USA > Pennsylvania > Crawford County > Our country and its people. A historical and memorial record of Crawford County, Pennsylvania. > Part 51
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When the school system was adopted three schools were established, but the length of the term averaged only three months. A little over $400 was ex- pended for school purposes in 1836, and the progress of the sixty scholars in attendance was reported as tolerably good. In 1896 there were twelve regular schools with a school year of seven months. Two hundred and ninety-seven scholars were in attendance, and the total amount expended for the schools was in excess of $3.500.
The village of Mosiertown is located in the southern part of the town- ship. The first tavern was erected there by a Mr. Phelps in 1830, but he soon afterwards moved away. Ephraim Smith was a blacksmith and moved to Mosiertown soon after Phelps arrived. John McFarland, of Meadville. started the first store. and placed Archibald Stewart in charge. The village was for a long time known as Cussawago, but when a postoffice was established there the name of Mosiertown, which it received, was also applied to the set-
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tlement. It contains two churches, a school, hotel, stores, various shops, and about twenty dwellings. A tannery, grist mill and saw mill were among its former industries.
Crossingville is situated in the northern part of the township near the Erie County line. It was known in the early times as Cussawago Crossing, receiving its name from the fact that an old Indian trail formerly crossed the Cussawago Creek at this point. It is surrounded by excellent farming coun- try, and was first settled by Jolin Hagany. It was an early settlement, but has not increased, containing scarcely more than a dozen or fifteen houses. Two churches are located there, besides a schoolhouse, postoffice, stores, hotel and various shops.
The Carmel Baptist Church, at Mosiertown, was the first organization of the Baptist denomination made in Crawford County. It was organized in 1805 by Rev. Thomas G. Jones, the first pastor, with an initial membership of twenty. John Chamberlain, Robert Erwin, John Donohue, Samuel Patterson and Lewis Thickstun were among the most prominent of the early members. In 1810 a hewed log meeting house was built about two miles north of Mosier- town, and in 1839 it was replaced by a frame structure, built on the same site. In 1856 a large frame church was built at Mosiertown at a cost of $1,500, and is still in use. There is a flourishing membership of about one hundred, Rev. Smith being the present pastor.
St. Phillip's Catholic Church at Crossingville dates its origin from the early days of the settlement, when the McGuires, McBrides, Tinnys, Swaneys and Carlins came from Northumberland County and established themselves in the northern part of the township. They had emigrated from Donegal County, Ireland, in 1792, and settled in Northumberland County, afterwards removing to Crawford in 1798. Services were for a long time held in private houses, Father Charles B. McGuire of Pittsburg officiating as the first priest. In 1833 the first church was erected, about a mile north of Crossingville, a hewed log house, ceiled within with pine boards and provided with rude seats, at a probable cost of $500. Bishop Kenrick, of Philadelphia, conducted the first services in it in 1833, it being included in his diocese. It was formally dedi- cated by him three years later, upon the occasion of his second visit, and the burying ground was consecrated at the same time. In 1843 the present struc- ture was commenced, and was finished in 1848 at a cost of $3,500. The pas- toral residence was erected in 1868 by the Rev. John Quincy Adams at a cost of $1,400, and in 1882 further improvements to the property, including a tower and bell, necessitated the expenditure of almost $2,000 more. The . growth of this church has been sure and steady, and the congregation now includes about 125 families residing in Spring and Cussawago Townships and on the other side of the Erie County line.
A large German element settled in the vicinity of Mosiertown, and two
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churches were organized among them, a Lutheran and a German Reformed congregation. In 1832 they erected a frame church edifice which was used in common by the two denominations. In 1855 it was replaced by a frame church, which stands about a mile southeast of Mosiertown. They worshiped alternately in the same structure for several years, when the Lutherans erected a neat frame building in Mosiertown and the German Reformed Church be- canie the sole occupant of the old structure.
