USA > Ohio > Mahoning County > History of Trumbull and Mahoning counties with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches, Vol. II > Part 18
USA > Ohio > Trumbull County > History of Trumbull and Mahoning counties with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches, Vol. II > Part 18
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EARLY SCHOOLS.
The first school was taught in 1811 by Miss Clara Landon, of Canfield. The school-house,
or rather the building used as such during that year and several years thereafter, was the small log house east of the center, mentioned in connec- tion with the history of the Presbyterian church. The next teacher was Miss Matilda Sackett, of Tallmadge, succeeded by Jesse Buel, Hiram B. Hubbard, and others. Asa W. Allen taught school here in the winter of 1817 and 1818, and had all the scholars in the township-not over twenty. He states that there was a bench ex- tending along the side of the house, also one chair in the room, which of course belonged to the teacher. There were three small win- dows, each one containing as much paper and wood as there was glass, and perhaps more.
For several years the Center district was the only one in the township, and in the rude school-house just mentioned some of Ellsworth's smartest men received their first drill in "readin', 'ritin', and 'rithm'tic."
PRESBYTERIANS.
For many years the most, if not all, the preach- ing in Ellsworth was by ministers of this denom- ination. Rev. John Bruce was the first preacher. He was born in New York in 1771, and studied theology with Rev. T. E. Hughes. In 1809 he was licensed, and commenced preaching in Ells- worth, where he remained five years He after- wards preached one year in Newton, and died there in 1816. The first meeting house was situated just north of the center. It was built of hewn logs and had no floor. This was used as a place of worship for a short time. A sımı- lar log structure was erected a few years later on the hill just east of the bridge across the Me- ,ander, where Mr. Bruce continued preaching as long as he remained here. Services were fre- quently held in open air as well as in barns, school-houses, and private dwellings. In 1817 meetings were held in a small log-house, with a huge fire-place in it; this was situated near the center, upon a spot just east of where the Methodist church now stands. The building was erected for a dwelling house, but had been used as a school-house for some years before this date. The present Ellsworth church was organized as a union church of the Presbyterians and Congre- gationalists, March 26, 1818, under Revs. Wil- liam Hanford and Joseph Treat, missionaries. It started with fourteen members, whose names are given below: Henry and Margaret Boyd,
·
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Christian and Elizabeth Bowman, Catherine, wife of John Bowman, Joshua and Mary Bow- man, Joseph and Polly Bruce, Daniel and Eliza- beth Fitch, Daniel W. Lathrop, Thomas and Nancy Fitch. Sixteen more members were added during the year, and in succeeding years the number increased. The first church officers were Henry Boyd and Daniel W. Lathrop, com- mittee, and Daniel W. Lathrop, clerk. The first preachers were all missionaries, and many different ones labored here. The town hall was used for a place of public worship from the time it was built in 1818 until the present church was erected in 1833. The church has had but four installed pastors, whose names are Rev. William O. Stratton, Rev. William Hoyt, Rev. Warren Taylor, and the present pastor, Rev. William J. Reese, who has been here since 1878. When vacancies have occurred, as has frequently been the case, missionaries or " stated supplies " have carried on the meetings. At present the church has about eighty members, and is in a prosper- ous condition.
THE METHODISTS.
Rev. Nicholas Gee, a native of New York, moved to Ellsworth township in 1823. He was licensed to preach in 1824, and a society was probably organized about that date, though con- cerning this no information is attainable. Mr. Gee acted as a local preacher here for some years. The first meetings were held at private residences and at the school-house in district number three, until about 1835, when the church in that district was completed and dedicated. Mr. Gee and C. A. Bunts gave most toward building it. Among the most prominent mem- bers of Mr. Gee's church were the Gee family, Nicholas Leonard and family, Mrs. Hugh Smith and family, John Hoyle and family, C. A. Bunts, and others. The church is still standing, but no organization has been maintained since 1856.
In 1839 a society was formed at the center. A church was commenced that year and finished in 1840. This building was erected through the efforts of Mr. Gee, Mr. Bunts, Dr. Hughes, John Smith, L. D. Smith, and others, assisted by their brethren in neighboring townships. This church was used until the new one was com- pleted in 1880-dedicated February 17, 1881. It is a neat brick structure, well fitted and fur- nished in excellent taste. The society numbers
about fifty members at present. It is out of debt and in a prosperous condition. Jacob Lower, Miller & Ripley, Jefferson Diehl, Eli Diehl, John Cronick, and others, gave liberally towards building the new church.
