History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 61

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 61

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Again, in the spring of 1874, the canal was cut one night in Akron by a party of dis- guised men, between Exchange street and Main. Those engaged in the affair were ar- rested and tried before a Justice of the Peace, but were never punished. Soon after this, the western part from Mill street to Exchange was permanently closed, and now steps are being

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taken to conduit that part of the channel still open upon Main street, from Tallmadge to Mill

An enthusiastic set of men, chiefly from the East, built-on paper-a great city upon the top and side of North Hill, at a point be- tween Cuyahoga Falls and Akron, which was in time to have absorbed both these lesser towns into its suburbs. The imaginary city was to be supplied with a limitless water- power-the sine qua non of all manufacturing interests in those days-by means of a canal dug around the brow of the hill, and tapping the Cuyahoga River just below the village of the Falls, and so great was the faith of the pro- jectors of the idea, that they exemplified it in the good Scriptural way, by works. They formed a joint-stock company with a nominal capital of $500,000. Prominent among its members were E. C. Sackett, Dr. Eliakim Cros- by, who had successfully originated and carried out the similar schene above mentioned of bringing a water motive power from Middle- bury, Col. James W. Phillips and Dr. E. W. Crittenden. These four men contracted to build the canal or aqueduct for $118,000. Col. Phillips at once went East, where, in New York and Philadelphia, he interested a number of capitalists in the project and recruited laborers for the work. The company also issued scrip and paid in land whenever possible ; they owned the entire tract of "the chuckery. They had a map of their prospective city platted, published and circulated as an adver- tisement. One of the heaviest proprietors (from Rochester. N. Y.) offered to stake every dollar he owned in the world, that in less than ten years the best corner lots would be worth as much in the market as those of Rochester. They cut and quarried from the precipitous cliffs along the east side of the river an aque- duct four miles in length, to the site of their well-nigh Utopian scheme. A dam was con- structed across the river by which to throw into the raceway so much water as should be needed. Work was begun in 1838 and pushed energetically that year and the next, so that by the latter part of 1839, the water was turned in. With some changes and repairs at places along the route, the canal seemed to operate nicely. But, unfortunately, right here the funds of the organization had been expended, some of its instigators had lost confidence in

its ultimate success, there had been no such in- flux of population as had been expected, and no capitalists came forward to utilize the power now that it was secured. Several serious breaks occurred in the sandy embankments, the water was shut off, and thenceforward matters re- mained in statu quo. Strong efforts were put forth by the plucky proprietors to overcome the untoward circumstances. Now that the major part of the cost had been met, the labor practically completed, it indeed appeared as though just a little more capital would restore the concern to a firm basis, and bring the much- longed-for manufacturing enterprises.

In 1843, the Universalist Church, which had a strong society in Akron, held a mass conven- tion in the old stone church (now the Baptist Church), upon which delegates were in attend- ance from all over the United States. Among them was Horace Greeley. The officers of the Canal Company showed the entire trench to Mr. Greeley, expatiated upon their intentions and expectations, and the great manufacturing city that was sure to grow upon their plats and records. Evidently a great impression was made upon the editor's mind or the editor's heart, or both, for upon his return the New York Tribune contained a lengthy article wher- in the whole scheme was enthusiastically set forth, and the prophecy volunteered that Sum- mit City would become the "Lowell of the West." No funds, however, came to the ex- chequer of the company ; on the contrary, they became involved in litigation and debt, and so what was once one of the greatest business proj- ects of the day has entirely passed into ob- livion, save as it is called back into historical notice. The monument to their blasted hopes is now plainly visible almost its whole extent, and evokes many curious questions from vis- itors and the younger generations. This young city, with little existence, except on paper, en- tered the lists as a competitor for the seat of justice of the county, but was unsuccessful in its aspirations in that direction. All this, how- ever, is fully given in the chapter devoted to the organization of Summit County, and will not be repeated here.

