USA > Ohio > Medina County > Wadsworth > Wadsworth memorial; an account of the proceedings of the celebration of the sixtieth anniversary of the first settlement of the township of Wadsworth, Ohio > Part 2
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As the procession was very long, the march was from the square south to Pine street, down Pine to Lyman, and up Lyman to Loomis' beautiful grove. Here were a large number of seats, all occupied, and many were not able to sit. The woods were full of wagons and people. The stand was capable of seating about eighty persons, and was
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filled with white-headed men and women. The following Vice Presidents were present, and occupied a place on the stand :
GEORGE LYMAN,
GEORGE RASOR,
BENJAMIN TYLER,
CYRUS CURTIS, DAVID ETTINGER,
HIRAM HAYDEN, T. S. BENNETT, ERASTUS BROWN, M. C. HILLS, CALEB BATTLES,
GEORGE MILLER,
L. BAUGHMAN,
SHERMAN BLOCKER,
D. GALEHOUSE,
ALMON BROWN,
CHAUNCEY HART, DAVID WILSON, THOMAS COLBURN, ABRAHAM BETTS,
AUGUSTUS PARDEE, BENJAMIN DEAN, HENRY HOSMER, CHARLES COE,
PETER WALTZ.
Judge Allen Pardee, President of the day, called order, and a song, entitled " Welcome, Pioneers," composed for the occasion by Mrs. Stanhope, of Guilford, daughter of Judge Henry Hosmer, was sung by the choir, with instru- mental accompaniment; at the close of this, Rev. J. F. Rowe, of Akron, offered prayer, the audience rising. A song, entitled "Fifty Years Ago," was then sung, followed by music by the band.
Benjamin Dean, of Iowa, was then introduced as the first man who struck a blow toward the settlement of Wadsworth. Aaron Pardee then read an address, pre- pared by Mr. Dean, he being unable to read, from the in- firmities of age.
The choir then sang the song, " American Ensign," which was followed by music by the Wadsworth Cornet Band.
Rev. Edward Brown, of Minnesota, was then intro- duced, who delivered the historical oration.
Mr. Brown's remarks were followed by music by the choir, " Old Church Bells."
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After a sumptuous basket dinner, Aaron Pardee read a sketch of early settlement, by Peter Waltz, dating back to August, 1814.
The following relics were then exhibited :
Pitcher, made in commemoration of Erie Canal, in 1824, 50 years old.
Specimens of glassware, made in the city of New Por- tage, over 50 years ago. It then promised to be a city.
Sauce-dishes, also from New Portage.
Weavers' shuttles, of very ancient appearance.
Small jug, a lady had 77 years.
Nice crockery, of ornaments, etc.
Wineglass, belonged to the father of Charles Coe, 62 years ago.
Horn tumblers, age not given, shown by H. A. Mills.
Cow-bell, dated 1770, and brought into the country by John Brief.
Likeness of Philo French, buried in 1823, somewhere near Mr. Turner's.
Ox-yoke, shown by A. Hinsdale ; 55 years ago was used on one ox ; (single ox did all their work for several years ; going to church, mill, etc.).
Staff used by A. Hinsdale's father, as long ago as A. H. can remember.
An Indian box, presented to Mrs. Richard Clark, in 1816.
Article of cookery, which came from England many years ago.
Two powder-horns, presented to Daniel Wilson by an Indian, in 1812.
Fabric, made by Mrs. A. Dean, 70 years ago.
Mustard-cup, brought from Massachusetts, in 1817.
First book of music ever used in Wadsworth, published in London, 1772 ; the property of the late Judge Brown ; exhibited by E. Brown.
Model of iron ship, the property of Judge Hosmer, of Seville, constructed by Charles Olcott, in 1834, who was
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the original inventor of iron ships. Judge Hosmer has had it for about 30 years. Was originally rigged with masts, etc. N. B. Eastman gave explanation showing the design. Hard, of Wooster, gave further information. This inven- tion was gotten up by Olcott, when a student at Yale Col- lege. The inventor died in the poorhouse, in Medina county.