There are two United Brethren Churches in Cussawago Township, one at Crossingville and the other at Mosiertown. The Crossingville Church was organized in 1870 with seven members. Rev. Cyrus Castiline being its first pastor. During the same year a church was built at a cost of $1.700. The membership is small. The Cussawago Church, located in the southwestern part of the township, was organized in 1852 by Rev. William Cadman, the first pastor. It commenced with twenty members, and J. Kingsley and Henry Fleisher were prominent during the first years. In 1857 a building was erected costing $660. It forms a part of the Cussawago circuit.
CHAPTER VII.
EAST FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP.
E AST FAIRFIELD is an interior township, lying south of the center of the county, on the eastern bank of French Creek, by which it is separated from Fairfield. In shape it is an irregular triangle, Mead bounding it on the north, Wayne on the east and Union and Fairfield on the southwest. separated from it by French Creek. The flats along the border of the creek are rich and unusually productive, forming some of the richest farms in the county, and the ridge that rises back from the stream is comparatively level and easily tillable. Little Sugar Creek flows in a southeasterly direction across the northeastern corner of the township, where the ridge descends to a valley of famous beauty. Numerous small streams flow east and west into these two creeks, watering the land in every part. The surface is rolling throughout and the soil, which is very productive, is devoted largely to grain culture, al- though dairying is also a prominent industry.
East Fairfield was formerly a part of Fairfield Township, having been separated from it in 1868. The previous year a petition had been presented to the court by citizens of the township, requesting that it might be divided, with French Creek as the line of division. The petitioners set forth that it was
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with difficulty that they could pass from one side to the other in times of high water, thus preventing children from attending school and the voters from reaching the place of election. In answer to the petition a board of commis- sioners was appointed, consisting of H. B. Beatty, Charles Drake and W. B. Brown, to consider the advisability of granting it, and upon their favorable report an election was ordered by the court to determine the question of divi- sion. It was held on March 20. 1868. and the proposition having received 134 favorable votes to 122 against it. East Fairfield became one of the townships of Crawford County.
The Franklin branch of the Erie Railroad crosses the western end of the township along the valley of French Creek. The Meadville feeder of the Beaver and Erie Canal entered from the north and was carried by an aqueduct over French Creek into Union Township, near the mouth of Conneaut Outlet.
It was through the valley of French Creek that the early pioneers reached their future homes, and those who arrived first took possession of land in this beautiful and fertile valley. The rich bottom lands of East Fairfield, stretch- ing along its course for several miles, attracted some of the very earliest, even before the Indian wars had been brought to a close by the victories of General Wayne. As soon as settlements could be made with any assurance of safety from Indian attacks the entire valley was filled with emigrants, who flocked in from the southern and eastern counties of the State. Bands of savages were still roaming through western Pennsylvania, but an actual and continuous set- tlement was the only means of holding the land and keeping off other claim- ants, so that they incurred the risk of an Indian massacre rather than desert their land. The rich flats of French Creek Valley and some of the land in the interior of the township were patented by the earliest arrivals, usually in tracts of 400 acres each.
Henry Marley, the first permanent settler within the limits of East Fair- field, was born in Ireland and emigrated to the United States in 1790. He came to Crawford County in 1793 and established himself near the Creek road, on the tract opposite and below the mouth of Conneaut Outlet. Here he built the first house erected in the township. a rude, diminutive log cabin, and remained, a prosperous farmer, until his death. when the land passed to his children.
The honor of the first settlement is divided with him by John Wentworth, who settled the same year on French Creek, in the northwestern corner of the township. In his youth he had served under Washington in the struggle for independence. Several years before peace was established he came to Craw- ford County and lived with the Indians, adopting the Indian hunting costume, and was celebrated as an Indian fighter and skillful hunter. He afterwards followed the more peaceful life of a farmer, and remained a resident of the township. William Dean came from Westmoreland County in 1795 and set-
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tled on the tract of land immediately south of Marley. He brought his funily and a few household goods with him, carrying them overland on two pack- horses. He was a Presbyterian in religious belief. He remained upon his farm until his death in 1846, leaving a numerous posterity which' is still well represented in the township. Henry Heath, who came from Allegheny County, settled on the farm next below him, but afterwards removed to Wayne Township, where he died. He also was the founder of a numerous family.
