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NUMliER I.

Published by order of the Executive Committee.

ANNALS

THE EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION

Cuyahoga County.

NUMBER I.

PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE EXECUTIVE COM.

CLEVELAND:

Mount & Carroll, Printers and Stationers.

1880.

- -^ -

THe:.-i:v/ yr. ■ -^

' I ■ - 7

LENOX AND
~QUND*T ,

OFFICERS OF THE ASSOCIATION, 1880.

HON. HARVEY RICE. President.

HON. JOHN W. ALLEN,)

\ Vice Presidents.
HON. JESSE P. BISHOP, )

THOMAS JONES, Jr., Secretary.
GEO. C. DODGE, Esq., Treasurer.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

GEO. F. MARSHALL,
R. T. LYON, DARIUS ADAMS,

M. M. SPANGLER, JOHN H. SARGENT.

THE EARLY SETTLERS IN CONVENTION.

The convention met on the day appointed, May 20th, 1880
in the afternoon, at 1 :30, at the Presbyterian Church, Euclid
Avenue, and corner of Brownell street. The public were in-
vited. The assemblage was large, and was mostly composed
of persons not only venerable for age, but noteworthy for in-
telligence. The platform was occupied by President Rice,
Vice President Allen, Rev. Thomas Corlett, and orators
S. E. Adams and F. J. Dickman. The exercises took place in
their order, as follows :

ORDER OF EXERCISES.

1.— Voluntary on the Organ.

2. — Prayer by Rev. Thomas Corlett.

Lord, the giver of all good things, we render thee our
unfailing thanks and praise for all thy mercies, and especially
for thy good providence in conducting us thus far through
the perils and dangers of the present life, and for raising our
thoughts and hopes to a holier and happier life above. We
desire this day to praise thy holy name for all the great things
which thou hast done for us as a people and as a nation, for the

4 ANNALS OF THE

goodly heritage which thou hast given us, for the civil and
religious privileges which we enjoy, and for the multiplied
manifestations of thy favor and goodness towards us. Grant
us grace to show forth our thankfulness to thee for these thy
mercies, and to live in hoh' obedience to thy righteous laws.
We implore thy blessing on our C'hief Magistrate and all
others in authorit}', that they may so discharge their several
duties as most eftectually to promote thy glory, the interests
of true religion and virtue, and the peace and honor and
welfare of the State and Nation ; and to us who are assembled
to revive the memories of the past, and to renew old acquaint-
ance, grant thy special blessing and grace, through Jesus
Christ, our Lord. Amen.

3. — Song--"Auld Lang Syne." Arion Quartette.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot.

And never brought to min'?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And days of o' lang syne?

Chokus — ¥ov auld lang syne, mj^ dear.
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet.
For auld lang sxthq.

« « « • I

« • « «

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATON.

We twa hae ran about the braes,

And pu't the gowaus fine;
But we've wandered mony a weary foot,
Sin auld lang syne.
Cho. — For auld, &c.

We twa hae paidl't i' the burn,

Frae mornin sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roared.

Sin auld lang syne.
C"ho. — For auld, &c.

And here's a hand, my trusty fier,

And gie's a hand o' thine;
And we'll tak a right guid-willie waught.

For auld lang syne.
Cho. — For auld, &c.

And surel}^ ye' 11 be your pint-stowp.

And surely I'll be mine:
And we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet.

For auld lang syne.
Cho. — For auld, &c.

6 aNnals of THt:

4. — Inaugural Address, by Harvey Rice, President of
the Association.

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Association: The occasion
which convenes us is one of unusual interest, especialh' as it
is the first annual convention devoted to public exercises,
which we, as an organized fraternity, have attempted to hold.
While we who are early settlers have been busy in our
time, time has been busy with us, and has crowned the heads
of most of us with the silvery frostwork of age. The crown
is one of honor, which honorably connects us with that heroic
phalanx of early pioneers who were active in subduing a wil-
derness and in transforming it into a civilized land of happy
homes — the rich inheritance of the living present and the
destined patrimony of the unborn future.

It is the leading object of this association, as expressed in
its constitution, "to meet in convention annuall}^ with a view
of l)rinffiua: its members into more intimate social relations,
and collecting all such interesting facts, incidents, relics and
personal reminiscences relatiA^e to the early history and
settlement of Cuyahoga county as may be regarded of per-
manent value, and transferring the same to the 'Western
Reserve Historical Society' for preservation."

It is in this way, and only in this way, as it seems to us,
that the lessons of pioneer life, with its jo^'s and its sorrows,

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 7

its trials and its hardships, can be rescued from oblivion and
inscribed, as they should be, on the heart tablet of every child
in the land. These are the grand aims of the association. It
will be readily inferred, therefore, that the association does
not convene for the purpose of celebrating an annual "festival"
in the ordinary sense of that word, but rather for the purpose
of enjoing "a feast of reason and a flow of soul," with simpli-
city of preparation and with a desire to create and leave a
record of its work as a bequest to posterity. This it proposes
to do by appropriating its funds arising from membership
fees to the publication of an annual pamphlet containing its
proceedings, with notices of its deceased members, and dis-
tributing the pamphlet gratuitously to the members of the
association, so that we shall have, in time, a valuable history
of the original pioneers and early settlers of our city and
county, to which we, and they who follow in our footsteps,
can refer, and derive both profit and pleasure. In fact, every
generation has its early settlers, in whose life experiences all
succeeding generations become interested. Thus time con-
secrates character, and embalms it. Hence our Association
has the elements of perpetuity, and will, we trust, perpetuate
itself.

If we look back into the records of early times, we shall
encounter the surprising fact that a little less than a century
ago this beautiful region which we now occupy was a part of

8 ANNALS OP THE

that vast unexplored territoiy whose western boundar}- was
supposed to be lost in the golden twilight of the setting sun,
and whose wild domain seemed destined to remain forever
hushed in the silence of its own solitude, save when awakened
here and there b_y the dismal howl of the wolf, and still more
dismal warwhoop of the savage.

From time immemorial, a powerful Indian tribe, known as
the Eries, occupied the south-eastern shore of Lake Erie, from
whom the lake derives its name. They were a warlike race,
and as evidence of this, have bequeathed to our times a series
of earth mounds, some of which are still visible at different
points along the lake coast. The origin and object of these
mounds furnish a mystic problem, which our modern anti-
quarians have not, as yet, satisfactorily solved. It is quite
probable, however, that these mounds were designed to mark
not only the battle fields, but the sepulchres of the brave
Eries, who lived, flourished, and became extinct at a date
which belongs to the pre-historic ages. After their extinction
they were succeeded by fragments of various migrating tribes,
who continued to occupj' the ancient domain of the Eries,
especially the Valley of the Cuyahoga, for a long period of
years, and in fact became "monarchs of all they surveyed."

Yet this wild region had a much higher destiny — a destiny
which its dusky occupants did not comprehend. Their
prophets, however, frequently predicted that a superior race

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 9

would at no remote period invade their wild domains and
appropriate them. In fact there were at that time, though
unbeknown to the Indian prophets, great moral forces at work
in the civilized world, which ultimately verified their prophetic
utterances. Adventurers from the Old World soon began to
colonize, at various points, the wilds of the New World. Our
Pilgrim Fathers landed at Plymouth Rock. A series of small
colonies soon dotted the New England coast. Among: these
was the colony of New Haven, a colony that grew in strength
and in greed, loved land and liberty, and resolved to have
more of both. In order to effect this, she sent her favorite
Governor, Winthrop, in 1662, to England, with a prepared
charter such as she desired, to solicit from Charles II. a grant
of additional land and liberty. Though Winthrop accepted
the mission he felt doubtful of its success, for the reason that
his constituents had S3^mpathized with Cromwell, who had
beheaded Charles I., the royal father of the reigning King, and
especially as the latter had recently expressed his indignation
by ordering the dead body of Cromwell to be disinterred,
publicly hanged and buried at the foot of the gallows.

In view of this expression of contempt on the part of the
King for the memory of Cromwell and his adherents, Win-
throp, when admitted to an audience, became sadly embar-
rassed in hitting upon a favorable method of introducing the
subject of his mission, but, as luck would have it, he be-

10 ANNALS OF THE

thought himself of the sparkling, massive finger-riug which
he wore, and which had been bestowed by Charles I. on his
father in recognition of valuable public services, and, disen-
gaging the ring, related its history, and placed it in the hand
of His Majesty, who, at sight of it, was moved even to tears,
since it instantly recalled from the past many endeared
memories of his royal sire. Availing himself of this golden
opportunity, Winthrop delicately alluded to the subject of his
mission, and in a reverential manner presented the prepared
draft of a charter which he had brought with him, and re-
quested His Majesty's seal and signature, which were readily
accorded. The Colonial Governor then returned to New
Haven, bearing the "glad tidings" of his success, and was re-
ceived by his expectant constituents with wild enthusiasm.

The charter thus obtained granted to the New Haven
Colony all the territory lying west of her limits and between
the same parallels, from "sea to sea." Neither the King nor
the colonists at that time had any definite knowledge of the
extent of the grant. Soon after this Charles II. died and
was succeeded by James II., who did not sympathize with the
New Haven colonists or approve the extravagant grant which
they had received from his royal predecessor. He therefore
demanded a surrender of the charter and directed a military
force to march on Hartford, where the Colonial Assembly
were in session, to enforce the demand. The Assembly,

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 11

thougli surrounded by royal troops, instead of being intimi-
dated, proceeded coolly to discuss the question of surrender,
until nightfall overtook them, when candles were sent for; but
before lights could be brought some sly colonial patriot seized
the charter, which lay on the table, escaped with it through
an open window, and hid the prize in the heart of a neighbor-
ing oak. When the lights appeared, the charter was nowhere
to be found. The commander of the besieging troops appre-
ciated the "logic of events" and retired with his troops in
disgust, frankly acknowledging that he had been completely
outgeneraled. In due time, however, the charter was repro-
duced. The old charter oak, while it stood, was revered as
the "tree of liberty." The great and glorious principles of
that charter still remain embodied in the Constitution of the
plucky little State of Connecticut — a State that has produced
more eminent men, in proportion to her population, perhaps,
than an}'^ other State in the Union.

It was in the month of August, 1679, that the first ship
that ever sailed on the waters of Lake Erie was seen in the
distance approaching the coast of the "Western Reserve. This
ship was the "Griffin," commanded by La Salle, built by
Frenchmen near Buffalo, and sent out to explore the lake
regions and secure trade with the aborigines. The Indians
of the Reserve beheld the vision with alarm, and believed it
to be a white-winged messenger, half walking and half flying

12 ANNALS OF THE

on the water, sent by the Great Spirit to chastise them for
their neglect of divine observances, and hence they fled, panic-
stricken, into the forest and hid themselves in its dark reces-
ses until the vision had passed out of sight. This eftbrt to
secure the native trade was soon followed by the establish-
ment of French and English trading posts and military forts
at different points along the great chain of our northwestern
lakes. Then came missionary efforts to christianize the
natives, followed by the introduction of a more refined race,
whose object was to secure wealth and western homes.

Soon after the American Revolution the vast western
territory granted by Charles II. to the colony of New Haven
became the subject of contention between sundry claimants,
which Congress adjusted by awarding to the State of Connec-
ticut what is now known as the Western Reserve, because the
tract was "reserved" in the adjustment as her share; but, as
compared with her original claim, Connecticut thought it an
insignificant patch of woodland, though it contained three
and a half million of acres. She accepted it, however, as a
choice between evils, and soon afterwards sold the entire tract
to a land company composed of her own citizens.

This company in 1796 sent out, in charge of General Moses
Cleaveland, a party of surveyors to survey this tract into
townships and hundred-acre lots, preparatory to placing the
land in market. The General with his survey' party, accom-

)

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION 13

panied with a few emigrants, some fifty souls in all, after
reaching Buffalo, proceeded by way of the lake in open boats,
and landed at Conneaut, on the Fourth of July, and at once
resolved to celebrate the day. The party made hasty prepar-
ations, flung the "banner of freedom" to the breeze, and pro-
vided a sumptuous dinner, consisting of baked pork and beans,
rye and corn bread, and other similar luxuries. The General
extemporized an oration, and when the party had concluded
the dinner, patriotic sentiments were offered, and responses
given, crowned with the firing of guns and oft repeated drinks
from cups brimming with a beverage dipped from the crystal
bowl of Lake Erie, and infused, doubtless, with a liberal share
of the "ardent" for the "stomach's sake." This was the first
celebration of the Fourth of July that occurred in the Western
Eeserve.

The next day after the celebration the party proceeded to
fell timber and erect a log store house, which they called
"Stowe's Castle," in honor of Joshua Stowe, who was their
commissary. This strange and uncouth structure attracted
the attention of the Indians, who gazed at it with wonder and
retired in silence. In a few days the chiefs sent a messenger,
demanding to know what were the intentions of the white
intruders. This demand resulted in an agreement for holding
a council. On the oppointed day the principal chief, Piqua,
and his son, Cato, appeared with their attendant warriors,

14: ANNALS OF THE

painted and plumed, and seated themselves in a circle upon
the ground in the shadow of "Stowe's Castle," and invited
General Cleavcland to a seat in the center of the group. Cato
made the opening speech, to which General (Ueaveland replied
in a manner so conciliatory and pleasing to the Indians that
the chiefs presented him at once the "pipe of peace" with some
silver trinkets of value. He accepted the gifts, and after
smoking the "i^ipe of peace" with the Indian counselors, he
returned the compliment by presenting the chiefs with a keg
of whisky and a liberal quantity of glass beads for their
squaws. This settled at once all objections on the part of the
Indians to the further progress of the survey.

General Cleaveland was familiarly called "Moses" by the
surveyors, because he led them into the wilderness, and was
expected to lead them through it. He remained about two
weeks at Conneaut, and then proceeded with a small detach-
ment of surveyors on his wa}^ up the lake in an open boat,
with a view to commence surveys at the confluence of the
(Juyahoga river. On the voyage he discovered a river, not
traced on his map, which he supposed to be the Cuyahoga.
He entered its channel, and after much toil and delay discov-
ered that it was a "Mistake of Moses," and retraced his steps
so chagrined that he instantly named this unknown river the
"Chagrin," a significnnt designation by which it has ever since
been known.

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 15

After correcting this Mosaic mistake, he reached the verit-
able Cuyahoga river on the 22nd of July, and in attempting
to land on its eastern bank near the foot of Union Lane, ran
his boat aground. Here "Moses" found himself cradled, like
his ancient namesake, among the bulrushes. He and his
party, however, succeeded in extricating themselves without
serious difficulty, ascended the steep bluff, and were greatly
delighted in beholding a beautiful plain of woodland, stretch-
ing away to the south, east, and west of them as far as the eye
could reach, and seeming like a shoreless sea of waving foliage.
While standing on this angular nook of land, formed by the
junction of the river with the lake. General Cleaveland pre-
dicted that here was the spot where a great commercial city
would arise at no distant day, and give tone and character
not only to western commerce, but to Western civilization.
So impressed was he with this belief that he directed a survey
of this angular nook of land into city lots, and while hesitat-
ing in the selection of an appropriate name for his predicted
city, his associates in the survey came to his relief and named
it "Cleaveland," in honor of their respected chief of staft'. The
General blushed«, bowed, and accepted the compliment.

From her baptismal day the infant city of Cleveland grew
in strength and in beauty, and with her growth grew the
"region round about;" and yet the city, though now possess-
ing a population of 170,000, is still in her infancy, or rather

16 ANNALS OF THE

girlhood, sitting enthroned like a queen on the emerald bank
of Lake Erie, looking into the crystal wave, as into a mirror,
and admiring her own charms, while she 'is still more admired
by the dazzled e3'e of' every stranger who comes within the
charmed circle of her acquaintance.

5. — Song — "Hail Columbia." Arion Quartette.

Hail, Columbia, happy land!

Hail, ye heroes, heaven born band !

Who fought and bled in Freedom's cause,

Who fought and bled in Freedom's cause;
And when the storm of war was gone,
Enjoy'd the peace your valor won.

Let independence be our boast.

Ever mindful what it cost;

Ever grateful for the prize.

Let its altar reach the skies.

Chorus — Firm-united let us be,

Rall3ing 'round our Liberty,
As a band of brothers joined.
Peace and safety we shall find.

Immortal patriots ! rise once more ;
Defend your rights, defend your shore;
Let no rude foe with impious hand,
Let no rude foe with impious hand,

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 17

Invade the shrine where sacred lies
Of toil and blood the well-earned prize.
While offering peace sincere and just,
In Heaven we place a manly trust,
That truth and justice will prevail ;
And every scheme of bondage fail.
Cho. — Firm-united, &c.

6. — Historical Address, By S. E. Adams, Esq.

An historical address can be little more than a brief recapit-
ulation of human transactions and social events gleaned from
historical records and unwritten tradition. Originality in such
an address is hardly possible. For my present purpose I have
therefore gathered a posy of other men's flowers, and little
else than the thread that binds them is mine. An irresistible
fascination attaches to the early history of every people. We
long to penetrate that mysterious veil which the flight of ages
has flung around the cradle of our race. How earnestly we
scrutinize the oldest records which may possibly shed a ray
of light upon the long-forgotten past. History furnishes but
little aid or encouragement to the archaeologist in the study of
anthropology, and not until recent years could the archaeologist
trace the memorials of man further back than about the be-
ginning of written history. But now he can confidently point
us to mementoes of man in this and other lands which date so

18 ANNALS OF THE

far back in the long series of eventful years, and so infinitely
beyond the first dim glimmerings of history and tradition,
that they know nothing about them, nor do they even mention
them — of a time far anterior to the formation and gradual ap-
proach of that vast body of ice which scooped and hollowed
out the rocky basin in which rests our beaxitiful Lake Erie ; of
a time long before the wonderful grottoes and caves of Ken-
tucky were formed by the slow percolation of acidulated water
through the solid rock. To the archseologist the massive
structures of the Mound Builders, and the races who immedi-
ately preceded them, however venerable their antiquity, are but
the work of yesterday. He has arranged the memorials of
pre-historic man under three groups, and adopted a classifica-
tion predicated upon ditterential features presented by pre-
historic weapons, implements and personal ornaments, of stone
bronze and iron. But a detailed statement of the evidence
which geology and archaeology furnish of the great antiquity
of man would take me beyond the limits I have prescribed for
this address.

Assuming that what has transpired within the last quarter
of the century just closed, to enhance the growth and commer-
cial prosperity of our city, is familiar to all members of this
association, I shall attempt nothing more than a partial and
imperfect digest of earlier events in the history of Cleveland.
As far back as 1749, the mouth of the Cuyahoga was

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION, 19

favorably regarded by explorers and geographers as a point
which would ultimately become vastly important in its rela-
tions to the commerce of the great West.

As early as 1765, Benjamin Franklin, with his usual
sagacity, foresaw* its availability and recommended its occu-
pancy as a military post. Washington, while various projects
for water communication between the great northern lakes and
Chesapeake Bay were being considered, suggested the practic-
ability of a route from Lake Erie by way of the Cuyahoga,
Tuscarawas and Muskingum into the Ohio, as an outlet to the
future inland commerce of the lakes. This route necessitated
a portage near Akron of less than seven miles, whereby ship-
ments were to be transferred from the lakes to the River Ohio ;
thence to ascend its upper tributaries into the mountains, from
whence by another portage, would be reached the navigable
rivers falling into the Atlantic. The commercial importance,
of the mouth of the Cuyahoga was thus early perceived by
distinguished men ; nevertheless history gives no reliable in-
formation of its permanent occupancy for trade or commerce
anterior to the year 1786; nor is there any evidence that any
active measures were taken to carry forward this scheme for
opening communication between the lakes and the Atlantic,
and nothing more is heard of it until 1793-4, when the State
of New York proposed to provide an outlet for lake com-
merce, by clearing out and improving the Oswego and

20 ANNALS OF THE

Mohawk Rivers, when the discussion of the route by the
Cuyahoga, and Tuscarawas iuto the Ohio wan revived. We
are destitute of further historical facts concerning eitlier of
these projects, from the year 1794 until 1807 — five years after
Ohio was admitted into the Union as a State. In that year
the Legislature passed an act authorizing a lottery for the
purpose of raising $12,000 for improving navigation between
Lake Erie and the river Ohio. The Commissioners appointed
by the act met and organized, published the scheme and sold
a few tickets for five dollars each; but no drawing ever
occurred, and finally, in after A-ears, the money but without
interest was graciously refunded to such of the ticket holders
as had retained their tickets ; and that was all. May it not
be that the failure of this brilliant scheme culminated in the
enactment by the Legislature of our earliest statutes against
all lotteries and schemes of chance? These several plans of
improvements having failed, the great Northern Lakes, whose
shores now teem with millions of industrious and intelligent
people, remained without water communication with the
Atlantic Ocean and the outside world until the final comple-
tion of the Erie Canal in the year 1825. Within the memory
of many present, how vast the change; how wonderful and
almost magical the transition ! Some of you doubtless remem-
ber the boding yell of the Indian, and the hoarse growl of
wild animals as they reverberated along the lonely shore, or

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 21

broke the stillness of the miduig-ht air, startling you from
sweet dreams of far oft' friends, and instinctively causing you
to grasp the ever-present weapon of defense. But you have
lived to see this beautiful city, with its vast industries, its
commercial and mercantile structures, its magnificent private
residences, its public school houses, and splendid temples of
worship rise and expand over a territory which was but a
wilderness when yon first beheld it. And you have remained
that you might hear the musical monotone of the approaching
steamer, and the shrill whistle of the locomotive succeed the
gloomy silence of the woods, and the roar of the breakers.
The frail skiff, once youi- only means of crossing the Cuya-
hoga, has given place to a bridge of monumental arches which
will endure until that river shall cease to flow. And now, in-
stead of waiting, as in earlier days, the uncertain and long
delayed, though ever welcome arrival of some adventurous
neighbor from the east, with news from friends and the old
home, you may instantly communicate bj- telegraph.

Concerning the early occupation of the site on which our
city stands, and the scene presented to General Moses Cleave-
land and his associates on his arrival here on the morning of
the 22d day of July, 1796, I cannot do l)etter than to repro-
duce substantially the eloquent and graphic words of our
distinguished fellow-citizen. Colonel Charles Whittlese}^: "All
the party must have felt unusually interested as they

22 ANNALS OF THE

approached the spot. As they coasted close along the shore,
overhung by a dense green forest, mirrored in the waters over
which they were passing, the mouth of the river disclosed it-
self, as a small opening between low banks of sand. The man
who controls the party is seated in the stern, steering his own
craft, which is gracefully headed into the stream. His com-
plexion was so swarth}^ his figure so square and stout, and
his dress so rude, that the Indians supposed some of the
blood of their race had crept into his veins. As they passed
into the channel, and the broad river unfolded itself to their
view, bordered by marshes, reeds and coarse grass, their anti-
cipations must have been somewhat moderated. The flats on
the west side and the densely wooded bluffs on the east pre-
sented anything but a cheerful prospect. It was necessary
to proceed some distance along this shore before there was
solid ground enough to effect a landing."

"As the Indians had from generation to generation kept
open a trail along the margin of the lake, it is probable that
Cleaveland's party, scanning with sharp eyes every object as
they moved along the river, saw where the aboriginal highway
descended the hill, along what is now Union Lane. Here they
came to the bank, and scrambling out, trod for the first time
the soil of the future city. While the boat was being un-
loaded Cleaveland had an opportunity to ascend the bluff and
scan the surrounding scenery. This view must have revived

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATON. 23

his enthusiasm more than the swamps along the river had
depressed it. A young growth of oaks with low bushy tops
covered the ground. Beneath them were thrifty bushes,
rooted in a lean but dry and pleasant soil favorable to the
object in view. A smooth and even field sloped gently toward
the lake, whose blue waters could be seen extending to the
horizon. His imagination doubtless indulged in a pardonable
flight into the future, when a great commercial city should
take the place of the stinted forest growth which the northern
tempests had nearly destroyed. But whatever may have been
his anticipations, the reality has outstripped them all. Such
a combination of natural beauty, with natural advantages of
business, is rarely witnessed." As he gazed Avith rapture
upon the far-off lake and the tortuous river at his feet, well
might he have imagined that tlie time was not extremely
distant when all the natural facilities within range of his
vision would be utilized by the inhabitants of an enterprising
city to be built upon the ground where he stood, and which
should perpetuate his name forever. Pardon me for suggest-
ing that this association would do a noble and commendable
act were it to inaugurate a project for the erection in Lake
View Park of a monument crowned with a statue of General
Cleaveland, commemorative of his having founded our beauti-
ful city. I cannot doubt that our citizens, ever proverbial for
liberality, would aid us in the work. I would also most

24 ANNALS OF THE

respectfully suggest that hereafter our aunual meeting be held
on the 22d day of July — the anniversary of General Cleave
land's arrival at the mouth of the Cuyahoga.

7. — Song — "The Good Old Days." Arion Quartette.

Give me the good old days again,
When hearts were true and manners plain ;
When boys were boys till fully grown,
And baby belles were never known ;
When doctor's bills were light and few,
And lawyers had not much to do;
When honest toil was well repaid,
And theft had not become a trade.

Give me the good old days again.
When cider was not called champagne;
When round the fire, in wintry weather.
Dry jokes and nuts were cracked together;
When girls their lovers battled for.
With seeds from juicy apple's core;
While mam and dad looked on with glee.
Well pleased their merriment to see.

Give me the good old days again,
When onty health}' meat was slain ;
When flour was pure, and milk was sweet.

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 25

And sausages were fit to eat;
When children early went to bed,
And ate no sugar on their bread,
When lard was not turned into butter.
And tradesmen only truth could uttex\

Give us the good old days again.
When women were not proud and vain ;
When fashon did not sense outrun.
And tailors had no need to dun ;
When wealthy parents were not fools.
And common sense was taught in schools ;
When hearts were warm, and friends were true.
And Satan had not much to do!

8. — Life and Character of deceased Pioneers, by
F. J. Diekman, Esq.

Mr. President:

It was announced a short time ago through

our local press that there would be addresses on this occasion

by several of our oldest citizens. While I do not claim to

have come down to you from a former generation, I am old

enough to cherish the memory of our early settlers, and am,

perhaps, coeval with many who have seen and talked with

some of the pioneers of our county. Some of them died full

of years, and we can almost catch the tones of their voice as

26 ANNALS OF tse:

they recounted the trials and the raptures of their struggles
with the rude forces of nature. To some of them the veil
was uplifted before their eyes were closed in death, and they
could behold, in a not far distant future, on the banks of our
lake, a beautiful and flourishing city, the pride of our Western
civilization, teeming with population, adorned with temples of
religious worship, endowed with a noble system of schools,
alive with the activities of a large and growing commerce, and
of manufactures to which all the strong and manly arts pay
tribute.

It is not our office, in the light of historic truth, to exalt
to the statue of heroes all who carried the compass and chain,
or plied the settler's ax in the forests of New Connecticut.
But, during the first sixteen or seventeen years following the
22d of July, 1796, when the surveying part^' entered the
mouth of the Cuyahoga from the lake, there came to the
Western Reserve, and settled within the present limits of our
county, a class of men whose characteristics we may well
admire and commemorate. Thej' did not leave their homes
because they were there the victims of intolerance, and could
not there follow the dictates of a tender and enlightened con-
science. They came here to improve their material condition
— to better their worldly fortunes. Like the rest of us, they
had an eye to the main chance in life; but they richlj-
earned and paid a hundred fold for all thej' received.

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 27

The land, the river and the lake acknowledged their authority,
and surrendered to them their treasures only after the
greatest patience, perseverance and hardship. He who
makes the blade of grass to spring up where it would
not o;row before, becomes a benefactor of the race. While
the earth yields her increase, the city and the town
spring up, and with the accumulation of capital come the com
forts and luxuries of life, and many of those appliances and
institutions which minister to the general happiness and pros-
perity. And so it is, as we see the city arise where once was
the primeval forest, our thoughts revert to the pioneers, who
fell the trees; and till the soil, and seeking to exchange the
products of their industry, start into being the village and the
town, as the natural outgrowth of their own necessities. The
backwoodsmen thus become the founders of our civilization,
and, filled with the pride of ancestry, their names and achieve-
ments become our most cherished traditions.

It was not until the year 1800 that the right o' jurisdiction
over the Reserve was relinquished to the Union by the State
of Connecticut. Prior to such relinquishment, there had been
no civil government existing or likely to exist in the district.
It required, therefore, no ordinary resolution to give up the
advantages of State and Federal protection, and incur the risk
of unrestrained lawlessness in a wild Western settlement. But
we have no record of violated rights of person or of property

28 ANNALS OF THE

among the settlers. The same instinctive reverence for law,
the same self reliance, patient endurance, industry and thrift,
which made him a good citizen at home, characterized the
settler when he became a sovereign and law unto himself in
the wilderness of the Western Reserve. He was, however,
only a type of those who followed his trail, to live under a
State organization, and help build up the thriving and well
ordered communities on the shores of the lake. As we look
around us, and behold on all sides the evidences of unex-
ampled progress, we see but the embodiment of the same ideas,
habits and principles which governed the dail}- life of those for
whose labors and virtues we would to-day express our grati-
tude and admiration.

In contemplating the life and character of our early settlers,
their principles and motives of action, it will occur to you that
the firmest guaranty of private honor and good faith in all our
business transactions may be traced to the ordinance of 1787
for the government of the pioneers of the Northwest territor^^
and to the wisdom, sagacity and justice of its New England
author, Nathan Dane of Massachusetts. In the multiform
engagements of business you feel that you will be secure
against any and all legislative action by which the obligation
of your private contracts might be impaired. This safeguard
pecidiar to our American Constitutional law found its way
into our Federal Constitution from the clause in that memor-

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 29

able ordinance which provided that no law ought ever to be
made or have force in the Northwest territory that would in
any manner, whatever, interfere with or affect private contracts
or engagements. It would be difficult to measure the vast in-
fluence which has been exercised on the security of property
by the operation of this wise and effective provision. Its in-
corporation with our organic law is a monument to the wisdom,
honesty and probity of New England. It gives us assurance
that in the midst of party strife, and with the most hostile
faction in the ascendant, a stern regard to private rights will
characterize our State legislation. I have especially referred
to this provision in that famous ordinance as illustrating the
noble ideas and principles which lay at the foundation of the
government of our Northwest territory, and which emanated
among the progenitors of those whose memory we celebrate
to-day.

One of the tests of the character of a people lies in the
extent to which they utilize the gifts of nature around them.
At an earl}' day there were among the settlers of our county
men of large forecast and comprehensive views of internal
improvement, who clearly discerned the commercial import-
ance of the mouth of the Cuyahega. The great natural routes
known to the eai'ly geographers and statesmen did not escape
their penetrating glance. A scheme was formed for improving
the navigation between the lake and the river Ohio through

30 ANNALS OF THE

the Cuyahoga and the Muskingum. The project failed, but it
was the foreshadowing of a grander enterprise which will
always be connected with the enterprise and sagacity of a
master mind that illustrated the early history of Cleveland.
It was the concurrent testimony of skillful engineers that, in
connecting the lake with the river Ohio, the navigation of the
beds of small rivers was inferior to the canal as a mode of
commercial intercourse. The great public work, therefore,
which now traverses our State and opens a direct water com-
munication with the Gulf of Mexico, could not long be
delayed. The canal has succumbed to the railroad, and is no
longer perhaps the necessity it once was; but, as a potent
agent for the development of the resources of our State, it
will ever be regarded as one of the noblest achievements, and
its originators and builders will have a lasting claim upon
the gratitude of our people. When the Erie Canal was com-
pleted and the inland seas of the West were conducted in
proud triumph, to the bosom of the Atlantic, it was proclaimed
that the name of DeWitt Clinton would be transmitted to suc-
ceeding generations and cherished as a possession forever.
Let us not then, on this occasion, forget the name of Alfred
Kelley. In the prime of his manhood he cast his lot with the
people of our city, and was in the forefront of every enterprise
for the public good. During the construction and until the
completion of the Ohio canal, he was the acting commissioner

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 31

and resided in our midst. He was a man of capacious mind,
of unconquerable will, of untiring energy, and of unfailing
power of endurance. He seemed eminently fitted for the Her-
culaan task which he undertook ; and in the selection of him
for the arduous work, it proved in the end that fortune had
smiled upon the State. In the city of Columbus, to which he
removed from Cleveland, he exerted his great powers in other
fields of public labor ; and, as State Fund Commissioner, saved
our State from the dishonor of repudiation ; and as a profound
master of finance originated a banking system which remained
in successful operation for twenty years. In alluding to his
life and labors, we would not be unmindful of the signal merits
of others who were engaged with him, and wrought faithfully
and at the same time, and in the same public service; but his
name belongs to the history of Cuyahoga county, and we would
recall the lineaments of his character as we would revive in
memory the cherished images of those who once belonged to
our own household.

The men who brought their household goods to the Western
Reserve eighty years ago found an environment far different
from what they would find to-day in one of our newly-orga-
nized territories. Railroads are now penetrating the continent
to the farthest settlement. Labor saving machinery and almost
every article of comfort may be placed now, on the shortest
notice, at the door of the settler's cabin. The products of his

32 ANNALS OF THE

labor now tind a profitable market, and he is not unfamiliar with
the sight of money. • The savage, too, once so formidable, will
soon cease to be an object of terror to him. So far as physical
causes can operate, his character can be subjected in only a com-
paratively slight degree to novel influences. But our own
pioneers were subject to other conditions, and to many trans-
forming agencies. Taking no account of ancestral traits or na-
tural tendencies, they could not, from the necessities of their
situation, fail to wax independent in spirit, fearless in danger,
tenacious in their opinions, persistent in their undertakings,
and thrifty in their habits. If they had not been affected by
their surroundings, the}^ would have been an exception to the
general law which governs the rest of mankind. It is well
said by Buckle that physical agents powerful^ influence the
human race; that they have originated the most important
consequences in regard to the general organization of society,
and from them there have followed many of those large and
conspicuous differences between nations which are often
ascribed to some fundamental difference in the various races
into which mankind is divided. In studying the character,
then, of. our early settlers it becomes of interest to know the
manner in which they lived, what their occupations were, to
what perils they were exposed, what was the drift of their
thoughts, what, if any, opportunities they had for education,
what were their pastimes and social enjoyments, what, in fine,

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 33

was the difference between their new condition and that which
the}' had left behind them. Our pioneer records thus become
attractive and fraught with instruction, and are no longer
musty and repulsive chronicles, and you gather up the leaves
that would otherwise perhaps be scattered. You learn of the
dreadful sufferings of James Kingsbury and his family,
during the first winter after their arrival at Conneaut. Major
Lorenzo Carter is the might}^ hunter, and the terror of
the bear. He it was who dwelt in the log house, on
the slope from Superior street to the harljor. The sight
of weakness and oppression can draw "iron tears" down
his cheek, and the fugitive from slavery, on his way to
the land of promise beyond the lake, feels his helping hand.
His maxim was, not to give an insult, but when he received
one, the giver usually bowed beneath his sturdj- stroke. His
influence with the Indian was unbounded, for he was known
alwa^'s to do justice to him. Judge Huntington, on his way
from Painesville on horseback, while floundering after dark
through a swamp at what is now the corner of Wilson avenue
and Euclid street, is attacked by a gang of hungry wolves
and barely escapes. For two or three mouths the only way
in which the Doane family were supplied with food was for
young Seth Doane, who had two attacks of fever and ague
daily, to walk to Kingsbur3^'s, five miles distant, with a peck
of corn, grind it in a hand mill and bring it home upon his

34 ANNALS OF THE

shoulders. In the morning after his first attacli of ague was
over, he Avould start on his journe\^, and having obtained his
meal, he would wait until the second attack on that day was
over and then set out on his return. In the year 1802 the
Rev. Joseph Badger, a soldier of the revolution, writes that he
had preached on the Sabbath inNewburg, that there Avere live
families there but no apparent piety, and that they all seemed
to glory in their infidelity. These few brands, however, we
are assured, were afterwards snatched from the burning.
During the same year the first village school was held in
Major Carter's house, and Anna Spatibrd was the teacher.
Economy in those days was counted among the Christian vir-
tues. Three Western Reserve boys left home for Connecticut
to get their education, with fifteen dolku's among them, and
reached New Haven with twelve still in their pockets. One
frugal young man, wishing to visit the ancestral home in New
England, bought him a cow, and trudging at her heels with
his book, lived on her milk and what he got in exchange for
it, and sold her at an advance when he reached his point of
destination. In 1809, Stanley Griswold informs his friend in
Vermont that Cleveland would be an excellent place for an
enterprising and skillful young physician; that the country
around bid fair to increase rapidly in population ; that a 3'oung
physician, well qualified, would be certain to succeed; but,
for a short time, if without means, he must keep school in

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. OO

winter, till a piece of ground, bring a few goods for sale, or
do something else in connection with his practice. The next
year the physician came, and the attorney also entered his
appearance. The fur trade grows into a lucrative branch of
business, and Nathan Perr}^, tilled with the mercantile spirit,
masters the Indian dialect and lays the foundation of an
ample fortune. The river holds out its inducements for
honest gain, and Noble H. Merwin, crossing the mountains,
becomes the founder of our city's commerce, and builds the
good schooner "Minerva" — the tirst vessel registered at
Washington from the district of Cuyahoga. But let me not
detain you any longer with these fragmentary incidents and
details of our early history.

I would that at this gathering I could point in fitting terms
to the lessons which the pioneers of the Western Reserve and
their descendants have read to the world within the past
seventy years. In all the stirring events of peace and of
war, that have risen to National importance, they have borne
a conspicuous part. With but little outward enthusiasm, the
current of their feelings and convictions has run deep and
strong, and their latent ardor of soul has known no diminu-
tion. They have occasionally been called impracticable, and
have been slow to compensate, reconcile and balance; but it
is because they have regarded it a low and groveling policy
to prefer expediency to right, and have feared the maxim that

36 ANNALS OF THE

in public affairs we should "join compliance with reason and
sacrifice to the graces." Whenever any great measure has
appealed to the moral sense, even though in feeble terms, it
has been easy to determine where they would take their stand.
Though they may at times have seemed to be a peculiar
people, they have always been zealous of good works. Such
an element in the mass of our national interests is not incap-
able of imparting a healthy tone to public sentiment and of
extending its salutary influence to the farthest extremities.
With such dejith of conviction and earnestness of purpose in
the line of duty, those who have gone forth from our Western
Reserve to try their fortunes in other regions, have carried the
talisman of success, and have reflected the lustre of their
triumphs upon the place of their origin. They are found in
the halls of legislation ; among the officers of the armj- and
the navy; among the ornaments of tlie bench and the leaders
of the bar; among eminent divines: among the votaries of
science; in the walks of literature; and, wherever there is an
appreciation of intellectual and moral worth and of the high-
est traits of manly character, there you will tind them in the
foremost ranks of their fellow men. And as often as the day
shall come around for the annual convention of this Associa-
tion, a proof of your own elevated standard of excellence will
be aftbrded in the high estimate which you shall place upon
their many ennobling charac-teristics.

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 37

9. — Hymn written for the occasion by Harvey Rice.

(Time: Old Hundred.) Avion Quartette and Andience,

Still pilgrims in a favored laud,
Who long- have liuoered on the way,

How hlest to meet and grasp the hand,
And crown with joy onr festive day! —

And tell of years whose scenes return.
Like shadows on oui- pathway cast;

And catch from living lips that bui-n
The fleeting memories of the past.

And while we trace from whence we sprung.

And early friendships fain renew,
Still let us dream that we are young,

And, though a dream, helieve it true!

Nor days forget when first we heard
Life's battle-cry, and sought the field ;

When lofty aims our bosoms stirred,

And faith had armed us with her shield.

'Twas courage, then, with youthful zeal.

That led us onward, flushed with pride;

•

'Tis years, now ripe, that make us feel
How swiftly glides life's ebbing tide!

38 ANNALS OF THE

Yet while we here prolong our stay,

We'll keep our pledge of love and truth;

And when we pass the darkened way,
Ascend and share immortal youth!

10. — Announcement of Members who have died within
the past year. By Rev. Thomas Corlett.

DECEASED MEMBERS.

Within the past year the following members of our asso-
ciation have died: First, our ver^' estimable Vice President,
the Hon. Sherlock J. Andrews. Judge Andrews was born in
Waterbury, New Haven count}^, Conn., November 17, 1801,
and moved to Cleveland in 1825. He died at his I'esidence in
this city on the 11th of February, 1880, full of 3'ears and
honors, and Avith but little abatement of the natural force of
his vigorous character.

The next member who has died is Judge Seth A. Abbey.
He was born in Watertown, New York, in 1798, came to Cleve
land in 1830, and moved his family in 1831. He, too, died in
this city March 15, in a good old age, respected and honored
of all wlio knew him.

The third member of the Association who has died during
the past 3-ear — and 3'ou will understand this society is only
about six months old as yet — was Mrs. Elizabeth Spangler,
who was born in the State of Mai'vland. 1790. She moved to

EARLY SKTTT.ERf=i ASSOCIATION. 39

Stark county, in this State, in 1802, and was married to
Michael Spaugler in 1807. In 1810 she reerossed the
Allegheny Mountains to her native State on horseback. She
moved to Cleveland in 1820 with a family of five children,
four of whom are still alive. Her husband kept the hotel
known as the Commercial House on Superior street, where
the Miller's block now stands. She was of German parentage,
and her's was the first family speaking the German language
in the city of Cleveland. She drew a pension to the time of
her death for services rendered by her husband to his country
during the war of 1812. Her husband died August 29, 1836,
at the age of fifty-two. She died in this city March 5, 1880,
in the ninety-first year of her age.

Thus, Avithin the brief period of the existence of this
association, about a half year, three of our most venerable
and esteemed ones have passed from this stage of action,
where they have performed their work well, to that better one,
we trust, where they shall realize the full fruition of their
labor, and of their hopes and eftbrts.

11. — Call for volunteer speeches.

The President said: "The next exercise in order is a call
for volunteer speeches. I notice there are quite a number of
gentlemen here from whom we would all feel greatly interested
in hearing a few remarks. We shall have for the want of

40 ANNALS OF THE

time, however, to ask them to limit themselves to from tive to
ten minutes, that we may hear as many as we can. I would
here remark the fact that in this association we regard women
as possessed of their equal rights: and if there are any of
the ladies of our association who would be willing to mal^e
some remarks or addresses, we shall be happy to hear them,
and they will be at liberty to speak as long as they please,
for we know they always are interesting. [A})plause.] I will
call upon Hon. E. P. Spalding to open the way, and I trust,
he will favor us with a few remarks."

Judge Spalding arose in his seat and spoke as follows:

"Mr. President:

Although I have not the honor to be enrolled
among the members of this association, the term of my actual
residence in the city, falling short of that prescribed by the
constitution, ver^' few can boast of a more familiar acquain-
tance Avith Cleveland and its earl}^ history, than myself

General Moses Cleaveland lived in the town of Canter-
bury, in Windham County, Connecticut. His mansion house
was but a quarter of a mile distant from that of my maternal
grand father, David Paine, who lived in the same- town. The
two families were nearly related and lived on terms of the
closest intimacy.

Among the earliest recollections of mv childliood is the
following anecdote, told me by my mother:

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 41

She said that late, in the autumn of the year 1796, General
Cleaveland spent an evening at her father's house, and in the
course of conversation said to her mother:

"Mrs. Paine: — While I was in New Connecticut, T laid out
" a town, on the bank of Lake J^rie, which was called by n^y
'■'■ name, and I believe, the child is now born that may live to
" see that place as large as 'old Windham.' " /

Old Windham was then the seat of Justice of Windham
County and its population, I think, never exceeded fifteen
hundred. I was born about eighteen months after' the General
uttered this prediction, and may be supposed to know some-
thing of the comparative growth of "Old Windham" and the
"new town on the bank of Lake Erie," as I studied my pro-
fession in the former place and have practiced it for nearly
thirty years in the latter, which is now said to contain a
population of 170,000.

"The town was called by my name," said the General, and
so it was, C-1-e-a-v-e-l-a-n-d ; and that was the way in
which the name was spelled, written and printed, until an
"act of piracy" was committed on the word by the publisher
of a newspaper, something over forty years ago, who, in pro-
curing a new "head-piece" for his paper, found it convenient
to increase the capacity of his iron frame by reducing the
number of letters in the name of the city : Hence the Cleve-

42 ANNATES OF THE

LAND Advektisek, and not "Moses Cleaveland," settled the
Orthograph}' of the Forest City's name for all time to come.

At a term of the Supreme Court, held in Trumbull Countj-
in October 1821, I was admitted to the practice of the law.
The examination, I well recollect, was held in a large hall in
Town's Hotel. The two justices of the court, Calvin Pease
and John McLean, and all the lawyers, including with others
whose names are not recollected, Elisha Whittlesey, Thos. D.
Webb, Homer Hine, Jonathan Sloane, James D. Wheeler,
Ralph Granger and Joshua R. Giddings, were present. The
side-board, at one end of the room was according to the
custom of that day, plentifully supplied for the benefit of
those who might choose to partake, after the examination
should be closed.

In the course of the questioning I was asked by 3'Ir.
Granger, who was not very much of a "total abstinence" man,
"What is proof?"

"Tell him," said Chief Justice Pease, who sat a short
distance from me, and who could not always control his fond-
ness for witticism, "tell him it is that which "bears a bead.'' —

In the month of March, 1823, 1 first saw Cleveland. I came
from Warren, in Trumbull County, where I then lived, in the
company of Hon, George Tod, who was then President Judge
of the 3d Judicial Circuit, which embraced, if I mistake
not, the whole Western Reserve. We made the journey on

EARLY SKTTLERS ASSOCIATON, 43

Iiorse-back, and were nearly two da^'s in accomplishing it. I
recollect the judge, instead of an overcoat, wore an Indian
blanket drawn over his head by means of a hole cut in the
center. We came to attend court, and put up at the honse of
Mr. Merwin, where we met quite a number of lawyers from
adjacent counties. At this time the village of Warren, where
I lived, was considered as altogether ahead of Cleveland in
importance; indeed, there was very little of Cleveland at that
day, east and south east of the Public Square, or, as it is now
called, Monumental Park. The population was estimated at
Four Hundred souls. The earliest burying-ground was at
the present intersection of Prospect and Ontario streets, the
north-east corner covered by the Herrick Block. Some years
afterwards, in riding away from Cleveland, in the stage coach.
I passed the Erie Street Cemetery, just then laifl out. I re-
collect it excited my surprise that a site for a burying ground
should be selected so far out of town.

The court that I attended on my first visit, was held in
the old court house that stood on the north-west quarter of
the Public Square, nearly- opposite the Wick Block.

The presiding judge was the Hon. George Tod, a well read
lawj^er and a most courteous gentleman, the father of our late
patriotic governor, David Tod. His kindness of heart was
proverbial, and sometimes the lawyers would presume upon it-

I recollect being present at his court in Portage Couiitj';

44 ANNALS OF THE

on one occasion, when he was subjected to some little embar-
rassment l>y the wit of his friend John W. Willey, of Cleve-
land. Mr. Willey was charged with the defence of a person
who stood indicted for some i)etty misdemeanor, and though
a ver}^ astute law3-er, he found it difficult to clear his client
without a single witness in his favor. There had been, the
night before the case was called, a fire in Ravenna, and a
small house had been burned to the ground, which excited
much commotion in the village.

When the case was reached for tj'ial, on the call of the
docket, Mr. Willey rose, and with great gravity asked the
court to continue that cause until the next term.

"For what reason, Mr. Willey?" said the benignant judge.
"May it please your Honor," said our facetious friend, "one
"of our principal witnesses was burned up in that tire last
"night, and we want time to supply the loss."

"Judge Tod was almost convulsed in endeavoring to
restrain his laughter, but finally was enabled to sa^-, "your
"motion must be granted, Mr. Willey. The cause stands con-
"tinued."

The Associate Judges of the Common Pleas were, at the
time of which I speak, Hon. Thos. Card and Hon. Samuel
Williamson. Horace Perry was clerk, and Jas. S. Clarke,
sheriff. The lawyers attending court were Alfred Kelley,
then acting Prosecuting Attorney for the county, Leonard

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 45

Case, Sam'l Cowles, Reuben Wood and John W. Willey, of
Cleveland, Saml. W. Phelps aAd Sara'l Wheeler of Geauga,
Jonathan Sloane of Portage, Elisha Whittlesey, Thos. W.
Webl) and R. P. Spalding of Trumbull Counfy. John Blair
Avas Foreman of the Grand Jury.

No one of them all, except myself, is alive to-day. I very
much doubt if a solitary individual who attended that court
in 1823, whether judge, juror, attorne}' or witness, is left to
greet you here to-da}-, other than myself.

And so with almost the whole of my Companions at the
commencement of life's journe}': They are gone.

"I feel like one

"Who treads alone

"vSome banquet-hall deserted,

"Whose lights are fled,

"Whose garlands dead,

"And all but he departed."

(Applause.)

The Rev. A. S. Hayden, of Collamer, formerly President of
Hiram College, was called upon to address the meeting, and
responded as follows:

REMARKS OF MR. HAVDEN.

My remarks, as I am called at the instant, will be very
brief, and chiefly for two reasons: The approaching lateness
of the hour, which some may feel, and the other fact that,

46 ANXAL.s OF THE

though not amongst the youngest men, I am j)erhaps the
youngest born member of the association, and it does not
become 3'oung children to talk long in the presence of age.
But I take pleasure, for a reason or two that I will try to
mention, in standing before j^ou and with you in this relation,
and as a member of this association. I Avas in this community
long enough ago to know quite a number of its earliest mem-
bers — far enough back to have had a very intimate acquaint-
ance with Judge Samuel Starkweather, whom ^our whole city
delighted to honor: in like manner, an acquaintance with the
lamented and recently departed Judge Andrews, whose name
amongst ^-ou will be cherished green as long as 3'our memory
continues. I do not forget, either, in a farther back period,
mj' acquaintance with one of the flrst and most efficient
sheritfs of your count}'. I mean David L. Wightman,
who for quite a period carried the key of authority for the
whole county ; and still farther, I was here long enough ago
to be acquainted with that distinguished ph3^sician, Dr. David
Long, who passed a.way in early days, and was not known
perhaps, even to a large number of the older persons be-
fore me.

I merely say, in addition to these reasons for gr;itification
for standing amongst you, and being reckoned amongst the
early settlers, this : To congratulate the communitj- on the
formation of such a society as this. It cannot but be that

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 47

the memories and the experiences of the older men of the
community carry within them treasures of too vast importance
to be forgotten; and the formation of this society will form a
storehouse, a reservoir, where these early experiences and
memories will be gathered together, and where they will be
sifted and used, unquestionably, for profitable ends in years
that are yet to come.

I merely take your time a little further to say that, whilst
feeling very greatly the advautages likely to arise from this
society in the way just now alluded to, there is another con-
sideration which with equal hope inspires my heart. I venture
it as a prophecy, if prophecy you may regard it, that many an
instance of grand virtue, hid away behind the curtains,
secluded, not wrought out upon the historic page, will in this
society find mention and a memorial. Wh}- is it that the
sturdier virtues and the stronger powers of man are celebrated
and the graudei- and finer elements of womanly character have
been so long left in the shade? Why is it that our discerning
and intelligent press of this city, whilst doing all it may to
honor a citizen whom the whole. town and the country are de-
lighting to honor — I refer to him who has made so magnificent
a bequest to the city, Leonard Case, Esq., — why, in bringing
out all his history, and the history of the toil and ability of
his honored father, has his mother found no mention what-
ever? So far as my own observation has gone that quiet

ANNALS OF THE

excellent woman has not been referred to. I have eaten bread
more than once at her table, and her bread was not the bread
of idleness, nor was it ever salted with the salt of hypocrisy.
Of noble virtues, but quiet, serene, contemplative, she filled
well her measure and has passed away honorably. And how
comes it that no mention of her has been made? In that group
which we shall form in honor of the family, I would assign to
her a conspicuous and honored place. And in like manner
would I those excellent pioneer women who accompanied their
husbands, and who became the founders by their virtue of the
strong good sense and virtue which rules and pervades society
here.

Hon. John W. Allen : Mr. President, I want to call upon the
most popular man in Cleveland, a man who knows about
three-quarters of all the men in Cleveland, and about all the
women — ^Judge Tilden.

judge tilden speaks.
Mr. President and Friends:

It was the last business that I expected to attend to, to be
called in here to-day to make a speech. I came here for the
purpose of witnessing the proceedings, at the earnest request
of a particular friend of mine, and I am very much disinclined
to talk. There is nothing that embarrasses me so much as to
get up before an intelligent audience like this, and after I
have said one word, don't know what to say next. (Laughter.)

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 49

That is precisely my couditiou to-day. I do not know that I
am able to utter a single sentence here that will be worth your
listening to. There is one thing, however, I "wish to state dis-
tinctl}', that I am a pioneer in the veriest sense of that word.
And yet I am told that I have no right to associate with the
j)ioneers that are assembled here to-da}'. I have been told
that I was a kind ot an outside barbarian.

I have been here, however, fifty years. I was in the country
as early as 1830, and can say a few things in relation to life
as it existed here at that time. It was the most interesting
})cri()d of my life. I had nothing, and was not looking for any-
thing in this world, and have not been very much disappointed
in that respect (laughter), but there was a life there that was
interesting to me. I was in Portage county, and it seems to
me tiuit I have rarely in my later experience seen a better
order of men than those that inhabited the then wilderness of
that country. There was no money. I recollect when wheat
sold for three shillings a bushel. There Avere certain articles
that the}^ could buy by paying barter. Muskrat skins! skunk
skins! yes, probably skunk skins were currency at that time
(laughter), but when it came to tea and leather, I recollect
that we had to scrape around and get the money for those
things. (Laughter.)

There never was a more accomodating, kind-hearted set of
men and women in the world than inhabited the country at

50 ANNALS Oi- THE

that time, and I am rejoiced that we are liaviiig this kind of
associations as a kind of souvenir and a remembrancer of that
class of men and women to whom this Western Reserve is so
largely indebted for that retined and cultivated civilization it
enjoys to-da}'. There were very few privileges. Everything
was plain. If a neighbor was in trouble, wanted a barn raised,
they would come live and ten miles to help him. If there was
to be a logging, to gather together the logs, why, all the neigh-
boi'hood would turn out and cheerfully assist a neighbor in
l)erforming his work. It cultivated a spirit of kindness, prob-
ably springing from the fact that every man felt that he was
dependent upon his neighbor for a living. All was simple. I
recollect how they used to kindle lires. They had no loco-foco
matches in those days. I recollect I went to see an uncle of
mine, and he started a hre in the morning — I guess that is a
little ahead, maybe, of you pioneers who had a village here to
start with. We hitched the old mare on the log; there were
two doors in the log cabin, and the tire-place extended across
the cabin; the old mare drew on the back log; then the fore-
stick was drawn and put on the lire, and a fire was built that
lasted for three or four days.

Well, we had religion then. I think I was more }>ious in
those days than I have been since. (Laughter.) I know that
those old Methodist preachers, who came round with their

EAKLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATON. 51

leggings all covered with miul. used to meet at the sehool-
house, and there was a kind of earnestness about them, a force
and incisiveness in their talk that made a very deep and power
ful imi)ression upon my young mind at that time, moi'e so than
since. (Laughter). There was no ostentation, no display;
everything plain and straightforward. I recollect that there
was a i)eriod during that early history when religion was the
main topic of conversation. Every old farmer who was in-
terested in religious matters, had a rusty old book in his
l)ocket, and there was a controversy between my Brother
llayden's sect, called Campbellites at that time, and the Ortho-
dox, and many a long, tedious struggle have I heard between
them. Every man was gifted upon that subject. They would
quote the text of scripture, lire and fire back, and it was en-
tertaining and instructive, and cultivated a very high moral
feeling in all classes of the conimunit}'. Well, that was one
time. We had no particular excitements. There were plenty
of deer and plenty of l)ears and plent}' of wolves. I think I
never shall forget while I live when I came in from Connecti-
cut, and from the civilized portion of the world, to stay with
my grandfather. I recollect one night of hearing the wolves
howl, and I would have given the whole United States if I
could have gotten out of Ohio. (Laughter.) It was the most
heart-sinking sound that I ever heard in my life. Now you
will see, my friends, that I am a pioneer, and T don't under-

02 AKXALS OF THE

Stand, my tVieud Rice, why I should be shut out from tliis
society of yours.

I recollect that lirst time I came to Cleveland. It looked
about as large to me, coining out of the woods, as it does to-
da,y. Judge Spaulding was with me, and I will tell the stoiy
lor the purpose mainly of illustrating how hard it was to have
a little money in one's pocket, in those days. The Judge came
along to me and said he, "I wish you would come to Cleveland
with me." I sprang at once at the otfer to see Cleveland.
We journeyed along all day and finally reached Cleveland late
in the evening. I think we stayed one night. Said the Judge
to me: "Don't you want some oysters?" "Why, yes." I had
not seen an oyster since I was a small boy. (Laughter.) Said
I, "Yes, I will be glad of it." I took it that he had plenty of
means. So we went over, I think, to a man by the name of
Cozzens who kept a sort of saloon, and asked him if he had
oysters. He said he had. He gave each of us a dish of oysters,
and we ate them, and by that time I began to feel very well,
(Laughter.) He came around and said he, "Won't you have
some more?" Said I: "Yes, I will have some more."
(Laughter.) I looked across the table to the Judge, and I
saw that his head fell, and I took the hint in a moment that
the funds were out. (Laughter.) Said I: " No, I think I have
had enough. I won't take any more." (Laughter.) After-
wards I inquired of the Judge what it was that made his

EAKLT SETTLEKS ASSOCIATION. 58

couutenance fall as it did. "Why," said he, "I had made my
calculations and had paid the l:)ill, and had got just exactly
euouoh to o;et those two dishes of oysters and get home, and
I hadn't a cent left, and when you called for another dish of
oysters I was broke." (Laughter.)

I recollect the hardships which the farmers had to endure.
There were no carriages — in fact, no roads. I have seen in
those days a man load his family on a stone-hoat, and when

it came Sunday start oft' to the school-house. They would
hitch tlie horses on to the stone-boat. You know wliat tliat
is; the}' used to call them drags in Connecticut. The whole
family, on account of the mud, would get on to that stone-boat
and ride to church. Tlint is one of the h.ardships they liad to
endure at that time.

Well, noAv, gentlemen, I am not going to talk here any
longer. I can see and feel myself that I am not getting ahead
mucli. (Laughter.) But I can assure you of one thing: Tliat
there is no organization that has interested me more than this
one that you are here to-day for the purpose of strenghtening
and perpetuating. These old pioneers should be remembered.
We are as mucli indel)ted to them as to any class of men
that have lived upon the face of the earth, and I rejoice with
you that there is a spirit at last awakening by whicli their
memory is to be preserved and perpetuated. Thanking y(»u
for your patience, I leave you.

54 ANNALS OF THE

MK. Williamson's keminisoences.

Mr. S. Williamsou was called ou next. He said :
Mr. President:

I sii])pose yon will not expect an address at tliis time from
me, and all that I shall attempt tf) do in the ilve minutes al-
lowed to me will be to refresh some of your recollections ahout
the early condition of C^leveland. Probably most of you. like
myself, cannot very well remember Cleveland in connection
with your childhood so that you can tix upon a thing as hav-
ino- occurred at this or that or the other time. But I will give
you some of my recollections of Cleveland, and will occupy
but a lirief time. I will saj' that at my earliest recollection
Water street had been opened; that is, the timber luul ))ccn
cut out and a wagon road was run down through the center
of the street from Superior street to Bank street, so called. It
had grf)wn up, however, with ekler bushes, thick all the Avay
along. There were occasional trees and some houses upon it.
The house nearest the lake was that of Alfred Kelley, who
has been referred to here, and was the first brick house built
in this city. It stood upon the corner of Water and Bank
streets, so-called. Mr. Kelley, as you well know, was also the
fii'st lawyer here. I ma}- also mention that the first l)auk,
knowMi as the Old Commercial Bank of Lake P^rie, was or
ganized by him. The next house was a small one story
wooden house occupied by Dr. Long, the first physician here,

KARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 55

standing upon Water street where the lighthouse now stands.
Two or til ree houses, amongst them one occupied by my father,
at that time, according to my earliest recollections, were all
there were upon Water street. There was a clearing on each
side of Water street from Superior street to the lake; on the
west side of Water street to the river, and on the east side to
about where Bank street is, and the lower part of it from St.
Clair street — there being no St. Clair street there tlien — to the
lake was occupied by Mr. Carter as a farm. One year, I
remember, he had it covered with rye from Water street u)) to
about Bank street. There was one log house standing upon
Lake street, a little east of Water street. Tlie oidy house
there was upon those premises. Under the hill there were
several log houses, warehouses, etc., and one or two dwelling
houses. Commencing at Superior street and going down
toward the lake, when you got down lielow wliat was Mandrake
street there were woods, and from that down under the hill it
was mostly swamp or wet land.

Perhaps I might say here, the first brewery built in tliis
city was built under the hill on the Lighthouse street lot, and
I remember after I came here the first fire in tliis city was at
that brewery, which was destroyed.

On Superior street it was cleared of timber, so far as 1
remember, up to the Public Square, and the Public Square
partly. The old court house stood on the northwest corner of

56 ANNALS OF THE

the square. The street was full of large stumps, but otherwise
than that it was clear. There were upon that quite a number
of houses. Amongst the rest was one kept l)y M]\ Wallace,
and afterwards by Mr. Merwin, and there were some others
on the other side. Mr. Newberry kept the store on the corner
of Water and Superior streets and occupied the land from
Water street up to about Bank street. When I saj^ he occu-
pied it, I mean there was a fence around it, and he had planted
some fruit trees, peaches mostl}', and it was a suitable })lace
I'or pasturing cows, and it was a good place for picking straw-
l)erries. As you came up this way the onl}- clearing was a
field right opposite where we are now, but there was a Magon
track from the square. Going south of Ontario street there
was a wagon track until you reached where Mr. Walworth
owned. There was an opening there extending down the hill,
and that was the only clearing there was there for some dis-
tance in that direction.

The first vessel, I may say, built here, the vessel that has
been referred to, was built ])y Major Carter on top of the hill
between Water and Union streets. It was l)uilt at an early
date, and was afterwards destroyed by the British in the war
of 1812. At the same time Levi Jolinson l)uilt a smaller
vessel just east of tlie Pul>lic Square. He was a common
earpenter Jiud had no expei'ience in building vessels: but he
watched the building of Mr. Carter's an<l succeeded in build-

EAKLV SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 57

iug- that. Of course, they had to haul it dowu to the river to
he Launched. It was a small vessel. He ran it toi' a few
years until he was ahle to build a better one, and did build a
better one in 1817.

One word in reference to schools. The first school of which
I have any recollection was taught in a barn which stood back
of the American House, between that and the brow of the
hill; and I should not remember that, perhaps, but for one or
two cii'cumstances. I know a severe, heavy storm of wind,
rain and hail came from the west, and blew through the cracks
and knotholes of the barn, and the school was broken up lor
that day. Of course, it was not a finished building ut all, it
was merely luiilt of planks, logs, sticks, etc. That was tlie
first school of which I have any recollection. Afterwards
there was a shed, so-called, that stood where the Commercial
buildings now stand. There was a school also taught by the
late Benjamin Carter, in a little old building that stood on
Water street. It was kept there, I think, two winters. Aftei"-
wards we went to the old Court House, and occupied, in the
fii'st place, the family room. Afterwards we went up stairs
and occupied the room when the court was not in session. It
was kept there until the small building was erected on
St. Clair street, west of Bank street, which remained there
until a very few years ago. From that the school was trans-
ferred to the Academy, a brick building erected on the oppo-

58 ANNALS OF THE

site side of tlie street. At the time that little building was
erected on St. Clair street, the opposite side of the street was
wood. When I sa^' "wood,"! mean Im'iisIi, with occasional
trees. Of course, schools in those days were taught hut a
short time by one person. The first teacher we had was Miss
Hickox. There were two Misses Hickox, one at one time and
another at another. They were the first teachers in this city
of whom I have any recollection. [Applause.]

HON. .JOHN A. FOOTERS REMARKS.

Somewhere about 183fi a weather-beaten man, with sonve
marks of dissipation came to our oltice to have us commence
a suit for slander against his brother. It seemed that the
wife of this man- — Captain Reuben Turner — had lieen called
as a witness in a suit where his brother — William Turner —
was a party, and that she had testified against William. That
William at once arose and denounced her to the audience as a
bad woman. Upon this the old Captain, probably then under
the influence of liquor, advanced to her, and, throwing his
arms about lier neck, exclaimed: "Now mind, Mima, old
Uncle Reuben loves j'ou yet!" We brought suit and recovered
a judgment. The old captain soon came in and reported to
us that his brother William had called on him and complained
that he, the captain, would ruin him by collecting that judg-
ment. He told us that he replied to his brother that he did
not wish to injure him. That he did not want a cent of his

EAKTA' SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 59

money, but that he must sign u writing "that he lied about
the old woman,''' and that then he would give up the judgment.
But he told him that if he should refuse to do this that he
would collect the judgment. I think William would not sign
the papers, and that the old captain collected the judgment.
This love for his wife and his odd sailor ways and expressions
interested me in him, though he continued his intemperate
habits. But at length I met him, and perceiving a great
change for the better — with all marks of intemperance gone —
I exclaimed: "What has produced this great improvement V"
He replied that he had liecome a temperance man — that "the
old woman had loved him out of the ditch."

Shortly after this the news reached us here of the
announcement of the Washingtonian temperance movement
among the drunkards at Baltimore, as well as of the wonder-
ful success of Father Matthew in Ireland. Hoping to aid the
cause here, we called on the old captain to give us his experi-
ence. He responded, and astonished us all. He had drained
the cup to its bitter dregs, and like the modern Murphy, he
electrified the community, and induced thousands to follow
his example. Aristarchus Champion, a wealthy and benevo-
lent gent from Rochester, happening here at tliis period,
offered the old captain $500 if he would devote himself to the
work for three months. The offer was accepted, but instea<l
of three months he labored in this cause for two years, and

60 ANNALS OF THE

he told me that he obtained tifty thousand names to the pledge
of total abstinence. Among these was Judge Smith, of
Medina, who had become a drunkard and had fallen so low-
that his wife had obtained a divorce from him. His reforma-
tion was, however, so thorough that they were remarried,
and some years since I read the notice of the Judge's death
in Wisconsin at an extreme age and with a flattering obituary.

Captain Turner was remarkable for his great good sense.
This Avas specially seen in one of our county temperance con-
ventions. It was in the ver}- white heat of the Washiugtonian
movement. A. W. Kellogo- had denounced the clergv for not
taking greater interest in the movement. Dr. Aiken, the then
pasto]' of the First Presbyterian Church of this city, in reply
to him said the Washingtonians reminded him of what he had
frequently seen in the city of New York in his boyhood. It
was the launching of vessels. It was in this fashion: After
the vessel had been built by long and persistent labor, a crowd
of gentlemen and ladies would come aboard and a single block
would be knocked away, and the vessel, with her load, would
glide into the water, while the gentlemen and ladies would
shout and swing their hats and handkerchiefs, and act just as
if they had lioth biiilt and launched the vessel.

Now, said the Doctor, we built this good temperance ship
by careful and strenuous labors, and now you Washingtonians
claim all the credit, ifec.

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 61

Old Captain Turner sprung to his feet and said : "Father
Aiken seems to feel a good deal wamble-eropped at what
Brother Kellogg has said, and I ain not surprised at it. For
it is true that the blackcoats did build this good ship and
lloated us Washingtonians oft' as he has said." And then
turning to Dr. Aiken, he continued: "Now, Doctor, the ship
is built, all things are ready, why not come aboard and 'liorah?'

There is one of the old settlers, whose remains now sleei)
in one of our city cemeteries, whose name and deeds are
worth}' of remembrance by this societ}', and we certainly
should l»e grateful for his example, even if it is not proper to
lie proud of having had in our ranks so great a reformer.

FROM ANOTHER OLD SETTLER.

Mr, John W. Allen said: We are telling stories to-night,
and I may as well tell one to show how difterent things are
from what they were once. In the old village corporation
there was a president, recorder, and three trustees. The legis-
lation was in the hands of the trustees and president. I
happened in the year 1828 to be one of them. Dr. Long was
another. We thought it expedient to buy a tire engine, and
we negotiated Avith Mr. Seel^^e for the purpose of purchasing
a small engine. It was before the days of steam lire engines.
We were about to make a contract with him for the engine,
and were to pa}^ him $400, $50 down and $350 in a note of
the corporation. There was a set of men here who were

62 ANNALS OF THE

hostile to the measure. They got up a meeting and talked
pretty strongly, intimating that we had joined hands with
Seelye to swindle the people here, and that we undoubtedly
participated in the plunder. But we bought the engine and
paid the $50 like honest men, and gave the note of the cor-
poration lor the balance. An election intervened the next
spring, and we were all turned out, and a new set of men put
in who repudiated the note. The note came here for coUec-
into, judgment was rendered, and those men had to walk u[)
to the captain's office and settle the bill.

Nothing aftects me more forcibly than the contrast be-
tween that little machine and the arraj' of sometimes a dozen
of our great steam fire engines, of immense power and Ijcau-
tiful too in their appearance, and that never tire while the
coal and water last.

That was in the early days when the population was small
and the means and views were small, ten or fifteen 3'ears
before the application of steam for such purposes was
dreamed of

But the advance in this particular matter of protection
against lire only corresponds with that of population and
wealth, and the application of inventive genius in a hundred
ways to the wants and convenience of mankind, which has
marked the progress of the last half century.

Our successors of that day may look back upon us of this

EARLY SETTLKI.'S ASS0CIATI03S- ' 63

day as a simple niiiulod pcopk', tloing- llie Ijfst we knew how

with the little knowledge and means we had, but as not

amounting to any partieuhir sum according to their theme

standard.

kemakks of h. m, addison.

Mk. President: —

At this late iiour I desire to state only a lew tiu'ts in
a few words, by way of making a close connection between
the past and the present.

On my right sits Mr. Wm. H. Warren, the oldest man now
living, who was born in Warrensville, in the lirst log house in
that township; and 3Ir. Elias Cozad, a member of our asso-
ciation, helped to build that house.

My father taught the first school in the lirst log school
house in that township. The first singing school was taught
in that school house, and I hold in my hand one of the books
used in that school. Simple facts like these call vividly to
^ mind earl^- scenes in my career of life, and the wonderful
progress in the condition of our county in a comparatively
short period of time; and I hope the early settlers of the
various townships will come to our next convention, prepared
to give man}' of the kind, either orally or in writing. They
are "Foot-prints in the sands of time,'' that are very desirable
to preserve, and the sooner they are collected and reduced to
writing, the more we Avill have of them, and the more accurate

64 ANNAI.S OF THE

they will Ijo, and consequently more interesting to iulure
generations.

The Rev. J. T. Avery was called for, but declined to make
any remarks, owing to the lateness of the hour.

RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED.

Mr. R. T. Lyon ottered the following resolutions wliicli
were unanimously adopted:

Resolved. That the thanks of this association he cxteiidi'd
to the otticers of this church for the free use of their line and
comfortable building to hold this, our tirst convention; also,
to the speakers, organist, and the Aritm Quartett Club fof
their ettbrts, which have added so much to our enjoyment.

Resolved. That we favor the proposition of Mr. S. E. Adams
that a monument be erected in this city to the memory of
Moses C'leaveland, and that this association take measures to
favor that object.

And thereupon the convention united in singing the dox-
ology, and then adjourned to meet next year at the call of tlie
Executive Committee.

Written Statement received from Geo. B. Merwin, Esq.

]N[r. President:

My father came to Cleveland in 181.'), the

family in February 1816. There were six houses on Superior

street, George Wallace's tavern, Dr. Long's office, (he lived in

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION, 65

a double log Louse in his garden back of the office on the lot
where the American House now stands,) Ashbel W. Wal-
worth's house and otlice on same lot, Irad Kelley's store and
house opposite Bank street. Uncle Abrain Heacox's black-
smith shop where E. I. Baldwin's store now stands, on one
side of his sign were the words " Uncle Abram works here,"
on the other a gentleman on horseback saying " Can you shoe
my horse?" "Yes, sir." And a two story framed building
where the Forest City House now stands, called Mowrey's
tavern, were on the south side. Nathan Perry's store and house,
corner of Water and vSuperior street, and the Weddell House lot,
extending to St. Clair, were fenced in with rails, having a
peach orchard in the north half of the lot. Here one morning
I picked up sixteen pigeons whicli my father killed at one shot.
An old red building in which the Commercial Bank of Lake
Erie was established by Alfred Kelley in 1817, stood on the
corner of Bank street; the hay-scales stood where Ogden Crit
tenden's jewelry store now stands, and in the back part of this
old red building the Cleveland Herald was established in
1819.

The letter "a" in the name as spelled by General Moses
Cleaveland, was omitted by the printers, who having ordered
a new set of type for a new heading, it was found that the
size of the type extended the name too far across the paper to
make a good job, the letter "a" was therefore omitted. The

6(5 ANNALS OF THE

paper upon which it was printed came from Pittsburg, once
not arriving in time, an edition was issued on foolscap.
David Burroughs blacksmith shop was on the opposite corner
of Seneca; his large flock of geese occupied a part of Superior
street, opposite his shop every time it rained.

The old red court house and log jail stood on the square
in front of the late Dr. Aiken's church; the court room was
used for religious services — a masonic lodge and general
elections; the stumps of the gallows upon which the Indian
Omic was hung for the murder of two trappers at Sandusky,
were visible in front of it. Omic was anatomized b}' Dr. Long.
I have seen his bones many times.

When the bank was established, a suitable person for
cashier was required. Judge Kingsbury, happening to be in
town one day, was asked if he knew any one among his
acquaintances who could fill the position. He said he knew
a young man by the name of Leonard Case, who wrote a good
hand and was said to be a good accountant; and he thought
he would answer. He was engaged and was the first cashier
and Alfred Kelley the first president.

In 1817 — IS small change was very scarce and the trustees
of the village to relieve the wants of the people, after con-
sulting with the business men, concluded best to issue cor-
poration scrip, called by the people "Corporation Shinplasters,"
to the amount of one hundred dollars, in denominations from

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 67

six and a quarter cents to fifty cents. I have two of these
bills signed by Daniel Kelley, president, Horace Periy, clerk.

There were financiers in those days as well as in modern
times; a silver dollar was divided into nine pieces, each pass-
ing for a shilling, and a pistareen worth eighteen and three-
quarter cents, went for a shilling also.

Judge Samuel Williamson lived on the corner of St. Clair
and Water streets. Alfred Kelley in a brick-house near tlie
bank of the lake, north of his house he had a field of two
acres in wheat, north of this was a road leading to the mouth
of the river.

Water street was fenced in, the corners of the fence full of
elders and stumps. Levi Johnson lived on the corner of Lake
and Water. St. Clair street was fenced in on the south side
as far as Seneca. Bank street was fenced in on each side
with two or three houses upon it. At the foot of Bank street
was a stockade fort, erected during the war of 1812, which
would hold 250 men, it was constructed of chestnut slabs,
pointed with port holes for musquetry, part of the slabs were
standing and were cut down for fire wood as occasion required.
This work was called Fort " Hungerford" by the boys, from
the fact that a widow of that name lived in the bushes near
by and was frequently visited by the commanding officer; the
boys to show their appreciation of his devotion to the lone-
some widow, one night placed a tub of soft soap at the rear

68 ANNALS OF THE

door, then knocking at the front door, the escaping officer
landed in the tub of soap up to his knees. In those days in
the spring of the year the bank of the lake used to crack oil'
and fall down several feet below the plain. I remember going
along there one spring, the bank had cracked and fallen,
exposing about half of a coffin made of Chestnut slabs,
pinned together with wooden pins; looking down I discovered
the skull and other bones of some poor fellow who had been
laid there to take his rest, not with his "martial cloak around
him," but in his red flannel shirt and an army blanket.

The lirst school house, a small frame, was built in the
spring of 1817 on a lot adjoining the Kennard House; twenty-
four scholars attended the fiirst school; several of the young-
men in the village contributed to help pa}' the teacher; in this
house religious services were held every sabbath. Judge
Daniel Kelley otferiug prayer, some young man reading a
sermon, and my niothei" leading the singing. The first winter
a man by the name of Parsons was the teacher. I have a
feeling recollection how very particular he was to warm the
chestnut sprouts in the ashes, and how nicely they fitted to
the hollow of my back.

On the river, at the foot of Lighthouse street, Levi John-
son had a small frame store house; Matthew Williamson a
tannery at the foot of Union Lane; }uy father a log store-
house at the foot of Superior street. Christopher Gun kept

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATON. 69

the ferry across the riA^er, using a scow for teams and skiff
for footmeu, one shilling for teams and six pence for footmen
was the charge for ferryage.

My father built the schooner "Minerva" at the foot of
Superior street. She was launched in March 1823, and was
the first vessel registered in the District of Cuj^ahoga, under
'the United States revenue laws; she was named after my
mother; when she was launched I stood upon the heel of the
bowsprit, as the stern touched the water and called out the
name and smashed a gallon jug of whisky, as was the
custom at launching in those days. She was the first vessel
west of Buffalo that had a cliain cable. My father got suit-
able iron rods from Pittsburg, and an excellent blacksmith.
Washington Jones, who made forty-five fathoms of chain
during the winter; to test its strength was of the first im-
portance.

At that time there were several butternut trees along the
east side of Water street; my father sent out to Judge Kings-
bury and Esquire Samuel Dodge at Euclid, to furnish him
fifteen yoke of oxen ; they were brought in, the chain fastened
to one of the trees, the cattle were hitched on, all being ready
word was given to surge awav, which ))eing done three times
without parting it, Capt. Clifford Belden, her master and
two or three other masters present, pronounced the trial satis-
factory, the chain would hold the vessel in any gale.

70 > ANNALS OF THE

Office holders in those times were not as numerous as now.
Ashbel W. Walworth was custom house collector, postmaster
and the pioneer letter carrier, as he usually carried the letters
in his hat and deliA'ered them to the persons addressed when
he met them.

The famous itinerant preacher, Lorenzo Dow, held forth
under one of these trees one Sunda^^ afternoon in Jul}' 1827. ■
His first words were, " well, here you all are, rag, shag and
bob tail." He sat flat on the ground during his discourse.

The arrival of Gov. DeWitt Clinton, of New York, to break
ground for the commencement of the Ohio Canal on the Lick-
ing County summit in 1825, the celebration of the opening of
the canal from Cleveland to Akron in June 1827, and many
other items relating to early Pioneer times, I will defer to
some future meeting of the Association.

Very respectfully,

GEO. B. MERWIN.

Lake Side. Rockport, May 20, 1880.

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 71

Written Remarks received from Mrs. Geo. B. Merwin.

Mr. President.

I was brought to Cleveland when a baby, in the first
steamer that ever ploughed the waters of Lake Erie, the
" Walk-iu-the-water ". — A fierce gale blowing, there being no
wharves, as docks, the steamer rode out the storm of three
days and nights at anchor, in great danger of going on the
beach, watched most anxiously by the few inhabitants from
the shore, there being no possible means of communicating
with her. At that time all freight and passengers were landed
by means of lighters and yawl l)oats. The greatest speed of
the Walk-in-the-water was ten miles an hour; her route from
Detroit to Black Rock, three miles below Buffalo, and in com-
ing up the Niagara, there not being force enough in her engines,
she was towed to Buffalo by six yoke of oxen. The price of
passage was ten dollars from Detroit to Cleveland, and twenty
from Cleveland to Buffalo. The first teacher I remember was
Miss Eliza Beard, to whom I went when five years old. Her
parents were cultivated Irish people. At the age of nine I was
sent to Harvey Rice, a young law student from the East, who
taught in a brick building on St. Clair St., an Academy, and
used on Sundays for holding church services, An adjoining-
lot, covered with old stumps, deposited there from various parts
of the town, weather-beaten and bleached b}' stoinns, was our

72 ANNALS OF THE

play ground, the stumps our horses and play houses, where
we arranged our liits of broken crockery, not a set of dishes
intended for children having yet })ecn brought to the ^■illage.
On the south side of Superior street, nearly opposite the City
Hall I should think, there was a spring of soft water, and near
it a shelter was built of boughs of trees in summer, and here
many of the women used to congregate for washing, hanging
there clothes on the surrounding bushes. The wells, what few
tliere were containing only hard water. The only water car
rier for a long time, was Benhu Johnson, who with his sister
a Mrs. White, lived on P^uclid street, about whci-e tlie Vienna
Cottee House is now. Benhu, with his wooden leg, little wagon
and old horse, was in great demand on Mondaj's, when he
dreAv two barrels of water at a time, covered with l)lankets,
up the long, steep hill from the river, now known as Vineyard
street, to parties Tequiring the element. In fancy I see him
now, with his unpainted vehicle, old white horse, himself
stumping along keeping time to the tune "Roving Sailor'' Avhich
he was fond of singing, occasionally starting "Old Whitey'"'
with a kick from the always ready leg, especially if he had l)een
imbibing freely. At the corner of Bank and Superior streets
Avas the store and dwelling of Peter M. Weddell, al)rick build-
ing witli a piazza in front. Our friend, the present Mrs.
Weddell, being then note<l, as since, for her love of flowers,
and the choice assortment she then jjossesssed. Judge Kings-

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION 73

bury's was a favorite place to visit, for health, pleasure and
cherries; the latter being the sour French fruit, brought from
Detroit, as delicious to our uncultivated tastes, as the choicest
of the present day. A sulphur spring on his farm was sought
as a cure for cutaneous diseases.

The completion of the Ohio canal was celebrated by a great
ball at the Mansion House kept by James Belden. I attended
with my parents and sat awhile in the lap of Gov. Allen
Triml)le who had honored the occasion by his presence. It
took all the men, women and children in the village who
danced, to make enough for a set of contra dances, or quad-
rilles. A violin player by the name of Hendershot, who lived
in Euclid, was the musician for many years. When a ball
was held, the managers went for the ladies in a carriage, com-
mencing at five in the afternoon, that all might be there in
time for business at six o'clock, and I well remember the late
Mr. Orlando Cutter, escorting mother and myself to one when
I was nine or ten years old. Cows pastured in and around
the town at their own sweet will, coming home at night to be
milked, mother insuring the return of hers by feeding her now
and then slices of bread and sugar. These are a few of my
early recollections. The change from the hamlet to the village,
from the log house to the frame building, is better remembered,
than from the village to the city. After a few good residences
are built, the eye becomes accustomed to them, and the

74 ANNALS OF THE

gradual increase in numbers is not so much noticed. I walk
the streets of Cleveland to day unmindful of the changes time
and wealth have wrought. Oul}^ occasionally I look hack and
see the scattering houses — the vacant lots — the second growth
of oaks on the square as we then called the Park.

MRS. GEO. B. MERW IN.
Lake Side, Rockport, May 30th, 1880.

Written Recollections and Experiences received from

J. H. Sargent, Esq.

Mk. President:

For forty years all the members of this association, and
some of us for a much longer period, have contributed their
share towards making history for Cu3'ahoga County-. But
where shall we all be forty years hence? Eveiy youuger
recruit of to-day will then be an octogenarian, at least, or on
the other side of Jordan. The venerable men of that day
will be telling of the great bridge victory of peace consumated
in the Viaduct, as I may refer to-day to the bridge victory of
war. They will be telling of fierce contests between gas-
lights and petroleum, and electricity, as we now refer to the
tallow dips and grease cups, with overhanging lighted rags,
of our youthful days.

While some of the most sensitive among us may now be
looking back witli longing to the quiet days of sandy streets

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 75

ahfl grassy walks, and an atmospliere innocent of coal dnst
and vile smells of crude oils, slaughter houses, acid works and
untrapped sewers, the veteran of that day will describe them
as the dark days of "applied science.", For by that time the
active minds of our "Case Institute" and of progress the
world over, will have lighted our streets and dwellings with
the lightnings from heaven, and warmed our homes with the
vapor of water, while smoke and filth and vile smells will
have become too precious to be wasted upon the desert air.
Per chance electricity genei-ated in the coal mines and brought
to us on threads of metal, may furnish our busy half million
with power and light and heat. At least this picture is good
to look upon. The possiliilities of this progressive age are
almost boundless, and after all this would scarcely be more
wonderful than the advancement to-day from the condition of
things when I first set foot upon the shores of the sand
blocked Cuyahoga. This is what I now propose to describe
to you. *

I hope my fellow members will not consider me egotistical if
my narative takes somewhat the form of an auto-biography —
what is history but the recital of the acts and experiences of
men? — When a boy of four years, in 1818, we came to Cleve-
land from the River Raisin, New Monroe, Michigan. The
little schooner, in whose hold we were all huddled together,
was forced to anchor oft' the nu)uth of "the creek." A lighter

76 ANNALS OF THE

came out and took us over the bar, aud lauded us at the foot
of Superior street, or rather Superior Lane, as it was then
called. At the corner of South Water and Superior street
stood the first-class Hotel of the village, kept by Noble H.
Merwin.

Here we recovered from the sickness incident to rolling
seas and bilge water. My father, a blacksmith, went into
partnership with that well-known character " Uncle Abram
Heacox," and worked and lived on the now celebrated Boule-
vard, Euclid Avenue. "Uncle Abram" was a historical
character, and relics of him and his trade are now on exliil»i
tion in the Historical rooms. From Euclid street we dropped
down into the little '-red house" on Water street, near
Frankfort.

The accumulated dust of these sixtv vears through which
memory has to peer with all the intervening experiences,
leaves upon the mind of the careless l)oy but a shadow of
here and there a fact, important and trivial, strangely mixed.
Farther down on Water street, near the lake, about that time,
Wm. G. Taylor established himself, who afterwards in com-
pany with " Jim Brown " became notorious sharpers, and
fitted out a ship at New Orleans to send to China with
counterfeit United States liank bills to exchange for tea. They
were, however, detected and escaped punishment, I believe
through some tricks of the law. Taylor, I believe, was sharp

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 77

enough to ever after keep clear of prison bars; but Brown
after various vicisitudes and escapes througli a couragous
daughter, was finally caged for good.

Near this point lived Dr. Macintosh, a rougli eccentric
character, who made such free use of that early manufacture
of the west side which gave its name to Whisky Island, that
at last he fell from his horse and broke his neck some years
hiter. Of his two wild sous — chips of the old block — Grove
and Dan, some of you can doubtless tell some anecdotes.

In those days the correct people also had their physician,
Doctor Long, an exemplary man and skilful M. D. ; lived
on Superior street, near where now stands E. I. Baldwin's
store. His only daughter, Mrs. Mary L. Severance and
her desceudauts, and his adopted daughter Catharine
Phelps, now Mrs. James Sears of Chestnut Ridge, Brooklyn,
and their descendants are still among us.

Noble H. Merwin, "mine host," I remember as a promi-
nent villager among us. His two sons and a daughter I
remember well. The daughter Minerva broke to me the bottle
upon the stern of the first water craft launched in Cleveland,
and imparted to the schooner "Minerva" her name. Through
her husband came the Atwater estate, now fronting upon
South Water street and the Viaduct. I remember Gus, as a
rather gay clerk, now gone to the "happy hunting" grounds,"

78 ANNALS OF THE

while George B. is still among us and well-known to most
of us.

In these days Orlando Cutter, the later well-known auctio-
neer, dispensed provisions, sugar and groceries, just where the
Viaduct touches Superior street.

Nathan Perry's store on the corner, Merwin's tavern across
the way, Walworth the hatter, and tailor White, are other
dim recollections of those earlj^ days. Dovetailing into these
I see Philo Scovill, and his wife Jemima, still of us, and
her sisters Meriam and Rose; Ann Bixby looming up soon
after in the Franklin House. Then follows "Ed" and "01,"
afterwards "Crocket" and Caroline. These shadows are
bounded by Young and ScovilFs saw mill out in "the thick
woods," on Big Creek, Brookl3n, on the one hand and the
Franklin House on the other. Mrs. Scovill and the children
we have still with us ; the others have gone where the good
pioneers go.

These are the dim shadows that bound m}- vision east of
tlie Cuyahoga, down to the end of the second decade in this
momentous century.

Since then m}- lot has been cast on the much advertised
"West Side," and with your indulgence I will continue
my recollections there down to the real marriage of the two
sides — the completion of the viaduct.

By no Viaduct, by no street cars, by no iron rails, b}^ no

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 79

pavements of solid stone or rotten wood, b}' only the Ferry
boat could the great east communicate along the shore of
Lake Erie, with the almost unbroken west.

Charon's duties were here performed by old father Gun
and his bo}^, nick-named Pistol. We settled down on an acre
of ground on Pearl street, near Franklin, for which we gave
seventy-live dollars, a large sum in those days. Judge Josiah
Barber, the patron of Brooklyn Township, then lived on the
corner of Pearl and Franklin streets, in an unpretensious log
house, and Alonzo Carter down by the ferry in a frame house,
the only one then on the west side; but a half dozen more
si)rang up quite suddenly. Alonzo Carter was a character of
the olden time, but long gone from among us. I imagine I
see now the particular kink to his eye and jirk to his head as
he starts out with his rifle on his shoulder, and his pack of
hounds at his heels for a deer hunt. The flat about the old
river bed was then a dense swampy thicket, bounded on the
lake side by a narrow saudv beach. The hounds would drive
the deer on to this beach, when thinking to escape their tor-
menters they would take to the lake. But there was no escape,
for the old hunter was there with his unerring rifle to brain
them. His children, and I believe his widow, are still among
us to connect the old with the new.

In those days there were too few children to support a
school west of the River and the mysteries of Webster's spell-

so ANNALS OF THE

ing l)ook wt'i'e taught iiic in a two roomed I'laiiic ))uil(Ung on
St. Clair street, perhaps where the central station of the fire
department now is. This single school was suflicient for the
united vilages of some four hundred inhabitants.

Well I remember seeing the forest slowly driven back
towards the setting sun. The first great want of the settlers
a Distiller}^ was soon supplied.

The Walworth run was then really a spring creek as it was
called of i)ure clear water very difl[erent from the sluggish i)ool
of blood and filth it now is. Its waters drove a i)aper mill
near Mill street, and a i>laning mill near Willey Street and
another near its mouth. The native forest trees were cut
away on the top of Detroit street hill for the blacksmithshop,
while shoemaker Smith Avent about " whipping the cat " and
guzzling Josiah's low wines, and at this early day a store was
started on the corner of Franklin and Pearl — Trinity Church
was there instituted about this time and Bishop Chase and
Parson Searl lent an occasional helping hand to Judge Barber
and others in conducting services and Sunday schools in
l)rivate houses.

