed. The brothers sold or traded out, two years later, to Edward Richardson, who, at the end of some three years, disposed of his goods and converted the building into a tavern, a use to which it has since been devoted. In about the year 1839, Odell & Taylor erected a frame store building on the present site of the stone store, and began the mercantile pursuit with between $4,000 and $5,000 worth of a gen- eral assortment of goods. They likewise bought produce, and enjoyed a lucrative trade. At the end of about five years, Mr. Odell pur- chased his partner's interest and continued

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until his death, which occurred in about 1851. He was succeeded by his son, Delos Odell, now conducting a harness-shop in Macedonia, and two or three other gentlemen, all under the partnership name of Odell, Price & Co. In 1857 or 1858, A. L. Nelson took possession of this store building, but was soon afterward burned ont, whereupon he erected the stone store building he now occupies. This mer- chant, at times, has done an excellent business. Messrs. Hart, Dodge, Santford and Bishop, in about 1851, built the store building now occu- pied by the Madden Brothers. These men, who were partners, began selling goods, and continued thus some four or five years, when Mr. Bishop sold to the others and withdrew. Three years later, Mr. Dodge sold to the Ste- phens boys, and thus the partnership continued until some three years later, when the parties failed and made an assignment of their goods. After that, the building was vacant, or practi- cally so, until 1866, when Madden Brothers took possession and began to manufacture and sell ready-made clothing. They were practical tail- ors, and did a good business in their line, con- tinning until the present time. The firm is known as I. & P. Madden. Richardson & Tay- lor commenced the mercantile pursuit in about 1846, and continued until 1850, when Mr. Richardson sold to Mr. McFarland, and the latter, two years later, to Osman Riley. Soon afterward. the partners failed in business, and the building was finally destroyed by fire, and was not rebuilt. Other merchants have held forth in the village at different times, but these were the principal ones. James Alexander, at an early day, began to manufacture wagons, conducting the work in a small shop, on a small scale. He steadily increased his business until, in 1849, he gave employment to ten or twelve workmen, and turned out large numbers of first-class wagons and carriages. He burned out in 1851, but immediately rebuilt, and has continued the same occupation until the pres- ent, although in late years the business has greatly fallen off. It should be mentioned that Mr. Alling, at an early day, bought ashes and manufactured a limited quantity of potash for a number of years, in the village. A few other industries of less consequence have flourished from time to time.

It was customary when the country was first settled that, when a death occurred, the de-

ceased should be buried on their own farmns. This was done in Twinsburg. In September, 1823, a cemetery of one acre was purchased northeast of the square, and Lucretia Hull, who died in September of the same year, was the first person buried there. In 1846, a new cemetery was prepared on Lot 10, Tract 3, consisting of an acre and a half. The yard was fitted up, planted with trees, and a stone wall built around it, at an expense of $1,079.66. Other improvements were made, and, by 1860, the cemetery had cost the citi- zens about $1,850. It is known as Locust Grove Cemetery.

It should be noticed that the first principal settlement in the township was made upon the Wilcox tract. This tract, it seems, was in- cumbered by a mortgage which had been given by the Wilcox Brothers to the State of Con- necticut. These men, though undoubtedly up- right in their intentions, were unable to pay off the mortgage, thus leaving settlers who had purchased of them in an embarrassing situa- tion. When 'this condition of things became known, settlement upon this tract largely ceased, which accounts for the slow manner in which it was improved. Finally, the Rev. Mr. Bissell took the matter in hand, and, by his intercession with the proper authorities, suc- ceeded in obtaining prompt and honorable relief. The Wilcox Brothers were remarkable in many respects. As has been said, they were twins, and, upon arriving at man's estate. married sisters, Huldah and Mabel Lord, of Killingsworth, Conn. "In life, they so resein- bled each other that none but their most inti- mate friends could distinguish between them. They married sisters, had an equal number of children, held all their property in common, wrote alike, thought alike, looked alike, dressed alike, were taken sick on the same day, with the same disease, died on the same day, and were buried in the same grave-yard."* This remarkable coincidence in similarity probably never before occurred.

In the year 1822, a log schoolhouse was built upon the square at the Center. This was the first public building of any character in the township, and it was used as a schoolhouse, a town hall and a church. The first teacher was Miss Lovina M. Miream, who taught a short term, receiving her pay by subscription. This *Gen. Bierce.