It is probably impossible for us of the pres- ent day to at all adequately comprehend the wonderful hold which certain moral and the- ological questions obtained upon the minds and feelings of the people forty years ago. It

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was in those days that every pulpit was a forum of polemic display and every discourse a labored argument. The same combative style charac- terized the newspapers, both secular and relig- ious, and lusty blows were given and taken for opinion's sake. One of the strongest and strang- est vagaries was that adopted and preached everywhere in season and out of season by the so- called Millerites. Here in Akron they had a considerable following as well as in neighboring towns. In an April number of the American Democrat, issued each week by Horace Canfield, appeared this notice :

The present week is a time of great interest to the believers in the personal reign of Christ, and in the Second Advent as now near. This week, we believe, will conclude the 2,300 years from the going forth of the decree to restore and build Jerusalem, at which time the word of God has been given that the sanctuary shall be cleansed, and there shall be an end of indignation. * *

* The time of the feast of the passover was the first full moon after the vernal equinox, which will occur on Friday of the present week. We know not how to escape the fact that there the 2,300 years will terminate, and from that time we shall be in constant expectation of seeing the Lord.

Second Advent Conference to be held at Akron (if the Lord does not come before that time) on Wedneseay, April 19, 1843, at 10 o'clock A. M. Friends from all quarters are invited to attend.

Akron has been inclined to agitate the mat- ter of the allowance or prohibition of intoxi- cating drinks from an early date and at frequent intervals. At a Council meeting May 15, 1841, Ansel Miller presented the following preamble and resolution, and the same were adopted :

WHEREAS, The licensing of groceries for the retailing of ardent spirits by the Town Council is an action on which much difference of opinion ex- ists among the citizens of Akron, therefore,

Resolved, That for the instruction of the Coun- cil, the voters at the coming election are hereby requested to write or print on their tickets License or No License.

Accordingly, upon the succeeding day of election, June 1, the voters declared in favor of No License. The Council accepted their verdict, and refused the petitions of all desir- ing licenses. A pressure was brought to bear upon the State legislators at the session of 1842-43, which effected the following bill in February :

SEC. 2. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, That the Town Council of

Akron, in Summit County, shall have powers to pass such by-laws as may be necessary to prohibit with- in the corporate limits of said town the retailing. vending or selling of ardent spirits or other intoxi- cating liquors by any person or persons other than licensed tavern-keepers or physicians in the course of medical practice.

In pursuance of the power therein conferred, the Town Council convened in special session February 28, and appointed a committee of two-the Mayor, Harvey H. Johnson, and James Mathews-to draft an ordinance in accordance with its intent. The ordinance passed its third reading March 11, 1843, by a unanimous vote, and immediately took effect. This was about the time of the noted " Wash- ingtonian Movement." The County Washing- tonian Society called its annual meeting for the 22d of February. A stirring address was delivered by H. W. King, Esq., before a large gathering. The society reported over five thousand members in the county. Henry Rhodes was elected President, and L. V. Bierce, George Bliss and R. McMillen an Executive Committee. At the time of the vote upon the adoption or rejection of our new constitution, June 17, 1851, the question of license or no license as a system to be incorporated into the State's organic law was separately submitted to the decision of the electors of the State. The vote of Portage Township (including Akron) stood-For license to sell intoxicating drinks, 275. Against license to sell intoxicat- ing drinks, 312. In common with nearly all the cities and villages of Northern Ohio, Akron was strongly affected by the maelstrom of feel- ing in the temperance cause which swept over the country in 1874, commonly known as the " Crusade." The movement was countenanced and abetted by the best classes of society. A few were displeased with its methods, and held themselves aloof, but by far the larger part of the city's best people either acted a part or at least sympathized with the endeav- ors of the crusaders. An interesting episode of the campaign occurred upon the evening of Monday, April 6. It had been the day of the municipal elections. The great question at issue was that of temperance ; all other mat- ters were retired from prominence in compari- son. A large and enthusiastic concourse, with a considerable proportion of ladies included, gathered at the Council rooms, as it was gen- erally known that a proposed ordinance pro-