This progress had been made down to the close of the year
1822. The next ten years I spent in New Hampshire, iml)il)-
ing Democracy from Isaac Hill and Levi Woodberry, and my
liberal religious views from Hosea Ballou — and tliey, the views,
stick to this day.

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 81

I left the west side with the genus "Homo," disputing its
possession with the bears, deers, blaelc snakes and clouds
of wild pigeons, and Pearl and Detroit streets in undis-
puted })ossession of jimson weeds and sand hills.

Fellow P^ailies — I must tell you tliat my trip to New Hamp-
shire was made in a two horse sleigh carrying most of our
provisions with us. This was before the days of canned food,
but Jack Frost came to our assistance and preserved our meats.
My ten years sojourn in the land of steady habits wrouglit
some change in the means of locomotion. Steamboats had
established themselves upon domestic waters ; and even a rail-
way fifteen miles in length had been })uilt between Albany
and Schenectady. A young locomotive drew the carriages
over the level part of the Road, but the grades were operated
by animals and gravit}-. Thence to Buffalo the " Line Road"
dragged its slow length along, and from there the " Henry
Clay" rushed us through in twenty-four hours. This was a
decided improvement over the two horse sleigh, but how
small! Compared with the accomplishments of the half
century intervening since.

These ten years had wrought great changes in Cleveland.
The o;overnment Piers had been constructed and the "Ohio
Canal" with its produce laden boats and gay Packets, made
things lively. Still that great cause of future contention be-
tween the east and west, and between land and Water com-

82 ANNALS OF THE

merce — bejyinniim with the Columbus street Biida;e and e'lidiuii
with the Viaduct, liad not ^-et arisen. A single raft ol' logs —
a " float bridge " spanned the river at Center street and this
was succeeded by a pontoon bridge, these when the freshets
came it made sundry excursions to the lake. Our present great
interest, the Iron industi'v had already made a beginning.
The "Cuyahoga Steam Furnace " was standing on its present
site, and Blast Furnaces w'ere making pig iron at UoAcr and
Middleburgh, from charcoal and Ijog ore.

About this time arose that sectional strife known as " the
Iiridgewar'" — a chasm but just bridged by the completion
of the Viaduct.

A Buttalo company uniting with local spirits bought u[)
the Carter and Charles Taylor farms, and these with tiie
Patroons of Brooklyn, sought to overshadow the pretensions of
their eastern neighbors. Then arose those enterprising spirits,
James 8. and Edmund Chii-k. who buying up Cleveland Center
and Wille^^ville opened up Columbus street straight south from
iSuperior street, and erected the Columbus street draw-bridge.
This they donated to the then city of (Cleveland which uniting
with certain marine interests sought to prevent the construc-
tion of an}- bridge below Columbus street; while Brooklyn,
jiew incorporated under the specious name of '• The City of
Ohio " determined that there should be more bridges or none.

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION, 83

This war continued to rage until tlie bridge interests liave
seen tlie travail of their souls and are satisfied.

About that time another of Cleveland's great interests
leccived its first "Boom". Elijah F. Willey, a Baptist clergy-
man put in operation on the Walworth run near Willey street
a Brewery, so the introduction among us of this wicked
beverage cannot be laid at the dof)r of the immigrant Tueton.

These events, thus rapidly sketched, occurred, to use
round numbers, between 1820 and 1840.

In the year 1840 the first movements in the direction of
Railways were made in what is new Cleveland. But they
were made by men with more brains and enterprise than
money, and it was ten years before the locomotive whistle was
sounded in Cleveland.

Since then, Ladies and Gentlemen, you have all Ijcen
citizens of Cuyahoga county, and I will not tire your patience
longer. When all the members of this Association shall have
as minutely related their experiences as I have, they will be in
l»ossession of the history of Cuyahoga County.

J. H. SARGENT.

•

84 ANNALS OF THE

A sketch of Early Times in Cleveland, received from

Geo. F. Marshall.

Mr. President:

The conipanitively receut elate in which Cuyahoga county
was peopled, makes this ert'oit of the early settlers to keep
alive its history, one of interest to yourselves and may become
ol" greater importance to those who follow. Most of you ha\e
lived here fully one half the time since the lirst settler made
his home in this part of the Reserve, and if you are disposed
to l)righten up your memory respecting the past and the
traditions of a generation or two that preceeded you, we may
gather a tolerably correct histor}- of the region round about
and make a safer record to rely upon than those of which we
read respecting cities and countries away back ever so far in
the past.

This association appears to have taken a broader and more
liberal ground than any with which | was ever connected. It
requires no standard of morals or education, it has no article
of faith in religion or politics, no restriction in hight or
breadth, weight, health, wealth, color, j)hysical forces, or pre-
vious condition of the purse, has no abstemious clause or
other restrictive policy, and the tenure of membership is that
we have been hanging about Cu3'ahoga Co. two score years or
more all told. The object of the organization, although not

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 85

fully detined in the constitution, I take it is that we shall get
together now and then and look eacli other in the face to see
how the Lake winds have atfected us, and tell pitiful and
pleasing stories adout how things appeared to us when we
were born into this new western world. Some of you older
settlers may propose for entertainment passtimes of athletic
contests, such as running, jumping, climbing greased poles,
chopping, plowing, turning summersets, building log cabins,
chasing foxes or other early passtimes, just to siiow the
younger settlers how well you can do it in your old days.

The true standard by which an "Old Settler" is regarded
in a community, is not so well defined as that of an old
sinner, (although the two qualifications may be embraced in
the same person.) Whether it be that he has managed to live
here forty years and more and means to stick it out, or that
he left his early home for its good, or that he was unable to
o-ain a living where he was, or that his father told him to go
somewhere and do something for himself, or that he came here
out of choice and was determined to make it pay; it matters
but little as long as we are here and have gained a residence
and claim the title. The chances or mischances which fell in
our path to make this our home do not enter into the condi-
tions by which we gain the title, neither need these things be
recorded by the secretary with our l)irth place and the time
we landed for good in this Lake shore region.

ANNALS OF THE

If there he any settlei' who came here single handed in
eai'ly nianliood tliat can pnt his hand npon his heart and say
that he never longed to see his former home in less than six
months, — in other words if his heart was so tough that he did
not (eel the ix'culiar sensation of homesickness now and tlien
— that he did not go down on the l)ank of the Lake in the
winter time and long for spring to come, and the ice to melt.
and the boats to run — if that sort of an old settler still lives.
Rider wants his photograph. He has mine, l)ut it hangs on
the o])posite side of his gallery.

At the l)attle of Cherubusco a guai'd of our soldiei's Jieai'd
a moan coming out of a near wood and upon following up liu'
sound, they discovered a big, stout, healthy soldiei- on n c:u'tus
stump, swaying too and fi-o. all alone, moaning pitifully, they
came to a lialt and waited, undiscovered, to see wh:it would
develop.

"O my God," shouted the lone soldiei-, "I do want to go
home and see ouk Folks." He appeared to l)e in the agony
ofpi'ayerand homesickness.

You see a l)i-ave hearted s<»ldier, even on the (con)tento^d
field, thinks of his home and his mother, ami i)erhaps the
pumpkin pies she used to make, but nevertheless there may
have been a young lady in the case: there is no certain method
to account for human sympathies and mental sutfering.

]t is possible that there are three oi' more soils of early

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 87

settlers aiuong us; one who came in oarl.y luanliood to work
his way single handed, another who came in early youth, led
by the hand of his parents, and anotlior who liy good luck
was born here. It is easy to guess that the former had more
yearning to go and see "our folks" than either of the latter,
but wliat one class gains the otlier loses.

A man's start out in life to earn his own bi'cad and butter
is the next most important event to his liirth. You will
remember that Shakespeare said something about man's
coming and his going, and about the parts he plays, but he
said not a word about the play in Cuyahoga county. The
worlds we thought, was pretty large when we started out in it.
and we thought we liad i-eached about as far west as it was
safe to go. Do you remember how men and things, houses
and lands, the moon and the stars dwindled in comparison to
those you left behind '? You made new discoveries every time
you went back home and returned; after a time your eye
teeth were well cut and you began to see things in their true
light and became a "settler" in stubborn facts and in the
uneritable.

A neighbor of mine who came, from Great Britain and
settled in this county some fifty odd years ago, made a visit
to his native heath aftei' forty odd years of absence, and
although he found the identical fields, the orchards, the
houses, the barns and hedges, he declares that if he had

S8 ANNAl.S OK THE

waited another ten years befoi'e making his first visit, he fears
all England wonld l)e dwindled to such small proportions
that it wonld not be worth while to take a look at it. He
further contends that one of two things has taken place, either
his ideas he brought with him have changed, or the country
he left has terribly shrunk up. It can scarcely be said lliat
forty years ago any uian came hei'c to be a bona tide "•settler'"
and make no sign — there wei'c no retired men of wealth, living
on a laid up foi-tune— about every one had his fortune to make
and his bread to earn ; if we should exact an accurate account
of Ihc moneys and valuables you were in possession ol' when
you became "settled," I flunk the column would not be a ii;ii-d
one to fool. If a man was known to have as much as two or
three hundred dollars in good current money, or as much as
would sell foi- that in "wild cat" or "red dog," he was looked
upon with suspicion, and most people could not help Itnt
lhiid< tlittf he came by it in some uiysterious and im})roper
way. Money l)eing rather scarce in those early days, there
were now and then some public spirited people who were
anxious to supply the needs and necessities of comuiunity
by establishing private mints and l)anks of issue, and dni)li-
cnting those bits ol" jjapcr that })asscd current for all the
necessaries of life. And these were l)auks of early piolits
some after fare, and the proverbial maxim that "man hatii
sought out many inventions," w^as manifest wherever you

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. !^9

chanced to investigate. Currency, or the want of it, was a
source of happiness or misery as well in those days as in
these.

I have not enumerated in mj- list the most emphatic and
noteworthy " old settler" that is entitled to the widest field
and the highest honor; I mean the one who, in early man-
hood, living not far from the 74th meridian, packed his wife
and children in a covered wagon, yoked his faithful oxen to
the front, bidding good-by to New P^ngland, or New York, and
in spite of all opi)Osing elements, came through the Cattar-
augus woods and planted himself here, root and branch, to
live or die, survive or perish, in spite of whate^'er may prevail
to discourage so bold an enterin-ise.

He who brought his perpendicular, honesty and unflinch-
ing determination to win, together with his bible, his religion,
his rifle, his axe, his plow, his politics and a good sized chunk
of Foley White's sticking salve, was the man for this country.
You who were born here, or came here in your mothers arms,
or ran away from home out of shire cussedness, or di-opped in
by chance and could get no further, are all worthy of an
honorable place among " Old Settlers," nevertheless it would
be a mark of respect you owe to that stalwart sort of which I
speak, if you woidd but raise your hat when one of tliem
passes you on the street. He is entitled to the double meiit
of Pioneer as well as "'Old Settler."

90 ■ AKNAT.S OP THK

It was easy enough for a young man, forty-iive years ago,
with only a little grain of enterprise, to start out for the west,
I'iding by stage coach or canal boat, steam boat, or even foot
it away from New England clear to Ohio. He had no cares
on his mind to trouble him, except to eat and slee]) and move
on when the day was pleasant enough, even after he gets here
some trilling matter may cross his path, or lie hears that
times are booming some ftther where, and off he goes like any
rolling stone. Don't you see that such a fickle settler lias
nothing substantial to tie to like the man of family of the
ox team and the covered wagon, and tlie children growing up
Not a few of that former sort of boys haA'c found their way
back to Watei'town or Taunton, or Groton, in order to get
under the old familiar roof ti-ee once more: failing to bring-
out any faculty oi' perserverance or ))luck he feels assured
that his mother wdll receive him with open arms, wliatever
the old uian may say or think aliout it. The poor fellow can
easier withstand the taunts of the boys in his neighliorhood
rather than suffer tliat intolei-able nostalgia that made him
feel so ]iad under his jacket.

After passing through all you have and rejoicing in your
preserverance, while you may be reveling in the luxury of all
the modern appliances of the aeshetics, you should bear
no ill will towards your unfortunate neighliors who neither
had the })luck nor the disposition t(t })ull out and stay out,

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATON. 91

abandoning the hills and the valleys of their youtii for an
uncertain tenure in this unbroken wilderness, when we were
told tliat every newly turned ferrow brouglit a streak of chill
along the spine and an ague in every bone that would bring
our red hair with jaundice to the grave. New^ England people
have been known to fumigate and disinfect the letters received
from here, before reading them, in order to be secure against
contagion and infection. We had a reputation among the
people in the east for a considerable ague, and i)erhaps were
worthy of it.

A little beyond Bedford on the old Pittsl)urg roail is a
heavy strip of swale and in muddy seasons was well nigh
impassable for wagons: the mail and stage coaches would
manage to work their way 1)}' making detours through the
woods and fields. In the spring of ISoT, Philetus Francis, a
man who is yet among us, wrestling with men and horses;
while driving an open mud wagon in place of the covered
coach through this swale, had a full load of passengers, includ-
ing a man from Boston. The Boston man was disgusted
with Ohio and expressed himself to that elfect in unmistak-
able terms; he had never seen a log cabin until that day in
all his life. When the}' came to the bad bit of road, "Fleet"
politely told his passengers of the state of things asking them
to walk across the dangerous path as a matter of safety for
themselves and tlie horse. The Boston ti'aveler declared he

92 ANNALS OF THE

would "do no siieli tliiiiG,," pioclaiining that he had paid his
fare and the stage eompan}' was under an ohlioation to eariy
him to Pittsburgh; he Avould not budge, altliough all the
others, including two ladies, took the chances on foot. Com-
ing to an unfortunate pitch-hole in the road, the wagon gave
a heavy lurch and the Boston man was thrown completely out
and landed on his ruffled shirt front in the soft mud, becom-
ing one of the "first settlers" of Bedford; he went back to
Boston and his mother Avilh clearer ideas of the west, but
dirtier linen, than if he had not unexpectedly settled in Bed-
ford. They sometimes i)rint books in Boston and it may be
this man has published his experiences in Ohio, if so, it would
be well that this society place his volume ou file among its
archives for future reference as part of our history.

Some of you, no doubt, came here under the most favor
able auspices — had a friend to live on, had good luck, health
and hai)piness all through, and no serious impediment to 3'our
ultimate success, for all this you have reason to kick up your
heels, thank God and rejoice. There were those who were
perplexed with all the hindi-ances a human being could well
be surrounded with. In either case you can sit by the tire-
side and tell OA'er your experiences to your grand-children, l)ut
't is well that you l)e careful not to magnify the incidents too
much.

Perhaps the man is alive who declares with a wonderful

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION 93

positivenc'ss that when his lather settled here he could have
l)ought all that tract of land north ot" Superior street, and west
ol' Baidv street, extending,' to the lake and river for two plugs
of tobacco, a pint of whisky and a Jew's harp. Such wonderful
tales, when told in solcniii earnest, only tend to dami)en a man's
ambition and make him provoked with himself to think that
he was not born sooner, and been possessed of those valua)»le
articles of commerce. Yet if he had the offer made him at
the time with the goods on hand, he may have taken a look
all round and imprudently 'wait until land went up or whisky
went down.

As 3'our cities grew up it was wonderful how (juick you
))ut on metropolitan airs. From au overgrown village Cleve-
land sprung out of her bounds in a single day to a lirst class
cit}", from a line of municipal officers ranging in salaries in
the aggregate to about three thousand dollars, she leaped into
a liability of some thirty thousand at one bound, and it is
yearly on the increase.

It has somewhere been said that God made Ihe country
and man the city. We are also told that cities are an un-
natural fungus growth or wart on the body politic. Whether
these propositions are correct or not, I have no pi'eseut inten-
tion to controvert them, yet we are all willing to concede that
the city has vastly more art and cunning, more elegance and
style, more applied art to beautify the human form and habi-

04 ANNALS OF THE

tation, more aj^plicd sciences in tiie art of life than the
eountrv, but for honest purpose and sound common sense, for
robust liealth and the true art of living to a Godly pur[)o«e in
earning bread by the natural perspiration of the Imow, and
doing something as well for those who are figuring on the
blackboard of imagination in cities to win a livelihood In'
the insensible perspirations of the pui'se, commend me to
God's tields in the broad and open country.

You inhabitants of the city, pent up in limited bounds,
who can tell what sauce your neighbors have for supper, are
liable to boast of a numerous population and glory in the
fact that you have outnumbered some other town which was
once much greater than your own in the census roll. A cit}^
is great onl}' when her people are virtuous, intelligent, healthy
and happy, and have made marked progress in the substantial
and elegant arts, made her schools of the best grade and her
manufactories of a standard equal to any, and her jails and
poor houses mere temporary expeciients, and of little use.

Men will hazard a vast deal for wordly gain, they will
locate at times, where the chances of life are greatly against
them, and sometimes put their money where the chance to
win is as one to many thousand; they will gather in cities or
gulches, where one man in ten thousand has become a Crtjesus
and the rest paupers, simply from the impulse thereof, per-

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 95

htips tlu'v loo may bocomc tlie next lueky iudividiitil in point
of dolhifs und cents.

Where two or three, or more houses, are gathered in close
proximity in the name of civilization, the people around and
about them begin to dream of city airs, whistling around the
gables, and as soon as a few more buildings are added and a
blacksmith shoj), a grocery and shoe shop, perhaps a whisky
shop, hang out their signs, an alley or lane becomes a "'street"
and a street is named an "avenue,"' and an avenue a "boule-
vard,'" and a boulevard becomes "a park,"' and so on; every
thing else moves along in the same ratio. We are now living
in an age of- [jrogress — there was not (juite so much of that
sort of thing in our eai'lier days, and the word ";esthetic" was
not invented until Webster came along with his unabridged.

The method in olden time, of building up cities and popu-
lating the country, was somewhat ditferent from that of our
time. A mandate from a king oi' an empeior was enough to
set the j)eoi)le adrift and at once gather arounil a given point,
building up a permanent city as earnestly and faithfully as if
it had been their choice. This American people have their
own way in such matters and were likely to gather around a
mill site, wliere there happened to be a water power for a
grist mill or a saw mill, or a distillery, or an oil well, or some
sort of a mine, and we can hunt up but few other reasons
that make much of a village in the interior, while on the

96 ANNALS OF THE

water cour.scvs a good harbor lor vessels is enough to form
quite a gatliering of people in view of the eommeree most
likely to follow in the wake of labor to be })erfornietl. Forcing-
trade out of its natural channel is an up-hill business, and if
it should run for a time in unnatural grooves, it will be most
certain to tind its easiest course and follow it until a better
one is opened. Mill dams and water power do not enter so
much into the inducements to make a village as formerly.
New and cheap power has been found in steam that can be
carried to any convenient })oint, so that if water power was
once the attraction, Ave can now set up a village in any desir-
al»le spot; about all that is needed is a climate, soil and a
people willing to dig with a prospect of something to come
of it.

When you came to Cleveland you had the self-imi)osed
assurance, that it was to be a successful grain market, and so
it was for a time: the wheat and corn and oats that came
here by canal and transhipped both east and west, appeared
to be simply unequalled in quantity; when that trade left us,
some of our best men fled to other lields, and we thought that
the rise and fall of Cleveland could then be written for all
time. New animation came, and the iron, the copper, the
coal, the petroleum, the lumber, the stone, the mechanic arts
and railroads have brought lier to a proud eminence among
the cities of the great west, and yet her history is unwritten.

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION, 97

For 1113' own part, seeing so many who were here long before
me, although my lot has been cast nearly a half century in
this county, I do not claim to be a very earl}^ settler. If we
form a line and place the older ones in the advance, my place
would be well nigh the rear, unless there be some among you
who are afraid to be called old. I can only look upon those
venerable men and pioneers with a degree of reverence and
respect, about every one of whom I have had more or less
acquaintance during my time among you and the greater
source for rejoicing when we get together is that there are so
many who have survived so many perils and come looking so
well. Some in other states and some in other nations, where-
ever they may be it cannot change the fact that we have stuck
tight to Cuyahoga (bounty and are here yet.

lu the year 1836 there was what would be called in the
present day " a boom " in the West, it was emphatically a
speculative boom, people went wild to some extent ; lines of
emigrant wagons were seen along the roads ranging east and
west, anywhere from the southern borders of Pennsylvania to
the northern point of Mane long before the northeastern l)oun-
dary question was settled. The line of march extended as far
as Ohio and " the Michigan," now and then you would hear
(»f a family that had ventured as far west as the 90th meridian.
There were some chums of mine and some other boys who slid
out from our neighborhood on foot between two da3's. Not so

98 ANNALS OF THE

much perhaps to seek a fortune, however, aud loUowing the
Star of Empire, Init oljeying the spirit of liberty tliat broke out
about that time, tlie boys thought that an indented apprentice
was one of the twin relics of barbarism and did not care to
hold allegieuce against their will to a boss until they were
twenty-one aud get nothing but their board and clothes. Some
of those boys I am 'sorry and glad to say lied their country
for its oood, went west and forsook some of their sins, grew
up with the country, became respected, made good citizens or
went further west and joined the Mormons.

It may have been that I saved my credit, and what little
desirable reputation I had, in consequence of my boss pulling
up stakes in the east and emigrating, bag and baggage, to
Ohio, when I followed suit, coming up the lake on the steamer
"North America," which steamer had more pulmonaries, more
cronies and more asthmatic beings than any craft afloat, it
took twenty-six hours to make the voyage from Buffalo to
Cleveland, and I have rejoiced about every day since that she
came safe tlirougli. A very fine spoken gentleman met nie as
I landed on the dock with a beautiful town plat in his hand,
which had many corner lots and water lots, with a church, a
court house, a school house, and factories adorning the borders,
nicely pictured out. He wanted to make me rich by selling
me one — that is one of the maps — he said there was money in
selling the lots for any one could buy a lot and pay a quarter

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 99

down, 111' wantod a (luarter for thu chart and I only had left
half enough to buy one, or I might have gone in and made a
fortune by this time. The great idea in those days was to
found a city, the spirit of Romulus was abroad in the the land.
It was a big thing to have a franchise in an imaginary city
with corner lots and water lots a plenty. Many people in a
speculative way followed the course of streams in their chase
for fortune, and looked for a sight for a dam or a good chance
for a saw mill or a grist mill; the idea was to pitch in and
make a fortune as quick as possible and let other people do
the work; speculating on paper was one of the open gateways
to wealth in that day.

The boom struck Cleveland between wind and water, she
had it tolerabl}^ bad, but weathered it through rather better
than most towns that were struck. In Cuyahoga County
beside our own city that was sure to win in the end we had
the city of Gilnett at the mouth of Rocky River, and St. Johns-
ville at Chagrin, while plats and survey's were made for the
mouth of P^uclid Creek and Doan's Brook. As for the interior
of the county cities in embryo were a plentj^, and Tinker's
Creek was said to have the linest water power anywhere
between Niagara and St. Antony.

Railroads that had just been tested for utility in the east
were lieiug projected for us in the booming west. William B.
Lloyd and John R. St, John, two of our most enthusastic

100 ANNALS OF THE

citizens were the firmest advocates of tliis new means of
transit, but they had more mind than money.

We had Pittsburgh connected with us by links and cluiins
by grades and curves on paper, but we had to use the okl mud
roads long before the cars and rails were ready for use. Those
enterprising gentlemen were only a score or more of years in
advance of our necessities.

Speaking of railroads we had an unmistakable one in our
midst which is worthy of more than a passing mention. The
Cleveland and Newburgh Railway was au accomplished fact,
had its day, carried its loads of human freight and Ijlue stone
combined, yielded up its dividends and the ghost simulta-
neously, and where is it? Ahaz Merchant was one of the
public spirited men of those days that not only projected
improvements, Ijut his enterprise brought many to a practical
test; it was his head and hands that brought this Newburg
road to completion, and if it was not financially a success it
became no excuse to call Mr. Merchant a visionary man. ■ He
was bound to test the practicability of bringing the blue stone
of the Shaker quarries to a profitable purpose. The western
terminus of that road was in the southwest corner of the
Public Square and its eastern was in the midst of the blue
stone of the Shaker brook at Doan's Corners, near where the
famous spring of blue rock water has burst through its seams.
The line of route was directly through Euclid street (now an

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION 101

"aveuiie,") and a single passenger coach carried all the human
freight that sought transit; one horse was quite enough for
any car load and we prided ourselves that we had a street
railroad in real good earnest, and two trips a day was quite
enough for all the travel, hut the rails were of the stately
forest oak and there was no fear of snake heads or of Ashta-
bula holocosts nor yet of such mysterious and terrible water
casts as that of the river Tay in Scotlnnd.

You all know that the Cuyahoga is a crooked stream and
that its present outlet is through a channel cut out l)y the
hand of man ; its waters once meandered westerly through the
delta till it sluggishly reached the Lake about a mile west of
where it ought to be, if nature is mistrusted to have made any
mistake about the matter. That old I'jver ]ied was rich in
allusions, in flags and rushes, in muskrats and snipe, in bull
frogs and water snakes, in wild ducks and sunfish, and it was
one of the safest winter quarters for Lake craft anywhere to be
found on the shore. The experienced eye of men of means
saw what could be done with that "old river bed," and a com-
pany set to work and dredged the channel and opened the
mouth with a determined intent to make a roadstead that
would eclipse the new channel in every essential manner. The
work was completed to a degree, and the first steamer was to
pass through the channel to the open sea on a given Fourth
of July loaded with the beauty and chivalry of those who

1U2 ANNALS OF THE

leut their favor towards the new enterprise. It was indeed a
gay scene when that load of gay citizens steamed down the
channel with Hags above and flags below and shouts of triuni|)h
all around. The steamer moved like a thing of a good deal of
life for a while, but whether in consequence of too much delta
or too much ])oat or too many happy people on board, she got
stuck in the mud and never got out to sea with its gay load
after all. Whatever you may say about that old river l)ed it
is rapidly coming into use in spite of its earlj- history, we may
yet see immense fleets riding through it in safety and no
sectional jealousies to cpiestion the practicability of the enter-
prise in view of the coming breakwater.

You well remember what an eftbrt was made to get a I'ail-
way from Cleveland to Colnmbus. Sandusky had ali'eady
formed a connection ])y rail with Cincinnati. It touched the
pride and poverty of our Cleveland people to sucli a degree
that they got just a little bit on their ear. Everyone wanted
everyone else to go down into tlieir pockets and l)ring up
enough to secure the progress of the road. How tliey did beg
and plead, pull and haul, tear, and perhaps swear, for a rail-
road, but those tilings won't come without a prc^tty loud call
upon the purse.

In order to save the charter, which had lain doi-mant for a
time, it was thought best to make a shoAV of work on the line
ali'eady surveyed. One bright autumn foivnoon a)>out a

EAKLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 103

dozen men got themselves together near the ground now occu-
pied b}' the A & G. W. Railway depot with the noble purpose
of inaugurating the work of building the Cleveland, Colum
bus and Cincinnati Railroad. Among the number was Alfred
Kelley, the President, T. P. Handy, the Treasurer, J. H.
Sargent, the Engineer, James A. Briggs, the Attorney, and H.
B. Payne, Oliver Perry, John A Foote and others besides j^our
humble servant. On that memorable spot one could look upon
those vast fields of bottom land and nothing could be seen
but unbroken wide }neadows, the brick residence of Joel
Scranton on the north, and the ruins of an old mill in the
ravine of Walwortli Run on the south, were the only show of
buildings in all that region round about. These gentlemen
had assembled to inaugurate the work on the railway, yet
there was a sadness about them that could be felt, there was
something that told them that it would be difficult to make
much of a railroad without monc}' and labor. Yet they came
on purpose to make a show of a beginning. Alfred took a
shovel and with his foot pressed it well into the soft and wil-
ling earth, placing a good chunk in the tranquil wheelbarrow
close at hand, repeating the operation until a load was at-
tained and dumping it a rod or so to the south. We all
shouted a good -sized shout that the road was really inaugura-
ted. Then Mr. Handy did a little of the same work as well
as Sargent and Briggs, while I sat on tlie nearest log rejoicing

104 ^ ANNALS OF THE

to see the work going on so lively and in such able liands.
The fact was demonstrated that the earth was willing if man
would only keep the shovel, the pick and the wheelliairow
moving lively according to this l»eginning.

All tliat fall and winter one man was kept at work on the
great enterprise, simply to hold the charter with a ho\)o that
something would turn u^) to enable the directors to push
things witli a greater show for ultimate success. During the
winter that followed any one passing up Pittsburgh street
near the blutf could see day bv day the progress this one man
powei' was making in his work. Foot ])y foot eacli day tlio
brown eai'th could be seen gaining on tlie white snow (tn the
line towards ('olumbus, and ho[)0 i-emained lively in the hi-east
of everyone that saw the })rogress, tluit if the physical powers
of that solitary laborer held out long enough, he would some
day l»e al)le to go to state's prison b^' rail.

There was a serious hindrance in the progress of the work,
wliich came in this wise. The laborer who had so great a job
(tn his hands took a look and a thought at wliat he had to do
— it was one hundred and forty miles to Columbus and it was
best to hurry up or the road would not he ready for use for
(piite a spell to come, he set to work witli renewed energy foi-
a while, then threw himself quite out of breath on tlie ground
for a brief rest when the rheumatism took liold of liini and
sciatica troul»led liis limits so much that tlie ureat work was

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. . 105

brought to a stand still; he struck for his altars and his fires
at home, while tlie next fall of snow oliliterated the line of his
progress towards the south, and the directors got together to
devise ways and n\eans to keep tlie work moving onAvard. It
was said that the hest thing they could do under this stress
of circumstances was to devise a method for drying and
warming the ground so that a like calamity would not occur
to tlieir workman, wishing to encourage every freak he had to
work a little faster, provided he would do so at tlie same
wages.

Soon after this calamity befel the laliorer and the road, a
meeting was called at P^mpire Hall and it was a jam. Alfred
Kelley discoursed on the sul)ject of the railway and telling us
that if Ave did not take hold of tliis opportunity to make an
iron way to the center of the state Cleveland would only be
known in the Gazeteers as a small town on Lake Erie about,
six miles from Newburgh where steamers sometimes stop to
wood and water. By a sudden stroke of generalship tlie exit
doors of the hall were locked and the audience were held
until all were converted to the faith and pooled in enough to
secure the road and add a few more men to the work, Avhen,
after a reasonable time, the solons of our legislature came up
here cm the 22d of February and celebrated the completion of
the Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati Eailroad, and the
birthda\' of Washington all at once.

106 ANNALS OF THE

Previous to the memorable period of Cleveland's first
advance step towards popular favor we liave endeavored to
cai'r}' our memory back, to note what manufacturins: interests
she was engaged in, and the only establishment that could
trul}' be called a "factor^-" was a one story building Avhere fine
teeth combs were made by machinerj^ the old coml» factory
opposite the head of Bank street. Messrs. Bartram and Dean
and Lowman made wagons and carriages, and it is furtlier
true that Lowman continues to make them to this day and to
all appearances lie will continue to do so till the crack of
doom, anil it is further true that Duty made coflins then to
sliip away and he is at it now. D. A. Shepherd made furni-
ture and lie is bus}- to-day in a better appointed factory. O.
A. Brooks sold crockery then and he is at the same business
today. Dr. McKenzie sold pills and squills and febrifuge then
and he is at it yet. C. C. Carlton was an active business man
in our city forty-five years ago and he is now about as active
and attentive to his calling as ever. W. T. Smith, the genial
and always courteous and happy dealer in boots and shoes
has been dispensing those pedal integuments to the third and
fourth generation of them that loved him and he has kept at
it it every day since, 8unda5's excepted. George Williams
was then and is noAV in active life in the same line that found
him engaged nearly fift}' years ago. George Whitelaw forty-
eight years ago thought there was notliing like leathcf to be

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 107

engaged in and he thinks so yet. John A. Vincent sold chairs,
cradles and such like to the great grand parents of those he
is dealing with to-day in the same line. T. P. Handy is as
regular in his banking office to-day as fort^'-eight years ago.
S. S. Lyon made tackling for horses and mules nearly a half
century ago and he would not refuse to keep right on as lie is
doing now for another like term of years.

When the old comb factory had lived out its day and
aliout everybody was in doubt whether C'lcAeland would 1)oom
to any considerable extent in the future, many of our nervous
and eager citizens sought other fields for their genius and a
sort of stillness set in and about our waters, an<l at one time
it was proposed to fence the pond in for fear some one would
fall in and get drowned. Something whispered in the ears of
the inhabitants that they had better stay and weather it out,
all that they heard of other places was but wild rumor and
many who had bitten at the shining bait came wangling back
to our own waters for more sul)stantial food. Something also
told us to stick to it, get up another comb factory or some
sort of a manufacturing shop and Cleveland would some day
come to be quite a town. About this time a new set of inhab-
itants came among us, there appeared to lie a spontaneous
putting of shoulders to the wagon wheel, things moved more
lively, and when our railway" was opened up and people could

108 ANNALS OP THE

get here in winter as well as summer it was the opening- period
of Clevelands prosperity.

The new comers joined hands with the old settlers, our
railroads were built, manufactories were planted in tlie valleys
and on the hills. And when the Heecy vapors came up from
the thousand steaming boilers and the l)lack smoke from
vastly more seething furnaces it swept every vestige of ague
from the atmosphere and the chill from every bone of an
animate body, it gave new life to the people and it became a
well settled fact that the boom of 1S;3G was a well shaped
boomerang in 1856, and so on to the present day. The enter-
prise of those who have been coming here since the days of
"Tippecanoe and Tyler too" have done wonders towards build-
ing up a city of no mean proportions. Yet 3'ou old settlers
have not been materially eclipsed Ity those new comers except
in their overpowering numbei's, whom all were glad to receive
with open arms.

The power of steam was just being applied to machinery
in our midst. Tliere was a steam flouring mill on River street
entirely destroyed }»y lire in 1837. Younglove and Hoyt subse-
quently erected a paper mill on the canal near Pittsburgh
street. About the year 1846 M. C. Younglove set up the lirst
power press (Adams') in Cleveland which press was placed iii
the Merchants Exchange Building, directly over where Luetke-
me3'er's hardware store now is. It did all the work for the

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATON. 109

Herald as well as the Plain Dealer and other rival daily papers
at the time, and as they tried to work their^ editions off at the
same hour they never appeared to he any great amount of ill
feeling among the proprietors whether the}^ got their forms
on the i)ress for the matter of a halt of three quarters of an
liour was all either would be compelled to wait on the other ;
the press did not throw off the sheets at lightning speed,
perhaps two or three hundred, all told, would comprise the
largest editions. One or two stout men were employed at
first to manipulate the press but steam soon took their place.
The Cuyahoga Steam Furnace Compan}- which was not in the
present corporate limits of Cleveland in liSiU was the lirst
substantial enterprise in that line in our county, and up to
that time there was not probably a half dozen establishments
that had machiner}- propelled by steam within the corporation.
There was a manifest struggle among the cities of the Lakes
in our day for commercial precedence, and when the doctrine
of internal improvements was an article of faith that we held
to out of local interest or universal principle, we could not
help l>ut look with a degree of jealousy if Congress gave
Ashtabula, Erie, Conneaut, Fairport, Vermillion, Black River
or Huron any kind of a show in her appropriation bill and
omitted Cleveland, but when Rocky River or Chagrin or even
Euclid Creek was spoken of as asking for a pier we were all
likely to go into spasms and give up all hope for the future

110 ANNALS OF THE

success of the Cuyahoga as a })ort of eiitry. Congress scat-
tered her favors so iiiuuificently and carelessly that it became
hard to tell where the work would do the most good.

Your progress toward improvement was a proverlj. When
you old settlers of forty-live years standing located in Cleve-
land you could boast of the most miserable thoroughfares in
the spring and autumn time that the wide west ever beheld.
Tht ladies were necessarily restricted in appearing on the
avenues arrayed in the latest style of dress for obvious reasons,
dress was forced to conform to circumstances.

Among the people of my native state tliere a^)})eared to be
an indistinct idea of the condition of things in this far west
portion of the unsettled territory, and when it got abroad that
I was about to emigrate to these wilds I was regarded as wild
myself. What! are you going to that unbroken wilderness
where tliere are no schools nor churches and hardly any
houses l)ut log huts, and the ague so thick you can cut it?

My first visit to the home of my youth was In'uited about
the town among the boys, and they came to see me and hear
me tell the. wonderful tales of the perils among the wild
animals that everyone is said to encounter "out west." One
notable citizen had Ijcen to see me ever so many times Ijut
failed to lind me for a while, after })atience and perseverence
had crowned his ettorts with success he appeared to be happy.
He said a friend of his had gone out "to the Ohio" some 3^ears

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. Ill

ago and he had licard nothing from him since lie lei't and he
was anxious to learn something of his wlierea))outs.

I asked liini wliat part of the state he located in, 1)ut that
he did not know, and upon careful inquiry, with a full deter-
mination to give the gentleman all the information he sought
il la my power, I learned that his friend had settled some-
where in "the Ohio state," the count}^, town or village he did
not know and moreover his name was Smith, the given name
he could not remeni1)er. If any of you know a man by that
name in Ohio please report.

If one of theCherubims or Seraphims had fallen in Sui)erior
street about thirty-live years ago, it would not have created
much more wonder than the lirst liveried coachman, who
drove down the avenue in regulation costume. It took us by
suri)rise, we were not fully |)repared for so much all at once
and few of our jjeople had a knowledge of what they were
gazing upon, only through the medium of books, of fiction, or
memories of European times. We had all the elements of
style — in fact there was a good deal of it put up in the human
breast, and all it wanted was a little burst of lesthetic inde-
pendence to bring it out. We had plenty of people who
longed to do this thing, but it was dangerous to set sail in so
open a sea without a guide.

We never knew the comforts and elegances of life until we
had them. When we waded through the mud of an evening

112 ANNALS OF THE

with our [)ants rolled up, and a 3'ourig lady on our arm headed
towards a party or a prayer meeting, we knew nothing of the
convenience of gas light and paved streets, or street ears, and
were just as happy in our ignorance as to-day, provided the
young lady was good looking b}- day light or candle light.
Transportation was no difticult if the company was attractive
while we never contemplated whether the old man was
possessed of numerous shekels or none.

When James 8. Clark imported a grand and elegant car-
riage to our young city, and had it propelled ahout our streets
by a span of lively mules, it became an epoch in our hisLoiy
worth recording for we were not familiar with such turnouts.
It was a master stroke of Republican independence to send
out the ladies of his household in an elegant landaulet,
drawn by a pair of mules, driven by a man as black as
Erebus. We had to stop and look as the establishment passed
us in the mudd^' streets. To say that we had no cultivated
style in those early da^'s. would not be true. About all of us
had studied u[) what was elegant and how Ijad avc wanted
such just as much as any other young and thriving city
There were men who sent their measures for coats to New
York, while they would consent to let Shelley make tlieir
pants and vests, and so it was in other things, a growing dis-
position to outdo some one else; that was the era when
aesthetics began to boom. One man squandered ten shilling,

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 113

six pence, two pence half penny, to get his coat of arms from
England and had a crest painted on the pannel of his wagon.
We all hankered to appear well in society, at church or on
the streets.

Men who had heretofore done their own chores about their
home, as soon as trade would warrant, hired a man and many
a hired man as he lay down on his pillow at night repeated
to himself the hard days work he had to perform all for
twelve dollars a month and board. There is so much to do
that a fellow has no time to say his own prayers in comfort.
In the morning there are three tires to make, cow to milk and
in summer to take to pasture, two horses to take care of, the
walks to swee}), the wood to saw, the coal to carry in, ei-rands
to do, the garden to weed, to lie blowed u}) ten times a day by
the old woman, black- the old man's boots and clean the cliil-
dren's shoes, and of a Sunday there is more hard work to do
than any day in the week. Have to take the family to church
and hang round outside for the last amen of the minister,
when we })oor hostlers chant in chorus the "Gloria in Excel-
sis," bring the team around to the curbstone and when we
get' home as hungry as a hyena after a three days fast are
compelled to wait to see if there is anything left from the
dining room that is sutfered to come to the kitchen for Bridget
and me to make a dinner from. Then hitch up again to take
the children to Sunday School, and in the evening, storm or

114 ANNALS OF THE

not, the team must come out for the tinal service, aud I stand
about or drive the team around to keep them in warm blood
until the linal benediction, when I get to the barn once more
and work till ten o'clock to make the horses dry and fix their
feed and bedding for the night.

Somewhere along in the forties I well remember my own
"aesthetic" outburst in the way of an establishmeiit. It is said
of Thackeray when he essayed to keep a carriage and horses
that he was not able to do so with the income the sale of his
books attbrded, the same may liave been said of me in
respect to my one horse harness shop, but I got an old steady
animal and a second hand rockaway and paid for them in my
line, picked up someone's old harness that had been left at my
shop for repairs aud so I got out as fine a rig as was suited to
my grade and means as is usually seen on the streets, an
animal entirely safe for my wife or anyone else to drive; then
u}) and down these streets she wandered with those babies of
ours, the envy of lots of old settlers who had no horse or
wauon or babies to boast of I call to mind one of the
incidents connected with one of their airings. It was a liabit
of my wife to drive in the outskirts and note the new streets
that were in those days being opened up. reporting progress
to me at night : one day after she was well out on her rounds
a friend came in my shop and said that he saw my wife in a
rockaway full of babies driving a black horse with a counter-

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 115

brush tail going through where they are opening Oregon street.
"Well, said I, that's all right, let her go, there is no law
against it yet."

Now I have never talcen time to think whether that friend
meant to throw any slur at either horse, rockaway, harness
wife or babies, for any lack of aesthetics on our part.

I took a look at this friend's rig the other day, it was all tip
top, he has a tine pair of roadsters with copious tails, yet he
seldom indulges in a ride himself, the ladies of his family
adorn the establishment better than if he were present. Yet
it pains me to say that his coachman has the cockade in his
hat on the wrong side, and that narrow banded affair of a hat
too looks like the same old plug Paddock sold the head of the
household in 1840, ironed over and made to tit the coachman
by taking out a lot of cotton batting from under the lining.
Such is the progress of the "aithetics" out in that part of the
avenue of the world, and I don't blame my friend for his inde-
l)endence even if he fails to carry out the nicer points in the
progress of lesthetics. He knows well enough that that word
was not brought here by any of the old settlers, and we all
like to be independent and do as we please in spite of what
Mrs. Grundy dare say.

The wild and unbroken forests and plains that spread
themselves to the north and west of us a half century ago
have become the animated centers of the republic while the

116 ANNALS OF THE

unpeopled shores of the Pacific are now alive with the best
blood of the Anglo Saxon race, and the almond eyed Mongo-
lians are coming in faster than many white people really
desire.

When we came here the entire domain north and west of
Ohio could barely boast of a million })eople; to-day one-third
of our entire population has found permanent homes away oil'
there where we had not the liejirt to face the untutored
savages or contend against the wild beasts so vividly decribed
in our geographies. The greater part of that teeming west
was an unpeopled wilderness and an unexplored waste on our
maps.

Since you older settlers made your homes in this county
many important events have been added to the history of our
country, and it is a wonderful page to contemplate when the
more notable ones are placed u})on it. Some of you took part
in or were contemporaneous with the last war with Great
Britain. We have had a contest with Mexico and agreed to
quit by taking a slice of her valuable domain. We have had
wars innumerable with the aborigines and been continually
compelling them to go west and give our people room to swing
a cat and lu'eathe. We have settled two important l)oundary
questions with Great Britain that threatened badl}- for a time.
We have acquired territory of other nations quite enough to
make a dozen empires. We have added state upon state until

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 117

the iiumber is so great that it troubles our people to keep tall}-
of the increase. We have put down the greatest rebellion
since the da_ys of the Peloponnesian war. We have wiped out
slavery as with a sponge. We have struck oil in the hill sides
and gold and silver and iron in the mountains. We have
thrown a network of railways all over the land, and the meshes
of wires above our heads are so interwoven that they form a sort
of lace curtain against the rays of the sun. Steamships cross
the Atlantic Ocean in a fraction over a week. The earth and
sea are many times girded with stretched wires. So much
has transpired which is worthy of mention since you settled
here that the ennumeration ])ecomes tiresome and the items
widen so infinitely that it appears useless to attempt an ap-
proximation towards a fair schedule of all that has come to
pass since j'our early days in Cuyahoga Countv. At the rate
things have been moving for the past fifty j'ears, it bewilders
the mind to attempt to comprehend what may take place in
another fifty years. The city has l>een made over anew since
we first set our feet emphatically down in Cleveland; our great
avenue, Superior street, can scarcely show us a monument in
the shape of a building that stood there when we came. The
venerable town pump that graced the head of Bank street and
supplied near half the town with water has been swept away;
it is not the same town we saw any more than we are the same
persons, for the}' tell us that we renew ourselves eveiy seven

118 ANNALS OF THE

years. We have worn out two jails and are developing consid-
erable friction on the third and fourth. The three louety
churches that were the only places for public worship have
increased to hundreds, and yet we have a great share of wicked
people among us.

The public schools as well as the public school houses of
Cleveland have been a marked feature in oui- civilization.
From the old and unambitious Academ}^ on St. Clair street,
which was the onl}'^ school building in our earlier days, we
have erected four or five high school buildings, tlie last of
which is the wonder of modern times; it is claimed to ]>e quite
high enough for practical use, from base to pinnacle it will
measure fully one hundred and forty feet, Columbus College
standard, where three barley corns make one inch, and it has
innumerable gables as well. "Is not that pretty high?"
Every tax payer says "umph." It is not every youth that can
boast of so much outside show in order to gain the inner
adornments of the head, and you who had knowledge ingrafted
at the old Academy or the schools which preceded it may be
proud that " i^sthetics " were invented so that 3'our grauil
children could revel in the halls of our high schools; shall we
wait to see what onr high school house will l)e 40 years hence?

After that " old Academj' " our public schools multiplied
to a wonderful degree until every quarter of the citv was
adorned l\v one or more of those educators of the coming
people.

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 119

During the winter of 1836-37 Mr. Upson, of Tallmtidge,
sent to the city for trial a wagon load of bituminous coal, a
seam of which had cropped out of a hillside on his farm and
he was anxious to see if it could he made of use as a fuel. A
gentleman then living where the Weddell House now stands —
it may have been Mr. T. M. Weddell himself — ventured to
make a trial of the coal ; his neighlpors got an idea of what
was going on and they looked in apparent dread at the house
when the black smoke curled out of the chimney, and when
the sulphurous fumes came down to the ground they held
their nostrils and made up tlieir minds at once that such stuff
would breed a pestilence and they would liave none of it in
theirs. This people had not been educated up to a coal stand-
ard in those daj^s; it is quite different now.

There is a sturdy member of your association who has
been liere over three score years, but is not the man he was in
opinion forty years ago. When coal l)egan to be used as fuel
that man declared he never would consent to abandon the use
of wood and resort to filthy coal as long as he was al)le to pur-
chase a supply of wood. To-day that '• old settler" is able to
purchase the native forests on either side of him, but every
grate, range, stove and furnace in his stately mansion is sup-
plied with coal.

We could not consent that the advances made in our time
should be ol)literated and we too be placed back to the condi-

120 ANNAI.S OF THE

tioii of tbrty-tlA^e years ago, when we had uo street lights, no
water works, no sewers, no paved streets, no police, no steam
fire department, no public library, no fountains, no city hall,
no telegraph nor telephones, no railroads, no steam tugs, no
anthracite coal, no jiropellers, no bridge across the river, no
breakwater, no manufactories, no refineries, no viaduct, and
no taxes to speak of. .

Many people have wished to renew their lives by wander-
ing among the scenes of their early youth: we are certain to
get quite enough in a few days. How would you like to see
our nuiin avenue again atloat with its proverbial unfathomable .
mud of olden times? How would you like to see those scanty
iwood wagons that used to adorn the lower end of the avenue
again in i)laec, then those stately " Wooster schooners " that
plied on the pike ])etweeu Wayne and Cuyahoga counties bring-
ing fiour and whisky and returning with ballast of nails, cod
fish an<l cotton cloth, and finally as you passed down of a morn-
ing and see three stage coaches waiting for Captain Sartwell's
orders at the old Franklin House to go and gather passen-
gers with the inevitable chunky " Heniy " perched high atop
of one with four in hand. All this would do you as a passing
dream, but you would say give us the advance and not the
retrograde.

Our city stands upon a plane ranging from sevent3^-five to
one hundred feet above the Lake; this gives us an eminence

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 121

above our noighhoring cities of the Lakes that tliey would be
glad to attain. You will remember that at one time in your
early residence there was a steady, rapid encroachment of the
Lake upon the heart of the city by the sliding away of the
l)lutf bank above the lieach. Tlie quick sands Avhicli underlie
the city were fast carrying away the surface, and at the rate the
land was leaving us it was easy to calculate when the little
city we found as we settled liere would be entirely swept away.
I have seen the time when many acres had taken their dci)ar
ture in one night, Imt the railroads saved our city in more
ways than one, they put a stop to the further incroachments
of the Lake.

The elegant in architecture had not developed itself to any
extent up to 1840. Men who built had so little i-egard for
comeliness that it appears as if they told the builders the
height, length and breadth they wanted their liouse or block'
or shop and the number of windows and doors needed, then
allowed them to be placed at random as was most convenient to
the mechanics. Men of taste who have visited us have made
a note of these things to our disadvantage. We took courage
and thanked God that after a time a lietter order of things
was instituted, and after the second and third series of build-
ings went up we had something more comely to look upon,
and to-day old settler or not, a citizen need not be ashamed to
wander about these streets with the best meu of the proudest

122 ANNALS OF THE

city in our land and point to Jiuudreds of blocks and churches,
hospitals, asylums, schools, manufactories and dwellings that
Avill rank with any in the wide world.

There may be a wide diversity in the hopes and realiza-
tions of all you " old settlers." Some may have accomplished
all they aimed for, and some may have come far short even if
their aim had been ever so unpretending. Whatever that fate
chances to be, it is rather too late to try and mend it now.
We had better philosophically accept the situation and con-
tinue striving to the end.

You who have hung on so long through thick and thin
never Hinched in the hour of panic or epidemic, never grunted
too much over the cold Lake winds, nor stuck up your nose
when the black smokes and crude oil smells hung roun<l your
nostrils. You who have brought up a family in knowledge
and virtue and have maintained among your fellows as upright
a character as the times would warrant, can rest assured that
you have done far more for the honor, glory and majesty of
Cleveland than Cleveland could possibly do for you.

There are two important domestic pictures. I would have
you carefully contemplate and view in every light you can see
the best. One is Cleveland as you saw her forty years ago,
and Cleveland as you can'see her to-day.

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION

123

There are artists enough anioiiy yon to paint these scenes
to the life, and the sooner 3^on practice with your brush, your
canvas and your pigments on those of tlie past, your friends
will think the more of you, while you will be likely to renew
your life in the operation.

A SUMMARY

OF THE

Records of the Association.

ORIGIN OF THE ASSOCIATION.

I HE lirst step which led to the organization of the
"Early Settlers Association of Cuyahoga
County," was taken by H. M. Addison, wlio was
"father of the thought," and who j)uljlished in
the fall of 1879 several articles in the Cleveland newspapers
relative to the project. These articles having created a favor-
able impression, so encouraged him that he circulated a
written call for a public meeting of the pioneers and early
settlers of Cleveland, for the purpose of consultation and
effecting a permanent organization of such an association.
The call was signed by a goodly number of Cleveland's
prominent citizens, among whom were the following:

John Crowell, 8. L. Blake,

Ahimaz Sherwin, George Mygatt,

Wm. H, Stanley, M. Barnett,

Erastus Smith, Elijah Smith,

John W. Allen, Daniel R. Tilden,

J. P. Bishop, William Fuller,

128

ANNALS OF THE

H. B. Payne,
L. Dow ( Jottiell,
John A. Foot,
Homer Strong.
Milo Bosworth,
John Wicken,
Harvey Rice.
James A. Bolles,
W. S. Rulison,
A. R. Chapman,
Jahez Hall.
J. E. Twitehell.
R. R. Herrick,
N. B. Sherwin,
S. Williamson.
John C. Granuis,
H. P. Weddell
James Barnett,
K. B. Hale k Co.,
P. R. Everett,
Edmund P. Morgan,
R. R. Root,
R. C. Parsons,
C). F. Welch,
George 0' Conner,

John Welch.
Henry H. Dodge,
Elijah Bingham,
Moses White,
Geo. C. Dodge,
J. A. Vincent,
J. C. Saxton,
J. J. Elwell.
Elias Cozad.
W. H. Doan,
W. H. Hayward,
T. P. Handy,
Jolin C. Covert.
O. H. Mather.
Jas. D. CleA'eland.
S. J. Andrews,
W. Bingham,
J. H. Wade,
A. Everett.
K. S. Root.
Wm. Perry Fogg,
Moses Warren,
T. J. Clapp,
J- C. Brewer,
E. S. Flint,

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 129

Geo. B. Merwin, Henry Wick,

W. S. Streator, Charles Whittlesey,

M. S. Castle. Daniel W. Duty.

In response to this call a large number of pioneers and
early settlers convened at the Probate Court Room, on the
evening of Nov. 19th, 1879, organized the meeting by appoint-
ing Hon. John W. Allen chairman, and H. M. Addison
secretary, and after a free discussion and interchange of
views relative to the object of the meeting, adopted the follow-
ing constitution:

ARTICLE I.

This association shall be known as the " Early Settlers
Association of Cuyahoga County," and its members shall
consist of such pei'sons as have resided forty years in the
same, and who shall subscribe to this constitution and pay a
membership fee of one dollar, but shall not be subject to
further liabilit3^

ARTICLE IL

The officers of the association shall consist of a president,
two vice presidents, secretary and treasurer, with the addition
of an executive committee of not less than five persons, all
of which officers shall be members- of the association and
hold their offices during its jjleasure, and until their succes-
sors are duly appointed and they accept their appointments.

130 ANNALS OF THE

ARTICLE III.

The object of the association shall be to meet in conven-
tion annually, with the view of briugiug its members into
more intimate social relations and collecting all such interest-
ing facts, incidents, relics and personal reminiscences relative
to the early history and settlement of the city and county, as
ma}^ be regarded of permanent value, and transferring the
same to the "Western Reserve Historical Society" for preserva-
tion, and for the benefit of the present and future generations.

ARTICLE IV.

It shall be the duty of the president to preside at public
meetings of the association, and in his absence the like duty
shall devolve upon one of the vice presidents. The secretary
shall record in a book for the purpose the proceedings of the
association, the names of the members in alphabetical order
with the ages and time of residence at the date of becoming-
members, and conduct the necessary correspondence of the
association. He shall also be regarded as an additional
member, ex-oflicio, of the executive committee, and may con-
sult with them but have no vote. The treasurer shall receive
and pay out all the moneys belonging to the association, but
no moneys shall be paid out except on the joint order of the
chairman of the executive committee and secretar}^ of the
association. No debt shall be incurred against the association
by any ofticer or member beyond its ready means of payment.

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATON. 131

ARTICLE V.

The executive committee shall have the general super-
vision and direction of the attairs of the association, designate
the time and place of holding its meetings, and publish due
notice thereof with a programme of exercises. The committee
shall also have power to fill vacancies that may occur in their
own body or in any other office of the association, until the
association at a regular meeting shall fill the same, and ma}'
appoint such number of subordinate committees as they may
deem expedient. It shall also be their duty to report to the
association at its regular annual meeting the condition of its
affairs, its success and prospects, with such other matter as
they may deem important, the same to be published in
pamphlet and distributed to members of the association, if
approved and so ordered by the association.

ARTICLE VI.

The annual meeting of this association for the election of

officers shall be held on the second Monday of January of

each year.

ARTICLE VII.

The constitution may be altered or amended at any regular

meetina^ of the association on a two-thirds vote of the

members present, and it shall take effect from the date of its

adoption.

132" ANNALS OF THE

And thereupon the meeting proceeded to the election of
officers to serve until the annual meeting to be held on the
second Monda}' of January, 1880, as provided in the consti-
tution, to wit:

Hon. Harvey Rice, President.

Hon. Sherlock J. Andrews,)

>- Vice Presidents.
Hon. John W. Allen, j

Geo"rge C. Dodge, Secretary and Treasurer.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

R. T. Lyon, Thomas Jones, S. S. Coe, W. J. Warner, and

David L. Wightman.

Whereupon the meeting adjourned to the first regular
meeting, January 12th, 1880, at the same place.

At a regular meeting of the association held January 12th,
1880, at the Probate Court Rooms pursuant to adjournment,
nearly one hundred members being present, Hon. Harvey
Rice, President, called the meeting to order, and after a few
preliminary remarks from him and Vice President Andrews,
the meeting proceeded to business.

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 133

Oil motion of George C. Dodge, Esq., Secretary, the Con-
stitution was slightly amended in its phraseology so as to
read as herein recorded.

On further motion the following officers were appointed to
serve foi- tlie ensuing year. Judge Andrews declining a re-elec-
tion, to wit:

Hon. Hakvey Rice, President.

Hon. John W. Allen,)

- Vice Presidents.
Hon. Jesse P. Bishop, \

Thomas Jones, Jr., Secretary.
GeorGe C. DodcxE, Treasurer.

EXECUTIVE C0M3IITTEE.

George F. Marshall, R. T. Lyon, M. M. Spangler, Darius
Adams and John H. Sargent.

Report of George G. Dodge, Treasurer.

Receipts from 155 membership fees - - - $155 00
Expenditures to date for sundries - - - - 27 20

Balance on hand January 12th, 1880 - - $127 80

134 ANNALS OF THE

On motion of S. E. Adams, Esq., the following resolution
was adopted:

Resolved, That the Executive Committee be authorized
to employ at their discretion H. M, Addison, or other suitable
person to visit the several wards of the city and townships of
the county for the purpose of diffusing information and col-
lecting facts pertaining to the objects of the association and
increasing the numl)er of memberships.

On motion the meeting then adjourned subject to the call
of the executive committee.

Geo. C. Dodge, Harvey Rice,

Secretary. President.

The officers of the association and executive committee,
on receiving the sad intelligence of the death of Hon. S. J.
Andrews, one of the vice presidents of the association, con-
vened at the office of Geo. C. Dodge, Esq., on the 13th of
February, 1880. Present — Hon. Harvey Rice, president
Hon. John W. Allen, vice president: Geo. C. Dodge, treasurer;
Thomas Jones, jr., secretary-, and Geo. F. Marshall, Darius
Adams and John H. Sargent of the executive committee, and
adopted the following resolutions:

Resolved, that we offer our most heartfelt sympathy to
the family and friends of our deceased brother Sherlock J.
Andrews; that in his decease we have lost one of our most

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION.

135

worthy members; the legal profession one of its most brilliant
lights; and the city of Cleveland one of its most trusted and
trustworthy citizens.

Resolved, that the members of the association are re-
quested to attend his funeral, and that these proceedings be
communicated to his family.

THOMAS JONES, Jr.,
Secretary.

Names of Members,

NATIVITY. AGE AND RESIDENCE.

LIST OF NAMES.

Name.

Where, horn.

Whe.ji born.

Came tu
County.

Andrews, Sherlock J.

Con.

1801

1825

AUen, John W,

Con.

1825

Adams, Samuel Ji.

N. Y.

1818

1837

Adams, Darius

Ohio,

1810

Aekley, J. M.

Ohio,

1835

Abbey, Seth A.

N. Y.

1798

1831

Addison, H. M.

Ohio,

1818

Adams, Mrs. Mary A.

Ohio,

1811

Andrews, Mrs. Julia A.

Ohio,

18J6

181t>

Bingham, Elijah

^^ H.

1800

1835

Burnham, Mrs. M. W.

Mass.

1808

1838

Baldwin, Dudley

N. Y.

1809

1827

Baile}', Robert

1834

Burgess, Solon

Vt.

1817

1819

Burton, Vj. D.

Ohio,

1825

Burgess, Leonard F.

Ohio,

1823

liull, L. S.

Con.

1813

1820

Beers, D. A.

N. Y.

1.816

1818

140

AUNALS OF THE

Bliss, Stoughton

.. Ohio,

1823

Benedict, L. D.

1827

1830

Borges, J. F.

Germany,

1810

1835

Bury, Theodore

N. Y.

1839

Beverlin, John

Pa.

1813

1834

Brett, J. W.

England,

1816

1838

Bowler, N. P.

N.Y.

1820

1839

Buhrer, Mrs. Stephen

Germany,

1828

1840

Bishop, Jesse P.

Yt.

1815

1836

i^ishop, Mrs. E. W.

Ohio,

1821

Beai'dsle}', I. L.

N. Y.

1819

1838

liurnham, Thomas

N. Y.

ISOS

1833

Bingham, William

Con.

1816

1836

Brooks, 0. A.

Vt.

1814

1834

Barber, Mrs. J. T.

N. H.

1804

1818

liurwell, George P.

Con.

1817

1830

Burwell, Mrs. Louisa (J.

Pa.

1820

1824

liranch, D. G.

Vt.

I80r,

1833

i5abcock, Charl ;'s PI.

Con.

IS 23

18.34

l^arber, Josiali

Ohif).

1825

Braytou, H. F. Wilna,

Jeff. Co., N. Y.

1812

1836

Cahoon, Joel P>.

N. Y.

17-.)3

1810

Cox, John

p]n gland.

1802

1832

Coe, S. S.

1837

Corlett, Williaui K.

1837

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION.

Cross, David W.

N. Y.

1836

f.'owles, Edwin

1832

Cottrell, L. Dow

N.Y.

1811

1835

( lorlett, John

Isle of Man.

1810

1836

Cook, Wellington P.

N. Y.

1825

1838

Cleveland, James D.

N.Y.

1822

1835

Clark, James F,

N.Y.

1809

1833

Clarke, Aaron

Con.

1811

1832

(Jarlton, C. C.

Con.

1812

1831

( 'ozad, P^lias

N. .Jersey,

1790

1808

( 'utter, 0. P.

Ohio,

1824

( 'orlett, 'I'homas

Isle of Man,

1820

1827

Crittenden, Mrs. M. A.

N. Y.

1802

1827

Chapman, 11. M.

Ohio,

1830

Christian, James

Isle of Man,

1810

1838

Carson, Marshal

N. Y.

1810

1834

Craw, William V.

N. Y.

1810

1832

( 'rawford, Lueian

Oh if.,

1828

Detmer, C. H. .

Germany,

1801

183.")

Dodge, George C.

Ohio,

1813

18J3

Dodge, Wilson S.

Ohio,

1839

Doan, W. H.

Ohio,

1828

Doan, yivs. C. L,

Con.

1816

1834

Dibble, Lewis

N. Y. .

1807

1812

Dodge, Heuxy U.

Ohio,

1810

14'i ANNALS OF THE

Dut}', Daniel W.

N. H.

1804

1825

Doan, John

N.Y.

1798

1801

Dockstader,' Chas. J.

Ohio,

1888

Doan, J. W.

Ohio,

1833

Dunham, David B,

N.Y.

1831

Dentzer, Daniel

Germany,

1815

1832

Dodge, Mrs. George C.

Vt.

1817

1820

Edward^. Kudolphus

Ohio,

1818

Erwiu, .loliu

N. Y.

18U8

183;-)

Flint, E. S

Ohio,

1818

Fitch, J. W.

K. Y.

1823

182(;

Foot. John A.

Con.

1803

1833

Fuller, William

Con.

1814

183C

Foot, ]M IS. Mar}- S.

Pa.

1810

1832

Gill, Mrs. M. A. Ish

' of Man,

1812

1827

Gay lord, Erastus F.

Con.

179r)

1834

Gardnei', George W,

Mass.

1834

1837

Gordon, William J.

N. Jerso}',

1818

183-)

Greenhalgh, ('apt. R.

I-Cn gland.

1828

1840

Gorhara, John H.

Con.

1807

1838

Gayton, Mrs. Mary A.

ICngland,

1808

1832

Gaylord, Mrs. L. Cleveland,

N. Y.

1801

18:}4

Goodwin, William

Ohio,

1838

Giddinos :Mrs C M

IMich.

Herdck, R. R,

N. Y.

1826

1836

EABiLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 113

Hessenmueller, E.

1836

Hills, N. C.

1831

Hills, N. ( '. Mrs.

N. Y.

1811

1831

Handy, Freeman P.

K. Y.

1807

1832

Hudson, W. P.

Ohio,

1820

Hell, Henry

Germany,

1810

1832

Hubbell, H. S.

Ohio,

1832

Hubby, L. M.

N. Y.

1812

1N3!I

Hickox, ( harles,

Con.

1810

1837

Howard, A. D.

Con.

1803

1834

Honeywell. Ezra

N. Y.

1802

1831

Harris, B. C.

Ohio

1832

Hudson, D. D.

Pa.

1824

1831

Heisel N.

Germany,

1816

1834

Hayden, A. S.

Ohio,

1813

1835

Harris, J. A. Mrs.

Mass.

1810

1837

Harris B. E.

Ohio,

1838

Hurlbut, H. B.

N. Y.

1818

183C

Hurlbut, H. B. Mrs.

N. Y

1818

1836

Ingham, W. A.

1832

Johnson, L, D. Mrs.

Ohio,

1825

18:!4

•Jones, Thomas, Jr.

England,

1821

1831

•lewett, A. A.

1821

Johnson, P. L.

Ohio,

1823

Jaynes, Harris

Ohio,

1835

144

ANNALS OF THE

Jackson, Charles'
Jones, W. S.
Johnson, W. ( .
Keller, Henry
Kellogg, A.
Kelley, Horace
Kelley. .lolm
Lewis. San fold J.
Lewis. (luUenden
Lathrojje. C. L.
Lowniaii. Jaeoli
Lyon, K. T.
Lamb, I). ^^^ .Mrs.
Leonaitl, -larvis
Lyou, S. S.
Layman. S. H.
Lewis, G. F.
Morgan, Y. L.
Morgan, E. P.
Myer, Nicholas,
Miller, M. 31 rs.
Marshall, George F.
Morgan. J. A.
Miller, William L.
Merchant, Silas

England.

1820

1835

Ohio,

1837

Cou.

1813

1835

Gerinau3-,

1810

1832
1820

Ohio,

1810

Pa.

1800

1832

N. Y.

1823

1837

X. Y.

1S(»()

1837

Con.

18(M

1831
1832

Ills.

1810

1824

Mass.

1 837

Vermont,

1810

1834

Con.

1817

1818

Ohio.

1810

1831

N. Y.

1822

1837

Con.

1707

1811
1840

Germany,

1809

1834

Ohio,

1800

1020

N. Y.

1817

1836

Con.

1809

1811

Ohio,

1829

Ohio,

1826

EARLY SETTLEKS ASSOCIATION.

145

IMathor, Samuel H.

N. H.

1813

1835

Marble, Levi

1820

1830

Merwin, George B.

Cou.

1809

1816

Nott, C. C.

1 835

Newmark, S.

Germau3%

1816

18.39

Norton, ('. H.

N. Y.

l.SO.";

1838

Neff, Melchor

Germany,

182fi

18.34

O'Connor, R.

Ohio,

1824

Penty, Thomas

England,

1808

1829

Pannell, James

N. Y.

1812

1832

Palmer, J. D.

Con.

1831

1835

Payne, N. P.

Ohio,

1837

Porter, L. G.

Mass.

1807

1826

Pease, Samuel

Mass.

1805

1828

Pease, Charles

Ohio,

1811

1835

Pelton, F. W.

Con.

1827

1835

Proud foot, David

Scot.

1809

1832

Piper, A. J.

Vt.

1814

18.39

Pier, Mrs. L. J.

Ohio,

1823

Quayle, Thos.

1827

Quinn, Arthur

Ireland,

1810

1832

Rouse, Mrs. Rebecca E.

Mass.

1799

1830

Rice Harvey,

Mass.

1800

1824

Russell, George H.

N. Y.

1817

18.34

Rogers, C. C.

Ireland,

1813

1839

14()

ANNALS OF THE

Rupel. S. D.
Rice, Harvey Mrs.
RobisoH, I. P.
Rouse, K. F.

Spangler, Elizabeth Mrs.
Sherwin, Ahimaas,
Scovill, J. Bixby Mrs.
Silberg, F.
Sherwin, S. JNI. INIrs.
Sabiii. Wm.
Shedd. W. V.
Shepard. L). A.
Sargeut, John. H.
Skinner. (). B.
Southwortli. W. P.
Slawson, J. L.
Scovill, E. A.
Shelly, John
Sacket, Alex.
Sacket, Harriet Mrs.
Sterling. E. Dr.
Schiely, Anna Mrs.
Shelden. S. H.
Stanlej-, G. A.
Si)angler, M. M.

Ohio,

1808

Vt.

1812

Mass.

1824

N. Y.

1790

Vt.

1792

Ohio,

1800

German}^,

1804

N. Y.

1809

Con.

1810

N. Y.

1814

1831

Con.

1819

Mich.

1806

1819

England

1815

Pa.

1814

1815

Cou.

1825

Germany

N. Y.

1813

Con.

1813

1808
1833

1830
1820
1818
1816
1834
1827
1839
1833
1833
1818
1831
1836
1812
1819
1835
1835
,5
1827
1832
1835
1837

181b

1820

EARLY SETTLERS A3S0CIAT0N.

147

Sla<Ie, Horatio
Sortfir, Harry
Smith, W. T.
Strickland, B.
Strickland, H. W. Mrs.
Saxton, J. C.
Smith. Betsey E. Mrs.
Strong, Charles H.
Sanford, Alfred S.
Smith, Erastns
Steward, J. S.
Severance, M. H. Mrs.
Strong, Homer
Seldon, N. D.
Stillman, W. H.
Simmons. Thos.
Taylor, Harvey
Thompson, Thomas
Tnrner, S. W.
Thompson, H. V.
Thompson, F. M. Mrs.
Townsend, H. G.
Whltelaw, George
Walters, John R.
Weidenkopf, Fred

England

1834

N. Y.

1820 ■

1831

N. Y.

1811

1836

Vt.

1810

1835

1834

vt.

1812

1818

I8y

1836

Ohi.).

1831

Con.

1805

1829

Con.

1790

1832

Ohio,

1818

Ohio,

Con.

1811

1836

Con.

1815

1831

Con.

1808

1833

Ohio.

1832

Ohio,

1814

England,

1814

1836

Con.

1813

1832

N.Y.

1816

1839

Vt.

1823

1837

N.Y.

1812

1834

Scotland,

1808

1832

N.Y.

1811

1834

Germauv,

1819

1837

148

ANNALS OF THE

Weidenkopf, Jacob

Germany,

1828

Wightmau, S. H.

Ohio,

1819

Watkins, George

Con.

1812

Weston, George B.

Mass,

180.5

Wari-en, Moses

Con.

1803

Wager, J. I).

Ohio,

1820

Williams, Geoi;ge

Con.

1799

Welch, John

N.Y.

1800

Welch, 0. F.

Wheller, B S

P2n gland,

Wheller, Jane Mrs.

England,

Warner, W. J.

Wightman, D. L.

Williamson, Samuel

Pa.

1808

Whittlesey, H. S.

Ohio,

1836

Winslow, E. N.

N. C.

1824

Welsh, Jas. S.

Ohio,

1821

Wilson, H. V. Mrs.

Mich.

Wemple, Wjmdret

N.Y.

1796

Wellstead, Joseph

England,

1817

W atermau, W illiam

Ohio,

1818

1837
1819
1818
1826
1815
1820
1833
1825
1017
1836
1831
1831
1817
1810
18.36
1830
1821

1818
1837
1818

ANNALS

OF THE

ERS'ASSOGIATION

CUYAHOGA COUNTY,

NUMBER II.

PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

CLEVELAND, O. :

J. '■'' SAVAGE, PRINTER, FRANKFORT ST.
1881.

xv6

SfHtiJi$ of i\$ yinmnlm, 1881*

HON. HARVEY RICE, President
HON. JOHN W. ALLEN,
HON. JESSE P. BISHOP,
THOMAS JONES, JR., Secretary,
GEO. C. DODGE, Treasurer.

> Vice-Presidents.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

GEO. F. MARSHALL,
R. T. LYON,
DARIUS ADAMS,
JOHN H. SARGENT,
M. M, SPANGLER.

CHAPLAIN.

REV. THOMAS CORLETT.

? Q^ /?^0

4 EiHL!

ILEUS' AlREHSiM.

1881

The Association celebrated the day at the Tabernacle, On-
tario street, Cleveland, July 22, 1881. In accordance Avith
the programme, it was understood that the forenoon session
would be devoted chiefly to the transaction of the annual
business of the Association, such as reading the journal,
hearing official reports, receiving new memberships, and elect-
ing officers for the ensuing year, followed with a free lunch or
collation, and that the afternoon session would be open to the
public, generally, and its exercises consist of written addresses,
songs, and volunteer speeches.

At the hour appointed (11 o'clock a. m.) the early set-
tlers, in large numbers, convened at the Tabernacle with evi-
dent pleasure beaming in their faces, and with frequent in-
terchanges of salutations with each other on the score of
''old acquaintance." The venerable assemblage was called
to order by Hon. Harvey Rice, President of the Association,
who opened the session with the following preliminary and
congratulatory remarks:

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Association: Allow
me to congratulate you on this happy occasion — the second
anniversary of our Association'. It is, indeed, an occasion that
calls not only for. mutual congratulations, but for expressions

6 ANNALS OF THE

of gratitude to Him who has granted " length of days " to so
many of us, and given us once more an opportunity to greet
the "old familiar faces" of our earlier years, and grasp the
hands of old friends, long-tried and true.

The day which "we celebrate" as the anniversary of our
Association, has been permanently adopted on account of its
historical interest in reference to the pioneer life of the West-
ern Reserve. It was on the 23d day of July, 1796, that Gen-
eral Moses Cleaveland, with his staff of assistant surveyors,
landed at the mouth of the Cuyahoga River, ascended its east-
ern bluff, and gazing Avitli delight on the beauty of the scene,
predicted that here was the spot where, at no distant day, a
great commercial city would spring into existence. He at
once ordered this elevated plateau to be surveyed into city
lots. His staff baptized the infant city and gave it the name
of "Cleveland," in honor of their chief. This occurred just
eighty-five years ago, and now that predicted city has grown
to the dimensions of a great commercial emporium, contain-
ing a population of 170,000 souls. Verily, this "Moses" of
1796 was a true prophet. Though he has not been honored
in his own country as such, the time has now come, as it
seems to me, when a suitable statue of bronze or granite
should be erected to his memory in our public park, as pro-
posed in the action already taken by our Association. The
project is worthy of commendation, and it is to be hoped that
the citizens of Cleveland will generally approve the enterprise
and aid in contributing to its success.

The age in which we live is inquisitive. It aspires to know
"all things." It sees in the future what it desires to achieve,
and exacts from the past a surrender of its relics and golden
memories. Our Association partakes somewhat of the spirit
of the age, especially so far as regards the relics and golden
memories of pioneer life in the Western Reserve. These we
desire to gather while we can, and before they are forever lost.
It is therefore requested that every member of our Associa-

EARLY SETTLERS- ASSOCIATION. 7

tion should contribute what he can to this end. If he has in-
teresting relics of the early times, and is willing to bestow
them, he can deposit them at any time with our secretary.
If he has recollections of incidents, anecdotes, or other matter
of historical value pertaining to pioneer life, he can jot them
down in writing, and send or deliver his manuscript to the
secretary as material for use or reference. It is only from
living lips that this kind of information can be obtained. Let
us then be up and doing while the "day lasts," and thus
leave behind us, as Longfellow has beautifully said:

" Footprints, that perhaps another,
Sailing o'er life's solemn main,
A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,
Seeing, shall take heart again."

There will always exist a class of early settlers in every
generation who will leave behind them peculiar characteristics
and reminiscences, which every successive generation will take
pleasure in gathering and preserving. Hence it may be in-
ferred that our Association has the vital elements of perpetu-
ating itself. Its character is such that while it achieves a
noble work, it renews early friendship, and shares a social
enjoyment which is truly delightful as well as morally elevat-
ing. In addition to this, it publishes, in pamphlet, its annual
proceedings for the use of its members, and thus secures a
lasting record. Both ladies and gentlemen who have resided
forty years in the Western Keserve, and are citizens of Cuya-
hoga county, are alike eligible as members of our Association,
on payment of one dollar to the treasurer. New members
are cordially invited, with the assurance that all who choose
to unite with us will be received with the " right hand of fel-
lowship." In a word, our fraternity is organized for a gener-
'ous purpose, and especially for the social enjoyment its oppor-
tunities afford.

In the venerable assemblage I see before me I recognize
many who are crowned with the silvery honors of age, stand-

8 ANNALS OF THE

ing, as it were, on the borders of life's battlefield, like a rem-
nant of veterans who have heroically fought their way in the
world thus far, and are now pausing to recall to mind the hun-
dreds of their early companions who stood side by side with
them, but have long since fallen in their armor on the field —
companions who were companions in the strife, and who have
left behind them a noble, though unwritten, record. It is a
just and reliable account of the brave, enduring and persever-
ing men and women of the early times that we wish to pro-
cure and preserve as a legacy to the generations who will fol-
low us. In thus honoring the memories of our departed
pioneers and early settlers, we not only honor ourselves, but
confer a public benefit which will be, in after years if not
now, gratefully appreciated.

Though the frost of age has silvered our heads, still let us
resolve to live on, acting well our part, still keeping on the
sunny side of life, enjoying its blessings and its pleasures, and
cheering each other with the rehearsal of its drama and its
musical interludes, until the approaching sunset shall throw
its deepening shadows about us, and we shall pass to a
brighter and holier s]Dhere.

THE JOURNAL.

The journal of the last meeting was next read and ap-
proved. Official reports for the last year were then called for
as next in order.

REPORT OF THE TREASURER.

George C. Dodge, the treasurer, reported that financially
we are not wealthy, and the amount of money in the treasury
need cause no apprehension of a defalcation. This Associa-
sion is iron-clad. It provides in its constitution that no
officer or member can contract any debt; and, secondly, that

EARL Y SETTLERS' ASS CIA TION. 9

no assessments can be levied against the members. Some man
said, when I was a boy, that the Democratic party was like a
young robin — biggest when first hatched; but that can't ap-
ply to this Association, as we are adding new members every

day.

To the newspapers of the city we are indebted for many
favors, and I trust we, as members of the Association, will
liberally take and promptly pay for them. Cash on hand,
159.80, with this entertainment to be provided for.

Geo. C. Dodge, Treas.
July 22, 1881.

REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

BY GEORGE F. MARSHALL, CHAIRMAN.

Mr. President: In compliance with a duty imposed by
the fifth article of your constitution, wherein we are required
to report the "condition, success and prospects of this Asso-
ciation, with such other matters as may be deemed import-
ant," we herewith respectfully submit the following:

Respecting the details of membership, nativity, age, term
of residence and the financial condition of the Association,
you are referred to the ample records and reports of the
efficient Secretary and Treasurer.

If we have but little money in the treasury, we know
that we have many men of age and experience — men of perse-
verance and business tact; men who don't look back of the
plow, when they take hold; men who have worried through
forty, fifty, sixty, seventy, eighty years of the normal malaria
of the Cuyahoga valley, and are as robust as in their earlier
youth. Then we have many women of mature Judgment, of
wonderful energy, of happy dispositions, of gentle manners and
determined wills. Can any one doubt the fact that the condi-

10 ANNALS OF THE

tion of this Association is peculiarly superb? Whether you
emblazon it in enduring brass, or marble, or pure Berea grit,
this Association is a success. Another feature of its perma-
nence, usefulness and stability was developed at the time a
proposition was made to admit the women to full membership
without paying the constitutional fee, when they spurned the
idea with apparent indignity, exhibiting a determination to
do their share in sustaining the Association as Avell as the men.
Another assurance of the successful condition of this or-
ganization is that ever}' person entitled to membership in-
tends to join the Association some time, while others are
now, perhaps, counting the years and months when they
will reach the constitutional limit, and be eligible to have
their names registered among those

" Who outlived that day, and came safe back
From those sharp conflicts. "

Still another assurance of its sound condition is in the
fact of the interest taken by the members themselves in their
prompt attendance at every meeting thus far held by the
Association.

Now that this Association has become a signal success, and
capable, under its well-established rules, of accomplishing all
the objects for which it was organized, let us cast about to
make it as efficient as possible. How shall this be done?
The peculiarities of men — a record of their good deeds and
their bad — may be preserved in our books as samples to adopt
or shun; whatever they may be will help to bring back to our
memory " the days of auld lang syne." We should multiply
our biographers, insomuch that every early settler of note
should have his proper place in our archives.

Wlio will volunteer to give us life-size sketches of old Dr.
Mcintosh and his sons, and also of Tom Colahan, Plato
Brewster, James S. Clark, Judge Josiah Barber, Deacon Fol-
som, Bostwick O'Connor, Capt. Dolphus Hone, D, Long, Reu-
ben Champion, Anson Hayden, Judge AVilley, John E. St.

EARL Y SETTLERS' A SS CIA TION. 1 1

John, Aaron T. Stickland, Tom Lemen, Chas. M. Giddings,
T. P. May, John Wills, George Witherell, Judge Wood, J, 0.
Fairchild, Lansing Lake, Kichard Hilliard, Peter M, Wed-
dell, "Nathan Perry, Geo. Kirk, Capt. Levi Sartwell, Milo
Hickox, John Barr, Isaac Taylor, Lyman Kendall, Judge
Hay ward, E. Burke Fisher^, Kufus Dunham, Capt. Levi John-
son, John M. Woolsey, George Hoadley, Rev. Wm. Day, Ig-
natius Dieholt, Myron Douw, Uncle Abram Hickox, Gur-
don Fitch, Zalmon Fitch, David Griffith, John G. Stockley,
S. C. Ives, Dr. Robert Johnstone, Judge Asher M. Coe,
Judge Warren, Joseph S. Lake, Ahaz Merchant, Wm. Mc-
Coy (the pettifogger), Joc-o-sot (the Indian), Capt. Reuben
Turner (the sea-dog), Pliilo Scovill, Alex. Seymour, Buckley
Stedman, Jacob Weidenkopf, Stephen Whittaker, Frederick
Whittlesey, Edward Wade, Richard Winslow, C. J. Woolson,
Charles Bradburn, Dr. C. D. Brayton, Dr. J. Delamater, Dr.
Mathivet, S. L. Petrie, F. A. Keppler, N, Dockstader, Jarvis
F. Hanks, Daniel Worley, Aaron Barker, Clifford Belden,
Joel Coy, J. B. Finney, Jonathan Gillette, J. H. Guptyl,
James Kellogg, Irad Kelley, Alfred Kelley, Wm. Lemen,
Wm. Milford, N. M. Standart, Michael Spangler, J. L.
Weatherly, J. G. McCurdy, Col. Jonathan Williams, John
Stoddard (judge ?), David Hersch, Edward Whittemorc, Wm.
Hewitt, Wm. Smyth, James Church, John Brown (the bar-
ber), John Malvin, Andrew Lytic, J. M. Hughes, Jim
Hughes, Jim Hopkins, Noble H. Merwin, Geo. Wallace,
Judge Samuel Williamson, Judge Kingsbury, Horace Perry,
Samuel Dodge, D. H. Beardsley, E. Waterman, Leonard
Case, Judge Samuel Starkweather, Benj. Rouse and his phil-
anthropic wife, S. Wolverton, Richard Hussey, Mark White-
law, Ansel Young, Almon Burgess, J. P. Kirtland, Dr. Samuel
Underbill, Dr. Ackley, Alonzo Carter, G. Boughton, S. Rem-
ington, Alphonso Holly, Morris Jackson, Benj. P. Beers, Dio-
date Clark, Gains Burke, Samuel Dille, Paul P. Condit (of
1819), Benj. Mastick, Richard Lord, and Thos. Jones, Sr.?

12 ANNALS OF THE

Another and quite as important and interesting a subject
for a special historographer might be made available if some
of your older members who have been identified with the ear-
lier church organizations would give us, in brief, their ori-
gin, their original members, and other matters of interest
connected therewith.

There were but three church edifices in Cleveland forty-five
years ago; one of wood (Trinity), one of stone (First Presby-
terian), one of brick (First Baptist). There are jiersons living
wdio could give us many points of interest relating to each
society. Let some one give us the early record of temperance
organizations, and also of friendly associations for the moral
and social improvement of their members. Give us the early
history of banks, commerce, and ship-building.

The thought which Mr. Adams, a year ago last May, ex-
pressed to these " early settlers " respecting some enduring
monument to the memory of '* Moses Cleaveland," appeared to
win every one to his opinion. An artistic structure of metal
upon an entablature of our own native rock, formed by our
own skillful artizans, and looking out from our beautiful lake
park upon the blue sea, would be an eloquent though silent
historian and speaker to every citizeii and stranger for all
coming time. The contribution of a few dimes by every citi-
zen of Cleveland would be ample to accomplish all that is to
be desired; it would then become, emphatically, a monument
in Cleveland for Cleveland. Fifteen years from to-day will
be the centennial of Cleveland. This w^oukl be a fitting
day, indeed, to unveil such a statue; but it is too long a time
for us to wait for a proper recognition of the memory of the
man who spied out the land and laid out a city to which we
now refer with as much pride, perhaps, as the ancient Eo-
raans did to their " Eternal City."

July 22, 1881.

EABLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 13

AN INTERESTING LETTER.

The following letter, from Charles Crosby, of Chicago, 111 ,
addressed to the President of the Association, was then read
by Hon. John A. Foot:

Dear Sir: A copy of the annals of your Association (No.
1) having been sent to me with the request that I would con-
tribute from the tablets of my memory some reminiscences of
the "early times" in the history of Cuyahoga county, I have
somewhat hesitatingly consented to do so.

I beg to say, in the first place, that I find myself very much
in the situation of the clergyman who said: "I would like to
say a few words before I begin," or like the man who said: " I
will take a short nap before I go to sleep."

I premise, therefore, that my narrative will consist of a
plain and unvarnished statement of events, incidents and an-
ecdotes of "men and things," correlative to, and characteris-
tic of, "the times that tried men's souls" during the period
of your early history.

Some writer has truthfully said: "Acts make habits, hab-
its make principles, and principles make destiny." With
these principles in view, I desire to show that they were rightly
understood and adopted, in permanently establishing the
moral and religious habits of your "early settlers."

The result has proved the advantages of correct "early
training," in the formation of the highly moral and cultured
condition of society, which has always distinguished this
region; in contradistinction to the vicious and criminal hab-
its of reckless adventurers, always to be found in the first set-
tlement of all new countries. In referring to individuals, I
shall use their familiar and well-known cognomens, and aim
to avoid giving occasion of offence which may cause hyper-
criticism from any quarter. With these preliminaries, and
invoking your kind indulgence, I begin my narrative.

I was born in Lee, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, De-

14 AyyALs OF the

cember 11, 1801. My father's family consisted of himself, my
mother and their four boys, ranging in ages from six to fif-
teen years (only my brother, three years ray junior, and myself
no\y living). Having exchanged his landed property with
Xehemiah Hubbard and Joshua Stow, large land-owners in
the Connecticut Western Reserve, my father with his family,
and a colony of five or six other families, left their "old
home" on the 30th of May, 1811.

Their destination was " the far-off West," then regarded
as almost beyond the bounds of civilization. The parting
with relatives and friends (which to many was a final one),
caused many a painful struggle. I must not omit to mention
the parting benediction and prophetic words of my venerable
and saintly grandmother, with whom I was a special favorite.
Her eyes streaming with tears, she pressed me to her bosom,
and in the affection and anguish of her loving heart, she com-
mended me to the care of her covenant-keeping God, and
with her hand stroking my head, she said, " The Indians will
have your scalp." The j)rotecting care thus invoked, I trust,
saved me from the loss of my "scalp," but a thousand times
has my grandmother's prediction occurred to me when I have
been in imminent danger that it might be fulfilled.

The outfit of the colony consisted of ox teams and large
covered wagons, horses and lighter wagons, some cows and
such household chattels as could be well conveved bv the means
of transportation possessed.

Thus equipped, and farewells exchanged, the long and
wearisome Journey was commenced, which occupied forty
days in reaching their destination. The greater part of the
company settled in Dover, which was "the promised land"
to them.

My father's lands were also there: but after visiting the
township he found it quite too much of a wilderness to suit his
notions of civilized enjoyment, and having the privilege of pur-
chasing any other land owned by the parties he had traded

EASZr SETTLEnS' ASSOCIATION. 15

with, lie located in Euclid where the condition of society was
more advanced. He purchased 278 acres of unimproved land,
built a log house in the woods, commenced the laborious work
of clearing off the heavy timber, and in due time received
the reward of his labors in abundant harvests and a cultivated
farm. I may here say that when he started on his journey he
had only $50 in money and at its close it was reduced to less
than $5. The winters were then very mild and the spring
seasons opened early. Fruit trees were in bloom in March
that year, and crops most abundant. In winter the ground
was not often much frozen, with but little snow, and what
little snow there was usually fell in the mud. Mud-boats
were once common on these streets, and if anybody dared to
risk anything that had the semblance of a sleigh, they would
extemporize a rude one-horse structure dubbed a "jumper."
The contrast with the climate of the Eastern States, which
was more than renowned for intense cold and deep snows in
winter, was very remarkable.

But as the country became more cultivated and cleared of
its dense forests, the winters entirely changed; and the East
and West seemed almost to have interchanged in climate, the
former becoming milder and the latter more severe,, with
abundance of cold and snow.

Tornadoes were of frequent occurrence and of terrific re-
sults, prostrating the forests and causing great destruction of
property, and sometimes of life. One occurred the year after
our arrival, by which a fine ox of my father's was killed by
the falling of a tree, and it made an extensive "wind-fall" of
huge trees.

In 1816 the Presbyterian society of Euclid erected a
church building which was enclosed, and remained for a long
time unfinished, but was temporarily fitted up for public wor-
ship, which was held mornings and afternoons. I well re-
member being jiresent on a Sabbath afternoon, when suddenly,

16 ANNALS OF THE

in the midst of the service, a tempest of unparalleled violence
burst upon us.

The darkness was like an eclipse of the sun; the wind
blew persistently; the lightning flashed with constant viv-
idness; the thunder rolled incessantly, and many of the
trees which surrounded the church were shivered by the
electric fluid; but, and strange to say, the steeple of the church,
which was not protected by lightning rods, escaped. The tor-
rents of rain drove through the openings for the windows,
which were without glass, and drenched the congregation
through and through, while the prayers and shrieks of the
people could occasionally be heard above the deafening tumult
of the raging storm. Escape was impossible, and all appar-
ently thought that the " day of judgment" (at least to them)
had surely come, and that every thunderbolt would demolish
the church and send us all to swift destruction.

