USA > Ohio > Summit County > Twinsburg > Twinsburg, Ohio, 1817-1917, Part I History, Part II Genealogies > Part 9
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TWINSBURG HISTORY
It is a matter of history that during the winter of 1827-8 there was a great revival of religion in Hudson. Owing to the fact that Twinsburg was on the same circuit with Hudson, it does not seem strange that this spiritual revival soon reached the Twinsburg church, and many were added to its membership. In 1834, another revival is re- ported as resulting in the conversion of 70 or 80 souls. In the winter of 1838, Liberty St. was the scene of a most marked religious movement. There had been for sometime an afternoon preaching appointment at the schoolhouse under the direction of Rev. W. S. Worello, the Methodist preacher of this circuit, which culminated in arousing a deep religious sentiment, and wonderful results followed. One of the first converts was the teacher of the school, Horace Ben- ton, then 18 years of age, who, in after years became promi- nent in the Methodist church of northern Ohio, as well as the head of the drug house of Benton, Myers and Co., of Cleveland. His stand had a most important influence not only upon his scholars, but upon the young people of the street.
Very probably John Wesley Gould who died in 1908, and Horace Benton who died in 1913, were the last ones that could have told of the great things God did for them in the Liberty St. schoolhouse revival. During the pas- torates of J. H. McCarty (1856-7), G. J. Bliss (1865-6), L. S. Rader (1886), A. C. Welch (1887-8), and others, many were brought into the church. We would make special mention of the revival of Jan .- Feb., 1877. Rev. D. Rowland was pastor, and with Rev. A. H. Post of the Congregational church, held union meetings every night for six weeks, with extra services in the afternoons. God's blessing was on those meetings, for never were people favored with finer sleighing than that winter. They could find no excuse to stay away from the meetings, nor wished for any. The services could not be alternated between the two churches, for the Methodist church could not accommodate the crowds. The Congregational church was filled every night. A large choir were in their places each night, and sang those good "Gospel Hymns," (Book No. I was new at this time) and many hearts were reached by those songs. Over 140 found their way to the altar, and a majority of the number united
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THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
with one of the three churches. While many of the number have been called "over the river," some are still found steadfast in the churches.
At the time of its organization the church consisted almost entirely of those who came from afar to establish their homes in this community. As their sons and daughters married they very frequently settled nearby, continuing in the church of their fathers. After a time, however, conditions changed. As the population increased the available farms became less and less numerous. At the same time, means of travel and communication were increasing. The disadvantages of rural life loomed larger as the advan- tages of urban life became more and more apparent and easy of attainment. Untried paths became suddenly attractive. Parents craved for their children a life easier than their own. Then, too, somewhat of the same spirit that had brought their fathers here now evidenced itself by sending the younger generation to new fields of activity. And as the farm homes became depleted, the activities at the center of the town declined. It is possible that these halting periods in a town's growth make for a sounder eventual success, but they most certainly make many changes in a church roll. No one can well deny that the first obligation of a church is to its own community, but still less can a charge of failure be laid against an organization which has, year after year, been giving earnest Christian men and women to all parts of the world. With these con- siderations in mind, the old church records make some decidedly interesting reading matter.
It certainly should be of interest to the present genera- tion to learn that Solomon Upson and wife, Asa Upson and wife, Rebecca Upson, Aaron Post and wife, Emery Alger and wife, Amy Clark (and probably others) are mentioned (1826) as of those who were members of the early class. In an old class book of 1841-4, we find these members named: William Clark, Harriet Clark, Thaddeus Carter, Esther Carter, Aaron Post, Naomi Post, Amy Clark, Avery P. Clark, Avis Clark, James Roach, Mary Roach, Philander Booth, Sally Booth, Betsey Dresser, Lydia Carter, Reuben Henry, Nathan Caldwell, Gideon Mills, Jane Taylor, Eliza Alling, Samuel Curtis, Rebecca Curtis, Rebecca
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TWINSBURG HISTORY
Upson, Betsey Clark, Francis Dawson, Thomasina
Dawson, Lucretia Henry, Betsey Dennison, Melissa Hammond, Caroline Richardson, Samuel Conant, Agnes Conant, Ephraim Cook, Eliza Cook, Alvin Graham, Sarah P. Wilson, M. A. Curtice, Polly Curtice, Spencer Parmelee, Mary Beeman, Sarah Scott, Heman Merriam, Wm. Southworth, Sarah Dresser, Willard Dewitt, Elizabeth Dewitt, Nelson Hinkstone, Mabel Hinkstone, Chloe Roach, Elmore Clark, Giles H. Post, Maria Post, Wm. P. Maxam, Hannah Maxam, Timothy Taylor, George Dresser, James Norton, Ann Norton, Odell Appleby, Eliza Appleby, Noah P. Nichols, Eliza Booth, Lucy Ann Elliott, Experience Roberts, Lucy Ann Roberts, Prudence South- worth, Jeremiah French, Betsey A. Stow, Isabel Clark, Allen Bond, Alonzo Watkins, Mary Dawson, Harriet Tay- lor, Benjamin Elliott, Lucinda Elliott, Jehiel Beers, Almira Beers, Henry M. Chamberlain, Eli Thompson, Sarah Blake. The membership at the present time numbers about 75.