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hibitory in character was that night to come up for its third and final reading. Every one wishing to first learn the result of the day's work at the polls, the early portion of the evening was devoted to short and stirring speeches by prominent citizens, music, etc. The returns coming in indicated a signal vic- tory for the temperance interests. At 10 o'clock, President J. Park Alexander called the Council to order. The third reading of the ordinance before mentioned was made the special business of the session, and by a unan- imous vote of the eight Councilmen present it became a law. Amid intense enthusiasm and outbursts of applause, Mr. Alexander append- ed his name as President of the Council, and the deed was accomplished. It was announced that a jollification meeting would take place the next evening at the Academy of Music, and that at that time the gold pen with which President Alexander's signature had been affixed would be sold at auction to the highest bidder, the proceeds to be devoted to some charitable object. The next night the Acad- emy was packed; standing-room even could not be had, and many were obliged to turn away disappointed. John R. Buchtel was assigned the post of auctioneer, and the fun began. The first bid was 10 cents ; from that it jumped to $10, then rapidly mounted by tens and fives until finally it was struck off to Mr. Ferdinand Schumacher for $252.50. That is probably the most costly pen in the United States. Undoubtedly, some permanent good was accomplished by the Crusade, but a con- siderable portion of the effect proved but tem- porary, as, indeed, might be expected from the nature of the means employed-a species of coercion-and when the restraint was removed the evils of course returned. Still later have occurred the " Murphy Movement" and a num- ber of lesser waves of temperance reform. While these several spasmodic efforts have been followed by many discouraging lapses and much that tended to dishearten the truly earnest and temperate lovers of temperance, yet we believe that, unconsciously to itself, perhaps, the public has thereby been educated to a higher grade of thought and feeling upon the subject. This we regard as practically the most valuable result of these periodic agita- tions.

Akron's noted Glendale is justly considered

one of the most beautiful and best kept ceme- teries in the entire country. Centrally located, yet possessed of remarkable natural advan- tages, it is at once removed from all indications of city surroundings, and pleasingly diversified in surface contour. The spacious grounds are under the charge of an experienced and com- petent manager, who devotes his whole time to the task. There is a fine stone lodge at the city gateway, and just inside a costly me- morial chapel, reared in 1875 by the Buck- ley Post of the Grand Army of the Republic, aided by outside subscriptons, in remembrance of the brave comrades from Akron and Port- age Townships, who fell in the war of the re- bellion. There are also fine greenhouses in con- nection with the yard, and a well-arranged vault. This brief notice will not undertake to describe Glendale ; no attempt at description would convey to one unacquainted with the actual appearances an at al! adequate idea of its summer beauty, and to one knowing it the effort would doubtless seem to fall far short of reality.

In 1839, the Town Council passed an act to regulate the public burying-ground (which had already been located where it now is), providing for its thorough care under the supervision of a committee appointed directly by themselves. This management continued until 1850, at which time, in February, the corporation trans- ferred all its right and title to the " Akron Ru- ral Cemetery Association," an organization chartered for the purpose, and in whose hands it still remains, conditioning the transfer upon a perpetuation of the same methods of conduct.

A large share of credit for the present state of improvement is due to the judicious and ef- ficient labors of the Ladies Cemetery Associa- tion, an adjunct of the Rural Cemetery Associa- tion before mentioned, an organization broader than any denomination or set, and whose mem- bers represent them all. These ladies, both by direct exertion and by means of numberless fairs, bazars, musical and other entertainments, have raised considerable sums of money, which have been expended in improving and adorn- ing this beautiful " God's Acre."

The inception of the town, in 1825, was far from promising. Its main features were alder swamps and barren sand hills. A more unin- viting site could hardly be found in the neigh- borhood. The completion of the Ohio Canal

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to this point, however, in 1827, worked wonders. That year and those immediately subsequent greatly increased the population, so that by 1830, the census of Portage Township (includ- ing Akron, which constituted almost the whole of the enumeration), showed 475. By 1832, Akron was thought to contain about 600 in- habitants ; in 1836, when it became legally a town, 1,200 ; and in 1840, it had reached 1,664.