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lady afterward became the wife of Mr. North. Other district schools were not instituted until about 1828, and several were as late as 1833. The houses put up were usually rude log build- ings, which were used for a few years, or until there seemed occasion for the erection of better ones. Although these schools have been fair in their way, yet they have been mainly primary in their nature, from the reason that, ordinarily, as soon as the scholars became quite well ad- vanced in their studies, they were sent to the Twinsburg Institute. So that, really, the country schools have been hardly equal to the average throughout the county. The history of the township would be incomplete without a record of the Twinsburg Institute, an insti- tution which, for more than half a century of usefulness, has done more to improve the in- tellect and morals than perhaps any other or- ganization, not even excluding the churches. It dates its origin as far back as 1828, when yet the townsnip was but a frontier settlement, and almost its entire surface was covered with primitive forests. Its founder and supporter, who is yet living, hale and hearty, at the ad- vanced age of more than fourscore years, was Rev. Samuel Bissell, a native of Connecticut and a graduate of Yale College. Immediately after receiving his diploma, Mr. Bissell began a course of theological studies, designing to en- ter the ministry upon their completion. These studies were completed under many difficulties ; in truth, the life of this man has been one un- ceasing round of struggles, through which nothing but invincible deterinination in the path chosen and unfaltering patience and self- denial could have proved triumphant. Soon after his ordination, he came to Aurora, Ohio, and, in 1826, began a private school, which was continued until 1828, when he was invited to take charge of the Congregational society at Twinsburg, an invitation he accepted. A block-house had been erected for his accom- modation, about a mile west of the Center, into which he moved. On the same lot was a rude log house, twenty by thirty feet, with rough boards on the floor, and loose ones for the ceil- ing, the building having been originally built for a shoe-shop. Three openings were made in the logs composing the walls, in each of which was placed a sash containing four small panes of glass, while at one end of the dismal room was a broad fire-place, with chimney built of

stones and sticks plastered with clay. In the room were placed a few rudely and hastily con- structed seats and desks, and the only cheerful feature of the apartment was the roaring fire which lighted the place with fitful and ruddy glow. Mr. Bissell, upon his arrival, had made known his wish to teach the youth of the neigli- borhood ; and with his first school in the room just described began that unusual system of philanthropy which became a characteristic feature of his institute, and was the means of educating so many indigent youth. This schoolroom was thrown open to any young people who desired to attend, without any charge, except from those disposed to pay, in which case the tuition for the term was to be $2. About forty students attended the first winter, and so much interest was creat- ed that several terms were taught in the old house, but in 1831, a combined church and schoolhouse was erected, in which Mr. Bissell tanght and preached until 1835, when he went to Portage County, but returned in 1837, and built a house 20x35 feet, in which he taught for twenty-nine consecutive years. Two years later, this building was enlarged, and other ar- rangements made to meet the growing demands of the institute, which was fast getting a name. In 1843, a large, two-storied frame building (the Alling Hotel property) was secured and fitted np for the accommodation of students, a large number of whom were from a distance, and were compelled to board in the village. Within the next five years, two other large buildings were secured for a similar purpose. There were now in attendance about three hundred students, at least fifty of whom were boarders. Seven teachers and assistants, at the head of whom was the Principal, Mr. Bis- sell, were necessary to conduct the numerous classes. A thorough academical course of studies, including the classics, higher mathemat- ics, French and German, vocal and instru- mental music and penmanship, was provided, and all necessary opportunities were afforded to prepare students for college. No charter was ever obtained, and no public money ever appropriated to strengthen the institute, which rested npon the shoulders of one man. The quition charged was usually $2 for the term, and never more than $4, even when the classics were taught. Elaborate and systematic ar- rangements were made for boarding the stu-

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HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.

dents in the numerous buildings referred to, at a cost to each of from 9 to 12 shillings per week. The great value of the institute to the village and to all the surrounding country need not be detailed. Twinsburg became noted for its thrift, energy and general excellence in education and morals. More than six thou- sand students have been in attendance at the institute during its continuance, and, out of these, about two hundred have been Indians of the Seneca, Ottawa, Pottawatomie and Ojibway tribes. Ministers, statesmen, generals, law- yers, professors, physicians and artisans, in all portions of the country, trace the beginning of their education to the door of the Twinsburg Institute. A good library was secured. and literary and other societies were instituted. The benevolence of Mr. Bissell was such that he not only greatly lowered the tuition, but even educated hundreds at his own expense, who were unable to pay their own way. He was accustomed to give such students a few light chores to do, and these trifling duties were so divided and subdivided, that the work was more in name than in reality. It is re- lated that on one occasion, after Mr. Bissell had gone to extremes in this respect, some of the students thus detailed grumbled about having more to do than others. Considerable ill-will was thus incited. One morning Mr. Bissell arose at his usual hour, 5 o'clock, and, beginning with these chores, completed the en- tire round before the time for opening the school. Not a word was said, but the act spoke in volumes to the fault-finding students, who, after that, vexed the ear of the Principal with no more grumblings. Among the Indian youth was George Wilson, a Seneca, about whom a great deal has been said. He became a fine scholar-superior in many important respects to any other ever in the institute. His pres- ence was fine and imposing, and he displayed rare gifts in logical force and fervid eloquence. Mr. Bissell says that the quality of his elo- quence, the unusual power of his intellect and the force of his delivery, resembled in a marked manner those of Daniel Webster. He after- ward became chief of his tribe, and was sent to represent their interests to the New York Legislature, and to the New York Historical Society, receiving from the latter several thou- sand dollars for his people, who were in a starv- ing condition in the West. Another one named