The Methodists have ever been able to find among their numbers, those who could, and would sing. In the earlier years, the pastor usually "started the tunes" and sometimes Reuben Henry led the singing. Later, Esther Carter (now Mrs. E. R. Husted of Ravenna) aided by her tuning-fork, was leader. It is very probable the first organ was purchased in the early '60's. When the choir was first organized, they occupied the front pews, with the little organ in front. Jesse Crankshaw is remembered as the first chorister, and Miss Parley Woodbury as organist. The choir later occupied the two seats at the rear of the audi- torium. A space just large enough for the organ was in the center of the seat, third from the rear. Each Sunday the organ was lifted out, and carried to the front for use during the Sunday School hour. A new six-octave organ was pur- chased in 1875, or '76, which was used for over 20 years. After the change was made in the pulpit and rostrum in 1876-7, the choir then occupied the corner to the left of the pulpit, and is still to be found there each Sunday. A good orchestra is one of the features of the Sunday School.
The term of the Presiding Elder, or District Superin- tendent as he is now called, has varied in the past century from one year to six. He superintends the work of his
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district, and aims to visit each charge each quarter of the year. Among those who have served in this capacity on this charge, are Revs. William Swayze, Charles Elliott, Ira Eddy, W. B. Mack, William Stevens, Isaac Winans, John Chand- ler, Billings O. Plympton, Timothy Goodwin, H. N. Stearns, William Hunter, A. Hall, S. Gregg, Moses Hill, J. Graham, James Greer, John Tribby, A. D. Morton, Sylvester Burt, W. H. Locke, W. H. Rider, D. H. Mueller, J. W. Robbins, L. H. Stewart, E. O. Buxton, Ner W. Stroup, F. W. Luce, and this year (1916) J. S. Secrest.
In reading the following list of preachers who have been associated with this charge, it should be remembered that in the early part of the century, Twinsburg was on a circuit, and two, and sometimes three, preachers were required to do the necessary work: Alfred Bronson, 1820; he was soon transferred to another circuit, and it is not given in the records as to who served the remainder of the year; Ira Eddy, 1821-3; Wm. Collins, Orin Gilmore, 1823-4; Philip Green, Wm. C. Henderson 1824-5 ; Robert Hopkins, 1825-6; John Crawford, Wm. R. Babcock, 1826-7; John Crawford, Cornelius Jones, 1827-8; Ignatius H. Tackett, Cornelius Jones, 1828-9; John Chandler, J. M'Lean, T. Vaughn, 1829-30; Caleb Brown, John Ferris, 1830-1; John W. Hill, 1831-2; Thomas Carr, John E. Aikin, 1832-3; Thomas Carr, L. D. Prosser, 1833-4; Ira Eddy, Asahel Reeves, 1834-5; Edward H. Taylor, John L. Holmes, 1835-6; J. K. Hallock, A. G. Sturges, 1836-7; J. K. Hallock, J. Marvin, 1837-8; W. S. Worello, J. W. Davis, 1838-9; L. M. Reeves, Ira Norris, 1839-40; Ira Norris, L. D. Wil- liams, 1840-I; Thomas Carr, W. F. Wilson, 1841-2; Peter Burroughs, A. Reeves, 1842-3; Henry Elliott, D. M. Stearns, H. Kellogg, 1843-4; Henry Elliott, W. French, A. Norton, 1844-5; J. E. Akin, A. Reeves, J. H. Tagg, 1845-6; Peter Burroughs, 1846-7; A. Hall, 1847-9; L. Rodgers, 1849-51; A. Fouts, 1851-2; V. Lake, 1852-4; L. W. Ely, 1854-6; J. H. McCarty, 1856-8; Wm. Monks, 1858, (after a service of one and one-half years, he died March, 1860); H. P. Henderson supplied the balance of the year, and as pastor till 1861; C. T. Kingsbury, 1861-3; M. Wil- liams, 1863-5; G. J. Bliss, 1865-7; J. B. Grover, 1867-8; B. J. Kennedy, 1868-9; E. D. McCreary, 1869-70; Alvin
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Burgess, 1870-1; E. C. Latimer, 1871-3; H. Henderson, 1873-4; L. W. Ely, 1874-6; D. Rowland, 1876-9; W. H. Wilson, 1879-80; J. H. Tagg, 1880-2; W. D. Stevens, 1882-3; W. H. Pearson, 1883-6; he was appointed Chaplain in the U. S. Army and left in Aug., 1886; J. Tribby completed the year; L. S. Rader, 1886-7; A. C. Welch, 1887-9; J. Q. A. Miller, 1889-90; I. J. Harris, 1890-4; J. W. VanKirk, 1894-6; J. F. Huddleston, 1896-9; A. C. Stockham, 1899-01 ; W. L. Askue, 1901-6; H. S. Chace, 1906-8; - Phillips, supply, Sept. to Dec., 1908; T. H. Kerr, Dec., 1908-9; Alfred Walls, 1909-12; A. C. Horricks, Sep., 1912, to May, 1913; R. C. Hallock, May to Sep., 1913; Garfield Morgan, 1913-4; G. T. Norris, 1914-15; Joseph Mottershead supplied till Dec., 1915; W. G. Walters, Dec., 1915-16; G. H. Crafts, 1916.