Pair of smoke-tongs, used by old Esq. Kirkum, said to be about 200 years old; exhibited by Mr. Charles Coe.
Overcoat, made in the height of fashion, for Mr. Charles Coe, about 30 years ago-drab broadcloth. Fancy work, etc.
Communication from Mrs. Stearns, known as wife of Philo French, formerly of Wadsworth.
Her father was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. She was born in 1797. She gave some accounts of early recol- lections and incidents of about 1816-1818 ; among which was the dressing of a rattlesnake for a sick woman, and the history of her family, breathing a very good and Christian spirit.
Rev. E. Brown exhibited a copy of the Cleveland (O.) Herald, dated in 1827; advertisement of Allen Pardee, J. P., etc., creating much merriment.
Biographical sketches by Aaron Pardee, and also giving history of his arrival here, and a brief, practical allusion to the past, and the Wadsworth of to-day.
N. B. Eastman read a poetical composition relative to early history ; composed by Mrs. Sarah M. Eastman.
James Redfield, of Harrisville, the famous wolf-catcher, one of the three survivors of those who first came into this county-gave several wolf stories ; he had carried several home alive, after they had been caught in a trap : had caught 120 up to 1830; bought a horse for one dollar to use in bating traps. To encourage the young people in getting married, he said he caught wolves to get money to pay the minister with.
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The meeting then adjourned to May 28th, 1914, the hun- dredth anniversary of the settlement of Wadsworth.
All joined in singing Old Hundred, after which the benediction was pronounced by Rev. V. Noyes.
FRIDAY, MAY 29.
The day opened clear and hot, but the programme of visiting different points of interest in the township was carried out. The party consisted of about twenty-five per- sons, and went first to Western Star, thence north to the cemetery, thence on to Bigelow Chapel, and thence home by the diagonal road.
On the way to the cemetery, they stopped at interesting points, when Rev. Edward Brown explained scenes and incidents of early pioneer life in the wilds of Wadsworth, which brought up its early history vividly to the minds of the company.
At the old cemetery, north of Western Star, scores of names on tombstones, sacred to the memory of good men and women, were read, and blessed memories recalled of them, although some of them had lain there over half a century. After a sad, but pleasant half-hour was spent in this sacred spot, the company proceeded on their return to the village.
The description of this memorable ride would be incon- plete without mentioning pleasant episodes in it.
On their way to Western Star, the company hauled up to the pleasant residence of that old pioneer, Philo P. Mills, and were received by him and his excellent wife with an old-fashioned, hearty welcome, and regaled with cream, milk, cakes, etc., and had a most pleasant time, nev- er to be forgotten by its fortunate participants.
On their return home, they were ordered into the pleas- ant yard and residence of the late Col. H. A. Mills, where they were most hospitably entertained by his son and worthy wife.
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They drank from the spring where many of them had slaked their thirst fifty-five years ago.
They separated, many of them never again to meet on this side of the mystic river. May we all be blessed and benefited by this pleasant reunion, and be ever ready, when the summons comes, to go hence.
At 3 o'clock r. M., a general reception was given at the M. E. church, Sherman Blocker, of Akron, presiding. Re- marks were made by W. McCloud and Deacon Northrop, after which a recess of fifteen minutes was had, during which there was a very social time. After recess, a motion prevailed to limit speeches to five minutes. Remarks were made by Gen. Northrop, M. C. Hills, Capt Geo. Lyman, Mrs. Hobart, Rev. E. Brown, Benj. Tyler, L. N. Hard, and various others, occasionally interrupted by recesses, and singing led by Gen. Northrop, the latter consisting of old tunes in the old style.
Mrs. Hobart had lately made a visit to Brecksville, and brought from Rev. Breck, who used to preach here, for the Congregationalists, his congratulations and good wishes.