CEMETERIES.
Of these there are but two in the township, one at the center and the other near the old Methodist church on section twenty-four. The graveyard near the center is the oldest, and for many years was the only burying-place in Ells- worth.
The inscription upon the monument of Cap- tain Coit is as follows :
. Joseph Coit, born in Norwich, Connecticut, August 18, 1783; died May 31, 1857. He came to Ohio in 1804, and with his location commenced the settlement of Ellsworth.
FIRST TAVERN.
Richard Fitch opened a tavern in a small log- cabin built in 1806 on the site of the present hotel. He made a framed addition some years later, and about 1824 put up quite a large house which is still standing. He continued to enter- tain travelers until 1837, and was then succeeded by Charles and Andrew Fitch. The house was in the hands of many different individuals during the succeeding years. For ten years past it has not been a hotel, until it was opened to the pub- lic by Mr. Rose in 1881.
POST-OFFICE AND MAIL.
The first postmaster was Lucius W. Leffing- well, who settled in the township in 1818, and was probably commissioned postmaster the same year. The mail was obtained once a week by a carrier who went after it on horseback. When the stage line through this place began running, the mail was obtained twice each week. As Mr. Leffingwell lived at some distance from the cen- ter, he could not conveniently perform the duties of postmaster, so he appointed Joseph Coit as his deputy. Mr. Coit was also the school-teacher, and whenever the mail-carrier signified by tap- ping on the window of the schoolroom that the presence of the postmaster was required at his office the classes were left until the mail could be disposed of. As would naturally be expected, the boys held high carnival during the teacher's absence, but sobered down mysteriously and sud- denly as he again approached. The second postmaster was Joseph Coit, who held the posi- tion until 1857. His successors were John C.
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Fusselman, Samuel Mckean, James Green, Oliver A. Bingham, A. R. Hammond, Andrew McKinney, John Mckinney, and W. J. McKin ney, the present incumbent. Ellsworth now has an eastern and a western mail daily.
DISTILLERIES.
The first distiller in the township was a Mr. Stanley, the father of German Stanley. His still was situated just below Hoover's inill. He worked it several years. Charles C. Chapman, a Methodist preacher, also had a still on the same stream, built a few years later. Both of these did quite an extensive business. George Leonard operated a small still on the Meander for a short time.
TANNERY.
Walter Smith came about the year 1816 and began business as a tanner on the stream a short distance north of the centre. He did a good business here for several years, and acquired considerable property. Mr. Smith followed tanning until 1856. He was an active business man, a worthy and prominent member of the Presbyterian church.
MILLS, STORES, ETC.
The first grist-mill in the township was built by General Perkins, of Warren, and Eli Bald- win, of Boardman. It was situated near the site of the present one, and was built of hewed logs. In 1819 or 1820 it was replaced by a frame building and operated for some years. The same parties also owned a saw-mill upon the
same stream. Another grist-mill was built at an early date in the northern part of the township. This was known as Hoover's mill, and was built by Ezekiel Hoover, on a branch of the Mean- der. It was situated just north of where the Methodist church now stands. A saw-mill near it was also operated for some time. A. W. Allen owned two saw-mills on the Meander about 1835.
The first store was opened by Adams & Lloyd, of Philadelphia, in 1822, in a log house, near the spot where Mr. Mckinney's residence now is. Soon afterwards they built a good store which was destroyed by fire some years later. These gentlemen were here about five years. The next merchants were O. A. and L. Bingham, who continued in business about ten years. Their successors have been T. U. Kelley, Jesse
B. Fitch, William Ripley, Jr., Spaulding & Morse, A. and J. Mckinney, and Mckinney Brothers.
In 1836 a store was built on the corner where Kirkbride's blacksmith shop stands and run for some ten years by Church & Fusselman. About 1850 E. A. Green built a store on the corner next to the hotel, where he traded three years. He was succeeded by Stofer & Hole, who were in business four or five years. Mckinney Brothers are now the only merchants in the township.
PHYSICIANS.
The first physician who practiced in the set- tlement of Ellsworth was Dr. Shadrach Bostwick, of Canfield. The first resident physician was Dr. Chauncy C. Cook. He settled here about the year 1824, and remained three years. He moved to Youngstown and died there. Dr. Robert G. Huntington came about 1827 and re- mained until his death in 1838. Dr. Mordecai B. Hughes came in 1839 and remained until his death in 1852. Dr. G. W. Brooke came that year and still practices here. Ellsworth has always been favored with good physicians, well- read and skilled in their profession.