Owing to the fact that Twinsburg has been associated with other charges so much of the time, it is difficult to determine accurately the amount paid each year for pastoral support. Of later years it has averaged $500.00, aside from the use of the parsonage. For the present year, it has been placed at $750.00 and parsonage.
SOCIETIES
SUNDAY SCHOOL-The earliest records inform us the Sunday School was held only through the summer months of the earlier years. It was held in the lower room of the church, and during this time, Benjamin Elliott is remem- bered as superintendent. In 1858-9 it was held through the winter for the first time. Alanson Mills was then superin- tendent. There were six classes, 30 scholars, one Bible class, and an average attendance of 20. A report for 1878 gives 150 scholars enrolled, and an average attendance of 70. Of later years the enrollment has been near the 100 mark. Of the many who have served as Sunday School superin- tendents, only a few names can be given: Philander Booth, A. Mills, Wm. Clark, T. A. Carter, George Dresser, Oscar A. Nichols, John Cochrane, Thomas Cochrane, Mrs. Mary Wright, Mrs. Sarah Bennett, Mrs. J. B. Carter, Lena Carter, Dr. R. B. Chamberlin (who served 10 years), and the present supt., Mrs. S. H. Crankshaw. O. A. Nichols, whose age is 81, is undoubtedly the oldest one living of the earlier
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THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
number. The school possesses a good library of about 200 volumes. The case was the workmanship and gift of the late Thomas Cochrane. His mother, Mrs. Agnes Cochrane, at her death, left a bequest of $50 for the use of the library. Another bequest of $300 was left to the church by Mrs. Eliza Alling, a part of which was for the benefit of the library.
The Bible was the first text-book used. Each scholar was expected to come to Sunday School prepared to repeat a verse, or verses of Scripture to the teacher. Then the Catechism was introduced. Lesson leaves in a few years followed, and the uniform international lesson helps were used for many years previous to the adoption of the graded work in the fall of 1909. Both are still used with satisfaction.
THE LADIES DIME SOCIETY-The Ladies Dime Society was organized in May, 1870 or '71. One of its objects was sociability, and another to raise funds for the care and decoration of the interior of the church and parsonage. The socials were held once in two weeks, till after the Baptist church reorganized in 1877, when they were held once in three weeks. It was the rule for the hostess to serve
a plain supper, and each one present was expected to pay IO cents. These socials were usually well attended, and socially and financially successful. The Society as- sisted, in a large measure, to cover the expense of the addition to the parsonage and many of the repairs to church and parsonage, bought the cushions, and keeps the church papered and carpeted, besides paying yearly $60.00 toward pastoral support. Mrs. Eliza Alling is thought to have been the first president. Mrs. W. E. Twerell is now president.
THE EPWORTH LEAGUE-Prior to the organization of the Epworth League, the young people of the Methodist church joined with those of the Congregational church in the organization of the Christian Endeavor Society which was organized in 1887. The services were held alternately in the churches Sunday evenings. After the organization of the Epworth League, it was thought more satisfactory results might accrue from the organization of a local chapter of the Epworth League. The charter was given January 31, 1893. It is known as the Watson Chapter, No. 9361. Rev. I. J. Harris, who was pastor at this time, was instrumental in the
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organizing of the chapter and was its first president. For several years the League contributed $25 yearly to the support of a medical missionary worker at Chungking General Hospital, China. It also contributed toward the furnishings of a room at the Deaconess Home, Cleveland, and in many other ways has done good work.