Mr. Pardee referred to a number of letters from old pio- neers, not read yesterday, for want of time, among which was one from Ira A. Sprague, of Glenwood, Iowa; one from Almon B. Green, of Willoughby, Lake county, O .; one from Philander Green, of Lordstown, Trumbull coun- ty, O .; one from Mrs. Susan Kenyon, of Fulton, N. Y., widow of the late Dr. Pardee ; one from G. O. Fay, and his mother. Mr. Fay is the son of Rev. Gilbert Fay, who died in this place, about the year 1835. He and his mother are employed as superintendent and matron in the Deaf and Dumb Asylum at Columbus, O. : one from Eugene Pardee, of Madison, Wisconsin : one from Dr. Samuel Wolf, of Wilmot, Stark county, O. All these writers regretted their inability to attend, and sent their regards and best wishes for the success of all their old friends. After singing Coro-
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nation and the Doxology, the company adjourned, with the best of feeling.
In the evening, there was quite a large gathering at Dr. Lyman's residence, in response to an invitation from him. The time was spent in visiting, singing after the manner of our fathers, drinking lemonade, &c. The band also added much pleasure to the occasion, by furnishing excellent music.
On Saturday evening, the old and young singers met at. the residence of Wm. M. Eyles, and had a very pleasant time. The evening was spent in social conversation, sing- ing, &c.
SUNDAY, MAY 31ST.
The day opened warm, but there was a cool breeze stir- ring, making the out-door meeting in Loomis' beautiful grove quite pleasant, but it was rather difficult for the speaker to make himself understood. As there was no other meeting in town at this hour, the attendance was very large, probably numbering 2,000 people. the exercises were opened by the reading of the 65th Psalm, by Rev. T. W. Browning, which was followed by singing " All hail the Power of Jesus' Name ;" after which, prayer was offered by Rev. S. C. Goss. After another hymn and some an- nouncements, Rev. Edward Brown preached his memorial sermon, from the 78th Psalm, 6th and 7th verses.
The religious exercises being closed, Judge Allen Pardee again took the chair, and announced the arrival of the time for the leave-taking, and the final good-by of the pioneers and numerous guests.
At this point, E. G. Loomis read a poem, by Mrs. Jennic G. Brown, of Medford, Minnesota, wife of Rev. E. Brown, addressed to the old pioneers, which was well received.
Aaron Pardee offered the following resolution, as a final good-by to the old pioneers.
Resolved : That we thank you! Believe us. old friends from all parts. Our good-by comes up from the depths of
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our hearts. We thank you for the joys you have kindled ; and () may the joys of our meeting continue to glow ! We hope, and believe, you have had a good time ; for to us, we assure you, it has been sublime. And now, as the time for the good-by has come, and each will return once again to his home, may blessings, such as only Heaven can give, be with all the old settlers, as long as they shall live.
This resolution was seconded by E. G. Loomis, and passed by the audience present, with a perfect shout of acclama- fion. Also on motion of E. G. Loomis, seconded by Aaron Pardee, a vote of thanks was given by hearty acclamation to Rev. E. Brown, for his address and sermon, to give which he had made a journey of 800 miles.
The Deacons' meeting, at the Congregational church, was opened by Father Lyman reading the hymn beginning, " Come Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove," which was sung by the choir, after which, he read the 145th Psalm, without the use of glasses, though 84 years old. This was followed by prayer by J. M. Beach, of Chatham. After another hymn, Father Lyman took up the old book of sermons previous- ly alluded to, and turned to an old sermon, the author of which he had heard in his earliest recollections. Mr. E. G. Loomis was called upon to read it, and did so.
J. B. Campbell followed with prayer, and the closing hymn, "Lord dismiss us with thy blessing," was sung, after which the meeting adjourned.
Thus ended the most memorable series of meeting's ever held in Wadsworth, and one that did much to mold pub- lic sentiment for the right.