The imports in 1836 amounted to $500,000, and the exports $400,000, indicating a thriving state of business, a characteristic which has been thoroughly maintained and to a remarka- ble degree ever since. The chapter upon our industries and manufactures will exhibit this fact more clearly. The growth has been in general of a very steady uniform sort, not greatly fluctuating from time to time. It has also been of a desirable kind, healthy and con- stant. The great panic of 1837, to be sure, was disastrous, but the town soon rallied, and proved to have suffered no lasting check. In the hard times of 1873, and the four years next succeeding, Akron endured the strain much better than the majority of towns and cities of the State.

Quite a number of times she has been visited by extensive conflagrations-notably those of 1848, 1849, 1851, 1854, 1856, 1869, and several of later dates-by which large portions of the heaviest business sections of town have been destroyed, but from the ashes of which, phoenix- like, better forms have followed.

In 1853, Akron had eight churches, five flouring-mills, one woolen factory, three found- ries, sixty stores, six hotels, one bank, three printing offices and two telegraph offices.

The State Legislature in 1845 chartered a col- lege in Akron, with power to confer literary, le- gal, medical and theological degrees. It seems that nothing was ever accomplished in the prac- tical furtherance of this idea. The incorpora- tors evidently had in mind the establishment of a university composed of several colleges. Why the project died we cannot learn.

Akron was, however, provided with a clas- sical college, first opened to students in 1872, through the munificence of Hon. John R. Buch- tel, seconded by the contributions of many others, partienlarly of the Universalist denom- ination. An extended sketch of Buchtel Col- lege is elsewhere presented in this work, so we

will simply refer the reader to that for fuller in- formation.

A number of severe fires in the early years of the town rendered the need of some organ- ized protection imperative. In December of 1839, the Council, by ordinance, provided for the creation and maintenance of volunteer fire companies. Accordingly, a company under the name of the " North Akron Fire Company," was formed January 28, 1840, with twenty-six members. To these persons there was subse- quently issued by the Town Recorder, upon the direction of the Council, certificates of mem- bership dating back to the time of joining. February 10, 1846, eight more persons became members, and "No. 1" was added to the name. The application of " Niagara Fire En- gine Company, No. 2," was accepted by the Council December 20, 1845, and thirty-seven men appointed members. Again in 1847, a hook and ladder company was, by the same authority made a fire company, and clothed with the name "Tornado Fire Company, No. 3," indicative, we suppose, of the vast energy of its thirty-two members.

Still other companies were from time to time added, all volunteer organizations. In May, 1858, the Council first declared a compensation, further than the statutory privileges, to the members of these companies. This was the princely sum of $2 each per year, and that conditioned upon a strict compliance with the prescribed regulations.

Gradually, however, improved appliances and a paid service have been substituted for the former less capable but hearty labor, and now Akron is abreast with the foremost cities in the efficiency of her protection against fire.

A petition was presented to the Town Coun- cil July 29, 1847, signed by H. B. Ely, praying the privilege of constructing a line of telegraph through Akron. The petition was granted, and a resolution in pursuance adopted whereby "The Lake Erie Telegraph Company was au- thorized to run their line of communication through this town, provided they do not inter- fere with or obstruct any street or alley in said town, to the inconvenience of the citizens or public."

This was the earliest move in the direction of telegraphie facilities. The line was built and operated for a few years, but for some rea- son or other was discontinued.

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The railroads of Akron and the county at large are treated of in a distinct article by an- other writer. We will here merely advert to them, for a fuller and more interesting descrip- tion, referring to that chapter. The "Akron Branch" of the Cleveland & Pittsburgh Rail- road was projected early in 1851 ; the survey be- gan April 15. In June of the same year, the people of Summit County by a majority vote of 827, instructed the County Commissioners to make a subscription of $100,000 to the pro- posed road in behalf of the county. The con- tract for building from Hudson, its northern terminus and point of junetion with the main line, to Akron, was let June 21. The work was pushed with vigor. By the 1st of the suc- ceeding January, the road was in use as far as Cuyahoga Falls. By the next 1st of June it connected at the Old Forge with a packet line of boats upon the Pennsylvania & Ohio Canal. Early on the morning of Sunday, July 4, 1852, it was completed so as to allow the passage of cars into Akron. A mild form of jubilee had to be indulged in although it was Sunday, but the great day of jollification occurred on Mon- day, the 5th. Of that we will give no narration, as we presume the article devoted specially to this topic will contain it in full, only mentioning that at the great dinner at Cuyahoga Falls, in the afternoon, Col. Simon Perkins, President of of the company proposed a name for the new road, "Cleveland, Akron & Zanesville Rail- road," which was then and there formally adopted. Subsequently the name was still further amplified in significance-the Cleve- land, Zanesville & Cincinnati Railroad-no one of which places, by the way, has it ever reached. It is now known as the Cleveland, Mt. Vernon & Columbus Railroad.