JUNIOR LEAGUE-A Junior League was organized October 18, 1900, with Mrs. A. Stockham as superintendent, and Mrs. A. W. Elliott, assistant superintendent. There were 19 charter members and a total enrollment of 38. The meetings were held Saturday afternoons. In about a year it was discontinued.
BENEVOLENCES-The Twinsburg church has not been neglectful of people less fortunately situated. Offerings are yearly taken for the various benevolences: Missions- Foreign and Home, Freedman's Aid Society, Conference Claimants, Temperance Society, Educational Fund, &c. For missions the church has averaged to give $50 yearly for the past quarter century not including what is given by the Sunday School, and Epworth League. A Woman's Mis- sionary Society has flourished intermittently, but as other agencies for doing missionary work were so readily available, the necessity of sustaining these societies has not been so apparent to all, as doubtless it should be.
FEDERATION-In the winter of 1916 a movement toward a possible federation of the Twinsburg churches was formally inaugurated. A committee of five each from the Congregational and Methodist churches was named to "study the religious situation in Twinsburg." After much thought and care, a plan of federation was drawn up, and after having been carefully explained to the adult persons of the town, was submitted to them for ratification or rejection. Knowing there was a feeling prevalent in the town that one church could be more effectively conducted than could two, not being willing to convey to the public the idea that the forces making for right living were possibly antagonistic, and earnestly desiring the very best of every good thing for the community, the members of this church voted in favor of federation in the ratio of four to one. The proposal, how- ever, was rejected as there were too many who thought it best to allow the old relationship to continue.
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THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
An account of the past is valuable for the light thrown upon the future. Many problems that will arise have been solved in principle, if not in detail. Yet new ones will arise. In common with thousands of other churches, Twinsburg faces the problem of what, for want of a better name, is called the rural problem. The old New England families have disappeared, and their posterity have been rapidly disappearing. In their place have come many people from nations alien to our customs, language, religion, and com- munity ideals. Here the matter is complicated by the proximity to a large city, and the desirability of Twinsburg as a residence section. Many adjustments will certainly be necessary, but a real church cannot be defeated in doing its real duty. If the next hundred years shall bring new duties, it is reasonable, in the light of past experience, to expect that earnest endeavor, intelligent energy, and a spirit of devotion will find the necessary solution.
TWINSBURG IN THE CIVIL WAR
Compiled by CHAUNCEY B. LANE, Co. H, 177th Reg., O. V. I.
In times of peace the real worth of a community may be determined by the spirit in which it meets difficult problems and baffling situations. But in times of national stress and peril we judge a town's true value by the response it makes to the nation's call for help.
Judged by this standard, few townships, if any, can give proof of being animated by a better spirit of sacrifice and enthusiastic patriotism than can Twinsburg during the "WAR OF THE REBELLION."
Immediately after President Lincoln's first call for seventy-five thousand troops, volunteers began to enlist from Twinsburg, a number from the township being enrolled in the first three months' service. Under successive calls by the President volunteers were forthcoming until, in all, during the war there were one hundred and twenty besides the thirteen "squirrel hunters."
In the latter part of the summer of 1861 twenty-one men went from Twinsburg and enlisted in Company K, 19th Reg., O. V. I., which was being recruited for three years' service at Alliance, Ohio. During the months of August and September of 1864, thirty-six, the largest number that en- listed from Twinsburg in any one regiment, joined Com- panies E and H of the 177th Reg., O. V. I., then forming at Cleveland, Ohio, for one year. Seventeen enlisted in Company E, and nineteen in Company H. A number of those enlisting at this time were only eighteen years old and took advantage of the first opportunity to enter the service as soon as their age permitted.
Soon after the beginning of the war the ladies of the township organized the Soldiers' Aid Society and held fre- quent meetings. This society assisted in every way possible in supplying the needs of the soldiers in camp and hospitals. No records of the work done are now available, but during the four years of war supplies were being sent to the men wherever needed.
At the time of the war Twinsburg received only one mail a day, which was carried to and from Macedonia by Mr. Salmon Nelson. At about eleven o'clock each morning
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TWINSBURG IN THE CIVIL WAR
as he drove up to the postoffice at Nelson's store there would be quite a crowd of people waiting for news from the front. Especially would this be the case after some great battle. Only a few daily papers were taken and it was the custom for someone who had a paper to read the news, while others listened, many of them being parents anxiously watching and waiting for the names of sons.