In the Akron Daily Argus, and the Akron Daily Beacon, are extended notices, portions of which we also give, which will show how the celebration was viewed by those out- side of town.
From the Argus of May 29 :
Yesterday was a magnificent occasion for Wadsworth' and Medina county. It was our pleasure to be present, and enjoy and participate in the festive entertainment. We
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have reason to believe that it has excelled anything of the kind that has ever been held in the State of Ohio. Ample provision had been made for the entertainment of the pio- neer guests, some of whom came from Minnesota, Wiscon - sin, Iowa, and Illinois. The Wadsworth Cornet Band, and Glee Club, all day long discoursed the sweetest music. and sang in dulcet strains, the most appropriate songs. The procession that formed in the center of the town, under the direction of Capt. Henry A. Mills, Marshall of the day and that moved to Loomis' grove, inside the corporation. was over a mile in length. Hon. Allen Pardee presided, being the oldest gentleman on the stand, but not the oldest settler. Aaron Pardee, Esq., humorously remarked, that, though his brother Allen was the chosen Moses to lead the people forward, he (Aaron) was chosen to be his brother's spokesman. Rev. Edward Brown. of Minnesota, delivered the historical oration, which was not only elaborately pre- pared, and systematically arranged, but was prolific of thought, full of beautiful sentiment, exceedingly humor- ous, and crowded with incidents and reminiscences of sixty years.
As it is the intention to incorporate the proceedings of the re-union in book form, this address will appear before long, printed in that shape.
A note-book, that was printed in 1772, was exhibited, which was sung out of 58 years ago. in Wadsworth. The choir on the platform entertained the vast assembly, by singing out of this antiquated book, a tune called Holborn.
Benjamin Dean, of lowa. was introduced as the first white man who felled a tree in the township. Alonzo Durham was the first child born in the township. in 1814. At that time during the war of 1812-1815, flour was shown to be worth $17 a barrel, wheat $3 a bushel. corn $2. and salt 10 cents a pound. The first fruit plucked, was in 1824. James L. Redfield, the oldest surviving settler of the county, and a famous wolf-hunter, related his early wolfish exploits.
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E. G. Loomis, in characteristic style, exhibited many an- tique and rare relics-such as a pitcher, made in commem- oration of the opening of the Erie Canal, in 1824; sauce- dishes, maufactured of glass, at New Portage ; shuttles, for weaving linen and linsey-woolsey ; a quaint little jug, pre- sented to the family, about 77 years ago; a wineglass, brought into the country 62 years ago ; tumblers, made of horn ; a cow-bell, made in 1770, in Holland, and brought to this country. E. G. Loomis quieted the babies by tingling this old Dutch bell, whose minor-key tones excited curious recollections. An old-fashioned, black profile of Philo French was displayed. An ox-yoke, 55 years old, and in- tended only for one ox, once the property of Capt. Hins- dale. One ox did their work for several years. A cane, made 90 years ago, also the property of Capt. Hinsdale, the father of Albert Hinsdale : pewter steam-dishes, shown by Mrs. Henry A. Mills. Powder-horns, made in 1812, now the property of David Wilson. Embroidered linen, handi- work, made by Mrs. A. Dean, 70 years ago ; a cup, from Massachusetts, made in 1817. But in the inventory of rel- ics given, the rarest was that of a model iron ship, made by Charles Olcott, an ingenious and talented lawyer of Me- {lina. This model, which is now the property of Judge Hosmer, of Seville, was gotten up while Mr. Olcott was a student of Yale College. An English student was attend- ing the same College. The supposition was expressed, that this student carried the idea of this model iron ship, across to England, where it was projected, and from which origi- vated the Great Eastern. At the time of the invention, Mr. Olcott being a rigid, uncompromising Abolitionist, a Democratic Congress would not assist him in prosecuting his work.