Thomas Powell, also from Allegheny County, settled on an adjoining tract and remained throughout life. Andrew Gibson, from Westmoreland County, built his cabin on a tract just south of Marley. John McFadden lo- cated a claim still further up the valley. He remained for some time, then removed with his large family to Venango County. Hugh Gibson. who located on the next farm, subsequently removed to Butler County. Peter Shaw. a Scotchman, came from near Pittsburg to the tract next above Hugh Gibson, and was a lifelong citizen of the township. Isaac Powell, an old bachelor, settled on the farm next to William Dean's land. He and an un- married sister lived upon the place until their death at advanced ages.
James Thompson emigrated from Mifflin County and settled with his brother-in-law. Mr. Power, about two miles north of Cochranton. Here he remained permanently and reared a large family. Several years before set- tling here he had visited the township in a professional capacity. He had formed one of a party engaged, under Captain William Powers, in surveying land in northwestern Pennsylvania. One day in June. 1795, they had en- camped on the banks of Conneaut Lake, and while the remainder of the party were engaged in making hasty and stealthy surveys, through fear of the I- dians. Thompson remained in camp to prepare supper and watch the baggage. Suddenly a band of Indians appeared and made Thompson a prisoner, and. after destroying the camp and scattering the provisions, they proceeded north- ward, taking their prisoner with them and leaving his companions in ignorance of his fate. At the first evening's halt they exhibited two scalps, which they said they had taken that day at the mouth of Conneaut Outlet, and which were probably those of the ill-fated young men. Findley and McCormick, who were massacred at that point. The Indians proceeded by forced marches to Detroit. taking Thompson with them and compelling him to carry part of their plunder. Here he was held prisoner for some time, but was liberated after Wayne's treaty was declared, and in the course of time found his way back to his former home in Mifflin County.
The first schoolhouse was built in 1802 on the Andrew Gibson farm, and for many years it was the only one in the township. One of the first teachers was Thomas Havelin, an Irishman, and in those days reputed an excellent scholar. At that time corporal punishment was considered a natural, and in- deed necessary, part of the course of instruction, and the schoolmaster who
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would not give frequent applications of the birch to his pupils was looked upon as an incapable teacher. Charles Caldwell taught several terms about 1809. He was a cripple and resided on the other bank of the creek, in what is now Greenwood Township. Solomon Jennings, an old bachelor from Venango County, also wielded the ferule for several years. During these early days the schoolbooks in use were the Bible, the American Preceptor, Daboll's and Dilworth's arithmetics and Webster's spelling book. In 1834, while still part of Fairfield Township, there were three schools on the eastern side of the creek.
In 1896 five schools were in operation, with an average school year of seven months. One hundred and thirty-one pupils were in attendance, at an average cost per month to the township of $1.37. During the year about $1,450 was expended in the cause of education.
Shaw's Landing is a small hamlet pleasantly located on the banks of French Creek, in the western part of the township. It is a postoffice and a station on the Franklin branch of the New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio Rail- road. When the canal was in operation it was a shipping point of some im- portance, and contained an oil refinery and other industries. These no longer exist.
Stitzerville is the name given to a small settlement on Little Sugar Creek. Pettis, in the northern part, is a cross-roads settlement of a few houses. A postoffice is located there.
A Methodist Episcopal congregation was organized here soon after 1840 and for thirty years worshiped in schoolhouses in the vicinity. Sarah Went- worth, E. K. Gaston, D. Morris, John Wentworth and Hannah MeFarland were early members. About 1872 a church edifice was dedicated under the name of Kingsley Chapel, which cost about $2,000.
As the French settlement around Frenchtown increased in numbers it spread southward, and many of them became residents of East Fairfield. Others had scattered through various parts, some being located at Cochranton, and in 1844 it was decided to withdraw from the St. Hippolytus congregation at Frenchtown and establish an independent organization. Dennis Verrin. John B. Champigne, John C. Vernier and John LeFavrier were among the earliest and most prominent of those who assisted in the erection of the new church, which received the name of Saints Peter and Paul. Father Mark de la Roque was the first pastor, and was succeeded by Rev. Father Eugene Cogneville, who still officiates. The congregation has since been much re- duced in membership by the formation of St. Stephen's Church at Cochranton.