Eev. Thomas Barr, the excellent pastor of the church,
turned his face to the wall and remained silent until the
storm abated, which probably lasted half an hour. He then
turned and addressed the congregation in words of vehement
earnestness and eloquence, which seemed like an inspiration
from .the very throne of the Majesty on High. He spoke as if
all the graphic language of the Bible, which described Jeho-
vah as "thundering marvelously," was at his command, and
specially furnished for this most extraordinary occasion. He
was listened to with breathless attention and solemnity,
and the effect was as profoundly impressive as the storm
had been terrific and awful. I doubt if anyone who was
present ever forgot this most thrilling event in their lives.
In all my experience of four-score years I have never wit-
nessed any scene so solemn and so awfully grand and impres-
sive, saving, always, the terrific conflagration of Chicago in
1871.

But I hasten to speak of the peculiar characteristics of
the " early settlers; " and by way of contrast and comparison,

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 17

the principles which have predominated as the basis, which
have made Cuyahoga county so prominent and influential in
importance, and the beautiful " Forest City" of Cleveland, so
conspicuous among the growing cities of our country. Here
I am reminded of an anecdote of a rather facetious gentleman
of New Haven, Ct , who for the first time visited Cleveland
many years ago. New Haven is justly well known as one of
the most beautiful cities of New England, After surveying
aud admiring its attractiveness, the gentleman exclaimed:
"New Haven is the handsomest city in the world, but Cleve-
land is handsomer than New Haven." A well-deserved com-
pliment, truly.

The pioneers of all new countries are made up of a diver-
sity of character, and mainly consists of two elements. The
moral and religious element, who carry their principles with
them, and infuse them into all the ramifications of society;
and on the contrary, the reckless adventurers and dishonest
seekers after gain, utterly regardless of the immunities and
morals of others, and who neither ''feared God nor regarded
man." I could with great pleasure give a numerous list of
names of the first class, the impress of whose character is ap-
parent among their descendants, (many of which appear in
your annals) but as it might appear invidious to some, I omit
them, and will relate only a few incidents and anecdotes of
both classes, as will be germane to my purposes.

Noble H, Merwin was conspicuous among the ''early set-
tlers" for sterling integrity and enterprise, and no man did
more to shape the commercial prosperity and interests of
Cleveland than himself. He was a man of stalwart size — con-
siderably above six feet m height, well proportioned, and of
remarkable strength. It is related of him that he could take
a barrel of salt (280 pounds) by the chimes and toss it into a
wagon easily, and if he laid his hand upon a man's shoulder,
he would be transfixed until he chose to release him. He pur-
chased the old "Wallace Tavern" (a frame building and after-

18 ANNALS OF THE

wards rebuilt it of brick), which was then considered a
first-class hotel and affording as good accommodations as the
times and customs would afford, but quite inferior to hostel-
ries of the present day. Harmon Kingsbury, a wealthy and
benevolent Christian gentleman, then well known throughout
the country, related to me soon after the time, the following
anecdote: He was staying at the hotel when a man and his
wife by the name of Boughton, from West Stockbridge,
Mass., arrived. Being quite fatigued, they retired early to
their room. Messrs. Merwin, Kingsbury and others were
quietly sitting in the bar-room, when they were suddenly star-
tled by hearing Boughton, in a voice of apparent distress, call-
ing out faintly, " Mr. Merwin, Mr. Merwin, do come here,
quick!" Mr. Merwin seized a candle, and followed by the
other gentlemen, quickly ascended the stairs, and opening the
door, inquired, "What is the matter, Mr. Boughton?" He
replied, with the most waggish drollery, " Do bring a pint of
yeast and put it under my head to raise it!"

Mr. Merwin at first was at a loss to know whether to take
umbrage at the unexpected wit of his guest or to let it pass
as a joke; but wisely concluded that " discretion was the bet-
ter part of valor," and he and his friends hastily retreated
down stairs to laugh over the amusing episode, and feeling
that his pilloius and beds were quite equal to his custom and as
good as the market afforded.

I well remember the log tavern of Alonzo Carter and his
father, which stood on the bank near Superior street, which
was clap-boarded over and had the appearance of a frame
building.

Dr. David Long was one of the earliest and most highly-
esteemed citizens, and had a good medical practice; also Drs.
Mcintosh, and Graves of East Cleveland, who were regarded
as skillful physicians, but less cultured, and of rough and in-
temperate habits. Dr. Mcintosh was called upon in most ex-
treme cases, but not generally so often as others by reason of

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 19

li's intemperate habits and profane language. It is stated of
him that he was once sent for to visit Squire Hudson (the
founder of the town named after him,) as a last resort, who was
extremely prostrated, and had been given over by other physi-
cians. He found the good man very low, indeed, but entirely
resigned to the will of his Maker, and wishing to die, and
unwilling to have anything done with a view to his convales-
cence. Dr. M. labored ineffectually to arouse and excite him,
but to no purpose. At last he burst out with the most pro-
fane oaths as follows: " You may die and be d — d, and go to
h — 11!" This aroused the excellent man from his apparent
apathy and excited him to show anger and caused him to re-
buke the doctor with all the indignation and vehemence he
could command. " Oh," said the doctor, " I can cure you;
you've got spunk enough left to save you." The good man
did recover and lived for many years thereafter an honored
and useful life. Such was said to be Dr. Mcintosh's resort in
extreme cases; but the remedy is not to be recommended.

I am informed that the doctor came to his death at a
horse-race where each man was to ride his own horse, and be-
ing intoxicated, he was thrown and broke his neck.

Doctor Graves was a skillful physician, but intemperate
and profane. On one occasion when only women were present,
one of them greatly offended him, when he broke out with a
volley of oaths, for which my mother, who was present, re-
buked him. He said, "■ Mrs. C, I have great respect for you,
and beg your pardon, but when a woman insults me so, I swear
I will swear."

There was quite a coterie of sporting characters who were
accustomed to peregrinate along the lake region, with no fixed
residence anywhere, for any considerable length of time;
whose principal occupation and enjoyment were gambling, and
what they termed "fun and frolic," and who everywhere
made themselves notorious. Some of them would manage to
control influence enough to get elected to office and would

20 ANNALS OF TBE

carry their propensity for reckless drollery into their official
seats.

A story is told of one Elisha Norton who had been elected
a Justice of the peace, who was applied to by a " citizen of
African descent " to marry him to his betrothed. Bent upon
having some fine sport on the occasion, he notified his cronies
to be present at the ceremony, and told them that for the com-
icality of the thing he would request the groom, at the con-
clusion of the marriage ceremony, to salute his bride. His
comrades, only too eager for a rare frolic, promised to be
present, but immediately informed the expectant groom that
the justice would instruct him to salute his bride, but he must
tell him, " After you, is manners for me." After the official
act was performed, the justice, with much gravity, said, " Sa-
lute your bride," when the happy darkey, stepping aside, and
making a graceful bow, replied, "Manners! after you, sir!"
The official joker discovered most unexpectedly that he was
" sold," and hastily seized his hat and vanished. But enough
in delineation of the peculiar characteristics of the "early
settlers," etc.

During the war of 1812 the inhabitants were in a continual
state of alarm and agitation, I well remember Perry's vic-
tory, and his capture of the British fleet on Lake Erie; and
Hull's surrender of Detroit; and of hearing distinctly the
booming of cannon across the lake at each event. After the
surrender of Detroit, the first information received was that
the British were landing their forces at Sandusky, and with
their Indian allies would be likely to overrun and devastate
the lake country. The greatest consternation prevailed, and
the inhabitants prepared to flee; and some did leave their
homes, when news was received that the British were only
landing the prisoners taken at Detroit, and the alarm was tem-
porarily relieved.

In 1812 the Indian, John Omic, was hung at Cleveland for
murder committed near Sandusky. This was a novel event.

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 21

inasmuch as it was an Indian, and the first capital execution
that had occurred there. The Indian expected to be rescued
and was uncontrollable until made nearly helpless by a free
use of whisky.

In 1819 I was at Detroit and took passage on the " Walk-
in-the- Water," the first steamboat that was built for lake nav-
igation. Her commander was the gentlemanly Captain Eodg-
ers, who was brought from New York, and only thought to be
capable and qualified for so responsible a service. We left
Detroit on Saturday and arrived at Cleveland on Monday, the
voyage occupying about two days.

The Eev. Mr. Monteith, a Presbyterian clergyman, (well
remembered for his elevated character), was a passenger, who,
by request of the captain, performed religious services, and
preached an excellent and appropriate sermon to a very atten-
tive audience.

In those "early times" Cleveland had no harbor, the
mouth of the river being oftentimes "barred up" by severe
storms, which caused the river to flow back and become stag-
nant, and a thick scum would form on the surface, and the
malaria arising from it caused much sickness, and led almost
to an interdict with the surrounding country.

iVccording to a census taken in 1810 the population was
only fifty-seven in what was popularly known as "the
city," and for the succeeding two or three years the increase
was very slow; and during the war of 1812 to 1816 it was al-
most at a "stand-still." But its rapid increase since then to
170,000 is almost marvelous, with its corresponding increase
and improvement in the manufacturing interests, its magnifi-
cent public buildings and splendid temples of worship, its
gorgeous private residences, the beautiful parks and broad av-
enues, of which Euclid avenue has the fame of being the finest
for extent and adornment on this continent, if not in the
world, all combine to make it one of the most enterprising as
well as beautiful cities of our country; and betoken for it a

22 ANNALS OF THE

"glorious future," and amply verify the New Haven man's
opinion of it long time ago.

I have, in a somewhat erratic way, made a conglomeration
of events, incidents and anecdotes of " men and things,"
gathered entirely from the memory of my boyhood to my ma-
jority, whilst living in your county; and in the significant lan-
guage of Abraham Lincoln, " with malice toward none and
charity for all," have endeavored to perform what I set out to
accomplish. My memory overflows with early impressions of
things of minor importance which I have necessarily omitted.

I take the liberty to second the suggestion made at your
first celebration, that a suitable monument, worthy of the
memory of General Cleaveland, the founder of your beautiful
city, be early erected in your central park, which shall be a
fitting accompaniment to that of the gallant Commodore
Perry, and make the location deserving the cognomen, " Mon-
umental Park."

With the most profound interest in the prosperity and suc-
cess of the "Early Settlers' Association," and desiring to be
regarded as an honorary member, I have the honor to be

Your humble servant,

Charles Crosby.

Chicago, 111., July 6, 1881.

On motion, said Charles Crosby, of Chicago, was elected
an honorary member of the Association.

The President then stated that a number of other letters
had been received from early settlers which, for want of time
could not be read, but were referred to the Secretary, and
placed on file for future use.

On motion of H. M. Addison, James A. Garfield, a native
of Cuyahoga county, and now President of the United States,
and Mrs. Eliza B. Garfield, his venerable mother, were unani-
mously elected honorary members of the Association, and
their election ordered to be certified to them by the Secretary.

EARLY SETTZEIiS' ASSOCIATIoy. 23

ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

On motion of Hon. John A. Foot, the following officers
were unanimously reelected for the ensuing year:

Hon. Harvet Rice, President.

Hojsr. John W. Allen, Hon. Jesse P. Bishop, Vice

Presidents.
Thomas Jones, Jr., Secretary.
George C. Dodge, Esq., Treasurer.
George F. Marshall, R. T. Lyon, Darius Adams, M.

M. Spangler, J. H. Sargent, Executive Committee.

Hon. Harvey Rice thanked the Association for the honor
conferred and adjourned the meeting for the annual collation.

The collation was then served at the Tabernacle, free of
charge to members of the Association. The guests were
grouped at small tables laden with the substantials of life,
and all with genial hearts and "flow of soul" seemed to enjoy
the repast. This was a delightful feature of- the anniversary.

AFTERNOON EXERCISES.

At the appointed hour (2 o'clock p. m.), the Associa-
tion was called to order by the President, and the public ex-
ercises conducted as arranged in the programme.

PRAYER.

BY THE REV. THOMAS CORLETT.

Lord, the strength and hope of all those who put their
' trust in Thee, mercifully accept our thanks for continued life
and health to meet together again as on this day. We im-
plore Thy blessing upon our beloved country, and all in au-
thority, that they may have grace, wisdom, and understand-
ing so to discharge their several duties as most effectually to
promote Thy glory, the interests of true religion and virtue,
and the peace, honor, and welfare of the state and nation;
and for Thy great mercy and goodness to us, and to Thy
servant, our Chief Magistrate, for rescuing him from the jaws
of a painful and cruel death, and our nation from untold evils,
bless and praise Thy great and glorious name; may it be Thy
pleasure, Lord, to restore him to perfect health, and ever-
more to save our nation from such calamity. To the
families of those of our Society who have been removed
from us by death, grant Thy grace and consolation; and to
us who still survive, grant grace and wisdom so to live and
do, as to be dispensers of good to others, and so approve
ourselves worthy in Thy sight of the rich heritage here be-

EARL Y SETTLERS' ASSOCIA TION. 25

stowed, and at the close of our pilgrimage on earth, to be
raised to that higher and better citizenship with Thy saints
in glory everlasting, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

SONG: "AULD LANG SYNE."

BY THE ARION QUARTETTE.

SETTLEMENT OF THE WESTERN RESERVE.

BY J. H. RHODES, ESQ.

Not quite 400 years ago all Europe believed the world to
be flat, and the sun, after sinking at night, to be in some
mysterious manner ferried back to its rising place, beneath
the horizon's edge, and along the watery outskirts of the
world. Columbus was one of a half dozen in all Europe who
believed it to be round, and that by sailing westward across
the trackless Atlantic, a new route to the Indies of Asia might
be discovered.

Hopeless and heartless he had become, suing in vain for
the favor of Henry the Vlllth of England, and had at length,
in his advanced years, besieged the King of Spain, and was in
despair of success. At last the decisive hour had come. In
the palace of Ferdinand an anxious throng, the haughty
knights and nobles of Castile and Aragon, had gathered. A
game of chess was in progress in the palace between King
Ferdinand and a high official of those, the palmiest days of
the Spanish court. Queen Isabella, the warm friend of Col-
umbus, who had plead vainly for the royal aid, was leaning
over the shoulders of the king, watching, with fast beating
heart and kindling eye, the progress of the mimic contest of
the heroes of the chess-board. The fate of Columbus had
been staked on the results of the game. If Ferdinand, the
king, should win, he had promised assistance to Columbus.

26 ANNALS OF THE

If he lost, Columbus' dreams and hopes would go down in
ruin. No wonder that all eyes were spell-bound on the ivory
warriors of the chess-board. Columbus was present, and hope
and fear chased each other in flush and pallor across his anx-
ious face, like sunlight and shadow across a summer lake.
Never before in the history of mankind was so much at stake
in the results of a game of chess. Never did the discovery of
a new world hang on so slender a thread. Never before were
the interests of the ignorant and oppressed millions of Europe,
and the vast and countless possibilities of the discovery of a
new world thrown into such a precarious balance.

The game had from the first been against the king, and
for a time alarm and terror were painted on the faces of
Columbus' friends, as the combinations of Ferdinand's op-
ponent threatened him with defeat. The critical moment
had come, and the fair Queen Isabella hung in breathless
watchfulness of the game. Her quick eye, her flashing intu-
itions had penetrated the darkness that brooded over the re-
sult. She saw, as in a vision, that the king could now check
in five moves. The king's ear eagerly caught the whispered
admonitions of the queen, and in a moment the fatal check
was announced, which gave to Columbus the Nina, the Pinta,
and the San Jacinto, three vessels, with which, on the even-
ing of August 3, 1492, he set forth from the port of Palos, on
the south coast of Spain, in quest of new worlds.

The story of the voyage is perhaps the most fascinating of
all stories of voyages in the history of man. I cannot dwell
upon it, but westward he sailed, and sailed, and sailed, until,
on the 13th of October, the palm tree of the New World be-
came the enraptured vision that brought wild delight to him
and his sailors. On his return to Spain the news spread like
prairie-fire throughout Europe, and soon thereafter the work
of conquest and settlement of the New World began.

Nearly 400 years have passed since then. Twelve gener-
ations only of mankind, but in that period the proudest

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 27

achievements of the race have been won. Men and women
have passed away, generation after generation, but the race
remains and continues in apparently immortal youth and
vigor. Thus did America rise from the obscurity of the great
unknown sea that rolled its untraveled waters between the two
continents.

The history of the settlement of the Western Reserve is
not so romantic, not so wonderful, but it too has its story of
trial, adventure, suffering, and discovery, and deserves to be
chronicled for future generations.

I accepted the invitation of your president to address you
on this occasion, not because I have lived forty years in the
county, and could thus be a member of the Early Settlers'
Association of Cuyahoga County, but because I was requested
to speak on a subject that has always possessed a charm to my
mind that has made its study a pleasure.

Voyaging into this life from unknown seas, I was landed
on the Western Reserve. Here I have always lived, and here,
in all probability, I shall again take passage over other un-
known seas to voyage to other worlds, yet to be discovered by
us all.

Ohio has been conspicuous, of late years, in the history of
the country, and the Western Reserve has been conspicuous in
Ohio. Ohio is peculiarly situated. Its northern boundary is
mostly in Lake Erie. Its southern boundary is the great
river, 900 miles in length, flowing from the mountains of
Pennsylvania to the great central valley of the Mississippi.
After the war of the revolution, when this great Northwest
was an unbroken, and almost unexplored, wilderness, this great
river was the natural highway from the Atlantic States to the
West and South. Railroads were then undreamed. Steam,
that great giant and slave of modern civilization, was like the
sleeping beauty in the fairy tales, awaiting the advent of some
knight who should penetrate the thickets of ignorance and
wake it into life. Boats moving with the current or propelled

28 ANNALS OF THE

by oarSj were the easiest means of travel and transportation.
The only other methods of penetrating into the country were
the ax to cut a road, and a team of horses or oxen to pull and
push the way. Hence this mighty river, sweeping onward be-
tween full banks, overhung with dense foliage, was the nat-
ural highway for traffic and travel, and to the survivors of
the revolution it had all the mystery and romance of the river
Nile. The Ohio, the beautiful river, laid the wand of en-
chantment on the imaginations of the men who had survived
the long war for liberty and independence, and when, at
length, by the terms of peace, all this vast continent of the
Northwest, this seat and nursery of great States yet to be,
was thrown open for settlement and occupation, the soldiers
who had suffered for eight years, who came out of the war
for independence with nothing but wounds on their bodies
and fiat dollars in their pockets, turned toward the great
West with an inexpressible longing and hope that we to-day
can scarcely imagine.

They, therefore, came through the wilderness — the Puri-
tans of New England and the cavaliers of Virginia, and
blended in years into that community of people now consti-
tuting the Commonwealth of Ohio. To each Ohio offered ad-
vantages of climate, fertility of soil, and mineral resources
that were boundless, and that have resulted in that immense
and varied industry which characterizes the State. The pio-
neer to Ohio did not come on a railroad, to be landed on a
farm already cleared and outlined by a furrow, with all the
luxuries of civilization at the nearest station. You could
track his way through the forests only by the blaze of the ax
on the trees, by the struggle with panther or bear, or by the
treacherous Indian ambush. No canned fruits and meats
beguiled him on the way to his new home. No prairie, with
its stumpless, undulating sea of verdure, greeted him on his
arrival. No new town or village sprang, as if by magic, into
existence, at the nearest railway station, to offer ready oppor-

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 29

tunity to exchange his corn and wheat and dairy products for
calicoes and groceries, for silks and gewgaws, or for any of the
luxuries of modern civilization. No great railroad corpora-
tion searched him out in Europe and carried him at a cheap
rate across an ocean and a continent, to be landed among his
friends, fully equipped to break the soil.

The modern pioneer to Kansas and Nebraska, to Dakota
and Texas, has his tribulations and sorrows, no doubt; his
sickness, poverty, drouth, famine and fever, but still his lot is
one of ease and comfort compared with that of the pioneer to
Ohio, who traveled for weeks and months with an ox team, to
be landed at last in an unbroken forest, to fell and clear
which was the sturdy task of ten or twenty years to come.
Want, anxiety, fear of the treacherous savage, the sorest of
toil and privation, were the daily companions and experiences
of the men and women who left the Atlantic slope to build
them new homes and altars in this great State.

I shall not attempt to-day to tell the story of Ohio and its
settlement. It requires volumes; but I will briefly recall to
you men and women who compose this Old Settlers' Associa-
tion of Cuyahoga County, the story of the settlement of this
little "'neck in the woods." I cannot feast you on personal
recollections and memories of Cleveland and Cuyahoga coun-
ty, as did those venerable pioneers, Rice, Spalding, Til-
den, Williamson, Foot, Allen, Addison, Merwin, and Mjir-
shal at your last year's feast of reason and flow of soul. I
may possibly live to be so ancient a pioneer that another gen-
eration may be interested in my personal experiences and
recollections of Cleveland, but now I can only hope to repro-
duce something for the annals of your Society which may
have a slight historical value. I must beg your patience
while I rehearse so much of the history as will give my sketch
any value as a historical contribution to your Society, and in
doing so must go back with you into the eighteenth century.

England and France for centuries contested for the owner-

30 ANNALS OF THE

ship of the entire region west of the Alleghanies. The Eng-
hsh, under Cabot, had explored the Atlantic coast from New-
foundland southward, claimed and settled the Atlantic coast,
never doubting but that the South Sea or Pacific Ocean lay
but a few hundred miles west of the Chesapeake and Dela-
ware. On the other hand, the French, having discovered the
mouths of the St. Lawrence and Mississippi, laid claim to all
the unknown country drained by these mighty rivers and their
tributaries. And so their traders and missionaries, by way of
Canada and the great lakes on the north, and by way of the
Mississippi and Ohio on the south, had pushed their way for
centuries into this great Northwest, until, by 1750, they had
girdled the colonies of the Atlantic slope with a belt of mili-
tary forts and auxiliary outposts that actually threatened to
hem in the English to the region east of the Alleghanies.
The French held all of Canada and had their forts at Buffalo,
at Erie, Sandusky, Pittsburgh, and other points in the West.

The English trader and colonist had pushed west of the
Alleghanies to the Ohio and its tributaries. Thus the two
leading powers of Europe, England and France, were brought
face to face in Ohio. The desire to trade with the savage
brought the Englishman to the West. The desire to trade
with the Indian and save his soul within the embrace of the
mother Church, brought the Frenchman.

This condition of things could not continue long without
a conflict between the two great civilizations represented by
the colonists who had come from England, and the traders
and missionaries sent from France. The French claimed all
the territory west of the Alleghanies, and had erected their
forts at Buffalo, Erie, and on the Alleghany, with a view of
hemming in the English to the Atlantic slope. And it is a
remarkable fact in the history of Ohio and the great North-
west, that the English, as a compromise, offered to surrender
to the French all the territory west of Pennsylvania and north
of the Ohio, they retaining the territory east of that line.

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 31

But the French were confident of their right to push the
English beyond the mountains, and of their ability to main-
tain their hold on the great West. The Indians were their
friends, their forts were numerous, and they alone hud be-
come intimately acquainted with the vast wilderness that lay
west of the mountains, clear to the Mississippi and beyond,
and so they refused. The imagination alone can attempt to
determine what would have been the result on the future of
the race, had this great Northwestern and Southern Empire
passed under the control, permanently, of the French. Here
in Cleveland the nasal twang of the French might have been
heard, instead of its being resonant with Yankees from New
Hampshire and Connecticut. Anglo-Saxon civilization might
have struck root only in the stubborn soil of New England,
and a vast French Empire been erected in the valley of the
Ohio and Mississippi. But this was not possible. France is
not a colonizing nation. From her loins spring no such
mighty nations as from the Anglo-Saxon race. And had she
then assented to the terms of compromise, it would not have
been many years before the colonies, having achieved their
own independence, would have pushed the Frenchman west-
ward to the South Sea, if room were needed for the expansion
of the new nation. The great event of the eighteenth cen-
tury, a bloody war, short, sharp and decisive, followed. The
French were attacked in all their strongholds, and in a couple
of years that vast, undeveloped empire, which they had been
quietly creating in Canada and in the north and west parts of
the United States, fell to pieces. In 1760 the war was ended.
The English had captured the country between the Allegha-
nies and the Mississippi, and had driven the French out of
Canada. And so the great country east of the Mississippi
came under English control, and of course, after the Ameri-
can revolution, fell into the possession of the United States.
So soon as peace was declared, in 1783, between England and
her rebellious colonies, the United States took immediate

32 ANNALS OF THE

measures to obtain perfect title to the Northwestern terri-
tory, by getting concessions of land from the Indians. In
1785-6 treaties were concluded with the Six Nations and
many western tribes, and in 1787 Congress passed the cele-
brated ordinance which established a territorial government
over Ohio and the other territory west to the Mississippi, and
ordained that this vast country should forever be dedicated
to freedom and free schools.

And now the old dispute between the colonies and the
crown arose again. For a century Virginia and Connecticut
had disputed as to their territorial limits. After the defeat of
the French, and their expulsion from the territory west of
Pennsylvania, the colonies began their contentions over this
great empire of land. This disjjute continued down to the
revolution, and was only silenced by the guns at Lexington
and Bunker Hill. After the revolution, the dispute was not
with the crown, but with the new power that had emerged
from the flames of Avar; the young republic that had just been
born through the terrible throes and agonies of war; a nation
among the nations. Subdued and chastened by the sacrifices
of the revolution, the colonies renewed the struggle for the
possession of the mighty West, whose possibilities had just
begun to dawn on the imaginations of the people.

And now let me direct your attention to the history and
settlement of the Western Reserve. The claim of Connecticut
was in conflict with that of Virgmia. Virginia claimed, un-
der a contract granted May 29th, 1609, by King James of
Engknd. This is the territory ceded by King James: "All
those lands, countries and territories situated, lying and being
in that part of America called Virginia, from the point of the
eastern land called Cape or Point Comfort, all along to the sea
west, to the northward 200 miles (and now notice carefully
the description), all that space and circuit of land lying from
the sea coast of the precinct aforesaid, up into the land,
throughout, from sea to sea, west and northwest; and also all

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 33

the islands lying within 100 miles along the coast of the both
seas of the precinct aforesaid."

It will be seen from this description, the writer supposed
that the Pacific Ocean or South Sea was not far west of the
Atlantic, and that by extending the northern boundary north-
west from the sea coast limits, 200 miles north of Point Com-
fort, that it included almost all of Pennsylvania, the whole of
Ohio, and in fact about one-half of the continent of North
America.

Connecticut claimed under a charter by King Charles II.,
on the 23d day of April, 1662, and which swallowed up and
submerged all previous grants to persons of the present ter-
ritory of Connecticut. The charter of King Charles reads as
follows: ''And know ye further, that we, of our abundant
grace, certain knowledge and mere mention, have given,
granted, and confirmed, and by these presents, for us, our
heirs and successors, do grant and confirm unto the said gov-
ernor, and company, and their successors, and that part of
our dominion in New England, in America, bounded on the
east by Naragansett River, commonly called Naragansett Bay,
where the said river falleth into the sea, and on the north by the
line of the Massachusetts plantation, and on the south by the
sea, and in longitude, as the line of the Massachusetts colony,
running from east to west; that is to say, from the said Nar-
agansett Bay on the east, to the South Sea on the west part,,
with the islands thereto adjoining."

This description, like those of the Virginia charter, is-
magnificently indefinite and all-embracing; yet it is by virtue
of this description that Connecticut claimed and finally ob-
tained that part of Ohio known. as the Western Reserve. ThC'
charter granted by King Charles II. to the Duke of York,,
was in the Connecticut patent, and is now a part of New York
and New Jersey. King James the II. granted to William
Penn what is now Pennsylvania. These charters both con-
flicted with the one to Connecticut, but New York and Con-

34 ANNALS OF THE

necticut settled their dispute by an agreement in 1683, which
was finally ratified in 1733. But with the colonies of Penn-
sylvania and Virginia there was serious dispute. Connecticut
claimed all that part of Pennsylvania in the same latitude as
Connecticut, and actually sold seventeen townships on the
Susquehanna River to certain individuals, and attached it to
the county of Litchfield, and representatives from this part
of Pennsylvania sat in the Connecticut Legislature before the
revolution. Pennsylvania protested, and both colonies sent
agents to England. Soon after the war, Pennsylvania sent
an armed force and drove these Connecticut settlers on the
Susquehanna out of the State. The controversy was finally
submitted to a court held at Trenton, New Jersey, in 1787,
and this court declared that the claim of Connecticut, under
her charter of Charles IL was not good against the terri-
tory covered by the patent of the King of England to Wil-
liam Penn. But Connecticut still insisted that her charter
covered all the territory west of Pennsylvania, and in the
same latitude as Connecticut.

By some it was contended that the vast territory west of
the Alleghanies should be appropriated by the new govern-
ment for the benefit of all the States. The controversy for a
time threw a dark shadow on the prosperity of the Union.
Congress appealed to the States to remove the danger by ces-
sion for common benefit. New York led the way and agreed
to surrender all claims to western territory for the benefit
of all the States. Virginia finally followed New York, and
then Massachusetts followed Virginia, under a pledge from
the General Government that all the territory so ceded should
be held for the joint benefit of the original States, and new
States should be carved out of it from time to time; and finally,
in 1786, Connecticut made a deed of cession to the United
States of all right, title and interest to the territory west of
Pennsylvania, reserving, however, what is now the Western
Reserve; but in 1780 all claim of political jurisdiction was re-

EABiy SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 35,

leased to the United States, and the absolute right of Connec-
ticut to the soil of the Western Reserve was fully established
iind confirmed.

The precise limits of the land reserved by Connecticut are
described in a deed of cession to the United States, made Sep-
tember 13, 1786, whereby she released all her right, title, inter-
est, jurisdiction and claim, which she had to certain western
lands, except a section which she had in northeastern Ohio,
beginning at the west line of Pennsylvania, and at the 41st
degree of latitude, thence west on the 41st degree of latitude
120 miles from the west line of Pennsylvania; thence north
until it comes to a point 42 degrees 2 minutes north latitude;
thence east to the western line of Pennsylvania; thence south
on the western line of Pennsylvania to the 41st degree of
north latitude to the place of beginning. This included all
of the counties of Ashtabula, Lake, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Trum-
bull, Portage, Summit (except two townships,) Medina, Lo-
rain, Huron and Erie, the ten northern townships of Mahoning
county and three northern townships of Ashland; or some-
what more than the area of Connecticut itself. Connecticut
has 4,750 square miles, or 3,040,000 acres of land, while the
Western Reserve, according to a computation by the late
Leonard Case, had 3,333,699 acres of land. Before this time
the other States had relinquished all right to the territory
northwest of the Ohio, and so the Western Reserve became
indisputably the property of the State of Connecticut. The
next year — 17S7 — the United States passed the famous ordi-
nance of 1787, and appointed Gen. St. Clair governor of all
the territory northwest of the Ohio. He proceeded to divide
the country into counties. He organized all the territory in
Ohio east of the Cuyahoga, the Tuscarawas, and Muskingum
into Washington county, with Marietta for the county seat.
The counties of the Reserve, west of the Cuyahoga river,
were in Wayne county, with Detroit for the county seat. The
establishment of these two counties, so as to include the West-

36 ANNALS OF THE

ern Keserve, was regarded by Connecticut as an interference
with territory over which she claimed undisputed jurisdic-
tion.

Let me now consider briefly the manner in which Connec-
ticut disposed of the Western Keserve. During the Revolu-
tionary War the British had invaded Connecticut, and a large
number of people lost property, mostly by fire, in consequence
of this invasion. The sufferers, after the war, appealed to
the Legislature for relief, and after several years discussion,
examination and delay, in May, 1792, the Legislature decided
to compensate them by giving to the sufferers by fire and their
heirs 500,000 acres of land off the west end of the Reserve.
This included Erie and Huron counties, which were known as
Fire Lands, but did not include the islands in the lake; and
these lands were divided among them according and in pro-
portion to their several losses.

Prior to that time the State had sold to Samuel Parsons
24,000 acres of land on the Mahoning River. So there re-
mained all but the Fire Lands and the land sold to Parsons.
The land which Parsons purchased in 1786 of the State of
Connecticut, is now included by parts of the townships of
Lordstown and Weathersfield in Trumbull county, and Jack-
son and Austintown in Mahoning county. General Parsons
had ascertained that there were salt springs in that section,
and expected to make his fortune out of them as much as some
more modern speculators expected to find big bonanzas of oil
and salt in Mecca and other places. But his expectations
were never realized, and he himself was drowned in 1789 in
the Beaver. As Parsons never paid for the land, after his
death it reverted to the State of Connecticut, but the Con-
necticut Land Company never had anything to do with it, al-
though in the heart of their possessions.

The purchasers of the Western Reserve supposed it to con-
tain about 3,000,000 acres. At a session of the Legislature
held in October, 1786, the State of Connecticut resolved to

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 37

put into market all that part of the Reserve east of the Cuya-
hoga and the Portage path, leading from the Cuyahoga to the
Tuscarawas; that the land should be sold for the public se-
curities of that day, and it was determined to have the lands
surveyed into townships six miles square and numbered from
the lake south. The land was to be sold at 50 cents an acre.
In 1787 the Legislature modified the plan of selling and sur-
veying, and that townships should be numbered northward
from the 41st parallel. No sales except that of Parsons, I be-
lieve, were made under these resolutions. In May, 1795, the
Legislature passed another resolution to sell the lands of the
Reserve. They resolved to appoint a committee to obtain
propositions for the sale of all the lands in the Reserve. This
committee was authorized to make such contract as it could
and give deeds to the purchasers. The purchasers were to
give their personal notes for the price, payable to the Treas-
urer of the State, bearing interest at six per cent., at not more
than five years from the date. These notes were to be secured
by good and sufficient sureties residing in Connecticut, or by
a deposit of State or United States stocks. The committee
was authorized to sell the whole of the Reserve except the
500,000 acres of Fire I^ands in Huron and Erie counties al-
ready given to the sufferers in the Revolutionary War, and the
25,000 acres sold to Parsons, for not less than $1,000,000 in
specie, or, if time was given, not for a sum of less value than
$1,000,000 in specie with interest at six per cent. You see
how your thrifty ancestors had no faith in fiat money or any
other kind than coin. Eight men were appointed on the com-
mittee, one from each county in the State. Propositions were
received from various parties and by September, 1795, this
committee succeeded in selling the entire remaining land of
the Reserve for $1,200,000. As the lands remaining were sup-
posed to be about 3,000,000 acres, this was at the rate of 25
cents an acre. The sale was made to a combination of thirty-
five persons, who put down their names and the amounts taken.

38 ANNALS OF THE

and the whole footed up $1,200,000. This sum became the
basis of the Connecticut school fund and now amounts to over
$3,000,000. The largest interest was taken by one Oliver
Phelps. He took $168,185 worth, and was the leading man in
effecting the purchase. These parties and some others they
represented in making the purchase, constituted the Connec-
ticut Land Company. This committee of eight made a deed
to each of these buyers of so many 1,200-thousandths of the
Reserve according to the amount of money invested by each.
As there were thirty-five buyers, thirty-five deeds were made.
These thirty-five buyers, for convenience in handling the
property, united in a deed to three trustees, John Cadwell,
Jonathan Brace and John Morgan. These trustees all sur-
vived, I believe, until 1836, long after the Connecticut Land
Company had dissolved.

On the same day, September 5th, 1795, the Connecticut
Land Company was formed, and adopted fourteen Articles of
Association and Agreement. This document is drawn with
much skill and great care, and showed that the management
of the Company was well considered. Article third provided
for the immediate election of seven diretors who were author-
ized, in addition to other powers, first, to procure an extinc-
tion of all Indian titles to the Western Reserve: second, to
survey the whole of the reserve and lay it out into townships
containing not less than 16,000 acres each; third, to fix on a
township in which the first settlement should be made, to sur-
vey it into small lots, and dispose of it to actual settlers only,
and to erect in it a saw and grist mill. (Cleveland township
was selected for this purpose); fourth, to sell five other town-
ships to actual settlers only. The five townships selected for
this purpose were Euclid, Willoughby, Mentor, Madison, and
one on the Mahoning. The work of surveying was begun in
1796. The surveying party consisted of about forty-six men,
of whom General Moses Cleaveland was the superintendent.
They landed at Conneaut Creek, on or near the Pennsylvania

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 39

line, with thirteen horses and some cattle, on the 4th day of
July, 1796, and celebrated the day in gooa style, and two days
later began to measure the east line of New Connecticut, as
they called it, and on the first day found plenty of gnats and
mosquitoes, and encamped near a swamp. This surveying
party was about sixteen days in working southward along the
western line of Pennsylvania, which had been surveyed about
two years previously. They made their way through woods
and swamps, over streams, up and down the hills, keeping a
full account of what they saw each day, describing the soil,
the timber, the water, etc., until they reached the 41st degree
of latitude, which was the base or south line of the Western
Reserve. The plan of survey agreed upon at the time re-
quired them to run west on this parallel 120 miles, from the
west boundary of Pennsylvania, making in all twenty-four
ranges of townships, five miles square. The townships were
numbered northward to the lake, from one upward; Cleveland
was in the twelfth range, and No. 7 in order, from the south.
As all that part of the Western Eeserve west of the Cuyahoga
River was at that time claimed by the Indians, the original
survey was made only to the river Cuyahoga, coming from the
East.

I need not dwell on the manner in which the proprietors
of the Connecticut Land Company surveyed and divided up
the immense territory which thus came into their possession.
The system of division adopted was too complicated to admit
of a satisfactory explanation at this time. The entire interest
which the company owned was divided up into 400 shares,
each subscription of $3,000 representing one four-hundredth
part of the price of the Western Reserve. The first division
made was of four townships, which were selected by a com-
mittee of three, as being of the greatest value, next to the six
already selected for sale, on account of their situation and nat-
ural advantages. These four townships were Northfield, in
Summit county, Bedford and Warrensville in this county, and

40 ANNALS OF THE

Perry in Lake county. These were surveyed into 412 lots, the
intention being that each lot should contain about 160 acres,
and each share was intended to be good for an average lot in a
township. In this, as well as in other drafts, many of the
owners of an interest in the Connecticut Land Company
united their interests in common, and drew together.

In addition to this draft of these four townships there
were four others. The first was in 1798, and was for all the
remaining lands east of the Cuyahoga, and was arranged to
be drawn in ninety-three parts, each part being about one
township, and representing $13,903.23 of interest in the orig-
inal $1,200,000 purchase price. The second draft was in
1802, for the balance of the six townships then unsold, and
the land in Weathersfield township, Trumbull county, where
Niles is located, and which was not divided in 1798 because
of uncertainty about the limits of the 25,000 acres bought
by General Parsons. The third draft was in 1807, and was
for the townships west of the Cuyahoga. Draft number four
was for the surplus land, so-called, lying between the Fire
Lands on the west and the Connecticut Land Company's on
the east; also at this draft were divided up what notes and
claims there were on hand growing out of the sale of the six
townships and all unadjusted claims.

The actual quantity of land in the Western Eeserve, by

survey, as estimated by the late General Simon Perkins, is as

follows:

Connecticut Land Company — Acres.

Land east of Cuyahoga River, etc 2,002,970

Land west of Cuyahoga, exclusive of surplus and islands

in Lake Erie 827,921

Surplus land, so-called 5,286

Islands in Lake Erie 5,924

Amount of Connecticut Land Company, in acres 2,841,471

Parsons or Salt Spring tract 25,450

Sufferers' or Fire Lands (Huron and Erie counties) 500,000

Total of acres in the Connecticut Western Reserve 3,366,921

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 41

According to the computation by the late Leonard Case,
there were but 3,333,690 acres, but he does not include the
Parsons tract. He also estimated that the directors sold, be-
fore the division of the six townships, 2,852 acres in Mentor;
2,355 in Euclid, and 6,754 in Cleveland.

As I have already said, in 1788, Governor St. Clair estab-
lished all of Ohio east of the Cuyahoga, the old Portage Path,
and the Tuscarawas into Washington county; in 1796, Wayne
county was organized, including with other counties, all of
the Reserve west of the Cuyahoga, the Portage Path, and the
Tuscarawas. In 1797 that part of the Reserve that had been
in Washington county was put into Jefferson county, with
Steubenville for the county seat. In 1780 the Western Re-
serve was organized under the territorial government of Trum-
bull county, with Warren as the county seat, and the first
court held August 25th, 1800. In 180] there were but thirty-
five families in Warren, but it was by far the most important
point on the Reserve. In 1801 they began to get a mail once
in two weeks from Pittsburgh by way of Canfield and Youngs-
town, and that was the terminus of the mail route for a couple
of years before it came on to Cleveland. The route from War-
ren was by way of Deerfield, Ravenna, Hudson, etc., and from
Cleveland to Detroit, along the old Indian trail to Sandusky,
Toledo, and so on to Detroit. From Cleveland to Warren,
the mail went via Painesville and Jefferson. Geauga county
was organized March 1st, 1806, and included a large part
of Cuyahoga; and Portage county, June 7th, 1808, whilst
Cuyahoga was organized May 7th, 1810. As that part of the
Reserve lying in the Mahoning Valley was more accessible for
many years than the northern part, for a number of years it
thrived most.

The county of Cuyahoga has remained in its present
state since 1843, having, from time to time, been reduced
in size by the formation of Huron, Medina, Lorain, and Lake
counties.

42 ANNALS OF THE

The first mill erected in Cuyahoga county was at the falls
in Newburgh. Its completion was celebrated by the pioneers
with great rejoicing, and it was only at the beginning of this
century that our forefathers of the Reserve enjoyed the luxury
of bolted flour. Another evidence of advancing civilization
was the building of a still-house, in 1800, at Cleveland. They
couldn't sell their corn for money, so they made it into
whisky; they couldn't sell the whisky for money, so they
were compelled to drink it.

The lands in the six reserved townships and of the city lots
in Cleveland, were very slow of sale. City lots had fallen one-
half in value, or from $50 to $25, and it is a remarkable fact
that the most fortunate of the men who went into the Con-
necticut Land Company realized a very meager profit, and
many of them were losers rather than gainers in the enter-
prise. The Reserve settled very slowly compared with more
recent settlements in the western States, as Kansas, Iowa,
Minnesota, or Wisconsin. As showing the slow growth of
the country for the first twenty years of this century, take
Cleveland. In 1796 its population was 4; in 1797, 15; in
1800, three years later, only 7; in 1810, 57; only 50 in ten
years; and in 1820, Cleveland had 150 inhabitants. In those
early days money was scarce, the facilities for transportation
were very poor, and the country was yet in the woods. To
pioneers, as to most of mankind, the golden age is always in
the past, but he who compares the Western Reserve with what
it was when the pioneers first invaded its forests, cannot fail
to see the wonderful change.

Within its borders are the thrifty cities and towns of San-
dusky, Norwalk, Elyria, Wellington, Medina, Cleveland, Ak-
ron, Ravenna, Warren, Youngstown, Painesville, Ashtabula,
Jefferson, and numerous others. It is abundantly supplied
with railroads, and I have the authority of the Secretary of
the Ohio State Board of Agriculture for saying that every 100
acres of land on the Reserve, besides yielding a variety of

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 43

tillage crops, yields also an average of 263 pounds of butter
and 924 pounds of cheese, " far exceeding the world-wide
famous Scioto Valley." Again, the Reserve averages 9^
cattle to every 100 acres, while neither the Scioto nor Miami
Valleys, both famous for their cattle, exceed 6^ head to 100
acres. Also, that the product per acre of wheat, corn, oats,
flaxseed, potatoes, tobacco, sorghum, and clover hay, exceed
those of the Miami Valley. The explanation is not in the su-
periority of the soil, but, as Mr. Klippart says, there is a better
system of culture on the Reserve than is to be found any-
where else in the State. What but fifty years ago was little
better than a wilderness, is now a rich and populous portion
of Ohio, increasing yearly in wealth, people and general pros-
perity.

I have thus outlined the history of Ohio for two hundred
years, and of the Western Reserve for three-quarters of a
century. What there is to-day to be proud of and rejoice in
our midst, we largely owe to the brave pioneers — to the noble
men and women who subdued the wilderness, and laid the
foundations of this Commonwealth of the Western Reserve,
whose people are as intelligent, thrifty, prosperous, and patri-
otic as are to be found on any equal area in the world— a^eo-
ple who read and think for themselves. Many of the old
pioneers have passed away. Their memories should be hal-
lowed, the story of their early trials and struggles should be
often told. The younger generation should not be allowed to
forget that there is a past full of intense interest, the study
of which will enrich and ennoble the descendants of the pio-
neers, by its memorable struggles, trials and conquests, through
which our pioneer fathers passed in the subjugation of a wil-
derness, and its reduction under the hand of civilization and
industry. It was the proud boast of a Roman Emperor that
he found Rome brick and left it 'marble. The pioneers did
more. They left blooming gardens, affluence, thriving cities,

44 ANNALS OF THE

and a grand civilization, where they found a wilderness, pov-
erty, wigwams, and barbarism. Coming as they did from
the American Eevolution, many of them were old soldiers
who had lost everything but life, and who came to the new
West poor, adventurous and hopeful. They knew that by the
solemn compact of 1787, that spread its protecting aegis over
400,000 square miles of untrodden wilderness, the fair heri-
tage of the Reserve, and the entire country north of the Ohio
and east of the Mississippi, would forever be dedicated to free
schools and freedom; that no slave should breathe its air; that
religious liberty was forever guaranteed. They had and
needed no stock in trade but the musket and the ax, and to
many an old revolutionary veteran that had slept in camps,
his log cabin was a palace. Those who came from New Eng-
land came also with a deep love of knowledge, and in many
a log house young men were reared who have since become
famous and are among the great of the earth.

[The foregoing address, evincing as it does profound historical re-
search, was listened to with deep interest by the association, and is
justly regarded as a valuable production.]

SONG: "THE GOOD OLD DAYS.

BY THE ARION QUARTETTE.

LIFE AND CHARACTER of DAVID H. BEARDSLEY.

BY HON. J. P. BISHOP.

A few days since I received a communication from our
honored President, saying that the committee were unani-
mous in requesting me to deliver an address on the " Life and
Character of David H. Beardsley," at this meeting of "the
early settlers."

In compliance with this request, I appear before you to-

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 45

day. If only the customary tribute was paid to the subject
of this address, it would be substantially as follows:

" IN MEMORIAM

David H. Beardsley — Born June 6th, 1789, at New Preston, Litchfield
County, Conn. ; died at Cleveland, O., August 31st, 1870."

I doubt not many here are ready to ask "What more than
this can be said of David H. Beardsley, whose life was so un-
obtrusive and unassuming among us, and who came and went
in the daily walks of life almost unnoticed by the world around
him?"

To this I reply, very much may be said. Much more than
I have time here to say or you to listen to.

I wish to preface, before I proceed, that being acquainted
with Mr. Beardsley in his public, private and social life, soon
after his decease, with the approval of his nearest family rela-
tives, I prepared a sketch of him, which was published in the
Cleveland Leader. Much of the matter contained in this arti- .
cle I reproduce here.

From what I have already said, it appears that on August
31st, 1870, an aged citizen of Cleveland went to his rest. He
went as he had lived, peacefully and quietly, and thus ended
his earthly being in the very manner he had desired; and as
many plants leave behind them an attractive and lovely fra-
grance, so may it be truly said that in the many varied mem-
ories which are now cherished of the deceased there is an
aroma of character left by him, which every one who may be
old and experienced in intercourse among men in the best and
most intelligent circles of society, may. not meet with in a life-
time. There was nothing in his early life calculated to
produce this result, except his native genius and original char-
acteristics of mind.

There were no influences of the home-circle that could
produce this result, for of these he was very early deprived.
He was, however, in the early part of his life, thrown among

40 AJSTNALS OF THE

that class of religious people called ''Friends," whose simple
ways, austere, but unostentatious virtues he admired and
loved, and was greatly influenced by them to his latest days.

Thrown upon his own resources in his youth, he pursued
that course to which his inclinations of mind most impelled
him, which was gaining and treasuring up knowledge.

Those who have been privileged to enjoy an intimate ac-
quaintance with him can now attest how thoroughly he per-
sisted in his favorite habit all his life and even in his old age,
of keeping apace with the times in the general sciences and
modern improvements and progress.

His native place was New Preston, Litchfield county,
Conn. In early life he qualified himself for a first-class
teacher, and pursued that profession successfully in Baltimore,
Md., and othei- places. After his marriage he removed to
Ohio and settled in what was then called Lower Sandusky,
now Fremont. Early in 1826 he removed to Cleveland, but
previously, and soon after removing to Ohio, his character for
intelligence and integrity were appreciated, as he was elected
to the Legislature of Ohio, and also was appointed a judge of
the Court of Common Pleas. His residence and public posi-
tion in Cleveland after he came here, have become historical.
The history of the city could not well be written without giv-
ing him a prominent place. Appointed, as he was in 1827,
as collector at this point of the Ohio Canal, and continuing
in that office for a score of years, when most of the commerce
of Cleveland passed through the canal and thence connected
itself with a great part of the State, he could not help being
widely known.

It is well kuown his experience was such that his aid and
counsel were sought in framing and adopting the rules and
regulations governing the canals of Ohio. Under his intelli-
gent counsels the canal rules and regulations and laws of Ohio
became almost a perfect code.

So highly was he esteemed that no matter how political

EABLV SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 47

parties changed, Mr. Beardsley remained unmolested in his
office so long as he chose to retain it, however much it might
have been coveted by others. At one time, at the accession of
the Democratic party to power, an effort was made to change
the Collector of Cleveland, but a high official connected with
the public works of the State declared to those in power that
if Mr. Beardsley were removed he would himself resign, as he
considered him indispensable, not merely as Collector of
Cleveland, but as an adviser on the management of the public
works of the State.

In transacting the business of the State, he was precise
and exact. But while he required this from others, he prac-
ticed the same rule towards them — always according to them
every right and insisting that they should accept it.

His long continuance in office and his manner of conduct-
ing the public business caused him to be very widely known.

His integrity was the great feature of his character. Dur-
ing all those years that he transacted the business of the
State, and ia the numerous accounts rendered by him, which
amounted to thousands, and in the amount of money collected
to about $1,400,000, not an error, either large or small, was
ever detected in his accounts. Having remained many years
in his office, and feeling finally that some other business would
be more congenial to him, he voluntarily retired.

Not long after this, however, he was called to still more
important positions in connection with the Water Works and
Sinking Fund Commissioners of the City of Cleveland. In
the latter of these positions he remained till a short time be-
fore his death.

In these as well as in every other position, the most strict
integrity was his rule, and not only this but all his transac-
tions were free from the ordinary mistakes that most persons
are liable to make.

It has already been said that integrity was a great feature
of his character and the rule of his life.

•48 ANSALS OF THE

When he is spoken of as the ''honest man," the man of
"great integrity," it should not be understood in the limited
sense in which it is ordinarily used. It was no assumed fea-
ture of his character that he might possess a good name before
the world. It was a feature woven into his very nature. He
loved these characteristics for their own sake; they were hidden
down deep in his most secret heart. He loved them as he
loved to think of their great and pure Author. Loving them,
he endeavored to impress them upon the minds of others who
might come under his influence, not so much in 'words as by
the example of his life — thus well exemplifying the sentiment
contained in the following lines from Longfellow:

" In the elder days of art,

Builders wrought with greatest care,
Each minute and unseen part,

For the gods see everywhere. .

" Let us do our work as well.
Both the unseen and the seen;
Make the house where gods may dwell, •
Beautiful, entire and clean."

That his life, as one symmetrical whole, was illustrative
of the sentiment in these lines, those who were at all inti-
mate with him will readily verify, and the more intimate and
confidential the relation was with him the more clearly was
this apparent.

The poet says:

" 'Tis distance lends enchantment to the view;"

But whatever may be the ordinary experience, it was not so
with David H. Beardsley, either in public, private, social or
domestic life — for he, as builder, "wrought with greatest care
each minute and unseen part."

His integrity of character was illustrated in his religious
convictions.

He could coincide with no religious creed fully, and there-
fore, was not willing to subscribe to one that did not in all of

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 49

its leading features command his assent; and yet no man in
the community was more ready to commend religion than he.
His attendance was, in the main, on the Presbyterian Church
service, and he encouraged his family in a religious life, and
in making a public profession.

His views of the Christian Sabbath corresponded to those
of some of the early reformers — that the Jewish Sabbath
passes away with the Jewish law, and that the first day of the
week was to be observed only in grateful remembrance of
Christ's resurrection. With all this he was a conscientious
observer of the Lord's day.

He was an uncompromising enemy of intemperance and a
friend of the temperance reform, and evinced this friendship
by both precept and example.

In theology he was no mere surface reader and thinker.
He went back to the fundamental principles.

He was especially versed in the evidences of Christianity —
not content with reading one author on the subject, lie not
only read but studied various authorities and could start que-
ries which the ordinary student could not answer or solve, but
to him they were clear and answerable, not only from reasons
found in his reading and studies, but from the logic of his
own mind.

He was a student in geology and especially as bearing on
the first of Genesis, and could, in a private interview of one
hour, give you the theories and solutions of them, far beyond
what you could get in the ordinary circles of learned professors.

What has been said of him with reference to his theological
knowledge may be said of him in the departments of history,
philosophy and politics.

He was a logician and metaphysician, also. He was a
keen discriminator as to the merits of discourse and argument
and had not patience with declamation when it was claimed to
be argument, and mere sophistry would be met by him some-
times with the most telling sarcasm.

50 AN]:fALS OF THE

In metaphysics he was learned far beyond many who claim
to be learned in the mysteries of that science — and the able
metaphysicians of the age would have been astonished in an
encounter with Mr, Beardsley when he would freely enter into
discussion on metaphysical subjects.

It may be said that it is surprising he should have accom-
plished so much and have become so learned. Not so. For a
score of years as canal collector he had four or five months of
leisure every year, and his leisure days and evenings were not
allowed to pass without adding to his storehouse of knowl-
edge. Also, after he had retired from that office, he had equal
facilities for reading and study which he sedulously improved.

It is not our province to enter into the sanctuary of home
and speak of him in his relations of husband and father — there
are those living who feel how sacred these relations were, espe-
cially the relation of father — and now that he has gone from
them, long years of busy life will not suffice to efface these
precious memories. One trait of character may be spoken of
here which was common both in the family as well as in other
relations — that is his kindness of heart.

It has been supposed by many who had merely business
relations with him as a public functionary, that he was cold
and austere and unapproachable. This was not so; on the
contrary, he was on all proper occasions as warm-hearted and
approachable and kind as even a fond and tender mother. He
had kind words for those in his employ, while he was in of-
fice as collector, that will ever be remembered, particularly by
one who now attributes his success and position in life to kind
and encouraging words of Mr. Beardsley. In the work as col-
lector's clerk at one time there occurred a succession of er-
rors, and the young man made up his mind to leave because
of these errors, but Mr. Beardsley remarked in the kindest
of manner, "we must all live and learn; we are none of us
perfect." From that moment more courage was inspired, and
the young man went on anew during the whole year with

EARL Y SETTLERS' ASSO CIA TION. 5 1

scarcely a recurring error. A friendship began at that time
between the employer and that clerk that continued till death
terminated the earthly relation. The one who now addresses
you was that clerk. Notwithstanding this, he was austere in
the performance of his public duty and carried his principles
into practice. In one respect this was particularly marked.

All who were masters of boats navigating the canal were
obliged to make oath to the amount of cargo they had on
board. This oath was for the most part administered by him.

The oath being required by law and the name of God be-
ing used, he would not administer the oath as a mere form or
ceremony as is generally done, but would always proceed to
do it in the most solemn and impressive manner and with un-
covered head, and always requiring the one taking the oath to
uncover also. This was but being consistent Avith himself —
believing in God and in revelation, he could not do otherwise
than he did (as he believed) without '"'taking the name of the
Lord in vain."

Another firm and unyielding feature in his character was
the conviction that the laws, while they remained such, must
be implicitly obeyed ; that no infraction of them was to be
winked at, nor was their effect to be nullified by a weak senti-
mentalism under the guise of mercy and good- will.

His reply to all who inveighed against the rigors of the law
was that he did not make the laws — that while they existed
upon the statute book they must be obeyed, and the repeal of
them must be by the law-making power. It will naturally bo
asked " is there no member of the family of this distinguished
citizen still living?" I answer: Yes. Mrs. Bingham, the
accomplished wife of Hon. William Bingham, formerly our
State Senator, is his daughter and only surviving child.

Much more might be said of the deceased; even an inter-
esting volume might be written on the subject, but it has not
been the object of this sketch to present more than an outline
of our deceased fellow citizen's life and character.

52 . ANNALS OF THE

In conclusion. In a review of the whole life and the
death of David H. Beardsley, I can only look upon him as a
faithful soldier in his sphere, who had fought a good fight
and quietly gone to his rest, almost literally exemplifying the
words of the old Spanish poem:

" As thus the dying warrior prayed,
Without one gathering mist or shade
Upon his mind,

Encircled by his family.
Watched by affection's gentle eye,
So soft and kind.

His soul to Him who gave it rose,
God led it to its long repose.
Its glorious rest.

And though the warrior's sun has set,
Its light shall linger round us yet.
Bright, radiant, blessed."

[The life and character of Mr. Beardsley, as estimated by Judge
Eishop, was received with evident satisfaction, and regarded as not
only truthful, but eminently worthy of imitation.]

SONG: "AMERICA."

ARION QUARTETTE.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF MEMBERS DECEASED
DURING THE PAST YEAR.

BY REV. THOMAS CORLETT.

The following are the names of members of the Association
who have departed this life during the past year, including a
statement of place and year of birth, when residence com-
menced in the Western Reserve, and date of decease, viz:

Daniel Beers, born in N". J., 1816. Eeserve in 1818;
died Dec. 4, 1880. Dr. D. G. Branch, born in Vt., 1805.

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 53

Eeserve in 1833; died Dec. 23, 1880. Elias Cozad, born in
IS". J., 1790. Eeserve in 1808; died Sept., 1880. Rev. A. S.
Hayden, born in Ohio, 1813. Reserve in 1835; died Sept. 10,

1880. Harvey Taylor, born in Ohio, 1814. Reserve m
1814; died Nov., 1880. Ahimiaz Sherwin, born in Vt.,
1792. Reserve in 1818; died Jan. 24, 1881. Elijah Bing-
ham, born in N. H., 1800. Reserve in 1831; died July 10,

1881. Aaron Clark, born in Conn., 1811. Reserve in 1832;
died Jan. 6, 1881. Capt. C. H. Norton, born in N. Y.,
1805. Reserve in 1838; died Feb. 23, 1881.

The entire number of members who have been removed by-
death since the organization of the Association, is twelve. Of
these, not a few were individuals we all delight to honor. The
hardships and perils which the early settlers of this country
encountered and overcame, gave them qualities of head and
heart which, to us, their descendants, are of inestimable
value, and which we shall do well to imitate and cherish, and
so hand down to posterity, as our fathers have to us, a goodly
heritage, worthy of a free and enlightened people.

Though more or less might be said relative to the lives of
deceased members which would, perhaps, be of public inter-
est, yet in the announcement of their deaths it is not expected
that a biographical sketch of each will be appended, or can be
furnished within the brief period that has elapsed since their
decease. In a few instances, however, where deceased mem-
bers were well known to the public, a brief notice of their life-
work seems desirable in connection with their final departure.

Rev. a. S. Hayden was, for nearly fifty years, an active
and efficient minister in the ministry of the Disciple Church.
He was also a composer of music, and was one of the com-
mittee which compiled the Christian Hymn-book, now used
by that denomination; and to him, perhaps, more than to any
other, is that body of Christians indebted, not only for its
church music, but also for his latest work, the " History of
the Disciples of the Western Reserve."

54 ANNALS OF THE

In 1850 he was chosen Principal of the Western Reserve
Eclectic Institute (now Hiram College), and this position he
filled honorably for seven years; since which time he has
filled honorable offices in that church, and left an impress up-
on those among whom he labored that will not soon be for-
gotten.

Mr. Ahimiaz Sherwin, for sixty-three years a resident
of Clevehind, leaves us a record honorable to himself, and
worthy of our imitation. He was one of Cleveland's earliest
builders and land purchasers, and may be justly ranked
among the most active promoters of Cleveland's growth and
prosperity; nor did his interest in this direction cease until
he was called to his heavenly state. Long will his kind and
genial spirit be cherished by those who knew him.

CALL FOR VOLUNTEER SPEECHES.

On call. for volunteer speeches, the following gentlemen
responded in an interesting manner: Dr. E. D. Burton, T.
D. Crocker, Esq., Hon. E,. C. Parsons and Mr. H. M. Addi-
son. The exercises of the day were then closed by singing
" The Early Settlers' Hymn" (tune Old Hundred), by the
quartette and audience:

THE EARLY SETTLERS' HYMN.

Still pilgrims in a favored land,

Who long have lingered on the way,
How blest to meet and grasp the hand,

And crown with joy our festive day ! —

And tell of years whose scenes return,

Like shadows on our pathway cast;
And catch from living lips that burn

The fleeting memories of the past.

And while we trace from whence we sprung,

And early friendships fain renew.
Still let us dream that we are young.

And though a dream, believe it true !

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 55

Nor days forget when first we heard

Life's battle-cry, and sought the field ;
When lofty aims our bosoms stirred,

And faith had armed us with her shield.

'Twas courage, then, with youthful zeal,

That led us onward, flushed with pride;
'Tis years, now ripe, that make us feel

How swiftly glides life's ebbing tide !

Yet while we here prolong our stay.

We'll keep our pledge of love and truth ;
And when we pass the darkened way.

Ascend and share immortal youth !

APPENDIX,

WHAT I RECOLLECT.

[COMMUNICATED.]

The writer of this article first saw Cleveland in 1811,
when a small boy. Then, what now is a grand and growing
city, could hardly be called a village. A few houses of the
primitive order located along Superior street between the
river and the Public Square, with here and there a temporary
dwelling in the bushy vicinity, gave but a slight indication that
it was the beginning of a future large city; or that there were
then some who would live to see Cleveland what she now is,
a great city, was not anticipated by any at that time.

My father settled between the two villages, Cleveland and
Newburgh, in April, 1812, which brought us into a position
to observe the various changes occurring in the two aspiring
villages from year to year.

I remember when there was no court house in Cleveland,
nor a church building in Cuyahoga county, nor a bridge across
the river from the outlet to Cuyahoga Falls. The outlet of
the river at that time was some 120 yards west of where it is
now, and was sometimes completely barred across with sand
by storms, so that men, having on low shoes, have walked
across without wetting their feet. A ferry at the foot of Su-
perior street, consisting of one flat boat and a skiff answered
the purpose to convey over the river all who desired for quite
a number of years.

When a boy I frequently visited the family of Dr. David
Long, living in a log house on the top of the hill in the rear
of where the American House now stands. The doctor's
premises extended from Superior street to the river. Who
would have dreamed in those days that the side-hill where the

60 ANNALS OF THE

doctor pastured his cows, would, in after years, be rendered so
entirely useless for the purpose it was then used for, by laying-
out streets (Champlain and Canal), and by digging a canal
across it, extending to the Ohio Kiver, and the ruin brought
on the doctor's garden-spot, by running Long street through it?

I recollect seeing, on the Public Square, the gallows of
John Omic, the Indian who was hung in 1812 for killing two
white men. That same year the first court house was built
by the late Captain Levi Johnson. It was located on the
Square about where the northwest fountain now is; the west
end of the lower story served for a jail, and the east end as a
residence for the jailor's family. The upper or second story
was the court-room.

In this building ex-Treasurer William Waterman's father
lived as jailor during several of the last years that the build-
ing remained on the ground.

In that-court room the Episcopalians held their meetings
before Trinity Church was built on the east corner of Seneca
and St. Clair, the Eev. Mr. Freeman being their pastor. At
the same time the Presbyterians occupied the old academy,
where engine house No. 1 now is; but before the academy was
built they met in a little frame school house on St. Clair
street, a little east of the Kennard. Revs. McLain and
Bradstreet were their first regular ministers. The father of
the late John Barr preached occasionally. The Baptists or-
ganized and occupied the academy after the Presbyterians had
moved to the third story of a house which your correspond-
ent helped to build for Dr. Long, where the American House
is. On the ground floor were two stores; one was occupied
by the firm of John McCurdy and Prentis Dow. McCurdy
had recently arrived from Connecticut, and Dow had been a
clerk for Irad Kelley. At that time there was but one public
cemetery in Cleveland. Its location was where Prospect
street and several lots south of Prospect intersect Ontario;
there had been quite a number of soldiers buried on the bank

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATIOy. 61

of the lake, not far from Ontario street, during the war of
1812-14, but subsequently the land slides carried them into
the Lake.

About the year 1836, the ambitious men of Cleveland
concluded that a better court house was a necessity; accord-
ingly, through their county commissioner, David Long, it
was resolved to have a house that would be a lasting ornament
to the place. Henry L. Noble was called to draw the plan.
The plan being satisfactory, the job was let to H. L. Noble
and George C. Hills, and the work commenced in the spring
of 1837. Esquire Stanley, of Tvvinsburg, was superintendent
of the mason work, and the second court house was erected on
the Square about where the southwest fount is. In 1837 came
the noted sickly season; the season that the water was let
into the northern division of the Ohio Canal; your corres-
pondent being one of the number who worked on the Court-
house, and remained Avell while most of the men and boys were
iinable to work, put in more days during that season than
any other hand.

About 1833, the village of Cleveland began to put on airs
and to enact and enforce municipal laws. John W. Allen

was elected mayor, and Marshall was elected marshal,

otc. This was the summer -that the cholera first made its ap-
pearance in Cleveland. A quarantine was established by
having a man stationed on the jiier day and night with a
loaded musket to intercept any vessel that should dare to
outer the harbor without a proper quarantine permit. Doctor
Cowles, brother to Samuel Cowles, attorney-at-laAV, and Doctor
Mcllvane, both having recently come to Cleveland, and board-
ing at C. L. Lathrop's, on Water street, were appointed a
board of health and visiting committee.

One afternoon the steamboat Henry Clay was seen head-
ing for the port of Cleveland, and on its being ascertained
that the cholera was on board, and not well men enough to
man the boat, she was permitted to tie up at the mouth of the

62 • ANNALS OF THE

river. Doctors Cowlos and Mcllvane went on board every
day for a few days and prescribed for the sick, and then the
boat was taken to Bhick Rock and tied up till the cholera
season was over.

On Christmas day, in 1825, there was a shooting match to
see who could win the most geese and chickens. Turkeys were
not much domesticated about Cleveland at that time, but
there were plenty of wild ones to be found within the present
corporation limits. The shooting was done from a rail fence
on the line of Superior street, where the front of McGillin's
store now is. From the fence southerly to the river the space
was clear of obstructions, except patches of bushes and scat-
tering stumps. A little west of the shooting position was the
blacksmith shop with the significant sign-board, '' Uncle
Abram Works Here," and the rack for shoeing oxen, that
stood by the side of the shop, indicated that " Uncle Abram's '^
(Hickox) sign told the truth. On the opposite side of the
street was the competing blacksmith. In the only newspaper
in Cleveland, a weekly, might be found this advertisement;
" David Burroughs may be found by the sign of the anchor
and the sound of the hammer."

That winter I went to school at the newly-built academy,
then standing where engine house No. 1 now stands, on St.
Clair street. The male pupils of that school, under the in-
struction of Harvey Rice, now President of the Early Settlers'
Association, were Jesse Pease, Albert Kingsbury, Louis Dib-
ble, Henry H. Dodge, Samuel Williamson, Henry Blair, Wol-
cott Bliss, Don Mcintosh, myself, and several whose names I
cannot recall. Of the females who attended that school fifty-
five years ago there were quite a number. One is still living
in the city, one in Rockport, this county, and one in Cincin-
nati. Seven of that school beside their teacher, are still living
that I know of. Whether any others survive I am unable to
say.

About the beginning of the summer of 1826 the Franklin

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 63

House was completed for a hotel, and about that time N. E.
Crittenden came to Cleveland and set up a watch and jewelry
establishment next door east of the Franklin, in a little one-
story brick, built by the Terhoeven Bros., to carry on brandy
making by a process kept secret by them. Crittenden's was
the first watch and jewelry store established in Cleveland, and,
though not very extensive, or rich in materials, its contents
attracted the attention of sight-seers, and many of the glitter-
ing gems were eagerly sought for, especially by some of the
lads and lasses, who liked to make a little display of fine
things. It is a good while since that store gave place to a larger
and better one through the energy and business capacity of
the late N. E. Crittenden.

Previous to building the Franklin House the site was occu-
pied by'a small one-and-a-half-story frame house, owned and
occupied by Philo Scovill. To make room for the Franklin,
which was to be a three-story frame building, the small house
was moved to H. L. Noble's lot, on the north side of the
Public Square, about half way between the Savings institu-
tion and Ontario street. That was the first and only home on
that side of the Square for over a year. In that house, which
consisted of one room on the first floor, which answered the
purpose of a kitchen, dining-room and parlor, with a bed-
room and pantry attached to it, and two small chambers up-
stairs, Henry L. and his wife Hopey Johnson Noble, first set
up housekeeping; and they also found room to board from one
to four men in Noble's employ. Subsequently they attained
to greater aflluence, but now they lie in Woodland Cemetery,
while year by year some of the few left who remember them
in 1826, follow after.

When I pass along the north side of the Square I some-
times try to locate the spot near the sidewalk where Noble's
well was. It was there I once had a little anxiety to know
how a certain occurrence might terminate. Preparatory to
occupying the new quarters, I was requested to go with a man

64 ANNALS OF THE

by the name of Jones, a well digger and cleaner, and assist in
cleaning the well. When we arrived at the well Jones drew
the water out, and then took from his pocket a pint bottle
full of whisky, uncorked it, put it to his lips, drank about
two-thirds, then set the bottle down and commenced descend-
ing the well, which was from twenty to twenty-five feet deep.
I had seen some big dram drinking in my boyhood excursions,
but that was the biggest swig I ever saw taken at one pull.
Then came trouble in my meditations. What to do was diffi-
cult to decide, I supposed that Jones, who was a heavy man,
would be helplessly intoxicated at the bottom of the well
before he could clean it and come out, and the water might
run in and drown him while I was after help to extricate him
from his impending fate. On mature deliberation I concluded
to stick by and watch the progress of affairs, and if any per-
sons came in sight, to notify them of the predicament of my
companion in the well. But as good luck would have it, Jones
was proof against two-thirds of a pint of the pure article to
start on. Be finished his job, came out and drank the re-
mainder of the pint, and then went away in a business-like
manner, in pursuit of another job.

It has been said that the first court house was built of
logs. This is a mistake. It was a frame, except the jail room
on the lower floor, which was constructed with logs notched
together and sided up like the other parts of the building. I
helped build the second court house, which was a brick
structure, and for that reason it was supposed it would outlast
a century. It occupied the ground where the south corner
fountain is, as many who saw it before it was taken down re-
member. All the doors and sash for it were made by hand,
and the flooring dressed by hand. There was no labor-saving
machinery to do a part of the work of carpenters when the
second court house was being constructed. We worked in
summer from sunrise to sunset, but were favored in June and
July with an hour nooning. Truly, times have changed, since

EARL Y SETTLERS' ASSO CIA TIOX. 65

a man can now do a legal day's work in from four to five
hours less time than was required when some of us were young
men. Of those employed on that building I am not certain
that I am not the last one living. If there are any to respond
who worked on the old brick court house, or on the old Trin-
ity Church in 1828, I would like to hear from them.

I. A. Morgan".

Cleveland, February 4, 1881.

THE OLDEST RESIDENT.

[Copied from the Sunday Voice].

•

John Doane, of Collamer, the oldest living pioneer of
Cuyahoga county, came to Cleveland in April, 1801. He was
born June 28, 1798, and consequently is now almost eighty-
three years of age, although he looks to be much younger. The
distinction of being the oldest male inhabitant of the county
invests Mr. Doane with public interest, and the facts regard-
ino- both his ancestors and his life while here will be read with
pleasure. Mr. Doane is descended from one of the oldest fam-
ilies in the country, and his family for generations has sup-
plied substantial and worthy members of the community.
While heredity does not possess the significance in this coun-
try that it does abroad, it is always a matter to be gratified at
that our ancestors have been useful men and good citizens.
The original John Doane, the founder of the Doane family
in this county, crossed the Atlantic in one of the first three
ships that sailed to Plymouth, landing at that famous spot in
the year 1630. A brother came after and settled in Canada,
and founded a family that now has numerous branches in the
Dominion. Another brother settled in Virginia, and also
founded an extensive connection.

66 AySALS OF THE

John Doaue, the ancestor, took a prominent and useful
part in the affairs of Plymouth colony, and in 1633 was chosen
assistant to Governor Winslow. Subsequently in 1639 he was
chosen one of the Commissioners to revise the laws. In 1642
he was again made assistant to the Governor, and in 1647 and
for several years succeeding he was elected Deputy to the Col-
ony Court. In addition to the civil offices which he held he
was made a deacon in the church at Plymouth and at East-
ham. He died in 1 685 at the advanced age of ninety-five
years. His wife's name was Abigail, and by her he had five
children — Lydia, Abigail, John, Ephraim and Daniel. All of
these were the progenitors of large families, whose descend-
ants are numerous in that section.

Daniel Doane had four, children by his first wife, among
Avhom was Joseph Doane, who was born June 27th, 1669, three
years after the fire and plague of London.

Joseph had twelve children by two wives. He was a dea-
con of the church at Eastham for forty years, and was a pious
and God-fearing man. His first child was named Mary, after
her mother, and the second Joseph, after the father.

Joseph Jr., was born November 15th, 1693, and married
Deborah Haddock, September 30th, 1725. He moved to Mid-
dle Haddam, near Middletown, on the Connecticut river, and
there engaged in ship building. His children were Joseph,
Nathaniel, Seth, Eunice and Phineas. Seth was born June
9th, 1733, and married Mercy Parker, February 23d, 1758.
"Both died in 1803. They had nine children, Seth, Timothy,
Elizabeth, Nathaniel, Job (died early), Mercy, Job, John M.
and Deborah. The two Seth Doanes, father and son, were
taken prisoners by the British from a merchant vessel in 1776,
during the Eevolutionary war, the father, at the time, being
mate of the vessel on which he was captured. They were re-
leased in 1777, and soon after the younger Seth died from
sickness contracted while a prisoner and due to his captivity.

Nearlv all of these children came west and settled in and

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 67

around Cleveland. Nathaniel was the iirst Doane to reach
this vicinity. He came here in 1796 with a surveying party,
and in 1798 moved with his family. The route of emigration
was down the Connecticut river, along the coast by vessel to
New York, up the Hudson river, across by land to Lake On-
tario, and thence by boat to the mouth of Cuyahoga river.
The family lived in the then little village of Cleveland, until
the next fall, when they removed to what is now East Cleve-
land, settling at the " Corners," just this side of Wade Park.
The children of Nathaniel Doane were Sarah, Job (died
young). Job, Delia, Nathaniel and Mercy. W. H. Doane, of
Cleveland, is a son of Job Doane.

Timothy Doane moved from Connecticut to Herkimer
county, New York, about the year 1794. In 1801 he followed
his brother Nathaniel to Cleveland, arriving here in April.
On the way he stopped at Fairport, where the boat on which
he had journeyed from Buffalo stopped. From Fairport he
and his family performed the journey on horseback to Cleve-
land. Timothy's family consisted of himself and wife, and
six children — Nancy, Seth, Timothy, Mary, Deborah and
John. Of these only one besides John is living — Deborah,
'the mother of T. D. Crocker, who was born January
14, 1796. Nancy Doane married Samuel Dodge, the father
of General H. H. and George C. Dodge. Seth married
Lucy Clark, and was the father of David Clark Doane, Mar-
garet A., wife of A. S. Gardner, and Seth Cary Doane. Chil-
dren of each of them reside in Cleveland. Timothy had eleven
children, whose descendants reside mostly in East Cleveland.

John, the subject of the present sketch, was born in 1798,
and having been brought to Cleveland in 1801, has been a res-
ident here for 78 years. There were only a few log huts
here at the time, and the country was very wild. It is a
somewhat noteworthy circumstance that he has lived within
one hundred yards of the same spot where he now resides since
1801.

G8 AyXAL.S OF THE

111 January, 1829, John married Olivia Baldwin, who lived
but a short time. In September, 1832, he married Sophia
Taylor, and by her had six children — Mary S., Abigail Corde-
lia, Edward B., Anna 0., Harriet S. , and John Willis, all of
whom are living and reside in or near Cleveland.

He has been a -^vitness of all the principal events of local
interest from the building of the first frame house in the
county to the present time. He saw the Indian Oniic hung
in 1812, and has a distinct recollection of the event, as it oc-
curred on the Square, nearly in front of where J. M. Eichards
& Co.'s establishment is now. A storm came on during the
hanging of Omic, and he was cut down and the body put into
a box, which, it was afterward ascertained, the doctors got
hold of at night.

Mr. Doane has been a Republican in politics ever since the
organization of the party. He has never taken an active in-
terest in politics, to which is probably due much of his good
health and peace of mind. He is to-day one of the most ac-
tive old men in the county. He gets around in a lively man-
ner, and is generally on the go. He has never used tobacco
in any form, nor has he ever indulged in ardent spirits. He
attributes his longevity and health to daily exercise and regu-
lar habits.

Mr. Doane's present home is just east of the Euclid Ave-
nue House, while the old Doane farm, where he lived so many
years, is directly opposite.

The majority of Doanes in this section spell their names
without the final letter of the original name; a custom that
was introduced some fifty or more years since, and has been
kept up by all the families here excej^t by the descendants
of John Doane.

EABLY SETTLEES- ASSOCIATIoy. 69

LETTER FROM MR. T. D. CROCKER.

Cleveland, 0., August 9, 1881.
Hon. Harvey Rice,

Dear Sir: Yours of the 27th ult., asking me to furnish
the '' Early Settlers' Association " with the substance of my
remarks at the meeting on the 22d of July, Avas received on
my return from Chicago. After narrating some of my early
recollections of Cleveland and its vicinity, I gave, in substance,
the experience of my grandfather on the maternal side.
Judge Timothy Doane, in migrating to this part of the then
Northwestern Territory. Mr. Doane was ,born in Middle
Haddam, in the State of Connecticut, in about the year 1757.
His father, Seth Doane, owned and sailed, as the captain, a
merchant vessel to foreign ports. He carried his son, Tim-
othy Doane, when about the age of fifteen years, to sea, and
taught him the science of navigation; and, at the age of twen-
ty-two, he (Timothy Doane) was well qualified to sail a vessel
as master, and he took the place of his father, who left the
ocean. When about thirty years of age, he was the owner of
the vessel he sailed, and continued in that business, trading
in France, Spain, and the West Indies. He not only became
the owner of the vessel but of the cargo also, and had de-
cided to leave the ocean when he was at the age of forty.
On his home-bound voyage he encountered a severe storm,
and the only means of saving the ship was to throw over its
cargo, consisting mostly of sugar, molasses and coffee, and
then, as a last resort, to cut away the masts. The hull then
floated until they almost despaired of life — the hull being in a
leaky condition. Their signal of distress was at last seen by a
vessel, Avhich took them off. When he reached home he said
to his wife that he had lost all. His wife replied that she
was willing it should all go if he would leave the sea, and not
take his sons. Soon after that he left for Herkimer county,
New York. My mother, Mrs. Deborah Crocker, a daughter

70 AXXALS OF THE

of Judge Timothy Doane, was born in Herkimer county, on
the 11th day of January, 1796, and John Doane, Esq., of
East Cleveland, the youngest of the family, was born on the
21st day of June, 1798, and both are present to-day.

The hardships endured by Timothy Doane prior to this
time well fitted him for a pioneer settler of the Northwestern
Territory, and on the 11th day of January, 1801, he started
with his family, for Cleveland. They were taken in a two-
horse sleigh to Buffalo; his household goods Avere cdnvej^ed in
a large sled, drawn by two yoke of oxen, ' One yoke of oxen
and the sled were owned by the man whom he hired to assist
him, and who returned home after he had landed them in
Buffalo. The sleigh in which the familv came was taken to
pieces at Buffalo, and brought here on the boat, and was sup-
posed to be the first one brought to this country.

On reaching Buffalo they found the lake open, the winter
having been very mild. It being the general opinion in Buf-
falo that the lake would be frozen over in February, Mr.
Doane decided to leave his family at Buffalo and proceed
to Cleveland with his horses, oxen and young cattle. Before
leaving he made arrangements for his family to leave for
Cleveland when the weather and condition of the lake would
permit. There was no wagon road between Buffalo and
Cleveland at that time, only an Indian trail. He took with
him corn to feed his stock on the way, and clothing for him-
self and son Timothy, Jr., who accompanied him. The
eldest of the family, Seth, with Nathaniel, his uncle, had pre-
ceded the family some two years. In crossing the streams,
they placed their portmanteaus, containing their clothing,
etc., on the horns of the cattle, to prevent them being wet.
They swim, as it is known, with a high head. When the
lake would permit them they traveled on the beach, and
when it would not, they would drive the stock on the
bank, keeping the lake in sight as their guide. In crossing
one stream which was very wide, and much swollen, Mr.

EABZr SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. . 71

Doaiie had to swim his horse, and lead each animal into the
water, which was so cold that they utterly refused to be driven
into it. He crossed and recrossed the stream thirteen times.
When across, they built a fire by means of an old, tinder box
and flint, by which they dried their clothing.

In March the rest of the family left Buffalo, with their
goods and provisions, in an open boat, rowed by two Indians
and two white men, pursuing their Journey westerly, land-
ing every night, pulling up the boat on the beach, pitching
their tent on the bank, and building their camp fire, making
their beds, and cooking their meals. About the time tliey
reached Erie, then called Presque Isle, Mr. Doane and his
brother met them. When off the mouth of Grand Kiver,
near what is now the town of Painesville, Judge Walworth
and General Paine, early settlers of that country, who daily
went to the bank of the lake to see if there were any immi-
grants in distress, or in need of assistance, saw this boat, and
that there was a storm approaching. They signalled them to
come ashore, and about the time the signal was hoisted, the
Indians discovered the approach of the storm, and they headed
towards shore. The beach would not admit of landing until
they were near the current of the river, which, coming in
contact with the waves, swamped the boat. Mr. Doane car-
ried his wife ashore; his brother, the white men and Indians
carried the children. In a short time the tent washed ashore,
which they immediately pitched for their accommodation;
then came the beds and bedding, which had been closely
rolled and corded; then their year's supply of flour, and all
the light articles. In the morning, after the storm had sub-
sided, the Indians went out into the lake, righted the boat,
bailed it out, rolled out the barrels of pork and hams, and got
them ashore and gathered up the cooking utensils, then reload-
ed the boat, preparatory to resuming their journey. General
Paine and Judge AA'alworth came down in the morning to see
how they were situated. Mrs. Doane declined going in the

72 AyyALs of the

boat again, if horses could be obtained to come by land, which
were tendered to them by the said gentlemen. Mrs. Doane
and the younger children were placed in the care of his
brother Nathaniel, to come by land. Nancy Doane, the eld-
est child, and mother of General H. H. Dodge and George C.
Dodge, the treasurer of this Association, said, " I will go
with father," and she accompanied her father in the boat.
Mr. Doane proceeded on his journey with the boat. When
Mrs. Doane, and the younger members of the family,
reached Chagrin Eiver, they found it swollen, and full to the
banks. Mrs. Doane asked her brother \\o^v they could cross,
he said to her, there is a man on the other side of the river,
named Abbott, who has a canoe; he will ferry us across.
When they reached the east bank, and were discovered by Mr.
Abbott, he pushed out his little frail bark into the angry
stream; the current carried him down, and he landed on the
other side a quarter of a mile below the place from which he
had started, and then rowed up stream to Mr. Doane, and in-
formed him that he could take but one at a time. Mrs.
Doane' s heart almost sank Avithin her when she saw the
rapid current and the frail canoe that was to take them
over, saying that she might as well have risked her life, and
that of the family, in the boat on the lake. She decided to
venture first, and stepped into the little canoe, and seated
herself in the bottom, taking hold of each side of the boat
with her hands. Thus he continued to cross, and recross,
until all Avere over. The horses Avere driven into the riA'er
and swam across; it taking more than half a day to convey
them over. They were three days in going from Painesville
to Cleveland. The boat in which Mr, Doane came reached
Cleveland at the same time. They were three weeks in per-
forming the journey from Buffalo to Cleveland. At that
time there Avere only four log cabins in Cleveland, occupied
by Major Carter, Mr. Spafford, Mr. David Clark, and Mr.
Stiles. All Avest of Cuyahoga RiA'er Avas Indian Territory.

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 73

Mr. Timothy Doane settled in Euclid, now East Cleve-
land. The Indians camped on Mr. Doane' s premises, occu-
pying during winter a portion east of the Cuyahoga River, as
hunting ground. Mr. Doane never turned them away hun-
gry; never refused them lodging, Indian fashion, around liis
kitchen fire; and they, on the other hand, never committed
any depredations, but brought to Mr. Doane the first fish
caught in the spring, and the first fruit and game in its sea-
son. Mr. Doane regarded them as good neighbors.

My grandfather, Jedediah Crocker, emigrated from Lee,
Massachusetts, some nine years later; his family came in a
covered carriage, similar in style to a rockaway, and said to
have been the first one in this part of the country. His house-
hold goods were brought in a large covered wagon, drawn by
two yoke of oxen and one horse. The wagon was covered
with sole-leather, for use when here, and then a canvas over
that. He purchased a large tract of land in the vicinity of
what is now Collinwood, in this county, and also in the town-
ship of Dover.

"Among the articles brought into this country by Mr. Tim-
othy Doane, was a box of glass, seven inches by nine in size,
for the windows of his log house; but finding no one Avho
could make the sash, they used oiled paper tacked on striiDs of
board instead.

How changed the present mode of traveling, and what im-
provements those now living who came here in 1801 have
seen.

Respectfully,

T. D. Crockee.

74 ANNALS OF THE

CLEVELAND WHEN A VILLAGE.

[CONTRIBUTED BY ARA SPRAGUE.]

Mr. President:

Tliougli not a member of your Society, I was, in my earlier
days, a resident of Cleveland. I emigrated from St. Lawrence
county, N. Y., in 1818, with a full determination to earn my
own living, and make my home in Ohio. I stopped at Ash-
tabula, but was not satisfied with that location, and strapped
my knapsack on my back, and started for Cleveland. There
were only two buildings (and those log) between Doan's cor-
ners and the Public Square. I arrived in Cleveland, April 9,
1818, a few weeks after the first census had been taken. Its
population was at that time but one hundred and seventy-two
souls; all poor, and struggling hard to keep soul and body
together. Small change was very scarce. They used what
were called corporation shinplasters, as a substitute. The in-
habitants were mostly New England people, aud seemed to be
living in a wilderness of scrub oaks. Only thirty or forty
acres had been cleared. Most of the occupied town lots were
fenced with rails. I put up at Howe's tavern, on the corner
of Water and Superior streets. In one room of that building
the first newspaper was printed. It was a small paper, some-
thing larger than a sheet of foolscap, but it answered the
j)urpose for the times and business of the village. At that
time the clearing extended from the foot of Superior lane (so-
called) east a few rods beyond the square. About where the
Gushing block now stands were four or five small dwellings,
inhabited by a difEerent class from the rest. This locality
was called ''Podunk," and directly back of these buildings
was the first burying ground. At that time there were two
.taverns, one kept by Mr. Howe, and the other by Mr, Wallace.
Noble H.Merwin was buildino- what was then called a lars^e
hotel, on the corner of South Water and Superior streets,
which opened in 1819. There were three stores, Elisha Tay-
lor's, Irad Kelley's, and Nathan Perry's, and also one small

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 75

grocery; two physicians, Drs. Long and Mcintosh; two lawyers,
Leonard Case and Alfred Kelley. Aslihel W. Walworth was
justice of the peace. Ben Tuell was constable, and worked
at the jewelry business. Mr. Walworth was a hatter; Dea-
con Hamlin and Philo Scovill were carpenters; Moses White
was a tailor; George Kirke was a shoemaker; Matliew Wil-
liamson owned a tannery at the foot of Union lane, (so I
did); two blacksmiths, David Burroughs and Abram Hickox;
and Christopher Gunn kept the ferry. These comprised the
professions and tradesmen at that time. As yet no minister
of the gospel had arrived, nor had a church edifice been built.
One small school-house and a brick academy,, however, had
been erected; in the latter, religious services were sometimes
held on the Sabbath. In 1819 courts were held in the cham-
ber of the log jail, as no court house was yet built. There
were three warehouses on the river, N. H. Merwin's, Levi
Johnson's, and Mr. Gaylord's; but very little commercial
business was done, however, as there was no harbor at that
time. All freight and passengers were landed on the beach
by lighters and small boats. To get freight to the ware-
houses, which Avere a quarter of a mile from the beach, we
had to roll it over the sand ten or fifteen rods, and load it
into canal boats. The price of freight from Buffalo to Cleve-
land was $L00 per barrel; the price of passage on vessels,
$10.00, and on steamboats $20.00. In 1822, Mr. Merwin
built a small schooner called the Minerva; it was the first
one launched into the Cuyahoga Eiver. It was sailed by
Capt. Clifford Belden. I took passage on her to Buffalo, on
her first trip; soon afterward, Mr. William Jones built a small
schooner, called the Ann. In 1825, Mr. Whittlesey, a member
of Congress, got an api:)ropriation of $5,000 for the improve-
ment of the harbor, and Mr. Ackley, as contractor, superin-
tended the commencement of the pier, and sank twelve cribs
during that year. In 1826, I superintended Avork on the
harbor, under Capt. Morrice, and sank thirty-one cribs, and

76 AyjVALS OF THE

drove piles across the old river-bed, and filled them in with
brnsh and stone, which increased the water in the new
channel. In the fall of 1826, I piloted the Henry Clay into
the harbor, she being the first steamboat that entered the
Cnyahoga River. In the spring of 1827, I helped set out the
first shade trees on the north side of the park. In July of
the same year, the opening of the Ohio canal, between Cleve-
land and Akron, was celebrated; all rejoiced, and nobody
dreamed of the terrible reaction that was soon to take place by
sickness and death. In July and August an epidemic of ty-
phoid fever prevailed, caused by malaria arising from the
digging of the canal basin; there were hardly well ones enough
to take care of the sick. There were seventeen deaths in less
than two months. A terrible depression of spirits and stagna-
tion of business ensued. The whole corporation could have
been bought for what one lot would now cost on Superior
street. For two months I gave up all business. I went from
house to house to look after the sick and their uncared for
business. For one month, every day, I carried Mrs. Wal-
worth's little babe to Mrs. Hamlin's to nurse; Mrs. Walworth
was not expected to live, and her husband was also sick. At
the same time. Dr. Long, his wife and daughter Mary, were
sick. At the Franklin, where I boarded, were two young men
sick, by the name of Hall and Opdyke; they had the contract
for excavating the canal basin, and owned a clothing store.
Dr. Mcintosh said nothing but the best of care would save
them. I took care of them nights, and looked after their
store, and others that were sick, through the day. For over
a month I did not take off my clothes to go to bed. I took
my sleep in a chair, or on the floor, ready for the first call.
People were generally discouraged and anxious to leave. I will
give the history of one, as I had it from both her and her hus-
band. She said she left a good home and kind friends, much
against her own wishes, to folloAV her husband to Cleveland.
He landed in 1821, at the foot of Superior street, with his

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 77

small effects, wife and baby, with fifty cents in his pocket.
She, worn out by the fatigue of a long tedious journey, and
sea-sickness on the lake, sat down on a trunk to await the
depositing of their goods in the warehouse. Tears were her
only relief, and she said death would have been a welcome
messenger. Her husband did not realize his expectations,
and wanted to return. She said, no. She had been fool
enough to follow him to Cleveland, and she did not propose to
bear the chagrin of returning; he could go back, if he wished,
but she should stay, live or die, telling him that " a rolling
stone gathers no moss." They lived it through, and died
worth their "thousands."