Our next road was the Atlantic & Great Western, completed to Akron in April, 1863, a broad guage, tributary to the New York & Erie. Of the tribulations of this unfortunate and ill-managed road, a vast chapter might be written. After many successive mutations, the road is at last under an entirely new and dis- tinct organization and with a new name-the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio-we hope, upon a better, sounder foundation, and in a fair way to serve its patrons respectably and repay its investors.

The third road to enter Akron was the Cuy- ahoga Valley, commencing operations the 1st

of February, 1880. Though having but just made a beginning, its management appears to have been judicious ; it has certainly striven to accommodate the public, and has secured very many friends who warmly desire for it an unqualified success.

In 1860, a strong effort was made to secure the location of the new State Penitentiary at Akron. Several prominent citizens were sent to Columbus to lobby for the measure. In December, the Council empowered our Repre- sentatives to tender to the State an eligible site of twenty acres of land or more if needed, free of charge, for that purpose ; the offer was not accepted.

With reference to the advancement of Akron from its grade of an incorporated village to become a city of the second class, an enumera- tion of the inhabitants was taken upon the 14th day of December, 1864. It was thus learned that the requisite 5,000 was exceeded, and steps were at once instituted looking to the desired action. Upon the 20th of Decem- ber, by resolution of the Council reciting the above fact, the proper State officials were re- quested to advance the grade as prayed for. In consideration of this petition, and in accord- ance with the statutory provisions, Gov. Brough, Auditor of State Godman and Secre- tary of State Smith declared Akron to have become a city of the second class, January 21, 1865.

In September of 1865, there was annexed to the city the territory lying just east of the then castern corporation line, and extending as far as Middlebury Township, i. e., to where now Middlebury street intersects East Market.

The census of 1860 had shown a population of 3,520 in Akron; that of 1870 showed 10,006. The city had almost trebled in the decade, though the county as a whole had gained but 263 per cent; of the 7,275, the total county increase, 6,486 had occurred in Akron. This effect was in a measure to be sure due to the gain by annexation before mentioned.

The next and last change in the corporation boundaries took place in 1872. August 24, 1871, the Council provided that at the regular spring election, to be held on the first Monday of April, 1872, the question "Shall the incor- porated village of Middlebury be annexed to the city of Akron ?" should be submitted to

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the eleetors of that village. By subsequent action it was also ordained that the same ques- tion, at the same time, and in the same man- ner should be declared upon by the voters of Akron. The result was as follows : Akron- For annexation, 1,042 ; against, 16. Middle- bury-For, 140 ; against, 26. Upon this deci- sive vote, the Council appointed William T. Allen, George W. Crouse and David L. King Commissioners on the part of Akron to ar- range terms and conditions with the Commis- sioners appointed by Middlebury, namely, Mendall Jewett, Frank Adams and George F. Kent. Upon the 13th of April, the terms of annexation were agreed upon, and, upon the 24th, the report of the Commissioners was pre- sented to the Council, by it adopted, and the former village of Middlebury formally added to the city and made to constitute its Sixth Ward. Final action, perfecting the work, was taken by the County Commissioners October 28, 1872.

From a population of 10,006 in 1870, Akron grew to 16,462 in 1880, a gain of 643 per cent. Excluding the effect of the annexation of Mid- dlebury, the increase would be 493 per cent. During the same period the increment of the county was 26 per cent, the same as for the deeade preceding.

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History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 61

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