In the latter part of the summer of 1862 Kirby Smith, a rebel raider with a command in Kentucky, was making his presence known in successive raids, and was evidently designing the capture of Cincinnati.
So acute was the danger that Gov. Tod, on September 10, 1862, sent the following appeal through the papers to the citizens of northern Ohio:
"To the several Military Committees of Northern Ohio:
By telegram from Major-General Wright, Commander- in-chief of Western forces, received at 2 o'clock this morning, I am directed to send all armed men that can be raised immediately to Cincinnati. You will at once exert your- selves to execute this order. The men should be armed, each furnished with a blanket and at least two days' rations. Railroad companies are requested to furnish transportation for troops to the exclusion of all other business.
DAVID TOD, Governor."
To this appeal thousands of men from northern Ohio responded and among them were thirteen fromTwinsburg. No muster roll of the Twinsburg Squirrel Hunters has been preserved and the names of those who went are given from memory by the only two survivors of that company now living in Twinsburg, Evelyn A. Parmelee and Herman H. Baldwin: Frank Baldwin, Herman H. Baldwin, Frank Booth, Andrew J. Foster, Tyler Hill, Evelyn A. Parmelee, Aurelius Tucker, Daniel W. Richardson, Wilbur Upson, Beverly Upson.
Other towns responded to this call and the men went to Cleveland where they met others from various townships and joined together, forming a company with Daniel W. Richardson captain. They took with them such arms as they could get. Some had muskets, others either rifles or shot- guns, but they were ready for service immediately.
The Twinsburg contingent was taken by train to
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TWINSBURG HISTORY
Columbus, thence to Cincinnati, and from there across the Ohio River into Kentucky.
After the danger was over the men were returned to their homes, those from Twinsburg having been gone from home nearly two weeks. Governor Tod telegraphed to Secretary Stanton, "The minute men or squirrel hunters responded gloriously to the call for the defense of Cin- cinnati."
At the following session of the Legislature a resolution was unanimously adopted, authorizing the Governor to have lithographed and printed discharges for the patriotic men of the state who responded to the call of the Governor.
THE SQUIRREL HUNTERS DISCHARGE
Our Southern Border was menaced by the enemies of the Union. David Tod, Governor of Ohio, called on the Minute-Men of the State, and the Squirrel Hunters came by thousands to the rescue. You, Evelyn A. Parmelee, were one of them and this is your Honorable Discharge.
CHARLES W. HILL, Adj. Gen. of Ohio.
Approved by
DAVID TOD, Governor
MALCOLM MCDOWELL, Major and A. D. C.
Under the act of April 14, 1863, for the reorganization of the militia of Ohio, those liable to duty in Summit County were organized into companies and regiments under com- mand of David Tod, Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the State of Ohio. Those liable under this act in the northern part of the county formed the first regiment of militia in the county of Summit.
Two companies were organized in Twinsburg for the regiment, one company being made up of those living north of the east and west road from Macedonia to Aurora, and the other those south of this road. The officers who held com- missions from the governor were: Daniel W. Richardson, captain, Chauncey B. Lane, first lieutenant, Alfred Led- sham, second lieutenant, for the north company; Josiah Oviatt, captain, Earl C. Herrick, first lieutenant, William Chamberlin, second lieutenant, for the other company. Oscar A. Nichols was commissioned quartermaster of the regiment. These companies met frequently during the summer and fall on the square at the center of the township
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TWINSBURG IN THE CIVIL WAR
for drill in the manual of arms and company formation. The square, so called then (now the park), made an ideal place for company movements as there was not then a tree or shrub on the whole place, just a bare common.
In the latter part of the summer the commissioned and non-commissioned officers of this and other regiments from northern Ohio went into camp in Cleveland for a week under instruction in drill in company and regimental formation. The officers were commissioned for five years and the organizations were maintained during the war to take part in the struggle if necessary, but no drilling was done after 1863.
After the close of the Civil War the patriotic citizens of the township decided to erect a monument in memory of those who had gone forth to serve their country and, if necessary, lay down their lives in defense of the flag.
An association was formed with Jonathan E. Herrick, president, Thaddeus A. Carter, treasurer and John C. Smith, secretary, with a building committee consisting of James Roach, Ethan Alling, Orrin P. Nichols, Philo Cham- berlin and William A. Parks.
About $2500.00 was raised by subscription among the citizens of the township, and a contract was entered into with Levi Marble of Bedford to build the monument.
Twinsburg having an abundance of sandstone, it was decided to use this for the base of the monument, also for the foundation which is of solid sandstone, all quarried in the township. The monument, located somewhat north of the middle of the park at the center of the township, consists of the following dimensions, as recorded on a marble slab inserted in the second base on the east side:
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