There are three other women of whom I wish to make
special mention, that I found at Cleveland in 1818. They
were all church members, and lived consistent Christian
lives. In goodness they were the salt of the earth: Mrs.
Leonard Case, Mrs. Dr. Long, and Mrs. Ashbel Walworth.
Well may their children be proud of them, and cherish in
memory their kind acts and benevolent deeds, many of which
I might mention. I have no doubt there were others equally
good among the 178 souls. Peter M. Weddell and I have
killed deer, foxes and squirrels, wild geese, ducks and turkeys,
not one mile from where the Weddell House now stands. I
have seen the population of Cleveland increase from 172 souls,
to its present estimation, about 172,000, and still its grow^tli
seems as rapid as at any former period. I have visited Cleve-
land every year since my removal from there many years ago.
I now reside at Mentor, Lake county, the far-famed home of
President Garfield. I do not expect I shall ever visit Cleve-
land again. I am now nearly eighty-eight, and very feeble,
and must soon pass the portals through which my old associ-
ates have passed — to a " home Jiot made Avith hands."

Mentor, July 4, 1881.

CONSTITUTION.

ADOPTED, AS AMENDED, JANUARY lO, 18SO.

ARTICLE I.

This Association shall be known as the ''Early Settlers'
Association of Cuyahoga County," and its members shall
consist of snch persons as have resided in the Western Reserve
at least forty years, and are citizens of Cuyahoga county, and
who shall subscribe to this Constitution and pay a member-
ship fee of one dollar, but shall not be subject to further lia-
bility.

ARTICLE 11.

The officers of this Association shall consist of a President,
two Vice Presidents, Secretary and Treasurer, with the addi-
tion of an Executive Committee of not less than five persons,
all of which officers shall be members of the Association and
hold their offices for one year, and until their successors are
duly appointed and they accept their appointments.

ARTICLE IIL

The object of the Association shall be to meet in conven-
tion on the 22d day of July, or the following day if the 22d
fall on Sunday, each and every year, for the purpose of com-
memorating the day with appropriate public exercises, and
bringing the members into more intimate social relations, and

80 AX\ALS OF THE

collecting all such facts, incidents, relics, and personal rem-
iniscences respecting the early history and settlement of the
county and other parts of the Western Eeserve, as may be re-
garded of permanent vahie, and transferring the same to the
Western Eeserve Historical Society for preservation; and also
for the further purpose of electing oflBcers and transacting
such other business of the Association as may be required.

ARTICLE IV.

It shall be the duty of the President to preside at public
meetings of the Association, and in his absence the like duty
shall devolve upon one of the Vice Presidents. The Secretary
shall record in a book for the purpose the pi-oceedings of the
Association, the names of the members in alphabetical order,
with the ages and time of residence at the date of becoming
members, and conduct the necessary correspondence of the
Association. He shall also be regarded as an additional mem-
ber, ex-officio, of the Executive Committee, and may consult
■with them but have no vote. The Treasurer shall receive and
pay out all the moneys belonging to the Association, but no
moneys shall be paid out except on the joint order of the
Chairman of the Executive Committee and Secretary of the
Association. No debt shall be incurred against the Associa-
tion by any officer or member beyond its ready means of pay-
ment.

ARTICLE V.

The Executive Committee shall have the general supervi-
sion and direction of the affairs of the Association, designate
the hour and place of holding its annual meetings, and pub-
lish due notice thereof, with a programme of exercises. The
committee shall also have power to fill vacancies that may occur
in their own body or in any other office of the Association,
until the Association at a regular meeting shall fill the same,

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 81

and shall appoint such number of subordinate committees as
they may deem expedient. It shall also be their duty to re-
port to the Association at its regular annual meetings the con-
dition of its affairs, its success and prospects, witli such other
matter as they may deem important. They shall also see that
the annual proceedings of the Association, including such
other valuable information as they may have received, are
properly prepared and published in pamphlet form, and gra-
tuitously distributed to the members of the Association, as
soon as practicable after each annual meeting.

ARTICLE VI.

At any annual or special meeting of the Association the
presence of twenty members shall constitute a quorum. No
special meetings shall be held, except for business purposes
and on call of the Executive Committee. This Constitution
may be attested or amended at any regular annual meeting of
the Association on a three-fourths vote of all the members
present, and shall take effect, as amended, from the date of its
adoption. The former Constitution of Nov. 19, 1879, is hereby
abolished.

A Complete List

Of the Members of the Association since its Organi-
zation, November 19, 1879, to October 1, 1881
—Total 390— With the Addition of Three
Honorary Members, Received by
Unanimous Consent,

NAME,

WHEKE BORN,

WHEN,

CAME TO
THE RESERVE,

DIED.

Andrews, S. J.

Connecticut,

1801

1835

1880

Allen, J. W.

Connecticut,

1803

1835

• • ■ •

Adams, S. E.

New York,

1818

1837

Adams, Darius

Ohio,

1810

• • • •

Ackley, J. M.

Ohio,

1835

• • • •

Abbey, Seth A.

New York,

1798

1831

1880

Addison, H. M.

Ohio,

1818

• . . .

Adams, Mrs. Mary A.

Ohio,

1811

. . * .

Andrews, Mrs. J. A.

Ohio,

1816

. • ■ .

Adams, W. K.

New York,

1813

1831

• ■ • •

Anthony, Ambrose

Massachusetts,

1810

1834

• ■ > •

Adams, Mrs. E. E.

Ohio,

1836

• > > .

Atwell C. K.

New York,

1813

1817

. • • •

Adams, G. H.

England,

1831

1840

....

Avery, J. T., Rev,

New York,

1810

1839

....

Angell, George,

Germany,

1830

1838

. . . .

Bingham, Elijah

New Hampshire,

1800

1835

1881

Burnham, Mrs. M. W.

Massachusetts,

1808

1838

, , • ,

Baldwin, Dudley

New York,

1809

1819

. . , ,

Bailey, Eobert

. . , .

1834

, . . .

Burgess, Solon

Vermont,

1817

1819

, . , .

Burton, Dr, E. D.

Ohio,

1835

....

Burgess, L. F.

Ohio,

1833

, , , .

Bull, L. S.

Connecticut,

1813

1830

. . , .

Beers, D. A.

New Jersey,

1816

1818

1880

AKXALS OF THE

NAME.

Bliss, Stoughton
Benedict, L. D.
Borges, J. F.
Bury, Tlieodore
Beverlin, John
Brett, J. W.
Bowler, N. P.
Buhrer, Mrs. Stephen
Bishop, J. P
Bishop, Mrs. E. W.
Beardsley, I. L.
Burnham, Thos.
Bingham, William
Brooks, O. A.
Barber, Mrs. J. T.
Burwell, G. P.
Burwell, Mrs. L. C.
Branch, Dr. D. G.
Bartlett, Nicholas
Babcock, Chas. H.
Barber, Josiah
Brayton, H. F.
Bander, Levi
Bowler, William
Beavis, B. R.
Blossom, H. C.
Beers, L. F.
Bander, L. F.
Bingham, E. Beardsley
Butts, Bolivar
Benham, F. M.
Burns, Mrs. F. M .
Butts, S. C.
Brooks, S. C.
Baldwin, N. C .
Blair, Elizabeth,
Blair, Mary Jane,
Burke, O. M.
Burton, Mrs. Abby P.
Gaboon, Joel B.

WHERE BOEN.

WUEX.

CAME TO
THE RESERVE

Ohio,

1833

1823

Vermont,

1837

1830

Germany,
New York,

1810

• • • •

1835
1839

Pennsylvania,
England,

1813'
1816

1834
1838

New York,

1830

1839

Germany,
Vermont,

1838
1815

1840
1836

Ohio,

1831

1821

New York,

1819

1838

New York,

1808

1833

Connecticut,

1816

1836

Vermont,

1814

1834

New Hampshire,
Connecticut,

1804

1817

1818
1830

Pennsylvania,
Vermont,

1830
1805

1824
1833

Massachusetts,

1823

1833

Connecticut,

1833

1834 .

Ohio,

1835

1825

New York,

1812

1836

New York,

1813

1834

New York,

1822

1833

England,

1826

1834

Ohio,

1822

Ohio,

1823

Ohio,

1840

Ohio,

1826

New York,

1826

1840

Connecticut,

1801

1811

Ohio,

1833

1832

New York,

1794

1840

Ohio,

1830

1820

Connecticut,

1802

1816

Ohio,

1818

Ohio,

1820

Ohio,

1823

1833

Vermont,

1805

1834

New York,

1793

1810

1880

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION,

NAME.

WHERE BOEN.

WHEN.

CAME TO
THE KESEKVE, DIED,

Cox, John

England,

. • • •

1887

Corlett, Wm. K.

• • • •

1837

Coe, S. S.

....

1837

Cross, David W.

New York,

■ . . •

1836

Cowles, Edwin

Ohio,

. . • •

1832

Cottrell, L. Dow

New York,

1811

1835

Corlett, John

Isle of Man,

1816

1836

Cook, W. P.

New York,

1825

1838

Cleveland, J. D.

New York,

1832

1835

Clark, James F.

New York,

1809

1833

Clark, Aaron

Connecticut,

1811

1832 1881

Carlton, C. C.

Connecticut,

1812

1831

Cozad, Elias

New Jersey,

1790

1808 1880

Cutter, 0. P,

Ohio,

1824

Corlett, Thomas

Isle of Man,

1820

1827

Crittenden, Mrs. M. A,

New York,

1802

1827

Chapman, H. M .

Ohio,

1830

Christian, James

Isle of Man,

1810

1838

Carson, Marshal

New York,

1810

1834

Craw, William V.

New York,

1810

1832

Crawford, Lucian

Ohio,

1828

Crosby, Thomas D .

Massachusetts,

1804

1811

Colahan, Samuel

Canada,

1808

1814

Curtiss, L. W.

New York,

1817

1834

Crocker, Mrs. D .

New York,

1796

1801

Cushman, Mrs . H.

Ohio,

1830

1820

Chapman, G. L.

Connecticut,

1795

1819

Chapman, Mrs. G. L.

New Hampshire,

1805

1837

Corlett. Mrs. M. H.

New York,

1839

1833

Cottrell, Mrs. L. D.

New York,

1811

1833

Dodge, George C.

Ohio,

1818

1813

Dodge, H. H.

Ohio,

1810

Dodge, Wilson S.

Ohio,

1839

Detmer, G. H.

Germany,

1801

1835

Doan, W. H.

Ohio,

1838

1828

Doan, Mrs. C. L.

Connecticut,

1816

1834

Dibble, Lewis

New York,

1807

1812

Duty, D. W.

New Hampshire,

1804

1825

Doan, John

New York,

1798

1801

Dockstader, C. J.

Ohio,

1838

AA^SALS OF TEE

NAME,

WHEKE BORN,

WHEN.

CAME TO
THE EESEEVE. DIED.

Doan, J. W.

Ohio,

1833

Dunham, D. B.

New York,

....

1831

Dentzer, Daniel

Germany,

1815

1833

Dodge, Mrs. G. C.

Vermont,

1817

1830

Doan, George

Ohio,

1838

Davidson, C. A.

Ohio,

1837

Diemer, Peter

Germany,

1837

1840

Dutton, Dr. C. F.

New York,

1831

1837

Day, L. A.

Ohio,

1813

■ ■ ■ • ....

Dunn, Mrs. E. Ann

England,

1806

1834

Dunn, Mrs. Elizabeth

New York,

1838

1834

Diebold, Fred

Ohio,

1840

Doan, Seth C.

Ohio,

1819

Davis, L. L.

Connecticut,

1793

1839

Davis, Mrs. Cynthia

Pennsylvania,

1818

1839

Edwards, R.

Ohio,

1818

Erwin, John

New York,

1808

1835

Emerson, Oliver

Maine,

1804

1831

Flint, E. S.

Ohio,

1819

1838

Fitch, J. W.

New York,

1833

1836

Foot John A.

Connecticut,

1803

1833

Foot, Mrs. John A.

Pennsylvania,

1816

1833

Fuller, William

Connecticut,

1814

1836

Fitch, James

New York,

1821

1837

Foot, A. E.

Connecticut,

1810

1830

Flint, Mrs. E. S.

New York

1834

1830

Ford, L. W.

Massachusetts,

1830

1841

Foljambe, Samuel

England,

1804

1834

Ferris, William

Pennsylvania,

1808

1815

Fish, Electa

New York,

1808

1811

Gill, Mrs. M. A.

Isle of Man,

1813

1837

Gaylord, E. F.

Connecticut,

1795

1834

Gardner, George W.

Massacliusetts,

1834

1837

Gordon, Wm. J.

New Jersey,

1818

1835

Greenhalgh, R.

England,

1838

1840

Gorham, J. H.

Connecticut,

1807

1838

Gayton, Mrs. M. A.

England,

1808

1833

Gaylord, Mrs. E. F.

New York,

1801

1834

Goodwin, William

Ohio,

1838

Giddings, Mrs. C. M.

Michigan,

....

EAELY SETTLERS- ASSOCIATION.

NAMB,

WHERE BORN,

WHEN.

CAME TO
THE RESERVE, DIED,

Gibbons, James,

Ohio,

1840

Gibbons, Mrs. M. B.

Ireland,

1839

1838

Gaylord, H. C.

Connecticut,

1826

1834

Gardner, A. S.

Vermont,

1809

1818

Gardner, Mrs. A S.

Ohio,

1814

Graham, Robert

Pennsylvania,

1814

1834

Greene, S. C.

Ohio,

1822

1841

Herrick, R, R.

New York,

1826

1836

Hessenmueller, E.

Germany,

• ■ •

1836

Hills, N. C.

Vermont,

1805

1831 ....

Hills, Mrs. N. C.

New York,

1811

1831

Handy, T. P.

New York,

1807

1832

Hudson, W. P.

Ohio,

1820

Heil, Henry,

Germany,

1810

1832

Hubbell, H. S.

Ohio,

1832

Hubby, L. M.

New York,

1812

1839

Hickox, Chas.

Connecticut,

1810

1837

Howard, A. D.

Connecticut,

1803

1834

Honeywell, Ezra

New York,

1802

1831

Harris, B. C.

Ohio,

1832

Hudson, D. D.

Pennsylvania,

1824

1837

Heisel, N.

Germany,

1816

1834

Hayden, A. S.

Ohio,

1813

1835 1880

Harris, Mrs. J. A.

Massachusetts,

1810

1837

Harris, B. E.

Ohio,

1838

Hurlbut, H. B.

New York,

1818

1836

Hurlbut, Mrs. H. B.

New York,

1818

1836

Hughes, Arthur

Vermont,

1807

1840

Hudson, Mrs. C. Ingersol

I Ohio,

1819

Hawkins, H. C.

Ohio,

1823

1822

House, Martin

Ohio,

1835

Haltnorth, Mrs. G.

Prussia,

1819

1836

Hird, Thomas

England,

1808

1830

Hastings, S. L.

Massachusetts,

1813

1836

Harper, E. R.

Ohio,

1813

1816

Henry, R. W.

New York,

1809

1818

Ingham, W. A.

....

1832

Johnson, Mrs. L. D.

Ohio,

1835

1834

Jones, Thos., Jr.

England,

1821

1831

Jewett, A. A.

....

1831

ANNALS OF THE

Johnson, P. L.
Jaynes, Harris
Jackson, Chas.
Jones, W. S.
Johnson, W. C.
Johnson A. M.
Jayred, Wm. H.
Keller, Henry ^
Kellogg, A.
Kelley, Horace
Kelly, John
Kingsburj^ Jas. W.
Keyser, James
Keyser, Mrs. James
Kannell, William
Kennell. John S.
Lewis, Sanford J.
Lewis, Chittenden
Lathrop, C. L.
Lowman, Jacob
Lyon, R. T.
Lamb, Mrs. D. W.
Leonard, Jarvis
Lyon, S. S.
Layman, S. H.
Lewis, G. F.
Lee, Mrs. R.
Lemen, Catherine
Lathrop, W. A.
Lyon, Mrs. S. S.
Minor, Marion
Morgan, A. W.
Morgan, Y. L.
Morgan, E. P.
Myer, Nicholas
Mackenzie, C. S.
Mygatt, George
Mcintosh, Mrs. A.
Mcintosh, A.
Mcllrath, M. S.

WHBBB BOBN, WHKK.

Ohio, 1823

Ohio, 1835

England, 1839

Ohio, 1837

Connecticut, 1813

Ohio, 1823

New Jersey, 1831

Germany, 1810

Ohio,

1819

Pennsylvania,

1809

Ohio,

1813

New York,

1818

Ohio,

1821

Isle of Man,

1811

Isle of Man,

1801

New York,

1823

New York,

1800

Connecticut,

1804

Illinois,

1819

Massachusetts,

• • B •

Vermont,

1810

Connecticut,

1817

Ohio,

1819

New York,

1823

Ohio,

1837

Ohio,

1811

New Hampshire,

1813

Ohio,

1833

New York,

1825

Ohio,

1815

Connecticut,

1797

....

Germany,

Maryland,

Connecticut,

Scotland,

New Jersey,

1809
1809
1797
1809
1808

CAME TO
THE BKSKBVK,

1823
1835
1835
1837
1835
1823
1833
1832
1820
1819
1832
1813
1832
1831
1837
1838
1837
1837
1831
1832
1824
1837
1834
1818
1831
1837
1837
1820
1816
1823
1831
1815
1811
1840
1834
, 1836
1807
1836
1836

EARLY SETTLEES' ASSOCIATIOy,

NAME.

WHEKE BOBN,

WHEN.

OAME TO
THE KESEBVE. DIED.

Miller, Mrs. M.

Ohio,

1809

1820

Marshall , George F.

New York,

1817

1836

Morgan, I, A.

Connecticut,

1809

1811

Miller, William L.

Ohio,

1829

Merchant, Silas

Ohio,

1826

Mather, Samuel H.

New Hampshire,

1813

1835

Marble, Levi

1820

1830

Merwin, George B.

Connecticut,

1809

1816

Marshall, Daniel

New York,

1824

1841

Marshall, Mrs. Daniel

Vermont,

1830

1841

Merkel, M.

Germany,

1818

1840

Merkel, Mrs. M.

Germany,

1823

1834

McReynolds, Mrs. M. D.

Ohio,

• . . •

. • > • . . • .

Morgan, Caleb

Connecticut,

1799

1811

Meeker, S. C.

Ohio,

1820

Morgan, H. L.

Ohio,

1832

Morgan, Sarah H.

Ohio,

1838

Morgan, Mrs. N. G.

Ohio,

1815

1818

Marshall, I. H.

Ohio,

1822

'. . • . • . • *

Mallory, Daniel

New York,

1801

1833

Morgan, Mrs. A. W.

Ohio,

1821

Nott, 0. C.

• • • •

1835

Newmark, S.

Bavaria,

1816

1839

Norton, C. H,

New York,

1805

1838 1881

Neff, Melchor

Germany,

1826

1834

Ogram, J. W.

England,

1820

.... . . ■ ■

Ogram, Mrs. J. W.

Ohio,

1825 •

1825

O'Brien, 0. D.

Ohio,

1819

O'Brien, Delia R.

Vermont,

1813

1817

O'Connor, R.

Ohio,

1824

Pannell, James

New York,

1812

1832

Penty, Thomas

England,

1808

1829

Palmer, J. D.

Connecticut,

1831

1835

Payne, N. P.

Ohio,

1837

Porter, L. G.

Massachusetts,

1806

1826

Pease, Samuel

Massachusetts,

1805

1828

Pease, Charles

Ohio,

1811

1835

Pelton, F. W.

Connecticut,

1827

1835

Proudfoot, D.

Scotland,

1809

1833

Piper, A. J.

Vermont,

1814

1889

ANNALS OF THE

CAME TO

NASrE.

WHERE BOF.N.

WEES,

THE BESERVE. DIED.

Pier, Mrs. L. J.

Ohio,

1823

Pease, Mary E .

Connecticut,

1816

1835

Pankhurst, Mrs. Sarah.

England,

1812

1835

Paddock, T. S

New York,

1814

1836

Phillips, B. F.

Ohio,

1833

Palmer, Sophia

Ohio,

1818

Payne, H. B.

New York,

1810

1833

Payne, Mrs. H. B.

Ohio,

1818

Phillips, Mrs. Emily

Ohio,

1809

Prescolt, James

Massachusetts,

1826

Quinn, Arthur

Ireland,

1810

1832

Quayle, Thos.

• • • •

1827

Kice, Harvey

Massachusetts,

1800

1824

Eice, Mrs. Harvey

Vermont,

1812

1833

Kouse, Rebecca E.

Massachusetts,

1799

1830

Russell, George H.

New York,

1817

1834

Rogers, C. C.

Ireland,

1813

1839

Eupel, S. D.

Ohio,

1808

Robison, J. P.

New York,

1811

1832

Rouse, B. F.

Massachusetts,

1824

1830

Ranney, W. S.

Ohio,

1835

Rowley, Lucy A.

Connecticut,

1805

1827

Radcliflf, Mary A.

Isle of Man,

1822

1826

Rice, P. W.

Ohio,

1829

Redington, Mrs. C.

New Y'ork,

1821

1839

Redington, J. A.

New Y'ork.

1818

1839

Ranney, Rufus P.

Massachusetts,

1813

1824

Spalding, R. P.

Massachusetts,

1798

1820

Stickney, Mrs. C. B.

Canada,

1836

Stickney, Hamilton

New Y^'ork,

1824

1830

Spangler, Mrs. Elizabeth

Maryland,

1790

1820 1880

Sherwin, Ahimas

Vermont,

1792

1818 1881

Scovill, Mrs. J. Bixby

Ohio,

1800

1816

Silberg,F.

Germany,

1804

1834

Sherwin, Mrs. S. M.

New York,

1809

1827

Sabin, "William

....

1839

Skedd, W.V.

....

1833

Shepard, D. A.

Connecticut,

1810

1833

Sargent, John H.

New York,

1814

1818

Skinner, 0. B.

Ohio,

1831

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.

NAMK.

WHERE BOEN.

WHEN.

CAME TO
THE EESERVE. DIED.

Southworth, W. P.

Connecticut,

1819

1836

Slawson, J. L.

Michigan,

1806

1812

. . .

Scovill, E. A.

Ohio,

1819

. . .

Saxton, Mrs. E, A.

Maine,

1821

1833

. . .

Stephenson, Wm.

Pennsylvania,

1804

1833

...

Smith, Mrs. F. L.

Connecticut,

* . - •

1836

. . .

Shelley, John

England,

1815

1835

. . .

Sacket, Alex.

Pennsylvania,

1814

1835

. . .

Sacket, Mrs. Alex.

Ohio,

1815

. . .

Sterling, Dr. E.

Connecticut,

1825

1827

. . .

Schiely, Mrs. Anna

Germany,

. . ■ •

1832

Shelden, S. H.

New York,

1813

1835

. . .

Stanley, G. A.

Connecticut,

. • ■ •

1837

. . .

Spangler, M. M.

Ohio,

1813

1820

. . .

Slade, Horatio

England,

• • • •

1834

. . .

Sorter, Harry

New York,

1820

1831

. • .

Smith, W. T.

New York,

1811

1886

. . >

Strickland, B.

Vermont,

1810

1835

. . .

Strickland, Mrs. H. W.

Ohio,

. • • •

1834

. . .

Saxton, J. C.

Vermont,

1813

1818

. . .

Smith, Mrs. B. E.

1811

1836

. . .

Strong, Charles H.

Ohio,

1831

. . .

Sanford, A. S.

Connecticut,

1805

1829

. . .

Smith, Erastus

Connecticut,

1790

1832 ]

L881

Steward, J. S.

Ohio,

1818

• . .

Severance, Mrs. M. H.

Ohio,

• • ■ •

• • >

• > .

Strong, Homer

Connecticut,

1811

1836

. > .

Selden, N. D.

Connecticut,

1815

1831

. . .

Stillman, W. H.

Connecticut,

1808

1833

> • •

Simmons, Thomas

Ohio,

1832

. * .

Shunk, Mrs. A. H.

Ohio,

1824

1834

. • ■ ■

Stevens, C. C.

Maine,

1819

1833

• • • •

Simmons, Isaac B.

1806

1836

• • - •

Selden, Mrs. Elizabeth

Ohio,

1819

• • •

Sorter, C. N.

New York,

1812

1831

• . * >

Sharp, Clayton

Ohio,

1811

1833

• . • .

Severance, S. L.

Ohio,

1834

18.34

Slade, Samantha Doan

Ohio,

1817

• • • •

Spring, V.

Massachusetts,

1799

1817

■ • ■ ■

Short, David

Connecticut,

1818

1827

, , . .

AyyALS OF TEE

CAME TO

>fA31E. WHEKK BOBN. WHEN. THE EESERVE.

Tilden, D. R. Connecticut, 1806 1828

Taylor, Harvey Ohio, 1814 1814

Thompson, Thos. England, 1814 1836

Turner, S. W. Connecticut, 1813 1832

Thompson, H. V. New York, 1816 1839

Thompson, Mrs. H. V. Vermont, 1823 1837

Townsend, H. G. New York, 1812 1834

Truscott, Samuel Canada, 1829 1838

Vincent, J. A. Pennsylvania, 1807 1830

Williams, A. J. New York, 1829 1840

Wick, C. C. Ohio, 1813 1835

Whitelaw, George Scotland, 1808 1832

Walters, John E. New York, 1811 1834

Weidenkopf, F. Germany, 1819 1837

Weidenkopf, Jacob Germany, 1S38 1837

Wightman, S. H. Ohio, 1819 1819

Watkins, George Connecticut, 1813 1818

Weston, George B. Massachusetts, 1805 1826

Warren, Moses Connecticut, 1803 1815

Wager, I, D. Ohio, 1820 1820

Williams, George Connecticut, 1799 1833

Welch, John New York, 1800 1825

Welch, O.F. 1817

Wheller, B. S. England, 1836

Wheller, Jane England, 1831

Warner, W. J. 1831

Wightman, D. L. 1817

Williamson, Samuel Pennsylvania, 1808 1810

Whittlesey, H. S. Ohio, 1836 1836

Winslow, E. N. North Carolina, 1824 1830

Wilson, William Ohio, 1819 1819

Welch, Jas. S. Ohio, 1821 1821

Willson, Mrs. H. V. Michigan, ....

Wemple, Myndret New York, 1796 1818

Wellstead, Joseph England, 1817 1837

Waterman, Wm. Ohio, 1818 1818

Williams, William Connecticut, 1803 1836

Whitaker, Charles New York, 1817 1831

Walters, B. C. New York, 1807 1837

Weidenkopf. Mrs. O. Alsace, 1819 1830

1880

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.

CAME TO

KAME.

■WHERE FROM.

WHEK,

THE RESEl

White, Moses

Massachusetts,

1791

1816

Wilson, Fred.

New York,

1807

1833

Warren, Mrs. J. Y.

New York,

1816

Walworth, John

Ohio,

1831

Younglove, M. C.

New York,

• • • •

1836

1881

HONORARY MEMBERS.

Crosby, Charles Massachusetts, 1801 1811

Garfield, James A.,

President United States, Ohio, 1831 1831

Garfield, Mrs. Eliza B.,

his mother. New Hampshire, 1801 1830

1881

'I'HlilS' ^gW ^OHK

PUBLIC LI

ANNALS

ASTOR, LENOX AND
TILDEN FOUNDATtONS.

1897.

OF THE

Early

7TT

j1 1 JJJJ

lATlON

CUYAHOGA COUNTY.

NUMBER III

PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

^N^%^,

■=*5>-=^

CLEVELAND, O.
CLEVELAND, O.:

J. B. SAVAGE, PRINTER, FRANKFORT ST.
1882.

ANNALS

OF THE

Early Settlers

lATION

CUYAHOGA CO.UNTY.

NUMBER III

PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

CLEVELAND, O.:

J. B. SAVAGE, PRINTER, FRANKFORT ST.

1882.

OFFICERS OF THE ASSOCIATION,

1882.

HON. HARVEY KICE, President.

HON. JOHN W. ALLEN, )

ATTIC T A Tx.T.T,To r Vice-Presidents.

MRS. J. A. HARRIS, )

THOMAS JONES, JR.. Secretary.

GEO. ('. DODGE, Treasurer.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

GEO. F. MARSHALL.
R. T. LYON,
DARIUS ADAMS,
JOHN H. SARGENT,
M. M. SPANGLER.

CHAPLAIN.

REV. THOMAS CORLETT.

I EiELf SETTLERS' AilfEHSiKl

illU Li

1882.

FORENOON SESSION.

The Earh 8ettlers' Assueiatiou of Cuyahoga County com-
memorated the day, July 22, at the Tabernacle, Ontario Street,
Oleveland. They promptly convened at the appointed hour, 11
o'clock A. M. There was a large attendance. From sixty to
seventy new memberships were received. All seemed to be in a
liuppy mood, and s})ent the first half hour in social intercourse,
not less interesting than enjoyable, when Hon. Harvey Rice,
President of the Association, called the venerable assemblage to
order. The session was opened with prayer by the Chaplain,
Rev. Thomas Corlett. The following introductory address was
then delivered bv tlie President:

ADDRESS.

Ladies and Gentlemex: This is the third anniversary of
our Association — a day we have chosen as Avorthy of commemo-
ration, because it was on tlie 22d of July, 179G, that our beauti-
ful city of Cleveland, the pride of the Western Reserve, acquired
a local habitation and a name.

It is therefore a day that brmgs with it many pleasant mem-
ories of historic interest, both as regards the city and the entire

G AXNALS OF THE

Western Reserve — a day tliat affords iis. a^ early settlers, an oyt-
portunity to exchange congratulations and renew old acqnaint-
ances which should never be forgotten and wliicli Ave never can
forffet.

The pioneer life of the Western Reserve has a liistory that
approaches the marvelous, and is of sucli value that no part of
it should be lost. The principal ol)ject of our Association is to
collect, while it can be done, the relics and unrecorded incidents
of her past history, and transfer them to the custody of the
Western Reserve Historical Society of Cleveland, for preserva-
tion and the benefit of the piiblic. This liistorical society was
incorporated many years ago. and has now become of great value
as a source of antiquarian information. It is ke])t open to vis-
itors free of charge, and is the only prominent institution of the
kind in Northern Ohio. It is a credit to the State, and reflects
honor on its originators and efficient officers.

The AVestern Reserve, as you all know, was originally and for
the most part settled by emigrants from New England, the land
of the Puritans. The Reserve has, therefore, good ancestral
blood in her veins, and still maintains her Puritanic character,
except so far as it has been modified and liberalized by Western
influences.

We may rest assured, however, that her ])ioneer life will
never repeat itself. Say what we will, it was an exemplary life,
as full of lessons of wisdom as it was of noble ainis and heroic
struggles — a life that laid its foundations, not in sand, but on a
rock — the rock of common schools and churches — a life that has
produced many accomplished men, and still more accomplished
women.

The Western Reserve, as a civilized land, was l)orn and liap-
tized at Conneaut Creek, on the 4th of July, 1790, and is there-
fore a child of freedom. There were fifty persons present at her
birth, who proceeded at once to commemorate the ha})py event.
They prepared a sumptuous feast of baked pork and beans and
corn bread, made patriotic speeches, fired salutes, and drank

EARL Y SETTL ERS' AS, SO CIA TIOK. 7

three buckets of grog by way of crowning tlie ceremonies of the
day.

Our Association has great reason to be gratified with its suc-
cess. When organized, Noveml)er 19th, 1879, it consisted of
but nineteen members, and now it has an aggregate of over four
liundred, and still they come and are received with a cordial
welcome. Its published "Annals "' are sought and read with
much interest and profit, and, if continued, will soon furnish a
storehouse of valual)le information nowhere else to be found and
which coming generations will appreciate. Every member of
the Association is expected to contribute what he can in the way
of interesting relics and reminiscences to promote its ol)ject. It
is hoped that other similar associations of the Reserve will aid us
in the same way, and thus concentrate the efforts of all for the
common benefit of all. Honorary memberships should be con-
ferred on individuals residing in other counties of the Reserve,
who may make desirable contributions to our Association.

It must be conceded that the Western Reserve has become a
power in the State and in the Nation. Her population in 1800
was Init 1,300; it is now at least 550,000. In the meantime the
Reserve has ])roduced her thousands of talented men and supe-
rior women. They are her jewels. She points to them, with
pride, and still persists in lavishly increasing her assortment of
jewelry. To say nothing of minor officials, she has already fur-
nished the State with five Governors and eleven Supreme Judges,
and the United States with three Senators, two District Judges,
two Foreign Ministers, and one President, and still has enough
aood material on hand to furnish as manv more officials as may
be needed.

But why is it that the names of our great men are emblaz-
oned in history, while the names of so many meritorious women
are overlooked ? This seeming neglect is a liioral wrong which
should be corrected. The women are the mothers and educators
of mankind. They give to infancy its traits of character for life,
and to manhood its grace and dignity. In all that pertains to

8 ANNALS OF THE

social refiuement and moral elevation of cliaracter, the women
excel the men. Excellence can and Avill take care of itself. If
we would have what we Avish, we must achieve it. The world
has no room for idlers. All should live, while they do live, with
a view to useful results. Let us then still pursue the even tenor
of our ways as best we can. and Avhile the day lasts —

"Act — act in the living present,
Heart within, and God o'erhead."

REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

Another year finds the affairs of this Association in most ex-
cellent condition, and its objects, end, and aim on the high road
to success.

If the Treasurer should report that the funds are reduced to
an insignificant sum. or should intimate that there is a claim
for a few paltry dollars hanging over the Association, all this
would imply a healthy condition of the body corporate: 1st, be-
cause it is better that no large sum be collected in the hands of
(mr financial officers to tempt them to do a wrong: 3d, if a debt
shoiild appear, even the thought of such an event has created a
friendly rivalry to see who should ))e the first to retire it, and
sliould it be ever so small, it is thought best that no individual
be allowed the special ])leasure of wi])ing it out, ))ut let each
have a portion of the pleasure of doing so honorable a deed.

Some member may say that the initiation fee was too small to
accomplish any object worthy so interesting an organization. If
our annual doings become so cheap and uninteresting that one
dollar for the remainder of a life will not so much as supply each
member at our annual gathering with a hollow sandwich and a
cup of cold comfort, it would be as well that we add an annual
fee to each membership, that none go away hungry.

Many hours have been consumed ])y tlie Board of Managers

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 9

in laudable endeavors to make the annual meeting as interesting
and profitable as conld well be out of the means at hand; there
is no lack of interest anywhere.

The first public gathering, two years ago, was one of great
interest and quite a success; the second, held in this Tabernacle,
was more abundantly so, and established the permanency of the
Association.

The effort has been, among the members of the Board, to de-
termine upon a proper method of holding and conducting these
annual meetings. There has been no marked variation in opin-
ion that we should have something said of interest respecting the
early days of our Ohio residence; and in those early days, at tlie
hour of twelve, noon, a horn was blown, or a bell rung, or a red
rag hung at the window — we never could pass by the hour of
noon and not think of dinner.

In getting men to consent to say a few words or to make us
a set address, it was difficult to limit their time on the platform;
if they had anything to say, they wanted to say it. If the Board
consent to extremely long set speeches, it would involve, for the
comfort of the members, the necessity of upholstering the seats.
To avoid this, a general opinion prevailed that we procure one
early settler, of ability, to entertain the Association, limiting his
own time, after which, a sprinkling of from five to ten minutes'
speeches, a sort of free-to-all affair, and if any overspoke his
time, it would become the society's duty to start in on "Hail
Columbia,'' and choke him off'; but no limit should be imposed
upon the women.

The prospects of this Association are bright, and becoming
more lu-illiant as each year comes around. One enthusiastic
member expresses himself in the emphatic langiiage of Aiulrew
Jackson, that this Association must not fail; (who ever thought
it could?) why he should entertain a thought of the possibility
of it not being able to succeed, is a mystery. As the older mem-
bers pass away, new ones fall in to take their places, so. that the
incoming members will be likely to far outnumber tlie outgoing
ones.

10 AyN^ALS OF THE

We need more interest to be taken for our annual pamphlet;
we Avant more sketches of persons,' places and events. While we
hare so many who can link the history of their time with the
past of the Western Eeserve, we cannot afford to lose their as-
sistance in putting on record what everyone would be pleased to
peruse, and the more so as time passes away. The year may
come, in the future, when the early settlers of the Fire Lands
will be held as a remarkable people, if they are not already, and
their grandchildren may be lictter pleased with the record than
to trace their descent through doubtful books of heraldry, or the
possibility that they were descended from one of the early Irish
kings.

Geo. F. Marshall, Chairman.

REPORT OF THE TREASURER.

Mk. Phrsidext: Since our organization in the Fall of 1879,
we have expended 1560.12; our receipts from members to date,
*4:06.00; leaving a debt against us of $154.13; this will be re-
duced by new members to-day.

At a glance we can see that a life-membership of one dollar
will not pay running expenses. We cannot assess you; we can-
not run you into debt. What shall we do?

Geo. C. Dodge, Treasurer.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

On motion, the follow^ing officers were elected for the ensuing
year:

Hox. Harvey Rice, President.

Hox. John W. Allen and Mrs. J. A. Harris, Vice Pres-
idents.

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCTATION. 11

TiroMAs Jones, Jr., Secretiirv.

(tEORge C. Dodge, Treasurer.

George F. Marshall, R, T. Lyox, Darius Adams, John
H. Sargent, M. M. Spangler, Execntive Conimittee,

Key. Thomas Corlett, Chaplain.

On motion of H. M. Addison, Mrs. Lueretia Garfield was
elected an honorary member of the Association. He also offered
the following resolution, which was adopted without a dissent-
ing vote:

Resolved, That we as an Association invite other similar Associations of
the Western Reserve to unite with us in contributing desirable relics and re-
miniscences, to be deposited in the rooms of the Western Reserve Historical
Society, of Cleveland, for the common benefit of the public, and that with a
view to harmonious action all such Associations be invited to send delegates to
meet with us at our regular annual meetings, held on the 22d of July each and
every year.

LETTER FROM HON. THOMAS J. McLAIN.

Warren, ()., July 20, 1882.
G. F. Marshall. Esq., C]uiirina)t E.recufive Committee:

Dear 8ir: I find it is inij»ossil)le for me to be at your an-
nual meeting on the 22d inst. ; a fact I very much regret, for I
iiad foiuUy anticipated a large amount of real pleasure in meet-
ing so many of my old friends and ac(iuaintances.

In reviewing the events and hai)})enings which I have wit-
nessed m Ohio since I came within her borders, more than fifty-
four years since, much of interest, much worthy of consideration
and of value, is called to mind, and should l)e held u]) before the
young and enterprising men and women of the hour for their
cheer and encouragement.

The wonderful changes that have been Avrought in your own
beautiful city furnish apt illustrations of the go-aheaditiveness of
our people: the dwellers upon the borders of our grand Lake
Erie, u])on whose bhie waters my delighted eyes rested, for the

12 ANNALS OF THE

first time, in May, 18"28. Then, Cleveliind was a small rustic
village, sparsely ])()j)ulate(l. of 1)nt limited business and enter-
prise; now, one of the most Ijeantiful cities in all the land I A
wonderful change indeed I Then, a miserable, shabbv court-house
and other public buildiiigs of kindred character; now, we see
what is pleasant to view; then. Hickox's old wooden blacksmith
shop stood near the corner of Superior and 8eneca streets; now.
behold the change; then, Crittenden's little jewelry store stood
near the Weddell House; now, a splendid structure meets the
eye; then, my old friend Fitch presided over the old frame hotel
corner of Water and St. Clair streets; now, what a change! At
that early day Cleveland i)resented not miich inducement to him
in search of a life stopping jdace; now it is one of the most de-
lightful cities to settle in which can be found in all the land.
Its progress is simply wonderful to contemplate.

So it is all over our broad land, wherever the eye rests. Great
changes are apparent in our advanced civilization as well as in
the face of the country. Kote for a moment the style and fash-
ion of the ])resent age, embracing not only that of the ladies but
of the gentlemen as well, and compare it with that of an earlier
day in the then village of Youngstown in this county, when the
Eev. Charles E. Boardman, when on duty, was arrayed in buck-
skin breeches, painted blue, and a u()))le Christian man he was.

In conclusion permit me to wish you a pleasant season, full
of })leasLire and enjoyment, and your noble Society a long and
prospenms career in the fulfillment of its great purposes.

Most truly yours,

Tkomas J. McLaix.

REMARKS BY CHARLES CROSBY, OF CHICAGO.

Me. President : I am most happy to have the pleasure of
being with you on this third anniversary of the Early Settlers'
Association. I had the h()nt)r of being represented before you a

PJA RL Y SETTLERS' A SS CIA TION. 1 3

year ago Ijy a conimuuication read by my friend. Hon. John A.
Foot, and ]nil)lislied in yonr '"Annals," and also of being con-
stituted an honorary member. My childhood and youth, from
ten years of age to my majority, were spent in this region, and
a frequent revisitation has kept afresli my recollections from
1811 to the present time. It is three years since I have visited
this region, and although myself an octogenarian, I meet a great
many older persons than I am.

When I was a 1)oy, those who had reached the age of forty-
live or fifty years were regarded as '* old jieople," but now they
are not considered old until tliey attain to seventy or seventy-
live years; so that when I meet with many from eighty to over
ninety (and vet fresh and vigorous), I almost feel that I am
voung again, and youthful scenes and incidents recur to me
with vivid freshness, like "a thing of beauty, a joy forever."
I would not. however, indulge in mere sentimentalism, hut re-
call several incidents of historical interest which may serve to
amuse, if nothing more. When f was young, " church privi-
leges"' and Sabbath enjoyments were not quite so adorned (but
j)robably more highly appreciated) than now. It often happened
that a congregation would for a time be destitute of a "stated
supi)ly" of the ministry, but the habit was observed of keeping-
up the regular public services on the Sabl^ath, and having a ser-
mon read from the published works of some eminent divine. I
A\'ell rememljer that, during such a vacancy in the Presbyterian
Church of Euclid, one Sabbath morning, before the time for
services to begin, a stranger on horseback rode up to the door
and announced himself as a Methodist minister. He was very
cordially invited by the Elders to officiate, to which he readily
assented, and was accordingly coiulucted to the pulpit. On en-
tering it, lie found on the desk a large Bible which contained
the Apochrypha (a portion of Scripture history not regarded as
inspired), and opening the book he took for his text the first
verse he cast his eye upon, and an]iounced it as Ecclesiastes vii
(diapter. 1st verse, as follows: ''Do no evil; so shall no harm come

14 AXNALS OF THE

to theo."" He delivered an illitentte. haphazard liarangne of
three-quarters of an hour, ami tlie congregation, hecoming rest-
less, were quite ready and anxious to have the henedieti<m. The
text being new to the ])eo])le. on going home they searched Ec-
clesiastes through and through. l)utall in vain, until they learned
from Mrs. Rev. Dr. Cowles, of Austinburgh, Avho hajjpened to
be present, and who being the most thoroughly versed in Bible
history (canonical and uncanonical), informed them that they
would find the text in the l)ook of Ecclesiasticus in the Apocry-
pha. The mystery being solved, this amusing episode was the
town talk, and afforded no little entertainment for a long time.
It was afterwards reported that the affair coming to the knowl-
edge of the Church Conference, this ignoramus was summarily
silenced and dismissed therefrom.

In those days conformity to church requirements were more
strictly enforced than in these later times. There was occasion-
ally an individual whose infraction of the " Articles of Faith"
caused him to be arraigned ])efore the sessions of the church for
trial. On one occasion a rather festive member, who was })rone
to overstep the bounds of proi>riety, Avas under examination for
some irregularity, and on l)eing pressed rather closely, made the
quotation of an old maxim, with a slight alteration to suit his
purposes. He said, ''circumstances alter principles"" instead of
cases. Elder Ruple, a well-poised and godly man, of remarkable
consistency of character, l)ut rather slow of si)eech, who had ])een
patient and indulgent in listening to the delinquent, and who had
his equanimity quite dist^^rbed. could bear it no longer, and
broke out as follows: '"'Mr, B. I really wish you would either
keep inside of the line or step over it; you keep right along on
the line and we can neither get you out iior keep you in." This
twisting of the familiar proverb has occurred to me a thousand
times, when I have seen men, ]mrticularly politicians, act upon
the principles of this church delinquent. "- circumstances alter
principles,'" which, after all, does not seem to be much out of
the way, as a])plicable to our own times.

EABLY SETTLEBS' ASSOCIATIO^\ 15

Another noticeable and somewhat remarkable and amnsing
event occurred in the township of Twinsbnrg, Summit county.
I tell the story as it was related to me in that vicinity very many
vears ago, and which Avas fully confirmed ]\v my old friend.
Buckley Hiibbard. Esq., of Ashtabula, a few weeks ago. Among
the first settlers who came into the place were two twin brothers
by the name of Wilcox, from Connecticut, who, according to
Shakespeare, were real "Dromios," their resemblance was so
perfect; inasmuch as in size, features, voice, dress and actions,'
they were so nearly alike that they could rarely Ix' distinguished
apart, and their identity Avas often mistaken, the one for the
other. The name of TAvinsburg Avas giA'en to the township in
their honor. In progress of time, one of these brothers fell
under the susceptible influence of the sly god Cupid, and be-
came blindly enamored of a fair damsel of the land. His at-
tachment became so ardent, and his devotion so strong, that he
made it a rule never to disappoint his lady love in his promised
visits. It so happened that indispensable business called him
unexpectedly aAvay at one of these golden periods. As he could
not endure the thought of disapjiointing his inamorata, he ap-
plied to his brother, in whom he could entirely confide, to take
his place, and act the part of the devoted lover. To this end he
posted him thoroughly in the progress of the courtshiiJ, and in-
structed him in the sentimental part he Avas to perform, and left
him to his ready resources, having the most undoubting faith
that he Avould accomplish his part successfully. Tlie eclat which
folloAved can easily be imagined, as the successful ruse AA^as not
diA'ulged nor discovered until long after the happy marriage Avas
consummated. These brothers had the reputation of being gen-
tlemanly and intelligent, and so devotedh' attached to eacli other
in affection and interest that in their deaths neither long sur-
A'iA'ed the other, as I have been informed.

With many thanks for your kind indulgence, and for the
honor you have done me, I beg to express the hope t'hat your
beautiful and groAving city, Avhich bears the name of its honored

16 ANNALIS OF THE

founder, will, ere long, in its pride and jirosperity, erect a suit-
able monument to his memory, and continue to grow in wealth
and influence; and the Early Settlers' Association he perpetu-
ated long after the snowy heads here present to-day shall have
gone to ''that bourne from whence no traveler returns."

ADJOURNED.

The Association now adjourned until 2 o'clock p. m., and
during the interim the members partook of a free lunch, served
in the Tabernacle, from Weisgerber's refectory. This was a
brilliant feature of the day, and highly enjoyed.

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 17

AFTERNOON SESSION.

The public were cordially invited to attend the exercises of
the afternoon, commencing at two o'clock. The Tabernacle, spa-
cious as it is, was filled by an intelligent and highly interested
audience. The exorcises consisted of an opening prayer, followed
by the annual written address, a life-sketch, report of members
deceased within the past year, and sundry volunteer speeches of
prominent citizens, interspersed with songs adapted to the occa-
sion, and rendered in charming style by the Arion Quartette
Club.

At the appointed hour the assembly was called to order by
the President of the Association, and the session opened with
prayer by the Chaplain, Eev. Thomas Corlett.

PRAYER.

Almighty and everlasting God, from whom all good things
do come: we render Thee thanks and praise for Thy mercy and
goodness to us and to all mankind; but more especially do we
praise Thee for prolonging our life and health to meet together
again as on this day.

Grant, Lord, that all our doings this day may redound to
Thy glory, our own mutual good, and the welfare of this com-
munity.

We implore Thy divine blessing on all legislative, Judicial,
and executive authority; that they may have grace and wisdom
so to discharge their respective duties as most effectually to pro-
mote Thy glory, the interests of true religion and virtue, and the
highest good of the State and Nation. Preserve, we beseech
Thee, to our country the blessings of peace, and prosper our in-
2

18 ANNALS OF THE

stitiTtious for the i)r(niiotion of sound learning and the diffusion
of virtuous education.

To the families of those of our Association who have been re-
moved from us by death, grant Thy grace and consolation; and
to us who still survive, wisdom so to live and do, as to be dis-
pensers of good to others, and thus to approve ourselves worthy
in Thy sight of the rich heritage here bestowed, and at the close
of our pilgrimage here, to be raised to that higher and better
citizenship with the saints in light — through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.

The President here introduced to the audience Mrs. J. A.
Harris, ^\\\o sat on his right, as one of the Vice-Presidents of the
Association, elected to fill the vacancv made bv the death of the
late Judge Bishop. The audience applauded. Mrs. Harris arose
and gracefully acknowledged the compliment.

George C. Dodge, Esq., Treasurer of the Association, now
arose and said: ''Mr. President: I desire to congratulate our
Association upon having settled one question. We have vindi-
cated (alluding to a scene in Dickens,) the character of Sarey
Oamp, and squelched Betsey Prig. There is a Mrs. Harris."

This adroit and complimentary witticism convulsed the au-
dience, and when the laughter had subsided, the regular exer-
cises were resumed.

ANNUAL ADDRESS— Success of the Early Settlers.

BY HON. JOHN HUTCHINS.

Ladies axd Gextlemex: In 1824 Daniel Webster visited
Jefferson and Madison at their homes in Virginia. One morn-
ing it became necessary for Mr. Webster and his party to cross in
a rude ferry-boat a river which was much swollen by recent rains.
The ferry-boat was propelled by hand, and the ferryman and his

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 19

assistant became much exhausted. While crossing, Mr. Web-
ster, in his frank and clieerfnl manner, began a conversation with
the boatman, and remarked: "You find it hard work enough
this morning, I think." ''Yes, sir;" said the boatman, "it
puts a man \\\) to all he knows, I assure you.'' " An apt phrase,"
says his biographer, ''which amused Mr. Webster very much
at the time, which he was constantly using on all occasions
through the rest of the joilrney, and which he often introduced
in speaking and writing in after years. In this way it has be-
come a common phrase in our part of the country, where few
])ersons know its origin." This plain language of this hard-
working and unlettered boatman explains the successes of the
early settlers of Cleveland and Ohio.

Their circumstances stimulated the best efforts of mind and
body, and hence their history, habits and traits of character,
their virtues and their vices, for example as well as warning, are
now and will be interesting matters of study, not only to their
immediate descendants, but to all the people Avho shall hereafter
inhabit the country they settled and cleared, and converted its
wilderness into productive farms and populous cities and towns.
The State of Connecticut sold in 1795 the land it claimed in
the then Northwestern Territory, except the "Fire Lands," to
the Connecticut Land Company, and the original deed transfer-
ring the title to the company is recorded in the Eecorder's office
in Trumbull county. In 1795-6 the proprietors of this company
began an organized effort to survey these lands, with a view to
sale and settlement, and some of the earliest settlers of the
Western Eeserve were connected with those surveys. Moses
Cleaveland, a lawyer in Connecticut, was the first general agent
of the Connecticut Land Company. He did not become a set-
tler, but returned to Connecticut. General Cleaveland, in the
performance of his duties as agent, became familiar with the
south shore of Lake Erie, and he located this city, and named it
Cleaveland. His prophetic eye, in a measure, saw the future
growth of Cleaveland, by reason of its location.

20 ANNALS OF THE

A large proportion of the early settlers purchased farms and
cleared them, devoting their lives to the business of agriculture,
the most ancient and useful of all human industries. We do
not find the names of those engaged in it in history as frequently
as of those employed in positions of a more public character.
My father, Samuel Hutchins, came from Connecticut to Vienna,
Trumbull county, in 1798, and cleared a farm which he pur-
chased of Uriel Holmes, Jr., one of the persons named in the
deed from the State of Connecticut to the Company, with whom
lie had lived in his boyhood, and I am proud to say that his vo-
cation was that of a farmer, and that my first lessons of industry
were learned on that farm.

Trumbull county is the mother of all the other counties
comprising the Western Reserve, and when organized, July 10,
1800, embraced all of the Reserve, including the " Fire Lands,"
all the neighboring islands in Lake Erie, and i)arts of Jefferson
and Wayne, and the county seat was Warren. The first election
held in the county was at Warren, on the second Tuesday of
October, 1800, for the election of a representative to the Terri-
torial Legislature. There were cast at this election forty-two
votes, thirty-eight of which were given for Edward Paine, and
he was declared duly elected. It is not stated in any of the his-
tories of that day what Mr. Paine's campaign expenses were, but
they probably did not exeed a sum that would be regarded le-
gitimate at the present time in Cleveland, under a more enlight-
ened civilization.

The settlement of Trumbull county is so intimately con-
nected with the early settlement of Cleveland, that I may be
pardoned for referring briefly to a few of the early settlers of
that county. Some of them afterwards became citizens of
Cleveland, and many of their descendants are now residing
in Cleveland and extensively associated with its manifold busi-
ness enterprises, its religious, educational, moral, political and
social agencies. In the year 1800, when Trumbull county was
organized, a majority of the settlers were located m the south-

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 21

eastern corner of the Reserve. Among the early settlers of
Trumbull county were Turhand Kirtland, James Hillman, Si-
mon Perkins, Samuel Everett, Meshach Case, Ephraim Quinhy.
John Kinsman, Francis Freeman, John Young, Leicester King,
Henry Wick, Asahel Adams, George Parsons, John EatclifPe,
Ephraim Brown, John Young, Calvin Pease, George Tod,
William Rayen, Elisha Whittlesey, Thomas D. Webb, and Eben
Newton. Leonard Case, Sr. , before he came to Cleveland, grad-
uated on his father's farm, a little south of Warren. He was
emi)loyed in the Recorder's office in Trumbull county, and in
1816 he became a citizen of Cleveland, Those early settlers
were fair types of the character of the early settlers of the W^est-
ern Reserve. Their lives are shining examples of what can be
accomplished by men with high and noble purposes when cir-
cumstances and motives stimulate and develop their best facul-
ties of mind and brain. Some of these men were connected with
public duties of far-reaching importance, and with public and
private trusts of immense value. The manner in which these
duties were performed and these trusts administered are among
the brightest chapters of the early settlers of the Western Re-
serve. In illustration I will quote a few words from a letter
written by Gideon Granger in December, 1807, then Postmaster
General, to General Simon Perkins, of Warren: "You cannot
be ignorant of the unpleasant aspect of public affairs between
this nation and Great Britain, nor of the vigorous preparation
making for war in Upper Canada. In this state of aifairs it has
become necessary to establish a line of express through your
country to Detroit. * * * * rp^ ^^^j^jl ourselves
of the energy of your talents at this crisis, I have to solicit you
(and even more, to express my opinion that it is your duty) to
depart immediately for Detroit. * * * j j^j^Q-^y

of no person whose experience would, at this time, be as satis-
factory to the Government, and however inconvenient the dis-
charge of this duty may be to yourself, it is what you owe to
your country, and to the south shore of Lake Erie in particu-

22 ANNALS OF THE

lar." This difficult and laborious duty was immediately per-
formed to the satisfaction of the Government.

About 1835 the good people in Vienna, Trumbull county, built
a meeting-house, now more properly, perhaps, called a church,
on a joint stock plan, whereby each subscriber was to own such
proportion of the church as his subscription bore to the entire
cost of the building. Churches in those days were so inexpens-
ive, and the attire of the people who worsliipi)ed in them so
plain, that no one was deterred from attending them. I had
then just commenced reading law in the office of David Tod. in
Warren, and our minister wanted me to see Greneral Perkins or
Leicester King, as the people in Warren had built a chiirch upon
a similar })lan, to get the form of })aper which the several owners
of the church ought to hold as evidence of their title, and
suggested that they would furnish me with one. I called ui)on
General Perkins, who cordially received me. He said in sub-
stance that he believed that no formal ])aper of the kind had
been drawn up for the owners of the church in Warren, but sug-
gested that any paper stating the facts would be sufficient, and
that his practice in such matters was to "tell the story and then
stop."' This was good advice to one who was expecting to
become a lawyer. In 1815 the State land tax paid by General
Perkins, as agent and owner, amounted to one-seventh of the
entire amount collected in the State.

Calvin Pease, in April, 1803, was appointed President Judge
of the third circuit, then comprising the counties of Trumbull.
Washington, Belmont, Jefferson and Columbiana. He was then
about twenty-seven years old and he held the office until March
10, 1810. The first court held in Warren was between two corn-
cribs, with a rough covering over them, owned by Ephraim
Quinby. While upon the bench a case came before Judge Pease,
involving the constitutionality of certain portions of an act of
the Legislature of 1805, defining the duties of justices of the
peace, and he decided certain sections unconstitutional and void.
Public opinion then had not become settled upon the powers of the

EABLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 23

co-ordinate departments of the Government — the executiye, leg-
islative, and Judicial. The separation of these dei)artments by
clearly detined boundaries was attempted by American constitu-
tions, National and State, but at this time these constitutions,
upon this subject, had not been authoritatively construed, and
Judge Pease had no precedents to guide him save his own con-
victions of duty and his study of the theory of our then new
form of government. It was insisted strenuously by many pub-
lic men, and especially by members of the Legislature, that the
Judgment of a majority of its members as to the constitution-
ality of the law was evidenced by its passage, andthat that Judg-
ment was final and not subject to revision by the courts, and
that Judges who should decide otherwise were guilty of crime and
liable to impeachment, the penalties of which were removal from
office and disqualification to hold any office of honor, profit, or
trust in the State. The question involved in this decision of
Judge Pease was a grave one, requiring, in the then state of i)ub-
lic opinion, great nerve and decision of character to make it.
His reflections convinced him of his duty, and he faithfully per-
formed it. His Judgment was afterwards affirmed by two of the
Judges of the Sui)renie Court, Samuel Huntington and George
Tod, but this did not satisfy public clamor, and articles of im-
peachment were preferred by the House of Eepresentatives in
December, 1808. against Judges Pease and Tod. Samuel Hunt-
ington had been elected Governor, and the House of Represent-
atives, no doubt, concluded it would be unwise to put him on
trial. The charges against Judge Pease were three:

1. That on an appeal from the Judgment of a Justice of the
peace, for a sum exceeding twenty dollars, he had, as President
Judge of the third circuit, reversed that Judgment on the
ground that the Justice had no constitutional Jurisdiction of the
case.

2. That in an action for a sum lietween twenty and fifty
dollars, commenced by an original writ from the Court of Com-
mon Pleas, he had allowed the plaintiff his costs of suit upon

24 ANA'ALS OF THE

recovering judgments, contrary to the twenty-ninth section of
the justices" act and the fifth section of the act organizing the
judicial courts.

3. That sitting as presiding judge of the Third Circuit, he
had decided on various occasions that the court had full power
to set aside, suspend and declare null and void the fifth section
of the act defining the duties of justices of the peace.

I have copied these charges from an article written by Gen.
Crowell, of this city, and published in the Western Law Journal,
and he informed me that he copied them from the State records
at Columbus.

The charges against Judge Tod were, substantially, that as a
member of the Supreme Court he had affirmed the judgment of
Judge Pease. On the first charge against Judge Pease the vote
was unanimous for acquittal; on the second, for conviction, 15,
for acquittal, 9: on the third, for conviction, 8, for acquittal,
16. The Constitution requiring a concurrence of two-thirds of
the Senators to convict, both Judges were acquitted. The pub-
lic recejition of the recent decision of our Supreme Court decid-
ing the Pond law unconstitutional, marks the change on that
subject in public opinion since 1808.

These impeachment proceedings did not shake the confidence
of the public in the ability or integrity of Calvin Pease and
George Tod, for both afterwards occupied prominent public po-
sitions. Judge Pease, in 1815, was a])pointed Judge of the Su-
preme Court of the State, and held the office two terms. Judge
Tod was appointed the same year President Judge of the third
circuit, and held the office two terms. Judge Pease was a man
of few words, ])ut expressed himself with great force and clear-
ness. His wit was overflowing and sparkling. About 1836 the
AVhigs in the State of New York achieved quite a victory over
the Democrats, an unusual event in those days, and a great jolli-
fication meeting was held at the old court house in Warren, and
eloquent speeches were made by leading public men ; and among
them, if I am not mistaken, was Judge Daniel E. Tilden. Judge

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 35

Pease was sitting at the bar table quietly enjoying the hilarity of
the occasion. The audience began to call for him and were
clamorous for a speech from him. He arose and said: " I feel
like adopting the language of Simeon of old, ' Lord, now lettest
Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word, for
mine eyes have seen Thy salvation which Thou hast prepared bcr
fore the face of all people. A light to lighten the Gentiles and
the glory of Thy people Israel,' " and sat down amid tumultu-
ous applause.

Judge Tod was a learned lawyer and a cultured gentleman.
His speeches on public affairs were able and elo(juent. He made
Si profound written argument on his impeachment trial, which
has been preserved by his descendants, in which he has asserted
in a scholarly manner the right and duty of the judiciary in a
proper case made to decide on the validity of the law. He was
a friend of common schools and a patron of agriculture. The
first agricultural society in Trumbull county was organized in
1817, and he was elected its first president, and was connected
with it many years.

Thomas D. Webb was a lawyer, and in many respects a man
of mark. He was the best posted lawyer in the history of the
Western Reserve land titles I have been acquainted with.
He had the energy of investigation into the minutest details,
and a retentive memory that enabled him to profit by them.
He was editor of the Trump of Fame, the first pai)er published
on the Western Reserve. At the time of his death he had in his
possession all the volumes of the published laws of Ohio from
the organization of the State. His frankness was unusual. He
was not a great advocate, but he was entrusted with important
legal business, when such lawyers as Peter Hitchcock, J. R. Gid-
dings, Elisha Whittlesey, Seabury Ford, Benjamin F. Wade,
and Eben Newton were practicing lawyers at Warren and
throughout the circuit. Mr. Webb was offered and refused the
office of president judge of the third circuit made vacant in 1810
by the resignation of Calvin Pease.

26 ANNALS OF THE

The early settlers of the A¥estern Keserve, for the noble pur-
pose of bettering their condition, left old settlements where com-
forts were abundant to found new ones where they were
comparatively few. Not having a surplus of means they pro-
posed to earn them, by setting up for themselves and executing
their own plans instead of being the mere executers of the plans
of others. This developed in them true manhood. Clerks and
employes they might have been among the kinsfolk and friends
they left liehind them, but this did not suit their plans of life.
The command that '' in the sweat of thy face slialt thou eat
bread," they did not regard "' a mistake of Moses." If intended
as a curse, they turned it into a blessing. Hence all useful labor
of hand or brain was regarded as equally respectable, and the
farmer, the mechanic, the merchant, the artizan, and the pro-
fessional man were on terms of social equality. Occupation was
not the ground of social ostracism among the early settlers.
Their habits and circumstances developed in them an independ-
ent personality which dependence tends to destroy. The facil-
ities of trade and commerce were quite limited, with little
circulating medium as an agency of exchange. They used due
l)ills and notes payable in commodities, raised or manufactured.
I found a few years ago among my father's papers one of their
mediums of exchange, which is worth more than its face as evi-
dence of the manner in which the early settlers transacted
business. I will read it: '•' Four months after date I promise to
pay to Samuel Hutchins one dollar and fifty cents; for value re-
ceived, in twelve pounds of good pork. Vienna, September 10,
1812. Jacob Humason." Just seventeen days before the date
of this paper I made application to my father's house for board
and lodging. Whether this fact had any connection with my
father's desire to add to his supply of pork, I do not know. The
maker of this note was a good scholar for those days, as the notfr
indicates. He had been educated in the schools of Connecticut^
and the style of writing is the old style — the George Washington
and John Hancock style.

EARL Y SETTLEBS' ASSOCTA TIOK. 2T

Tlie early settlers were subject to many privations, and at
times to multifarious inconveniences to which we are strangers.
They encountered evils with which they had to struggle. They
wrestled with intemperance, and some of them were thrown by
it. The times are now largely changed, for better- or for' worse;
for better in many respects, and in some for the worse, I fear;
but that may depend upon the manner we heed the lessons the
early settlers have given us. Cleveland, as well as the whole
country, has made rapid advancement in wealth and pojralation.
When your,honored President came to Cleveland in 1824, to make
it his home, it had only a population of about four hundred,
and its mechanical, manufacturing and mercantile capital was
then quite limited, but probably adequate to the wants of the
country. It now contains a population of over two .hundred
thousand, and its wealth and the means of producing it have
prodigiously increased. The increase of wealth and population
of a country and city is generally regarded as evidence of their
prosperity. That depends largely upon the character of the
population and the manner in which wealth is employed. An
idle population is likely to be vicious, learned or ignorant, rich
or poor, and adds little, if any, to the prosperity of either city
or country, and wealth which is employed exclusively or mostly
for the seltish aggrandizement of those who possess it, is not a
blessing without alloy.

" 111 fares the land, to hastening ills a prey,
Where wealth accumulates and men decay;
Princes and lords may flourish or may fade,
A breath can make them as a breath has made ;
But a bold peasantry, their country's pride,
When once destroyed can never be supplied."

Greneral Garfield, in >September, 1880, when he was candidate
for President of the United States, on the Northern Ohio Fair
Clrounds made a few remarks from which I make brief quota-
■ tions:

" All who have though tfiilly considered the reports of the

28 ANNALS OF THE

National census during the last thirty years have observed the
great growth of our cities and the comparatively small growth
of population in our agricultural districts. * * *
Let me ask you to reflect whether this is a good indication. I
have time to notice but one feature of this problem. A careful
study of the men who have won distinction in every field of ac-
tivity, public and private, professional and commercial, will show
that a large majority of them were born and bred in the country.
* * * * Gentlemen, would you willingly see

the present tendency continue until the majority of our people
are the inhabitants of great cities? * * * *

I see at this table lawyers and merchants whose eyes brighten at
the remembrance of their country homes. One of the promi-
nent lawyers and jurists of this State — an honored citizen of
your city — does not regret his pioneer life in the woods of Portage
county. I am sure that Judge Eanney does not regret the hard-
ships and inspirations which country life gave to his boyhood."
More than twenty years ago, Benjamin F. Wade, then a Senator
in Congress, in a conversation I had with him, ex})ressed
thoughts similar to those I have ((uoted from General Garfield's
remarks.

In connection with this subject it may be well to notice that
none of the men who have been elected President of the United
States were born and bred in our large cities. Only one of the
]3resent judges of our Court of Common Pleas was born and bred
in the city of Cleveland, and he was born of i)arents who were
among the prominent early settlers of Cleveland, and who be-
lieved with Solomon. " in training up a child in the way he
should go.''

In our cities the "Pagans," the " Bill and Nancy Sykes"
have their hiding places, and intemperance, followed by its
ghastly train of evils, and seeking to ])erpetuate itself by the
inherent tendencies of its own demoralization, has its strongest
support in our populous cities. Our large cities are the centers
of wealth and capital, and in them combinations are liable to be

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 39

formed which tend to interfere with the natural course of trade
and commerce, and which seek to regulate, for selfish purposes,
the business of the country. Capital, clothed by law with the
attril)iites of succession and perpetuity, may be. and frequently
is, em})loyed oppressively and unjustly. N^o one need be sur-
prised at the present day to learn respectable gentlemen had filed
with the proper authority an application fdr a charter to trade in
and control the air we breathe.

With the increase of wealth and population the habits and
customs of pioneer life will naturally be changed, and in some
respects it may be well, but the benefits of a change which dis-
penses with the industry and economy of pioneer life, and which
stamps with disrespect any useful labor connected with it, may
well be questioned. There is a tendency now-a-days among young
people to seek occupations and positions which are lighter and
esteemed liy many as more respectable than the drudgery of
work in any of the avocations of life. Clerkships in private
establishments and in government offices are much sought after
by young men starting m life. These employments may be
well enough as means to an end, and as stej^ping-stones to a
higher plane of activity, but for a young man to make those
avocations his business and to seek nothing above and beyond
them is to dwarf his manhood and to make him dependent
upon lirains not his own. Among the least desirable of these
lighter occupations (I call them lighter because they seldom
produce heavy results) is employment in the numerous depart-
ments of the government. The labor is responsible and hard,
but the chances of promotion to independent positions are small.
They tramp and tramp on the same track year after year in
the government treadmill. They have some privileges, to be sure,
not enjoyed by the convicts in our penitentiaries. They are
permitted to go home once a year and vote, Init the convicts
have privileges not enjoyed by government employes. They
are not obliged by " voluntary contributions" to pay a certain
percentage of their earnings to keep their places.

30 ANNALS OF TEE

There is a tendency among parents who have the means to
do it, to give their children the best opportunities and all the
advantages that our scliools and colleges afford, without regard,
always, to the tastes or capacity of the children; hence many
young men and women are forced or dragged through a course
of study which they may never use to much advantage to them-
selves or others, and which may be the means of spoiling them
for the rugged duties of honorable and productive labor, on the
farm, in the workshop, or in the coimting-room. A farmer in
the oil regions of Pennsylvania sold his farm for a sum which
made him a millionaire, and he had a dear daughter who
had been educated up to the standard of the circle in which
she moved, but her kind father was not satisfied with this, as
he wanted her to be a bright and shining light in the higher
branches of education, and especially in music, but his daughter
had little inclination or taste in that direction. The father
was not to be l^affled in his laudable desire to elevate and re-
fine his daughter, so he sent her to a ])rofessional teacher of
music for instruction. In about three months he visited his
daughter to see how she was getting along in her studies. The
teacher told him she was not progressing as well as he could
wish — she did not seem to have a capacity for music. " Ca-
pacity," replied the father, "go and buy her one; I have plenty
of money."

A young man or woman who has the will to obtain a thor-
ough education, and an ability to use it, will, at this day, find
a way to acquire it. Leonard Case, Sr., is said to have ac-
quired a good knowledge of arithmetic when making baskets
on his father's farm. John Bright, of England, in a speech
recently made at Birmingham, referred to a Scotch peasant
authoress, Janet Hamilton, who never had any education ex-
cept that derived from the reading of the plays of Shakespeare,
which she had committed to memory. She was untaught in
■ the rules of grammar, yet she wrote English according to the
best standards. No writer has been able to tell us, when, where,

EABLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 31

or how, Shakespeare obtained his education. EliJiu Burritt,
the learned blacksmith, acquired the rudiments of liis educa-
tion while working at the anvil.

We are indebted to the discipline and statesmanship of the
early settlers of Ohio, and especially of the Western Eeserve,
for our system of common schools, which ])laces within the reach
of all children within the State, rich or poor, the means of a
good education. The support of common schools in Ohio, by
taxation, did not become fully crystallized into a system till
after the adoption of the Constitution in 1851. The attention
of the people had been repeatedly called to the subject by most
of the governors of Ohio, and the Legislature had sparingly
made provision for the support of schools by taxation, but their
support by taxation met with strenuous opposition. Acts were
passed in 1821 and in 1825 by the Legislature providing means
for the support of schools, and may be said to be initiatory
steps to the present system, but the amount raised by them
and amendatory laws had not been uniformly assessed and had
not been systematically administered. In 1830 and 1831 John
W. Willey, one of the early and distinguished settlers of
Cleveland, and Harvey Eice, now your President, were elected
members of the Legislature — Mr. Willey to the Senate and Mr.
Rice to the House — and through their exertions and influence a
law was passed authorizing the sale of the lands which had been
granted by Congress to the inhabitants of the Western Reserve
for school purposes. Mr. Willey drew up the bill, and Mr. Rice
was appointed agent to sell the lands. The amount realized
from their sale was about $150,000, which was loaned to the
State as an irreducible fund, the interest of which is to be an-
nually paid to the counties of the Western Reserve according to
the enumeration of children of school age in each county. The
Constitution of 1851 made it the duty of the General Assembly
to " make such provision by taxation or otherwise, as with the
income arising from the school trust fund will secure a thorough •
and efficient system of common schools throughout the State."

33 ANNALS OF THE

Many, very maiiy of the early settlers were members of the con-
vention which framed this constitution. Peter Hitchcock, Ja-
cob Perkins, and R. P. Ranney, were members from the counties
of Trumbull and G-eauga, and Sherlock J. Andrews and Reuben
Hitchcock from the county of Cuyahoo-a. It devolved upon the
General Assembly of 1852-3 to make provision hy law for the
establishment of a system of common schools in obedience to
this provision of the constitution I have quoted. Harvey Rice,
your President, Avas elected a Senator from this county in that
Legislature, and was appointed chairman of the Senate Commit-
tee to which the subject of " common schools and school lands"
was committed. On the 39th day of March, 1852, he intro-
duced a bill "to provide for the reorganization and maintenance
of common schools" and it became a law March 1, 1853. This
law has been amended and changed, but the system which it
organized has not been changed. Perhaps the modesty of your
President may lead him to object to the introduction of his name
in referring to our school laws, Init he must consider, and I am
sure you will agree that the omission of the name of Harvey
Rice, when referring to the law of 1853, entitled " an act to pro-
vide for the reorganization and maintenance of common schools,"
would be "■ the play of Hamlet with the part of Hamlet
omitted."

I have referred to some of the tendencies of the times as
suggestions for consideration. Evils, to be avoided, must be
understood and their location marked, as the dangers of navi-
gation are indicated by buoys in our rivers and lakes. When
American slavery raised its rebellious arm against the Govern-
ment which protected it, its true character was seen, and it
was swept away by the angry waves of public opinion; and all
the Mrs. Partingtons with their mops and brooms were power-
less to prevent it. I am not one of those who believe that
our civilization is receding, or that our government is threat-
ened with overthrow. If the fountains of the executive, legis-
lative, and judicial branches of the government are kept pure,

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 33

we are safe. It is the duty of the people to keep them pure,
and I have confidence they will faithfully perform it, and that
the government which the industry and wisdom of the early
settlers have established will be preserved in the vigor of its
youth, and in the strength of its manhood.

A LIFE SKETCH OF THE LATE GOV. WOOD.

BY NOBLE H. MERWIN, ESQ.

Mr. Peesident: Descended from English parentage, Keuben
Wood, the twenty-second Governor of Ohio, was born in the
village of Middletown, Rutland County, Vt., in the year 1792.

He was the eldest son of Nathaniel Wood, a minister, and
during the war a chaplain in the revolutionary army. The fam-
ily were distinguished for their devotion to the patriot cause.
Three of his father's brothers were participants in the battle of
Bennington. Maybe from their patriotic example in those stir-
ring times were derived the principles, and devotion to demo-
cratic, as distinguished from monarchial, institutions, that char-
acterized the man during his long life.

Arriving at a suitable age for study, he was sent by his father
to a cousin named Fairfield, in Ernestown, Upper Canada, where
he studied law with the Hon. Barnabas Bidwell, and at the same
time began his classical and other studies with an English cler-
gyman, with all the ardor of youth, thus laying the foundation
of the education and culture that were to be of benefit to him in
his future aspirations. To his dying day his constant compan-
ions were well-thumbed editions of the Greek Testament and
Caesar's Commentaries, which he read in the original with
facility.

Kt the commencement of the war in 1812, Eeuben Wood,,
still a student, and while residing in Canada, was drafted into
'the Royalist militia, then mustering under General Brock for
3

34 ANNALS OF THE

the defence of the coast against the American fleet. He was
tall, of powerful frame, and Avas detailed to a company of gren-
adiers; hut being determined not to hear arms against his na-
tive land, he took advantage of a stormy night and the excite-
ment incident to a village hall, and in company with Bill John-
son, afterwards so notorious as an American spy and the "Hero
of the Thousand Isles," made his way to a birch-bark canoe,
concealed for the purpose under a barn, and started for the
American shore.

The wind blew a gale, the rain fell in torrents, the lake be-
came momentarily rougher; finally the adventurous spirits Avere
obliged to seek shelter on an island, where for three days they
lay secreted, suffering for food and drink: a bottle, supposed to
contain brandy, which they had brought with them in their hur-
ried flight, proving to be full of liquid blacking I At last, nearly
famished, they reached Sacketts Harbor, then occupied by the
fleet under Com. Chauncey, where they were arrested by the pa-
trol boats and imprisoned four days as spies. At the expiration
of that time an uncle from the neighboring town of "Woodville,
hearing of the capture, gave satisfactory assurances of their loy-
alty, when they were released, Wood going to his mothers at
Woodville, New York, for a time, afterwards to Middletown,
and Johnson entering the American service as a spy.

At the time of the movement of the English forces by water
and by land for the invasion of the Eastern States by way of
Lake Champlaiu, young Wood raised a company of which he was
chosen captain, and marched to assist in the defense of his coun-
try, but before they reached the American army the battle of
Lake Champlain had taken place, resulting in the defeat of the
English; the company returned home and disbanded.

' Wood, then at Middletown, entered the office of Gen. Jonas
Clark, a distinguished practitioner, where he continued the study
of law. In 1816 he married Miss Mary Rice, of the neighboring
town of Ira, the next year removed with her to his mother's
house in Woodville, and in September, 1818, came to Cleveland,

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 35

in those days farther away than Oregon or Alaska are now, lit-
erally to seek his fortune.

It is not for us to tell his asi)irations for position, wealth and
lionors, nor how high his hopes rose or fell as he stepped ashore
in the scattering, straggling hamlet of that day. A few houses
standing here and there on the river's bank, the clearings
scarcely encroaching on the virgin forest that came to the
water's edge; only a few years back the aborigines had hunted in
those woods, and fished in the waters soon to bear the fleets of
an empire.

Although he had been admitted to practice in the Vermont
courts, he was compelled for lack of means to go on foot to Ra-
venna, where the Supreme Court was in session, to secure the
diploma that enabled him to practice in the courts of the State.
He afterwards brought his wife and infant daughter to Cleve-
land, coming from Buffalo on the Walk-in-the- Water, the first
steamer ever on Lake Erie. In the absence of piers, and owing
to the sand-bars then across the river's mouth, the passengers
were landed in small boats. When he thus finally made his res-
idence in Ohio, his wife walked at his side; he carried his infant
daughter in his arms; he had a silver quarter of a dollar in his
pocket ; that was all.

In 1825 he was elected to the State Senate, filling the posi-
tion three consecutive terms of two years each. He was after-
ward elected President Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of
the district of which Cuyahoga was one of the counties. This
position he occupied six years, and was then chosen to the bench
of the Supreme Court of Ohio, and twice re-appointed — the last
three years as Chief Justice. His entire term of judicial service
was about twenty years.

The data are not at hand from which to give an analysis of
his judicial decisions, it must suffice to say that his influence
had a marked effect in shaping the judiciary of the State, some
of his opinions being given on important questions of the day
and receiving great attention; and that as a judge he was inflex-

36 ANNALS OF TSE

ible in the administration of justice, of grave and dignified de-
meanor when npon the bench, highly esteemed by his fellow
jvidges, and held in high regard by the bar and by honest liti-
gants. For a number of years he was a prominent lawyer in
Cleveland. He had two or three partners at different times,
among others, the Hon. Harvey Rice. As a lawyer, he was keen
and sharp in getting at the truth, being particularly skillful in
criminal cases. He was a man of sound sense, who despised
quibbles, seized the strong points, and endeavored to reach jus-
tice in a case by the most direct path.

Reuben Wood was a man of deep kindness of heart, of great
geniality of disposition, and of tender symijathies. He had a
keen wit, and admired wit in others. Possessing an inexhaustible
fund of anecdote connected with the early days of Northern Ohio,
he was one of the most agreeable of companions, retaining his
freshness and vivacity to a good old age. When the country was
new, and ''traveling the circuit" was part of a lawyer's duty, he
was the center of a circle of talented legal gentlemen whose leis-
ure hours were devoted to social intercourse, the pleasures of
which were greatly enhanced by his overflowing humor and
kindness of manner. Many are the stories of the unbending of
the Solons, their mad pranks and practical jokes, that linger in
the traditions of the early bar of Ohio.

In the various official positions filled by him the breath of
suspicion was never lisped against him. In his long career of
public life he maintained a character above reproach. Even the
heat and injustice of party conflict never left its mark upon his
character, and his warm, personal, private friendships never
were chilled by the bitterest political excitement. As a candidate
for the suffrages of his fellow citizens he was very popular with
his party, and his tall, erect form and commanding mien as a
leader, had won for him the familiar and expressive title of the
"Old Cuyahoga Chief." Thus, when in October, 1850, he was
made the candidate for Governor by the Democratic party, al-
though the dominant party had been Whig for a number of

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 37

years, he was elected by a majority of 11,000 over Judge John-
son, of Hamilton County, his opponent. Although the canvass
was a spirited one, not a line of abuse or a blemish on his private
character was ever hinted at by a single paper in the State. In-
deed, such was his personal popularity throughout the State, ev-
ery county of which he had visited either as an advocate or as
judge, that many Whigs, personal friends, were found either
electioneering or voting for him.

He took his seat as Governor in 1851.

In national politics it was a time when, after the passage of
the odious Fugitive Slave law, the country was full of dissension
and discussion. Governor Wood was always opposed to the ex-
tension of the slave power, and was an anti-slavery man, although
he deprecated unlawful or unconstitutional means for the aboli-
tion of slavery. In his inaugural address he expressed his natu-
ral aversion to the institution, and asserted that "the Demo-
cratic party has opposed, and ever will oppose, either the diffu-
sion or the extension of slavery into any territory of the United
States by every legal and constitutional means, and would re-
joice if any mode not doing violence to others coiild be devised
to overthrow and eradicate the evil."

During his administration the State enjoyed unusual peace
and prosperity, and the gubernatorial chair was never filled more
worthily. Always tempering justice with mercy, of great kind-
ness of heart, one of the trials of the position was the constant
appeals of convicts for pardon. The New Constitution, so called,
went into effect in March, 1851, thus vacating the office. Gov-
ernor Wood was re-nominated by the Democracy, and re-elected
in October, 1851, by a majority of 26,000 over Samuel F. Vin-
ton, the Whig candidate, a majority at that time unheard of in
the political annals of Ohio. His second term of office began in
January, 1852.

At the assembling of the Democratic convention at Baltimore
in June, 1852, that party was so strongly in the ascendant
throughout the Union that a nomination was considered equiva-

38 ANNALS OF THE

lent to an election, and Governor AVood was spoken of as a
prominent candidate. The strife between Lewis Cass and Ste-
phen A. Douglass, the leading candidates, was a bitter one, last-
ing for several days; finally, after forty or fifty ballots had been
taken, the Virginia delegation sent a committee to the Ohio del-
egation, offering to give the entire vote of Virginia in the con-
vention to Governor Wood if Ohio would bring liim oiTt. Owing
to the chairman of the Ohio delegation having personal feeling
against the Governor, this proposition was declined. Then they
made the offer to the New Hampshire delegation, who accepted
it; Franklin Pierce was nominated and elected. Thus, personal
jealousy and ingratitude prevented a nomination that would un-
doubtedly have resulted in the election of Eeuben Wood to the
Presidency, a position his experience in legislation, in the- judi-
ciary, and in the State government would have qualified him to
fill with credit to himself and satisfaction to his countrymen.

Positions of public trust, such as Governor AVood had held
during his long official life, while they are full of honor when
occupied as he filled them, rarely are remunerative, especially
when they take up tlie time that should be devoted to a profes-
sion. Therefore, when in the spring of 1853 he was offered the
consulate at Valparaiso, Soutli America, then said to be one of
the most valuable offices in the gift of the President, he accepted
it, resigning the Governorship into the hands of the Lieutenant
Governor, William Medill, and left Cleveland for that far dis-
tant land on the 12th of July, 1853, accompanied by his family.

He issued an address to the people of Ohio, expressing his
regret at leaving them, gratitude for their confidence in him du-
ring all the years of his public life, and hoi^es for their contiinied
happiness and prosperity.

His departure was accompanied by the regrets of thousands
of friends. The press throughout the State expressed the live-
liest interest in his welfare.

In the absence of the Envoy to Chili, he filled for a time, in
addition to the consulate, the position of Plenipotentiary and
Envoy Extraordinary to the Government of that Republic.

EAEL Y SETTLESS' ASSO CIA TIOH. 39

The consulate not proving as remunerative as had. been rep-
resented, he tendered his resignation and returned to the United
States in July, 1854.

This was the last position he ever held, either by election or
appointment.

For a time he practiced law in Cleveland, but at last with-
drew entirely from the profession, and devoted himself during
his remaining years to the cultivation of his farm, Evergreen
Place, eight miles west of the city, where he had resided since
1833, and where he was wont to retire at intervals during his
public life for relaxation. He had spent many years in beauti-
fying and adorning this home, where he always dispensed a gen-
erous hospitality, enlivened with reminiscence and anecdote, for
which his conversational powers of the highest order well quali-
fied him, and where he now lived like another Cincinnatus,
sharing with his men the labors of his farm and field.

^to

" The remnant of his days he safely passed,

Nor found they flew too slow, nor flew too fast;
He made his wish with his estate comply,
Joyful to Hve, yet not afraid to die."

We have seen his devotion to the principles of liberty, and to
the Union. He continued until the last to take great interest
in public affairs; he foresaw the inevitable struggle with slavery
and was strong in his support of the Government in the suppres-
sion of the rebellion.

He had lived more than the allotted three score and ten.
His hair had become silvered, and his vigorous frame bent and
enfeebled, although his mind was still active and his wit keen
as in youth. He visited the city on Thursday, and return-
ed at night apparently in his usual health, but toward morn-
ing was seized with an acute disease of which he died on the fol-
lowing Saturday, October 1, 1864, at the age of 72. His remains
rest in Woodland Cemetery, at Cleveland. A plain marble shaft
inscribed with his name marks the spot.

40 ANNALS OF THE

ANNOUNCEMENT OF MEMBERS DECEASED
WITHIN THE PAST YEAR.

BY REV. THOMAS CORLETT.

The following are the names of members of the Association
who have died since our last annual meeting:

Age. Name. Born. Came to the Western Reserve. Died.

70 Levi Bauder,

80 Mrs. Maria A. Critteadeu, N. Y.
72 Marshall Carson,
74 Thomas Hird,
80 Mrs. Deborah Crocker,
66 Judge Jesse P. Bishop,

71 Jacob Lowman,
76 John Lloyd Slosson,
74 John H. Gorham,
76 Charles H. Norton,
69 James W. Kingsbury,
58 Ransom O'Connor,
50 James A. Garfield,

Of each of these deceased members of our Association I would
briefly say:

Mr, Levi Bauder was a business man, pursuing the trade of
cabinet maker, and maintained through all the fluctuations of
business the reputation of an honest and good man.

Mrs. Maria A. Crittenden, wife of the late N. E. Crittenden,
showed her business ability in conducting successfully the large
jewelry store which has been for many years such an ornament
to our city.

Marshall Carson was a paper merchant, and kept the first
paper store in Cleveland, and carried on painting.

Thomas Hird commenced life as a day laborer, and by thrift
and economy became one of our most thriving farmers.

John Lloyd Slosson kept a boarding house.

John H. Gorham was an active business man, and with a
heart and hand ready for every good work.

N.Y.,

1812,

1834,

Jan. 30,

1882

N. Y.,

1802,

1837,

Jan. 9,

1882

N. Y.,

, 1810,

1834,

Jan.

1882

Eng.,

1808,

1830,

Mar. 31,

1882

N. Y.,

1796,

1801,

Nov. 18,

1881

Vt.,

1815,

1836,

Oct. 28,

1881

Md.

1810,

1832,

Oct. 26,

1881

Mich.

, 1806,

1812,

Oct. 23,

1881

Conn.

, 1807,

1838,

Dec. 18,

1881

N.Y.,

1805,

1888,

Feb. 23,

1881

Ohio,

1813,

Sept. 30,

1881

Ohio,

1824,

May 7,

1882

Ohio,

1831,

Sept. 19,

1881

EAELY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 41

Charles H. Norton was a dealer in cattle, and kept a meat
market for some years, with better impulses of heart than his
rough manner might indicate.

Ransom O'Connor was a thriving farmer, and for many years
an active member of the Disciple Church in Collamer.

James W. Kingsbury, the last member of Judge Kingsbury's
family, lived on the old homestead, formerly in the township of
Newburgh, but now the city of Cleveland. He was an interest-
ing and well disposed citizen, leaving to his orphan children the
legacy of a good name and a Christian character.

Mrs. Deborah Crocker was at the time of her death one of
the oldest residents of this county; trained from early childhood
in the school of pioneer life, and deeply impressed with the
truths of religion, she developed into full grown Christian wom-
anhood, and for many years her influence for good, strong and
sustaining, did much good, and will long linger in the hearts
and memory of those who knew her.

Jacob Lowman commenced working in this city at the age
of twenty-two; after working a year for Mr. Elisha Peet, at the
smithing department of carriage building, he bought out his
employer and employed one wagon maker and one carriage
builder, he himself doing the smithing. From this small be-
ginning he steadily prospered until he became one of the most
extensive and best known carriage manufacturers of the State.
The sterling qualities of head and heart which marked his ear-
lier years, were prominent throiighout his whole life, and coupled
as were those with the fear of God, he could be none other than
what he was: a good citizen, a wise counselor, a, strong pillar in
the Church of God, and a loving and judicious father.