St. Mark's Reformed, formerly German Reformed, congregation, was or- ganized before 1858 by Rev. J. Kretzing. The church is located in the north- ern part of the township, where services had been conducted for several years
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previously by Revs. Leberman and Ernst. The Stitzers. Flaughs, Marleys. Weirs, Doutts and Harts were among the early members.
TIIE BOROUGH OF COCHRANTON.
The borough of Cochranton is located in the southern part of East Fair- field Township, at the confluence of Little Sugar Creek with French Creek. It is the most important village of the southern part of the county, and re- ceived its name from the original owners and settlers of the land on which it stands. Thomas Cochran, who had settled in Wayne Township about a mile east of where the village is located, gave to his son, Joseph Cochran, the south- ern part of tract 1,291, upon which the heart of the village lies, and he settled upon it at an early date. Charles Cochran, who was the first settler within the limits of the borough, though not in the village proper, was only distantly, if at all, related to the others. He came from the valley of the Susquehanna at an early date and settled on French Creek, near the village, as early as 1800. Here he took up a claim and remained upon it throughout life. His son James, better known as Colonel Cochran, was one of the prominent men of the early days and filled the office of justice of the peace. He lived upon the old home farm and kept a tavern and store for many years. During the War of 1812, while the able-bodied men were all at Erie, with the troops, a rough log fort was erected on this farm as a protection against the threatened Indian invasion, and in it the women and children of the neighborhood were assembled whenever there was fear of an attack.
During the early years of the century other pioneers settled in the same vicinity. John Adams, from Mifflin County, after a residence of a year or two in Butler County, came to the French Creek Valley and settled in the east- ern part of the borough in 1802, remaining until his death, more than half a century later. His descendants still reside in the vicinity. In 1802 he erected a saw mill and afterwards added a grist mill to the establishment. In 1825 he built a carding mill, of which his son James became proprietor. He disposed of the mills to a Mr. Mourier, and under his proprietorship they were destroyed by fire about 1845. They were rebuilt the next year by John Whitman, who afterwards sold them to George Merriman, by whom they were transferred to the Smith Brothers.
John Bell came from Allegheny County about 1828 and followed here his occupation as a cabinetmaker. A few years later George Henry opened a store. About 1840 a dozen or more families had gathered there and the popu- lation gradually increased. A postoffice was established and was at first kept on the pike, east of the village, but in 1852 Hugh Smith became postmaster and removed it to Cochranton. In 1855 C. Cochran and twenty-nine other resi- dents presented a petition to the Court of Quarter Sessions asking that Cochran- ton be erected into an independent borough, which was granted as prayed for.
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An election was held in the spring of the same year, when James Greer was elected burgess and Charles Cochran, D. M. Devore, Samuel Markel, William T. Dunn and Hugh Smith, council.
The growth of the village has been steady and constant. When the Franklin branch of the New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio Railroad was con- structed Cochranton was made a station, and afforded facilities which have" contributed much to the improvement of the place. It now contains numerous stores, shops, mills, markets and factories. in addition to hotels, churches, a bank and a newspaper. In 1877 the French Creek Valley Agricultural Asso- ciation was organized. which has since held annual fairs in Cochranton. Here the farmers meet to exhibit the products of their industry, and the expositions are largely attended and eminently successful.
The first number of the Cochranton Times was issued in November. 1878. R. H. Odell was the editor and publisher, and he continued in possession until 1880, when he sold it to C. A. Bell. It is an independent newspaper and is issued weekly. Some time before the Times was established a venture in the fields of journalism had been made in the publication of the Trigon, but it came to an untimely end after a brief and disastrous career.
Five schools are maintained in Cochranton during a school year of eight months. Six teachers are employed. three male and three female, the average monthly salary of the former being $57.50 and of the latter $30. The re- ports for 1896 show 222 pupils on the rolls. involving an average individual expense per month of $1.06. The amount raised for school purposes in the borough during the year was more than $2.200, of which $937.73 was received from State appropriation.