Jackson Blackbird, or " Mack-a-de-bennessi," was an Ottawa, and a direct descendant of Pon- tiac. He excelled in composition, and composed a comedy, three hours in length, that was pre- sented by the societies of the institute publicly to large audiences with great success. He afterward did his people good service in Mich- igan, as is seen by the following in his own language: "I left Traverse Bay the last of February, 1851, and went on snow-shoes to Saginaw Bay, on my way to the capital of Mich- igan with petitions from my people to become citizens of the State. I appeared before the Governor and officers of the State, and obtained the passage of a joint resolution of both Houses in favor of the petitions." Mr. Bissell became known throughout the Reserve for his philan- thropy in the cause of Indian education. Some two hundred were educated at the Institute, from whom no compensation worth mention- tioning was ever received. All their expenses were paid, including board, tuition, room, fuel, light, washing, books and stationery, and some clothing, at the fair estimate of $200 each, a year. This expense, borne by no one except the Principal, estimated at these figures, has amounted, during the history of the institute

to over $40,000. Almost as much has been expended on indigent white youth, and when the cost of erecting the various buildings is added to this, the total amount foots up to the enormous sum of over $80,000, all of which has been borne by Mr. Bissell. To offset this, not more than $12,000 have been received from all sources. These expenses were too heavy to be borne, and an embarrass- ing debt was the result. When the last war broke out, the institute was greatly injured. Several of the buildings were sold to pay the debts, which amounted to some $6,000. A few hundred dollars were left, which purchased a small building that was used for the school. At this time, and without means, the founda- tion of the present stone building was laid. The manual labor connected with the erection of this house was largely done by Mr. Bissell. He obtained the loan of $1,500, and with this purchased the necessary tools, a horse and wagon, etc., and without any previous experi- ence, put on the roof, made the doors, window frames, etc. The entire cost was about $8,000, and when it is known that the age of Mr. Bis- sell at that time was seventy, not only was the

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undertaking gigantic, but its wisdom may be doubted. The institute is likely to fail altogether, when the Principal's hand is removed by death from the helm. Mr. Bissell is now almost penniless, and is compelled to teach for a liv- ing at the age of more than eighty years. Con- sidering the invaluable service he has ren- dered the village and township in the past, how scores of people now living there have been the recipients of his generous bounty, how patient self-denial and faith in God have been the watchwords of this venerable old man, it is unquestionably due from the citizens to pro- vide him with at least the necessaries of life.

Religious meetings were held in the township prior to 1820. They had been held in one or two of the few dwellings and, it is said, in the upper story of the grist-mill, very likely by Revs. John Seward, of Aurora, and William Hanford, of Hudson. After the erection of the schoolhouse, in 1822, at the Center, they were usually held there. Lewis Alling, Sr., usually led the meetings ; Asa Upson also did. A circuit minister, whose name is forgotten, organized a class at the house of Asa Upson as early as 1821, and the first members were Asa Upson, Emery Alger and their families. Mr. Seward was preaching for the society at this time about once a month. Mr. Hanford also held regular service there. A Congrega- tional society was organized August 23, 1822, and at that time consisted of the following members : Lewis Alling, Luman Lane, Han- ford White, John A. Wells and the following and their wives : Robert Hurd, J. H. Kelsey, Belizer Beech, also Irena Thomas, Comfort Nichols and Julia White. Revs. Seward and

Hanford organized the society. It was greatly strengthened by a revival in 1827. On the 30th of April, 1828, Rev. Bissell was given charge of the society. Rev. Hair was its Pas- tor in 1835. At this time or soon afterward, a division was made in the society, and Rev. Bissell became the Pastor of one of them. Revs. Treat, Ward and Chapin occasionally preached at the Center. Rev. R. C. Learned was Pastor in 1843; Horace W. Palmer, in 1848 ; Joseph H. Scott, in 1853 ; Sidney Bry- ant, in 1860, and the President and professors of Western Reserve College have also filled the appointment. A proposition to build a com- bined church and schoolhouse on the square met with opposition. Timbers were prepared, and, finally, under protest, the house was erected. The house was twice moved, and then torn down. Another building was erected in 1831, at a cost of $700. The present one was built in 1848, at a cost of $3,000.