Judge Jesse P. Bishop was at the time of his death on,© of
the vice-presidents of our Association, and a resident of Cleve-
land forty-four years; and here I take the liberty of quoting from
the notice in one of our city papers at the time of his death, of
this good man: ''As an incorruptible judge, an honest and
laborious lawyer, a public spirited citizen, a zealous Christian,

42 ANNALS OF THE

an exemplary husband and father, and a friend to the poor and
needy, he was a man among men, and the people of Cleveland of
all professions, sects and parties among whom he lived and
wrought for nearly half a century, feel a personal and irrepara-
ble loss in his death, which is the strongest and most eloquent
tribute that can be paid to the worth and memory of any one."
To the memory and worth of our deceased honorary mem-
ber, James A. GarfieM, who was at the time of his death Presi-
dent of the United States, it would be presumption, with all
that has been said and written about him, to add anything. A
nation's grief and sorrow at his cruel and untimely death, and
the warm sympathy of the whole civilized world, must be ac-
cepted as a better tribute to his memory than any thing that can
be said here.

CALL BY THE PRESIDENT FOR VOLUNTEER

SPEECHES.

The next on the programme was a call from the president for
volunteer speeches. A number of responses were made, and
they were without exception witty and extertaining, and were
heartily appreciated and applauded.

Judge Daniel E. Tilden was the first member called upon.
He led off with a Joke at his own expense, and then informed
the assembly that last year at their meeting he was discouraged
on seeing so many black heads, but this year the case had altered
a little. The white head was the badge of pioneerism, he said.
He concluded by showing how our advanced civilization was
worked out by the strokes of these hardy men and women.

EA RL Y SETTLERS' ASSO CIA TION. 43

RESPONSE BY A. J. WILLIAMS, ESQ.

Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen :

I am admonished that time is of the essence of these off-hand
speeches, and that each must fall within the limitation of ten
minutes. I am further advised by a kind whisper from our hon-
ored treasurer that the early history of Chagrin Falls should be
my theme. If I am to be restricted to matters of interest in the
early history of that enterprising little village, then the time al-
lowed me is more than ample to compass its entire history.

I moved from Ontario county, N. Y., to Chagrin Falls, in
1840; aboiit seven years after the woodman's axe was first sound-
ed in the forest where the village now stands. The little village
was then in three townships and two counties. The townships
were Orange and Solon in Cuyahoga county, and Eussell in
Geauga. The township of Chagrin Falls was not organized
until about 1845. The principal street running through the
village was on the line dividing Cuyahoga and Geauga counties.
In 1841, by an act of the Legislature, Cuyahoga county was en-
larged by adding thereto that portion of the present township of
Chagrin Falls that theretofore had been in Geauga. Prior to
the organization of Chagrin Falls township, the few voters of
the village cast their ballots in the original three townships
named.

That year, 1840, was distinguished for the peculiar argu-
ments and methods adopted by the Whigs in the Harrison- Van
Buren campaign. These arguments and methods consisted of a
free use of hard cider: making the air resonant with doggerel
songs:

" Tippecanoe and Tyler too,

And with them we'll beat little Van," etc.,

and in the display in processions of coon-skins and miniature log

44 ANNALS OF THE

cabins. What could the poor locofocos say in answer to such
logic? Simply, nothing.

The Whigs had an oracle at Chagrin, Dr. J. H. A'incenfc,
then a candidate for the Legislature. He played the fife, was a
good singer, and could make a speech. The Democrats had no
oracle. They were characteristically meek and forbearing. They
partook of the hard cider, enjoyed the songs, and admired the
emblematic displays of their enemies with Christian fortitude;
but when the Whigs improvised a cannon with which to disturb
their early morning slumbers, it proved too much, and they de-
termined that that thing should be suppressed. Sure enough,
one bright morning the Whigs awoke to find their gun non est.
The Democrats had borrowed that gun and buried it in a swamp
near by, where it remained until 1844, when it was resurrected
to celebrate the election of James K. Polk. To the discomfiture
of the jubilant Democracy, however, that year the Whigs, in
turn, quietly horroived the gun and threw it over the falls, where
it has since been buried in the waters of Chagrin Eiver.

The hard-cider argument was a little more difficult for the
Democrats to handle. There were so few of them that they
found their caimcity inadequate to dispose of it by the rules of
Democratic logic, in siich case made and provided. I remem-
ber well, when, on a Saturday evening, oiir hilarious opponents
laid in a barrel of hard cider preparatory to a cami)aign trip the
next Monday. The barrel was rolled into the Whig store of
Hillis & James. There was a double door to the store, only one
of which was used. Through this door the barrel was taken,
rolled around and left with one head about two feet from the
other door. The Democrats were around, with their hands in
their pockets, watching and whistling. One of their number,
Ben Hull, who had an engineer's eye, took in the situation, and
carefully measured the distance from the door to the barrel;
keeping his own counsels, he at once procured an auger, took it
to a forge, lengthened it as the necessities of the case required,
and in the dead of that night, when all AVhigs were slumbering.

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 45

bored through the store-door and into the barrel. On the next,
Sunday, morning, the Whigs, one by one, came around to con-
sult about the programme of the morrow, and to draw cheer and
courage from tho bung-hole of that barrel. Their consternation
was beyond utterance, when, upon examination, they found that
their logical beverage had gone l^eyond the reach of their straws,
and the barrel was empty! The news of this Democratic out-
rage was soon communicated to all the faithful. It was Sun-
day, but during that campaign Sunday was like any other day.
Business and religion were alike suspended, and the '*' Smith
Sunday Law " had not then been heard of. Another barrel of
hard cider was readily procured and on hand for Monday's
revelry.

In 1843, C. T, Blakeslee and Jehu Brainerd inaugurated a
monthly journal at Chagrin Falls, entitled Farmers and Me-
chanics' JoiLrnal. It was a pamphlet publication, copiously il-
lustrated. Mr. Brainerd did all the engraving, and he and
Blakeslee made the wooden press upon which the Journal was
printed. I am informed that it was the first agricultural paper
published in Ohio. In a short time Blakeslee sold out his in-
terest to one H. 0. Calkins, who, with Prof. Brainerd, contin-
ued the publication of the Journal until 1844, when they sold
the establishment to one H. G. Whipple. Whipple conceived
that Chagrin Falls was a good field for missionary work. Mor-
monism had flourished there; the Millerites had taken the place
by storm in 1843; every phase of religious fanaticism had taken
ready root there; and above all, Whiggery prevailed; and why
was it not a good field for the missionary? Whipple thought so,
and when he bought out Brainerd & Calkins he issued in Cha-
grin Falls a red-hot Democratic newspaper. Think of it, — a
Democratic newspaper printed in Chagrin Falls! I would as
soon think of re-publishing the Standard of the Cross in the
jungles of Central Africa, as to print a Democratic paper in
Chagrin Falls. His missionary work went on thoroughly for
about a month; perhaps a week or two longer. Whipple was

46 ANNAL.S OF THE

called awiiy on important business. He entrusted his foreman,
M. S. Barnes, with writing the editorial, and making up the
inside of that week's edition. The outside had already been
printed and was chuck full of Democracy. Barnes took the
inside in hand, but he was a Whig. He could not write a Dem-
ocratic editorial to save his life. The result was that the outside
of that issue was furious for the annexation of the " Lone Star,"
'for " Fifty-f our-Forty or Fight," and all other Democratic
measures of that campaign, while the inside antagonized all
these measures; was purely Whig, and intensely hostile to every-
thing that even looked Democratic. The only explanation given
by Barnes was in a little editorial saying that Whi})ple was " rev-
elling among the Tombes." What he meant by this I have
never been able to find out. In a few days Whipple returned,
discharged his foreman, issued two or three more numbers of his
paper, and from that day to this, neither patriot nor hero has
been found who cared to publish a Democratic newspaper in Cha-
grin Falls.

In 1852 the good old Whig party expired. Strange and
startling as it may seem, it received its death blow at Chagrin
Falls, and at the hand of my distinguished friend Judge Tilden.
It may be a sad reminiscence, but its importance entitles it to a
place in recorded history.

The Western Eeserve had been the stronghold of the Whig
party in Ohio, but its anti-slavery convictions were stronger than
its party ties. The National Convention of the party that year
nominated General Scott for the Presidency, but in its platform
it resolved against the further agitation of the slavery question.
This was too much for the Whigs of the Reserve, and without
them the State was sure to cast its electoral vote for the Demo-
cratic candidate, Franklin Pierce — a result sure to follow if the
Whigs of the Reserve supported the Free Soil candidate, John.
P. Hale.

Ben. Wade, then in Washington, took in the situation, inter-
viewed General vScott, and received assurances from him that

EA RL Y SETTLERS' ASSO CIA TION. 47

rather than see slavery extended, he would sacrifice his right
arm. Wade knew that that old hero meant Just what he said,
and that the result of this important interview should at once be
made known to the anti-slavery Whigs of the Western Reserve.
Knowing that on the Reserve there was no Whig more influen-
tial, and no abolitionist more earnest than Judge Tilden, Wade
at once wrote to him what General Scott had said. Tilden was
satisfied, and then determined that he could best place the good
news upon the breeze at Chagrin Falls. He went* there, and in
a vigorous Whig sjieech stated the substance of Wade's letter,
and returned to his home in Cleveland.

In a few days a good friend in Chagrin Falls wrote him that
his statement in regard to the Wade letter was doubted; there-
upon he sent the original letter to the Chagrin friend. But
there it met the omnipresent and irrepressible Plain Dealer re-
porter, who took a copy of the letter and published it in the
next issue of that paper. That was a good thing if the Plain
Dealer had not circulated beyond the Western Reserve. But
unfortunately it went into the Southern States, and the letter
was largely copied in the Democratic papers in that section, and
threatened the ruin of the Whig party throughout the entire
South. The Southern Whigs in Washington called on Wade
and asked, "Is this so?" As good fortune would have it, the
Plain Dealer had misprinted one word; entirely immaterial, but
nevertheless a misprint, enough to justify Wade in denying the
authorship of the letter. He did so with characteristic vehemence,
and wrote to Tilden that the letter was raising hell with Scott
in the South, and as the published copy was inaccurate, he had
denied writing such a letter, and that he (Tilden) must destroy
the original. I don't know whether Judge Tilden made another
Whig speech on the Reserve or not; but faithful to his old friend
Wade, and true to his party, he determined to consign the fatal
letter to oblivion. With his true and tried friend S. I. Noble,
and other Whigs, >lie took a steamer at Cleveland and sailed for
the great Lundy's Lane Scott jollification. That letter weighed

48 ANNALS OF THE

heavily upon his mind. Consulting with Mr. Xoble they con-
cluded that there was no better time to dispose of the letter than
when they were beyond the sight of land. Tying a weight to
the dread paper, and calling Noble as a witness, with judicial
gravity Judge Tilden consigned it to the depths of Lake Erie.
Oh, what relief was then given to a troubled breast!

But it was too late; the die was cast; that letter had done
its fatal work in the South, where Scott received the electoral
vote of but two States, Kentucky and Tennessee, and Wade's
denial had neutralized Scott's assurance on the Western Reserve,
and Ohio cast her electoral vote for Pierce. The Whig party
was dead. Who says Chagrin Falls has no place in history?

RESPONSE BY HON. R. P. RANNEY.

Judge R. P. Ranney was the next speaker, sup2:)lementing
Judge Spalding's remarks with another version of the way in
which the Western Reserve obtained its name, relating several
facts and anecdotes of an amusing character. It is much to be
regretted that a full report of his excellent speech has not been
procured for publication in these pages.

RESPONSE BY HON. R. P. SPALDING.

Mr. President, and Ladies and Gentlemen: If my
honored friend, Judge Tilden, had propounded his question to
me: " Did you ever know a man attempt to speak when he had
nothing to say?" he knows well what the reply would have
been.

Somewhere about fifty years ago that gentleman made his
first effort to address a jury, as my associate in a cause on trial
in the Common Pleas of Portage county. He arose with a good

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 49

deal of dignity and said, with emphasis: " (Tentlemeii of tlie
Jury! ! I "' But beyond this it seemed impossible for him to get,
until finally, after many repetitions, he said: "Gentlemen of
the jury, if you do not decide this ease in favor of my client,
you will — you will — " ("dampen my aspirations," I whispered
in his ear) " You will dampen my aspirations, gentlemen!"
When he said this in a commanding tone of voice, I caught up
my hat and left the Court House. He soon followed, and I was
obliged to sue for peace. But badinage aside.

We have heard much about the " Western Eeserve," its set-
tlement and progress. It is about as good a country as the sun
shines upon, but then what of its name? It is, properly speak-
ing, the " Connecticut Western Reserve," and the name orig-
inated in this wis6:

In 1662 the charter of Charles II granted to the colony of
Connecticut '•all lands between the parallels of 41 and 42 de-
grees North latitude, from the Atlantic to the Pacific ocean. "
After American independence was established, a com[)romise was
effected whereby Congress secured to the State of Connecticut
3,800,000 acres of land in the northeastern part of what is now
the State of Ohio, and Connecticut relinquished all further
claim to the Western territory.

500,000 acres of this land, in the western part, was donated
by Connecticut, in 1792, to certain sufferers by fire, in the war
of the Eevolution. The residue was sold to an association of
gentlemen known as the " Connecticut Land Company," who
sent out Gen. Moses Cleaveland, in 1796, with a number of prac-
tical surveyors to divide it into townships of five miles square.
It was this body of men who, in the autumn of 1796, laid out
the town of Cleveland and called it by the name of their leader.
In February, 1823, when I first attended court in this county,
Cleveland had a population of 400 souls. ' At this time the enu-
meration in the city runs up to 200,000, and it may not be ex-
travagant to say that the child is already born that may see it
teeming with a population of more than half a million.
4

50 ANNALS OF THE

In the spring of 1819 I was descending the Ohio Eiver from
Pittsburgh to Cincinnati, in a skiff, with someyonng traveling
companions who, like myself, had become tired of the stage
coach. It took us some ten days to reach the end of our route,
as we could not proceed in the niglit season, Imt we became
highly interested in the scenery upon the river bank in the day
time.

I well recollect our visit to Backus' Island, a little below
Marietta, Avhere, in 1800, Harmon Blennerhassett and his accom-
plished wife had made for themselves a palatial residence which
continued to be the abode of peace and hapi)iness until in an
evil hour it was entered by Aaron Burr, who, like Satan in the
Eden of old, visited this earthly paradise only to deceive and
destroy. The place and tlie parties are made historical by the
eloquence of AVilliam Wirt at the trial of Burr in Richmond.

At the time of my visit the i)lace was in ruins, but enough
remained to enable me to judge of its past splendor and magnifi-
cence. The learned Dr. Hildreth, in his " Lives of Early Set-
tlers of Ohio," has given a faithful picture of this " classical
retreat," as it stood before the torch of the incendiary was
applied, ;ind it is well worthy of examination.

In 1793 John Armstrong lived on the Virginia side of the
Ohio river, opposite the upper end of this island of Blennerhas-
sett. A party of Indians crossed the Ohio from the mouth of
the Little Hocking, and in the night season approached Arm-
strong's house, killed Mrs. Armstrong and her three youngest
cliildren, and carried into captivity three older children, the
youngest of whom was Jeremiah, a lad then about eight years
old. They were adopted into the Indian nation as their chil-
dren, and lived for some years at Lower Sandusky, near Fre-
mont. Jerry was afterwards recovered, by an older brother,
from the hands of Billy Wyandot, an Indian chief, with whom
he lived. When I was first a member of the Ohio Legislature,
in the winter of 1839-40, I boarded at the house of this same
identical Jeremiah Armstrong, who was, for many years, a well
known and highly respected citizen of Columbus.

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 51

We have many of us, in our school-boy days, admired the
eloquent strains of the youthful declaimer, as he recited the
l)laintive speech of Logan, the Indian Chief, made before Lord
Dunmore, in the war of 1794:

"I apjieal to any white man to say if he ever entered Logan's
caliin hungry and he gave him no meat; if he came naked and
cold and I clothed him not. * * * q^j^ Cressup,

last spring, in cold blood, and unprovoked, murdered all the re-
lations of Logan, not sparing even my women and children.
There runs not one drop of my blood in the veins of any living
creature." Etc., etc.

It is not generally known that the famous speech was read to
Governor Dunmore under an oak tree, ui^on the soil of Ohio,
some seven miles from Circleville. In the winter of 1818 I vis-
ited Caleb Atwater, at Circleville, and he asserts this fact in his
History of Ohio, page IKi.

In 1799 the settlement of Deerfield, in Portage county, com-
menced; Lewis Ely and family moved in in July of that year.
On the 7th of November, 1800, the first marriage in the county
took place between John Campbell and Sarah Ely. They were
joined in wedlock by Capt. Austin, Esq., a Justice of the Peace,
of Warren, in Trumbull county. He came through the woods,
on foot, a distance of twenty-seven miles, accomj^anied by a
young lawyer of the name of Calvin Pease, who instructed the
Justice in regard to the formulary, while on the road.

In February, 1819, this same John Campbell, then a State Sen-
ator, accompanied me in my journey on horseback, from Columbus
to the Western Reserve, on my first visit to this section of the
State, and I have ever felt indebted to him for many courtesies.
In October, 1821, Calvin Pease, then Chief Justice of Ohio,
admitted me to the practice of the law.

But I am transcending [my limits, and must make my bow.

52 ANJ^ALS OF THE

RESPONSE BY GEORGE H. ELY, ESQ.

Mr. Pkesidext: The story of the Western Reserve has
been often told. Again have its gi-eat events and its thrilling-
scenes been rehearsed by surviving actors, who can say concern-
ing them, ••' All of whicli I saw and part of which I was."

This is a theme which will never grow old. To you, at least,
venerable fathers and mothers, whose eyes have followed the sun,
almost to its setting, and to whom, looking now into the West,
the glow of evening brings peace; it contains the fruitage of
character and eartlily life. The significance of these events and
your relations to them will only dee]ien with the passage of
your remaining years.

The settlement and the advancement of the Reserve consti-
tute one of the finest passages of recent American history.
Here is a conspicuous instance of the successful transi:)lanting-
of ideas, principles and habits of a people, and the making of
them a positive force in the subjugation of the wilderness, and
the rearing of a new community.

This was not done to any large extent l)y organization and
combined effort for the movement of population. There was
no exodus from New England for the planting of its counter-
part west of the Alleghanies. Individual emigrants with wife
and children, joined, perhaps, by a neigldior. took the path
through the wilderness to the '"' Far West," and they gathered
here upon the principle of natural selection. It is true that
the Reserve attracted settlers also from other sections of the
country, biit the majority came from New England, and to reach
their future home they passed the falls of the Genesee and
crossed the garden of the Emj^ire State. It followed that New
England ideas and principles had a controlling influence in
molding social and political conditions here.

The party sent out by the Connecticut Land Comjiany to sur-
vey its newly acquired domain, arrived at Conneaut Creek July

EA RL Y SE TTLERS' A SS O CIA TION. 5 3

4tli. niHJ. From that i)()int the work was immediately begun,
one ])arty running the line of its eastern boundary southward
and another going northw^ard. The mouth of the Chn'ahoga was
laid out. and honored with the name of the leader of I he expe-
dition — (reneral Moses Oleaveland.

But the arrival at Conneaut Creek is worthy of mention.
General Cleaveland made of this the following record: " On this
creek (Conneaut), in New Connecticut land, July 4. IT'.HJ, under
(reneral Moses Cleaveland, the surveyors and men sent out by
the ( '(uinecticut Land Com])any to survey and settle the Con-
necticut Reserve, were the first English people who took posses-
sion of it.*"

He further says: ''We gave three cheers and christened the
place Fort Independence, and after many ditiiculties, i)erplex-
ities. and hardships were surmounted, and we were cm tlie good
and })romised land, felt tluit a just tribute of respect to the day
ought to l)e ])aid. There were in all. including women and
children, fifty in mnnl)er. The men under Captain Tinker
ranged tliemselves on the beach aiid tired a federal salute of fif-
teen rounds, and then the sixteenth, in honor of N^ew Connecti-
cut; drank several toasts, closed with three cheers, drank several
})ails of grog, supped and retired in good order."

Notice in this record the claim to first English occupation,
and the loyalty that would not let them forget in the wilderness
the birthday of tlie Republic, and that quaint but honest declar-
ation, that " after several pails of grog, they supped and retired
in good order.'"

The arrival of this i)arty on the shore of Lake Erie, and con-
tem})oraneous events, mark an important epoch in the history of
the new nation.

During the two and a half centuries i)reyious to this time
the continent had been penetrated by Spanish and French ex-
l)l(n-ers from different points on the Atlantic coast. In the south
Ponce de Leon and De Soto had sought gold and the "Fountain
of Perpetual Youth,"* and in the north French missionaries and

54 ANNALS OF THE

exjilorers liad ascended through the St. Lawrence and the Great
Lakes to the far northwest. But the object was discovery, with
a view to military occupation and religious projiagandism. One
hundred and seventeen years before the event at Conneaut
Creek (in 16T9), a solitary sail had passed that spot, but it bore
no intending settler. It carried cannon. It was La Salle seek-
ing the pathway to China across the continent, and to plant the
arms and the faith of France in the valley and at the mouth of
the Mississippi. This he accomplished in the following year.

There had been a long and doubtful struggle between the
French and the English for supremacy in the new Avorld. Init
long before this it had ended in favor of the English. This and
the final subjection of the Indian tribes prepared the way for
the new nation of the new world. The issue of the Eevolution-
ary war afterwards settled the further cpiestion of infinite im-
portance, that the control of this continent by the English-
speaking race was to be administered under the highest conditions
for success — free institutions.

With the close of the Revolutionary war came rapidly on the
settlement of many qttestions preliminary to the growth and ex-
pansion of the national life westward.

Several of the seaboard States had claims, througli royal
grants, to extensive territory west of the existing State bound-
aries. The extinguishment or adjustment of these claims, often
conflicting, was among the first duties of the new Federal Gov-
ernmeni. A few years saw this mainly accomplished.

The claims of Connecticut to land in the new northwest ter-
ritory, however, were measureably defined, at least on three sides.
Tlie royal charter in 1G62 gave to her a strip of land, bounded
on the east by Xaragansett river, on tlie north by Massachusetts,
and on the south by Long Island Sound, and extending west-
ward between the parallels 41° and 42° 2" north latitude to
the mythical "South Sea."

That portion of the charter lying immediately west she could
not obtain, it having been previously granted to New York and

EABLT SETTLESS' ASSOCIATION. 55

in possession. The •" South Sea" she could never find, and that
portion of her charter lying between it and the Keserve, we sup-
pose, she rather reluctantly abandoned. In 1786 Connecticut
relinquished to the United States all claims to territory outside
of a line one hundred and twenty miles west of the boundary
line of Pennsylvania and parallel with it. In 1792 she granted
five hundred thousand acres (the Fire Lands) from the western
side of this Eeserve to citizens whose property had been burned
in tlie war. The remainder of her lands she sold in 1795 to the
Connecticut Land Company for twelve hundred thousand dol-
lars.

This, I believe, was the final transaction which brought the
entire domain of the new northwest territory under the jurisdic-
tion of the United States. But I must not detain you with
even these brief allusions to the events and influences which
prepared the way for the Western Keserve of to-day. Here she
is in her aiorv and strength, a I)eautiful creation. Your life-
work, my friends, has been done upon it, and I knoAv tliat
now. at last, with the whitened hair and the trembling step,
there has also come into your hearts the joy and the pride
of successful achievement. Tlie Reserve that we see might well
have been predicted from the happy confluence of so many favor-
ing elements in its origin and progress.

The location central, and at the foot of the Great Lakes, was
a guarantee of future commercial influence. The climate was
good, the soil was fertile and the country well watered, while
the heavy forest with which it wa^ covered, evoked and chal-
lenged, as no prairie land bright with flowers could ever do,
those sturdy qualities of manhood that are essential to the
building of a state. These liigh material advantages have been
pushed to their highest utility, it is needless to say, in the
hands of a sober, industrious, intelligent and God-fearing peo-
l)le, and so they have been made tributary to the highest ob-
jects of social and political organization. Xaturally, the first
endeavor was to utilize to tlie fullest extent the water commu-

56 ANNALS OF THE

iiications by the lakes. Then came the construction of canals,
connecting the Ohio river and the Pennsylvania canal system
with Cleveland harbor. Cleveland was now asserting herself
as the metropolis of Northern Oliio. But about 1850 com-
menced that marvelous advance whicb followed the construc-
tion of railroads upon the Keserve. The track of commerce
between the East and the West and the Southwest lay across
the Reserve, and within ten years several roads reached out
to tlie interior from this harl)()r. But railroad construction, with
ship building, assumed vastly increased importance when the
iron ores of Lake Superior were brought to the coal de])osits of
the Reserve.

This lighted the tires around our harbors and throughout our
valleys, and the Reserve has rapidly become the seat of immense
and varied manufacturing industries.

But, my friends, what shall we say of the social, political
and religious characteristics of the Reserve, underlying all
this material progress? '^Die} are, thank God, what might
have been expected from the early seed.

The school-house at the cross-roads, and in the city the acad-
emy and college, and the church and the home where faith in
God and the qualities of a true manhood are nourished and vi-
talized, these are the grand insignia of the inheritance we have
received, venerable and bcldved friends, from you.

The exercises of the day were now closed by singing to tlu'
tune of " Old Hundred" the " Early Settlers' Hymn,-' in which
the audience joined with the Quartette Club, followed with the
Doxology.

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 57

COMMUNICATIONS.

EARLY CIVIL AND COUNTY ORGANIZATIONS,
SOUTH SHORE OF LAKE ERIE.

Hon. Harvey Rice, Pres. Early Settlers" Association:
It has occurred to nie tliat the members of yo\ir Association
would be interested in a review of the successive civil jurisdic-
tions which have attached to the soil of this county.

While the French occupied the south shore of Lake Erie
there was not the semblance of courts or ma-sristrates for the trial
of civil or criminal issues. This occupation ended in 17(!(), Init it
is an 02)en historical question when it l)egan. La Salle was in
the Ohio country from 1669 to 1671 or 1672, though he estab-
lished no ])osts, and the records of his occupation arc lost.
There are, on the Western Reserve, quite a number of ancient ax
marks upon trees, over which the growth of woody layers corres-
ponds to those dates, and which a]qiear to me to have been made
by ])arties of his expedition. The French had posts at Erie,
Pa., on the Cuyahoga, on Sandusky liay. on the Maumee and
■Great Miami rivers as early as 1749 and 1752; and ])rol)ably car-
ier at sonu' points in Ohio and Pennsylvania. In 1748 the
English colonists from Pennsylvania had a trading i)ost at San-
dusky bay, from which they were driven by the French.

Pennsylvania had, however, no civil authority west of her
boundary, which is described as being five degrees of longitude
west from the Delaware river. The C!olony of Vii'ginia had
claims, under various charters and descriptions, to a jiart of
Pennsylvania, and all the territory to the west and northwest as
far as a su])posed ocean called the South Sea. Immediately

58 ANNALS OF THE

after the peace of 1763 with the French, the Proyince of Canada,
was extended by act of Parliament, southerly to the Alleghany
and Ohio rivers, (jreat Britain promised the Indian tribes that
the whites should not settle north of the Ohio river.

So far as I am now aware, the first civil organization under
the authority of Virginia covering the Western Eeserve. was that
of the County of Botetourt, erected in 1769, with the county
seat at Fincastle, on the head w^aters of the James river, between
the Blue Ridge and the Alleghanies. But before this, there
must have been a Virginia county covering the Forks of the
Ohio, and extending, probably, to Lake Erie; for the troops
captured at the Forks, now Pittsburgh, by the French in 1749,
Avere Virginia militia, under Ensign "Ward. It is probable that
he was, or supposed himself to be, within the county of Au-
gusta. Settlers from that colonv located on the Monongahela
and the Youghiogheny. In 1776 three counties were erected on
those waters, some parts of which possibly included a part or all
of the Eeserve. These covered a part of Westmoreland county,
Pa., which was settled from that State. This conflict of author-
ity brought a miniature civil war, which was soon overshadowed
by the war of the Revolution, in which both Virginians and
Pennsylvanians heartily joined.

In 1778, soon after the conquest of the British forts on the
Mississippi and the Wabash, by Gen. George Rogers Clark, A^ir-
ginia erected the county of Illinois, with the county seat at Kas-
kaskia. It embraced the south shore of Lake Erie, Detroit,
Mackinaw, Green Bay, and Prairie Duchien; but for practical
purposes, only Kaskaskia, Cahokia, and St. Vincent or A^'in-
cennes. The British held possession of the Ohio country and all
the lakes. For the English forts on both shores of the lakes
there was no county or civil organization during the Revolu-
tionary war. The government of this almost unlimited region
was exclusively military, of which Detroit was the central jiost.
British soldiers and officers were at all the trading forts in Ohio,
exercising arbitrary authority over the Indians and the white

EARLY SETTLEBS' ASSOCIATION. 59'

traders, including the Moravian settlements on the Tuscarawas
and the Cuyahoga.

After the treaty of peace in 1783, the same state of affairs
continued, until, by successive campaigns against the Indians,
the United States drove them off by military force. All the
lives lost, the forts built, and the expeditions made in the North-
west, from 1785 to 1794, were a continuation of the war of the
Eevolution against England. Even after the second treaty, in
1792, she built fort Miami, on the Maumee, within the State of
Ohio. The result of the battle of the Rapids of the Maumee, m
August, ] 794, put a stop to her overt acts against us for a timej
Init it was not until after the war of 1812 that she abandoned
the project of recovering the American Colonies. While in her
possession, until 1796, there were at the i^osts on the lakes, jus-
tices of the peace or stipendiary magistrates, exercising some
civil authority, but none of them resided on the south shore of
this lake.

This subject of early civil jurisdiction is a very obscure one,
owing to indefinite geographical boundaries. I have received
the assistance of Judge Campbell, of Detroit, of Silas Farmer,
the historian of Detroit City, and of Mr. H. C. Gilman,
of the Detroit Library, in the effort to trace out the extent
of the Canadian districts and counties, with their courts, from
1760 to 1796. Their replies agree, that it is difficult to follow
the progress of civil law on the peninsula of Upper Canada west-
ward to the Detroit river and around the lakes. In 1778, Lord
Dorchester, Governor General of Canada, divided Upper Canada
into four districts for civil purposes, one of wdiich included De-
troit and the posts on the upjier lakes. Early in 1792 the Upper
Canadian Parliament authorized Governor Simcoe to lay off
nineteen counties, to embrace that lu-ovince. It is presumed
that the county of Essex, on the east bank of Detroit river, in-
cluded the country on the west and south around the head of
Lake Erie, but of this the information is not conclusive. Some
form of British civil authority existed at their forts and settle-

■60 ANNALS OF THE

ments until ])etroit Avas given u]), and all its dependencies, in
17!t<;. When Gov. St. Clair erected the countv of Washington,
in Ohio, in 1788, it embraced the Western Reserve east of the
Cnyahoga. West of this river and the Tnscarawas was held hy
the Indians and the British.

The State of Connecticut claimed jurisdiction ovei- the Re-
serve, but made no movement toward the erection of counties.
W^hen she sold to the Land Company, in 1795. Ix^th j)arties im-
agined that the deed of Connecticut conveyed i)owers of civil
government to tlie com])auy, and that the grantees might organ-
ize a new State. As the United States objected to this mode of
setting up States, this region was. in ]iractice, Avithout any mag-
isti'ates, courts or other organized civil authority until that ques-
tion was settled, in 1800. Immediately after the British had re-
tired, in 1796, Governor St. Clair erected the county of Wayne,
with Detroit as the county seat. It included that part of the
Reserve west of the Cuyahoga, extending south to Wayne's
treaty line, Avest to the Avaters of Lake Michigan and its tributa-
ries, and north to the territorial line. Its l)oundaries are not
very precise, but it clearly embraced about one-third of the pres-
ent State of Ohio. The question of jurisdiction when Wayne
county Avas erected, in 1796, remained o]»en, as it had under the
county of Washington. In 1797 the county of Jefferson Avas es-
tablished, em])racing all of the Reserve east of the Cuyahoga.
When Trumbull county Avas erected, in 1800. it embraced the
entire Western Reserve, Avith magistrates and courts having full
legal authoi'ity under the territorial government. Before this,
although no deeds could be executed here, those executed else-
Avhere Avere, in some cases, recorded at Marietta, the county seat
of Washington county. Some divines had ventured to solemnize
marriages before 1800, by virtue of their ministerial office. Du-
ring the first four years of the settlement of the Reserve there
was no law the force of .Avhich Avas acknowledged here, l)ut the
law abiding sjiirit of New England among the early settlers was
such that peace and order generally prevailed. By the organi-

EARLY SETTLEBS' ASSOCIATION. 61

zation of (leauga couuty, Marcli 1, 180G, what is now Cuyahoga
county, east of the river, belonged to Geauga, until 1809, when
this county was organized.

Very respectfully, yours,

Cha8. Whittlesey.

MEMORIAL OF AHIMAAZ SHERWIN.

BY HIS DAUGHTER, MRS. E. G. ROSE.

During the past year many of those whose names appear in
the "'Annals of Early Settlers' Association," have passed from
among us, and with them is laid away volumes of unwritten his-
tory of rare interest, relating to the early days of Cleveland and
surroundings.

One of these. Ahimaaz Sherwin, than Avhom ncme took
greater interest in all that concerned the times, past or present,
departed this life on the 24th of January, 1881, after a few
hours' illness, at the ripe old age of 80 years. He retained, up
to his last day, the perfect enjoyment of a most active and ver-
satile mind, that was a complete storehouse of interesting and
amusing reminiscences of Cleveland pioneer life.

Mr. Sherwin was born on the oth of February, 1792, in the
town of Baltimore, in the southeastern part of Vermont; after-
wards living in Hartland and Middleliury till his marriage and
subsecpient removal. He left Middlebury for Cleveland, Febru-
ary 10th, 1818, making the entire journey in a two-horse sleigh,
accompanied by his wife and little daughter (now Mrs. J. D.
Carlton, of Elkhart, Ind.), and bringing some household goods.
The sleighing was excellent all the way, and the weather very
severe, the thermometer standing .for ten days below zero, mod-
erating, however, as they reached Buffalo.

An incident of the journey which illustrates the hardships of
traveling in those days, occurred between Buffalo and Dunkirk.

•62 annal:^ of the

As they crossed the lake on \\\v ice between those points, they
came, early in the evening-, nnexpectedly ujjon a sink-hole, into
which the horses plung-ed. thoroughly wetting the occujiants of
the sleigh; hut soon righting- themselves, they rode on with fro-
zQn clothes, but with ardor undampened, to find a stopping
place for the night. They arrived in Cleveland the 1st day of
March, making an eighteen days" journey; a little snoAv covered
the ground, but soon disappeared. Could find no place m the
city to stop, was therefore obliged to go out to East Cleveland,
then known as Doan's Corners, consisting at that time of the
Doan Hotel, kept by Job Doan, a log house opposite, and a one
story house on the corner of Doan street and Euclid avenue, oc-
cupied by Judge John H, Strong. Eichard Blinn owned a farm
on the Newburgh road; there Mr. Sherwin made his first home,
and his first employment was to finish the inside carpenter work
of Mr. Blinn's house, Avhich enabled him to return to Vermont
on the 26th of August, 1818, with a two-horse team, to bring to
Cleveland his parents and two sisters.

On the return trip, upon reaching Buffalo, he left his parents
to continue the journey with the team, while he and his sisters
took passage on the sloop Huntington, commanded l)y Capt.
Day, of Black Kiver. Left Buffalo on a clear, pleasant evening,
but when near Erie, a most perilous storm arose, and they were
driven back to Point Abino, where they remained until the
storm abated, reaching Cleveland on the morning of the seventh
day out of Buffalo. A flat-boat came out to the sloop and took
off the baggage and passengers, landing them on the side-hill
near the foot of Superior street. "Foot & Walker's Line" was
the only accommodation in those days, so they were obliged to
continue their journey to Doan's Corners on foot, the interme-
diate distance being then an almost unbroken wilderness, with
hut two or three openings l:»etween. The i)athway through the
the Avoods and brush was delightful at that season; the trees in
beautiful foliage and laden with nuts, many bushels being gath-
ered that fall. Peaches were also abundant that season. They

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 63

arrived at the "Corners" just in time to meet the other mem-
bers of the family driving in. The journey consumed six weeks
from time of leaving Cleveland.

Mr. Sherwin's first i)urcliase of property was a piece of tim-
ber land, fifteen acres, of Jno. H. Strong, where the Euclid Av-
enue Congregational Church now stands. There his parents
lived several years, till his father's death. The first large
piece of work undertaken in this city was the finishing of the
inside of the Johnson House, kej^t by Levi Johnson. The next
was building a large two-story house for Horace Perry, now
standing, corner of alley and the Square, occupied at present as
a market; considered in those days a fine building. About this
time he also built a steam flouring mill at the foot of St. Clair
street, for Wm. G-. Taylor, the first in the city. Finished the
home of Nathan Perry, on Euclid avenue, now occupied by N.
P. Payne; then did the wood Avork of the Weddell stone dwell-
ing, for Peter M. Weddell, now owned and occupied by Horace
P. Weddell. These houses were the only ones on the avenue at
that time, except Orlando Cutter's. The residence where Henry
H. Dodge lives being built soon after.

He assisted in surveying and laying out Prospect, Ontario and
St. Clair streets, and many others. The year 1827 was attended
by much sickness — fever and chills — which proved fatal to great
numbers. Among those who fell victims to the fever was his
wife. The canal was put through in that year, which probably
caused the unusual sickness. In 1828 he contracted a second
marriage with Miss Sarah M. King, who survives him after a
union of over fifty years. Six children remain, a son and daugh-
ter by his first wife, and four daughters by his present wife.
Although nearly blind the last few years of his life, he never
murmured, but was ever cheerful and j^atient, entertaining ev-
eryone who visited him, and seeming to impart to them a meas-
ure of his own happy nature.

The first piece of property purchased by Mr. Sherwin in the
city, was on the corner of Ontario and Prospect streets, eight

64 ANNALS OF THE

rods S([iiare. Tie afterward sold it to Clark & Willey, and is
where the "Farmers' Block" stood. It afterwards reverted to
his possession again and was held by him a number of years,
In-inging when sold what was then considered a fair price, bnt
which would now be a mere nothing. In 183"^he]mrchaseda small
farm, part of the Richard Blinn farm, on the Newburgh road,
and in March. 1832, moved out there, developing it into one of
tbc finest farms in the vicinity of Cleveland — gratifying every
sense Ijy its natural beauty and varied resources. There may be
some yet who remember with pleasure riding out there to the
sugar camp in the early spring to feast on maple syrup, warm
sugar and wax.

In 1853 N. C. Baldwin ])urchased the 2)lace, and Mr. Sherwin
built a brick house on Fairmount street, near the village, being
the only house then on that street between the Newburgh road
and the Corners, except the old Stark house. During his latter
years he built, occupied and sold several homes, residing a ])or-
tion of the time with some of his daughters, s^tending the last
two years of his life, however, at 51 Si])ley street, the last home
he built. The enterprise of his youth which enabled him to
make those two long, tedious Journeys from the east to the west,
there to establish a home and help build up a city, seemed never
to Hag. He took the greatest interest in everything progressive
— in politics, religion and science. All recollections of early
times given by others to the papers, were lived over in his mem-
ory. He was greatly interested in the Early Settlers' Associa-
tion, though not permitted to attend their meeting, owing to
feebleness and advanced years. Of all the old friends of whom
he often spoke, who have witnessed the growth of our beautiful
city from its small beginnings, John W. Allen and Moses White
alone remained at the tinie of his decease.

With reverent hearts, scan the list of the noljle dead who have

left behind so rich a legacy of worthy deeds and noble thoughts.

For them,

"Life's labors done,
Life's battles won,

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 65

No need of granite stone

Their virtues to record.
In loving hearts enshrined,
The good shall ever find

Virtue its own reward."

Cleveland, July 2, 188-^.

WHEN I CAME.

Mr. President: 1 came to the Reserve in 1824 in a vessel;
landed in Cleveland the third day of May, about five in the even-
ing; Captain Williamson commanded the vessel; was obliged to
cast anchor three miles out; no wharves or docks; came ashore
in a small boat. The captain hesitated about trying to come on
shore until morning, but finally he says: '"If you dare venture,
I will take two sailors and your trunk." We had no such mam-
moth trunks as there are in this age. There were a hundred and
sixty passengers, and most of them sea-sick. I said I would as
soon be at the bottom of Lake Erie as to be here; we made the
attempt, and got on shore all right. The ca})tain took me up
to Doctor Mcintosh, who then kept public house. There we
found Doctor Burton and Rodney Strong, the doctor on horse-
l)ack, and Mr. Strong in a buggy, who very kindly gave me a
i-ide to Euclid, now Collamer. The road was very full of stumps,
the trees were cut, but the stumps were still standing. After
going about two miles there came up a heavy thunder-shower;
we were in total darkness, only when it lightened. The doctor
was directly behind us, urging us on, but we arrived safe at Mr.
.Strong's door at eight in the evening; he was then keeping pub-
lic house in the Lyndley House, now torn down; this was Sat-
urday evening. Sunday, at noon, Mr. Adams came there, and
after an introduction, he invited me to go to church with liim
— a nice old gentleman, Mr. Darius Adams' father — he said he
5

66 ANNALS OF THE

would give me the best seat iu the churcli. I went. He seated
me with General Dille and wife on a bnggy seat that they had
brought in for their own convenience. The minister was the
Rev. Mr. Bradstreet; he boarded in our family, Doctor Burton's.

The next week I attended a dancing party at the house of
Mr. David Bonnell, quite a small log house. It stood where Mr.
Harbeck's house now stands. The musician was Mr. James
Hendershot — splendid music. I enjoyed it much; all plain,
happy people — no strife for dr.ess or fashion. The same week
the school directors came for me to teach the school in Frogville,
now Collinwood; went down in an ox team; the roads were
just logs thrown together, very rough. I taught three months;
boarded in Mr. Hale's family, now all dead. Among the schol-
ars was a large, hardy young chap. I was often amused, stand-
ing at the window to see him crack chestnut burs with his heel.
He is now an honorable member of your Association.

Very few of the old settlers are left. I could mention many
interesting circumstances of the early settlers. When the Doc-
tor arrived at Euclid he had but two shillings left. He and an-
other young man flipped a copper to see which should have
the district school; it fell to the Doctor's lot to teach the school,
and by that means he got into practice and was very successful.

I will take no more time.

Mks. a. p. Burton.
Oollamer, Aug. 20, 1882.

Note. — It may not be improper to state that the writer of the foregoing is
the widow of Dr. Elijah Burton, deceased, who for many years was a resident
physician of Euclid township. He came to Euclid in 1820, taught the school
for awhile, and studied medicine with Dr. Farnsworth, a physician of that vi-
cinity. Dr. Burton soon acquired an enviable reputation as a medical practi-
tioner, and especially in diseases peculiar to a new country. He was a noble-
hearted man, kind and liberal, and highly respected by all who knew him. He
died in 1854.

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 67

NAMES OF EARLY SETTLERS WHOM I KNEW.

Cleveland, 0., July 20, 1882.

The following, to the best of my recollection, are the names
of men who lived in what was then Cleveland, in the fall of 1811
and spring of 1812. Possibly a few names may be missing. I
will begin north of the Kingsbury creek, on Broadway:

The first was Maj. Samuel Jones, on the hill near the turn
of the road; farther down came Judge John Walworth, then
postmas:er, and his oldest son A. W. Walworth, and son-in-law.
Dr. David Long. Then on the corner, where the Forest City
House now stands, was a Mr. Morey. The next was near the
now American House, where the little post office then stood, and
Mr. Hanchet, who had just started a little store. Close by was
a tavern, kept by Mr. George Wallace. Then on top of the hill,
north of Main street, Lorenzo Carter and son, Lorenzo, Jr., who
ke})t tavern also. The only house below on Water street was
owned by Judge Samuel Williamson with his family, and his
brother Matthew, who had a tannery on the side hill below. On
the corner of Water and Superior streets, was Nathan Perry's
store, and his brother, Horace Perry, lived near by. Levi
Johnson began in Cleveland about that time, likewise two broth-
ers of his, who came on soon after; Benjamin, a one-legged man;
and I think the other name was John. The first and last were
Like captains for a time. Abraham Hickox, the old blacksmith;
Alfred Kelly, Esq., who boarded with 'Squire Walworth at that
time; then a Mr. Bailey, also Elias and Harvey Murray, and
perhaps a very few others in town not named.

Then on what is now Euclid avenue, from Monumental
Square through the woods to East Cleveland, was but one man,
Nathan Chapman, who lived in a small shanty, with a small
clearing around him, and near the now Euclid Station. He
died soon after. Then at what was called Doan's Corners lived
two families only, Nathaniel, the older, and Maj. Setli Doan.

68 ANNALU OF THE

Then on the south, now Woodland Hills tivenue, first came
Richard Blinn, Rodolphus Edwards, and Mr. .Stephens, a school
teacher; Mr. Honey, James Kingshury, David Burras, Eben
Hosmer, John Wightman, William W. Williams, and tliree
sons, Frederick, William W., Jr., and Joseph. Next, on now
the Carter pUice, Philomen Baldwin, and four sons, Philomen,
Jr., Amos, Caleb, and Runa. Next, James Hamilton; then
Samuel Hamilton (who was drowned on the lake), his widow,
;ind three sons, Chester, Justice, and Samuel. Jr., in what was
since called Newburgh, and now Cleveland. Six by the name
of Miles- — Erastus, Theodore. Charles, Samuel, Thompson, and
Daniel. Widow White, with five sons, John, William, Solo-
mon, Samuel, and Lyman. A Mr. Barnes. Henry Edwards,
Allen (iaylord, and father and mother. In the spring of 1812,
came Noble Bates, Ephraim and Jedediah Hubbell, with their
aged fatliei- and mother, (the latter socm after died;) in each
family were several sons; Ste})hen Gilbert, Sylvester Burk, with
six sons, II B. Burk, (laius, Erectus, &c. ; Abner Cochran, on
what is now called ^tna street. Samuel S. Baldwin, Esq.,
was sheriff and county surveyor, and hung the noted Indian,
John Omic, in 1813, Next, V. L. Morgan, with three sons.
Y. L., Ji. . Caleb, and Isham A. The next, on now Broadway.
Dyer Sherman, Christopher Gunn, Elijah, Charles, and Elijah
Gunii, Jr. ; Robert Fulton, Robert Carr, Samuel Dille, Ira En-
sign, Ezekiel Holly, and two sons, Lorin and Aljihonso; Wid-
ow Clark, and four sons. Mason, Martin, Jarvis, and Rufus.

Newburgh was set off from Cleveland and named, I think, in
1814 or 1815. I have never seen it on record, but well recollect

the circumstance.

Y. L. Morgan.

A Complete List

OF THE MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATIO>f SINCE ITS ORGANIZATION, NOVEMBER 19,

1879, TO OCTOBER 1, 1881— TOTAL 394.

CAME TO

NAME.

WHERE BORN.

WHEN.

THE RESERVE.

DIED.

Andrews, S. J.

Connecticut,

1801

1825

1880

Allen, J. W.

Connecticut,

1802

1825

....

Adixms, S. E.

New York,

1818

1837

....

Adams, Darius

Ohio,

1810

....

Ackley, J. M.

Ohio.

1835

....

Abbey, Seth A.

New York,

1798

1831

1880

Addison, H. M.

Ohio,

1818

....

Adams, Mrs. Mary A.

Ohio,

1811

Andrews, Mrs. J. A.

Ohio,

1816

Adams, W.K.

New York,

1812

1831

....

Anthony, Ambrose

Massachusetts,

1810

1834

....

Adams, Mrs. E. E.

Ohio,

1836

. . .

Atwell, C. R.

New York,

1813

1817

....

Adams, G. H.

England,

1831

1840

....

Avery, .J. T., Rev.

New York,

1810

1839

....

Angell, George,

Germany,

1830

1838

. . . .

Bingham, Elijah

New Hampshire,

1800

1835

1881

Buruham, Mrs. M. W.

Massachusetts,

1808

1838

. . . .

Baldwin, Dudley

New York,

1809

1819

. . . .

Bailey, Robert

....

1834

. . . .

Burgess, Solon

Vermont,

1817

1819

. . . .

Burton, Dr. E. D.

Ohio,

1825

. . . .

Burgess, L. F.

Ohio,

1823

Bull, L. S.

Connecticut,

1813

1820'

. . . .

Beers, D. A.

New Jersey,

1816

1818

1880

Bliss, Stoughton

Ohio,

1823

. . . .

Benedict, L. I).

Vermont,

1827

1830

. . . .

ANNALS OF THE

NAME.

WHERE BORN.

WHEN.

CAME TO
THE RESERVE.

DIED.

Borges, J. F.

Germany,

1810

1835

Bury, Theodore

New York,

• • > >

1839

Beverlin Job a

Pennsylvania,

1813

1834

Brett, J. W.

England,

1816

1888

Bowler, N. P.

New York,

1820

1839

Bulirer, Mrs. Stephen

Germany,

1828

1840

Bishop, J. P.

Vermont,

1815

1836

1881

Bishop, Mrs. E. W.

Ohio,

1821

Beardsley, I. L.

New York,

1819

1838

Burnham, Thos.

New York,

1808

1833

Bingham, William

Connecticut,

1816

1836

Brooks, 0. A.

Vermont,

1814

1834

Barber, Mrs. J. T.

New Hampshire,

1804

1818

Burwell, G. P.

Connecticut,

1817

1830

Burwell, Mrs. L. C.

Pennsylvania,

1820

1824

Branch, Dr. D. G.

Vermont,

1805

1833 1880

Bartlett, Nicholas

Massachusetts,

1822

1833

Babcock, Chas. H.

Connecticut,

1823

1834

Barber, Josiah

Ohio,

1825

Brayton, H. F.

New York,

1812

1836

. • t

Bauder, Levi

New Y''ork,

1812

1834

1882

Bowler, William

New York,

1822

1833

. > .

Beavis, B. R.

England,

1826

1834

• • >

Blossom, H. C.

Ohio,

1822

• > >

Beers, L. F.

Ohio,

1823

• • •

Bauder, L. F.

Ohio,

1840

. . .

BiHgham, E. Beardslej'

Ohio,

1826

. . .

Butts, Bolivar

New York,

1826

1840

Benham, F. M.

Connecticut,

1801

1811

. > .

Burns, Mrs. F. M.

Ohio,

1832

Butts, S. C.

New York,

1794

1840

• • •

Brooks, S. C.

Ohio,

1820

• ■ •

Baldwin, N. C.

Connecticut,

1802

1816

■ ■ .

Blair, Elizabeth

Ohio,

1820

• • •

Blair, Mary Jane

Ohio,

1818

181ts

* . .

Buike, 0. M.

Ohio,

1823

Burton, Mrs. Abby P.

Vermont,

1805

1824

'. > •.

Gaboon, Joel B.

New York,

1793

1810

, . .

Cannell, William

Isle of Man,

1811

1837

Cannell, John S.

Isle of Man,

1801

1828

. • .

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.

Cox, John
Coilett, Wm. K.
Coe, P. S.
Cross, David W.
Cowles, Edwin
Cottrell, L. Dow
Corlett, John
Cook, W. P.
Coaliley, Mrs. Harriet,
Cleveland, J. D.
Clark, James F.
Clark, Aaron,
Carlton, C. C.
Cozad, Elias
Cutter, O. P.
Corlett, Thomas
Crittenden, Mrs. M. A.
Chapman, H. M.
Christian, James
Carson, Marshall
Craw, William V.
Crawford, Lucian
Crosby, Thomas D.
Colahan, Samuel
Curtiss, L. W.
Crocker, Mrs. D.
Cushman, Mrs. H.
Chapman, G. L.
Chapman, Mrs, G. L.
Corlett, Mrs. M. H.
Cottrell, Mrs. L. D.
Dodge, George C
Dodge, H. H.
Dodge, Wilson S.
Detraer, G. H.
Doan, W. H.
Doan, Mrs. C. L.
Dibble, Lewis
Duty, D. W.
Doan, John

WHERE BORN.

WHEN.

CAME TO
THE RESERVE. DIED.

England,

....

1837

Isle of Man,

1820

1837

1837^ . ..

New York,

• • • ■

1836

Ohio,

. • • <

1832

New York,

1811

1835

Isle of Man,

1816

1836

New York,

1825

1838

New Jersey,

1797

1814

New York,

1822

1835

New York,

1809

1833

Connecticut,

1811

1832 1881

Connecticut,

1812

1831

New Jersey,

1790

1808 1880

Ohio,

1824

Isle of Man,

1820

1827

New York,

1802

1827 1882

Ohio,

1830

Isle of Man,

1810

1838

New York,

1810

1834 1882

New York,

1810

1832

Ohio,

1828

1828 . ..

Massachusetts,

1804

1811

Canada,

1808

1814

New York,

• 1817

1834

New York,

1796

1801 1881

Ohio,

18S0

1820

Connecticut,

1795

1819

New Hampshire,

1805

1827

New York,

1829

1833

New York,

1811

1833

Ohio,

1813

Ohio,

1810

Ohio,

1839

Germany,

1801

1835

Ohio,

1828

Connecticut,

1816

1834

New York,

1807

1812

New Hampshire,

1804

1825

New York,

1798

1801

ANNALS OF THE

NAME.

Dockstader, C. J.
Doan, J. W.
Dunham, D. B.
Dentzer. Daniel
Dodge, Mrs. G. C.
Doan, George
Davidson, C. A.
Diemer, Peter
Dutton, Dr. C. F.
Day, L. A.
Dunn, Mrs. E. Ann
Dunn, Mrs. Elizabeth
Diebold, Fred
Doan, Seth C.
Davis, L. L.
Davis, Mrs. Cynthia
Edwards, R.
Erwin, John
Emerson, Oliver
Flint. E. S. ■
Fitch, J. W.
Foot, John A.
Foot, Mrs. John A.
Fuller, William,
Fitch, James
Foot, A. E.
Flint, Mrs. E. S.
Ford, L. W.
Foljambe, Samuel
Ferris William
Fish, Electa
Gill, Mrs. M. A.
Gaylord, E. F.
Gardner, George W.
Gordon, Wm. J.
Greenhalgh, K
Goi-ham, J. H.
Gayton, Mrs. M. A.
• Gaylord, Mrs. E. F.
Goodwin, William

CAME TO

WHEKE BORN. WHEN. THE RESERVE.

Ohio, 1838 1838

Ohio. 1833 1833

New York, 1831

Germany, 1815 1832

Vermont, 1817 1820

Ohio, 1828 1828

Ohio, 1837 1837

Germany, 1827 1840

New York, 1831 1837

Ohio, 1812

England, 1806 1834

New York, 1828 1834

Ohio, 1840 1840

Ohio, 1819 1819

Connecticut, 1793 1839

Pennsylvania, 1818 1839

Ohio, 1818 1818

New York, 1808 1835

Maine, 1804 1821

Ohio, 1819 1838

New York, 1823 1826

Connecticut, 1803 1833

Pennsylvania, 1816 1832

Connecticut, 1814 1836

New York. 1821 1827

Connecticut, 1810 1830

New York, 1824 1830

Massachusetts, 1830 1841

England, 1804 1824

Pennsylvania, 1808 1815

New York, 1808 1811

Isle of Man, 1812 1827

Connecticut, 1795 1834

Massachusetts, 1834 1837

New Jersey, 1818 1835

England, 1828 1840

Connecticut, 1807 1838

England, 1808 1832

New York, 1801 1834

Ohio. 1838 1838

1881

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.

NAME.

WHERE BORN.

WHEN.

CAME TO
THE RESERVE

Giddings, Mrs. C. M.

Michigan,

1805

1827

Gibbons, James

Ohio,

1840

Gibbons, Mrs. M. B.

Ireland,

1829

1838

Gaylord, H. C.

Connecticut, .

1826

1834

Gardner, A. S.

Vermont,

1809

1818

Gardner, Mrs A. S.

Ohio,

1814

Graham, Robert,

Pennsylvania,

1814

1834

Greene, S. C.

Ohio,

1822

1841

Herrick, R. R.

New York.

1820

1836

Hessenmueller, E.

Germany,

1836

Hills, N. C.

Vermont,

180.^)

1831

Hills, Mrs. N. C.

New York,

1811

1831

Handy, T. P.

New York,

1807

1832

Hudson, W. P.

Ohio,

1820

Heil, Henry

Germany,

1810

1832

Hubbell, H. S.

Ohio,

1832

Hubby, L. M.

New York,

1812

1839

Hickox, Charles

Connecticut,

1810

1837

Howard, A. D.

Connecticut,

1803

1834

Honeywell, Ezra

New York,

1802

1831

Harris, B. C.

Ohio,

1832

Hudson, D. I).

Pennsylvania,

1824

1837

Heisel, N.

Germany,

1816

1834

Hayden, A. S.

Ohio,

1813

1835

Harris, Mrs. J. A.

Massachusetts,

1810

1837

Harris, B. E.

Ohio,

1838

Hurlbut, H. B.

New York,

1818

1836

Hurlbut, Mrs. H. B.

New York,

1818

1836

Hughes, Arthur

Vermont,

1807

1840

Hudson, Mrs. C. Ingersoll

Ohio,

1819

Hawkins, H. C.

Ohio,

1822

House, Martin

Ohio,

1835

Haltnorth, Mrs. G.

Prussia,

1819

1836

Hird, Thomas

England,

1808

1830

Hastings, S. L.

Massachusetts

1813

1836

Harper, E. R.

Ohio,

1812

1816

Henry, R. W.

New York, '

1809

1818

Ingham, W. A.

• ■ ■ •

1832

Johnson, Mrs. L. D.

Ohio,

1825

1834

Jones, Thos., Jr.

England,

1821

1831

1880

ANNALS OF TEE

WHERE BORN.

WHEN.

Jewett, A. A.
Johnson, P. L.
Jaynes, Harris
Jaclcson, Chas.
Jones, W. S.
Johnson, W. C.
Jolinson, A. M.
Jayred, Wm. H.
Keller, Henry
Kellogg, A.
Kelley, Horace
Kelly, John
Kingsbury, Jas. W.
Keyser, James
Keyser, Mrs. James
Lewis, Sanford J.
Lewis, Chittenden
Lathrop, C. L.
Lowman, Jacob,
Lyon, R. T.
Lamb, Mrs. D. W.
Leonard, Jarvis
Lyon, S.S.
Layman, S. H.
Lewis, G. F.
Lee, Mrs. R.
Lemen, Catherine
Lathrop, W. A.
Lyon, Mrs. S. S.
Minor, Marion
Morgan, A. W.
Morgan, Y. L,
Morgan, E. P.
Myer, Nicholas
Mackenzie, C. S.
Mygatt, George
Mcintosh, Mrs. A.
Mcintosh, A.
Mcllrath, M. S.
Miller, Mrs. M.

Ohio,

1833

Ohio,

1835

England,

1829

Ohio,

1837

Connecticut,

1813

Ohio,

1823

New Jersey,

1831

Germany.

1810

Ohio,

1820

Ohio,

1819

Pennsylvania,

1809

Ohio,

1813

New York,

1818

Ohio,

1831

New York,

1823

New York,

1800

Connecticut,

1804

Illinois, 1819

Massachusetts, ....

Vermont, 1810

Connecticut, 1817

Ohio, 1819

New York, 1822

Ohio, 1837

Ohio, 1811
New Hampshire, 1813

Ohio, 1823

New York, 1835

Ohio, 1815

Connecticut, 1797

Connecticut, 1807

Germany, 1809

Maryland, 1809

Connecticut, 1797

Scotland, 1809

Scotland, 1808

New Jersey, ....

Ohio, 1809

CAME TO
THE RESERVE.

1831

1823

1835

1837

1835

1823

1833

1832

1820

1819

1832

1813

1833

1831

1837

1831

1832

1824

1837

1834

1818

1831

1837

1820

1816

1822

1831

1815

1811

1840

1834

1836

1807

1836

1820

DIED.

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.

75-

NAME.

WHERE BORN.

WHEN.

CAME TO
THE RESERVE.

DIED.

Marshall, George F,

New York,

1817

1836

Morgan, I. A.

Connecticut,

1809

1811

Miller, William L..

Ohio,

1829

Merchant, Silas

Ohio,

1826

Mather, Samuel H.

New Hampshire,

1813

1835

Marble, Levi

New York,

1820

1830

Merwin, George B.

Connecticut,

1809

1816

Marshall, Daniel

New York,

1824

1841

Marshall, Mrs. Daniel

Vermont,

1830

1841

Merkel, M.

Germany,

1818

1840

Merkel, Mrs. M.

Germany,

1823

1834

McKeynolds, Mrs. M. D.

Ohio,

....

Morgan, Caleb

Connecticut,

1799

1811

Meeker, S. C.

Ohio,

1820

Morgan, H. L.

Ohio,

1832

Morgan, ^Sarah H.

Ohio,

1838

Morgan, Mrs. N. G.

Ohio,

1815

1818

Marshall, I. H.

Ohio,

1822

....

Mallory, Daniel

New York,

1801

1833

Morgan, Mrs. A. W.

Ohio,

1821

Nott, C. C.

Connecticut,

1826

1835

Newmark S.

Bavaria,

1816

1839

Norton. C. H.

New York,

1805

1838

1881

Neflf, Melchor

Germany,

1826

1834

Ogram, J. W.

England,

1820

Ogram, Mrs. J. W.

Ohio,

1825

O'Brien, 0. D.

Ohio,

1819

O'Brien, Delia R.

Vermont,

1813

1817

O'Connor, R.

Ohio,

1824

Pannell, James

New York,

1812

1832

Penty, Thomas

England,

1808

1829

Palmer, J. D.

Connecticut,

1831

1835

Payne, N. P.

Ohio,

1837

Porter, L. G.

Massachusetts,

1806

1826

Pease, Samuel

Massachusetts,

1805

1828

Pease, Charles

Ohio,

1811

1835

Pelton, F. W.

Connecticut,

1827

1835

Proudfoot, D.

Scotland,

1809

1832

Piper. A. J.

Vermont,

1814

1839

Pier, Mrs. L. J.

Ohio,

1823

1838

ANNALS OF TBE

NAME.

WHERE BORN.

WHEN.

CAMK TO
THE RESERVE. DIED.

Pease, Mary E.

Connecticut.

1816

1835

Panldiurst, Mrs. Sarah

England,

1832

1835

Paddock, T. S.

New York,

1814

1836

Phillips, B. F.

Ohio,

1833

Palmer, Sophia

Ohio,

1818

Payne, H. B.

New York,

1810

1833

Payne, Mrs. H . B.

Ohio,

1818

Phillips, Mrs. Einily

Ohio,

1809

Prescott, James

Massachusetts,

1826

Quinn, Arthur

Ireland,

1810

1832

Quayle, Thos.

Isle of Man,

1827

Kice, Harvey.

Massachusetts ,

1800

1824

Rice, Mrs- Harvej'

Vermont,

1812

1833

Rouse, Rebecca E.

Massachusetts,

1799

1830

Russell, George H.

New York,

1817

1834

Rogers, C. C.

Ireland,

1813

1839

Kupel, S. D.

Ohio,

1808

Robison. J. P.

New Y^ork,

1811

1832

Rouse, B. F.

Massachusetts,

1824

1830

Rannej^ W. S.

Ohio,

1835

Rowley, Lucy A.

Connecticut,

. 1805

1827

Radcliflf, Mary A.

Isle of Man,

1822

1826

Rice, P. W.

Ohio,

1829

Redingtou, Mrs. C

New York,

1821

1839

Rediugton, J. A.

New York,

1818

1839

Ranney, Hufus P.

Massachusetts,

1813

1824

Spalding, R. P.

Massachusetts.

1798

1820

Stickney, Mrs. C. B.

Canada,

1836

Stickuey, Hamilton

New York,

1824

18.30

Spangler, Mrs. Elizabeth

Maryland,

1790

1820 1880

Sherwin, Ahimaaz

Vermont.

1792

1818 1881

Scovill, Mrs. J. Bixby

Ohio,

1800

1816

Silberg, F.

Germany,

1804

1834

Sherwin, Mrs. S. M.

New Y'ork,

1809

1827

Sabin, William

New York,

1817

1839

Skedd, W. Y.

England,

1816

1833

Shepard, D. A.

Connecticut,

1810

1833

Sargent, John H.

New York,

1814

1818

Skinner, 0. B.

Ohio,

1831

Southworth, W. P.

Connecticut,

1819

1836

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.

CAME TO

NAMK.

WHERE BORN.

WHEN .

THE RESERVE.

DIED.

Slawson, J. L.

• Michigan,

1806

1813

Scovill, E. A.

Ohio.

1819

Saxton, Mrs. E. A.

Maine,

1821

1833

Stepheason, Wm.

Pennsylvania,

1804

1833

Smith, Mrs. F. L.

Connecticut,

* ■ • •

1836

Shelley, .Tohn

England,

1815

1835

Sacket, Alex.

Pennsylvania,

1814

1835

Sacket, Mrs. Alex.

Ohio,

1815

Sterling, Dr. E.

Connecticut,

1825

1837

Schiely, Mrs. Anna

Germany,

1832

Sheldon, S. H.

New York,

1813

1835

Stanley, G. A.

Connecticut,

1837

Spangler, M. M.

Ohio,

1813

1820

Slade, Horatio

England,

....

1834

Sorter, Harry

New York,

1820

1831

Smith, W. T.

New York,

1811

1836

Strickland, B.

Vermont,

1810

1835

Strickland, Mrs. H. W.

Ohio,

....

1834

Saxton, J. C.

Vermont,

1812

1818

Smith, Mrs. Wm.

1811

1836

Strong. Charles H.

Ohio,

1831

Sanford, A. S.

Connecticut,

1805

1829

Smith, Erastus

Connecticut,

1790

1832

Ib81

Steward, J. S.

Ohio,

1818

Severance, Mrs. M. H.

Ohio,

....

Strong, Homer

Connecticut.

1811

1836

Selden, N. D.

Connecticut,

1815

1831

Stillman, W. H.

Connecticut,

1808

1833

Simmons, Thomas

Ohio,

1832

Shunk, Mrs. A. H.

Ohio,

1824

Stevens, C. C.

Maine,

1819

1833

Simmons, Isaac B.

1806

1836

Selden, Mrs. Elizabeth

Ohio,

1819

Sorter, C. N.

New York,

1812

1831

Sharp, Clayton

Ohio,

1811

1833

Severance, S. L.

Ohio.

1834

Slade, Samantha Doan

Ohio.

1817

Spring, V.

Massachusetts,

1799

1817

Short, David

Connecticut,

1818

1827

Tilden, D. R.

Connecticut,

1806

1828

ANNALS OF THE

NAME.

Taylor, Harvey
Thompson, Thos.
Turner, S. W.
Thompson, H. V.
Thompson, Mrs. H. V,
Townsend, H. G.
Truscott, Samuel
Vincent, J. A.
Williams, A. J.
Wick, C. C.
Whitelaw, George
Walters, John R.
Weidenkopf, F,
Weidenkopf, Jacob
Wightman, S. H.
Watkins, George
Weston, George B.
Warren, Moses
Wager, I. D.
Williams, George
Welch, John
Welch, <). F.
Wheller, B. S.
Wheller, Jane
Warner, W. J.
Wiglitman, D. L.
Williamson, Samuel
Whittlesey, H. S.
Winslow, E. N.
Wilson, William
Welch, Jas. S.
Willson, Mrs. H. V.
Wemple, Myndret
Wellstead, Joseph
Waterman, Wm.
Williams, William
Whitaker, Charles
Walters, B. C.
Weidenkopf. Mrs. 0.
White, Moses

WHERE BORN.

WHEN.

CAME TO
THE RESERVE. DIED.

Ohio,

1814

1814 1880

England,

1814

1836

Connecticut,

1813

1832

New York,

1816

1839

Vermont,

1823

1837

New York,

1812

1834

Canada,

1829

1838

Pennsylvania,

1807

1830

New York,

1829

1840

Ohio,

1813

1835

Scotland,

1808

1832

New York,

1811

1834

Germany,

1819

1837

German}^

1828

1837

Ohio,

1819

Connecticut,

1812

1818

Massachusetts,

1805

1826

Connecticut,

1803

1815

Ohio,

1820

18^0

Connecticut,

1799

1833

New York,

1800

1825

> ■ • •

1817

England,

. • • •

1836

England,

■ • > •

1831

Vermont,

1808

1831

Ohio,

1817

Pennsylvania,

1808

1810

Ohio,

1836

North Carolina,

1824

1830

Ohio,

1819

Ohio,

1821

Michigan,

1802

1835

New York,

1796

1818

England,

1817

1837

Ohio,

1818

Connecticut,

1803

1836

New York,

1817

1831

New York,

1807

1837

Alsace,

1819

1830

. .

Massachusetts,

1791

1816 18

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. ' 79

CAME TO

NAME.

WHERE BORN.

WHEN.

THE RESERVE

AVilson, Fred.

New York,

1807

1832

Warren, Mrs. J. Y-

New York,

1816

Walworth, John

Ohio,

1821

Younglove, M. C.

New York,

....

1836

HONORARY MEMBERS.

NAME, WHERE BORN.

Crosby, Charles Massachusetts,
Garfield, James A.,

President United Slates, Ohio, 1831 1831 1881

Garfield, Mrs. Eliza B.,

his mother, New Hampshire, 1801

WHEN.

CAJIIE TO
THE RKSERVE.

1801

1811

1831

1801

1830

CI'. '■ a.

NEW MEMBERS RECEIVED DURING THE
PAST Y£AR TO SEPT. i, 4882.

CAME TO

NAME.

WHERE BORN.

WHEN.

FHE RESERVE.

DIED.

Adams, Mrs. S. E.

Vermont,

1819

1839

Adams, E. E.

Ohio,

1830

Barnett, James

New York, .

1821

1826

Brown, Mrs. Hiram

England,

1822

1832

Barr, Mrs. Judge

Connecticut,

1820

1837

Burgess, (Catharine

New Jersey,

1800

1830

Burke, Thos.

New York,

1832

1839

Berg, John

Germany,

1817

1842

I^uell, Anna M.

Ohio,

1837

Beardsley, Mrs. I. L.

New York,

1821

1836

Bolton, Mrs. Judge
Bingham, Mrs. Elijah

1822

1833

New Hampshire,

1805

183.')

Charles, .J. S.

New York,

1818

1832

Case, Zophas

Ohioy

1804

1818

Crawford, Mary E.

Ohio,

1834

Callester, Mrs. M.

Isle of Man,

1824

1828

Callester, J. J.

Isle of Man,

1818

1642

Curtis, Mrs. Samuel

England,

1824

1830

Crosby, Mary A.

Ohio,

1813

Chapman, Mrs. E. C.

Ohio.

1840

Carver Stickney

New York,

1840

Cannell, Thomas

Isle of Man,

1805

1834

Douw, Mrs. Melissa

New York,

1809

1831

Davis. Tliomas

England,

1799

1819

Degnon, Mrs. M. A.

New York,

1814

1837

Doan, Norton

Ohio,

1831

1881

Eckermann, M.

Germany,

1808

1842

Eckermann, Caroline

Germany,

1807

1842

Edwards, Mrs. S.

New York,

1819

18.30

Farr, E. S.

Pennsylvania,

1805

1819

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.

NAME.

WHERE BORN.

WHEN.

CAME TO
THE RESERVE. DIED.

Fey, Frederick
Ferris, Amanda

Germany,
Vermont,

1810

1808

1832
1820

Gleason, I. L.

Ohio,

1835

1825

Gleason, Mrs. I. L.

Ohio,

1832

Glidon, Joseph

Vermont,

1810

1841

Given, William

Ireland,

1819

1841

Given, Mrs. M. E.

Ohio,

1825

Gage, D. W.

Ohio,

1825

Gardner, 0. S.

Ohio,

1840

Hough, Mary P.

Ohio,

1816

Hadlow, H. R.
Harbeck, John S.

England,
New York,

1808
1807

1835
1840

Hamilton, A. J.

Ohio,

1833

Hutchins, John

Ohio,

1812

Hodge, 0. J.

New York,

1828

1837

Hurlbut, Mrs. H . A.

Vermont,

1809

1834 1882

Ingersoll, John
Kerr, Levi

Ohio,
Ohio,

1824

1822

1824

1822

Keller, Elizabeth

Germany,

1817

1836

Kerruish, W. S.

Ohio,

1831

Kellogg, Louisa

Ohio,

1821

Long, John

England,

1810

1842

McCrosky, S. L. B.

Ohio,

1833

Martin, Eleanor L.

England,

1826

1832 , . . .

Marshall, Mrs. G. F.

New York,

1818

1842

Murphey, Wm.

Ireland,

1810

1830

McLeod, H. N.

Canada,

1831

1837

Palmer, E. W.

New Yi.rk,

1820

1841

Pannell, Mrs. James

Massachusetts,

1813

1885

Paine, R. F.

New York,

1810

1815

Parker, Henry
Russell, C. L.

Ohio,
New York,

1824
1810

1829
1835

Remington, S. G.

New York,

1828

1834

Ranney, Mrs. Anne

New York,

1811

1834

Sanford, Mrs. A. S.

Rhode Island,

1803

1825

Stewart, C. C.

Connecticut,

1817

1836

Spayth, A.
Smith, Erastus

Germany ,
Connecticut,

1800
1802

1832
1833

Smith, Elijah

Connecticut,

1821

1832

Sabin, Mrs. Wm.
6

New York,

1821

1838

^]NNAL.S OF THE

NAME.

WHERE BORN.

WHEN.

CAJIE TO
THE RESERVE. 1

>IED.

Southworth, Mrs. E.

Connecticut,

1801

1819

Spencer, T. P.

Connecticut.

1811

1882

Spangler, Mrs. M. M.

Canada,

1820

188.-)

Short, Lewis

Connecticut,

1811

1827

Short, Helen

New Hampshire,

1811

1828

Wilson, Jas. T.

Ohio,

1828

184U

Winch, Thomas

New Yorli,

1806

1832

Wiglitman, Mrs. D. L.

Ohio,

1822

Wood, Mrs. M. S.

Michigan,

1821

1840

. . .

HONOKARY MEMBER.

.VAllE. WHERE BORN.

Garfield, Mrs. Lucretia R. Ohio,

CAME TO
WHEN. THE RESERVE.

Total members to Oct. 1, 1881 894

New members received during the year 79

Honorary members 4

Total membership 477

Constitution.

ADOPTED, AS AMENDED, JAN UARY lO, 1880.

AETICLE I.

This Association shall be know]i as the "Eakly Settleks"
AsHOciATiox OF CuYAHOGA CouNTY," and its members shall
consist of such persons as have resided in the Western Reserve
at least forty years, and are citizens of Cuyahoga county, and
who shall subscribe to this Constitution and pay a meml)er-
ship fee of one dollar, but'sbidl not 1)e sul)ject to furthei' lia-
bility.

ARTICLE J I.

TJie officers of this Association shall consist of a President,
two Vice Presidents, Secretary and Treasurer, with the addi-
tion of an Executive Committee of not less than five persons,
all of wliicli officers shall be members of the Association and
hold their offices for one year, and until their successors are
duly a])|)ointed and they accept their a])pointnients.

ARTICLE III.

The object of the Association shall be to meet in conven-
tion on the 22d day of July, or the following day if the 32d
fall on Sunday, each and every year, for the purpose of com-
memorating the day with appropriate public exercises, and
l)ringing the members into more intimate social relations, and
collecting all such facts, incidents, relics, and pei'sonal rem-

f!,f> ANNALS OF THE

iniscences respecting the early history and settlement of the
connty and other parts of the Western Reserve, as may l)e re-
garded of permanent value, and transferring tlie same to the
Western Eeserve Historical Society for preservation; and also
for the further purpose of electing otficers and transacting such
other hnsiness of the Association as may l)e re(|nired.

ARTICLE IV.

It shall he the duty of the President to pi'csidc at j)ul)lie
meetings of the Association, and in his ahsmce the like duty
shall devolve ui)on one of tlu' Vice Presidents. The Secretary
shall record in a l)ook fortlic |)iir|)os(' rhe ))roeeedings of the
Association, the names of tlu' nieinl)ers in alpliahctical order,
with the ages and time of residence at the date of heeoming
meml)ers. and conduct the necessary coiTcspondence of the
Association. He shall also he regarded as an additional niem-
her, ex-offieio. of the Kxeentive Conimiltee. and may consult
with them hut ha\e no vote. The Treasurer shall receive and
])av out all the moneys helonging to the Association, luit no
monevs shall l)e paid out exce])t on the joint ordei- of the
Chairman of the Executive Committee and Secretary of the
Association. No deht shall he incurred against the Associa-
tion hv anv ofHcei" or mendjcr heyond its ready means of pay-
jueut.

AliTICLK v.

The Executive Committee shall have the general sui)ervi-
sion and direction of the affairs of the Association, designate
the hour and place of holding its annual nu'ctings. and piih-
lish due notice thereof, with a ])rogramme of exercises. The
C(mimittee shall also have power to fill \acaiicies that nniy occur
in their own !)<»dy oi' in any nther ofHct' of the .\ssoeiation.
until the Association at a I'cgular meeting shall lill thesanu\
and shall appoint such nnmher of suhord iuate committees as
they may deem expedient. It shall also he their duty to re-

EARLY SETTLERS- ASSOCIATION. 87

port to the Association at its regular animal nieetmgs the eoii-
(lition of its affairs, its success jtnd ])rosi)ects, with such other
matter as they \\va\ d^eni iniixirtant. Thev shall also see that
tlie annual proceedings of the Associati(»ii. inchuling such
other valuahlc informal ion as llicy nuiy have received, are
jjroperly 2)rci)are(l and |)uhlisli(Ml in ]>am})hlet form, and gva-
tuitcnislv distrihuted to the members of the Association, as
soon as practical)lc after t'ach annual meeting.

AKxrcLK vr.

At any annual or special nu'cting of the Associaticm the
])resence of twenty mend)ers shall constitute a ((uorum. No
special meetings shall he held, except for hnsiness puri)oses
and on call of the Executive Committee. This Constitution
may be attested or amended at any regular annual meeting of
the Association on a three-fourths vote of all the memhers
present, and shall take effect, as amended, from the date of its
ado])tion. The former Constituticm of Xov. 19. 1870. is hereby
abolished.

ANNALS

POBLiCLioKAR

/ r. - - ' ■ « ' ■

ASTOR, LENpj^AN.

OF THE

EAR

Tirn

1 i JjJJ

m jss

CUYAHOGA COUNTY.

NUMBER IV.

PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

CLEVELAND, O.

PRINTED AT THE PUliLISHlNG HOUSE OF THE EV, ASSOCIATION.

1883.

*sr«R.^^'^

TICOEK +30

TJO**""*"

\&B

OFFICERS OF THE ASSOCIATION,

1883.

HON. HARVEY RICE, President.

HON. JOHN ^Y. ALLEN, ^ ^^ ^

y Vice-Presidents.
MRS. J. A. HARRIS, f

THOMAS JONES, JR., Secretary.

SOLON BURGESS, Treasurer.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

GEO. F. MARSHALL,
R. T. LYON,
DARIUS ADAMS,
JOHN H. SARGENT,
M. M. SPANGLER.

CHAPLAIN.

REV. THOMAS CORLETT.

Q ANNALS OF THE

enterprise, but for its intelligence and refined civilization — a land
that has produced, since its first settlement in 1796, more eminent
men and accomplished women in proportion to its population, it is
believed, than an}^ other part of the world. And though nearly
all of the earlier pioneers have now passed from earth to the enjo^--
ment of a brighter and happier " Reserve," let us thank God that
a lingering few of the venerable fathers and mothers of the land
still remain with us to tell the story of their conflict with the rude
and sterner forces of Nature. It is from their lips that we delight
to hear and learn what they did, and how they did it. It is, how-
ever, not only from original, but secondary sources as well, that
we wish to gather all the information we can of pioneer life and
its history.

The success of our Association has hitherto been as gratifying
as its aim is laudable. In less than four years since its organiza-
tion, it has increased in numbers from its original nineteen mem-
berships to five hundred or more, if we include the new accessions
at this meeting. This unanticipated success may be accepted as
<}vidence of its popularit}-, and must be attributed to the social
enjoyment and intellectual feast which its festivities afford its mem-
bers. The work of the Association is truly a " labor of love,"
which, like virtue, brings with it its own reward.

As an association it has already acquired a wide reputation,
and is exercising a wide influence not onl}- in a social wa}-, but in
prompting other associations of a similar character to renewed
effort and inducing the organization of additional pioneer associa-
tions in different counties of the State. Within a few weeks past
a State Pioneer Association was organized at Columbus, where it
will hold its annual sessions. Its object is to collect and preserve
the relics, documents, traditions, and other matter pertaining to the
early history of Ohio and the great Northwest. It invites the
co-operation of all county or other local pioneer associations, and
should receive a favorable recognition.

All this is cheering, and should encourage our Association to
persevere in its work. p]ver)' member can, if he will, do some-
thing, say something, write something, or present some relic, some

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 7

old letter, or other document pertaining to pioneer life, which is of
interest, and which will ever grow still more interesting with the
lapse of time. It is this kind of matter and of information, which
we want and wish to preserve. In fact, it is only by an earnest
perseverance that our Association can achieve its aim, or perpetu-
ate itself and its usefulness.

It has been said by some theorists that the natural state of man
is the civilized state, for the reason that Adam and Eve were
endowed, or supposed to be endowed, at their creation, with all the
graces and refinements of civilized life. But if we may judge
from the relics of the primitive ages, it seems more reasonable to
believe that man was created a barbarian, or soon became one, and
that civilization has in fact developed itself slowly and step by
step through an unknown series of ages until it has reached its
present status — that of a Christian civilization — and yet a civili-
zation that is still progressive.

It was the antagonism of creeds that first induced thinking
men to think for themselves and act for themselves. It was this
class of men who liraved the perils of the ocean, landed on Plym-
outh Rock, laid the foundations of a Great Republic, and erected
the standard of a stern moralit}-. These men were known as
Puritans ; and though few, were invincible. It was the}' who be-
queathed to mankind the divine idea of human brotherhood, and
asserted the true nobility of man as man. It was from the Puri-
tans that the early pioneers of the Western Reserve inherited a
migratory spirit, and that heroic enterprise, which enabled them to
reclaim a wilderness and convert its solitudes into an earthly
paradise.

In less than a century the population of the Western Reserve
has increased in numbers from its original surveying party of fifty
persons to five hundred and fifty thousand. The Reserve has a fer-
tile domain, consisting of three and a half millions of acres, and
is capable of sustaining a population of three millions or more.
This may seem a fanciful asseveration, but the day will doubtless
come much sooner than is expected, when this prediction will be
satisfactorily verified.

8 ANNALS OF THEZ

We live in an age of marvels. In fact, the age of miracles has
not passed. The nineteenth century is full of them, full of
marv-elous inventions and improvements, which have comparatively^
relieved |labor of its servilit}-, and elevated the laborer. It is the
divinit}- of modern science that has wrought these mars'els. If
such are the marvels of the nineteenth centurv, what will be the
wonders wrought in the next century, or in the next ten centuries ?
These are unanswerable questions. Yet we know that Nature has
a language of her own, and that she patiently awaits interpreters.

It is contrast as well as distance that "lends enchantment to
the view.'" The living present is destined to become in turn the
remote past. Its relics will then be sought and treasured as
curiosities. There will ever be a present and a past. The one will
ever smile at the peculiar manners and customs of the other,
jv^hile each will ever assume to be wiser than the other. Thus life
has its phases, and every age its mirror. If we would acquire
true wisdom, we must interrogate the past, and appropriate its les-
sons. In doing this, we should not only acknowledge the merits of
the past, but aspire to still sublimer heights in the scale of true
manhood — a manhood that exalts itself and 'is worthy of divine
exaltation.

REPORT OF THP] EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

Mr. President : —

The Executive Committee of this Association, conforming to
its constitutional requirements, while in making this their annual
report, feel it to be their first and saddest duty to place upon rec-
ord the fact that but a few weeks since one of its noblest and best
officers was taken suddenl}- from among the living. George C. Dodge ,
our Treasurer, is dead. No member of this Association holds it in
greater respect or desires its future prosperity more emphatically
than he did, he loved to bring back to memory the days when he
was 3'oung and in his school-da3-s sported over these busv haunts
of men, when they were the wild woods of the native forest ; and
in later Acars to do the work of a farmer's boy, the deeds of all

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATIoy. 9

those 3'ears appeared like treasures buried in the past to be opened
out to view, brushed from the rust and mildew of age and bright-
ened as jewels of great value. When this community grew larger, —
when it spread its arm over those vast forests, then it was that the
young farmer's bo}- became the more useful citizen, honored, re-
spected, — trusted for his integrit}' and sterling worth and placed in
the most responsible positions known to the thriving county of
Cuyahoga. We make no special eulogy for our departed brother.
There remains in the minds of a wide circle of that good man's
friends nothing but a livelj' memory of his good deeds. If he had
faults, there is no man alive that can point his finger to one. He
has been the most valuable and energetic member that this Asso-
ciation has had, and we could do no less than apprise 3'ou that the
living spirit that has prompted us in this enterprise of ours during
these four years of success is no longer present to insure our pros-
perity. We are now compelled to do our l)est without his whole-
some counsel and advice ; this daj' is conspicuous in his absence.

The general condition and prospects of this Association are
substantially unchanged. At a late meeting of the management
the early mistake which was made in supposing that one dollar
initiation-fee would be all-sufficient to continue its annual meetings
in like manner to what has transpired, was discussed at full length ;
a proposition was deliberated upon, that the Association require
an annual asessment from each member to be rated as dues, this
was defeated. The final action was, that an annual subscription of
$5 be solicited from such as were willing, and there the matter
rests ; the progress made in that new departure can readil}' be as-
certained upon interviewing the Secretar}-.

Respecting the success of our common enterprise there is no
question. Our previous general assemblies or annual meetings
have been of remarkable interest. P]arh' settlers have met who
had not met for a year, while others had not met for many j-ears
and perhaps would never have met again in this world but for this
unostentatious organization of ours. Every heart beats all the
quicker when the hand of an old friend or even an old acquaint-
ance is shaken.

10 ANNALS OF THE

It is possible that there are men living who could magnify the
interest of this Association, if the}" would spare to us a few hour&
in the year in placing upon paper, for the published Annals, mat-
ters of either little or great moment respecting which they were,
forty or fifty years or more ago, well conversant — incidents of life in
Cuyahoga? county, or even on the Reserve. A life sketch of the
schools of the early days, their teachers, the school-houses, their
style and where the}' were located, the method of correction or
punishment and who got any and what effect it had upon the body
or mind. Tell us how much the teachers got in way of salar}^
what books they used, how many hours school kept and what
scholars did'nt care whether school kept or not.

Some one should be able to tell us something of the early
Sundaj'-schools, their teachers and where they were located, and of
Churches and their ministers.

There are those who should give us a well digested history of
Banking, in this city, the ups and downs of those corporations
that issue money. Even the catastroplie which befell the old Com-
mercial Bank of Lake Erie as well as the Bank of Cleveland may
be fresh enough in the minds of men living to make a page or two
in histor}", notwithstanding the indefatigable Judge Hayward is not
among us.

We want some old fresh-water tar to give us the status of the
shipping in the earlier daA's, and some account of those officers who
walked the decks of those stately steamers that became the pride
of Lake Erie. Those historic men — where are they ? Where are
Blake, Howe, Wilkinson, Tillotson, Walker, Stanard, Appleby ?

We need a record of the early volunfeer military organizations,.
The Grays as well as the Guards who flourished fort}' -five years
ago, — who can make for us a page or two for future ages to read ?
Give us their record, and their roster, rank and file.

We need the record of the volunteer fire-department, the scores
of young men who stood ready to save the property of others, when
themselves had no house or barn or shop to save.

We need the record of the work of those humane women who
prganized works of charity, who reclaimed the fallen, who went

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. J J

about seeking out the poor and needy, and administered to their
necessities, doing good everywhere.

The truth is, there are vohimes of valuable history yet hidden
that need to come out, and this Association should have the pow-
er to press people into the service nmv^ because by the lapse of a
few more years the connecting link between the earlier days of
Cleveland and the future will be broken, and our opportunity lost
forever. And now. in respect to the matter of food for the body,
we have told Henry, our faithful neighbor, to respect the earlier
days of Cleveland when flour and lard were cheap and dough-nuts
plenty : when they were the desired of all, both old and young,
and middle-aged ; when the good housewife never had too many,
and when sadness and sorrow overcame the household when the
pan was empty, and if Henry fails to keep the lard hot and the
dough twisted until all are satisfied, we will make it hot for him, —
the early days must and shall be respected.

Geo. F. Marshall, Chairman Ex. Com.

Report adopted.

REPORT OF THE TREASURER.

The late Geo. C. Dodge, Treasurer of the Association, having
deceased within the past year, his son, S. C. Dodge, Esqr., by re-
quest presented a statement of the financial condition of the Asso^
elation taken from his father's books, showing the entire expenses
and receipts of the Association since its organization as follows :

EXPENSES :

Publishing books $354 12

Lunches 130 00

Music ' 90 00

Rents, Postage, Advertising etc 109 05

$686 17

12 ANNALS OF THE

Expenses, carried over $686 17

RECEIPTS :

Members $474 00

Collected 49 00

Raised b}- Subscription 92 GO

$615 00 $615 00

Balance due Treasurer 71 17

There are $20 in unpaid Subscriptions 20 00

$ 51 17
Eeport adopted.

AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION.

A. J. Williams. Esq., now arose and after making a forcible
and specific statement in relation to the financial affairs of the
Association, and urging the importance of providing for its neces-
sary- annual expenses, moved to amend the first article of the Con-
stitution so as to read as follows, to-wit :

ARTICLE I.

This Association shall be known as the "Early Settlers' Asso-
ciation of Cu3'ahoga Count}*," and its members shall consist of
such persons as have resided in the Western Reserve at least forty
years, and are citizens of Cuyahoga county and who shall subscribe
to this Constitution and pa}- a membership-fee of one dollar, but
shall not be subject to further liabilit}-, except that after one year
from the payment of such membershipfee a contribution of one dol-
lar will be expected from each member, who is able to contribute the
same, to be paid to the Treasurer at every annual session of the Asso-
ciation, and applied in defraying necessary expenses.

The words of the amendment are printed in italics. On motion
the amendment was unanimously adopted.