NOTES.
The first blacksmith was probably Thomas Fitch. He came to Ellsworth about 1814, and opened a shop a short distance east of the cen- ter, where he continued to work until 1840. He then sold out and engaged in farming and afterwards went West.
The first shoemaker was probably William Porter, who lived about one-half mile west of the center. He was quite an early settler.
The following men from Ellsworth were sol- diers in the War of 1812: Nicholas Courtney, William Fitch, Joseph Coit, John Lower, Parshall, and perhaps others.
SEMI-CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION .*
On the 4th of July, 1855, the citizens of Ells- worth celebrated the semi centennial anniver- sary of its settlement. The officers of the day were Dr. G. W. Brooke, president, and Granville W. Sears, secretary.
The Declaration of Independence was read by P. Allen Spicer, Esq. Rev. Loomis Chand- ler delivered the historical address. Hon. Eben
"This account was furnished by Dr. G. W. Brooke.
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Stervey Ripleys ٢
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Newton, Rev. E. C. Sharp (of Atwater), Samuel Smith, C. A. Bunts, and many others delivered brief addresses. Dr. James W. Hughes, of Berlin, read a poem. Letters of regret on ac- count of inability to be present were read from Hon. Elisha Whittlesey, Hon. Milton Sutliff, and K. Upman, Esq.
The singing was led by Captain Joseph Coit. To " start the tune " he used an old-fashioned pitcb-pipe, which is still in the possession of the family. All of the old settlers of the township then living, and many from surrounding town- ships, were present. The day was very fine, the attendance large, and many pioneer incidents were rehearsed with great zest.
BUSINESS INTERESTS.
The following is believed to be a complete business directory of the township: McKinney Brothers, merchants, center; H. H. Rose, car- riage painter and hotel keeper, center; W. H. Kırkbridge, blacksmith, carriage maker, and car- riage painter, center; P. B. Hughes, blacksmith, center; Jonathan Hull, cooper, center; Samuel Mckean and Nelson W. King, wheelwrights, center; Albert Dakin, cabinet-maker, center; Roland Davis and Eli Davis, shoemakers, cen- ter; Eli and J. H. Diehl, distillers, section ten. Eli Diehl, grist-mill, section eight; D. R. Stahl- smith, saw-mill, section one. Thomas Rose works a coal mine on section twenty one, and Frank Winans, on section fifteen. There are other small coal banks in the township. .
The principal stone quarries are owned by Eli Diehl, Eli T. Arner, and G. W. Harding.
REFLECTIONS.
The first settlers are dead and gone. Nearly eighty years have elapsed since the first clearing was made in the now thriving township of Ells- worth. What the pioneers accomplished and what they suffered few of the present inhabitants know or can tell. But if we judge them by their works, we shall certainly form a high opinion of their worth. Ellsworth has maintained good schools ever since there were enough children here to form a class. Churches have been kept up, and pious men are still teaching those who soon shall come upon the stage of active life to keep the way their fathers trod. Ellsworth cen- ter has two good, substantial edifices, either of which would be a credit to a much larger place,
where divine services are regularly held. There are no saloons or other resorts where crime is manufactured.
On every hand we see indisputable evidence that the people are awake and at work. The mowing machine and harvester are now driven over fields which, in the memory of some who are living here, were frequented by bears, wolves, deer, and other denizens of the primi- tive forest. The steam threshing machine moves along roads which not long ago were solitary foot-paths, or tracks where only horseback riders or slow-going ox-teams could pass. Log cabins have been replaced by substantial farm houses, surrounded by orchards, shade trees, and rich and beautiful fields. Neat white barns, large and commodious, in every neighborhood show that the farmers understand their business, and are increasing in wealth and prosperity.
The allurements and vices of large towns are at a distance from this prosperous community ; and safe in Christian homes, supplied with good books and papers, with examples of uprightness and refinement constantly before them, the using generation is growing up to take the place of fathers and mothers who soon must pass away. The next fifty years will doubtless show a great change upon the face of the country; but in the characters and hearts of the people there will surely linger the brave and generous spirit of the hardy pioneers, ever active in promoting public welfare and morality as well as private interests.