The fine marble monument standing in the public park is a credit to the patriotism of the citizens and an emblem of gratitude to the brave boys, living and dead, who fought in the last great war. Their names and the compa- nies and regiments in which they served are chiseled into the white stone. The structure was erected the " semi-centennial year of the settlement of Twinsburg." Its total height is twenty-eight feet, and it rests upon three superimposed bases of sandstone, which form a series of steps to the foot of the marble col- umn. Standing on the summit, with wings outspread, is a life-sized statue of the Ameri- can eagle.

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PART III.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

CITY OF AKRON.

ALLEN FAMILY, Akron. Jesse Allen, Sr., the progenitor of the Allen family, was born in 1770, in Cornwall, Conn. His father Na- thaniel Allen was killed in the Revolutionary war, when Jesse was rather young. He (Jesse) lived with a family in Connecticut, until he grew up, and there learned shoemaking. When a young man he went to Tompkins Co., N. Y., where he married a lady of German origin named Catharine Teithrich, in 1796 ; she was born in Trenton, N. J., in 1776. He abandoned his trade for farming, and bought a farm near Ithaca, N. Y., but lost it by " bailing " a man, and thus his hard earnings were swept away, except a few hundred dollars, with which he determined to remove to Ohio, and, in the sum- mer of 1811, set out with his family of seven children, and brother's family, bound hither ; he bought land which adjoins the Sixth Ward, then Middlebury. During the war of 1812, he served under Maj. Spicer, and, while gone an Indian spy came into the house, and the little boys working in the clearing came with their axes to hew him down ; it is supposed the same Indian was killed near Summit Lake. Mr. Al- len continued to reside in Coventry Township until his death, Sept. 12, 1837. Mr. A. was a member of the Baptist Church, and in the early days, before ministers came to the country, he, being an excellent reader, used to read sermons at the pioneer religious meetings. He was the father of ten children, seven of whom were born near Ithaca, N. Y., as follows : Jonah (see sketches in Coventry Township).

LEVI, the second son, was born Feb. 10, 1799, and was 12 years old when the family came to Ohio ; he walked all the way and drove cattle.

The following incident is not inappropriate. When on the beach of Lake Erie, the wagons with the provisions were delayed by accident, and Levi and other boys, with John, a little fel- low, were on before with the cattle and were without provisions, except the milk of the cows. At night, he (Levi) covered John with sand to keep him warm, and thus they passed the night alone. Their first work upon arriving, in July, 1811, was reaping in a harvest field for Mr. Norton. He (Levi) grew up a close thinker, and was a man of sound judgment.

DAVID, the third son, was born Dec. 2, 1800 ; when about 18, he learned the trade of machin- ist ; he and his brother Jesse and MeMillin com- menced the manufacture of carding machines about 1833. He (David) married, in 1829, Beulah Jones. He died in 1842.

JACOB, the fourth son of Jesse and Catharine Allen, was born in Lansing, Tompkins Co., N. Y., Feb. 11, 1803 ; he was 8 years old when his family removed to Akron ; he learned his trade with Humphrey & Bagley in the woolen mills at Middlebury, Ohio, and, when about 18, he went to New York State and built a woolen factory near Ithaca, where he lived until 1835, when he returned to Akron and built several woolen factories, which he started, and sold while in successful operation. He was in com- pany with Simon Perkins and Jedediah Cum- mins for several years, and was interested in all the railroads, doing all he could to promote the interests of Akron, widening Howard street and making various improvements. He was interested in the manufacture of flour for sev- eral years, and established an office for its sale, which his son, Frank H., is now conducting in

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New York City. He was a Democrat ; never sought office, but was several times in the Coun- cil. He married Miss Catharine Van Sickle Feb. 16, 1830 ; she bore him five children, three of whom are living-Frank H., Mrs. Rufus Wright, of Brooklyn, Long Island, and Miss Lizzie Allen. He was liberal in the support of all churches, and died Nov. 25, 1879, in his 77th year.

JOHN, the fifth son, was born Dec. 5, 1804 ; he learned the trade of stone-cutter, and was a contractor on the locks of the Ohio Canal. He died at Piketon, Ohio, Nov. 23, 1829.

JESSE, the sixth son, was born May 1, 1807 ; he learned the trade of stone-cutter also, and, with his brother David, manufactured carding machines in Akron in early times ; he engaged in flouring-mills in 1856, which he continued until his death, Sept. 24, 1863. He was a strong Whig during the last thirty years of his life, and an active business man, and firmly estab- lished in uprightness and integrity ; of high moral standing, talented ; to know him well was to esteem him.

CATHARINE was born Feb. 9, 1809, and died at the age of 32 years. She married Mills Thompson, of Hudson, Ohio ; leaves six chil- dren.

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History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 119

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?; Graham, A. A. (Albert Adams), 1848- Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey Number of Pages: 1104

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?; Graham, A. A. (Albert Adams), 1848-
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1104