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. \^

MONUMENT TO GEN. MOSES CLEAVELAND.

REMARKS OF HON. R. P. SPALDING.

Mr. President, some two j^ears ago I attended a meeting of tliis
Association, and I was ver}' mucli gi'atified with a remark that fell
from the lips of Mr. Samuel Adams, Avho said that at some future
period it might become the dut^^ and the pleasure of this Association
to erect a statue to the memory of Gen. Moses Cleaveland, the
founder of our cit}-. I have had that suggestion of Mr. Adams' on
my mind from that da}- to this. He is not present, I believe, at this
moment, but I undertake in his name to offer a resolution that shall
initiate action on the part of this Association.

Ee SOLVED, That this Association will proceed to raise a fund
for the purpose of erecting, at some suitable point within the city
of Cleveland, a life size statue in marble or bronze, of Gen. Moses
Cleaveland, who selected the site, and caused the village plat to be
surve3-ed in 1796, and to this end, be it further

Resolved, That a standing committee of three discreet men be
appointed by the president, immediately after each annual election,
to receive contributions and care for the same, until said object be
fully accomplised : this committee shall be known as " The
Monumental Committee."

In connection with the resolutions I have a brief history of
Moses Cleaveland, son of Colonel Aaron Cleaveland, and Thankful,
his wife, whose maiden name was Thankful Paine.

Moses Cleaveland was born in the town of Canterbury, in the
county of Windham, and state of Connecticut, in the year 1754.
He graduated at Yale college in 1777, studied law and practiced
his profession in his native town. In 1796 he was commissioned a
Brigadier General in the militia of Connecticut. In the same 3'ear
he was made agent of the Connecticut Land Company, and came
out with a company of surveyors to lay out their land east of the
Cuyahoga river into townships and subdivision. The site of our
beautiful city was in the autumn of 1796 selected by General

ANNALS OF THE

Cleaveland as a town plat, which, in the course of time, as he
himself predicted, might rival " Old "Windham " in Connecticut,
with its population of fifteen hundred. The men who surveyed the
town plat called it '■ Cleaveland " in honor of their chief. General
Cleaveland was highly respected in Connecticut, and lield many
civil otfices therein. He was also at one time grandmaster of the
masonic fraternity in that State. He died at Canterbury in 180G.

Mr. President, before the motion is put, I wish to state, that to
test ray sincerity — I don't know that I will be at another meeting
of the Association ; I have outlived ordinary life — I wish to attest
\ny appreciation by placing in 3'our hands $25.00, to be appropriated
towards the purchase of that monument. (Applause.)

The resolutions were unanimously adopted.

The President appointed as a monument committee Hon. R. P.
Spalding, Dudley Baldwin, and Bolivar Butts, in compliance with
the foregoing resolution.

In reference to the monument S. E. Adams, Esq., now arose
and said : 1 have lived in Cleveland long enough to see nearly two
generations pass away, and I think I speak safely when I say that
there never has been a period in the history of these people since my
acquaintance with them, but that when called upon to co-operate in
a work of this kind, the}' did it cordiall}', cheerfalh" and freeh', and
to the best of their abilities.

Allow me to add, Mr. President, that I have an abiding con-
fidence in the work of this committee. The gentleman who intro-
duced this resolution in my absence accompanied the introduction
of that resolution with a voluntary subscription of twenty-five
dollars, paj-ing the money into the hands of the secretar}-.

Let us emulate his example to the extent of our ability, and it
will not be long before we will have a monument of General
Cleaveland situated in near proximit}- to the lake, his eagle eye
looking out again upon that expanse of waters as it did when he
climbed the hill originall}-, and gazed upon the spot, where, accord-
ing to history- and my judgment, this monument should be built.
(Applause.)

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. J 5

ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

On motion of A. J. Williams, -Esq., it was voted that the chair
appoint a committee of five to report the names of suitable per-
sons to serve as officers for the ensuing 3-ear — whereupon the
chair appointed Hon. R. P. Spalding, Charles IT. Babcock, A. C.
Emerson, Dr. E. D. Burton and Norton Doan, such Committee.

After a brief consultation the Committee reported the names of
the following persons to serve as officers :

For President, Harvey Rice.

Vice- F resident s, John AV. Allen, Mrs. J. A. Harris.

Secretary, Thomas Jones, Jr.

Treasurer, Solon Burgess.

Executive Committee, George F. Marshall, R. T. L3-on, Darius
Adams, John H. Sargent, and iM. M. Spangler.

Chaplain, Rev. Thomas Corlett.

On motion of Mr. Adams, the report of the Committee was
adopted unanimously.

On motion of Charles IT. Babcock, Esq., it was voted that the
Secretary notify each member by postal card of the time and place
of holding the annual meetings. In this connection it was sug-
gested that each member first send his address to the Secretary.
The annual meetings are held on the 22d of July, as fixed b}- the
Constitution, or following. da}:, when the 22d falls on Sunday.

Several pieces of old-time Church music were then sung in
Puritan style by volunteers, which was a surprise not in the pro-
gramme and highl}- enjo3-ed b}' the audience, and for which a vote
of thanks was tendered the singers, accompanied with an invitation
to partake of the lunch.

On motion a recess w\as now taken until 2 o'clock P. M., and a
lunch served inside the Hall, which was not only relished as a fine
lunch of substantials and delicacies, but as a " feast of reason and
a flow of soul."

IQ -ANNALS OF THE

AFTERNOON SESSION.

The meeting was called to order by the President, and opened
with praj'cr by the chaplain, Rev. Thomas Corlett.

The song Auld Lang Sjnie was finel}- rendered bj- the Arion
Quartette.

The President : I wish to inform the audience that we have
a gentleman here of great age, over 90 years, Norman Wilcox ; he
came to this county in 1829, and I present him by way of intro-
duction to you.

Mr. Wilcox then arose and stepped liriskly forward on the
platform, and said :

In the year 1829 I traveled through here from Suffolk, Portage
county, stopped here over night ; I traveled through Elyria, and
then went oif up into Huntington, got chased by wolves there; I
just got to a house and saA^ed m3'self I went up into Huntington,
and I had a hundred acres of land offered to me there if I would
go and settle. I went up to Chautauqua to live there, but did not
stay long, and when I came back I met a man that Avas going
down to Jjl^'ria to mill, and there was no mill there, no nothing in
the town, and I got to thinking of it over, and I came and settled
here in Warrensville, and I have been here ever since on the same
spot of ground.

ANNUAL ADDRESS.

BY HON. R. F. PAINE.

Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the "Early Sett-
lers' Association " : —

Once I was young, but now I am old. Yet have I never before
attempted to discharge a dut}' like the one imposed upon me by
the kind partiality of the officers of 3'our Association, and I hold
them responsible for the result of the experiment,

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 17

I do not deem it necessary to go at length into a discussion of
the propriety or object sought to be accomplished by the Associa-
tion. It is enough that its records show a membership composed
of the pioneers or their immediate descendants, who have in all the
relations of life proved their integrity and worth.

I understand the object of the Association to be to assemble
the earl}' settlers of the "Western Reserve" once a year, and thus
brins; too;ether the remaining veterans, male and female, who in
early life had the spirit, enterprise, resolution and courage to leave
comfortable homes and dear friends in far away New England and
other sections of the east, and brave the dangers, welcome the
hardships, and patiently and cheerfully endure the untold priva-
tions of frontier life.

The object of the Association would be but poorly accomplished
by simply assembling. I dare say that something more than this
was contemplated by those who sought and perfected its organiza-
tion. It was doubtless supposed that they who in early life were
moved by a common purpose to face the dangers and endure the
privations incident to and inseparable from a border life, would
find it both interesting and profitable to commune together and re-
count their trials, and together rejoice over the triumphant success,
which has resulted in securing the accomplishment of their youth-
ful purposes, and richly rewarded them for their sacrifices, made
not only by themselves, but also by the dear ones they left behind.

There is no anguish deeper, no grief more bitter than rent the
hearts of the parents of New England, as one after another they
were compelled to bid farewell to their sons and daughters, who
resolved to devote their lives and labor to the great work of sub-
jugating this unbroken forest, and compel the soil to yield to the
sustenance of man and beast.

It is diflScult for us at this remote period, and especially those
of us who had no personal knowledge of the state of things as^
they existed, and the histoi-y of events that were developed during
the first few years of the settlement of the Western Reserve — to
approximate even a just conception of the trials and privations of
those brave and heroic men and women, who first entered this
2

|g AXXA/.S OF THE

modern Canaan, and were reallj' like John the Baptist crying in the
■wilderness. The}' had not the title to the soil or protection to the
person, that the children of Israel had when they eraigxated to
the land of Canaan, for God had promised Joshua. ••That CA-er}'
place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given
unto you from the wilderness and Lebanon, even uuto the Eu-
phrates, and no man shall be able to stand before you."

I suppose that Grod had such confidence in the self-reliant
130wer of our Western Eeserve emigrants that he saw no necessity
of giving them title to their land, or furnishing them quail or
manna to eat while the}' were preparing it for crops. But the
emigrants were adequate to the occasion. They generally, )jy the
exchange of their propert}' in New England secured evidence of
title to a small portion of the wilderness on the Eeserve, b}- mar-
shaling the balance of their assets they generalh* possessed them-
selves of a span of horses, or j-oke of oxen and wagon, loaded in
the wife and children, and such household goods as room could be
found for in the wagon, and thus equipped tlie devoted husband
and wife bade farewell to all the associations, and scenes of child-
hood and youth. They had but little more idea of what awaited
them than Paul had when he went bound to Jerusalem. Some-
times a Xew England young man had concluded the delightful
business of courting a wife, and found himself without well settled
plans for the future, and but little to support a wife and rear a
famil}-, consultation with her he loved would result in an agree-
ment to postpone the marriage, and that the lover should go to
New Connecticut, and if he thought best, secure a piece of land,
and if possible clear off a patch and sow it to wheat, and returning
make title to his wife, and with her visit his little farm on the
Beserve, and enter upon the real substantial business of life. Some-
times they came on horseback.

The early settlers, men and women, were honest, industrious
and generous to a fault. The men felled and cleared off the tower-
ing and thickly studded forest. The women came up fully to
Solomon's description of a good wife, " She layeth her hands to the
spindle, and her hands hold the distaff," and none went hungi-y

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCJATIOX. 19

from her door if there was anything within to eat. Is it an}'
wonder that the entire population lived in constant fear for several
years ? The wilderness was filled with Indians, bears, wolves, wild
cats and rattle-snakes, which often united in making the forest
vocal with music, such as it was.

Surely, such a reunion of the remnant of a much larger number
of such brave and faithful men and women cannot fail to interest
hy refreshing the recollection of many important events of early
life, while a faithful liistor}' of their privations, toil and sufferings
would tax the credulitj' of those who have been so immensely
benefitted by their sacrifices.

It seems to be a law of our lieing that when we suffer with
others in a common cause, and for the accomplishment of a com-
mon pui'pose, we beget unusuall}^ strong and lasting attachments
for our associates. It is this that makes the occasion of the re-
union of soldiers who have been exposed to the missiles of death,
and endured the fatigue of long and forced marches and the priva-
tions of camp life, so interesting.

If it be profitable to commemorate the dangers of the field and
triumph over the victories of bloody war, it ought not surely to
be less profitable to recount the sufferings of the unbroken forest
and triumph' over the successful efforts made by the early settlers
to make the wilderness blossom like the rose, and plant and
foster institutions, which shall shower blessings upon their poster-
it}^ to the latest generation.

Ladies and G-entlemen, I have thus briefl}' and in a some-
what disconnected manner given some suggestions as to the
propriety and objects of our Association.

I have now read you all I have written, and will close my ad-
dress by giving J'ou, extemporaneously, some history within my
own personal knowledge of the manners and customs of pioneer
life. In doing so I hope you will pardon me if I find it necessary
to call upon m}' own experience, and the experience of one or two
other gentlemen whom I see present. I am not certain how profit-
able I shall make myself in relating any portion of m}' own his-
tory, but for want of anything better at hand, I propose to give you

ANNALS OF THE

a little history of my own, and the state of things that has existed
from my boyhood.

In 1815, when I was between four and five years old, my father
moved from Richfield county, Connecticut, into Nelson, Portage
county. I remember two or three incidents of the trip, and they
are the earliest of my recollection. I recollect when we were at
Alban}', there were some experiments being made with the first
steamboat, it was said, that had ever plied the waters, and there
was some excitement ; it was the first application, I lielieve, of
steam. I recollect one night of our sleeping on a bar-room floor
in a country place, and ftither came in with a half bushel of clams ;
we ate the clams before we went to bed. We left Connecticut
with a one-horse wagon with hoops bent over it, and cloths spread
over the hoops, and a provision chest and such bedding as could be
got at handily, and in coming from Connecticut to Nelson, Portage-
county, we were 36 days on the road. I recollect another incident.
In coming down this side of the Alleghany Mountains the wagon
upset and turned us all out, and I was found with my head in the
provision chest. The lid had opened and my head had got into
the chest, and mother said that was the very place she should look
for my head. We came on to Nelson in Portage county, and settled
right on the top of Nelson ledge, which is now a great place of
resort for a good many gentlemen and ladies, and was then the
habitation of rattlesnakes, wild cats and wolves and every fero-
cious animal conceivable, except personal devils. Nothing else ugly
was wanting. Well, we lived there, I think, between four and five
years, and whether I was a bright boy or stupid one, I don't know,
but I spent about half the time in the hollows and crevices of the
rocks in that ledge, and I venture to saj^ that there is not a hollow
there now, big enough for a wood-chuck to get into, that I have not
been into with my hands and knees when I was a boy. Now no
conception can be formed of the privations and hardships that
those endured that came into the country even as late as that ; but
several years before that, the country had been to some extent set-
tled, and the Indians had been driven out from that part of the
country at that time. But they had left plenty of bears and

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 21

"wolves. I can remember when I no more dared to go out at night
without a bi'and of fire than nothing. My mother would not per-
mit, nor would my father, nor would I dare to do it if the}- would ;
and it was quite an object to raise sheep. Every farmer had a
little flock of sheep growing, and every fanner had a pen where he
put them in at night and fastened them in. and the pen was built so
high that the wolves could not get into them at all, and we had
fourteen sheep. One night when the snow was very deep, the
wolves came around the pen and scared the sheep so that eight
jumped out, and ever}- one of them lay there in the morning, and
we had pelts and mutton plent}- for sale, and that would be the
case of ever}- fanner who suffered his sheep to be exposed at night.
And as far as i^ersonal safety was concerned, I can remember the
daily charge of my mother to my father when he left home in the
morning to be sure and come back before dark : that she daren't
stay home with two or three children, and daren't be away at
night. I remember he went to the centre of Nelson, and he wanted
to get a tap fixed for sap trees. Mother kept going to the door
and listening, and at length we heard somebody halloo in that
direction, and mother said. -Is that father's voice ? " Well, we were
pretty well scared. In about three-fourths of an hour father came
in leading a big dog by the ear. and the history of his adventure
was that he had got belated within two miles from home, and was
treed by two wolves, and kept up in the tree until he hallooed, and
a dog that belonged to a man half a mile away on the other side
came up and drove oflT the wolves, and father, to protect himself,
took the dog by the ears and led him home. I recollect one day
he came with a long forked stick with a rattlesnake on it which he
had killed.

I beg pardon for giving notice of one of my adventures. I think
I have no courage now ; I think the daring, resolution, fortitude,
and all the elements of human character that go to give execution
to a purpose were in vogue and in use in the early settlement of
this county and Western Reser\e. I was about five vears old,'
there was a large log lying as far as across this street from our
house — a very large, hollow chestnut log. The entrance to the

22 A^'NALS OF THE

butt of it was larger than a hogshead, I should think. There was
a black snake lived in that log, and in the first warm days in the
Spring, my brother older than I and one younger, and myself
were in the habit of going up there and seeing if we could not kill
the snal^e. He would lay on this rotten wood, but the instant he
saw us would dart up into this log. We went up there one daj',
and I says, " I am going in after that snake." Brother plead with
me not to do it. I told him I would — I'd have that snake ; and I
crept in, and when I first began to enter the hole it was so large, it
was comfortably light around me ; but when I approached where it
was smaller, it became as dark as night. I crept as long as I
could. At length I saw two diamonds, which looked like two
bright, glistening stars, and I put my hand up over them, and I
made a grab, and I happened to get the black snake by the neck.
It was six feet and four inches long, and it began to flounder, and I
found he was gaining on the round of my arm, and began to wind
around, and hurt some ; I wanted to. get rid of him. If anybody
would have helped me to get rid of him I should not have kept
him. I backed out, and the snake was wound clear to my shoulder,
and there has not been an instant of mj' life, when I called atten-
tion to it, that I could not feel the writhings of that snake. He
was wound clear to my shoulder and hung on the ground three or
four feet, and my brother ran and hallooed murder and everything.
Mother saw me coming with that snake, and she hallooed and
swung her bonnet, and my father was coming down with a yoke of
cattle and a cart, and she hallooed for him for mercy sake to come.
He upset the cart and came down. He threatened to whip me to
start with ; he finally concluded to get the snake off. He took
hold of him and tried to pull him ofl:'; you might as well have
tried to dislocate my shoulder. Father tried at it and could not do
anything. He then took his knife and unjointed him at the back,
and the snake let go. That was one of the incidents that gave me
reputation for great courage, and afterwards got me into a wild cat
trap with a wild cat.

AVe had on our farm in a swamp a trap thirty feet long, built
with logs, trap door at each end. It was to catch bears and

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 23

wolves in. There was a veiy deep snow one night, and father
said, " Boys, let us go down and set that trap." We did so. Two
daj^s afterwards he said, " We will go down and see if there is any-
thing in the trap." We took along nothing but an ax and a
carving knife that was pulled out of the handle. When we got
there we found one of the liiggest wild cats in the trap you ever
saw, a regular old black and tan wild cat, as big as a dog, nothing to
kill him with but the carving knife and the ax. Father took the
pole, put the knife in it, jammed it through the bars, and the knife
fell out, and the cat took possession of one end of the trap. I
saj's, " Father, let me go in there ; you hoist up that door ; I will
go in there and get the knife." He said, '' Young man, you ought
to be whipped for mentioning it." Finally he said, "You maj' go
in ; I guess it will kill you, but 3'ou may go in." Finally I crept
towards the door, and the cat assumed a perpendicular position
prett}' quick, squalled and threw the spittal. I kept trotting along
towards the centre, got the knife and backed out with the knife,
put the knife more firmly in the pole, and killed the cat. But th.ey
would not get me into that trap to-da}' very easil3\

Well, I grew up. I was seven or eight years old, probablj' at
that time, and about the next interesting incident that I remem-
ber in m3' life, after those exploits down there at ,the ledge, was
going to a general training. A general training in those days was
a great institution in this country, and a boy that had got large
enough to go to a general training looked forward to it with more
interest than we now do to the centennial. I had got a promise to
go to a general training in Shalersville, fifteen' miles from our
house. It came in the fall when the general training was to come
ofl' and I had an uncle who was attending a log mill in GlaiTets-
ville, and the arrangement was that we would go to my uncle's and
stay all night, and l)e much nearer the general training, and go on
in the morning to the training. I got all read}' to go, but father
had no money ; there was not anybod}' who had money in those
days hardly ; but he had, I guess, a peck of flints. They used to
use guns with flint locks in those days. The flints were about as
available as post-office stamps now. There was always a market

24 ANNALS OF THE

for them. He had a peck I think of flints, and I filled both
pockets with flints and started fifteen miles to the general training.
AVe got on to ni}- uncles and staid there all night, and the next
morning my brother and I started by the way of Mantua. There
was a heavy frost that night. We had stood it tolerably well till
we got there. My feet were pretty well frozen. I saw by the road a
cow lying, I got her up. and where it was warm I warmed my feet
and let the frost get out and went on again. We got to Shalers-
ville, and got pretty hungry by that time, and I wanted something
to eat, and I took my flints and went out, and there was a ginger
peddler's wagon in the field, and I traded off" some flints for a cake
of ginger bread, took it under my arm and started for the tavern,
and a train of boys got after me, and before I got there I had not
two mouthfuls left. I could not purchase an}- more ginger bread
for flints. There was a man there had pewter fifes. I thought I
might trade flints for fifes. I finally- made a rap with him and got
a fife, and stood in front of the tavern to play my fife and show the
people it would make a noise so as to sell it. And while I was
standing there, a fellow knocked it out of my hand and stepped on
it. That ended the fife business. Finally my brother and I made
a kind of a syndicate of our capital. He had a good many more
flints than I had. We finally bartered them off" for something to
eat, and got home the next day. That was general training in
those days.

Now, from that time, when I was 12 years old, I went away from
home to live ; I never lived any at home afterwards as a regular
steady thing. I worked six months at three dollars a month for a
cow ; that cow was in m^^ father's family' for nine j'ears, and the
only one they had, and ni}- life was put in that wa}' until I got to
be old enough to hold a plough and dig a piece of land, and
<.niltivate it, etc. At length J got up to the dignity of a stage
driver. Judge Kanney carried the mail in his hat at the same
time from Freedom to Hiram. I drove stage from Nelson to
Hiram — used to meet the Judge occasionally. I then took a
notion that tavern-keeping would be a good institution in that
country. I got an acre of land and built a tavern myself, the

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 25

•entire thing, sasli, doors, and everything else, and in 1836, guess it
was, I was running that tavern, and I got sick of it in about two
months, concluded it was not adapted to my capacit}-, although it
might fit my taste well enough. I rented the tavern, went to
Warren sleigh riding with a young lady of Judge Ranney's
acquaintance, and there I met a man that had staid over night
with me when I kept tavern, and he says, " You would make a
splendid tin peddler; what are you doing?" "I am not doing
anything." He says, " I will give 3'ou $18 a month, bear all
expenses, and two dollars extra if 3'ou will peddle tin for me."
"Well," says I, "when?" He says "To-morrow." I got my
brother to take my girl home, and I staid and took the load of tin,
,and soon after I had engaged I met Judge Ranney ; he was then
practicing law in Warren, and I told him my situation, and he
asked me to go and stay with him till my tin was ready, and I went
and stopped at a tavern where he boarded, and I managed to put it
off a day later just because I enjoj'ed Judge Ranney's society.
Well, I went through that tin business. I tried to sell some to
Judge Tilden once ; but he had nothing but hen's feathers and
credit to buy it, and I would not let him have the tin. We did not
make a rap.

I fell in with Judge Ranney afterwards, and was riding with him I
remember from Ravenna to the north part of the county somewhere.
He was going on to Ashtabula, and I was going to Garretsville, and
saj's he, "Paine, why don't you read law ? " Says I, " Read law ! "
Says he, "You just go to reading law," and I thought about it
after I left him, and was riding on alone home to Garretsville, and
when I got there I went down three miles afoot to Judge Tilden
:and borrowed the first volume of Rlackstone, and I got to reading
law. If there is anybod}' to blame for it it is Judge Raune}'.

Well, there is but little more of mv history that is interesting,
and so I may as well abandon it. But I want to say a word or
two in reference to the manner of living of the early settlers. Now,
I never had a pair of shoes. I don't think I had a pair of shoes
till I was ten years old. We wore moccasins made of deer skin.
Our house was a log house, of course ; the floor was made of split

26 ANNALS OF THE

logs, and I haA-e seen them try to dance on them : danced m3seK
on them. When you would jump on one end the other end would
fly up in your face pretty near. The table was about as rude, and
no child was supposed to sit down at a table ; was supposed to
stand at a table. I stood at the table until I got tall, and then
they got me a bench. There were no dishes of any kind scarcely.
There was an old fellow by the name of Luke Yokes, of Trumbull
county, who made wooden dishes, and his advent into the neighbor-
hood with a lot of wooden dishes would excite more interest than
the establishment of another national bank in the city of Cleveland
to-day. We all ate on what we called trenchers. They were
wooden dishes like a plate, but would wear through after a while ;
and the method of serving up meat in those da3's was to have a
deep dish in the centre of the table, have the meat cut up into
mouthfuls in the ftying pan. and returned after being cut up to the
spider again and cooked a little more, and turned into this dish in
the centre, and every guest at the table had a knife and fork, and
if he wanted an}' meat he must dig it from that dish in the centre
of the table ; and I recollect once when I was eating that way that
I took a mouthful. We were all fond of the lean mouthful, and I
saw my father was working for one ; he got it on his fork well out
of the dish, and I got it off the fork, and he boxed me on the side
of the head, and I had no more appetite. That was the rude waj'
in which all lived. The neighbors, as far as I know, were all in the
same condition, used wooden plates, wooden bowls, wooden every-
thing, and it was j-ears before we could get the dishes that were
any harder than wood, and when we did the}' were made of this
yellow cla}'.

Mr. President, I think I have occupied more than m}' portion of
the time. I know there are others that would be glad to speak, and
I will therefore sit down.

The song of the " Old Oaken Bucket '' was then sung by the=
Arion Quartette.

EARLY SETTLERS'' ASSOCIATION. 27

RESOLUTION AND REMARKS.

BY HON. R. P. RANNEY.

Mr. President, I beg leave at this time to ofler a resolution
which I think will be very cheerfully adopted by the society.

Resolved, That the members of this Association have heard
with the deepest feelings of sorrow and regret of the recent and
unexpected death of George C. Dodge. Esq., one of the original
founders of this Association, and ever since its able and efficient
treasurer ; that as a simple act of justice to his memory we take
great pleasure in according our appreciation of his ceaseless and
untiring efforts to promote the interests of the Association, and the
comfort, enjoyment, and social intercourse of all its members.
Born in this county nearly' seventy' years ago, when much of the
largest part of it was a dense wilderness, and scarcely a hamlet
existed on the site of this large city, which his means and energies
have contributed in no small degree to build and adorn, he has been
entrusted during many years of this long period with the pecuniary
interests of many thousands of persons, without the slightest
suspicion ever arising that they were not managed with marked
ability and guarded with the most scrupulous fidelity. And while
we deepl}' deplore his loss, we find much consolation in the fact
that he was spared to nearly' the age allotted to man, and by the
uniform tenor of his life was enabled to impress upon his family
and personal friends and the wide circle of his acquaintance, the
most useful and endearing of all human lessons, that modesty
charity, honesty, and fidelity to friends and engagements are the
qualities which most certainly promote true happiness in life, and
surviving the tomb, most surely enable the just man, though dead,
to speak words of comfort, consolation, and improvement to those
who succeed him.

In moving, Mr. President, the adoption of this resolution, I
shall say but very few words. I could say very little to the
members of this Association that would not be anticipated by those

28 ANNALS OF THE

who were well acquainted with Mr. Dodge. He was so well known
to you all, and his exertions in behalf of this Association for so
many j-ears have been so marked and efficient, that there
probably is not a member of the Association that does not know
his course, and would be as well qualified as I am to detail what it
has been. It was with the most profound sorrow and grief that I
heard of the death of Mr. Dodge. An esteemed personal friend for
a quarter of a centur}', I had formed the very highest opinion of
his judgment, good sense, candor and honest}-, and still, beyond
all tliat, of the admirable social qualities which he possessed to
interest others and make them enjoy themselves. If I were to say
now what most characterizes, what most contributed to the enjoyment
of all his acquaintances, what most contributed to their happiness as
well as his own, I would saj- that his wonderful powers, and taste
for social enjo3'ment was the distinguishing trait of his character.
Indeed, with us, who were so well acquainted with him, and who
enjoyed these characteristics of his so often, his death has resulted
in such a loss, that one of these gentleman said to me the other
da}' that now George was gone, while a place remained for short
journeys and social meetings, and all that sort of thing, there was
nobody left to get them up, , nobod}^ to originate them, nobody to
formulate and carry out what we all desire to accomplish. Immersed
in business all of us, with little time to devote to such purposes,
Mr. Dodge through years past, although always busy, always
attentive to his business, never allowed himself to be crowded to
such an extent as to interfere with his devoting such portion of
his time as was necessary to the fortune of his friends, in a social
way.

Mr. Dodge in all these respects was a perfectly model man.
Added to all this, there never was a man living in the count}- that
was more modest than he was, more unassuming ; never seeking
promotion nor putting himself forward with a view to promoting
his own personal interest, he appreciated very quick any exaggera-
tion, and despised it. I could not stand here now thinking of my
-dead friend, and speak in exaggeration of liim. It was so contrary
to his tastes, his habits and feelings to speak in that way, or

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 29"

attempt to pass one off for more than he was worth. I could not
forgive m3-self if I said one word that I did not believe to be
strietl}' true in regard to his character or conduct. He has been a
public man in a pulilic sense ; that is to say, he has held many
important trusts during his manhood life ; was for years treasurer
of the count}'. During that time, amongst the numerous engage-
ments and trusts that have been confided to him, he has been
trustee of a savings' bank. There are thousands of small deposit-
ors that could not lose what they had without utter distress, and
carrying dismay into thousands of families. Those funds have all
been intrusted to Mr. Dodge and his associates dui'ing these many
3'ears, and the fidelit}'' and care with which they have lieen managed
and taken care of is known to ever^'bod}'. No^, I do not wish to
detain the Association to speak of these things. Almost all of the
old settlers knew Mr. Dodge. He has passed away. He was a
pioneer of the pioneers, born on this soil when it was nothing but
a wilderness, when there was no city here, scarcely a hamlet here ;
and he has lived to see it populated, grow up- — contributed his full
share to the whole of it, and during all this time with industry',
economy and care, he has been enabled to save and apph' the
ample means that he possessed in promoting the growth of the
city and the prosperity of the place, and at the same time, divested
of all that avarice and greed that some men possess, who gather
together immense fortunes, has never neglected an opportunit}'. so
far as T know, to make himself agreeable and useful to his friends
and associates, and to scatter happiness all around him ; a man of
most excellent temper, a word from Mr. Dodge would always allay
any excitement. I never saw him angrj- in my life. He was the
just man, that when he said anything, it was a just and considerate
word, and was sft received by all his friends and acquaintances.
That such a man should pass away is an irreparable loss to his
intimate friends who survive him, and should teach us the lesson
that one \)y one we are traveling foi^ward " to that bourne from
whence no traveler returns." We go to him, and he does not come
back to us, excepting that his memory remains with us, and an
imitation of his virtues, an imitation of his eminent qualities —

30 ANNALS OF THE

for I call business qualities eminent that bring happiness to men —
these qualities are worth something while we live, and the}' are
the qualities that will survive the tomb, and teach people that hap-
piness is to be sought, not through gi'eed and avarice, but through
those virtues that will make our friends happy, and our friends
happy with them.

The resolution of Judge Ranne}- was unauimousl}' adopted.

THE PIONEER MANXMEN.

by w. s. kerruish, esq.

Mr. President : —

The fanc}' of the ancients had in their division of time marked
its earlier period as the Golden age, the next as the Silver age ;
and following next in order came the Brazen, and the Iron age."* ;
and modern times have added a new one, and called it the Wooden
age. The demonstrations of modern science have established the
fact that no less are there cjxles and stages in the evolution and
progi'essive development of animated nature and physical creation.
No less also are there progressive steps in the advance of Ameri-
can pioneer life, though I am not aware of any attempt of their
classification.

Not long ago I happened upon one of Judge Tilden's speeches
delivered on an occasion similar to this in which he gave a mirth-
provoking account of the terror caused him on his first advent to
Ohio by the '• long howling of the wolveS " as they surrounded his
first night's lodging in the Bucke3-e state, and how gladh' he would
have deeded away, had he possessed it, the fee «imple title to the
whole Western Reserve for a foothold once more on the soil of old
Connecticut. Were it not that the Judge is still with us — of the
sprightliest of our Judiciary — with sure and certain prospect of
attending to all our Probate matters for several terms to come,
I should locate the "wolf episode" somewhere about the beginning of
the centur}', which would be neither consistent with his present vigor

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.

nor strictly accurate, at any rate it was after our Incliau-fighting-
age^ had gone by.

My own earliest recollections are of a much later period — of an
a,ge of roads of bottomless mud, and of new fields covered with
stumps— </;e mud and stump age. I well recollect coming into the
city from Warrensville by the present Woodland avenue road — •
how we first came to the two principal landmarks — " The Cutter
Mansion," and "Dr. Long's House," and what a wear}' stretch of
quagmire and country there was yet to pass before we reached the
^'City" — and how we passed the tempting apple-orchard which
then covered the now thickly populated space extending eastward
from the present junction of Woodland and Broad wa3\ Many
reminiscences of Warrensville life might be recalled, but as they
may be suspected to be of too modern a type to be interesting, in
obedience to a suggestion of our Chairman, and for the purpose of
throwing light on one phase of our pioneer life — though it might
be done better by others — it is deemed not inappropriate to say
something of the IManx immigration hither.

You are most of you aware that emigration from the Isle of
Man to this locality commenced comparatively earl}' and has been
very large — large considering its source, for the Island is but thir-
ty miles long by thirteen wide, and half of it mountains at that.

As indicative of the number of this class of our population,
and the readiness with which they, as a general thing, identified
themselves with the interests and advancement of their new home,
I may say that upon an estimate made some time since, the sur-
vivors of that emigration with their descendants, together with la-
ter arrivals, number in this county alone between three and four
thousand ; and as an instance of the way the}- rooted themselves
in the land, it is, or was the fact, a short time ago, that if you took
a southeasterly course from a point in Newburgh township, you
might pass for five or six miles at least along the road with Manx-
land-holdei'S continuously on either side.

The tradition of the origin of this immigration is as follows :
A native of the Island, who was something of a traveler, who had
been on the medical staff of the British army abroad, and who among

32 ~ ANNALS OF THE

his wanderings had crossed the deserts of Arabia disguised as a Mus-
suhnan, came to America, visited the Falls of Niagara, passed along
the southern shores of Lake Erie, going through this place, and
returned to his island home. He was a man of education and
superior judgment ; and though this must have been anterior to
1820, as I have heard it related, he foresaw and" predicted that this
region between the waters of "the beautiful river" and the south-
ern shores of Lake Erie was destined to be the seat of a mighty
people ; and evidently he had more faith in the future of this
place than did Gen. Moses Cleaveland, according to Judge Spalding,
for so graphic and enthusiastic was his account of it, that in the
year 182-i, or thereabouts, one Manx family came and settled near
Painesville in mistake for this village. The Island then was not
the renowned watering place it has since become, and the distance
between the two points was, considering the three modes of travel,
very great.

Various letters written home by this single settler and passed
from hand to hand produced great excitement in that small and far-
off community. It was afterwards said that the marvelous accounts
of deer and turkeys running at large, and forest trees distilling
sugar, and land to be got for the asking, were not sufficiently ex-
plained, and that the more sober colors of the picture were left out.

In 1826 there came another family, one William Kelly and wife,
who settled in Newburgh township, and about the same time, but
preceding his family, one William Caine came to the same place.
It had been discovered that as between Painesville and Cleveland
the latter village was the more promising of the two. In the ear-
ly summer of 1827 there came here about seventy families, and in
the following year about an equal number. There have been ac-
cessions ever since. In this exodus of 1827 were numbered my
parents, our worthy chaplain here (Rev. Thos. Corlett), then a
youth, with his parents, and brothers, and sisters, and another
youth whom I see on the stage here, whose hair has however begun
to assume an iron gray hue (Mr. Thos. Quayle), who has done more
perhaps for our inland mercantile marine in this country than any
other person on the chain of lakes.

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION^. 33

The immigrants of to-day can have no adequate notion of the
manifold hardships of those early times. Not a few of them were
unacquainted with the English language, most of them were poor,
and almost without exception they encountered the ague and fevers
incident to a new country. In some instances the heads of fami-
lies were taken away. Nothwithstanding these drawbacks the
colony flourished ; nor would it be accounted immodest perhaps
for me to say — though I think I am giving no information — that
among them are some of our worthiest citizens. In my earlier
years these settlers spoke Gaelic almost exclusively in there inter-
course with each other, and I well remember that in Warrensville,
which was largel}^ settled by them, public religious services were
conducted by them in their native tongue. This feature, however,
together with other foreign characteristics, is fast fading out ; and
in another half century, it is safe to say that, except in name, the
Manxman will be lost in the New P]nglander.

The history of the emigration of the Manx people to this sec-
tion of Ohio would not be complete, however, without some mention
of Patrick Cannell — to whose good practical sense and CMiris-
tian influence the Manx people owe no small part of their success
in their adopted country, and the high tone of Christian morals
which they have maintained.

Mr. Cannell was 73 years of age when he emigrated to this
country, and the oldest man of the Manx colony of forty families,
who emigrated from the Isle of Man to northern Ohio in 1827.
He was a local preacher in the Methodist society — a society which
was then, in the Island, a society in the established Church and
not a separate Church as it afterwards became — hence he taught
and maintained the doctrines and worship of the Protestant Epis-
copal Church.

In the passage from Liverpool of 37 days, he held divine ser-
vices on every Lord's-da}^, and when he arrived here in his future
home, his first care was to call the Manx people together on each
Lord's-day and instruct them in the things of God — at first in his
own log-house, and then in the log-school-house which was erected
on the old Corlett farm in Newburgh.
3

ANNALS OF THE

Nor were the children overlooked — -they were soon, through the
efforts of Deacon Benjamin Rouse, of this city, and father Can-
nell's co-operation, provided with a good superintendent and faith,
ful teachers, who taught them out of God's Word and to sing his
praise — as for Library books there were none then.

Not only was father Cannell a true friend to the jManx people,
but also a good shepherd and counselor, admonishing them when
they did wrong, encouraging them in doing good, writing letters for
many of them to their old friends in the Island, and advising them
to become, as soon as possible, citizens of their new country. He
lived after his arrival here 12 years, and died peaceful in his 85th
year, honored and respected by all who knew him.

WHAT EARLY PIONEERS DID.
remarks by hon. john hutchins.

Mr. President : —

Short speeches are only in order now. — I will give a brief illus-
tration of the character and habits of the early settlers which oc-
cured under my own observation. In August, 1822, my father's
barn in Vienna, Trumbull County, was struck by lightning, and •
the barn and its contents were consumed. I was a small boy then,
but I remember well the sad countenances of my father and
mother, as all their ha}^, oats and grain, which their hard summer's
work had stored in that barn, was being burnt up. They had rea-
son to be sad, for the}' had a famil}' of eight children to care for,
and a large stock of cattle, horses and sheep to feed. The pluck
of the pioneers carried them through and over misfortunes, which
a majorit}' of the present generation would stagger under. With
hard work and economy my father and mother set about mitigat-
ing the evils resulting from their gi-eat loss. The}' had the active
sympathy of their neighbors and acquaintances, more valuable
than mere words, and the citizens of four townships, Vienna,
Brookfield. Fowler and Hartford concluded to aid in putting up for

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCLiTION. 35

US a new barn and to do it in double quick time, to wit in one day,
and they did it, and had the barn completed and a load of hay in
it, before sundown of the day on which it was commenced. The
timber for that barn was growing in the woods at 12 o'clock of the
night previous to commencement of the work of building it. The
matrons and maidens of those four townships with their cheerful
and friendly faces were on hand early that morning with stacks of
provisions to feed the men during the hard work of that day. To
me it was a grand pic-nic, and in my boyish freak I thought it
would be a good thing to have father's barn burnt ever}^ year, if it
would result in having such a good time.

The load of hay which was put into that barn before sundown,
was drawn in on an old fashioned ox-cart, then in general use
among farmers. This cart was used for farm-work and carried
loads to meeting and to mill. Clean bundles of straw were the
spring seats of that day. We have carts now-a-da^^s, but they are
lighter and more stylishly built, than the ox-cart. I have seen
as valuable loads drawn on those old ox-carts, as the dog-carts of
the city now carry. If a man's barn is burnt now-a-days, the first
inquiry among his neighbors is, was it insured — if not, they are
sorry and pass him by on the other side. The kindly feelings of
the early settlers would not permit this — and the incident 1 have
given, illustrates the pluck, energy and friendly feeling of the ear-
ly settlers.

36 ANNALS OF THE

OBTTT^ARY NOTICES.

READ BY REV. THOS. CORLETT, CHAPLAIN.

The followiug are the uames of members of the Association
who haA^e been removed from us by death since our last annual
meeting :

Mr. Joel B. Cahoon, who was born in 1793 in New York and
died in 1882. at the age of 90. was one of the earliest and most
highl}' respected of the pioneers of Cuyahoga County. After
helping to clear the farm on Rose Hill, in Dover, and erecting mills
there and in Ridgeville, he entered the arm}- under Major Croghan
in the war of 1812. Later in life he took contracts upon the
second railroad constructed in 1830 in the United States. He also
became a contractor in building canals in Pennsylvania, Mar3-land
and Indiana. Forty years ago he returned to his Rose Hill home,
where he lived his remaining years. Mr. Cahoon was an upright
and honorable citizen, and well deserved the respect which was al-
ways shown to him b}' all who knew him.

Mr. W. K. Adams was born in 1812, in New York, and died
1882. He was regarded by all, who knew him, as an upright and
honorable man — and for many years kept a liver}- stable in Cleve-
land.

Mr. George C. Dodge, who was born in Ohio in 1813, and died
June 6th. 1883, was at the time of his death the Treasurer of our
society. He took a deep interest in the Early Settlers' Association,
and to his untiring efforts to promote its prosperity and welfare
and his genial spirit is due much of its success. Mr. Dodge was
trained from earl}* childhood in the school of pioneer life, and with
inci'easing years he displayed those qualities of mind and heart
which made him a good citizen, a wise and kind hearted husband
and father, and well fitted for the positions of trust and responsi-
bilities which he so honorably filled in public life ; in his death our
Association has met with a gi'eat loss, and the communit}' a man
of great social worth.

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 37

Mr. Augustus E. Foot was born in Connecticut in 1811, and
died October Sth, 1882. He was a brother of honorable and ven-
erable John A. Foot and of Commodore Foot, whose character is
of national reputation, was universally respected as one of Cleve-
land's enterprising business men. Before coming to Cleveland, he
lived in Twinsburg, Summit Count}', where he served his country
both in the capacity' of Commissioner and in the Ohio Legislature.
And here in Cleveland he was at one time assistant Cashier of the
Second National Bank, and still later, Cashier of the IMerchant's
Bank. He was called b}- the Master from labor to rest in Octol)er
last, from his residence, 48 Ontario street, full of well earned honors
and universally respected.

Mr. Sanford J. Lewis was born in 1828, in New Jersey, and
died July 31st, 1882. When quite young, he resided in what was
then called Ohio Cit}-, now Cleveland West Side. He was elected
city Treasurer, and under IMr. Charles Winslow, he was also Deputy
Post IMaster. He soon afterwards, in company with Mr. Carver,
opened a banking-house in Ohio City, and still later, he, in com-
pany with Mr. Barton, opened a dry goods store in what was then
known as the marble front building on Superior street. At the
dissolution of their firm, he became connected with the Cuj^ahoga
Steam Furnace Company, as its book-keeper, and still later as its
Secretary, which he retained until illness prevented him from per-
forming the labors of the office. From a paper read before the Light
Artillery Association, of which he was a member, I extract the
following : '' In the community, in which he spent his life, he was
ever known and respected as a kind-hearted and courteous gentle-
man, and to us, his comi'ades, he has left the record of a life, in
which there was done no unworthy act or deed, over which we
wish to throw the mantle of charity or forgetfulness."

Arthur Quinn, born in Ireland 1810, came to the Reserve
1833, and died March 25th, 1883, aged 73 years. Mr. Quinn was
a flour merchant in Cleveland for many years, modest and retiring
in his general character, conscientious and true in all his dealings,
public spirited and liberal in all that tended to promote Grod's glo-
ry, and the best intei-ests of mankind. He was one of the forty

38 ANNALS OF THE

persons who organized St. Paul's parish of this city, now one of
its most flourishing parishes. For man}' years he was its Senior
Warden, and continued a faithful and consistent communicant of
the same while he lived.

Frederick Fey was born in Germany in 1810, emigrated to
America in 1831, came to Cleveland in 1832, for several years he
was ,emplo3'ed as tallyman in the ware-house on River street, where
the Detroit Boat Company- now are — still later he was in the
emplo}' of the Lake Shore Railroad, for the several years last past
he was engaged in the coal business. Mr. Fey was from early life
a member of the Lutheran Church, and his three sons and two
daughters, still living, give good evidence of his fatherly Christian
character and training. He was the first originator of the Luther-
an Church in Cleveland and gave largely to its support, and con-
tinued to the time of his death a consistent and worthy member of
the same. — He died in 1883.

Mr. G. H. Detmer was born in Ruble, Hanover, June 11th,
1801, emigrated to America and settled in Cleveland 1835, where
up to the time of his death he continuously resided. He estab-
lished himself in the merchant tailoring business, by industry and
good management he secured enough of this world's goods, to re-
tire from active business, and to pass his remaining j^ears in peace
and quiet. He was one of the most prominent promoters of Saint
Mary's Roman Catholic Church on the flats, and his life was an
exemplification of the faith he professed, a model public spirited
citizen — he had the confidence and respect of all who came in con-
tact with him. He died at his residence, 385 Lake street, Cleve-
land, July 21st, 1883, full of years and good works.

Mr. Horatio Slade was born in England 1827, came to Cleve-
land 1834, died 1882. Mr. Slade was at the time of his death
a member of the Disciples' Church of Collamer and one of its
Trustees.

Mrs. Delia R. O'Brien was a native of Vermont, born in 1813.
She came to the Western Reserve when but a child with her par-
ents in 1817, and died February 24th, 1882. The details of her
history are unknown to the writer, except so far, as that she

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.

was said to be an amiable and excellent woman, beloved by all
who knew her.

Mr. S. S. Coe, late of the firm of Coe and Olmsted, Insurance
Agents, came to the Reserve in 1837, and died at Cleveland Aug.
3d, 1883. He was a gentleman well known and highly esteemed in
our business communit}'. He possessed rare social qualities, and
had many warm personal friends. He was a gentleman of unques-
tioned integrity, and enjoyed the confidence of the public. He
died in the maturity of his manhood and in the midst of his use-
fulness, beloved and respected by all who had made his acquaint-
ance.

The Arion Quartette sang the song " In the sweet by and by,"
and the exercises closed with the singing of the doxology.

40 ANNALS OF THE

COMMUNICATIONS OF HISTORICAL VALUE,

AN OLD LETTER.

AN EPISTLE THAT IS FIFTY YEARS OLD.

The appended letter was written by Mr. John Stair fifty j'ears
ago to-day to his nephew, Thomas Stair, of London, England. The
letter was recently sent by IMr. Alfred Stair, of Manchester, England)
son of Thomas Stair, to Mr. S. H. Curtiss, of Cleveland. At the
time the letter was written Mr. Stair was teaching a private school
in Newburg, but directly after moved into Cleveland. The letter
is as follows :

County of Cuyahoga, 0.
Newburg, August 16th, 1833.

My dear Thomas : An opportunity offers of sendii% a few
lines to 3'ou by way of " Cheapside," which I gladly embrace. You
have thought it strange perhaps that I have not written 3-011 be-
fore, but when I tell 3'ou that on ever}' letter we send to England,
we have 25 cents to paj' postage to New York, and 27 cents for
ever}' one we receive (if brought by private hand and posted at
New York 25 cents), added to which the uncommon scarcity of
money, you will cease to be surprised. Frequently men who are
possessed of a good farm and considerable stock are weeks and
months without a cent. The}' barter, or as the}' call it trade for
almost everj'thing, and are so accustomed to it that the}* don't
feel it, but it is particularh' tiying to foreigners who have not the
means to do so, consequent!}' their resources are soon drained
unless they have sufficient to purchase a farm, where, by hard
work, they may soon supply nearly all their wants. Many raise
all they eat, with few exceptions, such as tea, coffee, etc. They
raise their own wool and flax, which are spun and woven by the
women for clothing, so that a farmer is the most independent per-

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 4 J

son in this country, and any person with a small income may live
well for one third that they can in England. Before I give you
the prices of a few things, I should tell you that our accounts are
kept by dollars (market thus $) and cents. A dollar is equal to
eight shillings York, or one hundred cents. For large Turkeys, 50
cents each ; fowls, one shilling or 12^ cents each ; roasting pigs, 25
cents each ; mutton, beef, pork, veal, etc., four cents per pound ;
when bought by the quarter, 2@2^ cents per pound ; butter from
nine cents to one shilling per pound ; cheese, six cents per pound ;
groceries, with the exception of tea, as dear as in England ; Young
Hyson, $1 per pound, cows from $10 to |25 each, horses from $30
to $100 each ; clothing of all kinds is dear. So, you see, this is the
poor man's country, but unless he has land or can labor hard, a
man with a family of small children stands but a poor chance.
Situations for single men are very scarce, except as bar-tenders at
taverns, clerks, etc. Shopmen are better off generally in the old
country with little more than their board and lodging. New York
is quite overdone, so man}- stop there. We arrived there the 1st
of September, just as the cholera began to abate. Its ravages
there, and, indeed, nearly all over the States, were very great. "We
were mercifully preserved all the way, although at serveral times
lodging under the same roof with it, but without knowing it at the
time. There were cases in every town we passed through. It has
again broken out in the Southern States, and I expect will reach
Cleveland six miles from us, it being a place where so mau}^
emigrants land. It is a very increasing place, and for the size of
it, the prettiest town I have seen in America. Its situation on the
lake is so commanding that it will soon be a place of great import-
ance, and the inhabitants are beginning to have a taste for the fine
arts, so that a person who understood drawing, music, etc., so as to
teach it well, might make money apace there. Mechanics of all
description meet with employment. Education in this country is
conducted very differently to what it is in the old country. Each
State is divided into townships of five miles square. Each town-
ship is again divided into districts, and each district has a school
house. These are called district schools, and are taught by a female

42 ANNALS OF THE

in the summer, and by a man in tlie winter. The former is paid
about $6 per month, and boards around at the houses of the differ-
ent pupils, a week at each place. The male teacher gets from $10
to $20 per month, according to the size of the school, and boards
around. In many places they have select or private schools, I
have kept one here. * * * . * * *

We have much reason for thankfulness, all things considered,
for amidst heaA^y trials of afflictions, dangers, and privations we
have been preserved in a wonderful manner, for which I desire to be
truly thankful to m}' Heavenl}- Father, and would desire to trust
him for the future. ******

We are exceedingly tried for want of cash. I have taken but
little more than five dollars in cash for education since I have been
in the country' — a little more than a sovereign (they fetch $4.75).
*** * * * ***

I must now bid you adieu, and remain your affectionate uncle.

J. STAIR.

PIONEER CLERGYMEN.

In accordance with the request of the Presbytery I submit a
brief historj^ of the pioneer ministers and missionaries of the Wes-
tern Reserve as they appeared to me in the days of my boyhood.

When the State of Connecticut had surveyed her reserved lands
in Northern Ohio, and set them up to public sale, and when many
of the purchasers retailed them to actual settlers, most 6f whom
were from Connecticut, the good people of the State did not forget
her emigrants, and as soon as a sufficient number had placed them-
selves in widely different localities and, of course, deprived of
literary privileges they earl}' followed them with devoted ministers
of the Gospel.

In 1806 my father's family penetrated the dense wilderness as
far as Aurora, now Portage count}', Ohio, and planted us down on
the farthest verge of civilization in the West. I have no evidence
that another house of a white man was to be found on the space of

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 43

five miles in a straight line to the Pacific Ocean. As early as 1808
I well remember the call of Joseph Badger, a man then of more
than forty, stalwart, bold and fearless. He it was who preached the
first sermon in what is now the city of Cleveland. He much amused
children with a story of how he once climbed a tree to escape from
a bear. Being of a very social turn he greatl}' interested and in-
structed us with his conversation, as whenever he came around he
was always welcomed most heartily. My father, though not at that
time a professing Christian, kept the ministers tavern in Aurora,
and then we had the pleasure (my mother especially) to provide the
best we could for their comfort. Mr. Badger, as was true of most
of the missionaries, preached in private houses and used notes as
was generally done then. His residence was in Ashtabula.

Next to him was Nathan B. Darrow, having his home in
Vienna, Trumbull county. He was a man about thirty, very
gentlemanly in his appearance, familiar to children and pleasing
to all. He early supplied the church in Vienna a part of the time
and spent the balance as a missionary. Let it be remembered the
inhabitants were sparse, the roads muddj' and streams without
bridges. The only way of travelling was by foot or horseback-
It required no little perseverance and resolution to make these
journeys. Mr. Darrow died much regretted in Vienna.

Another was Jonathan Leslie, a tall man of dark complexion
and somewhat formal in his manner. His bearing and dignity gave
him respect, but he lacked that familiarity that would have added
much to his usefulness. His residence was in Harpersfield, where
I think he died.

Another was Joshua Beer, who lived in Springfield, now
Summit county, 0. He was from Pennsylvania and of Scotch-
Irish descent, and was about forty years of age. He was stoutly
built, of diirk complexion, and maintained more than usual gravity.
His preaching was extemporaneous and on the whole very accept-
able. He was too distant to please children. I think he died in
Springfield, though I am not certain.

Thomas Barr, whose early home was in Euclid, Cuyahoga
county, was also from Pennsylvania, and of Scotch-Irish descent.

44 ANNALS OF

He was one of the most ardent and energetic men to be found.
He used no notes in preaching, and his zeal gave him much
attention. He was social and greatly pleased the children.
Indeed, I think few men were CAxr better fitted to the body
of the people. I believe he died in Euclid.

Giles H. Cowles, after Dr. Cowles, of Austinburgh, Ashtabula
count}', was a man past middle life when I first knew him. In
stature thick-set, short, and very dignified in his manner, and a
man of good sense and fine education. His sermons were logical,
plain, and practical ; in short, he was a fine example of a Con-
necticut pastor. He was worthy of respect, and was prized b}- the
people of Austinburgh. There he died many years ago. One of
his sons was a valuable physician, whose son is now the worthy
and respected editor of the Cleveland Leader.

John Seward, born in Grranville, Mass., 1784, graduated at
Williams in 1810, and 1811 was licensed to preach the Gospel, and
the same year was ordained as a missionary, and being provided b}'
his father with an iron gray horse, in three days was on his way to
the Western Eeserve, where he arrived in three weeks and spent
his first Sabbath in Conneaut. Soon after this I had the pleasure
of hearing him preach in Aurora, where he was installed Aug. 5th,
1812, to supply one-half of the time. The balance was spent as a mis-
sionary'. In person he was slender, 3-et hale, and showed himself
capable of great endurance. He was very exemplary as a Christian,
and never lowered himself as a minister of the Gospel. To do good
to all classes was his delight. He was Calvinistic in his doctrines,
and exceedingly plain and pointed in his discourses. He generally
used his manuscript in the desk, and was remarkably argumenta-
tive and practical. Few men have I heard more conclusive in
reasoning and convincing in argument. The 30uth were not over-
looked, and before the Sunday-school sj'stem prevailed he used the
assembl}' catechism and held out presents of Bibles to those that
excelled. He will ever be remembered with respect b}' the people
in Aurora. Soon after him came William Handford, one of the best
of men and ministers. Small in stature, and earl}' crippled for life
hy his exposures on the missionary field, he was settled as pastor

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 45

in Hudson, where he spent the best years of his life. He was a
good preacher, always making it manifest that what he said he
himself believed, and thus his preaching was with power. Feeble
as he was, he performed a vast amount of valuable work. None
that knew him failed to love and respect him.

Harvey Coe began his services on the Reserve about the same
time and was early settled as pastor in Vernon, Trumbull county.
He was very prominent in his appearance, and at fii'st sight seemed
rather assuming and affected in his language. His discourses were
clear and more than usually instructive. The better he was known
the more was he respected. Not far from the same period an-ived
Caleb Pitkin, from Milford, Ct., and began service as a missionary.
He was in middle life, hale and energetic. His aim was to do good
and planned for that purpose. He was settled only a part of his
time in Charlestown, Portage county, as pastor, and gave the rest
to missionar}' service. He was plain, practical, and orthodox.
None more Calvinistic. I deemed him one of the most useful
among the early ministers of the Reserve.

Joseph Treat came about the same time also. He was tall and
spare, very punctilious, and remarkably precise in his manner. In
his preaching he was logical and peculiar in the use of language.
His discourses were very finished productions and deemed quite
Calvinistic. He was early settled as pastor in Windom, Portage
county, and deemed a very good and useful man. Seward, Fenn,
Standford, Coe, Pitkin, and Treat worked together in great har-
mony and were the active agents in forming churches and founding
the Western Reserve College. They were truly working men and
it is to them in a great measure we owe the existent Presbyterian-
ism on the Reserve. In connection with them was Mr. Bacon, the
father of Dr. Leonard Bacon, of New Heaven. He was commis-
sioned by colonel Tallmadge, of Litchfield, Conn., to lay out the
township of Tallmadge, now in Summit county. This business he
wisely prosecuted, and secured for the township a valuable class of
early settlers. The town owes him much regard for what he did
for it. As a preacher he was dry, but orthodox. He was better
calculated to sell land than preach the Gospel.

46 ANNALS OF THE

Joseph Merriam is the last I shall mention. He came early and
settled in Randolph, Portage couut3\ Whether he acted as a
missionary I cannot say. He was a very modest, quiet man, a per-
son of good sense, steadfast and reliable, a good practical preacher,
and is permitted to live to the present day — I believe the only one
of the number mentioned that survives.

To their honor be it said that none of them came under

scandal, and none made shipwreck of their faith or in an}^ manner

brought disgrace on the blessed cause in which they were engaged.

The field they early selected for their active work and all, with the

exception of Merriam, have laid down their lives on it, and their

spirits have been transferred to the Paradise of Grod. Such a

galaxy of ministers, extending from 1808 to 1824, can scarcely be

found. The fruit of their toil and self-denial will never be lost.

To the latest posterity they will justly be honored as the founders

of a state of society that shall flourish and grow brighter and better

as time moves onward.

SAMUEL BISSELL.

Twinsburg, 0., April 11th, 1881.

OLD TIME CHARACTERS.

BY O. P. C.

Abraham Hickox. more familiarly known to both old and young
as " Uncle Abram," settled in Cleveland at a very early day, and
commenced business as a blacksmith near the rear of E. I. Bald-
win's present store. He afterwards built a small shop at the corner
of Euclid avenue and what is now known as Hickox street (named
in honor of the old man), where he worked for many long years.
His sign read, " Uncle Abram works here." Uncle Abram was as
honest as the day is long, and a patriot tried and true. He it was
who on each Fourth of July, at early dawn, would arouse the
sleeping inhabitants with the loud and booming report of his an-
vil, which was then the onl}^ battery of artillery of which Cleve-
land could boast. And all day long he would keep up the fire

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 47

along the line. The old man on one occasion met with quite a
mishap, caused by the blowing up of his powder magazine, which
burned him quite severe!}- ; but, nothing daunted, he obtained a
fresh supply and continued his fusillade. Although it has been
many long years since Uncle Abrara was laid to rest, methinks I
see him still as he used to appear in his homespun gray suit, wide-
rimmed wool hat, steel-bowed specks, and stout hickory staff. He
died in 1845 at a very advanced age, and his remains now repose
in Erie Street Cemetery by the side of his wife, who died several
years previous.

Rodolphus Edwards, for short called " Dolph," and of whom I
am about to write, can be numbered among the early pioneers of
Cuyahoga county, having come here away back in 1797. He settled
on a large tract of land now known as Woodland Hills, but former-
ly called Butternut Ridge. In addition to farming he kept a pub-
lic inn or tavern, as they were called in those days, for the accom-
modation of the traveling public, which was a place of resort for
the old pioneers who used occasionally to meet and over their
glasses of cider-flip pass away the time recounting their trials and
adventures of pioneer life. This old house is still standing, hav-
ing been converted into a private residence, and is now occupied by
Rodolphus Edwards, Jr., who himself is well advanced in years.
Rain or snow, hot or cold, as regular as Saturday came around
Uncle Dolph, with his old Dobbin, old time carryall and big brindle
dog, seated bolt upright on the seat by the side of his master,
would make his appearance in town. He would drive up to a post
in front of a certain store, and after hitching his horse he would
gather up his jugs which were to be filled with molasses, vinegar
and certain other liquids for the benefit of his traveling customers,
he would at on(^ attend to having them filled and making pur-
chases of such other articles as he desired, and having safely
stowed them away in his wagon would leave his faithful dog on
guard while he visited his numerous friends and whiled away the
day in talking over old times. When ready to return home it would
sometimes happen, especially in very hot weather, that by the time
he would get comfortably seated in his carryall he would become

4g ANNALS OF THE

somewhat drows}' and drop into a doze, and the lines would hang
listlessl}' in his hands, but Old Dobbin would trot off homewards
all the same, while Old Brindle would sit as solemn as a judge and
keep faithful vigil over both master and horse, until all were safely
landed at the Edward's mansion. Rodolphus Edwards has long
since finished life's journey, and but few of the old pioneers now
remain.

Of all the eccentric men the late Irad Kelley perhaps had no
equal. As he was so well known to all who have resided in Cleve-
land for the last twenty years, no personal description of him is
here needed. He, too, was one of the pioneers and prominent citi-
zens of early times. At one time he announced himself as a can-
didate for Congress and Sheriff of Cuyahoga County, but was not
at all particular on what ticket his name was placed. There is no
doubt had he succeeded in being elected to both positions, but that
he would have been equal to the emergency. However, he fell sever-
al thousand votes short of an election. Several jears ago when the
project was broached of enclosing that part of Superior and Ontario
streets running through the Public Square and making it all one,
Irad Kelley fought, tooth and toe nail, against the measure. When
it was finally done, the old man, who then resided out on Euclid
avenue, would hitch his horses at the upper end of the Square and
walk down through it, declaring he would never drive around; he held
out for a long time, but finally had to give in. As the story related
of him in regard to his old gra}" horse Pomp, has so often been told,
I will omit it here, but this allusion to it will no doubt cause the
old inhabitants to smile. The following incident has never ap-
peared in print or been told in public, the writer only being cogniz-
ant of the facts : One bitter cold night in December 1874, while I
was wending my way down Superior street, \ met Irad Kellc}'^
dressed in his usual swallow tailed coat, low quarter shoes and
stove pipe hat. Cold as it was he wore neither overcoat nor
gloves. Stopping me he asked, if I could direct him to the place
where some women had advertised to deliver a lecture on matri-
mony. After answering him in the negative I asked him what an
old man like him wanted to know about matrimony. " W-a-a-1,"

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 49

he replied in his usual nasal twang, " I wanted to hear what the
darned old crittur had to say anyhow." This, I believe, was the
last time I ever saw Trad Kelley alive, his death occuring a few
months afterwards.

There were quite a number of other queer characters who
flourished here in earl}' times, among whom may be mentioned
McCoy the pettifogger, Long Tom Coffin, Tom Colahan, Bill Rich-
ardson of low-black-suspicious-schooner fame, jolly rollicking Capt.
Dan Hickox of old canal packet momor}-, and last, though not least,
John Brown," the barber, who used to argue that the reason why
the colored people did not thrive as well at the North as at the
South was "bekase de}' did not congeal to de climate."

I have now accomplished the task I set out to perform, and in
doing so I trust I have given no oflence or been too personal in
what I have written, as it has been far from my intention to cast
ridicule on the names of those whom I have mentioned. My aim
and object have been in a measure to revive old memories of by-
gone days. Who is there that will now take up the pen where I
have left off and furnish us with the histories of those early sett-
lers who in their day accomplished so much in building up, beau-
tifj'ing and advancing the interests of this now great and growing
city ?

HOUSE 200 YEARS OLD.

At the corner of Hanover and Vermont streets in Cleveland
stands a low roofed house of a reddish color, looking much like
other houses as to wear, but its style seems a little antiquated.
This house is said to be nearly two hundred years old. A Sentinel
scribe hearing that Mr. Robert Sanderson could give an account of
the old house, called on him at his residence, No. 54 Clinton street,
and found him quite willing to deliver up all he knew concerning
the old relic. Mr. Sanderson is a hale and heart}- old gentleman,
and seems to have an excellent memory. He has lived on the West
Side for nearl}^ fifty years, arriving here October 4, 1833. There
were scarcely a hundred people on this side of the river then, and

. 4

50 ANNALS OF THE

the etiquette was at such a high standard that there was but one
man in the whole place that owned a broadcloth coat, and he was
a tailor and ashamed to wear it because he was afraid of being
laughed at. "When Mr. Sanderson came be brought such a coat
with him, and did not wear it for two years for the same reason.
When asked concerning the old house on Hanover street, he gave
a brief history of it, as far as he knew, as follows :

" I bought the house from old Joel Scranton forty-four years
ago, and from him I learned its historj^, and all I shall tell you
about it before I owned it, will be on his authority.- The North-
western Fur Company built it possibly two hundred years ago for
a fur warehouse. The company consisted of Scotch, British and
French, but the first-mentioned had the control of it. The house
was built up at the head of the old river-bed, or rather where the
head now is. After it had been there in use a number of years,
the beavers built a dam across the river right about opposite where
the rolling mill stands, and the river made another mouth of its
own accord from there into the lake. The company then moved
the house from where it was built to a point above the dam, think-
ing it was better to do that than to disturb the beavers, as it was
their skins the}' were after. It remained there till sixty-three years
ago. That was the time the Ohio canal was built. The govern-
ment decided that year to dredge out a new mouth to the river,
and the house was moved over on the government land near where
the stone pier now is, on the other side of the river. It was moved
before the new channel was dug, so they did not have to take it
across the river. Here it stood for quite a number of years, used
for the same purpose. After a while it was moved from there up
to the foot of Superior street hill to where the Oviatt building now
stands. Ward & Blair owned the property there and an adjoining
warehouse, and I don't know whether they bought this or rented it.
This was right opposite the Cathan corners, which were where Myers,
Osborne & Co.'s works now stand. These corners were well known
all over the Western Reserve, and between these corners and Su-
perior street hill was the only place of crossing the river, and that
was by ferry. I bought the house from old Joel Scranton forty-

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 5]^

four years ago. When I found it was such an old house and had
a histor}", I decided to preserve it, so I took it apart, and moving
it in sections, set it up where it now stands. There were eleven
courses of shingles on the roof, one on top of the other ; the under
shingles were the long ones, which looked more like barrel staves,
while those on top were more modern and smaller. I used it as it
was for six years as a joiner shop, then I took the old siding off
and put on new, as it was quite an eyesore to the community in its
original shape. There was no saw mill farther west than Albany
when it was built (so Scran ton said), and every stick of the house,
even to the siding and long shingles, was hewn out with a broad
ax. The house was made entirely of chestnut, as that wood is
easier hewn, and when I found that out, I replaced ever}' piece that
I had found unsound, with chestnut. The shingles and siding are
about all there is of the house as it now stands that was not in the
original warehouse. When I took it down to move it, I found it
full of hairs from bottom to top, and between the floor of the up-
per story and the ceiling of the lower it was entirely filled with
hair. The house seemed full of it, and there is hair in it
at the present time. According to Scranton its age can be
traced back one hundred and fort}' years. I think Scranton's an-
cestors were connected in some way with the old fur company.
Scranton was a queer old man ; never talked much — about once a
week on an average. When I was taking down the old building,
he would come and stand there with his arms behind his back
under his coat-tails, and look at the old building in a longing way.
One day he came there as usual, and after a while he said, ' Well,
well, man}' is the pound of tea I have sold in that old building to
the Indians for $10 per pound, and taken my pay in skins.' It
seemed a sorry time to him that such a day was passed. You
see, he got the skins for about two shillings a piece, or thereabouts,
so that he made a pretty good thing of it. He told me that there
was one older house in Ohio than this one, and that was in Mariet-
ta. I don't know whether that is standing or not, but think likely
that it is. I suppose we ought to give in to Marietta, and we take
the next to the oldest. It has been used as a dwelling house for

52 ANNALS OF THE

thirty-eight years. After I had used it for six years as a joiner
shop, I used it myself as a dwelling for ten years, and it has been
used as such ever since. From another source it is learned that
John Jacob Astor bought and sold merchandise in this old ware-
house when it stood on the flats."

Here is a house that is certainly older than one hundred and
forty years, probably nearly two hundred ; it has been moved four
different times, a distance of over two miles, once across the river and
once up a hill ; it has been taken apart and put together again, it
has been used for a warehouse, store, shop and dwelling house,
and with all this age and moving about, a person passing it would
never take it to be over thirt}- years old, and there are houses even
younger than that which look much worse for wear. This old relic
bids fair to stand many years of use yet, and who knows but what
it may stand its third century out yet ? It certainly ought to be
allowed to stand as long as possible. — West Side Sentinel.

DIAMOND WEDDING.

Mr. and Mrs. E. F. Gaylord of Cleveland celebrated their dia-
mond wedding, the sixtieth anniversarj' of their marriage ; and
among the greetings which they received was the following pretty

little poem :

Shared hopes are sweetest,
Shared fears are fleetest,
Shared lives the meetest
For this side heaven.

Shared work is dearest,
Shared love the neare-t
Shared faith is clearest
On this side heaven.

If wedded love is stronger
As wedded life grows older,
And marriage vows are truer
As earthly years grow fewer ;
If hearts thus bound together
Keep loving more and more,
What must the total be when years
Have counted up three score?

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 53

HON. JOHN W. ALLEN

INTERVIEWED AS TO THE CHOLERA VISITATION IN 1832, WHEN
CLEVELAND WAS A HAMLET OF FIFTEEN HUNDRED SOULS.

"Yes, sir; I've been a resident of Cleveland for fifty-eight
years," said the Hon. John W. Allen to a Leader reporter yester-
day. " Oh, yes ; I remember the cholera visitation of 1832," he
continued. " Cleveland then had from 1,200 to 1,500 inhabitants.
We had read of its terrible ravages in Asia, but when we found it
was traveling steadily toward Western Europe we became some-
what apprehensive that it might cross the Atlantic, but still we
hoped and to some extent believed that the ocean would prove a
bar to its transmission hither. In the latter part of May the dis-
ease was brought to Quebec by an emigrant ship, and soon broke
out with great virulence in that city, and moved up the St. Law-
rence River. At Montreal it was exceedingly fatal, and a general
panic was created all along the lakes. This village was then under
the municipal government of a president, recorder, and three
trustees, with a treasurer and marshal. Immediate steps were
taken in making some preparation for an attack, which we still
hoped to escape. The famous Black Hawk war was then raging in
the territory which is now called Wisconsin, and in adjacent parts
of Illinois clear through to the Mississippi River. The Indians
were all on the war-path. The garrison, at what is now Chicago,
had been massacred, and every white man, woman, and child they
could hunt out, murdered. With a horrible pestilence threatened
in the East and at home too, and a war of extermination in prog-
ress in the West, it may well be inferred the popular mind was in
a high state of excitement. About June General Scott was or-
dered to gather all the troops he could find in the Eastern forts at
Buffalo and start them off in a steamboat in all haste for Chicago.
He embarked with a full load on board the Henry Clay, Captain
Norton commanding, a most discreet and competent man and
officer. Incipient indications of cholera soon appeared, and some

54 ANNALS OF THE

died, and by the time the boat arrived at Fort Gratiot, at the foot
of Lake Huron, it became apparent that the effort to reach Chicago
by water wowld prove abortive. General Scott, therefore, landed
his men and prepared to make the march through the wilderness,
three hundred miles or more to Chicago, and sent the Clay back to
Buffalo. Captain Norton started down the river, having on board
a' number of sick soldiers. All were worn out with labor and
anxiety. They hoped at Detroit to get food, medicines, and small
stores, but when they got there every dock was covered with armed
men and cannon, and they were ordered to move on without a
moment's delay, even in the middle of the river, and did so, head-
ing for Buffalo. Before the Clay got off Cleveland half a dozen
men had died and were thrown overboard, and others were sick.

All believed there would not be men enough left to work the vessel
into Buffalo, and Captain Norton steamed for Cleveland as his only
alternative. Early in the morning of the 10th of June we found
the Cla}' lying fast to the west bank of the river, with a flag of dis-
tress flying, and we knew the hour of trial had come upon us, thus
unheralded. The trustees met immediately, and it was determined
at once that everything should be done to aid the sufferers and pro-
tect our citizens so far as in us lay. I was deputed to visit Capt.
Norton and find what he most needed, and how it could be done.
A short conversation was held with him across the river, and plans
suggested for relieving them. The result was that the men were
removed to comfortable barracks on the West Side, and needed
appliances and physicians were furnished. Captain Norton came
ashore and went into retirement with a friend for a day or two, and
the Clay was thoroughly fumigated, and in three or four days she
left for Buffalo. Some of the men having died here, they were
buried on a bluff point on the West Side. But in the interim the
disease showed itself among our citizens in various localities and
among those who had not been exposed at all from proximity to
the boat or to those of us who had been most connected with the
work that had been done. The faces of men were blanched and
they spoke with bated breath, and all got away from here who
could. How many persons were attacked is unknown now, but in

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 55

the course of a fortnight the disease became less virulent and end-
ed within a month, about fifty having died. About the middle of
October following a cold rain storm occurred and weeks, and per-
haps months, after the last case had ceased of the previous visita-
tion, fourteen men were seized with cholera and all died within
three days. No explanation could be given as to the origin, no
others being aflfected, and that was the last appearance of it for two
years. In 1834 we had another visitation, and some deaths oc-
curred, but the people were not so much scared.

" Should we be afflicted by a visit of it this year, there need be
less apprehension than in 1832, as the disease is much better
understood, and phj'sicians know better by far how to treat it.
The people will better know, too, how to live to avoid it, and will
soon discover that cucumbers, half ripe apples, and green corn are
not a healthy diet under such circumstances.

" Detroit River was not the only locality where resort was had
to violence. The aid of muskets and cannon was invoked here by
some of our most excitable people who patrolled the shore of the
lake both east and west to prevent the landing of infected vessels.
There is little doubt but powder would have been burnt had not
milder means been effective. Let our people then eat, and drink,
and labor in moderation, watch an}-^ indication of the approach of
disease, take medical advice promptly, and not let their fears get
the better of their judgment, keep a clean stomach and a clear
oonscience, thank God for past mercies and invoke his kind aid in
th.« future, and they will probably escape attack, or if attacked will
pull through."

56 ANNALS OF THE

LIFE SKETCH OF JOEL B. CAHOON.

When a life extends through nearly a century — and such 9, one
as is just passed — it is so rich in story, so full of interest that it is
difficult to select a. few from the many incidents to relate.

In Salisbury, N. Y., Aug. 27, 1793, Joel B., third son of Joseph
and Lydia Kenyon Cahoon, was born. His father at that time and
for several j'ears after engaged in milling at propitious places in
New York, New Jersey and Vermont.

The opportunities for an education which presented themselves
were well improved, and this with careful home training prepared
him for life's duties.

In August, 1810, he with his father's family set out from Yer-
gennes, Yt, to the then far West in a moving wagon, traveling as
long as did Columbus on his first voyage across the Atlantic, ere
they reached the romantic spot on the shore of Lake Ei'ie, which
was to be their home. Thus, on Oct. 10, 1810, the Cahoon family
made the first settlement in Dover, twelve miles west of Cleveland,
with its five houses.

Four years later he joined Maj. Croghan's expedition against
the British at Mackinaw, and at the close of the war returned to his
home in Dover. For a short time after his return he carried the
mail on horseback from Cleveland to Maumee Cit}-, and the num-
erous incidents which occurred in crossing half frozen swamps and
flooded streams afforded entertaining topics of conversation for
years after their occurrence.

In 1822, thinking there was a future awaiting him beyond the
home roof, he visited his native state and by good management
acquired a small capital, with which to begin business in company
with his brother Daniel at Boston, Ohio. The two brothers soon
after began contracting work upon canals and turnpikes, spending
six or seven very busy and profitable years near Pittsburgh, and
upon the Juniata.

When the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad was commenced they

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 57

contracted for building several sections of it in Maryland, this
being the second railroad built in the United States. While
engaged upon the Lateral Road in Md. he formed the acquaintance
of Mrs. Margaret A. Van Allen of Washington, D. C, and on July
14, 1831, they were married in Frederick, Md.

Fifty years later, with a happiness which knew no bounds, sur-
rounded by his nine children, he sat beneath the golden bridal bell,
receiving with his cherished companion of half a century the con-
gratulations of many friends.

Several years after his marriage business proved very profitable,
but the shadow came, as it often does, to cloud the pathway.
Though sensibly feeling the loss he never gave way to discourage-
ment, and removed to Indiana, beginning anew in business, only to
again encounter disappointment, for the State suspended payment
and his prospects were ruined. His last contract upon Public
Works was in 1842 near Cincinnati, at which time his brother
Daniel died, and closing his business relations he came to his farm
in Dover, taking up the work laid down by his father a few years
before. The grist mill, which had been raised on the day of Perry's
victory, was again set in motion, the saw mill was repaired, and
though the meridian was passed he uncomplainingly took up
the burden of life again, steadily, faithfully fulfilling his duty till
a severe illness unfitted him for active life. Three score and ten
years had now been his portion, and with a clean record to look
back upon he sat happily beneath his trees and enjoyed social
intercourse.

Oct. 10, 1860, he gathered his kindred around him, uncovered
the hearth-stone of his ancestor, and with feasting, song and story
celebrated the semi-centennial of the settlement of Dover. The
meeting was so enjo3'able that the " Gaboon Pioneer Celebration "
became an organized institution and its annual meeting a " red let-
ter day " to the pioneers of Northern Ohio.

In January, 1879, he had a slight attack of paralysis, and
eighteen months later was completely prostrated by the same mal-
ady. Though never able to walk after this he regained his usual
strength, and passed in peace the remainder of his life.

5g ANNALS OF THE

His strictly temperate habits in life lengthened his days. His
upright, honorable, Christian character won for him the respect of
all. The patience with which he sat for man}' months and saw
naught but comfort and beauty in his surroundings added another
to his numerous virtues.

In the home made sacred by its associations with father, moth-
er, brothers and sisters, all of whom had found rest, he sat serenely
amid the gathering shade of years and listened to life's curfew bell,
telling with eighty and nine solemn strokes that the hour had come
when man must prepare to lie down and rest till the morning.
With a heart full of affection for his household, with intellect bright
and vision undimmed he looked forth upon the blue waters before
him for the last time, and trusting in the Father of all, passed to
his reward Sept. 28, 1882.

Beside his excellent and honored father, in the cemetery over-
looking the lake he is sleeping — life's labor done.

THE WILLES BROTHERS.

The two brothers, Ziba and Luther Willes, settled in Cleveland
at an early daj'', and soon became identified with its growing inter-
ests as a village. They were both men of enterprise and intelligence,
whose names and memories as pioneers and worth}' citizens should
not be forgotten.

Ziba was born in Royalton, Vt., m 1795, where he received a
common-school education and learned the printer's trade. In 1815,
or near that date, he emigrated to Erie, Pa., and established a
newspaper, which he conducted for nearly four years. In 1819 he
sold his establishment at Erie, and settled in Cleveland, where he
purchased from Andrew Logan the " Cleveland Gazette and Com-
mercial Register." He changed the title of this newspaper to that
of the " Cleveland Herald," a title which it still retains. In con-
ducting the Herald Ziba did all the work. — He wrote the editorials,
set the type, and executed the press-work on an old-fashioned hand-
press. He continued to publish the Herald for some seven years

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 59

or more with remunerative success, when his health from over-
work became seriously impaired, and he was compelled to relin-
quish his favorite vocation. It is noteworthy, however, that while
he conducted the Herald he exercised a wholesome moral as well as
political influence, not only throughout the Western Reserve, but
throughout the State. His views of public policy were statesman-
like, and contributed largely to give shape and direction to the leg-
islation of the State. He possessed rare social qualities of char-
acter, which made him a favorite in the social circles of the time.
He seemed to be the friend of everybody, and everybody seemed to
be his friend. He never married. After his health failed him, he
retired to Bedford, a village in the vicinity of Cleveland, where he
spent the remainder of his days in the family of his brother
Luther, and where he died Nov. 13th, 1830, at the age of 35 years.
Luther was born in Hanover, N. H., in 1789, received an
Academical education and devoted himself to mercantile pursuits.
In the course of a few years he became a partner in the house of
Frothingham & Co. at Montreal, Canada. When the war of 1812
was declared, his American sentiments of patriotism induced him
to leave Canada and return to the United States. He then opened
a shop of dry goods at Buffalo, and while doing a successful busi-
ness there, the town was burned by the enemy, and his stock in
trade destroyed. But with a resolution that would not yield to
adversity, he proceeded to New York to purchase a new stock of
dry goods, and while on his way fell sick at West Bloomfield, where
he made the acquaintance of Miss Fanny Willey, an accomplished
daughter of Allen Willey, of that town, whom he married in 1817,
and at about the same time settled in business as a merchant at
Erie, Pa., where his brother Ziba then resided. He remained at
Erie some five 3'ears. In the meantime Ziba had removed to
Cleveland. This induced Luther to discontinue business at Erie,
and to I'ejoin his brother at Cleveland, where he pursued his for-
mer business of merchandising for a short time, when, from con-
siderations of failing health, and by the advice of his ph3-sican, he
concluded to exchange an indoor life to a more active one in the
open air. He purchased a large farm at Bedford, erected mills, and

ANNALS OF THE

not only did a successful business, but did much to improve the
village and advance its prosperity. He was a man of intelligence
as well as of enterprise, and enjo3ed the esteem and confidence of
all who knew him. He died at Bedford June 26, 1833, at 44 years
of age, leaving a wife and four young children, one son and three
daughters.

Mrs. Willes was one of the few accomplished women, who
possess talent combined with energy of character. On the death
of her husband she assumed the business in which he had been
engaged, and carried it along in all its details with success, and at
the same time cared for her children, educated them, and lived to
see them grow to manhood and womanhood, and take positions in
life of eminent respectabilit}-. She loved the Church as well as her
children, and at her own expense erected a church edifice at Bed-
ford, and gave it to the Baptist societj- of which she was a dcA'oted
member. She also gave liberall}- to the cause of foreign missions,
while at the same time the poor and the unfortunate at home
shared her sympathies and her bounties. She died while on a visit
to her daughter, Mrs. Sullivant, at Sibley, 111., at the ripe age of 84
years. Her remains were returned and buried at Bedford, along-,
side those of her husband. The old Willes" farm having been
recentl}' sold and transferred to the hands of strangers, the remains
of the Willes brothers, with the remains of Mrs. Willes, were re-
moved to the Erie St. cemeter}- in Cleveland June 16, 1883, and
recommitted to the silent care of Mother Earth.

PIONEER SCHOOLS.

In 1825 I went to school in Warrensville township, to a lady
who is yet living in this county, and though her voice is slightly-
tremulous from age, she can yet read and pronounce the English
language as properly as any of the school teachers, or any member
of the Board of Education of our city. Less than seventeen years
before that time she and a twin sister came to Ohio from New
Hampshire, riding much of the way in a basket suspended from

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. Q\

the bows of a pioneer's covered wagon, and arrived when she was
only about three months old. As a matter of course, she obtained all
her school education in the pioneer schools long before "Appleton's
Readers " were in existence, and probably before any of their
authors were old enough to wear pantaloons. Of the scholai'S of
fifty years ago, and even longer, I will venture the assertion, that in
all the strictly necessary branches of elementary education, the}^,
on an average, would have compared favorablj^ with those of the
present day. They did not have a smattering of as man}' different
studies as are now taught, but they quite as thoroughly understood
how to make a practical use of what they did learn ; though they
did not attend school more |han half as much time, and did not
have one-fourth of the number of books, and other school fixtures
that make our nominally free schools very expensive.

The "English Reader" (of which I still have a copj^ that I
bought in 1837) of two hundred and fifty pages, was, as long ago
as I can remember, the principal school reading book ; and, for that
purpose, is worth more than all the various series of Readers that
have been published since. It was from that, that Joshua R.
Giddings, Benjamin F. Wade and James A. Garfield learned to
read. Any scholar who has properl}' learned to spell and pro-
nounce the common words of the English language, can, with the
assistance of a teacher, who is a good reader, learn to read, as well
from that book as from a dozen others. Scholars learn to read
well, by imitating good readers, more than b}- all the instructions
and marks indicating rising and falling inflection, etc., that ever
were, or will be, printed.

In our public schools, especially in the lower departments, in
which at least ninety-seven of every hundred of our scholars
obtain all the school education they ever have, I would have adopted
the pioneer plan of thoroughly learning the common branches of
education, necessary in all stations of life, first, and then as much
more as their time and circumstances will permit. If possible I would
have every scholar a complete walking cyclopedia, but the}^ should
be taught all the elementary branches before being set to define in
scientific terms the difference between catnip and Canada thistles, etc.

g2 ANNALS OF THE

For over twenty-five years our public school S3'stem has been
used as a pack-horse by school book publishers to carry their books
to market. Parents have been required to buy far more school
books than were necessary, and pay far more than they ought to
have done for necessaiy ones. Especially' has that been, and is
yet, the case with Readers from Fii-st to Sixth.

H(AV IT USED TO BE DONE.

In the pioneer schools scholars were taught to form words on
the plain and eas}' plan of combining the lettei-s of the alphabet —
which they generallj- learned to some extent before being old
enough to go to school, often to the extent of spelling and correctly
pronouncing easj^ words of two syllables. They were first taught to
spell ■■ b-a, ba." etc., then '• b-a-k-e, bake," and many other monosj'l-
labic words, by which they learned the most common combinations
of vowels with their long, short, and broad sounds, which was but
an easy task. Then followed spelling lessons of two sj-llables as
ba-ker, baker, la-dy, lady, sha-dy, shady, with the accent on the
first. Then followed lessons of similar words as a-bate, be-late>
es-tate, and others, graduall}-, introducing all the various sounds of
the vowels, but no words containing the perplexing silent letters ;
they being aiTanged in later lessons. The scholars were always
pleased to find how soon and easily they had learned to spell and
pronounce so man}' words that they heard ever}' day, and still more
so when they found how easily they could combine them into sen-
tences on various subjects, and found themselves very good readers.
After that they were taught to spell — to spell first mind you — other
words of two, three and four syllables without silent letters, and to
read corresponding lessons ; and the use of the comma, semi-colon
and other pauses and marks used in reading ; all contained in
Noah Webster's spelling book. Parents and scholars, then, were
not bored with an interminable series of reading books, some of
them composed largely of diluted stupidity, hardly equal to the
" Melodies of Mother Goose," that were then, as now, used to amuse
children too young to go to school, and too old to need a wet
nurse.

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. gg

In learning to spell, scholars were an-anged in classes, first,
second and third, according to their proficienc}-, each class called
separately- on to the floor, and required to spell and pronounce cor-
rectly and distinctly- a given number of words or lesson ; begin-
ning at the head of the class, and if one or more failed to spell any
word correctly, the one who did, went above those who failed.
The best spellers were those who got "to the head" the most
times in a month (the one at the head in the evening taking place
at the foot of the class the next morning) were promoted to the
next class above ; and those records and promotions did more to
make good spellers — and consequently^ good readers — than any
plan that has ever been devised since. T speak from over fift}-
years' experience and close observation as scholar and school
teacher. In the same thorough but simple and systematic way
scholars were taught all other common branches of education just
as fast as they could go and understand their lessons. They made
good use of their time in those da^s. Many of their lessons were
studied evenings by the light of a blazing wood fire, as there was
neither gas nor coal oil, and even tallow candles were scarce.

Teachers of winter schools got from ten to twelve doUars per
month and their board, and boarded with the parents of the
scholars — the rule was in proportion to the number from each
familv, but the general practice was, if the teacher was a young man, in
proportimi to the number of large girls. The best bill of fare that
could be furnished, was generally provided for teachers, who in
return tried to do the agi'eeable to the best of their ability. The
Summer schools were always taught by young women — so-called,
though some of them were not as young as they ^would like to
have been considered. Their wages were generally from four to
six dollars per month and board. Their scholars were generally
few and small, as then all who were large enough to aid in farm or
house work, were required to do so. But in the Winter, the little
log school-houses were generally crowded to their utmost capacity,
and the scholars — especially the larger ones — would sometimes
study fun instead of mathematics, gi-ammar or geogi-aphy. I will
only take time to give one specimen which occurred in our school

64 ANNALS OF THE

in "WaiTensville in the Winter of 1826-7. A lad}^ now residing in
our city, who was then a school-mate of mine, will, probabl}', well
remember the circumstance. One of the large boys was assisting
a large girl, whom he was quite partial to, in working out some
arithmetical question, and in looking on one slate, their heads very
naturall}" got quite close together. A lively chap thought it a good
chance for a little sport, and quietly slipped a piece of stout twine,
the ends of which he had tied together, over their heads, unknown
to them, till they had settled the apparently- difficult question, and
suddenly raised another by the school-master of ''WhaVs the mat-
ter? ^^ as he sprang to his feet and reached for the then universal
big switch in all school-houses ; for as they raised their heads
there was, of course, a sudden pulling one wa}' and another till the
twine broke, and an uproarious shout of laughter among the
scholars, many of whom had watched the trick from the beginning.
None of them could have answered the teacher's question for
laughing for a short time. Finally the wag who was the first cause
of the fun, and who stammered badly in talking at any time,
answered as well as he could for laughing: " T-t-t-turner and
M-m-m-man d-d-d-dana, b-b-b-broke th-th-th-their yo-yo-3'o-yoke."
Before he had finished his answer the teacher fully comprehended
the entire case, and joined in the laugh for a short time, and then
shouted " order ! " and matters resumed their usual condition. Two
of those three scholars are yet living in neighboring counties, and
that school girl is a lively old lady, and a grand-mother quite ex-
tensively. That school-master was a citizen of the adjoining town-
ship of Orange, and for several 3'ears after " Grand-ma Garfield "
moved there he was a neighbor of hers, as neighbors were then
counted (any within five miles), and I presume she remembers
Caleb Alvord, or as he was commonly called " Esquire Alvord." I
mention these facts because it seems to give additional interest to
past events to intimately connect them with the present time when
it can well be done.

July, 1883. H. M. ADDISON.

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. g5

KEMINISCENCES.

CONTRIBUTED BY MELINDA RUSSELL, OF THE SHAKER UNIOX,

AVARRENSVILLE.

In 1811 my grandfather, Jacob Russell, sold his farm and grist
mill on the Connecticut River, and took a contract for land in New-
burg (now Warrensville), Ohio.