The first settlers, many of them, were men and women of culture and education, who fully un- derstood the great truth that the only hope of any country lies in a refined, enlightened, and civilized people. For this reason, though in the midst of a wilderness, they taught their children honesty, virtue, and temperance, and, above all, made them ladies and gentlemen in the best sense of the word.
POEM.
Written for the semi-centennial celebration of the settlement of Ellsworth township, by Dr. J. WV. Hughes, Berlin center, Mahoning county, Ohio.
Hail, father! mother! friendship greets you here, Each well-known face to-day is doubly dear, While grateful feelings own His sovereign power, Whose gracious arm has kept us to this hour; As back our thoughts with deep emotions flow, To dwelt on Ellsworth fifty years ago.
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Nor changed the scene, since you whose features hear The trace of years and toil engraven there, From New England's cherished homestead came The western forest's dreary wilds to tame: No path to guide you but the woodman's " blaze," Nor shelter, till the cabin you could raise; To years of toil and weariness resigned, Ease, friendship, luxury you left behind, Amid privations such as few endure, A future home and comforts to secure.
Where now the stately farm house meets the eye, And wavy fields in cheerful sunshine lie, One wide, unbroken forest spread around, And silence reigned in solitude profound; Where forth his brood the lordly turkey led, Or timid deer in tranquil safetes fed, Till started by the wolf's discordant howl, Or midnight hootings of the sun-blind owl. No humble school-house reared its unhewn walls, No sacred temple echoed mercy's calls, No Sabbath bell the lonely settler heard, No hymn of praise the slumbering echo stirr'd, Save when at eve, the grateful pioneer, Waked some loved strain to busy mem'ry dear.
But soon the tide of emigration gave Increasing strength with each succeeding wave. New settlers, lured by hopes of future gain, Or kindred ties, that seldom plead in vain, Inereased the numbers at first so few, While social comforts with those numbers grew.
Soon here and there in quick succession rose The needed school-house and the school-boy's woes; Nor these alone-religion next demands A house for God, and there the temple stands. Long may it stand, and long may his holy word, With heartfelt joy, within its walls be heard! Here may no selfish partisan intrude, Discordant themes with worldly aims imbued, Nor zeal unwise, with hidden mischief rife, Mar Christian peace, nor fan fraternal strife.
Ye township's fathers, whom we greet to-day- Ye honored mothers-no less dear than they- Revered, beloved-of "length of days possesst," Your children here rise up and "call you blest." But while with heart-felt joy we mingle here, And thoughts arise and mem'ry claims a tear For those, the partners of your early toil, Who silent sleep beneath their chosen soil, Or hence removed to some far distant elime, No more shall meet you on the shores of time.
Ilere let us briefly call our thoughts away From local themes to hail our Nation's day. Far down the vista of receding years On hist'ry's page a patriot group appears : No nobler names in any land or clime Adorn the annals of recorded time.
Life, fortune, honor, pledged to freedom lie ; Fearless, tho' few-resolved to win or die. No minion there to base dishonor sold- No sordid slave to ignominious gold ;
No mock philanthropist self-lauded stood, Invoking strife, and calling " evil good"; No fierce oppressor, drunk with lawless power, Insatiate reveled-courting ruin's hour.
Alas ! that nations should like parents rear Unworthy sons an honored name to bear ; That brethren to a common fortune born Should link their birthright with undying scorn, And scathe and blast the noblest heritage That ever nations had in any age.
Say not the bard to human progress blind Sees not the onward, mighty march of mind : He sees it-feels it-owns it all and more, The near abyss-the rocky leeward shore -- Beyond it all he sees the threatening rod, And reads-"The world by wisdom knew not God !"
And speak I warmly ? I should inly feel The curse of treason o'er my conscience steal, Could I to-day before this audience stand, And breathe no tribute to my native land ; Desert who may-prove recreant who will, With all her faults, I love my country still.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES,
JOSEPH COIT.
The man most prominently and effectively identified with the early settlement and improve- ment of the township of Ellsworth was without doubt he whose name heads this sketch. Joseph Coit was born in Norwich, Connecticut, August 18, 1783. He was the eldest child of Thomas and Sarah (Chester) Coit. His father was a merchant of Norwich, and in early life the son was employed in the store. He received a good education, being for some time a pupil of John Adams, a celebrated teacher of Norwich, and father of the late Dr. William Adams, the dis- tinguished pastor of Madison Square Presby- terian church, New York city. Mr. Coit had mastered the science of civil engineering, and his uncle, Daniel Coit, being the owner of a large amount of land in the Western Reserve, he was induced by his uncle to come West and act in his interest as a surveyor and as agent for the sale of his land. He made his first journey to the Reserve in 1803, when he accompanied General Moses Cleaveland who came to treat with the Indians for the extinguishment of their title to the land on a portion of which the city of Cleveland now stands. This journey was made on horseback, and consumed twenty eight days.