A fancy box, made by Indians, and presented to Mrs. Hannah Clark, in Nova Scotia, in 1816; most ingenious pair of smoking-tongs, made in Holland over 200 years ago, the property of Charles Coe, and presented to him by
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his grandfather ; also a drab broadcloth overcoat, made for Charles Coe, which he exhibited on his person, to the mer- riment of all, the young in particular.
E. G. Loomis read an essay, which was written by Mrs. Mary Stearns a pioneer lady, 77 years of age-she being present-and in her essay telling that she had been a mem- ber of the M. E. Church 55 years. Next on exhibition, came a copy of the Cle(a)veland Herald, printed on Friday, August 3, 1827-an antiquated. dingy looking thing, by the side of the present Herald. It contains some curious ad- vertisements-one in particular by Judge Pardee, the read- ing of which excited laughter throughout the audience. A witty, original poem, was read by Aaron Pardce; also a very fine original poem, by Mrs. Sarah Eastman.
About one hundred of the original pioneers were pres- ent, whose ages range between 50 and 85.
Taking it all in all, this was one of the happiest, liveliest, loveliest, and most satisfactory meetings we ever attended. Four generations were present to enjoy the festivities. But for the presence of white hairs and gray beards, a stranger would have supposed the assembly was composed of young men and maidens. Brave old men-they met in joy, they part in tears.
From the Beacon, of May 29.
[Correspondence of THE BEACON.] WADSWORTH, May 28, 1874.
Early this morning our streets began to fill up with peo- ple, and by 10 o'clock the sidewalks were everywhere full. A large number of old pioneers, from all parts of the coun- try, had been coming in for several days, and as they met each other after a long separation, the scenes were often affecting.
At 10 o'clock, the procession was formed, and marched to the grove, headed by our cornet band. There were one hundred and ninety wagons and carriages in line, and a very large crowd on foot, which, with the number that had
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previously gone to the grove, made the number in atten- dance about 5,000 people.
Judge Allen Pardee, the oldest man in the township, and President of the day. called the meeting to order, and af- ter a song by the choir, prayer was offered by Rev. J. F. Rowe, of Akron. Benjamin Dean, of Iowa, the man who raised the first ax to subdue the forests of Wadsworth, was then introduced, and gave a brief sketch of his early recol- lections, and was received with applause. Rev. Edward Brown, of Minnesota, then followed with a well written address, giving the history of the township, historical inci- dents, biographical reminiscences, &c., in au able manner, recalling many very pleasant, as well as sad recollections. His memory is very prolific in the early history of this place, and his pleasant address made it a rich treat to all who were able to hear his voice.
At the close of the address, the basket dinner was an- nounced ; and a dinner it was, too. Every place in the capacious grove had its group of friends, surrounding the good things of life, prepared for the occasion, and all en- joyed it in the height of pioneer style.
After dinner, a historical sketch, by Peter Waltz, was read, dating back to August, 1814, when his father's family came to the vicinity, and had a full share of the hardships of those early days.
Several letters from absent parties were read, breathing a deep interest in the event of this meeting, and giving incidents.
On motion of Rev. E. Brown, it was carried that when this meeting adjourn, it be to the 28th day of May, 1914.
All joined in singing the Doxology, after which the ben- ediction was pronounced by Rev. V. Noyes, of Seville, and the meeting adjourned.
The history by Mr. Dean was very interesting, as con- taining many historical facts, connected with the early his- tory of this section of the country. On March 17th, 1814,
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Mr. Dean and Mr. Durham built the first house in Wade- worth. At that time, there were but eight houses between here and what is now Middlebury, then known as Tall- madge. Akron was then merely a swamp. and but two or three houses were built, where now stands your beautiful city.