His oldest son i]lijah, my father, shouldered his knapsack and
came to Ohio to get a lot sui'veyed ; he made some improvements,
selected a place for building, and then returned to New York where
he lived. In the Spring of the following 3"ear, he with his brother
Ralph came again to Ohio, cleared their piece of land, planted corn,
built a log-house, and went to Connecticut to assist in moving the
family to their new home, which was accomplished in the Autumn
of the same year. They formed an odd procession, fathers bro-
ther Elisha, and brother-in-law Hart Risley accompanied them with
their families, the wagons were drawn by oxen, mj- father walking
all the way so as to drive, while grandmother rode on horseback.
When they were as comfortably settled as might be, father returned
to his famil}-, whom he moved the next Summer, 1813, embarking
at Sacketts Harbor. N. Y., Aug. 1st, and arriving at Cleveland
Aug. 81. There being no harbor at that time, the landing was
effected hj means of row-boats. We then pulled ourselves up the
bank by the scrub oaks, which lined it, and walked to the hotel
kept by Major Carter ; this hotel was then the only frame house in
Cleveland. We staid there over night, and the next day walked to
Rodolphus Edwards', staid there that night, and the next day
walked to grandftither's home.

Our journey was attended with great suffering, my youngest
sister was sick all the waj^, dying three days after our arrival ;
storms and the perils of the war of that time added to our trials.

Father was taken sick with ague the next da}- after we aiTived,
so our house was built slowly, and with the gi-eatest difficulty
5

g(3 ANNALS OF THE

mother hewed with an adze the stub ends of the floor boards, and
put them down with the little helj) father could give her. We
moved in the last of November, without a door or window, using
blankets for night protection. At that time two of the children
were sick with ague. Father worked when the chills and fever left
him for the day. putting poles together in the form of bedsteads, and
a table, upon which to put the little we could get to eat. and benches
to sit upon : there was no cabinet shop at that time where such
articles could be purchased.

War prices had to be paid for everything. The only flour we
could get, had become musty in shipping, and was so disgusting to the
taste, that no one could eat it unless compelled b}^ extreme hunger.
I was then eight years old and not sick, so I had to satisfy m}'
hunger with it, and gi^e the others more of a chance at the scanty
corn meal rations. The bread made from this flour was hard as
well as loathsome. T could (mly eat it by crumbing it into })cllets
and swallowing it whole ; I once or twice obtained surreptitiously a
little cold mush, father said that although he could never counten-
ance stealing, he did not blame me for that. I often wondered why
he cried when he sat down at the table, and looked at the food ; the
johnny-cake and mush appeared so lu.scious to my hungry eyes.
Toward the last of February' father and one of his brothers started
for Aurora. Portage Co., where Hart Risley had settled, with an ox
team, taking an ax, gun and other means for camping out. In due
time they arrived, paid ten shillings a bushel for corn and two dol-
lars and a quarter for wheat, bought an iron kettle for making
sugar, and turned their faces homeward. A glorious surprise
awaited them in the woods in the form of a bee-tree, from which
they obtained nearl}' one hundred pounds of honey.

The kettle showed at once that it was valuable as a means of
transportation as well as of boiling sap. In this latter day. when
cheese, butter, and A^arious sauces are common, one cannot justl}^
estimate what that honey was to us.

Father bought a cow, paid for her in i)art, and gave his note for
the rest, before the time came to pa}' again, the cow died, having
been in use by the family only three months. When spring opened

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATIOX. (JT"

father maile suoar, with the help of mothei* and the chiklreir. In'
May mother and three children were taken sick with ague. E^'ery'
few days father would have a relapse, but he managed to get in
some corn, and in the autumn some wheat. Wild meat could be
liad in abundance ; father received paj' for his property in New
lYork, so he could afford to hire help and prosperity dawned
upon us.

I remember the bears killed a nice shoat in harvest time. We
were then in need of meat, beef was an article never spoken of A
man at Doane's corners had a ban'el of pork to sell, valued at
twenty-five dollars. Our neighbors were also in need of pork, and
agreed to take a part if father would go and buy it ; he did so.
When the l)arrel was opened, they were surprised and dismayed to
find only three heads and the ribs and shanks of three shoats.
The neighbors were honest, good men, so each paid for his share of
bones, and were wiser, if a littler sadder than before. We do not
know whether the Doane corner's man died a millionnaire.

In the Winter of 1814, father's sister. Aunt Jerusha Peming^
started to return home from Rodolphus Edwards, where she had
been spinning, a distance of two miles through the woods, lost her
way in a snow-path and was out all night, and the next day until
evening, when she was found. Her feet were badl}' frozen, and she
was so thoroughlv chilled she could not have lived much longer :
a long illness ensued.

1 remember the wolves cominoj into enclosures for four winters,
but the sheep fold was built so high that the}' could not get over it,
the}' onl}' anno3'ed us with their hideous noise. Rattlesnakes were
common, and surprised us often, but onl}' one ever came within
six feet of the house.

The first school in Wan-ensville was taught by Miss Hannah
Stiles in 1813, the next year Leora Hubbell taught, and the follow-
ing 3-ear IMar}' Stillman. William Addison came to Warrensville, as
nearly as I can remember, in 1815, and his son some time afterward
succeeded the three ladies mentioned in teaching. Both father and
son lived much of the time at our house for four j'ears. Once
when talking over previous hard times Mr. Addison remarked that

ANA'ALS OF THE

the hardest times he had known were when the johnny-cake was th«
shortest.

But few remain, who can tell the story of hunger and privation
from their own experience. Xearh* all have gone to their rest.
We bless their memorv.

THE McILRATHS.

In the year 1804. three families by the name of Mcllrath came
to this country- and settled in the Western Resei-ve. The descend-
ants of these families now number three huncked and seventy, and
one hundred and fift}- of them gathered at Coit's Grove Sept. 12th,
1883, and held a grand family reunion. It was the first time that
all l^ranches of the family had met together since the above-men-
tioned date. The assembly was called to order b}' A. B. Jenny.
A permanent organization was then effected. The officers are as
follows : President, O. P. Mcllrath ; Vice-President, Mrs. Corneil
Mcllrath Sherman' ; and Secretarj' and Treasurer, Henry Mclhath.
It was decided to publish a genealogical histor}' of the family, go-
ing back to the j^ear 1620. The business of the occasion having
been disposed of. the company sat down to a sumptuous repast,
during which members of the family made speeches and told
stories. Aleck told how the}' would cast a net in the lake and
bring up bushels of fishes at a haul. He had shot deer, he said, on
the ver}' gi'ound upon which they were gathered. One ■dear" in
particular he remembered, as he walked fourteen miles upon one
occasion through the mud. to borrow a pair of pantaloons with
which to go and see her. His own pantaloons were made of buck-
skin, and when they got wet, he was compelled to stretch them
before they could again be put on. Mr. Mcllrath also related his
first experience in attending a funeral. The corpse was placed upon
a sled drawn by oxen, as the mud was too deep for any other kind
of convej-ance. The body was buried in the churchyard at
Colamer, the oldest cemetery in the Western Eeserve. Michael
Mcllrath, only brother of the late Abner 31cllrath, was present at

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 69

the reunion, as was also Thaddeus, grandson of " Uncle Ab," who
though but nineteen 3'ears of age, wears an 8^ hat. Several
letters of regret were received from those who were unable to
be present.

AN INTERESTINCt OLD RECORD.

Volume A of Records of the Supreme Court of Ohio for the
count}' of Cuj-ahoga is replete with pioneer history. It includes
the records of the court from the April term, 1812, to the August
term, 1824, inclusive.

The first case in the book is "The State of Ohio vs. John
O'Mick," an Indian who was indicted for the murder of Daniel
Buel near Sandusk}- City. The Judges of the Court were William
W. Irvin and Ethan Allen Brown, and Prosecuting Attorney' Alfred
Kelley. The Sheriff was Samuel S. Baldwin. The Grand Jurors
were Asa Smith, Hezekiah King, Horatio Perry, Calvin Hoadley,
Lemuel Hoadley, Plinney Mowre^', James Cudderbach, John Shirtz,
Benjamin Jones, Jeremiah Everitt, Samuel Miles, Jacob Carad and
Harvey Murray-. The Petit Jurors were Hiram Russell, Levi John-
son, Phileman Baldwin, David Bunnel, Charles Gunn, Christopher
Gunn, Samuel Dille, Elijah Gunn, David Barret, Dyer Shearman,
AVilliam Austin and Setli Doane. The indictment was found and
the case tried at the April term, 1812. The jury returned a verdict
of guilt}', and O'Mick was sentenced to be hanged on the 26th
da}" of June next following.

WESTERN RESERVE SURA'EYS.

BY CHARLES WHITTLESEY.

The agents, surveyors, and employes of the Connecticut Land
Company, celebrated the 4th of July, 1796, at the mouth of Con-
neaut Creek ; in all fifty- two (52) persons. Augustus Porter with
Seth Pease, John Milton Holly, Amos Spafford, and Moses Wan'en,
their chain-men, ax -men, and pack horses, started from the lake

70 ANNALS OF THE

shore on the 7th of July, and ran south along the Penns^-lvania
line, which was established in 1785 and 1786, by Andrew Ellicott,
Thomas Hutchius, Alexander McLean, and John Ewing. A stone
was set on what they determined to be the 42d parallel of north
latitude. This is about two miles south of the shore, the northern
iDOundary of Pennsylvania, and the Western Reserve being at 42°
2\ on a parallel two (2) miles and twenty-four (24) chains north of
latitude 42°. This line came to the shore a short distance east of
the north-east corner of New Connecticut, as the Reserve was then
called, giving to Pennsylvania only a short distance on the lake,
where there is no harljor. North of this the country belonged to
New York, from which the State of Pennsylvania purchased a trian-
gular tract, extending as far east as the meridian of the west end
of Lake Ontario, including the harbor of Erie. The surveyors
measured from the stone purporting to be on the 42d parallel south,
along the Pennsylvania line, in order to determine the 41st parallel,
which is the southern boundary of the Reserve. The}- could also
compare their compasses with the true meridian, on which the
Pennsj'lvania commissioners had run. A part of the field notes
and diaries of the surveyors are among the papers of the Western
Reserve Plistorical Society'. On the night of the 7th and 8th of
July, Holly's compass varied 53^ east. Porter's the same. Spaftbrds
43^. On the 23d of Jul}- they reached the vicinit}^ of the 41st
parallel, at a distance of sixt3'-eight (68) miles, the variation of
jSpafford's compass being 1° 21^ east. The subject of A'ariations
and the discrepancies of their compasses is one of much interest.
The best astronomical and mathematical talent of the colonies was
employed on the western boundary of Pennsjdvania, which had
long been contested by Virginia. It was fixed by a transit sight-
ing from hill to hill, the timber cut away so that the instrument
could be reversed, and thus cover three stations, often several miles
apart. When the Ohio River was reached the Virginia commis-
sioners retired^ because that State had ceded the countrj' north
of the Ohio in 1784.

The report of the commissioners of PennsAdvania has long been
lost, but a portion of the diary of one commissioner exists. As

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 71

the monuments were nearly- all of wood, there were few of them
visible, eA'en in 1796. The vista cut through the woods on the
summits of the hills gave an approximate line, but this nearly dis-
appeared when the country was cleared. In 1880 a joint commis-
sion of three from each State was organized by Pennsj'Ivania and
Ohio, to correct the line where it is erroneous, and put up durable
monuments. Their final report is not yet published. Seth Pease
in his diary states that he traversed the lake shore from the north
line of Pennsj'lvania to the north end of her west line, but does not
give the distance. He was the mathematician of the survey, and
was provided with a small sextant for determining the fort^^-flrst
parallel. All the positions of latitude were somewhat out of place,
but it is to the credit of all concerned with their imperfect instru-
ments and few observations, that the errors were so small. Only
one day and night of clear weather was allowed for the forty- first
parallel. The measured distance from the Pennsylvania stone did
not leave the Land Company space enough by nearly a mile, yet
the United States claimed that their line was nearly half a mile too
far south.

Thomas Hutchins was the geographer to the Confederated
States, performing duties now performed by the surveyors general
of the public lands. The first surveys were made by him and ten
assistant surve^-ors appointed from difterent States. The work was
done upon a plan conceived of l\y him in 17G4, when he was a
captain in the Sixtieth Royal Regiment, and engineer to the expedi-
tion under Colonel Henry Bouquet. His plan has been pursued
substantially up to this day in the public surveys. He first ran a
line west from the north bank of the Ohio, where the State line
crosses it, at the south-east corner of Columbiana county, 0., as a
base, for a distance of seven ranges of six miles each, or forty-two
miles, protected against Indians by the militar}'.

This is known as the '• geographers' line," terminating on the
Nimishillen. near the common boundary of Carroll, Stark, and Tus-
carawas counties. From each six-mile post lines were run south
as town meridians, to the Ohio and north to the 41st parallel.
Ever}' six miles north and south, east and west, formed the bound-

72 AAAALS ill' IHE

ary of each township, which was designated by double numbers,
reckoning from the Ohio northward as towns, and the Pennsylvania
line westward as ranges. Each town was then, as now, sub-divid-
ed into thirty-six (36) sections of one square mile each. This
simplest of all known modes of survey had not been thought of
until Captain Hutchins invented it in the wilds of Ohio in 176-t.
It formed a part of his plan of military colonies north of the Ohio
as a protection against Indians.

Hutchins died at Pittsburgh in 1788, where his remains now lie
unnoticed, in the cemetery of the First Presbj^terian Church. The
government surveys were purposel}' left open at the North on
account of the unsettled position of the forty-first parallel. The
late Dr. Jared P. Kirkland has stated that in 1810 the government
employed Andrew Ellicott, and provided the instruments to settle
that question. The party traveled with mules and horses. Near
Enon "N'alle}' the pack-mule carrying the instruments ran away,
and damaged them so much that Ellicott was obliged to return. In
180G Seth Pease was again placed upon the forty-first parallel, west
of the Tuscarawas, but this time by the United States government.
The Connecticut Land Company had its surveyors at work west
of Cu3-ahoga, under the general charge of Joshua Stow and Abram
Tappan. The south line of the Reserve east of the Tuscarawas
being run by the magnetic needle with different compasses that did
not agree by several minutes, was of necessity crooked, but it was
finally agi-eed by the government that it should not be disturbed,
and the public surveys of the Congress lands were closed upon it.
The townships on the Reserve were five miles square. Only the
first four ranges or twenty miles of the base line were run in 1796.
Pease states that his compass and Holly's agi-eed, but Spafford's
stood to the west of them ten (10^) minutes, and that the variation
was determined with difficulty. He admits that there were prob-
abl}^ errors of twent}' (20^) minutes. Holh* ran the first meridian,
which is reputed to be on the lake shore one-half {\) mile west
of the true meridian. The second was run b}' Spafford and Stod-
dard, the third by Warren, and the fourth by Pease and Porter.
Professor Jared Mansfield, when he was Sui*veyor General for the

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 73

territoiy north-west of the Ohio, examined the line run in 1796 and
1797, intended to be on the fort^'-first parallel. He found various
errors, but reported that, considering the imperfection of the
instruments, and the dense and distant wilderness where the work
was done, he thought it was creditable to the surveyors and ought
to be accepted.

When the south-east corner was established. Porter, with a party
and a troupe of pack horses, went to the mouth of the Beaver
River for provisions. Warren exhausted his supplies while he was
fifteen miles from the shore end of his line. All the parties met
on the beach, and reached Conneaut creek the same day. Porter
immediately commenced the traverse of the lake shore westerly,
which he continued to vSandusky Bay. The object of this traverse
was to determine provisionally the quantity of land included by a
meridian one hundred and twent}' (120) miles west of the Penn-
sylvania line. To their chagrin it was discovered, that when
500,000 acres should be taken from the west end for the sufferers
by fire and other causes during the revolutionary war, there was not
3,000,000 of acres left. The "Excess Company," who expected
500,000 acres between the above grants, were dismaj^ed to find they
had nothing. West of the Cuyahoga the Land Company had not
acquired the Indian title, but Porter took the risk, and finished his
traverse without interruption. Every one must admire the resolu-
tion as well as the endurance of all the members of the surveying
parties. The qualifications of that class of men were such, that
they generally became prominent in civil and militar}^ affairs
throughout the United States. On the 15th of x\ugust four parties
arranged themselves on the first meridian to run four parallels
westward. At the thirtieth mile post between towns 5 and 6,
Moses Warren ; at the 35th, Pease ; 40th, Spafford and Stoddard ;
and at the 45t]i, Holly. They first ran east to the Pennsylvania
line, and established the corners of Kinsman, Williamsburg, An-
dover, and Richmond townships. Holl}- found the space between
the first meridian and the State line, to be nearly one-fourth of a
mile too great or 19 chs. 50 1. The next township to the north was
still greater. The four parties returned to the meridian and

'74 ANNALS OF THE

started west across the other three meridians which completed the
boundaries of sixteen townsliips. Bej'ond tliis they carried on
their parallels ui]til they reached the Chagrin River on the 23d.
All of them believed this to be the Cu3'ahoga, which they were
directed not to pass. Holly being on the most northerly parallel,
between Kirtland and Mentor, commenced a traverse of the stream
expecting to meet (General Cleveland at the mouth. The Chagrin
River was not on their maps. Anticipating this trouble. Porter,
with a pai-ty, came from the Cuyahoga by l)oats to the Chagrin, with
provisions and directions to go up the river and inform the survey-
ors. Holly met this party not far from the lake, where he greeted
his friend and future brother-in-law, Porter, who returned to Cleve-
land the same night. Pease and Stoddard's line between towns 7
and 8, or Xewburg and Cleveland, intersected the east line of the
Cleveland out-lots at the corner of Wilson avenue and Cedar street-
As these were fractional towns, the sub-divisions were made as one
tract, tlie lots numbered from 268 to 480. Holly turned back and
ran east on the eleventh parallel to the State line at the north-east
corner of Richmond, Ashtabula county. The range and town lines
north of the sixth parallel w^ere nearl}' all surve3'ed in 1796. Some
lot lines were run for purchasers in Mentor, and the fifth parallel
was extended west from range eight to the Cuyahoga on the 6th
of September. This was done b}' Pease in order to examine the
town of Bedfoixl. wliich was regarded as particularly- valuable.
With this exception all the space south of the sixth parallel and
east of the Cuyahoga was untouched in 1796. The ten-acre lots
around the city of Cleveland were not surveyed until 1797. Hav-
ing finished the city plats and the 100-acre lots in Newburg and
Cleveland on the 17th of October, the Cleveland parties joyfully
took boats for home at 3:17 o'clock in the afternoon, having
accomplished much less than the directors and stockliolders
expected of them. In 1786 the State of Connecticut had her title
to the Reserve so well assured, that she resolved to sell that por-
tion east of the Cuyahoga River at three shillings an acre. In
1788 a land company was formed to make purchases of the State,
of which General Samuel H. Parsons, of Middletown, was the

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 75

leader and manager. He had served with credit through tlie Revo-
lutionary War, and under the ordinance of 1787 had been ap-
pointed one of the judges of the Territor}-. Captain Jonathan
Heart, of Berlin, Conn., afterwards major in the First United States
Infantry, also a tried soldier, commanded a company stationed at
Venango, Pa., in Colonel Harmur's battalion. United States troops.
Captain Heart explored the country east of the (^uyahoga, and
enabled General Parsons to locate 24,000 acres at the Salt Springs,
on the Meander, two miles south of Niles, in Mahoning county.
He also located a tract of land where Cleveland was laid out in
1796, embracing a quarter of a township; but no surveys were
made of any part of the Parsons' patent. In NoA^ember, 1789,
Judge Parsons was drowned at the falls of the Big Beaver, and his
papers lost. He had just parted with Heart at the Salt Springs,
who followed the trail west to the Cuyahoga, thence to its mouth,
the site of his future town, and down the lake to Erie. Tlie death
of the organizer of this compau}- led to the abandonment of every-
thing except the Salt Springs tract. Only two j^ears later Major
Heart was killed in the unfortunate battle under General St. Clair.
In its forest condition this region was very prolific in snakes.
The notes of the surve}' contain frequent mention of them, particu-
larly the gTcat 3'ellow rattlesnake. In times of drouth they
seek streams and moist places, and were frequently seen with their
brilliant black and orange spots crossing the lake beach to find
water. Joshua Stow, the commissary of the survey, had a positive
liking for snake meat. Holly could endure it when provisions
were short. General Cleveland was disgusted with snakes, living
or cooked, and with those who cooked them. They were more
numerous becatise the Indians had an affection or a superstitious
reverence for them, and did not kill them. Having finislied the
first four meridians the four inland parties arranged themselves on
the first meridian to run the parallels west, after having run east to
the Pennsylvania line and established the township corners, as
above noted. Spafford and Stoddard ran the 8th parallel, which
came to the east line of Cleveland, along what is now Cedar
iivenue. Holly returned to the 9th parallel at the west side of

76 ANNALS OF THE

range 8, and there ran north to the lake. Between Concord and
Painesville he turned east on the 10th parallel, or fifty miles from
the base, and ran to the Pennsylvania line at the north boundary
of PieiTepont. Thus the}' proceeded vigorously with their work,
frequentlv measuring and marking twelve miles a day, until all the
territory north of the 6th parallel west to the Cu3'ahoga had been
surs^e^'ed into townships, fixing the corners where the lines crossed
each other. Holly mentions one case where his line fell 20 chains
88 links south of the post set by Warren. On the 6th of Septem-
ber Pease was on the sixth parallel and the eighth meridian, where
he ran south one town and then west to the Cuyahoga, between
Northfield and Independence. The sub-division of the city of
Cleveland into lots was begun on the 21st of September, and com-
pleted in October.

In the meantime, as parties could be spared, the one hundred
acre lots that surrounded the ten (10) acre lots at Cleveland were
surveyed, and the mouth of the Cu^-ahoga abandoned on the 17th
of- October. South of the sixth parallel and west of the fourth
meridian was untouched, except the three towns which Pease and
Warren had partly surveyed. The employes did not regard their
wages as a sufficient compensation for their labor and exposures,
in wading swamps and streams, battling with mosquitoes, and at
times somewhat empty at the stomach. A strike occurred at
Cleveland in September, which was arranged on the 29th b}' a com-
pact under which the township of Euclid was disposed of to them.
Neither Moses Cleaveland, the general agent, Joshua Stow, the
commissar}-, Augustus Porter, the chief surveyor, or John Milton
Holh", surveyor, returned to the survey's in 1797.

Seth Pease was then surveyor-in-chief, with Moses WaiTen,
Warham Shepherd, Amos Spafford. Amzi Atwater. and Nathan
Redfield surveyors. The city of Cleveland was allotted in 1796,
and the fractional towns of Newburg and Cleveland. In 1797, the
ten-acre out lots of Cleveland, with three leading roads through
them, were surveyed, and the townships of Northfield, in Summit,
county ; Bedford and Warrensville in Cuyahoga ; and Perry, in
Lake count}-, were sub-divided in tracts of 100 acres each. The

EARLY SETTLE R,s' ASSOCIATION. 1717

parallels south of No. 6, were run to the Pennsylvania line, and the
meridians from range 4 to the Cuyahoga. Beyond this river they
would be in Indian territor}'. It was a season of much sickness,
and of great hardships compared with 1796. William Andrews,
Andrew Bicknell, and Pete Washburn died of malarial fever.
Joseph Tinker and Daniel Eldridge w'ere drowned. Before the
season's work was done, a boat-load of fourteen weak, sick, and
dispirited men left Cleveland for their Connecticut homes. In the
bound volume of early manuscript maps at the historical rooms,
there is a skeleton plat of the Reserve east of the Cu3'ahoga, on
which the variation of the magnetic needle is written for nearly
every township. There are signs attached to nearly all of them
showing whose compass was used, such as Pease's, Porter's, and
Stoddard's ; and there are besides, in the field notes of the surve}'-
ors, frequent memoranda of the observed variations, in 1796 and
1797. In the abstracts here given I do not giA-e each observation
nor the precise date, but where there is more than one in a town-
ship, give the mean. They were obliged frequently to run several
days on an assumed variation. Hollj^'s compass, on the first
meridian, caa'ried him nearly half a mile too far west. He ran
parallels 10, 11, and 12 at 1° 10^, 1° 15"^ and 1° 20", where other
compasses show 1° 20^, 1° 26'', and 1° SCK. An error of 15 minutes,
or ^ of a degi'ee, would cause a departure of 40 links in a mile,
and in five miles two (2) chains. Seth Pease, in his diarj- of July,
1797, referring to the workings of the compass, says: "From
observations made on the various compasses I find I cannot reduce
them to a common standard, being differently affected at different
places. Of two on the Cuyahoga River, twent}' miles south of the
lake, one was to the left (west) of the o-ther ten (10) minutes. At
Cleveland the one which was to the left stood fifteen minutes to
the right, although they were not compared at precisely' the same
hour of the da3\"

In several instances the surveyors of 1796-7 ran their lines on
an assumed variation owing to the differences of their compasses,
and the irregularity of their observed variations. Such discrepan-
cies are familiar to all surveyors. The variations on the south

78 ANNALS OB THE

line of the Reserve for 1810 were carefully taken b}' Colonel Jared
Mansfield, Surve3"or General of the United States, at a time when
mathematical knowledge and field practice were considered neces-
sarj' qualifications for that office. The late I. N. Pillsbur}', C. E.^
is authority for part of the later observations in Cuyahoga count}',
and the county surveyors for those in other counties. For th«-
lake harbors, the United States engineers.
Cleveland, August, 1883.

DAYS OF BOYHOOD.

I've wandered through the village, Tom,

I've sat beneath the tree,
Upon the school-house playinj;' ground,

That sheltered you and me ;
Yet none are left to greet me, Tom,

But few are left to know.
That played with us upon the green.

In boyhood, long ago !

The river's running just as still.

The willows by its side
Are larger than they were, dear Tom,

The stream appears less wide,;
The grape-vine swing is ruined now

Where once we played the beau.
And swung our sweethearts — pretty girls-

In boyhood, long ago !

My eyes had long been dry, dear Tom

But tears came in vay eyes.
With thoughts of her I loved so well.

The grief of broken ties;
I visited the old church-yard.

And took some flowers to strew
Upon the graves of those we loved.

In boyhood, long ago !

EA RL Y SETTL ERS" A SSOCIA TION.

A Complete List

OF THE MEMBEK.S OF THE ASSOCIATION SINCE ITS ORGANIZATION, NOVEM-
BER 19, 1879, TO OCTOBER 1, 1S83— TOTAL, 535.

Abbey, Seth A.
Ackley, J. M,
Adams, Darius
Adams, Mrs. JMary A.
Adams, W. K,
Adams, S. E.
Adams, Mrs. S. E.
Adams, Gr. H.
Adams, Vj. E.
Adams, Mrs. E. E.
Adams, CM.
Addison, H. M.
Aiken, Mrs, E. E.
Alleman, C. J.
Allen, J. W.
Andrews, S. J.
Andrews, Mrs. J. A,
Angell, George
Anthony, Ambrose
Atwell, C. R.
Avery, J. T., Rev.
Babcock, Chas. H.
Bailey, Robert
Bailey, Jno. M.
Baldwin, Dudley
Baldwin, Mrs. Dudley
Baldwin, N. C.
Barber, Mrs. J. T.
Barber, Josiah
Barnett, Jas.
Barnett, Mrs. M. H.

CAME TO

WHERE BORN.

WHEN.

RESERVE. DIED.,

New York,

1798

1831 1880

Ohio,

1835

Ohio,

1810

Ohio,

1811

New York,

1812

1831 1882

New York,

1818

1837

Vermont,

1819

1839

England,

1821

1840

Ohio,

1830

Ohio,

1836

Ohio,

1843

Ohio,

1818

New York,

1821

1835

Ohio,

1833

Connecticut,

1802

1825

(Connecticut,

1801

1825 1880

Ohio,

1816

Germany,

1830

1838

Massachusetts,

1810

1834

New York,

1813

1817

New York,

1810

1839

Connecticut,

1823

1834

1820

1834

New York,

1835

New York,

1809

1819

Connecticut,

1802

1816

New Hampshire,

1804

1818

Ohio,

1825

New York,.

1821

1826

Germany,.

1822

1835

AJ^IfALS OF THE

NAME.

Ban-, Mrs. Judge
Bartlett, Nicholas
Bavider, Levi
Bauder, L. F.
Beanston, Jno.
Beardsley, I. L.
Beardsley, Mrs. 1. L.
Beavis, B. R.
Beers, D. A.
Beers, L. F.
Benedict, L. D.
Benham, F. M.
Berg, Jno.
Beverlin, John
Beverlin, Mrs. G.
Bingham, Elijah
Bingham, 3Irs. Elijah
Bingham, William
Bingham, E. Beardsley
Bishop, J. P.
Bishop, Mrs. E. W.
Blackwell, Benj. T.
Blair, Maiy Jane
Blair, Elizabeth.
Blish, Mrs. A. M.
Bliss, Stoughton
Blossom, H, C.
Bolton, Mrs. Juda-e
Borges, J. F.
Bosworth, Milo.
Bosworth, Mrs. L.
Bowler, N. P.
Bowler, William
Branch, Dr. D. G.
Bray ton, H. F.
Brett, J. W.
Brooks, 0. A.
Brooks, S. C.
Brown, H.
Brown, Mrs. Hiram
Buell, Anna M.
3uhrer, Mrs. Stephen

WHERE BORN.

WHEN.

lAME TO
RESERVE

Connecticut,

1820

1837

Massachusetts,

1822

1833

New York,

1812

1834

Ohio,

1840

Scotland,

1810

1837

New York,

1819

1838

New York,

1821

1836

England,

182(3

1834

New Jersey,

1816

1818

Ohio,

1823

A^ermont,

1827

1830

Connecticut,

1801

1811

Germany,

1817

1842

Pennsylvania,

1813

1834

Ohio,

1817

1842

New Hampshire,

1800

1835

New Hampshire,

1805

1835

Connecticut,

1816

1836

Ohio,

1826

Vei-mont,

1815

1836

Ohio,

1821

New York,

1808

1832

Ohio,

1818

Ohio,

1 820

1820

New York,

1826

1837

Ohio,

1823

Ohio,

1822

1833

Germany,

1810

1835

New York,

1806

1841

New York,

1828

1847

New York,

1820

1839

New York,

1822

1833

Vermont,

1805

1833

New York,

1812

1836

England,

1816

1838

Vermont,

1814

1834

Ohio,

1820

Michigan,

1823

1837

England,

1822

1832

Oluo,

1837

Germaiy

1828

1840

DIED.

188-

1880

1881

188^

1880

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATIOM.

NAME.

WHERE BORN.

WHEN.

CAME TO
RESERVE. DIED.

Bull, L. S.

Connecticut,

1813

1820

Burgess, Catherine

New Jersey,

1800

1830

Burgess, Solou

Vermont,

1817

1819

Burgess, L. F.

Ohio,

1823

Burke, 0. M.

Ohio,

1823

Burke, Thos.

New York,

1832

1839

Burnham, Thos.

New York,

1808

1833

Burnham, Mrs. M. W.

Massachusetts,

1808

1838

Burns, Mrs. F. M.

Ohio,

1832

Burton, Mrs. Abby P.

Vermont,

1805

1824

Burton, Dr. E. D.

Ohio,

1825

Burwell, G. P.

Connecticut,

1817

1830

Burwell, Mrs. L. C.

Pennsylvania,

1820

1824

Bury, Theodore

New York,

• • • •

1839

Butts, S. C.

New York,

1794

1840

Butts, Bolivar

New York,

1826

1840

Byerly, Mrs. F. X.

Ohio,

1834

Cahoon, Joel B.

New York,

1793

1810 1882

Cahoon, Mrs. J. B.

Washington, D.C

.1810

1842

Callester, J. J.

Isle of Man,

1818

1842

Callester, Mrs. M.

Isle of Man,

1824

1828

Cannell, John S.

Isle of Man,

1801

1828

Cannell, Thomas

Isle of Man,

1805

1834

Cannell, William

Isle of Man,

1811

1837

Cannon, Jas.

Isle of Man,

1814

1827

Carlton, C. C.

Connecticut,

1812

1831

Carson, Marshall

New York,

1810

1834 1882

Carver, Stickney

New York,

1840

• ••• •••■

Case, Zophas

Ohio,

1804

1818

Chapman, Gr. L.

Connecticut,

1795

1819

Chapman, Mrs. G. L.

New Hampshire,

1805

1827

Chapman, H. M.

Ohio,

1830

Chapman, Mrs. E. C.

Ohio,

1840

Charles, J. S.

New York,

1818

1832

Christian, James

Isle of Man,

1810

1838

Clark, James F.

New York,

1809

1833

Clark, Aaron

Connecticut,

1811

1832 1881

Clark, E. A.

New York,

1825

1835

Cleveland, J. D.

New York,

1822

1835

Coakley, Mrs. Harriett

New Jersey,

1797

1814

Coe. S. S.

1808

1837 1883

Colahan, Samuel
6

Canada,

-^ V^ V^ V .Ar V.ri/ \^ \m^

1814

AlfNALS OF THE

NAME.

Colahan, Chas.
Cook, W. P.
Corlett, John
Corlett, Thomas
Corlett, Wm. K.
Corlett, Mrs. M. H.
Cottrell, L. Dow
Cottrell, Mrs. L. D.
Cowles, Edwin
Cox, John
Cozad, Elias
Crable, Jno.
Craw, William \
Crawford, Lucian
Crawford, Mary E.
Cridland, E. J. H.
Crittenden, Mrs. M.
Crocker, Mrs. D.
Crosby, Thomas D.
Crosby, Mary A.
Cross, David W.
Curtiss, L. W.
Curtis, Mrs. Samuel
Cushman, Mrs. H.
Cutter, 0. P.
Davidson, C. A.
Davidson, Mary E.
Davis, L. L.
Davis, Mrs. Cynthia
Davis, Thomas
Day, L. A.
Degnon, Mrs. M. A.
Denham, J. L.
Dentzer, Daniel
Denzer, Mrs. S.
Detmer, G. H.
Dibble, Lewis
Diebold, Fred.
Diemer, Peter
Doan, John
Doan, C. L.
Doan, Mrs. C. L.

CAME TO

WHERE BORN.

WHEN.

RESERVE. DIED

Ohio,

1836

New York,

1825

1838

Isle of Man,

1816

1836

Isle of Man.

1820

1827

Isle of Man,

1820

1837

New York,

1829

1833

New York,

1811

1835

New York,

1811

1833

Ohio,

• ■ • ■

1832

England,

• t ■ •

1837

New Jersey,

1790

1808 1880

Germany,

1828

1833

New York,

1810

1832

Ohio,

1828

Ohio,

1834

Ohio,

1825

1825 .. .

New York,

1802

1827 18>S2

New York,

1796

1801 1881

Massachusetts,

1804

1811

Ohio,

1813

New York.

• ■ • ■

1836

New York,

1817

1834

England,

1824

1830

Ohio,

1820

Ohio,

1824

Ohio,

1837

Ohio,

1839

(Connecticut,

1793

1839

Pennsylvania,

1818

1839

England,

1799

1819

Ohio,

1812

• ■•• ..••.

New York,

1814

1837

Scotland,

1810

1835

Germany,

1815

1832

England,

1824

1837

Germany.

1801

1835 1883

New York,

1807

1812

Ohio,

1840

Germany,

1827

1840

New York,

1798

1801

Connecticut,

1816

1834

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.

Doan, Soth C.
Doan, W. H.
Doan, George
Doan, Norton
Doan, J. W.
Dockstader, C. J.
Dodge, H. H.
Dodge, George C.
Dodge, Mrs. G. C. .
Dodge, Wilson S.
Dorsett, Jno. W.
Douw, Mrs. Melissa
Dunham, D. B.
Dunham, Jno. L.
Dunn, Mrs. E. Ann
Dunn, Mrs. Elizabeth
Dutton, Dr. C. F.
Duty, D. W.
Eckermann, M.
Eckermann, Caroline
Edwards, R.
Edwards, Mrs. S.
Emerson, Oliver,
Erwin, John
Farr, E. S.
Ferris, William
Ferris, Amanda
Fey, Frederick
Fish, Electa
Fitch, James
Fitch, J. W.
Flint, E. S.
Flint, Mrs. E. S.
Foljambe, Samuel
Foot, John A.
Foot, Mrs. John A.
Foot, A. E.
Ford, L. W.
Fuller, William
Gage, D. W.
Gardner, A. S.
Gardner, Mrs. A. S.

CAME TO

WHERE BORN.

WHEN.

RESERVE. DIED .

Ohio,

1819

Ohio,

1828

Ohio,

1828

Ohio,

1831

Ohio,

1833

Ohio,

1838

Ohio,

1810

Ohio,

1813

1813 1883

Vermont,

1817

1820

Ohio,

1 839

1839

p]ngland.

1822

1832

New York,

1809

1831

New York,

....

1831

Scotland,

1810

1835

England,

1806

1 834

New York,

1828

1834 ....

New Y''ork,

1831

1837

New Hampshire,

1804

1825

Germany,

1808

1842

Germany,

1807

1842

Ohio,

1818

New York,

1819

1830

M aiue.

180-t

1821

New York,

1808

1835

Pennsylvania,

1805

1819

Pennsylvania,

1808

1815

Vermont,

1808

1820

Germany,

1810

1832 1883

New York,

1808

1811

New I'ork,

1821

1827 ... .

New York,

1823

1826

Ohio,

1819

1838

New York,

1824

1830

England,

1 804

1824

Connecticut,

1803

1833

Pennsylvania,

1810

1 832

Connecticut,

1810

1830 1883

Massachusetts,

1830

1841

Connecticut,

1814

1836

Ohio,

1825

Vermont,

1809

1818

Ohio.

1814

1811

ANNALS OF THE

NAME.

WHERE BORN.

WHEN.

CAME TO
RESERVE. DIED.

Gardner, 0. S.

Ohio,

1840

Gardner, George W.

Massachusetts,

18.34

1837

Gates, S. C.

New York,

1813

1824

Gaylord, E. F.

Connecticut,

1795

1834

• • a

Gaylord, Mrs. E. F.

New York,

1801

1834

Gaylord, H. C.

Connecticut,

1826

1834

■ • •

Gayton, Mrs. M. A.

England.

1808

1832

Gibbons, Mrs. M. B.

Ireland,

1829

1838

> • •

Gibbons, James

Ohio,

1840

Giddinps, Mrs. CM.

Michigan,

1805

1827

Gill, Mrs. M. A.

Isle of Man,

1812

1827

» • • •

Given, William

Ireland,

1819

1841

Given, Mrs. M. E.

Ohio,

1825

Gleason, I. L.

Ohio,

1825

■ ♦ . •

Gleason, Mrs. 1. L.

Ohio,

1832

Glidon, Joseph

Vermont,

1810

1841

• • •

Goodwin, William

Ohio,

1838

• • ■

Gordon, Wm. J.

New Jersey,

1818

1835

• ■ •

Gorliam, J. H.

Connecticut,

1807

1838 1

881

Graham, Robeit

Pennsylvania

1814

1834

Greene, S. C.

Ohio,

1822

1841

• ■ ■

Greenhalgh, R.

England,

1828

1840

> ■ •

Hadlow, H. K.

England,

1808

1835

Handerson, Mrs. H. E.

Ohio,

1834

■ • • b

Handy, T. P.

New York.

1807

1832

• ■ •

Haltnorth, Mrs. G.

Prussia,

1819

1836

Hamilton, A. J,

Ohio,

1833

• • •

Hamlin, C. A. J.

Connecticut,

1804

1816

> • • •

Harbeck, John S.

New York,

1807

1840

• • •

Harper, E. R.

Ohio,

1812

1816

. ■ • •

Harris, Mrs. J. A.

Massachusetts,

1810

1837

• • •

Harris, B. C.

Ohio,

1832

. • •

Harris, B. E.

Ohio,

1838

• • •

Hastings, S. L.

Massachusetts,

1813

1836

> « •

Hawkins, H. C.

Ohio,

1822

> > «

Hayden, A. S.

Ohio,

1813

18.35 1

1880

Hay ward, Wm. H,

Connecticut,

1822

1825

• • •

Heil, Henry

Germany,

1810

1832

. • •

Heisel, N.

Germany,

1816

1834

. • •

Hendershot, Geo. B.

Ohio,

1826

■ • •

Henry, R. W.

New York,

1809

1818

t • • •

Herrick, R. R.

New York,

1826

1836

• • •

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.

CAME TO

NAME.

WHERE BORN.

WHEN.

RESERVE

Hes-^enmueller, K.

Germany,

■ • ■ •

1836

Hickox, Charles

Connecticut,

1810

1837

Hills. N. C.

Vermont,

1805

1831

Hills, Mrs. N. C.

New York,

1811

1831

Hills, Chas. A.

England,

1818

1843

Hills, Mary

Scotland,

1821

1843

Hiiie, Henrietta

Ohio,

1810

Hird, Thomas

England,

1808

1830

Hird, Mrs. Will.

England,

1816

1832

Hodge, O.J.

New York,

1828

1837

Honeywell, Ezra

New York,

1822

1831

Howard, A. D.

Connecticut,

1803

1834

Hough, Mary P.

Ohio,

1816

House, Harriet

Connecticut,

1779

1818

House, Sam'l W.

Ohio,

1823

House, Harriet F.

Ohio,

1826

House. Martin

Ohio,

1835

House, Carolina M.

Ohio,

1838

Hubbell, H. S.

Ohio,

1832

Hubby, L. M.

New York,

1812

1839

Hudson, Mrs. C. Ingersoll

Ohio,

1819

Hudson, W. P.

Ohio,

1820

Hudson, D. D.

Pennsylvania,

1824

1837

Hughes, Arthur

Vermont,

1807

1840

Hurlbut, Mrs. H. A.

Vermont,

1809

1834

Hurlbut, H. B.

New York,

1818

1836

Hurlbut, Mrs. H. B.

New York,

1818

1836

Hutchins, John

Ohio,

1812

Ingersoll, John

Ohio,

1824

Tncrhjuii. W A

1829

1832

Jackson, Chas.

England,

1835

Jaynes, Harris

Ohio,

1835

Jayred, Wm. H.

New Jersey,

1831

1833

Jewett. A. A.

1813

1821

Johnson, W. C.

Connecticut,

1835

Johnson, A. M.

Ohio,

1823

Johnson, P. L.

Ohio,

1823

Johnson, Mrs. L. D.

Ohio,

1825

1834

Jones, Thos., Jr.

England,

1821

1831

Jones, W. S.

Ohio,

1837

Keller, Henry

Germany,

1810

1832

Keller, Elizabeth

Germany,

1817

1836

DIED.

1882

ANNALS OF THE

NAME.

WHEKE BOK-V.

WHEN.

t'AMIC TO

l!i;S..UVl . DIED.

Kelley, Horace

Ohio,

1819

Kellogg, A.

Ohio,

1820

1820 ....

Kellogg, Louisa

Ohio,

1821

Kelly, John

Pennsylvania,

1809

1832

Kerr, Levi

Ohio,

1822

Kerruish, W. S.

Ohio,

1831

Keyser, James

New York,

1818

1832

Keyser, Mrs. James

Ohio,

1821

Kingsbury, Jas. W.

Ohio,

1813

1813 1881

Lamb, Mrs. D. W.

Massachusetts.

1837

Lathrop, C. L.

Connecticut,

1804

1831

Lathrop, W. A.

New Hampshire,

1813

1816

Layman, S. H.

Ohio,

1819

1831

Lee, Mrs. R.

Ohio,

1 837

1837

Lemen, Catharine

Ohio.

1811

1820

Leonard, Jarvis

Vermont,

1810

1834

Lewis, Chittenden

New York,

1800

1837

Lewis, G. P.

New York,

1822

1837

Lewis, Sanford J.

New York,

1823

1837 1882

Long, John

P]ngland,

1810

1842

Lowman, Jacob

1817

1832 1881

Lyon, S. S.

Connecticut,

1818

Lyon, 3L-S. 8. S.

Ohio,

1822

Lyon, K. T.

Illinois,

1819

1824

Mackenzie, C. S.

Maryland,

1809

1836

3Iallory, Daniel

New York,

1801

1833

Marble, Levi

New York,

1820

1830

Marshall, George F

New York,

1817

1836

Marshall, Mrs. G. F.

New York,

1818

1842

Marshall, I. H.

Ohio.

1822

> • • > . • • •

Marshall, Daniel

New iTork,

1824

1841

Marshall, Mrs. Daniel

Vermont,

1830

1841

^Fartin, Eleanor L.

England,

1826

1 832

Mather, Samuel H.

New Hampshire,

1813

1835

McCrosky, S. L. B.

Ohio,

1833

Mcllrath, M. S.

New Jersey,

....

.... . . . .

Mcllrath, 0. P.

Ohio,

1842

Mcintosh, A.

Scotland,

1808

1830

Mcintosh, Mrs. A.

Scotland,

1809

1836

McLeod, H. N.

Canada,

1831

1837

McReynolds, Mrs. M. D.

Ohio,

> ■ ■ •

• • • • ■ ■ . ■

Meeker, S. C.

Ohio,

1820

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.

NAME.

Merchant, Silas
Merkel, M.
Merkel, Mrs. M.
Merwin, George B.
Messer, Jno.
Miles, Mrs. E.
Miller, Wm. L.
Miller, Mrs. M.
Minor, Marion
Morgan, Y. L.
Morgan, Caleb
Morgan, E. P.
Morgan, I. A.
Morgan, A. W.
Morgan, Mrs. A. W
Morgan, Mrs. N. G.
Morgan, H. L.
Morgan, Sarah H.
Morrill, Elisa
Moses, Mary A.
Murphy, Wm.
Myer, iSficholas
Mygatt, George
Neff, Melchor
Newmark, S.
Norton, C. H.
Nott, C. C.
O'Brien, O. D.
O'Brien. Delia R.
O'Brien, Sylvia M.
O'Connor, R.
Ogram, J. W.
Ogram, Mrs. J. W.
Paddock, T. S.
Paine, R. F.
Palmer, Sophia
Palmer, E. W.
Palmer, J. D.
Pankhnrst, Mrs. Sarah
Pannell, James
Pannell, Mrs. James
Parker, Mrs. L. E.

WHEKK BORN.

WHEN.

CAMB TO

RESERVE. DIED.

Ohio,

1826

Germany,

1818

1840

Germauyv

1823

1834

Connecticut,

1809

1816

Germany,

1822

1840

Ohio,

1816

Ohio,

1829

Ohio,

1809

1820

New York,

1825

1831

Connecticut,

1797

1811

Connecticut,

1799

1811

Connecticut,

1807

1840

Connecticut,

1809

1811 ■ ..

Ohio,

1815

Ohio,

1821

Ohio,

1815

1818

Ohio,

1832

Ohio,

1838

Vermont,

1811

1834

Ohio,

1818

Ireland,

1810

1830

Germany,

1809

1834

Connecticut,

1797

1807

Germany,

1826

1834

Bavaria,

1816

loo9 • • • •

New York,

1805

1838 1881

Connecticut,

1826

1835

Ohio,

1819

Vermont,

1813

1817 18

Vermont,

1815

1835

Ohio,

1824

England,

1820

• • • • • •

Ohio,

1825

New York,

1814

1836

New York.

1810

1815

Ohio,

1818

New York,

1820

1841

Connecticut,

1831

1835

England,

1812

1835

New York,

1812

1832

Massachusetts,

1813

1835

Ohio,

1809

ANNALS OF THE

NAME.

WHEKE BORN.

WHEN.

CAME TO
RESERVE. DIED

Parker, M. C.

Connecticut,

1810

1839

Parker, Henry

Ohio,

1824

1829

Payne, H. 11

New York,

1810

1833

Payne, Mrs. H. B.

Ohio,

1818

Payne, N. P.

Ohio,

1837

Pease, Samuel

Massachusetts,

1805

1828

Pease, Charles

Ohio,

1811

1835

Pease, Mary E.

Connecticut,

1816

1835

Peltou, F. W.

Connecticut,

1827

18.35

Penty, Thomas

England,

1808

1829

Peterson, A. G.

Ohio,

1843

Phillips, Mrs. Emily

Ohio,

1809

Phillips, B. F.

Ohio,

1833

Pier, Mrs. L. J.

Ohio,

1823

Piper, A. J.

Vermont,

1814

1839

Porter, L. G.

Massachusetts,

1806

1826

Prescott, James

Massachusetts,

1826

Proudfoot, Jno.

Scotland,

1S02

1842

Proudibot, D.

Scotland,

1809

1832

Quayle, Thos.

Isle of Man,

• • • ■

1827

Quayle, Thos. E.

Ohio.

1836

Quayle, W. H.

Ohio,

1838

Quayle, G. L.

Ohio,

1842

Quinn, Arthur

Ireland,

1810

1832 188S

Eadcliff, Mary A.

Isle of Man,

1822

1826

Ranney, ^Irs. Anne

New Fork,

1811

1834

Ranney, Rufus P.

Massachusetts,

1813

1824

Ranney, W. S.

Ohio,

1835

Redington, J. A.

New York,

1818

1839

Redington, Mrs. C.

New York,

1821

1839

Remington, S. G.

New York,

1828 •

1834

Rice, Harvey

Massachusetts,

1800

1824

Rice, Mrs. Harvej

Vermont,

1812

1833

Rice, P. W.

Ohio,

1829

Robison, J. P.

New York,

1811

18.32

Rogers, C. C.

Ii'eland,

1813

1839

Rose, Mrs. E. E.

Connecticut,

1810

1814

Rouse, Rebecca E.

Massachusetts,

1799

1830

Rouse, B. F.

Massachusetts,

1824

18.30

Rowley, Lucy A.

Connecticut,

1805

1827

Rupel, S. D.

Ohio,

1808

Ruple, Mrs. Anna

Ohio,

1814

EA EL Y SETTLERS-' ASSOCIA TION.

NAME.

Ku&sell, C. L.
Russell, George H.
Sabin, William
Sabin, Mrs. Wm.
Sacket, Alex.
Sacket, Mrs. Alex.
Sanford, Mrs. A. S.
Sanford, A. S.
Sargent, John H.
Saxton, J. C.
Saxton, Mrs. E. A.
Schielj, Mrs. Anna
Scovill, Mrs. J. Bixby
Scovill, E. A.
Selden, N. D.
Sclden, Mrs. Elizabeth
Severance, S. L.
Severance, Mrs. M. H.
Sexton, Jehiel
Sharp, Clayton
Shelden, S. H.
Shelley, John
Shepard, D. A.
Shepard, Mrs. Wm.
Sherwin, Ahimaaz
Sherwin, Mrs. S. M.
Short, Lewis
Short, Helen
Short, David
Shunk, Mrs. A. H.
Silberg, F.
Simmons, Isaac B.
Simmons, Thomas
Skedd, W. V.
Skinner, 0. B.
Slade, Samantha Doau
Slade, Horatio.
Slawson, J. L.
Smith, Erastus
Smith, Erastus
Smith, W. T.
Smith, Mrs. Wm.

WHERK BORN.

WHEN.

CAME TO
RESERVE. DIED.

New York,

1810

1835

New York,

1817

1834

New York,

1817

1839

New York,

1821

1838

Pennsylvania.

1814

1835

Ohio,

1815

Rhode Island,

1803

1825

Connecticut,

1805

1829

New York,

1814

1818

Vermont,

1812

1818

Maine,

1821

1833

Germany,

....

1832

Ohio,

1800

1816

Ohio,

1819

Connecticut,

1815

1831

Ohio,

1819

Ohio,

1834

Ohio,

1811

• • • •

Ohio,'

i'833 '.'.'.'.

New York,

1813

1835

England,

1815

1835

Connecticut,

1810

1833

Vermont,

1828

1835

Vermont,

1792

1818 1881

New York,

1809

1827

Connecticut,

1811

1827

New Hampshire,

1811

1828

Connecticut,

1818

1827

Ohio,

1824

Germany,

1804

1834

1806

1836

Ohio,

1832

England,

1816

1833

Ohio,

1831

Ohio,

1817

England,

1827

1834 1882

Michigan,

1806

1812

Connecticut,

1790

1832 1881

Connecticut,

1802

1833

New York,

1811

1830

1811

1836

^x^^^y'i

ANNALS OF THE

NAME.

WHERE BORN.

WHEN.

CAME TO
RESERVE. DIED.

Smith, Eliiah

Connecticut,

1821

1832

Smith, Mrs. F. L.

Connecticut.

....

1836

Sorter. C. X.

New York,

1812

1831

Sorter, Harry,

New York,

1820

1831

Southworth, Mrs. E.

Connecticut,

1801

1819 ....

South worth, W. P.

Connecticut,

1819

1836

Spalding. R. P.

Massachusetts,

1798

1820

Spangler, Mrs. Elizabeth

Maryland,

1790

1820 1880

Spanker, M. M.

Ohio,

1813

1820

Spaugler, Mrs. M. M.

Canada,

1820

1835

Spayth, A.

Germany,

1800

1832

Spencer, T. P.

Connecticut,

1811

1832

Spring, \.

Massachusetts,

1799

1817

Stanley, G. A.

Connecticut,

• ■ • •

1837

Stephenson, Wm.

Pennsylvania,

1804

1833

Sterling, Dr. E.

Connecticut,

1825

1827

Stevens, C. C.

Maine,

1819

1833

Stewart, C. C.

Connecticut,

1817

1836

Steward, J. S.

Ohio,

1818

Stickney, Mrs. C. B.

Canada,

1836

Stickne}', Hamilton

New York,

1824

1830

Stillman, W. H.

Connecticut,

1808

1833

Strickland. Mrs. H. W.

Ohio,

• > > >

1834

Strickland, B.

Vermont,

1810

1835

Strong, Homer

Connecticut,

1811

1836

Strong, Charles H.

Ohio,

1831

Taylor, Harvey

Ohio,

1814

1814 1880

Taylor, Jas.

Ohio,

1814

Thomas, Jefferson

Ohio,

1809

Thompson, Thos.

England,

1814

1836

Thompson, H. V.

New York,

1816

1839

Thompson, Mrs. H. V.

Vermont,

1823

1837

Tilden, D. E.

Connecticut.

1806

1828

ToAvnsend. H. G.

New York,

1812

1834

Truscott, Samuel

Canada,

1829

1 838

Turner, S. W.

Connecticut,

1813

1832

Vincent, J. A.

Pennsylvania,

1807

1839

Wager, I. D.

Ohio, ^

1820

Walters, B. C.

New York,

1807

1837

Walters, John R.

New York,

1811

1834

Walworth, John

Ohio,

1821

Warner, W. J.

Vermont,

1808

1S31

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.

NAMK.

Warren, Moses
Warren, Mrs. J. Y.
Warren, Mrs. Wni. H.
Watkins, George
Waterman, Wni.
Watterson, Jno. T.
Watterson, Mrs. M.
Weidenkopf, F.
Weidenkopf, Mrs. 0.
Weidenkopf, Jacob
Welch, 0. F.
Welch, John
Welch, Jas. 8.
Wellstoad, Joseph
Weniple, Myndret,
Weston, George B.
Wheller, Jane
Wheller, B. S.
Whitaker, Charles
AVhite, Moses
Whitclaw, George
Whittlesey, H. S.
Wick. C. C.
Wightnian, D. L.
Wightnian, S. H.
Wightman, Mrs. D. L.
Williams, George,
Williams, William
Williams, Jno.
Williams, A. J.
AVilliamson, Samuel
Wilcox, Norman
Willson, Mrs. H. V.
Wilson, Fred.
Wilson, William
Wilson, Jas. T.
Winch, Thomas
Winslow, E. N.
Wood, H. B.
Wood, Mrs. D. L.
Wood, Mrs. M. S.
Younglove, M. C.

CAME TO

WHERE BORN.

WIIEX.

RESERVE. DIED.

Connecticut,

1803

1815

New York,

1816

New York,

1819

1833

(Connecticut,

1812

1818

Ohio,

1818

Ohio,

1828

New York,

1828

1829

Germany,

1819

1837

Alsace,

1819

1830

Germany,

1828

1837

1800

1817

New York,

1825

Ohio,

1821

England,

1817

1837

New York,

1796

1818

Massachusetts,

1805

1826

England,

1831

England,

1836

New York,

1817

1831

Massachusetts.

1791

1816 1881

Scotland,

1 808

1832

Ohio,

1836

Ohio,

1813

1835

Ohio,

1817

Ohio.

1819

Ohio,

1822

Connecticut,

1799

1833

Connecticut^

1803

1836

England,

1817

1832

New York,

1829

1840

Pennsylvania,

1808

1810

Connecticut,

1793

1829

Michigan,

1802

1835

New York,

1807

1832

Ohio,

1819

Ohio,

1828

1840

New York,

1806

1832

North Carolina,

1824

1830

New York,

1813
1821

1817

Michigan,

1840

New York,

1836

92 ANNALS OF THE

SUMMARY.

Total number of members 585

Died, 35

Living, , 500

HONORARY MEMBERS,

CAME TO
WHERE BORN. WHEN. RESERVE.

Crosby, Chas. Massachusetts, 1801 1832

Garfield, Jas. A. Ohio, 1831 1831 1881

(Late President of the United States.)

Garfield, Mrs. Lucretia R. Ohio, 1832 1832

(Wife of President Garfield.)

Garfield, Mrs. Eliza B. New Hampshire, 1801 1830

(Mother of President Garfield.)

Total, • 4

Died, 1

Livincf, 3

EAnr.Y SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 93

CONSTITUTION

AS AMENDED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING OF 1883.

ARTICLE I.

This Association shall be known as the "Early Settlers'
Association of Cuyahoga County," and its members shall consist
of such persons as have resided in the Western Reserve at least forty
years, and are citizens of Cuyahoga County, and who shall sub-
scribe to this Constitution and pay a membership fee of one dollar,
but shall not be subject to further liabilit}', except that after one
year from the payment of such membership fee, a contribution of
one dollar wifl be expected from each member, who is able to con-
tribute to the same, to be paid to the Treasurer at every annual
re-union of the Association, and applied in defraying necessary
expenses.

ARTICLE II.

The officers of this Association shall consist of a President,
two Vice Presidents, Secretary and Treasurer, with the addition
of an Executive Committee of not less than five persons, all of
which officers shall be members of the Association and hold their
offices for one 3'ear, and until their successors are dul}- appointed
and they accept their appointments.

ARTICLE III.

The object of the Association shall be to meet in convention
on the 22d day of July, or the following da}- if the 22d fall on
Sunday, each and ever}- jear, for the purpose of commemorating
the daj- with appropriate public exercises, and bringing the
members into more intimate social relations, and collecting all
such facts, incidents, relics, and personal reminiscences respecting

94 'ANNALS' OF THE

the earl}' histoiy and settlement of the count}" and other parts
of the Western Eeserve, as ma}' be regarded of permanent value,
and transferring the same to the Western Reserve Historical
Society for preservation ; and also for the further purpose of
electing officers and transacting such other business of the
Association as may be required.

ARTICLE IV.

It shall be the duty of the President to preside at public meetings
of the Association, and in his absence the like duty shall devolve
upon one of the Vice Presidents. The Secretary shall record in a
book for the purpose the proceedings of the Association, the
names of the members in alphabetical order, with the ages and
time of residence at the date of becoming members, and conduct
the necessary correspondence of the Association. He shall also be
regarded as an additional member, ex-offlcio, of the Executive
Committee, and may consult with them but have no vote. The
Treasurer shall receive and pay out all the moneys belonging to the
Association, but no moneys shall be paid out except on the joint
order of the Chairman of the Executive Committee and Secretary
of the Association. No debt shall be incurred against the
Association by any officer or member beyond its ready means of
payment.

ARTICLE V.

The Executive Committee shall have the general supervision
and direction of the affairs of the Association, designate the hour
and place of holding its annual meetings, and publish due notice
thereof, with a programme of exercises. The committee shall also
have power to fill vacancies that may occur in their own body or
in any other office of the Association, until the Association at a
regular meeting shall fill the same, and shall appoint such number
of subordinate committees as they may deem expedient. It shall
also be their duty to report to the Association at its regular annual
meetings the condition of its affairs, its success and prospects,
with such other matter as they may deem important. They shall

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 95

also see that the annual proceedings of the Association, including
such other valuable information as they may have received, are
properly prepared and published in pamphlet form, and gratuit-
ously distributed to the members of the Association, as soon as
practicable after each annual meeting.

ARTICLE YI.

At any annual or special meeting of the Association the
presence of twenty members shall constitute a quorum. No
special meetings shall be held, except for business purposes and
on call of the Executive Committee. This Constitution may be
altered or amended at any regular annual meeting of the Associa-
tion on a three-fourth's vote of all the members present, and shall
take effect, as amended, from the date of its adoption.

anii||j|ii[ Jiilijlliii: ■Jiimii: ■jiiijiiiit jiiigint ^iiinjiic ■Jiijjiiic jmijiiii- ^iiijjk iii!||||»r Jmyiiit jiiigiiit iniijNirJiiSjiiiL- ^iii|j||iirjii||j|iiir ]iii|jiiii:-3iii||iL-iiii|j||!it ■Jii||j||»i- ]ii!|;]|iii: aiiijiiit ]«i|j||iit-jii!|j||iu M||||iifje

ANNALS

OF THE

EARLT Sf

uL/i

ASSOCIATION

CUYAHOGA COUNTY.

NUMBER V.

\ -w.

Published by order of the Executive Committee,

Sc.iiilllltiir.

CLEVELAND, 0. ^

PRINTED AT THE PUBLISHING HOUSE OP THE EV. ASSOflATIOX. ^

1884. I

jilJk. jillkjiilfJk. jilllltiir, jillk,. .mll'lk jillllk. .iiittiir .illltiir, jiilftiir,, .iiill'lk jillSiir jiifiiir ailSiir .iiill!lk, .iiill'Ik. ^iill'lk jiill'Ik. JM .iiillllk jiillllk a1!!!liir. aillllk ,iiill!lk. ji

ANNALS

OF THE

EARLT SEH

1 JjiJi

ilATIOH

CUYAHOGA COUNTY.

NUMBER V.

Published by Order of the Executive Committee.

CLEVELAND, 0.

PRINTED AT THE PUBLISHING HOOSE OF THE EV. ASSOCIATION.

1884. ,

Officers of the Association,

1884.

Hon. Harvey Rice, President.

Hon. John W. Allen, ]

>- Vice-Presidents.
Mrs. J. A. Harris, )

Thomas Jones, Jr., Secretary.

Solon Burgess, Treasurer.

Rev. Thomas Corlett, Chaplain.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

George F. Marshall,
R. T. Lyon,
Darius Adams,
John H. Sargent,
M. M. Spangler.

THE EARLY SETTLERS >NNIVERSARY,

JULY 22nd, 1884.

The Earh' Settlers' Association convened on the day of their
Anniversary, July 22, at 11 o'clock a. m., at the Tabernacle,
Ontai'io St., in the cit}' of Cleveland. The weather was pleasant,
and the attendance of members unusually large. It was delightful
to witness the cordial manner in which old friends, as they entered
the hall, recognized each other and exchanged congratulations.

The hall, or ground room of the tabernacle, is not only spacious,
but somewhat imposing. The platform at the end of the hall had
been decorated for the occasion with a profusion of flowers set in
vases and draped overhead with muslins of various colors. On
the wall, in rear of the platform, hung a life size portrait of Gen-
eral Moses Cleaveland.

After a goodly number of new memberships had been enrolled
by the Secretar}', the President of the Association, Hon. Harvey
Rice, called the assemblage to order, and the session was opened
with pra3'er by the Chaplain, Rev. Thomas Corlett. The President
then introduced to the audience Mrs. Grace Perkins Lohmann, of
Akron, who sang "Auld Lang Syne " in a style of rendition that
was not only charming, but highly relished as an agreeable
surprise. At the conclusion of the song the President delivered
the following address :

ADDRESS.
Ladies and Gentlemen:

This is the fifth anniversary of our Association. We hail its
recurrence with joy and with gratitude, for the reason that it brings
with it so many cherished memories of the past, and affords us
another opportunity to exchange heartfelt greetings with our early

Q ANNALS OF THE

friends. Not onl}- this, but it enables us to recall and live over
again the daj's of our 3'outh, and at the same time contribute
something of value to the unwritten history- of pioneer-life in the
Western Reserve.

In commemorating the 22nd of July as the anniversar}' of our
Association we recognize a historical fact of permanent interest —
the birthday of the City of Cleveland. It should be remembered
that Gen. Moses Cleaveland and his staff of survej'ors, who were
sent out from Connecticut to survey the wild lands of the Western
Reserve into townships and subdivisions, landed at Conneaut on
the 4th of July, 1796, and celebrated the day in the patriotic style
of the olden times. Soon after this event, the General with a
detachment of his staff proceeded up the Lake coast in an open
boat, and on the 22nd of July entered the mouth of the Cuyahoga
river, and disembarking, ascended its eastern bank, where he
beheld, for the first time, an elevated plain of rare beauty, and so
suggestive of natural advantages, that he became at once
enraptured with the scene, and predicted that here would arise at
no distant da}^ a great commercial city.

So impressed was he with this belief that he promptly ordered a
survey of the localit}^ into city lots. When the survey was
completed, he attempted to select an appropriate name for the
child of his brain, but could not hit upon a choice. His staff
observing his embarrassment came to his relief, and baptized the
infant cit}', and named it " Cleaveland " in honor of their chief.
The General not less modestlj- than gracefully accepted the
compliment. In 1830, the letter "a" in the first syllable of his
name was dropped out by a newspaper publisher of the town, to
bring the new heading of his paper within the breadth of his
sheet. The public at once adopted the abbreviation.

The city may well be proud of her name, and of the character of
her founder. She has so grown in importance as to acquire in less
than a centurj' since her birth a population of nearly two hundred
and fifty thousand. Verily this modern Moses, of 1796, has
proved himself a true prophet. Cleveland has indeed become a
great commercial city — the " beautiful cit}' on the Lake shore."

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 7

Gen. Moses Cleavelancl was born on the 27th of January, 1754, at
Canterbury, in the countj- of Windham, and state of Connecticut.
He graduated in 1777, at Yale college. He adopted the legal
profession, and practiced law for some years in his native town
with marked success. Congress recognized his eminent abilities
by appointing him, in 1779, captain of a company of sappers and
miners in the Army of the United States. He was also elected a
member of the Connecticut legislature, and appointed a Brigadier
General of the State Militia — a position whieh at that day was
regarded as one of distinguished honor. The masonic fraternity of
his native State conferred upon him the office of Grand Master,
and, in 1796, the Connecticut Land Company placed him in
command of the surveyors whom they sent out, in that year, to
survey the lands of the Western Reserve, preparatory to putting
them in market — a task which he satisfactorily accomplished.
It was he and his staff, who led the advance of civilization into the
wilds of the Western Reserve. He married an accomplished lady
by the name of Esther Champion in 1794, by whom he had
four children. He died at Canterbury, Nov. 17th, 1806, at the age
of 52 years. His wife and three of his children survived him. She
died in 1840.

Gen. Moses Cleaveland was no ordinary man. He descended from
a parentage of unblemished character, and left to his posterity an
unblemished character. He was emphatically a gentleman of fine
acquirements, polished manners, and unquestioned integrity. He
enjoyed the confidence of the public, because he was worthy of it.
His morality was an outgrowth of puritanism, and was as rigid as
it was pure. He was manly and dignified in his bearing, and so
sedate and self-possessed that strangers often mistook him for a
clergyman. In complexion, he was rather swarthy, so much so
that the aborigines of the Reserve claimed him as akin to their
own race. In the social circle he was always a welcome guest.
If we may judge from his portrait, his expression of face indicated
thought, firmness, and decision. He was a man of courage amid
threatening dangers, and as shrewd in his tactics and management
as he was courageous.

3 ANNALS OF THE

In a word, whatever he undertook to do was well done. Like
Romulus, he founded a city, and gave it his name. Rome honored
the memory of her founder by erecting to him not only a temple,
but went so far as to deify him. The founder of the city of
Cleveland, it must be conceded, attained to a much nobler manhood
than the founder of Rome, and though the same classic honors are
not claimed for him, yet the time has come, as it seems to me,
when our citizens generallj-, as well as the members of this
Association, would rejoice to see a life-size statue of Gen. Moses
Cleaveland grace the Central Park of our city in recognition of his
naemor}' not only as the founder of the city, but as a man, whose
life and character are an honor to the age in which he lived.

The action alread}^ taken by this Association, in reference to this
subject, seems to be approved by a generous public sentiment. It
is believed that in the course of another year the requisite funds to
meet the expense can be obtained. It is said that the city of
Cleveland excels in matters of artistic taste. In attempting to
honor the memory of her founder, she should do it with such a
degree of liberality, and in such a style of art, as to honor herself.

The success of our Association has hitherto been not less
gratifying than unprecedented. The Association consisted of less
than twent}' members at its organization. It now has on its roll
nearly six hundred memberships. Every citizen of the' county,
who has resided fortj- years or more in the Western Reserve, is
eligible, and may become a member of the Association, with the
assurance of being received into fellowship with a frank cordialit}'
that is sincere. The roll of memberships is one of honor, and
embraces many names of talented men and refined women, who are
not only worthy of honors, but who have earned their honors as
representatives of that grand phalanx of early pioneers whose
enterprise, intelligence and foresight laid the broad foundations of
the present prosperit}' of the Western Reserve.

There are man}- early settlers residing in other counties of the
Reserve who sympathize with us in our labor of love. It has
occurred to me that all such persons should be invited to attend
our annual meetings, and that such of them as may furnish us

EA RL Y SE TTL EHS' J S:>OCIA TION. 9

with valuable historical contributions should be made honorary
members of our fraternity.

The good work that our Association has already accomplished is
sufficiently evidenced by the series of " Annals " it has published.
The value of these annals seems to be generally appreciated, if we
may judge from the avidity with which they are sought and read.
The trifle it costs to sustain our Association, from year to year, is
amply compensated, as seems agi-eed, by the social enjoyment its
annual festivities afford. In addition to this, each member receives
a gratuitous copy of the "Annals." All that is now needed to
strengthen the Association and increase its usefulness, is renewed
effort in rescuing from oblivion such remaining traditions and
relics as may serve to enrich as well as illustrate more full}' the
early history of this favored land of our choice.

It is from the dead past that the living present derives most of
its knowledge. This knowledge we should so improve as to leave
to our successors a still richer legacjy. Thus it is that one age
grows wiser than another, as the one follows the other in apostolic
succession, as it were, ever proclaiming in the ear of time the
gospel of the ages. And thus it is that civilization, as the ages
come and go, is supposed to advance, and to grow still purer and
nobler as it advances. Though a refined civilization may never
reach perfection, it ma}- so nearh' approach it as to give to this
earth-life of ours the happy characteristics of a heaven-life.

It is in the innocent phase of childhood, perhaps, that we recog-
nize our highest ideal of human happiness. And hence we often re-
call the days of our youth with unalloyed pleasure and satisfaction:

"When the years were as happy as long.
And the horns danced to music and song."

And yet it is possible that we may find and enjoy a still higher
order of pleasure and satisfaction in commingling the delightful
reminiscences of our youthful days with the practical experiences
of our maturer years, especially if we are sustained by a faith that
we have not " lived in vain." Be this as it ma}' :

" There is a slumbering good in all,

And we, percliance, may wake it;
Our liands contain tlie magic wand,

This life is what we make it."

20 ANNALS OF THE

Official business being next in order the following reports -were
read and approved :

REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

Mr. President : —

Five years of increasing interest — of annual social intercourse —
of added local history, and prospects of more to come, are ample
evidences of the ^^conditio7i, success, and prospects" of the "Early
Settlers' Association of Cuyahoga Cottnty.'" Nevertheless the Executive
Committee are expected to say something more than that, if it be
merely a repetition of what has heretofore been said.

It is but eighty-eight years to-day, since Moses Cleaveland set his
Jacob staff not far from this spot and with an eye single to the
prospects of the future, concentrated his vision through hi© telescope
and spied out this land, marked lines and made field notes that have
become guides for all who followed him.

Mostof us have lived here more than half of eighty-eight years, and
our e^'es have beheld what has been accomplished during that period
of time. It may be, there are those who would ha^^e preferred the
first forty-four years of Cleveland to the last, but we had better be
content with what we have, than long for what we never can get. It
is possible, if we had followed Moses and his chain we would never
have stuck a stake and located quite so near lake Erie and the
Cuyahoga as we are to-day. If the cultivation of the soil had been
our aim, we would, most likely, have followed the judgment of that
clear-headed set of New England farmers who went farther south
and east, settling in that rare section which surrounds the Mahoning
river.

The early settlers are sure to analyze the soil before they locate,
although some look for a mill site, a place for a saw mill, or a grist
mill, or a distiller}'. When the new comers here placed their
cowhide boots into the unproductive white sands of this plateau,
they would naturally say that this was not the soil they sought,
and hence they concluded to go hence. Who was there in those
early da3's that thought or cared whether this point of land would,
in one or two or even three generations, produce a population of so

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. \\

close an approximation to a quarter of a million as we now see ?
The keen eye of the land speculator did not warrant an investment
in corner lots, in the hope that it may double and quadruple in a
given number of j^ears.

It matters little to us now respecting our aims or hopes, we are
all here, and are compelled to make the most of it.

Upon the occasion of our first annual meeting Mr. Samuel
E. Adams, in his able address, gave ample reasons why we should
hold in grateful remembrance the 22d of July, and make that
day the one we celebrate. It was the day that Cleaveland, in
1796, set foot upon this soil, in order to lot it out for a pros-
pective city. That date appears to be so well grounded in our
faith, that it is now established as an immovable festival. It
will be remembered that the same orator, upon the same occa-
sion, advanced the idea that we, as the grateful followers
of the early Moses, are in duty bound to erect some fitting
monument, to commemorate the memorj'^ of the second Moses
who spied out this land of ours, and left his name to adorn the
most beautiful city on the continent.

Respectfully submitted,

Geo. F. Marshall, Chairman.

REPORT OF THE TREASURER.

Dues from old members $257.25

Dues from new members 72.25

Total $329.50

Expenses $315.50

Balance on hand $ 14.00

Solon Burgess, Treasurer.

12 ANNALS OF THE

KEPORT OF THE MONUMENT COMMITTEE.

Mr. President : —

You selected a committee who are rather too discreet. They
did not importune men to part witli their money. During the first
six months of the 3'ear we could not get two of the committee
together at one time, hence we have done nothing and solicited
nothing. We have waited until the money market should not be
so tight, and I now move that the committee be discharged and a
new one appointed. R. P. Spalding, Chairman.

On motion, the committee. R. P. Spalding. Bolivar Butts, and
Dudley Baldwin, were re-appointed, and John A. Foote and A. J.
Williams added to the committee.

REPORT OF THE CHAPLAIN.

The following are the names of members of the Earl}- Settlers'
Association, so far as ascertained, who have died since its last
annual ipeeting : James F. Clark, Mrs. Harriet Dan Coakley,
Benjamin R. Beavis, Mrs. Mary C. Given, James W. Fitch, H. B.
Hurlbut, Judge E. Hessenmueller, Alexander Mcintosh, Thomas
Thompson, Samuel Williamson, W. J. Warner, Martha S. Wilson,
Orlando P. Cutter, David Proudfoot, Thomas Cannell, and Zophar
Case.

The}" were all persons of excellent character, so far as known to
me. Some of them were prominent personages well known to the
public. It is a matter of regret that brief l)iogTaphical sketches of
each of them cannot now be given, but the difficulty of obtaining
the necessary facts has prevented me from undertaking the task.
It is to be hoped, however, that the personal friends of the
deceased, who could furnish the facts, will either do so, or prepare
sketches, with a view to theil" future publication in the " Annals "
of the Association. Thos. Corlett, Chaplain.

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. ]^3

ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

Upon motion made by Hon. John A. Foote, the following officers
of last 3'eai- were reelected for the ensuing year :

President, Hon. Harvey Rice.

Vice-Presidents, Hon. John W. Allen and Mrs. J. A. Harris.

Secretary, Thomas Jones, Jr.

Treasurer, Solon Burgess.

Executive Committee, Messrs. George F. Marshall, R. T. Lyon,
Darius Adams, John H. Sargent and M. M. Spangler.

Chaplain, Rev. Thomas Corlett.

Mr. H. M. Addison offered the following resolution, which was
adopted :

Resolved, That in view of the importance of obtaining as much
as is yet possible of the early histor}^ of Northern Ohio direct from
the earl}- settlers themselves, we invite all kindred associations to
cooperate with us in obtaining such, either printed, written, or oral,
in the most prompt and efficient manner.

On motion, the following persons, resident in Ohio, were unani-
mously elected honorary members of the Association: Gov. George
Hoadly, Cincinnati ; Hon. John M. Edwards, Youngstown ; Hon.
Lester Taylor, Claridon ; Rev. Samuel Bissel, Twinsburgh ; Rev.
Dr. James A. Bolles, Cleveland ; Daniel Punderson, Esq., South
Newbur}-; Laurel Beebe, J]sq., Ridgeville; Rev. Albert B. Green
East Cleveland, and Mrs. Mary Wood, wife of the late Gov. Wood,
Rockport.

Mrs. Wood, being present, was escorted to a seat on the platform
and introduced to the Associatian by the President. She grace-
fully acknowledged the compliment. For some years past, she
has resided with her daughter in California, and had but recently
returned. She is now in her 87th year, and is still quite vigorous
and active.

ANNALS OF THE

The following historical contributions were then read by their
authors in the order in which the}^ appear :

RECOLLECTIONS.

by george b. merwin.
Mr. President : —

My father, Noble H. Merwin, and farail}-, consisting of my
mother and two children, arrived at Cleveland in the month of
February, 1816, having passed the previous winter in the town of
Palmja-a. Portage count}'. Such was the condition of the roads
that we were three da3'S in making the distance of fift}' miles.

At that time, on the corner of Vine^'ard lane, now called South
Water street, was the tavern of George Wallace, a small, two-story
frame building, adjoining was the hat store and manufactory of
Geer and Walsworth, next came the house of Mr. Henderson, a one-
stor}' and a half building, in the next one-story house lived Mr.
Hanchett, who was engaged in the bakery business, his shop being
on the lot where the Atwater block now stands; next came Dr,
David Long's office, now occupied b}- the American House, he
lived in a double log-house back in the garden, built by Gov.
Samuel Huntington, the barn was built by Samuel Dodge of Euclid,
and was the first frame building erected in the village, the job
was done under a special contract, for the payment of which he
gave him eleven ten-acre lots fronting on Superior street, there
were several large pear trees about the house, Elisha Norton, some
of whose grand children are now living in Cleveland, resided in the
house, owned b}' Ashbel W. Walworth, who was postmaster,
collector of the port, justice of the peace, and to whom was confided
in 1826 for disbursement, the first five thousand dollars appro-
priated by Congi'ess for the construction of the piers at the mouth
of the river, keeping all these offices in the front room of the house.

The mails were carried on horse back, and came once a week from
the east and west, he was also the first letter carrier Cleveland had,
for he carried the letters in his hat, and when three or four letters
came he would go around and deliver them, then lock up the
office and go fishing with the boys.

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 15

The duties of these offices were not very arduous in those days,
and they were not as much sought after as they are in tliese
degenerate times; the house stood back a little from the street with
a row of poplar trees in front.

Judge Daniel Kelle}', with his sons Irad, Thos. W. and Reynolds,
lived in the next house, which was built of brick and stood opposite
the head of Bank street. Then followed the stores of Stephen
Dudley and Almon Kingsbury; the latter gentleman had some
ideas about doing business quite different from those of our
modern merchants, it was said that a man went into his store and
inquired if he had any hand saws for sale, he said he had but one
and did not wish to sell it, as it would break the assortment, in his
store. I saw the bones of Omic, the Chippewa Indian, which were
anatomized by Dr. Long. He had great horror of being hung, he
called it swinging and often begged Major Carter to shoot him, but
finally agreed to quietly submit, if he would give him a pint of
whiskey on the day of his execution ; this was done and he was
executed on the 26th of June, 1812. The gallows was erected in
front of the old red Court House, which was a short distance in
front of the Stone Church and had been cut down, but the chesnut
stumps were still standing. On the corner of the Square now
occupied hj the Forest City House, was a small two-story frame
building kept by Mr. Mowry as a tavern, no other families lived on
the south side of Superior street.

Beyond the Square on the north side lived Mrs. Dewey, near her
was the residence of Mrs. Johnson, mother of the late Capt. Levi
Johnson, her son Benhue drove an old white horse and cart,
furnishing the citizens with water from the river at two shillings
for a load of two ban-els, and was in great requisition on Mondays;
he amused the boys by always singing the tune of the "Roving
Sailor," and occasionally kicking his horse with his wooden leg.

Further on lived uncle Abram Heacox, his shop stood just east
of Kingsbury's store, on one side of his sign were the words,
"Uncle Abram works here," on the other was represented a
gentleman riding up and asking, " Can you shoe my horse?" The
reply underneath was, " Yes Sir." This sign was painted by old

IQ ANNALS OF TUB

Capt. Allen Ga^'lord, a war veteran of 1812, who lived in Newburgh,
a selftaught artist and undoubted genius, he did the house and
sign painting, and white-washing for the town, and also carved
scrolls and figure heads for vessels. The sign of Geer and Wals-
worth represented an Indian aiming his rifle at a beaver sitting at
the root of a tree across the river. A gawky rustic from Brooklyn
passing along one day, stood looking at the sign several minutes,
holloed ''Why don't you shoot, 3'ou d — fool, you have been
aiming long enough." On the east side of the Square, where now
stands the Hoffman block, was the saddle and harness shop of
Amasa Bailey, all east and north of that were scrub oaks and
hickor}' saplings with now and then a large chesnut tree, on the
north side near where the fountain now is, was the old Ted Court
House and Jail built in 1812, kept by Mr. Auchinbaugh; Eleazar
Waterman was his successor for manj- j-ears afterwards, the cell
was about twelve feet square, constructed of hewn logs, and was in
the southwest corner, the upper room was used for holding courts^
and also used b}' the free masons for masonic purposes, religious
services were also held here, whenever a passing missionary
remained in town over the Sabbath. The blacksmith shop of
David Burroughs was on the corner now occupied by Webb and
Butts, jewelry store, his stock of geese rested in the middle of the
street, there was a puddle whenever it rained, in which the}' would
disport themselves; the hay scales were on the corner now occupied
by Crittenden's jewelry store, the roof projecting over the street.

The Cleveland Herald, established in 1819, was published in the
back room of the same building, edited b}' Mr. Logan ; once being
short of paper, one edition was published on foolscap.

About half waj' between Seneca and Bank streets was a two-
story tavern kept b^- George Wallace, afterwards by Michael
Spangler. On the corner of Superior and Bank streets, the Com-
mercial Bank of Lake Erie was established in 1817, and occupied
a small red building, Alfred Kelle}', President, and Leonard Case,
Cashier ; he lived in a small house on the same lot. A year or two
afterwards Mr. Case purchased the two acre lot, where the Post
Office and Cit}' Hall are, for the sum of forty dollars ; the Weddell

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 17

House lot was enclosed with a rail fence, which extended to St.
Clair street, where the Weddell House now stands. One morning I
picked up sixteen pigeons, killed by my father at one shot.

The south side of St. Clair St. was enclosed by a rail fence to the
west line of Ontario street, on the lot joining the Kennard House.
The first school house was built in 1817, the number of scholars on
the opening was twenty-four ; the j^oung men in the town were
assessed to paj- the master for the amount of his wages for the
children of those parents, who were unable to do so. Religious ser-
vices were regularly held here, Judge Kelley offering prayer, a
young man read the sermon and my mother led the singing ; sing-
ing school was also kept here, taught by Herschel Foote, who came
from Utica, N. Y., and established the first book store in town in
the store formerly occupied by Dudle}'. At that time there was not
another building on that side of the street until you came to the
residence and store of Nathan Perry on the corner of Water. A
band of Indians who lived on the west side of the river used to
sell their furs and peltries every Spring to him. He spoke their
language fluently.

On the west side of Water street, near the brow of the hill, was
the tavern of Phineas Shepard, built by Major Carter for a block
house, and afterwards covered with clapboards ; on the south cor-
ner of this street and St. Clair was the residence of Judge Samuel
W^illiamson, his brother Matthew had a tannery at the foot of Union
Lane, Mrs. Major Carter lived in a house on the brow of the hill
north of St. Clair. On the light-house lot lived John Burtis,
whose business was lightering freight to and from vessels, which
. generally anchored about a mile from shore. The mouth of the
river was sometimes nearly choked up by drifting sand driven in
by the north-west and north-east gales every Fall and Spring. I
have waded across the mouth of the river many times. One Fall,
late in the month of November, a bear was seen to cross the mouth
of the river, there being about three inches of snow on the ground,
he was tracked by some sportsmen as far as Doan's brook, but not
seen. The last house on the west side of Water street, was the
brick residence of Alfred Kelley, this the last old landmark on the
2

18 ANNALS OF THE ,

street was taken clown about twelve years ago ; I have seeurgh,
acres of wheat growing between the house and bank of the iJJid
the corners of the fences were filled with stumps and elder bushei
quarter-mile scrub races were sometimes run on this street.

Dr. Donald Mcintosh lived on St. Clair adjoining Nathan Perry's
garden, and kept a tavern, called the Navy Hotel. Capt. Levi.
Johnson lived in a house on the corner of Water and Lake streets,
north of this was the residence of William Gr. Taylor, built about
1831 ; he came from Michigan, a lawyer by profession, and connect-
ed himself with the notorious counterfeiters James and Daniel
Brown in a scheme to purchase a ship at New Orleans with count-
erfeit United States bank notes, go to China and purchase a cargo
of tea ; the}' were all arrested at New Orleans, and committed to
prison, where Dan Brown died, Jim and Taylor were released by a
writ of habeas corpus, had a trial and were discharged, as it was
not proved that they passed anj^ counterfeit money. The house was
owned and occupied by the late Deacon Stephen Whittaker ; a few
rods north of the house under a chestnut tree, that eccentric per-
son Lorenzo Dow preached a sermon one Sunday afternoon in
Juh", 1827, he sat at the roots of the tree during the deliver}- of
his discourse, his first words were. •• Well, here^'ou all are. rag, shag
and bobtail," he made a praj'er and sang a hj'mn unaccompanied.

At the foot of Superior was a log warehouse occupied by Jabez
Kelley, used for the manufacture of soap and candles ; Uncle
Jabe, as he was called, was a peculiar character, and had a habit
of winking his ej'es and snapping his fingers very often, partic-
ularly so when mellowed hy a little wine at a Fourth of Jul}^
celebration, he would rise, drink to every toast, wink his eyes, •
snap his fingers and shout, " Glory to God !" There was a small
frame wareliouse at the foot of Lighthouse street, owned and
occupied by Capt. Levi Johnson, he had a small schooner, and in
1825 built the first steamboat of two hundred and fifty tons on
River street, called the " Enterprise." There was a ferry at the
foot of Superior street kept by Christopher Gunn, the bo3-s named
him " Old pistol," price of ferrying a shilling for a team, sixpence
for a footman.

EARL Y SETTLERS' ASSOCIA TION.\ ^9

^.'bout the 3'ear 1830 Superior street was graded from the west

le of Bank to the river, the cutting at the Atwater building was
twenty-one feet, Robert Gather, who kept a tin shop, was con-
tractor.

The first church, built in 1828, was Trinity Church on the south-
east corner of Seneca and St. Clair, a commodious frame building
that was destroyed by fire about the year 1853.

During the Winter of 1821-2, my father built a schooner of
fortj'-four tons at the foot of Superior street, she was launched in
March 1822, and was enrolled in the District of Cuyahoga Sept.
11, 1822, under the United States Revenue Laws, her chain cable
was made by a blacksmith named Daniel Jones, an excellent work-
man; in order to test its strength it was fastened to a butternut
tree near the residence of Capt. Johnson and pulled upon by
twelve 3oke of oxen. After several heavy strains it parted, but
was thought b}* Capt. Belden, her first master, and several other
vessel men, sufficiently strong to hold her in the heaviest gale.
When she was launched, I stood on the heel of her bowsprit, and
as she touched the water, christened her b^' giving her m}' mother's
name. " Minerva," and broke a gallon jug of whisky over her bows,
as was the custom on similar occasions in those times, as she slid
on her wage. Uncle Jabe Kelley jumped on board from the roof of
his factory ; she was dispatched to Mackinac loaded with provisions
for the garrison on that island, and made the round trip in four
weeks, which at that time was regarded as a wonderful achieve-
ment. The same Winter Philo Taylor built the schooner " Pru-
dence," 30 tons, on the side hill on the Newburgh road, near
mother Colahan's cabin, about half a mile from the Public Square.

When she was launched, so steep was the declivit}', that a
stream of fire issued from under her bows, and she went across the
river and stuck fast in the mud, requiring the strength of the
crowd who had assembled to see the launch, to pull her oflT.

Near the cabin a spring of most excellent water came out of the
bank.

John Burtis built the schooner " Lake Serpent," 25 tons, the
next Winter, across the river near Columbus street.

20 ANNALS OF THE

Afterwards the schooner " Macedonia " was built on the farm of
Sam'l Dille, about two miles out on the Newburgh road, was brought
in on wheels, launched at the foot of Superior street, and after-
wards purchased b}- the late John Blair.

The celebration of the completion of the Ohio canal between
Cleveland and Akron took place on the 7th July, 1827. It was
considered a ver}' important event for the future prosperity of
Cleveland. My father went to Buffalo and purchased the canal-
boat Pioneer ; she was towed up by the Walk-in-the-Water, taken
around Case's point, the tow-path cut and put into the canal. The
lower ship-locks being made larger than ordinar}' canal-locks to
allow vessels to pass through to a dry dock which had been con-
structed near where the stone mill was afterwards erected. A large
party of ladies and gentlemen went up the canal several miles and
were met by a boat from Akron, named, Allen Trimble, in honor
of Gov. Trimble, who was then in the Executive chair.

The Governor, the Canal Commissioners, and a large party of
ladies and gentlemen were on board ; each boat was provided with
a small swivel, salutes were exchanged and loud cheers were given,
the hills echoing back the joyful sound, as the general congratula-
tions took place.

Among those on bbard the Pioneer, was Horace Perry and wife ;
he was very much opposed to the canal, and said it would gi'eatly
increase the taxes in the State and do great injur}- to his farm,
which was about two miles out on the Newburgh road, by separat-
ing the meadow land from the high-land.

In some way Mrs. Perrj's leghorn hat got off and fell into the

canal, he exclaimed : " There, I knew the d canal would be the

ruin of me, there goes my wife's bonnet which cost thirty dollars."
An elegant banquet was prepared by James Belden, and served
under a bower in the garden of the Mansion House, in the evening
there was a gi-and ball in Belden's assembly room, the managers
were C. M. Giddings, H. H. Sizer, William Lemon, S. J. Andrews,
J. W. Allen, our worthy Vice President, who is the only survivor.