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At this time he selected a place for his own set- tlement at the center of Ellsworth, then an un- broken wilderness. He soon returned to Con- necticut, but came back the next year to take permanent possession. Taking four men from Canfield he cleared up eight acres that season and on the 4th of July surveyed and laid off the first village lots in what is now Ellsworth center. He was for a time employed in the office of General Perkins, at Warren, giving his attention mostly to collections. Besides his ag- ricultural labors he was considerably employed in surveying and selling lands, always taking an active part in the various improvements of the township. He served in the War of 1812 as cornet of a company of dragoons. He was fre- quently called upon to fill various civil offices. He was postmaster and deputy postmaster at Ellsworth center for about thirty years. In 1817 and 1818 he was tax collector for Trumbull county. The onerous duties of this office will be better understood when the extent of territory then embraced within the limits of Trumbull county is considered in connection with the fact that it was the duty of the collector to visit ev- ery house for the collection of the tax. The tax books for those years are still in possession of his widow, and they are models of official book-keeping, showing Mr. Coit to have been a systematic business man and correct account- ant. He was elected county surveyor of Trum- bull county in 1821, and county commissioner in 1844. He also served as county commis- sioner of Mahoning county toward the latter part of his life. Always moral and exemplary in his life, he did nót make a public profession of re- ligion until the last year of his life. His death occurred May 31, 1857, resulting from cancer upon the face. Mr. Coit was married June 15, 1838, in Hartford, Connecticut, to Elizabeth Mygatt, daughter of Thomas and Lucy (Oakes) Mygatt. Mrs. Coit was born in Weathersfield, Connecticut, February 22, 1802, and is still liv- ing with her daughter at Ellsworth center, where she and her husband first settled on coming to Ohio. One child only was born of this union, Fannie M., born April 2, 1844, now the wife of Chester Allen, whom she married on her twenty- fourth birthday.
THE RIPLEY FAMILY.
General William Ripley was among the earliest settlers, and for years one of the most promi- nent residents of Ellsworth township. He was born in Windham, Connecticut, in May, 1782; was brought up on a farm and enjoyed few privi- leges for mental training. He, however, pos- sessed more than ordinary native ability, and in mature life was elevated to positions of trust and honor. He married, March 31, 1805, Susan Bingham, of Windham (born November 30, 1784), and the same spring he came out to the Western Reserve, leaving his bride in Connecti- cut. He purchased, in connection with his brother Hervey, three hundred and twenty acres of land of the Connecticut Land company, a short distance west of Ellsworth center. This farm, or a part of it, is now occupied by his son Hervey. General Ripley that season cut off ten acres and put up a log cabin, and the next fall returned to Connecticut. In the spring of 180 he returned with his wife to Ellsworth. After occupying his farm for a few years, on account of threatened hostilities by the Indians he moved to the center, where he resided a number of years. In 1820 he erected the large frame resi- dence now occupied by his son, and moved into it November 30th of the same year, and lived there until his death. He was a general of mili- tia, hence his military title. He was justice of the peace in Ellsworth for fifteen years, and was a Representative in the State Legislature two terms and served one term as State Senator. He died December 7, 1860, and his wife May I, 1868. They were the parents of seven children, as follows: Adaline, Edwin, Emily, Susan, Hervey, William, and Bingam, of whom only Emily (now Mrs. Fitch), living in Wisconsin; William in Chicago, and Hervey, are living.
Hervey Ripley was born at Ellsworth center, February 23, 1816. He received an ordinary education at the common schools of his neigh- borhood, and January 7, 1838, was married to Henrietta H. Sackett, daughter of Moses and Cordelia (Fox) Sackett, of Ellsworth. Mrs. Rip- ley was born in Warren, Connecticut, Decem- ber 5, 1816, and came with her parents to Ells- worth when a small girl and settled south of the center where Mr. Arner now resides. With the exception of three months Mr. Ripley has re- sided in the house which he still occupies with
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