An Associate Reformed Church was organized in 1827. and was for many years connected with the old Conneaut Church in the northeastern part of Fairfield Township. It was the first church organization in the village and is known as the United Presbyterian Church. Joseph and James Cochran. William McKnight. David Blair. John Adams and John Fulton were among the first members. For many years meeting's were held in the barn of Joseph Cochran, until a frame meeting house was erected in 1834 on the corner of Pine and Smith Streets. Rev. Samuel F. Smith was the first pastor and officiated from 1828 until his death in 1846.
The Cochranton Presbyterian Church had its origin in a division which took place in the Associate Reformed. or United Presbyterian. Church. no- ticed above. About 1848 a part of their membership left and organized them- selves into a Covenanter or Reformed Presbyterian congregation. In 1852 3 building was erected on Franklin Street at a cost of S800, and in 1867 it became a branch of the regular Presbyterian Church.
The Methodist Episcopal Church of Cochranton was organized in 1839 by Rev. William Patterson, there being twelve members at that time. In 1843
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a church building was erected at a cost of $900. It is included in the Cochran- ton circuit.
Several families of Catholic belief reside in Cochranton, and for many years they formed part of the Frenchtown congregation. Afterwards, when SS. Peter and Paul Church was organized in Fairfield, they worshiped there. During some time services were held at the schoolhouse and in various resi- dences, and in 1874 St. Stephen's Catholic Church was erected on the south side of East Pine Street, at a cost of $1.600. Rev. Eugene Cogneville has officiated since its organization, and among the early members were Gilbert Doubet, George Galmiche. John Harding and John O'Neil.
CHAPTER VIII.
EAST FALLOWFIELD TOWNSHIP.
E AST FALLOWFIELD TOWNSHIP lies upon the southern border of the county, west
of the center, and contains 16,616 acres of land. Crooked Creek, which forms the western boundary, and, with its tributaries, drains the western portion. passes through a beautiful valley about a mile in width, skirted on either side by ranges of low hills. Its tributaries pass through the township in narrow ravines, which were in early times covered with forests of pine and hemlock. Union Run is the principal stream in the northern part, while the southern portion is drained by Henry's Run. both flowing in a westerly direc- tion into Crooked Creek. The soil is gravelly, with clay in some parts, and is well adapted either for grazing or grain. Lumbering was formerly an im- portant occupation. the principal timber being white oak, chestnut, ash, maple. beech and hickory. The line of the New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio Rail- road passes through the township from north to south.
Crawford County was in 1800 divided into townships, and to Fallow- field was assigned the following boundaries: "Beginning at the northeast corner of Shenango Township; thence eastwardly seven tracts, intersecting the line of a tract of land surveyed in the name of Israel Israel; thence northeast so as to include said tract ; thence by the land of Leonard Jacoby and Henry Kamerer to the southeast corner of the same; thence southwardly to the south boundary of Crawford County : thence by the same westwardly to the southeast corner of Shenango township: thence to place of beginning." These boundaries included large portions of what is now Vernon, Sadsbury and
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Greenwood, besides what is now West Fallowfield. In 1829 the boundaries were changed and Fallowfield was reduced to almost the same boundaries which now form the two townships of that name. In 1841 the division of the territory into the two Fallowfields took place, Crooked Creek forming the boundary. East Fallowfield is the larger, having more than twice the area of the land included in the territory of West Fallowfield.
Thomas Frame, a native of County Derry, Ireland, made an exploring ex- pedition into Fallowfield Township as early as 1792. He left Meadville with his rifle, a camp kettle and a two weeks' supply of provisions upon his back, but before he had been out many days his entire outfit was destroyed by fire. He located some land in the northwestern part of the township, and in 1797 made a permanent settlement here, spending the interval at Dunnstown, on the Susquehanna, where he had located upon his arrival in this country. He was a lifelong resident of East Fallowfield, and, in addition to farming, operated a distillery. Two of his sons, Edward and James, served at Erie during the War of 1812. Daniel Miller is said to have settled at the same time, and they are reputed to have been the only settlers in Crawford County at that date living west of Meadville.
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