The address by Mr. Brown was very fine. The speaker first spoke of his childhood among the woods that stood where now stands our thriving village. He thanked the present inhabitants for their welcome to the old pioneers; and then welcomed the pioneers to so happy a meeting. In a very vivid manner, he described the situation of the first settlers, as compared with the present generation. He beautifully pictured the journey of the settler, with his tam- ily, from the far East; the great hardships and privations in wandering through the woods, to the far West; the con struction of the rude log cabin; the labor of felling the trees; the tedious way of tilling the soil ; and the infinite number of discouragements, which vexed and harassed our fathers. But the "old folks" were not without their good times ; the husking-bee, the raising, and the general train- ing, {were as much enjoyed as the genteel party, the ball. and great displays of to-day.
After the Address, each one seemed to equally enjoy the lunch, which was served from overflowing baskets, at the hands of the generous citizens. Many curious and anti- quated specimens of the art of our grandfathers were dis- played, and a few very interesting letters were read from old friends of the pioneers, who could not be with them.
Thus closed the exercises of the day. We are sure no one will regret having witnesssed so pleasant and enter- taining an affair.
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From the Beacon of Saturday, May 30.
As a fitting addendum to the first day's proceedings, as given in our Friday'sissue, it is proper to mention, that on Thursday evening, the spacious parlors of E. G. Loomis, Esq., on South Main street, were, on invitation, filled by both visiting and resident pioneers, and their friends, who in social converse, singing of ancient tunes, &c., made up one of the pleasantest parties ever held in Wadsworth.
This forenoon (Friday) was spent in visiting old acquaint- ances, and the various points of interest in the vicinity. In the afternoon, according to previous announcement, the old people again came together in the Methodist Church, at 3 o'clock. for the purpose of relating and hearing reminis- cences of pioneer life, and of having a good time generally.
On motion, Sherman Blocker. Esq., was called to the chair, who after stating the objects of the meeting, and thanking the audience for the honor as well as the pleasure conferred upon him by selecting him to preside over it, called upon Rev. W. McCloud, of Granger, to lead off, and most nobly did the " old man eloquent" respond to the call.
Father MeCloud is 75 years of age. For many years, he had been praying to get to a better land, though this was a pretty good land after all. Forty years ago he had attend- ed a quarterly meeting in this very house, though then it was in an unfinished condition, without either pulpit or seats. Fifty-five years ago last winter, he had settled in Granger, having left his father's house with but a single dollar in his pocket. thus literally beginning life in his new home "without money and without friends." But acting on the parting advice given him by a godly neighbor, "Mind at all times to behave yourself well." he had endeav- ored to be a good boy, jocularly remarking, " perhaps you see it in me now-nearly a hundred years old." Alluding to the socialties of pioncer life, the speaker said that even now, old as he was, he would dearly love to raise a colony and" go West." When about leaving home, his wife asked
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him where he was going. He told her he was going to Wadsworth, to the pioneer meeting. "Yes, to be a child again," said she. He believed in being young-felt that it was "good to be here." and to live over again the scenes of the past-that he had in so large a degree retained his youth- ful vigor by hard work, retiring and rising early, and total- Jy abstaining from intoxicating liquors, tobacco, tea, coffee. and other exciting stimulants. The speaker closed his remarks by asserting his belief that he should never die- though the body might perish, the nobler part would live forever-and fervently prayed that all present might meet him on the other side of the river.
Deacon N. B. Northrop, of Medina, 83 years old, was the next speaker. Came to Medina, with his father's family, in 1816. After providing a cabin for his family, filled with "Love to God, and charity for all mankind," a meeting- house was projected. On the morning of April 10th, 1816 about 25 or 30 men and boys assembled with oxen and proper implements, on the ground selected for the edifice, Rev. Searles having sent them word that he would be with them to preach at 4 o'clock that afternoon. Setting to work with a will, the ground was cleared, the logs were cut and fitted, the walls were reared, the floor was laid, the roof was shingled. the seats were prepared, and the sermon was preached at the time appointed. Other interesting church reminiscences were related, indicative of the great good that had been accomplished through those instrumentalities, in shaping the morals of the community.
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