At the foot of Bank street there was a star-shaped stockade
Fort, built of chesnut puncheons, capable of holding two hundred
men, this was built during the war of 1812; it was named Fort

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 21

Hungerford by the soldiers, owing to the very polite attention
shown by the commanding officer to a widow of that name, who
lived near by.

It was said that Gen. Harrison, on his way to the forts on the
Maumee river, came to this fort, having, I believe, the reputation
of being as gallant as he was brave, called upon the widow one
evening ; some of the boys, seeing him go there, placed a pail of
soft soap at the back door and knocked at the front door ; the
General made a hasty retreat, and, as the saying is, put his foot
into it.

I have seen the broken chesnut puncheon coffins of the poor
fellows who died there, projecting from the bank of the lake as it
caved down from them, their martial cloaks were army blankets.

Inflation, or the rag baby currenc}', had earl}^ friends in Cleve-
land. In one of the early years after my arrival here, small change
became ver}- scarce ; silver dollars were cut into nine pieces, half
dollars into five, pistareens, worth eighteen and three quarter cents,
into two, and each piece passed for a shilling.

To relieve the wants of the people, the township trustees passed
an order to issue and issued one hundred dollars in shin-plasters,
as they were called, of the denomination of six and a quarter,
twelve and one half, and twenty-five cents, the bills wei'e signed
by Daniel Kellc}^, President, and Horace Perry, Clerk of the
Board of Trustees.

It was pretty cheap living in Cleveland in those early days, and
for some years after ; the price of flour was from two to two and
a half dollars per barrel, eggs six pence per dozen, butter eight to
ten cents per pound, corn thirty cents per bushel, wheat fifty cents,
oats fifteen, and whiskey twenty to twenty-five cents per gallon.

In those times four and six horse covered wagons, from Stark
and Wayne counties, loaded with pork, flour and whiskey, filled
Superior street from the Atwater buildings to the Public Square,
the men slept in their wagons and generally- brought their pro-
visions and horse feed with them, and tied their horses to the pole
of the wagons.

I have seen m}' father roll a barrel of salt out of the ware-

ANNALS OF THE

house tind receive in return two barrels of flour and one dollar
in money.

In the early agitation of the temperance movement, its friends
thought that a temperance 4th of Jul}' celebration would have a
beneficial influence upon the question ; arrangements were accord-
ingly made, and committees appointed to carry it out. Col. Tim-
othy Ingram was selected for chief-marshal, the late Geo. A. Bene-
dict and myself, assistants, an oration was delivered in the stone
church, a procession formed and marched to the table under a
bower on the Public Square. The day was very warm, in the
afternoon the leaves on the branches overhead having withered,
the hot sun came pouring through upon the table, and to add to the
discomfort, the ice water had given out, one of the toasts, exciting
m}^ patriotism, I said, "now gentlemen, all fill your glasses and
drink to this very patriotic toast ;" the late Richard Winslow, one
of the early and most respected citizens, took the vinegar cruse
and mixed some vinegar with the water; Col. Ingram read the
toast at the head of the table, Benedict read it in the centre, I
voiced it with emphasis at the foot ; all arose and drank. Mr.
Winslow, who stood near me, exclaimed, " Slops by Java. Mr.
Merwin ; " what benefit to the cause was gained by this celebration,
its friends have never informed me.

Among the noted characters in town, and the gi'eatest joker of
them all, was Gains Boughton, who came from the Susquehana
river ; he kept a store in a small building in the lot next east of Geer
and Walsworth's hat store, any one who did not know him, enquiring
for an article which he did not have, he would send the person to the
house of some private family to purchase it. One day an essence
peddler came along and wanted to sell him some oil of peppermint ;
Boughton said he had on hand all he required, but he knew a man
who would buy all he had, he was a very queer kind of a man, and
would probably say he did not want to buy. and you must stick to
him, and he will take all you have ; directing him to the residence
of the Rev. Mr. McLane, principal of the old brick academy
school, which was on the corner of Bank and St. Clair, now occu-
pied by the Hoyt block; in answer to his knock, Mrs. McLane

EABLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 23

came to the door and asked what was wanted; he replied he
wished to see the man of the house ; Mr. McLane come hobbhng
along and asked him what he wished, the peddler said he came to
sell him some oil of peppermint, Mr. IMcLane declined purchasing
and turning to go back to his room, the peddler said, " now old
fellow, I know all about you, you may as well buy it first as last."
The reply was, "Sarah, bring my horse whip." The peddler left
suddenly on a keen run.

In the foregoing narrative I have endeavored to give mj- early
recollections of this beautiful and prosperous City of Cleveland
without exaggeration and with the hope that the}' may possess a
historical value worthy- of preservation.

INCIDENTS IN THE CAREER OF THE MORCxAN FAMILY.

BY ISHAM A. MORGAN.

The time of the exodus from the eastern States, and the early
settlement of the pioneers in the wilderness of Cuyahoga county are
far in the past. And if the trials and scenes of pioneer life could
all be told, the change would appear, viewed in connection with the
present and prospective status of our count}', almost as marvelous
as the stories of the Arabian Nights entertainment. And although
the great changes have not been made in a moment as by the
magic of Aladdin's wonderful lamp, still, the few left of the early
pioneers can but be astonished at the wonderful change the}^ long
ago helped to inaugurate.

My earliest recollection is when we were moving to this famed
far off land. From memory and from incidents which others made
me familiar with near the time of their occurrence, enables me to
relate man}' incidents which were a living reality in the bygone
days.

My father, Capt. Youngs L. Morgan, and my mother, with their
five children, moved from New London county, Connecticut, to a
portion of Cleveland, afterward set off as Newburgh township.
John Wightman with wife and two children came the same year

24 ANNALS OF THE

that we did, but by a somewbat different route. Though he was a
noble specimen of New England honesty and thrift, I have never
seen his name recorded among the early settlers. As stated in a
former number of the Annals of the Early Settlers' Association of
Cuyahoga county, we came in 1811. My youngest brother, A. W.,
was born four jears after we came here. Consequently a Buckeye,
and the only Bucke3'e in our famil}-, was raised as long ago as
when buckeyes grew spontaneously all along the wild Cuyahoga
valle3^

We came in a covered wagon, bringing as much household
goods, and wearing apparel as the limited means of conveyance
would admit of. The team was a j-oke of oxen on the tongue, and
a span of horses on the lead. One of my sisters, eight years old,
rode one of the horses, and guided both, most of the way. The
road much of the wa}^ from Albau}', and especiallj^ from Buffalo,
was merely a trail through the woods. The brush among the trees
only having been cut out. Two other families came in company
with us. The party made good progress for those days, being only
about three months on the way including two weeks stoppage on
account of sickness.

Major Spicer and family, a part of the company, settled in the
woods, where Akron cit}^ Summit county now is. James Fish and
family, were also a part of the company. James in connection with
his brother Moses, were the first settlers where Brooklyn village is.
And my father in moving the James Fish famil}' there in the
Spring of 1812, crossed Walworth run the first time that is was
ever crossed with a wagon or other wheel vehicle.

After Mr. Fish had cut and bui'ned the small timber on a few
acres, and girdled the large trees, as the custom was, and had
raised some corn, and' wheat, then the next thing was to get it
ground at the Newburgh mill, it being the only mill then built and
operated in this section of the State. That he i;sually did, by
putting a bag of wheat on his horse, and another of corn, and his
stoutest boy on top of the bags, and sending him to Newburgh
through the woods by the waj- of Cleveland. And when he got to
the river opposite the foot of Superior street, then after being

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 25

ferried over the river, he went on to the mill, got his grist ground,
and returned home the same way.

It was lucky for the bo}' in his excursions if he got home before
dark, as wild animals were commonly met with on the path after
dark. And what made it ofttimes doubly interesting to night
travelers, there were wolves to howl, and often not far awa}'.
Sometimes when hungry- they would follow people who where on
horseback, manifesting a strong desire for a meal of horse, or rider.
They who never heard the American or gi-ay wolf howl, know but
little about vocal music. At least they know but little about the
amount of noise a few wolves can make when they get engaged in
concert.

Once in particular, I remember, when I was passing through a
piece of woods at the approach of night, the wolves began their
music but a few roads from me. The result was, if ever I moved
lively to a place more desirable for a while, that was the time.
Had I waited for them to come nearer and demonstrate their
feelings for a lone boy at that time, when the evening twilight
began to make them anxious to begin their night revel, I might
not at this time mention what I know of their music, and not
unfrequently of their too social proclivity with the lone and
unarmed traveler who meets them in their native haunts.

When we came to this country, there were many Indians here,
but they were generally friendly, and there was but little to fear
from them. But when war was declared with Great Britain in
1812, many Indians took side with England. Then the frontier
settlements had enemies crafty and cruel, and no one knew when,
or where, they were least likely to make their murderous raids,
and it was nececsar}- for ever}' family exposed as they were, to be
on the alert, for fear of surprise. 3Iy father kept a gun and a
heavy cane by his bed, as weapons of defence in case of an attack
in the night by Indians.

A little previous to Hull's surrender at Detroit, the Indians made
a raid at Huron, murdered several, and captured a young man and
a woman, and fled with their prisoners. The woman not being
able to travel as fast as the Indians liked, they murdered and

26 ANNALS OF THE

scalped her, and did the satae b}' her then prospective posterity,
carr^'ing oflF a double troph}' of their horrible deed. One day not
long after that event, the people at the mouth of Huron river
discovered parties coming in boats, they were a good deal alarmed,
as they supposed them to be British and Indians to be let loose on
the almost defenseless settlers. A courier was immediately' sent to
Cleveland to give the alarm there. Major Samuel Jones of
Cleveland got on his horse and scoured the countr}- round, telling
the people to go to Doan's Corner, and there would be a guard to
protect them as best the}' could. M}' brother yoked and hitched
the oxen to the wagon, as we then had but one horse. After
putting a few necessary articles into the wagon, and burying a few
others, all went to Doan's Corner — East Cleveland, where most of
the people in Cleveland and vicinit}' assembled. My father had
been ill with a fever, and was scarcely able to be about, he took
the gun, which had been brought along, and handed it to my
brother Y. L. Jr., who was a good shot, and said to him, " If the
Indians come, you see that there is one less to go away."

That night was spent in expectation not the pleasantest. A few
men had sta3'ed in Cleveland to watch developments there. In the
morning, Capt. Allen Gaylord was seen approaching the encamp-
ment, waving his sword, and saying, " To your tents, Israel, Gen-
eral Hull has surrendered to the British General, and our men, in-
stead of Indians, were seen off Huron. They are returning to
their homes." Thankful were all that it turned out with them to be
nothing worse than the inconvenience of fleeing from their homes
on short notice under unpleasant circumstances.

Those days were daj's that tested the nerve and endurance of the
fathers and mothers. One night while my father was sick, my
mother hearing the tinkling of a bell in the corn-field, worn b}' one
of our oxen, and notwithstanding that the tinkling of a bell was
sometimes a trick of the Indians to decoy and entrap unwar}' ones
who were in the search of their cattle, she started out in pursuit of
what she was inclined to believe were the trespassing oxen, and by
no little effort succeeded in driving them out, and in closing the
gap in the fence, saving the growing corn from further destruction.

" £ARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 27

After war was over, the people no longer feared molestation,
and the latch string was out again for all comers.' I doil't suppose
there are many now who know what a latch string to a log cabin
was. It was a string about a foot long, with one end fastened to a
latch inside of the door, and the other end put through a hole in
door, so that when the door was shut, any person outside wishing
to enter, could pull the string, raise the latch, and open the door.
In those days the latch string hung out when any of the family
were at home. But when all were going away the latch string was
pulled in, and everything was then as safe as if locked in a money
vault, no one ever molesting anything when the latch string
indicated that the family were away. All prided in keeping the
latch string out when at home, fraternall}- entertaining any who
might come.

In 1815, Napoleon I. suiTendered in person to England, and was
sent a prisoner to the isle of St. Helena. The news of that event
came to New York, and to New London by sailing vessels, then it
was published in the Connecticut Gazette, and then the Gazette
came by mail on horse-back to Cleveland, where we received it,
often taking two months or more to get important news from the
old countries, which now would be telegraphed to and published
in Cleveland on the day of its occurrence. It was a relief from
the monoton}' and dearth of news which had prevailed, when Logan
commenced printing the first paper ever published in Cleveland,
called the Cleveland Register. The entire contents of that weekly
would fill but little more than one page of a medium size daily
of the present time. Yet it was considered a great advance in
affairs, indicating growth and prosperity in the little village of
Cleveland.

Schools there were to teach the young idea how to shoot after
the war was over. But there was no school fund, nor a school
law in the State of Ohio till several years later. Our estimable
President of the Early Settlers' Association has the honor of being
the author of the present school law of Ohio. They of my early
age and locality, never had the benefit of the better schools at
home which are provided for youths now. In our early daj^s, the

28 ANIMALS OF THE

heads of families clubbed together where there were enough to
sustain a school, and youths enough could be got together to make
it an object to hire a man to teach the large boys and girls in the
Winter, that being the time of jear when their work was least
required, while the smaller ones went to the Summer school, taught
by a woman.

If a family possessed a Webster's spelling-book for spelling, an
American Preceptor, or a Columbian Orator, or a Dwights geog-
raphy, which were used for reading books, a Daboll's, or Adams'
arithmetic, and a slate and pencil for ciphering, and paper, ink, and
goose quills for writing, and possibly a Murray's grammar for such
as wished to study grammar, with these it was supposed that the
youths were fully armed and equipped for school exercise.
Taking the dinner basket filled with the noon repast, they put out
for the log school-house, perhaps from one to three miles distant,
and the greater part of the way through the woods. And on their
arrival there, spent their hours with their teacher in acquiring a
knowledge of what was called a common school education.

The Rev. Stephen Peets, whom some of the old inhabitants of
Cu3'ahoga County may remember, taught our school in the Winter
of 1814-15. And during the term, he got up an exhibition for the
evening of the last day of school. On the road from Newburgh to
Cleveland, now Broadway, where you first get a view of the river
from the high land, was Samuel Dille's house, which, of course,,
was a log house. It was large for the times, and in it was a
spacious upper room, the length and breadth of the house. There
the people of Newburgh and Cleveland assembled and witnessed
the performance of the Conjurer, taken from the Columbian Orator ;
the dissipated Oxford student, also taken from the same book ;
Brutus and Cassius, taken from the American Preceptor ; and
several other pieces. The various parts were conceded by the
critics there, to have been performed in admirable style. After the
performance, m}- father, mother, two sisters, and myself, returned
home a distance of a mile and a half on the family horse. Two
adults and three plump children, 6 to 12 years of age, might now
be considered rather a large load for one horse to carry, and 5 on a

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 29

horse, as 'maj^ be supposed, would now render a cavalcade some-
what uncouth in appearance on the broad wa^ys of Cleveland. But
then people dispensed in part with stylish appearances, and accom-
modated themselves to the necessities of the time. We all arrived
home safe and sound, and the horse that carried us, did it apparentl}^
without fatigue.

Perhaps that school exibition was where a desire had its origin
to excel in dramatic performance several 3'ears later by Cleveland
young men and ladies, under a tutor of more than ordinary repute.
But what a change in that little company since that time. — 1 re-
member the whole soul and ever cheerful Thos. Colahan, the
social and generous Sylvester Gaylord, the eccentric yet well
meaning Francis Billett, the genial and warm hearted Wm. Skin-
ner, the staid friend James H. Elwell, and Lewis Dibble, the ever
generous and true to his associates, — he remains with us. — And
the ladies — I cannot forget them. And while tears of sadness
start in memory of the departed ones of that association, let a
warm greeting continue as often as the three or four remaining
ones meet, and I would sa}- to all, let the friendship of earlier
■days be imitated, and the kindl}- acts of pioneer life inspire the
rising generation to kind and noble deeds.

The exercises of the forenoon were now concluded with a song
finel}' rendered by Mr. Fulkerson, a popular singer of Cleveland.
The Home Amateurs, and other singers who had so kindl}' volun-
teered their services for the occasion, were invited b}' a vote of the
Association to partake in the social lunch which was now announced
as ready by the blowing of a conch-shell as in pioneer times. The
shell was said to have been in use over a hundred years ago.
Three long rows of tables had been set under the galleries in the
hall laden with substantials and luxuries. The moment the chonch
had ceased its sonorous tones, the Association took a recess and
seated themselves with invited guests at the tables. All seemed
to enjoy the feast, and especially the social chit-chat that accom-
panied it.

30 ANNALS OF THE

AFTERNOON SESSION.

The Association was called to order at 2 o'clock. The public
had been invited to attend. The hall, large as it is, was filled.
The exercises commenced with the singing of " Auld Lang Syne "
by the Home Amateurs, in a style and with a zest that delighted
the audience. The Annual Address followed.

ANNUAL ADDRESS.

THE CORPORATE BIRTH AND GROWTH OF CLEVELAND.

by hon. s. o. griswold.

Ladies and Gentlemen op the Early Settlers Association : —
At the request of your worthy President I appear before you to
deliver your fifth annual address. While I cannot pretend to bring
tD 3'ou anything of personal recollection of the earl 3' da3's, mj'
line of stud}' has made me familiar with some matters which may be
appi'opriately considered on this occasion. The authorities for the
facts to be stated by me are in great part derived from the archives
of the State, and the public records of the County and Cit}-, which
I have verified b}' personal inspection. I must also acknowledge
my obligation for other facts to that most excellent compilation in
regard to the history of Cleveland by our distinguished fellow
townsman. Col. Charles Whittlesey. The subject which I have
chosen for m}- address is : The Corporate Birth and Growth oj
Cleveland.

This place, where the Cuj'ahoga river empties into Lake Erie, was
regarded by the statesmen of the ante-revolutionar}^ period as a
strategic point for the command of the' northwest] territory*, and
the control of the future commerce of the lakes. Immediately
after the ratification of the treat}' of peace in 1784, the Continental
Congress b}' resolutions passed the 23rd daj* of April of that 3'ear,
assumed the control of this vast territor}', and on Ma3' 25th, 1785,
it passed an ordinance for the surve3' and sale of the land thereof.

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 3]^

There then existed, however, on the part of several of the States,
conflicting claims in regard to their jurisdiction and ownership of
the title to this region. The State of Connecticut made large
claims to the territor}-; but on the 14th of September 1786, that
State ceded to the Continental Congress all its rights over this
region, reserving, however, the title to all the land bounded south
by the 41st parallel of north latitude, and north by the line of 42°
1 ', and extending west between these lines from the Pennsylvania
line, a distance of 120 statute miles.

On the 13th day of July 1787, the Continental Congress passed
an ordinance for the government of this territory of the United
States northwest of the Ohio river, which is known as the famous
ordinance of 1787. In the fifth article of that ordinance, it was
provided that not less than three nor more than five States might
be formed out of this territor}', and the western line of the eastern
State thereof was coincident with the present western boundary of
Ohio, said line beginning in the Ohio river at the mouth of the
gi'eat Miami, and drawn due north to the territorial line between
the United States and Canada.

A territorial government was immediatel}' organized, and General
Arthur St. Clair was appointed governor, and continued to hold the
office till Ohio was admitted into the Union. On the 12th of July
1788, the governor, b}' his proclamation, established Washington
Count}', including all the State east of a line from the mouth of
the Cuyahoga river to the Ohio river, and on the 29th day of Jul}-
1797 he established the County of Jefferson, which included all the
northern part of said Washington County. Although the Conti-
nental Congress, by its resolutions and ordinances, assumed juris-
diction over all this territory northwest of the Ohio river, the State
of Connecticut yielded none of its claims to this reserved tract,
described in its act of session of 1786, and proceeded to deal with
it as its own rightful territor}-, and, as is well known, gi-anted the
title to the soil thereof to the Connecticut Land Company. The
few scattered inhabitants of this district paid little heed to the
assumption of jurisdiction b}^ the territorial governor ; they laughed
to scorn the tax gatherer sent among them, and he returned to his

32 ANNALS OF THE

county seat with his pockets leaner than when he started from
home. The spirit of those earl3' emigrants is well portrayed by
the conduct of the surve3'ing partj^ sent out by the Connecticut
Land Compan}' to survey this territory after the conveyance to it
b}' the State of Connecticut. The}' arrived at the western bound-
ar}^ of Pennsjivania and established the point where the dividing
line struck the lake, on the 4th of July 1796, and having per-
foi'med this work, proceeded on that daj-, as was the custom of the
whole country, to have a Fourth of July celebration, with federal
salutes, dinner, toasts and speeches ; and the second toast on that
occasion was the State of New-Connecticut, which was drank with
well filled bumpers of good old-fashioned grog. The}' were actu-
ated b}' the same sentiments and feelings as were their ancestors
more than 150 j'ears before, who, finding themselves gathered on
the banks of the Connecticut river, and feeling the necessity of an
established government, without an}' permission or authority of
king, parliameijt, royal council, or colonial assembly, adopted a
written constitution, the first known in all history, where the ultimate
authority was based on the major vote of the people, and under
that constitution established a government, and entitled it, " The
Commonwealth of Connecticut."'

The disputes, however, as to the jurisdiction of this territory,
were settled in a wise and prudent manner ; the first Congi'ess of
the United States, at its first session, passed an act, approved
August 7th, 1784, ratifying the ordinance of 1787, and continuing
in force the ten'itorial government, and by an act passed at the
first session of the sixth Congi-ess, approved April 28, 1800,
authorized the President of the United States to accept for the
general government the session of jurisdiction of this territory
west of Pennsylvania, commonly called the Western Reserve of
Connecticut, and by said act confirmed the title to the soil in the
State of Connecticut, and authorized and directed the President to
issue a patent to the Governor of that State for the territory
embraced within tlie boundaries aforesaid. On the 10th of July
following, the Governor of the ten-itory, by his proclamation,
established the county of Trumbull, which substantially embraced

/■

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 33

within its limits all of said reserved tract. The Connecticut Land
Company after its purchase took immediate steps to have its land
surveyed, and in 1796 sent out a surveying party, at whose head
was General Moses Cleaveland, to perform the work. As before
stated, tl>.is party anived and established at the lake a point in the
line of the boundary' between this reserved tract and the State of
Pennsylvania. It does not fall within m}' purpose to give anj^ his-
tor}' of that survey, and I refer to it onlj' in connection with the
laying out of this city. The plan of the survey was first to estab-
lish the clividing line between the tract and Pennsylvania, then to
establish the southern boundary line, being the 41st parallel of
north latitude, then to lay off on this line ranges of townships
containing 25 square miles, the ranges numbering upwards west-
wardly, and the townships northwardly-. That portion of the
surveying party, whose dut}' was to run the southern boundary,
having proceeded on that line sixt}' miles westwardly, being the
west line of the 12th range, then ran the west li^e thereof north
to the lake, and arrived here at Cleveland on the 22d day of July,
1796, where nearly the whole party were reunited, and furnished
with supplies, which they greatly needed. You have well chosen
this same day of the month as your anniversary day. When this
party running the west line had arrived at the north line of the
sixth township of th^ 12th range (Independence), they found the
course of the Cuyahoga River, which passed centrally through
that township, then bore substantial!}- a due northerly course to
the lake, and in accordance with instructions of the Company, the
west line of this range was not farther prolonged on its course, but
they went eastwardly to the river for the rest of the distance, mak-
ing the Cuyahoga River the west boundary to the lake, and the next
township, which was Cleveland, therefore, according to the survey,
became the seventh township of the twelfth range, although a
small strip near the lake was on the line of the townships num-
bered eight. When General Cleaveland examined the situation,
with the prescience of a leader of men, he saw that this pla-
teau at the junction of the river and the lake was the true site

for a city, and he directed his surveyors to lay out here a plot for
3

34 ANNALS OF THE

the same. In his judgment here was to be the capital of the
State of New-Connecticut, which was to arise and grow on this
reserved wilderness. The actual surveying work was done under
the direction of Augustus Porter, assisted by Seth Pease a.nd Amos
Spafford as principal surve^'ors. The area selected contained
about 520 acres, and was divided into two acre lots, 220 in num-
ber, with streets, allej'S, and public grounds. There was first made
a rough field map on which these lots, streets, and grounds were
marked and laid out. but a more perfect and complete map was
made by Seth Pease and finished before the 1st of October of
that year. On this old field map, there was written in fair hand,
as well to perpetuate the General's memor}', as the event itself,
"The City of Cleveland." In the spelling, the letter '-'a" in the
first syllable always used b}' the General himself, was omitted,
which letter was not used in the English District of that name,
called by the old Saxon invaders Clif-londe, which was the origin
of the cognomey, and it has generall}- been omitted by the family
to which the General belonged. There was a resurvey of the plot
by Major Spaflford in 1801, who had assisted in the original survej'.
The clearing away of the forest and other causes had destroyed
many of the posts and monuments originally set and marked, but
he had before him the original minutes and surve}', and no sub-
stantial change was made b}* him in the lots or streets.

The streets as copied from Pease's notes and minutes are as
follows :

First, Superior street^ north side beginning at the west end, where
it connects with Water street at a post (from said post, a white oak
marked D bears S 31° E dist. 21 links). Thence runs N 66° E
{counting from the true meridian) 20 chains to the Square.
Thence keeping the same course across the Square to a corner post
on the other side of the Square 9 chains 50 links (from the last post
a white oak marked F bears N 25° west 24 links dist). Thence N
56° E 20 chains to the west side of Erie street to a corner post, from
which W oak marked R bears S 82° \Y dist. 46 links.

N. B. This street is 200 links in width.

Surve}' of J^ke street north side, beginning at the west end at

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 35

Water street at a corner post, (from which a whitewood tree marked
H bears S 31° E dist. 31 links). Thence runs N 56° E 24 chains to the
we&t side of Ontario street to a corner post, from which a black
oak marked J bears N 42° E distant 38 Wnk^. Thence across sd.
street 150 links to a post, from whicli a white oak marked K bears
N 22° W distant 24 links. Thence to the west side of Erie street
24 chains to a corner post from which a white oak marked N
bears 69° W 45 links distant. This street is 150 links in width.

Federal street is parallel to Superior street. The south side of
Federal street is half wa}' from Superior street to Lake street ; it
begins on p]rie street and runs 56° E to the east line of the citN^
limits. Its length is 1800 links, and its width 150 links.

A description of Huron street. It is parallel to Superior street,
and distant from it 20 chains. Its width is 150 links, its length
from the east line of the cit}' to Erie is 18 chains ; afterwards there
was a triangular piece taken off from lot No. 97 to connect sd. with
Ontario above the bank. The north side of Huron from Ontario
to the river is 745 links. The south side of Huron street to Miami
street is 16 chains, and from Miami street to the river 12 chains
50 rinks.

Ohio street is parallel to Huron street, and is distant from it 20
chains. The whole length is from Miami street to Erie street 16
chains ; its width is 150 links or 6 rods.

The description of Erie street. p]ast side. The distance from
the south line of the citj' limits to Huron street is 31 chains 50
links, and from Huron street to Federal street to the top of the
bank of the lake shore is 17 chains 25 links. West side. The
distance from the south line of the city to Ohio street 10 chains ;
from Ohio street to Huron street is 20 chains ; from Huron street
to Superior street is 20 chains ; from Superior street to Lake
street is 20 chains 3 links ; from Lake street to the top of the banks
of the lake shore is 708 links ; below the banks not measured.
This street lieth at right angles with Superior street. That is N
34° W or S 34° E. The whole length from the south line of the
city to the top of the bank of the Lake is 83 chains 68 links. The
width of the street is 150 links.

36 ANXAl.S OF THE

Ontario street. East side from Huron street to the Square is
14 chains ; from the Square to Lake street is 16 chains ; from Lake
street to the top of the bank of the Lake shore is 7 chains. West
side from Huron street to Maiden Lane is 8 chains 55 links ; from
Maiden Lane to the Square is 6 chains 70 linlvs ; from the Square
to Lake street is 16 chains ; from Lake street to the top of the
bank of the Lake shore is 7 chains 62 linlcs. The course of
Ohio street is N 34° W or S 34° E and 150 links in width.

Miami street connects the west end of Ohio street with Huron
street and is parallel to Erie street. The length is 20 chains, and
its width 150 links.

Water street. J]ast side from Superior street to Lake street is 20
chains ; from Lake street to the top of the bank of the Lake shore
is 8 chains 50 links. West side, from Superior street to Mandrake
Lane is 15 chains ; from Mandrake Lane to Bath street is 13 chains
1 2 links. The width is 150 links. Its course is N 34° W or S 34° E.

Surve}' of Mandrake Lane. West side beginning at Water street,
and run by lot No. 197 S 50° W 5 chains 72 links ; thence S 6° E
5 cliains 61 links to LTnion street. South east side beginning at
Water street and run S 56° W 5 chains 18 links. Thence S 6° E
484 links to Union Lane. The width of the street is 100 links.

Survey of Vnion Lane. North side beginning at the south end of
Water street west side and run N 80° 40' W 316 links to a post ;
thence N 56° 50' W 803 links to a post ; thence S 77° 20' W 200
links to a post, where it connects with Mandrake Lane, thence
S 77° 20' W across the end of Mandrake Lane 101 links. Thence
S 56° W 167 links to the river. The width of this Lane is 100
links.

Survey of Vineyard Lane. West side beginning at an angle formed
by the continuation of Water street west side and Superior street
south side ; thence running S 8° 20' W 435 links to a white oak ;
thence S 24° W 12 chains to a post ; thence S 66° E 128 links to the
river.

N. B. The road is laid 100 links wide ; also a reserve is made for a
landing place at the river 6 rods, immediatel}' east of the last
described line ; likewise the last mentioned post is distant N 14°

KARLY SETTLERS' ASSOC I A TION.

;-iO' to 150 links from a stake set at the end of the 17th course
Cu3ahoga Traverse.

In the old field map, the name of Superior street was first written
" Broad," Ontario " Court," and Miami ■' Deer," but these words
were crossed with ink, and the same names written as given in
Pease's map and minutes. In Spafford's map, " Maiden Lane,"
which led from Ontario street along the side of the hill to Vineyard
Lane, was omitted, and the same was never worked or used.
Spaflbrd also laid out Superior Lane, which was not on the Pease
map, which has since been widened, and become that portion of
Superior street from Water down the hill to the river. "Bath
street " is not described in the Pease minutes, but is laid out on the
map, and is referred to in the minutes, and the boundaries and
extent appear on the map. The Square also is not described in
the Pease minutes, but is referred to in the description of Ontario
and Superior streets, and is marked and laid out on the map.
In Spafford's minutes the Square is thus described : " The Square
is laid out at the intersection of Superior street and Ontario street,
and contains ten acres. The center of the junction of the two
roads is the exact center of the Square." These surveys, the
laying out of the lots bounding on the Square, their adoption by
the Land Company, the subsequent sale by said Company of the
sun'ounding lots abutting upon it, make the -'Square" as much land
devoted to public use as the streets themselves, and forever forbids
the same being given up to private uses. The easterly line of the city
was the east line of one tier of lots, beyond Erie street, coinciding
with the present line of Canfleld street. The east line began at
the lake, and extended southerly one tier of lots south of Ohio
street. The line then ran to the river, down the river skipping the
lower bend of the river to Vineyard Lane, thence along Vinej'ard
Lane to the junction of Water with Superior street, thence to the
river, thence down the river to its mouth. Superior street, as the
survey shows, was 132 feet in width, the other streets 99 feet. It
is hardly possibly to fully appreciate the sagacity and foresight of
this leader of the surveying party. Witii full consciousness of
what would arise in its future growth, he knew the city would

38 ANNALS OF THE

have a suburban population, and he directed the immediate outl^'ing
land to be laid off in ten acre lots, and the rest of the township
into 100 acre lots, instead of the larger tracts into which the other
townships were divided. The next 3'ear, the ten acre lots were
surveyed and laid out. The}' extended on the east to the line of
what is now Willson avenue, and on the south to the top of the
brow of the ravine formed by Kingsbury Run, and extended west-
wardh' to the river bank. Owing to the peculiar topography of
the place, some of the two acre lots had more and others less than
the named quantity of land, and the same occurred in the survey
and laying out of the ten acre lots. The flats were not surve^'ed
off into lots, and there was an unsurveyed strip between the west
line of the ten acre lots and the river, above and below the moutli
of the Kingsbury Run, running south to a point west of hundred
acre lot 278. Three streets were laid out through the ten acre lots,
each 99 feet in width to correspond with the cit}' streets, called the
South, Middle and North Highway. The southerly one becoming
Kinsman street, the Middle, Euclid street at its intersection with
Huron ; the southerly one received its name from the fact that
Kinsman, the east township of the seventh line of townships, was
at a ver}' early period distinguished for its wealth and population.
The Middle was called Euclid, because that was the name of the
next township east. The North Highwa}^ was a continuation of
Federal street, but changed to St. Clair, after the name of the
territorial governor, whose name, in the minds of his admirers, was
a synonym of Federal.

Owing to the apparenth* poor character of the soil upon the lake
shore, the great bod}' of early emigrants pushed on into the
interior, and for many 3'ears there were onl}' a few struggling
settlements to be found on the site of the future cit}-. But the
general population of the territory rapidly increased, and the
seventh Congress, at its first session, b}' an act approved April 30th,
1802, enabled the people of the eastern division of the territory
northwest of the Ohio to form a constitution for a State Govern-
ment, and for the admission of the State into the Union on an
equal footing with the other States. The western boundary of the

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 39

State was the same as originally established by the ordinance of
1787, but the northern boundary was a line intersecting the same
drawn through the southerly extreme of lake Michigan, running
east after its intersection until it intersected lake Erie, and thence
through lake Erie to the Pennsylvania line. The convention was
authorized by said act to assemble on the first Monday in the fol-
lowing November, and within that month, and on the 29th day
thereof, they had completed and signed their constitution, and
thereupon Ohio became one of the States of the Union. In the
same year, 1802, agreeable to an order of the Territorial Court of
General Quarter Sessions, the inhabitants of this township called
Cleveland, met at the house of James Kingsbury, on the 5th day
of April, and organized a Township government by choosing
Rudolphus Edwards as chairman, and Nathaniel Doan as clerk, and
elected as Township trustees Amos Spafford, Timothy Doan, and
W. W. Williams. They also elected the then usual Township
officers, appraisers, supervisors of highways, fence viewers and
constables, and thus began the corporate existence of Cleveland.
The Township jurisdiction then extended over a large surrounding
territory-, which was afterwards curtailed by the organization of
new townships.

December 31st, 1805, the General Assembly passed an act for
the division of Trumbull county, whereby Geauga county was
established, which embraced all of Trumbull county east of the
Cuyahoga river, and north of the fifth range of townships. In the
same act provision was mad(; for the future organization of Cuya-
hoga count}', and by an act passed Januar}- lUth, 1810, Cuyahoga
count}' was established. It embraced all the territory now within
its limits east of the river, including Willoughb}', which was long
afterwards annexed to Lake county, and on the west embraced the
greater part of Medina and Lorain counties, for which provision
had been made for their future organization, and which were after-
wards established. It would be too much of detail to give any
history of the township ; but I notice that one of the supervisors
of highways c''osen at the first election was Samuel Huntington,
who was the 3 3'ear elected as delegate to the State Convention,

40 AAWALS OF THE

the first Senator elected from Trumbull county, afterwards chosen
Supreme Judge, and subsequently elected Governor of the State.
Stanley- Grlswold also was Town Clerk, but soon appointed by the
Governor to fill a vacancy in the United States Senate from Ohio,
and at the end of his term appointed by the President, Judge of
the northwest territor3^ On the 2nd day of March 1799 Congress
divided the northwest territory into custom collection districts, the
Erie district including the shores of lake Erie from the Pennsjd-
vania line to the Maumee river, then called the Miami of the lake,
and the port of entry was ordered to be established at said Miami
river, or near Sandusky; and two ports of deliver}- were also author-
ized. The eigth Congi'ess at its 2nd session, on the 3rd day of
March 1805 divided this district, making the west boundary
thereof the Vermillion river, and authorized the President by
proclamation to designate the port of entry. This was done by
the President, and he designated Cleveland as such port of entr}'.
but no authoritative date of that proclamation can be found in
Cleveland, as the records of the office have been destroyed by fire ;
but on the 17th day of Januar}', 1806, Judge John Walworth was
commissioned collector of the district. On the 15th day of Octo-
ber, 1814, the Township of Newburgh was organized from the ter-
ritory of this original seventh Township of the 12th Kange, the
north line thereof being a prolongation of the original north line
of the seventh Township till it reached the ten acre lots : thence
south and west on the line of the ten acre lots to the northwest
corner of 100 acre lot 278. It embraced within its limits the
residences of those then important citizens, James Kingsburj-,
Erastus Miles, and Rudolphus Edwards. Indeed, Newburgh town-
ship, for a Considerable period, was the more important place, as
water power was to be found there, and a good mill had been built.
Most of you doubtless remember in former days the sneer of our
rival cities on the lake shore, who described Cleveland as the town
on the lake six miles from Newburgh. The prejudices of the emi-
grants against the soil gradually disappeared as its capacities
became known, and the advantages of its situation began to pre-
vail. Its being established as a port of entry, and its location as

HA It I. Y HE TTL EliU- A Si O CIA TION. 41

the county seat, all tended to increase the population, and on the
23rd da}^ of December 1814, an act was passed b}- the (Jeneral
Assembly to take effect on the first Monday of June following,
"To incorporate the Village of Cleveland, in the County- of Cuya-
hoga." The boundaries of the village are described in the act as
so much of the City plat of Cleveland, in the Township of Cleve-
land and County of Cuyahoga, as lies northwardly of Huron street
so-called, and westwardly of Erie street so-called, in said city plat
as originally laid out by the Connecticut Land Company, acicording
to the minutes and survey and map thereof in the office of the
recorder of said County of Cuyahoga. Agreeable to said act, on
the first Monday in June, 1815, twelve of the inhabitants of that
village met, and unanimously elected Alfred Kelley as President,
Horace Perry Recorder, Alonzo Carter Treasurer, John A. Kelley
Marshal, George Wallace and John Riddle Assessors, Samuel
Williamson, David Long, and Nathan Perry, Trustees.

Let us pause a moment in our narrative, to consider the situation
of afl^airs at the time the General Assembly enacted the law incor-
porating the village. The war with Great Britain, which had been
declared on the 18th of June 1812, was still raging, although in
fact on the next da}' the commissioners of the two countries agreed
upon the terms of a treaty of peace and the suspension of hostili-
ties, but owing to the slowness of communication, for some time
this was not known, and after the actual signing of the treat}',
naval engagements took place, and the battle of New Orleans was
fought. At the time this legislature assembled to act upon the
affairs of the State, the war was in full progress. During all the
previous Summer the great nav}' of our then enemy kept the sea-
board coast in constant alarm, and actually landed a force on the
Maryland shore, which ravaged the country, and captured and
burned the capitol of the nation. All along the Canadian border,
on both sides troops were stationed and occasionally fierce and
bloody attacks were made by the respective forces over the lines.
The great forests of the northwest were filled with savage Indians,
who hung upon the border like a dark cloud in the horizon, incensed
perhaps justl}- by the greed of advancing emigrants, and stimulated

42 AN^*ALS OF THE

by the money and promises of the enemj', scalping and murdering:
any unwary settler, and ready to fall on any undefended settlement.
Happily, by the gallantry of Perry and his brave sailors, the naval
banner of St.'George had been hauled down and surrendered on lake
Erie, and over its waters the Stars and Stripes floated triumphantly-

In looking over the acts of that General Assemblv, one can
scarcely imagine the country- was in a state of war. They were
proceeding to enact laws the same as if in a state of profound
peace. Among other acts passed, I find those, regulating the
course of descents and distribution of personal estates, to establish
churches and library associations, to prevent injur}- by dogs, tO'
regulate the practice of the courts, to provide for the improvement
of the rivers, and many others, indicating a well ordered civil
societ3\ There is, however, an undertone discoverable from the
act to lev}' and collect the direct tax apportioned that A'ear to the
State of Ohio by the General Government, and the act for the dis-
cipline of the militia. The State had been divided into brigade
and regimental divisions, and to each regiment there was author-
ized one company of cavalry, and one of artillery ; and every able
bodied citizen between the ages of 18 and 45, either residing in, or
coming within the State, was obliged to enroll himself in the militia,
if not a member of a cavahy or artillery compan}' ; and within
twelve months after such enrollment, and sooner, if notified, ])xo-
VidQ im(\ equip himself vf'iih ?i good musket and bayonet, fusee or
rifle, a knapsack and blankets, and two spare flints, a pouch with a
box therein containing not less than 24 cartridges, suited to the
bore of his musket or fusee, each cartridge to contain a proper
quantity of powder and ball, or pouch and powder horn with 24
balls suited to the bore of his rifle, and a quarter of a pound of
powder. The spirit of the people is well expressed by a resolution
of the General Assembly referring to the situation, wherein they
declared : " We will suflTer every har.dship, submit to every privation
in sujjport of our country's right and honor ; though we love peace
and invoke its blessings, yet we will not shrink from the dangers of
war."

Indeed, the State of Ohio was formed by no ordinary race of

EA R L Y SE TTLERS' A SSO CI A TION. 43

men. The constitution which the}' adopted was made and per-
fected within the short space of 29 days, and it was the purest
and most remarliahle constitution for a representative government,
which up to that time had ever been adopted. The whole leg-
islative power of the State was vested in the General Assembly ;
the Grovernor had no part in the legislative voice, but was merely
the executive officer ; nor was there any Lieutenant Governor to
preside over the Senate ; the judiciary also were appointed by the
General Assembly, to hold their offices for brief terms, or so long
as they should well behave. The early emigration to Ohio repre-
sented in its composition fully and adequately the spirit of the
TTnion. On her fruitful soil the culled grain from New England,
the Middle States, and the South was sown, and the product was a
race of giants. If these emigrants were not versed in the learning
of universities and colleges, they had been educated at a higher
academy. The prominent elder men had been soldiers of the
revolution, and the young men had graduated in that school of
self-sacrifice, nobleness and exalted patriotism, which eminently
fitted them to become the founders and builders of a State. In
looking back to that period, they seem to resemble in appearance
the great trees of the virgin forest which covered the land, and not
the smaller timber of a second growth. It may be Ohio vaunteth
herself, but not unseemly.

To resume our narration of the village history, the Council of the
village immediately organized, and continued to exercise the ordi-
nary municipal control of the territory embraced in the corporate
limits. For several years the officers of the corporation were, as at
first, unanimously elected ; but as numbers increased, often more
than one ticket was in the field. On the 15th day of October, 1815,
upon the petition of John A. Ackley, Levi Johnson, and others,
the Council laid out and established Bank, Seneca, and Wood streets
from Superior street to the lake ; also St. Clair street, which was
extended to the river. A jog was made at Erie from Federal
street, undoubtedly from the fact that a continuation of that old
street on its original line to the river would have destroyed the
lots fronting on Mandrake Lane. Also Euclid street was then

44 ^.V,V.4/.,S' OF THE

established, from the Square to Huron street, the space between
that point and the old middle highway being in the Township.
That street in the earl3- days, and for a long time afterwards, was
b}' no means a popular highway. Stretching along at the southerly
side of the ridge, it was the receptacle of all the surface waters of
the region about it, and during much of the time was covered with
water, and for the rest of the year was too muddy for ordinary
travel. Diamond street, as it was then called, was also laid out
around the Square.

Many interesting facts in regard to the early history' of the vil-
lage might be re-called from the records of the village Council. I
noticed among other things, that in 1817 the Council passed an
ordinance to reimburse 25 citizens, who had subscribed in all $198
towards the building of a school house, by giving them orders on
the treasurer, pa3'able in "three years. Indeed, it seems that city'
orders were the currenc}' of that period, for in the previous j'ear the
village had authorized the issue of orders on the treasurer, but with
a proviso limiting the amount to double the funds in the treasury',
and in the following year, to provide small change, ordei's were
authorized to be issued in small sums to an}' person depositing
with the treasurer good, sound bank bills or specie, but not to exceed
$100 to an}' one person. In 1829, by a vote of a majority of the
trustees, a fire-engine was purchased at the cost of $285, for which
a treasury order was issued in payment. This was thought to be
a piece of extravagance, and at the next election the dissenting
trustee was reelected with an entire new board of officers ; but the
usefulness of the machine vindicated the wisdom of the purchase, and
subsequently the trustee who was most active in the matter, was
made president, and reelected till he was promoted to a higher
office. In 1832 active measures were taken to prevent the spread
of the "Indian" Cholera, as it was called, a Board of Health was
appointed, and vigorous sanitary action taken. A quarantine was
established and a hospital provided for strangers or emigrants
coming into the village attacked with the disease. In spite of all
their efforts, the scourge came and for sometime was quite destruc-
tive, as it was in all the lake towns. Among others who held the

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 45

office of President was Leonard Case, and Reuben Wood, afterwards
Chief Justice and Governor of the State, was both Recorder and
President.

The time when the village was incorporated, notwithstanding
the war, was one of rapid development of the State. By that same
General Assembly the towns of Cincinnati, Circleville, Portsmouth,
and TJrbana were also incorporated. The ten years iramediatelj'
following the war were barren of great events, j-et, owing to the
financial difficulties and other incidents growing out of the dis-
turbed condition of the country, there was a large emigration to
Ohio, which offered to the active and enterprising cheap land and
fruitful soil. In the decade from 1810 to 1820 the population of
the State doubled, and the number of inhabitants had increased to
over half a million. The building of the Erie Canal had moved
and stimulated the people of Ohio, and in 1820 legislation was
commenced looking towards the construction of a canal to connect
Lake Erie and the Ohio River, and on February 24th, 1825, an
act was passed for the construction of the work. The northern
terminus was located at Cleveland, chiefly through the efforts of
Alfred Kelley, seconded by his fellow citizens ; and in that year
the great Governor of New York came to Ohio to inaugurate the
work, when the gi'ound was first broken, DeWitt Clinton himself
handling the spade. Its construction was rapidly pushed forward,
and it was ready for navigation in the year 1827, under the honest
and able management of Alfred Kelley, who was acting commis-
sioner during the period of its construction.

Although Cleveland had long been a port of entry, there was a
heavy bar at the mouth of the river, which greatly impeded naviga-
tion and commerce. The 18th Congress, however, at its second
session, by an act passed March 3rd, 1825, appropriated five thou-
sand dollars to the building of a pier at Cleveland. The work was
immediately commenced, subsequent appropriations were made,
a new channel for the river cut into the lake, piers built and com-
pleted in 1828, so that there was a good channel of at least ten
feet in depth. These two improvements gave the village a strong
impetus, and from that time the population has steadily increased.

46 ANNALS OF THE

On the 31st of December, 1829, the legislature passed an act
extending the village boundaries, and all the land h'ing on the
river from the southerly line of Huron street down the river to a
point 12 rods westerh- of the junction of Vineyard Lane with the
road leading from the village to Bi^ooklyn, thence west parallel with
said road to the river, and down the river to the old village line,
was annexed ; and on the 18th of February 1834, another act was
passed, again extending the village boundaries, which added all the
two acre lots east of Erie street, the tier south of Ohio street, and
a parcel at the southwest corner of the original plat, which was
not originall}' surve3'ed or laid off. I notice that this last piece of
land, called Case's Point, was excepted from the operation of the
act until the first daj- of Januar}- following. And on the fifth day
of March 1836, an act to incorporate the Cit}' of Cleveland was
passed, which changed the village to a cit}- .

The following is a description of the territory, which was there-
"b}- declared to be a citj', and " the inhabitants thereof created a
body corporate and politic by the name and stj'le of the City of
Cleveland."

" Beginning at low water mark on the shore of Lake Erie at the
most northeastwardl}' corner of Cleveland, ten acre lot number
one hundred and thirt3--nine, and running thence on the dividing
line between lots number one hundred and thirty-nine and one
hundred and forty, numbers one hundred and seven and one hun-
dred and eight, numbers eighty and eighty-one, numbers fifty-five
and fifty-six. numljers thirt^'-one and thirt3'-two, and numbers six
and seven of the ten acre lots to the south line of the ten acre lots,
thence on the south line of the ten acre lots to the Cuvahoga
River ; thence down the same to the extreme point of the west
pier of the harbor, thence to the township line between Brookl}!!
and Cleveland, thence on that line northwardly' to the county line,
thence eastward!}' with said line to a point due north of the place
of beginning ; thence south to the place of beginning."

The eastern boundary' of the city fell on a line which would now
be described as a line through Perry street north to the lake, and
south to the southerly' line of the ten-acre lots. In the meantime

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 47

the Village Council in 1820 laid out Seneca south of Superior and
Michigan to intersect it, and the next year Michigan was extended
to Vineyard Lane. In 1827 Chaiuplain st. was laid out, and in 1828
Prospect street east of Ontario. Michigan street now soon became
the fashionable street. Following the laying out of these new
streets came the allotments of the original two-acre lots. On
January 12th, 1833, Alfred Kelle}' made an allotment of lots
191-2-3, which lay immediately south of Bath street and west of
Water. In the month of December of the same 3'ear, Richard
Hilliard, Edmund Clark, and James S. Clark made the center
allotment, which embraced all the land in the first bend of the
river. In April 1834, Leonard Case allotted the ten-acre lot at the
■southeast corner of the old plat, and widened the Newburgh road,
as it was called, now Broadwa}', from its width as /i State road of
66 feet to 1)9 feet, to correspond Avith Ontario street as originally
laid out. In the same 3'ear, John M. Woolsey allotted all the two-
acre lots south of Superior and west of Erie. In November 1835,
Lee Canfield, Sheldon Pease, and others allotted the two-acre lots
at the northeast corner of the citj' plat, and also the adjoining ten-
acre lots by their plat they laid out and dedicated Clinton Park.
Between this park and the lake they built for that daj' fine houses
with a double front, facing the lake to the north and the park to
the south, expecting, no doubt, the fashionable population would
choose that section to build their palatial mansions. In January
1836, Ashbel W. Walworth and Thomas Kelley allotted the two-
acre lots south of Ohio street, and also a large tract of land lying-
adjoining and reaching to the river, which was a part of the old
unsurveyed parcel, but generally known as hundred-acre lot 487.
But in this growth and expansion the new city was not without an
active and determined rival. In 1833, some enterprising residents
of Brooklyn, associating with a number of Buffalo capitalists,
purchased a tract of about eighty acres, bounded south by Detroit
■street, west b}' the river, and north b}' the township line, and laid
the same out into lots, blocks and streets, and it was known by
the name of "The Buffalo Company Purchase." In 1835, Mr.
>Charles Ta^dor, owning a farm immediately west of this allotment.

48 ANNALS OF THE

laid the same out into lots and streets, which is still known as the
Taylor farm allotment. His son, a well known and honored citizen
still resides on one of the lots bearing as his Christian name
J)eWitt Clinton. In 1836, Richard Lord and Josiah Barber
allotted the land immediately south of these two plats. Not to be
outdone in the matter of cit}' organization, these residents in that
part of Brooklyn township also procured the passage of an act
incorporating themselves into a city, including these allotments,
and some other outljing lands in the township of Brooklyn, and
gave to their new city the high sounding name, " The City of
Ohio." There is some rather interesting history connected with
the organization of that cit^'. The Cleveland bill was pending at
the same time, and one of its provisions directed the village
council to call an election for the officers of the new corporation
some time in the month of April following, wiiich was the usual
month for holding the Spring elections. The bill for the Citj' of
Ohio authorized and directed the election of its officers to be held
on the last INlonday of March, and their bill was passed and took
effect on the third day of March, jnst two days before the passage
of the Cleveland act, and their election was held on said last
Monday of March. In some manner, " the}' gained the pole," and
won b}' a head the heat in this municipal race, and became a full
fledged cit}-, while Cleveland yet remained a village. In April
1837, James S. Clarke, in company with others, allotted nearl}- all
that part of that City of Ohio lying south and west of the Barber
& Sons allotment, and called their plat " Willeyville." When this
gentleman and his other associates had made the allotment of
Cleveland center, as it was called, they had laid out Columbus
street from the north line to the river. In this new plat, over the
river, Columbus street was laid out through its center to connect
with the Wooster and Medina Turnpike, as it was called, at the
south line of the Cit}' of Ohio ; the northern end of said street
being exactU' opposite the southern end of the Columbus street of
the other plat. This Mr. Clarke also erected a large block at the
northern end of Columbus street, and two large blocks on the
opposite corners of Prospect^ street, where it intersects Ontario.

i:a liL Y fiETTi. i:ns' a ssoc/a tion. 49

The pmprioteis of I.Ik^ IJullalo Company, not to be outdone^, had

huih, a hu<2,(' Iiotcl on Main street in tlieir aHotnient, to attract the

lashionahie travel arriving by the kike. Mr. (Marke on laying ont

tlu; Willeyville tr:ict, expt^iided a large; amount of money in

grading the hill, which bronght (JolumbiiH street down to tlu; riv((r,

and had a bridge built over the river connecting his strciet, in the

expectation that tlu; trallic; and travel from the sonth vvonld reacrh

Cleveland by this i-oule, and be brought np Michigan str(!et on

account of its easy grade, 'riie building of this bridge; w:i,s too

much for the excited inhnbitiuits of the City of Ohio. Under some

fancied claim that the bridge was not h^gnJiy located, soon aft(!r its

construction, in 1S.'57, tluiy turn(!d out in large numbers for the

purposeifof tearing down and destroying the liridge. 'I'Ik; inhabitants

of Ch^veland rallied to tlie rescue! under their valiant marshal, and

for a short time a bloody riot was inimincMit, but be^ttei' counsels

prevailed ; a decree from the Court enjoining any interference with

the bridge was obtained, and only a, few bloody noses were the

residts ol" this threatened war. Alas, for luiiiian exp(!(;l,ation of

wealth based on the inllation of papei' cuii-enc}', for that wa,s a

period of great expansion of the; paper curreMKiy of the country.

When the crash happened, wliich is always in such cases sure to

come, Clarke became in.solvent, and all his lots and bloe-ks were

sold by the; Slierilf. In like manner, many of tJic proprieitors of

the Kiitfalo Company became bankrupt, their grand hotc;! remained

tenantless, and when 1 visited it ollicially in 1850, its walls were

badly cra(;k(!d, and it was occupied as a (theap t(Miem(!nt house, the

only remains of its fornuir grandeur was its magnilie^eiit stairserase,

and the only souvenir remaining in memory that 1 was able to

discover was, that one Daniel I'arish, Ks(|., at that time no undis-

tinguisluid meml)er of the Cleveland bar, on a reiturn (Voni a

wedding journey after one of his many marriag(!S, had led thither

as the abode of fashion, his lK;autifnl, if not blushing bride;. The

sanu! sael fate happemejel te) the; granel house's o|)pe)site Clintem

J'ark. One; was elrawn off on t,e) aiiothe;r stre;e;t, e>ne' torn elown,

and 1 think the renniants of one still remain in a change;d e'e)nelit,ion

as the 8e>le survivor e)f those great expectations.
4

50 ANNALS OF 2 HE

As provided in tlie act of incorporation, tlie village council
ordered an election for officers, to be held on the 15th day of April,
1 836, and after a spirited canvass, the following ticket was elected :
John W. Willev, mayor ; Richard Hilliard, Nicholas Dockstader,
and Joshua IMills, aldermen ; Morris Hepburn, John R. St. John
Wm. V. Craw, Sherlock J. Andrews. Henry L. Noble, Edwaixl
Baldwin, Aaron Stickland, Horace Canfield, and Archibald M. T.
Smith, councilmen. 580 votes were cast at the election, and the
successful candidate for ma^'or had quite a majorit}' over his dis-
tinguished opponent Leonard Case. This vote indicates the city's
population to have been between three and four thousand. When
the council organized. Sherlock J. Andrews was elected its presid-
ing officer. 3Ir. Henr}' B. Payne was chosen cit}' attorney, and also
elected clerk of the council ; but the duties of that office were per-
formed by another person, whose beautiful handwriting appears on the
first journal of the cit^-, which is signed officially b}- Mr. Paj-ne, who
turned over his salary- to the skillful penman performing the labor.
The act b}' which the city was incorporated is a most excellently
drafted instrument. It shows on the part of its author a clear
understanding of municipal rights and duties. The language is
clear and precise, and througliout its whole length it bears the
impress of an educated, experienced legal mind. It was undoubt-
edh' the work of the first ma^'or, and I may add, for the purpose
of furnishing the basis of wise cit}' legislation, for clearness, pre-
cision, and certainty, it will not suffer by comparison with an}' of
the municipal codes enacted since the adoption of the present con-
stitution. Among other provisions of this instrument, the city
was authorized to levy one mill on the dollar in addition to the
general tax for the support of common schools ; and it also pro-
vided for the creation of '' A Board of Managers of Common
Schools in the City of Cleveland." From this has grown our pres-
ent public school system.

Notwithstanding the facilities they possessed for lake and canal
navigation, the citizens of the cit}' became early interested in rail-
road enterprises. On the third of March 1834, the legislature
passed an act, whereby Aaron Barker, David H. Beardslej', Truman

EARL Y SE'lTLERS' ASSO CIA TION. 5 -^

P. Handy, John W. Allen, Horace Perry, Lyman Kendall, and
James S. Clarke, together with those who should become stockhol-
ders, were created a bod}' corporate by " the name and style of the
Cleveland and Newburgh Railroad Compan}-," and authorized to
construct a railroad from some point in lot number 413 in New-
burgh township, to the harbor in Cleveland, and were authorized
also to transport freight and passengers on this road " b}' the
power and force of steam, animals, or other mechanical force, or
by a combination of them." The eastern terminus named was near
a stone quarry on said lot, which was near the corner of the four
townships, Newburg, Warrensville, Cleveland, and Euclid. A depot
was built there, and the neighboring farm lands were laid into lots.
The capital stock authorized was $50,000, which was subscribed
and the road built, Ahaz Merchant being engineer in chief, the
track being laid through Euclid street and across the Doan brook
up to the quarry. The rails were made of wood, the motive force
being "animals " two- horse power, tandem at that. It was laid out
along the south to the west side of the square, and the depot was
a part of the old barn of the then Cleveland Hotel, where the
Forest City House now is. This road did not exactl}' reach the
harbor' for in that remote stone age the square was the chief dump-
ing ground for the freight from the quarry. It was operated for a
few years, and then abandoned, and the rotting debris for a long
time remained a nuisance in the highway.

At the same session, however, in which the city was incorporated,
acts were passed to incorporate the Ohio Railroad Company, lead-
ing from the east line of the State through the lake counties to the
Maumee river, and thence to the State line. The Cleveland &
Pittsburgh Railroad Companj-, leading from Cleveland to the State
line, or some point on the river in the direction of Pittsburgh ;
The Cleveland, Columbus, & Cincinnati Railroad Company, lead-
ing from Cleveland through Columbus and Wilmington to Cin-
cinnati ; The Cleveland and Warren Railroad Compan^^, leading
from Cleveland to Warren, and the Cleveland & Erie Railroad
Company, to lead from Cleveland to Ravenna and Portage county.
The chief offices of all these companies was this city, except that

52 ANNALS OF THE

of the Ohio Railroad Company, which was located in the Cit}' of
Ohio. A large amount of subscription was obtained to the stock
of this compan}' ; it also obtained, under the act of 1837, which
authorized the State to loan its credit to railroads, a large
advance in mone}^ from the State. By the 17th section of its
charter, its treasurer was authorized to issue orders, and under this
power, it issued a ver^- large amount of orders in the similitude of
bank bills. By these means, a large amount of work was done
towards the grading and superstructure. But the collapse which
followed that period of inflation carried with it this enterprise, and
in 1845 the legislature passed an act, authorizing the Board of
Public Works to sell out the whole concern, from which little, if
anything, was realized, and the whole thing proved an utter failure-
Nothing was then done under the other charters. Some few persons
still keep, as a souvenir of that period, the bills of the Ohio Rail-
road Company, on whose face is beautifuU}' engraved a railroad
train at full speed, and in contrast below it the graceful form of a
flying deer.

The condition of the lake shore, from the action of the waters
of the lake and the springs in the bank, was always a matter of
interest, and sometimes of alarm, to the inhabitants of the cit}-,
and in 1837 an act was passed, incorporating the Lake Shore
Company, authorizing them to protect the lake bank from caving
and sliding, and as a means of remuneration, to build wharves and
piers along the shore, and the cit}-, in its corporate character, was
authorized to become a member of that corporation. I cannot
learn that anything was done under this authority ; but afterwards
the city employed Col. Charles Whittlese}', at a large expense, to
pile certain portions of the lake front, and afterwards, when rail-
roads were built, for their own protection, they continued this
system of piling, b}" which the banks have been protected from
caving and sliding. The City of Ohio, not to be outdone, in the
same yeax this Lake Shore Company was incorporated, procured
an amendment to its charter, by which it was authorized to cut,
dig, and excavate canals, slips, and basins, and paj' for the cost of
the same by assessment upon the abutting property. B}' this

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 53

same act, a large parcel of territory in the southwest part of that
city was carried back into the township of Brooklyn. That cit}^
proc(ieded under the act to construct a canal leading out of the
old river bed, and paid for the same by this seductive but ruinous
method of taxation, to defray the cost of public improvements.
The scheme was a failure, but the dry bed of the canal has since
been utilized for the lading of railroad tracks. From want of means,
being unable to enter upon the construction of railroads, the citi-
zens of Cleveland contented themselves with procuring charters
for the construction of plankroads leading out on all the principal
highways from the city.

The State of Ohio recovered rapidlj- from the commercial
depression of 1837 and years following, and in 1845 enacted
a new and wise banking system, four new banks under it being
established in Cleveland. The city of Cleveland, however, suf-
fered less b}^ the panic of that time than the other cities upon
the lake shore, and by the census of 1840, it had a population
of 6071, the city of Ohio being only 1577. In spite of the
continued financial difficult}', the cit}- continued to advance, al-
though its finances were in a somewhat disordered state. The bad
practice of issuing orders on the treasury-, payable on demand,
although the treasury was empty, inherited from the village, still
prevailed. These orders passed as currency, though at a ruinous
discount, and in 1847 had increased to a large volume. At that
period, Mr. Henry B. Payne freel}- gave much of his valuable time
to the city affairs, and through his strenuous efforts this debt was
funded, and from that time the city has promptly met every obli-
gation at its maturit}', and no city has since had a better financial
credit. In 1847 also, the township of East Cleveland was organ-
ized, which took into its jurisdiction all of the 100 acre lots of the
original surveyed township No. 7 north of the Newburgh line, and
on the 22nd da}' of March 1850 an act of the legislature was
passed annexing the remaining part of said township to the city
of Cleveland, which embraced all of the ten acre lots, and all the
unsurveyed strip lying along the bank of the river north and south
of the mouth of the Kingsbury Run. During this decade, the

54 ANA'ALS OF THE

citizens of the city became again awakened to the importance of
raih-oad communication. Steps were taken to revive and amend
the old charters, and on the 24th of February 1846, an act was
passed, authorizing the city of Cleveland, b}' commissioners named
therein, to subscribe $200,000 to the capital stock of the Cleveland,
Columbus & Cincinnati Eailroad Company, and to issue its bonds
in paj-ment of these subscriptions, and on February 16. 1849, in
like manner to sul^scribe $100,000 to the capital stock of the Cleve-
land & Pittsburg Railroad Compan}-, and to issue the bonds of the
city in payment thereof, and in February 1851, the sura of $200,000
to the Cleveland, Painesville & Ashtabula Railroad Company.
The Cit}' of Ohio was also authorized to subscribe $100,000 to the
Junction Railroad Company, leading from that cit}- to Toledo.
These two latter companies have been consolidated, and form a part
of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad Company. It
was the efficient aid thus furnished by the cit3''s credit, which
enabled the promoters of these enterprises to construct and com-
plete the roads at that time, and in so short a manner after the
work was entered upon.

In that ten years the cit}' had increased nearly three-fold, for the
census enumeration of 1850 showed its population to be 17,034.
The census taker of that 3'ear, not being able readily to discover
b}' observation the boundaries of the City of Ohio (from the fact
that the streets of the city had been dedicated and opened b^-
separate tracts), took the count for the township of Brooklyn as
one municipal bod}-, and the number of the inhabitants for the
whole township was 6,071. There was a blunder, however, made hy
the census taker, for he was then ignorant of the fact that a small
spit of land l3ing immediately west of the west pier, as it existed
in 1835, and north of the line of Brookl3'n township, was within
the legal limits of the city of Cleveland. There were a few
shanties on this bit of sand, and the}' were counted as inhabitants
of the township of Brookl^^n. I have personal knowledge of this
mistake, for I committed it mA'self. This increase of the cit}''
made a supph- of artificial light and water a public necessit}'.

On the 6th daj- of February, 1846, the Cleveland Gas Light and

EA EL Y SETTLERS' A SSOCIA TI' UV. 55

Coke Com])any had been incorporated, but nothing was done till
1848, when Moses G. Youngiove became interested therein, and
through his energetic eftbrts, the building of their works and the
laying of pipes commenced, and the city was soon supplied with gas.
The city, following the wise policy, recommended and approved by
the best political economists, of preventing competition, under the
false cry of opposition to monopoly, by controlling the price of gas
when granting its privileges to the company, has been able to have
furnished to its citizens light cheaper than that of any other city
in the country, except Pittsburgh, which is in the center of the gas
coal region.

In June, 1833, an act was passed by the General Assemby
incorporating Philo Scovill and his associates as the Cleveland
Water Compan}', gi'anting them the privilege of furnishing the
inhabitants of the village of Cleveland with water. Nothing was
done under this act. March 19, 1850, this act was amended,
extending their privileges so as to include tlie inhabitants of the
city as their customers. The company was organized, some stock
subscribed, but nothing further was done. But in the Ma3-oralty
of William Case, under his able and energetic lead, the city
corporation entered upon the matter. There was much preliminary
discussion, many survey's and estimates made, and in 1854 a plan
was adopted. To carry out this plan on the first day of Ma}- 1854
the passage of an act of the Legislature was procured, enabling the
city to locate its reservoir and make its connections with the lake
within the limits of the Cit}' of Ohio, and authorizing the city to
make a loan of $100,000 to carry out the project. The loan was
conditioned upon a vote of popular approval, which was given.
Backed by the credit of such sterling men as Richard Hilliard and
W. A. Otis, the city readil}' negotiated the loan, and the work was
entered upon, and by the year 184G, the cit}' of Cleveland took
pride in furnishing the great numbers, who attended the State Fair
held within its limits that 3'ear, with water from Lake Erie.

Pursuant to the constitution of 1851, the first Legislature follow-
ing its adoption passed a general law for the oi'ganization and gov-
ernment of all the municipalities within the State, and repealed all

56 ANNALS OF THE

the old charters. The onl}- substantial change in the Cleveland
organization was the abolition of the Board of Aldermen, and the
establishment of a separate police court, the duties thereof having
previousl}' been performed b}' the Ma3'or. The building of the
water works, and the evident mutualit}' of interests, had sub-
stantially obliterated all the ancient rivahy, and in 1854, in accord-
ance with the general law then in foi'ce, which provided for the
union of adjoining cities and the annexation of territory', the two
cities passed the necessar}' ordinances for union, which were
approved as required, b}' the popular vote of each municipality, .
the total vote being 3,160, indicating a population of about 25,000.
The terms of annexation being agreed upon and signed June 5,
1854, by H. V. Wilson and F. T. Backus on the part of Cleveland,
and b}' William B. Castle and Chas. L. Rhodes on the part of the
Cit}' of Ohio, on the same day, the latter city passed the required
ordinance, and on the next da)' the city of Cleveland passed its
ordinance for that purpose, and thus, on June 6, 1 854, the City of
Ohio became an integi'al and important part of the cit}' of Cleve-
land. The public debt of the City of Ohio was assumed hy the
city of Cleveland, except its liability for bonds issued to pay its
subscription to the Junction Eailroad Company, which were after-
wards paid by the sale of the stock. Another of the provisions of
the agreement of annexation gave to the cit}' of Cleveland as it
existed before the Union, anj- surplus it might realize by reason of
its subscription to the stock of the Several railroads before men-
tioned, which surplus was to be expended under the direction of
the trustees representing that district in the new corporation, for a
public park or other public use. It is well known, that the city
realized a large surplus from its stocks after the payment of its
obligations given therefor, perhaps the only case of the kind in
the whole country. In addition to this fund, the cit}' also realized
a considerable amount of stock from the sale of its lands north of
Bath street on the lake shore to these several roads, to which it
had given its credit. March 28, 1 862, an act was passed by the
Legislature creating a Board of fund commissioners to take charge
of this fund. Nothing more need be said of the management

EABLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 57

thereof, than tliat from this fund over a million and seven hundred
thousand dollars has been paid to discharge the debt of the city,
and over a million still remains in the hands of the commissioners.
It is one of the pleasant recollections of the person, who addresses
you, that in his official capacity representing this comraunit}-, he
inserted in his own hand-writing in the original bill as it was
passed by the House of Representatives of the General Assemblj^
which was concurred in by the Senate, and became a law, the
honored names of Henry B. Payne, Franklin T. Backus, William
Case, Moses Kelly, and William Bingham, who thereby were made
the commissioners of said fund. The new city increased rapidl}^
and at the census of 18G0 the enumeration showed a population of
43,838. Under the provisions of the general law, various annexa-
tions have since been made at different times. By virtue of an
ordinance passed Februar}" 16, 1864, a portion of Brooklyn town-
ship lying northerh' of Walwortl^ Run was brought into the cor-
poration, and on February 27, 1867, another portion of Brooklyn
township and a part of Newburgh township was annexed. These
annexations extended the line of the city westerl}* of the old limits of
the City of Ohio on the lake shore, and included large quantity a of
land south of the original City of Ohio, and a part of the IflO acre
lots on the north part of Newburgh township, and on December 14,
1869, original lot 333, then being a part of Newburgh township, was
annexed. These annexations added a large area to the territory of
the city, but its numbers were not much increased thereby. The
stimulus, however, given to manufacturing and other industries
during this decade, largely increased the growth of the cit^-, and
the census of 1870 showed a population of 92,829. The advan-
tages of the school sj'stem, the need of protection from fire, police
supervision, water, gas and sewage facilities, induced the inhabit-
ants immediately outlying the cit}- limits to knock for admission,
and in 1872 steps were taken to annex the village of East Cleve-
land, and on the 14th of October the proceedings were completed
for that purpose ; and by an ordinance of November 19, 1872, still
further annexations were made from the townships of Brooklyn,
Newburgh, and East Cleveland, and on the 16th of September

58 AAXALS OF THE

1873, a large part of the remaining portion of Newburgh township
was annexed, extending the cit}' line beyond the crossing of the
old Xewburgh road by the Cleveland & Pittsburgh Road.

Since that time no further annexations have been made, and the
census of 188U showed a population of 159.404. The rate of
increase for the last decade was over seven per cent., and the same
ratio for the last four years would carry the number be3'ond
200,000. There are man}- other matters connected with the
corporate growth, which time would fail me to mention. The
organization of churches and charitable associations, the schools
and librar}' associations, the banking institutions, the fire and
police and sewage system, and many other matters would each
easil}- form a subject for a separate paper. In these stages which
I have recounted of the city's growth, three figures stand forth
prominent]}- as actors, the first president of the village, the first
mayor of the city, and the third, a worthy compeer of these two,
man}' times the village president, and the oldest surviving mayor,
John W. Allen. Born in Connecticut the same j-ear Ohio became
a state, trained to the law, he came here the same year the work
on the ( )hio canal begun. Early and ardentl}- devoted to the
welfare of the place which he had chosen for his home, he was
repeated!}' elected the presiding officer of the village, sent to the
Legislature, was a Senator when the act of incorporation was
passed, promoted from thence to Congress, and returning at the end
of his four years term of service, and as a sense of the approbation of
his constituents he was by them elected mayor of the city. To all
public enterprises, and specially to the organization of the railroad
companies, whose original charters had been granted when he was
a member of the Legislature, he gave his time and money with
generous heart and liberal hand. He still remains among us,
carrying his more than eighty years, and the younger generation
who observe his erect form, his active step and courtly manner,
may, as has been said, " form some estimate of the race of w'hom
he was not the foremost." The first president of the village, also
born in Connecticut, at an earlier period, trained to the law,
a rriving at the village the same year that the county was organized

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION 59

then in the first _year of his manhood, appointed the first prosecuting
attorne}^ of the count}-, soon sent to the Legislature, a member
thereof when the Act incoiijorating the village was passed, chosen
its first president, was always devoted to the city's interests.
Chiefly by his influence, Cleveland was selected as the northern
terminus of the Ohio canal, he was the acting commissioner during its
construction, negotiating the State's loan to pay for its cost, which
b}' his able and honest administration was brought M'ithin the
original estimate. Public considerations induced his removal to
the Capital of tlie State, but he never forgot the corporation of his
own creation. Distinguished as a financier, a legislator, author of
the Ohio State Banking System, from which the National Bank
System is in great part copied, growing with the growth of the
State, and when canals had given wa}' to railroads, becoming the
active promoter of these interprises, and especially of the roads
leading out of this city, he stands out as one of the great men of
Ohio's first half centuiy.

The first mayor, born in New Hampshire, graduate of an ancient
college, trained in the law, came here also in village times. Pos-
sessing a finer genius, if not the great executive power of the first
president of the village, as lawj-er, legislator, and judge, he also
gave his time, talents and learning to the city, ardently
encouraging and aiding every enterprise for the promotion of its
welfare. The impress of his genius is indelibl}- marked upon the
early life of the city. I trust the time may arrive, when the city
government shall no longer find its habitation in hired tenements,
with its archives in unsafe chambers, but on some suitable site
shall build a hall worthy of itself, before its facade in some
appropriate spot, where shall be placed in bronze or marble a statue
exhibiting to all beholders the stern but noble form of Alfred
Kelle}', and a correct image of that accomplished gentleman,
John Wheelock Wille}'. I should do injustice to my own feelings,
and be untrue to history, if I omitted also the mention of him upon
whom their mantle fell. Born within the limits of the original
surveyed plat of the city, presiuiiptive heir to great wealth, he was
not content to spend his time and mone}' for purposes of selfish

60 ANNALS OF THE

gratification. Uniting in himself the executive ability of Kelley,
and the fine genius of Willey, he ardentl}' devoted his energies to
the city of his birth. Serving as councilman, alderman, president
of the council, and mayor, he faithfully executed these public
trusts, and freely gave his time and means to the promotion of all
that tended to increase the prosperit}' of the city, but when still
rising in public esteem, and being marked as a man who could
serve the State and Nation as well as the City, struck down in
early manhood by the fell destroyer, William Case. The loving
memory of a brother, by his noble public gifts, has entwined the
name of Case, so worthily borne by father and sons, with the
cit3''s growth, to continue as long as literature shall charm and be a
solace of the heart, and science enlarge and strengthen the intellect
of man.

In this sketch of the corporate life of the city, one thing above
all is evident, that its growth has been largel^^ due to the noble
public spirit of its citizens, and therefore the moral of mj theme
is eas}' of apprehension. Mere numbers, or extent of boundaries
does not constitute the continuing city, or any semblance of the
civitas Dei of the saints and sages. The ideal cit}', besides ad-
vantage and beauty of location, must be nobly and wisely governed ;
the municipal duties must be accepted and performed as public
trusts, and not for private and political gain ; its streets must be
well paved and lighted ; it must be furnished with abundant water,
and well provided with means for the disposal of its sewage ; it
must have efificient and capable police and sanitary supervision,
and property and life must be secure against violence and accidents
of flood and fire ; there must be easy and convenient methods of
rapid transit ; there must be a wise adjustment of the municipal
burdens, and opportunities oflfered for the employment of labor,
and the ordinary pursuits of trade and commerce ; and there must
be furnished all the best means for intellectual, moral and esthetic
culture. When to these things are added inventions to abate the
smoke nuisance, and deaden the noise of solid pavements, the city
will undoubtedl}' furnish the greatest opportunity for human
felicit}' on the face of the globe.

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. gl

But this beautiful picture hath its dark side. There is ever to
be found inhabiting the city a criminal class, and " the poor ye
always have with you." The growing tree absorbs from the earth
at the same time its sweetness of fruit, and bitterness of bark, so
this corporate growth takes in alike the good and bad. Its forces
attract not only the intelligent, active and virtuous, 1)ut the
ignorant, irresolute and vicious, and these once caught in the
whirl of the city's edd}', never escape. Whenever the soil of the
earth is broken, noxious weeds grow with more vigor than cul-
tivated grains and grasses, so the vices arising from ignorance,
intemperance and lust, breed with great rapidity from this human
contiguity. When all moral, charitable, and intellectual means
have been exercised to instruct and reclaim the vicious, a large
residuum will still be left. These means can never be wholly
efficient; the earthly millennium is only a dream of fancy, and
whether evil can be wholl}' eradicated from oi'ganized society is an
unsolvable problem. After all individual and organized methods
of instruction and charity are exhausted, there is still room for the
exercise of municipa;l power. The wisest method in these matters
is rigid restrictive regulation. I am aware there is a mawkish
sentiment quite prev^alent, which protests against this kind of
legislation, as giving legality to sin and iniquity, and as interfering
with the divine order of punishment ; but the true city will not
heed such protest, or yield to a logic, whose major premise is the
assertion that God is the author of loathsome contagious disease _
If our recent city administrations have been smitten with the
degeneracy of modern politics, there is hope for the future, as the
great bod}- of the citizens still desire good municipal government,
and the noble public gifts within the present decade by such men
as Stone, Hurlbut, Woods, and others, demonstrate that the public
spirit of the present day is not inferior to the past. Let other
cities boast of their temples, their triumphal arches, and columns,
their towers, their docks, their halls, and great public buildings for
exchange and commerce, 3'et " as one star differeth from another
star in glor}-," may the monuments of Cleveland continue to be the
noble endowments of her citizens for the promotion of literature.

g2 assals of the

art and science, and for the alleviation of pain and suffering. It is
impossible in a sketch like this to mention the man}' good and true
men who have given their services to the city's government; much less
to the great bod_y of its citizens. In great events but few prominent
actors can be named. In wars only the great commanders are
mentioned, but the common soldiers who have equal courage, who
fight the battle and win the victor}', from A'ery number have no
blazoned chronicle, nor their names Avritten in an}- history. So in
a city's life, the unnumbered multitude are born, marry and are
given in marriage, pursue tlie ordinary avocations of life, and die
mourned bv friends, and onlv remembered as the great aggi'eo;ate
composing the city's life. In their sphere, however, they exercise
and perform all the duties and obligations the same as others, and
equally contribute to all that upholds society. From this number
I select only one name for mention. Born of a revolutionary sire,
who was here when Greneral Cleaveland and his part}' arrived on
the 22nd day of July. 1796. and became one of the first associate
judges of the county. His son came with him, bearing his father's
name, and succeeding to his business ; never seeking public promo-
tion, devoted to his occupation, fulfilling every obligation, always
enlarging his business to meet the advancing tide of population,
retiring only when compelled by age and bodily infirmities, his
active career continued through the period of the village and far
down into the city life, and he died in good old age, leaving a
colossal fortune to his issue and his grandchildren. ]Mav we not
reasonably indulge the hope that some one of his descendants,
possessing as well the maternal as paternal ability, starting on the
highest plane of commercial pursuits, increasing his ancestral
inheritance manifold, will not be content to leave the name of
that ancestor to be borne by some narrow street or alley, but by
some noble public benefaction, forever connect with the memory
of the City's first half centuiy's life, the commercial ability, worth
and integrity of Cleveland's first great merchant : Nathan Pei'ry ?

EARL Y SETTLERS A SSO CIA TION. gg

The exercises that followed the annual address consisted of
brief speeches on call, interspersed with old-time songs, some of
which were sung as solos by Mrs. Lohmann, and the others by the
Home Amateurs. The songs were rendered in excellent taste and
with admirable efl'ect. Mrs. Lohmann was repeatedly encored.

A FEW WORDS ABOUT THE PAST.

by hon. john a. foote.

Mr. President : —

I came fifty years ago to this city. I spent considerable time up-
on the Lake shore during that season, and was specially impressed
by the rapidity with which Cleveland was then losing her lands
in the Lake. It seemed to me that it was only a question of
time when all the present great business part of Cleveland must
go, unless this process should be stopped. Sometimes the fall
would be very gradual. At other times it would be sudden, and
then it would push up a long winrow of mud a considerable
distance out in the lake. This process continued until Col.
Whittlesey was employed b}' the city authorities to protect the
banks between Seneca and Ontario streets. This he did by driving
two parallel rows of piles at the foot of the Lake bank and filling
the space between with brush and stones, and perhaps taking up
the springs in the banks. This proved to be a perfect success, and
hereby came the protection of our whole Lake shore b}' the Rail
Roads, when they came here. Mr, Chas. Whittlesey, I think, is
entitled to great credit for his agency in this matter — indeed, even
more than has been awarded him hy our protected city.

But I found a man here, that I was even more interested in than
in any of the surroundings of the place. That man was the late
Sherlock G. Andrews — a man standing at the head of the legal
profession, and equally high in the estimation of the community.
When quite a young man he had come to the town where I then
lived to attend an academy, he must have staid there some two or
three years and boarded at the house next to ours. Here it seemed

64 ANNALS OF THE

to me that he was so full of fun that he would spend his life in
indulging that trait. A fellow boarder b}' the name of Bush, as
Mr. Andrews told me, was reading a book and marking his progress
by a book-mark in the book. This mark Andrews would occasion-
ally turn back, Bush not discovering it, read on by the mark.
When he had finished it, Andrews asked Bush, how he liked the
book. Bush replied, A'erv well, but that there was a good deal of
sameness in it. This love of fun, this humor stood by him to the last.
One of the last times I listened to an argument from him, he was
defending Physicians in a suit for malpractice. He showed how
powerless human remedies and skill were in the presence of a fatal
disease. But he says, how do the schools of Ph3-sicians testify about
this? The Allopathist says, of course he died ; he was treated by an
Homoeopathist ; no remedies were administered. The Homoeopathist
sa3-s of the regular treatment, of course he died, he was drugged to
death. But Dr. Seel3'e, a Hydropathist, sa3-s, of course he died ;
he should have been treated as we make candles ; a wick should
have been run through him and we should dip him. In another suit
Mr. Andrews was arguing the case of a clergyman, who had brought
suit for slander, because he had been called a thief The counsel
opposed had charged that the suit was brought for mone3-, that
the clerg3'man preached for mone3' and that there was not much iu
religion any wa3^ As near as I now recollect, in repl3' Mr.
Andrews told the jur3-, that whether the man was correct who
could see no evidence of a designer in the Universe ; or that
man '-'to whom the heavens declared the glor3' of God and the
firmament showed his handywork," it was not for them to
decide. But presenting in a masterl3' manner the evidence of a
God from design, he added, '• If chance can do all this, I fear that
she ma3' some day erect her judgment seat and bring 30U and me
before her and decide our destinies for eternit3-." But even in this
case he could not get through without his mirth. A witness had
testified against the minister. On cross examination, the witness
said, that he was a materialist.. In commenting on this testimony-
Mr. Andrews said, he understood that theory to be, that the soul
was a kind of gizzard stuck in near the back bone. A handsome

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. g5

sum was obtained by the minister botli in tlie Common Pleas and
Supreme Court. After Mr. Andrews left the academy, we met
again at college, and in this city we were partners from the time I
came here to reside until he went on to the bench some fifteen
years. I ought to protract these reminiscences, but "my time will
not permit. I trust this brief allusion to our former vice-president
has not been without interest.

REMARKS

by hon. r. p. spalding.

Mr. President : —

In the Spring of the year eighteen hundred and twenty-three
(1823), and just after I had commenced "house-keeping" in
Warren, the Seat of Justice of Trumbull county, I visited the Hon.
George Tod, President Judge of the Common Pleas, at his resid-
ence on " Brier Hill " in the vicinity of Youngstown. He lived in
a log house, upon a tract of land of one hundred and sixt}' acres,
which he had contracted to purchase of Gen. Simon Perkins, at
three dollars an acre, but which he was unable to pay for, as he
had a wife and six children to support, while his salar}- was no
more than eleven hundred dollars. But there was no limit to the
hospitality of the famil3^

I spent the night at the house, as I frequently did. In the
course of the evening, the Judge and his daughters (one of whom
was afterwai'ds Mrs. Grace T. Perkins, mother of the ladj' who has
just now entertained us so highly), sang several songs for my
amusement, and, at last, the Judge said to me, with somewhat of
a boastful air : " Mr. Spalding, all my children are singers ; they
can all sing well. Where is David ? Do some of 3'ou call David."

Very soon a j'oung man, some fifteen or sixteen j-ears of age,
dressed in a suit of home-spun, with a broad-brimmed felt hat on
his head, entered the room, and, bowing respectfully to the Judge,
asked him what he wished him to do. " My son," said he, " I have
been singing, and your sisters have been singing for Mr. Spalding,
5

66 ANNALS OF THE

and I liaA'e told him that all my children are singers ; now I want
you to show him how well 3'ou can sing."

The young roan, without moving a muscle of his face by wa}' of
evincing emotion, immediately struck up the old tune of Mear
with the words :

" Old Grimes is dead,

That good old soul,
We ne'er shall see hiin more,

He used to wear
His long-tailed coat

All buttoned up before. "

Again he bowed, and left the room, when his father said to me
with much apparent feeling, " Mr. Spalding, there is more in that
boy than comes to the surface. Oh, if it could onl}'' be developed."

Said I, " Wh}' do you not, then, send him to school, and thus
give him a chance for development ?" The reply was, " I am so
poor, I cannot aflford to do it."

"Send him up to Warren," I said to the Judge, " and so long as
I have an^-thing to eat, he shall share it with me."

The offer was accepted, with a stipulation by Judge Tod that he
should feel at liberty to send me occasionally from the products of
his farm such articles, as would be useful to m}' family.

In this manner David Tod left his father's log-cabin at Brier
Hill, and entered upon a course of study that, within ten years,
enabled him to pa}' up his father's contract with General Perkins,
and made him the proprietor of the valuable coalmines that la}-
buried in that tract of land, and ultimatel}' gave to the country
the patriotic war Govei'nor of Ohio in 1861-2.

So much for the encouragement of our young men of slender
means ! ! ! —

But I come to the stand, mainly for the purpose of tracing the
history of one of the religious institutions of our city :

On the 9th day of November 1816, sundr}^ persons, who lived in
the village of Cleaveland and its vicinity, met at the house of
Phinehas Shephard for the purpose of nominating officers for a
Protestant Episcopal Church in said Cleaveland.

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.

The minutes of that meeting read as follows :

" Timothy Doan was chosen Moderator and Charles Gear, Clerk.

Phinehas Shephard, ] ttt- i
Abraham Scott, [ ^^^^'^ens.

Timothy Doan, ^

Abraham Hiekox, >- Vestrymen.

Jonathan Pelton, )

Dennis Cooper, Reading Clerk.

Adjourned till Easter Monday next.

Charles Gear, ClerkT

On the 2d day of March 1817 at a Vestry Meeting, "especially
warned," and held at the " Court House in the village and town of
Cleaveland," present, the Eev. Roger Searl, Rector of St. Peter's
Church of Plymouth, Conn., Timothy Doan, Phinehas Shephard,
Jonathan Pelton, Parker Pelton, Abraham Scott, Abraham Hiekox,
Charles Gear, Dennis Cooper, John Wilcox, Alfred Kelley, Irad
Kelley, T. M. Kelley, Noble H. Merwin, David Long, D. C.
Henderson, Philo Scovill and others, it was resolved, that the
persons present were attached to the Protestant Episcopal Church
in the United States, and they did, thereby, unite themselves into
a Congregation, by the name of " Trinity Parish of Cleave-
land, Ohio," for the worship and services of Almighty God,
according to the forms and regulations of said Church."

This was the first organized Religious Society in the city of
Cleveland.

Afterwards, on Easter Monday, April 7th, 1817, at a meeting of
"which the Rev. Roger Searl is recorded as the President " Ex-
Officio," and David Long as Clerk, the following elections were
made for the year :

Timothy Doan, ) -,-,, ,

Phinehas Shephard, f Wardens.

Jonathan Pelton, ^

Noble H. Merwin,

Alfred Kelley, }- Vestrymen,

Dennis Cooper,

Charles Gear,

63 ANNALS OF THE

Wm. Ingersoll, Dennis Cooper and Abraham Scott were chosen
Laymen, for the purpose of " Reading Service."

From this time and for three j-ears ensuing, Trinity Parish had
but little more than a name to live. The village had only a poplu-
ation of two hundred and lift}'. The Church had no house in
which to meet, and was too poor to pa}' a settled minister. The
good Mr. Searl visited the parish at intervals, and administered the
Holy Ordinance. For the most part, the}^ were obliged to rely
upon their Lay Readers.

At length, on the 15th of Maj- 1820, at a vestry meeting held at
the house of Noble H. Merwin in the village of Cleaveland, at
which the Rev. Mr. Searl presided, the following appointments were
made, to wit :

JosiAH Barber, Clerk, pro tern.
Geo. L. Chapman, Clerk.
V JosiAH Barber, Treasurer.

Phinehas Shephard, ) xy ,
JosiAH Barber,

Timothy Doan,

Dr. David Long,

John Clark,

Asa Foote, y Vestrymen.

Wm. Ingersol,

James Sears,

Abraham Hickox,

JosiAH Barber was appointed Lay Reader.

On motion, it was resolved, " That it is expedient in future to
have the Clerical and other public services of the Episcopal Church
in Trinity Parish, heretofore, located in Cleaveland, held in Brooklyn
ordi7iarily, and occasionally in Cleaveland and Euclid, as circum-
stances may seem to I'equire."

And thus matters continued until the Fall of the 3'ear eighteen
hundred and twenty-six, when the Rev. Silas C. Freeman, of
Virginia, was induced to become the Rector of Trinity' Parish on a
salary of $500 per annum, with the understanding that the Church
at Norwalk should employ him one-third or one-half of the time,
paying their proportion of the five hundred dollars.

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. g9

The " Parish op Trinity " was, at this time, restored to the
village of Cleaveland, and religious services were held in the old
Court-house. On the 13th of December 1826, the vestry instructed
Judge Barber to address a memorial to Rt. Rev. Bishop Chase
praying for assistance from the missionary' fund to enable them to
sustain their Rector.

At the next annual meeting held on the 14th of April 1827,
Rev. Mr. Freeman in the chair, the following persons were chosen
wardens and vestrymen, viz. :

JosiAii Barber, ] „. ,

T, c^ Y Wardens.

Phineiias Shepiiard, ]

Charles Taylor,

Henry L. Noble,

Reuben Champion,

John W. Allen, j>^ Vestrymem.

James S. Clarke,

Levi Sargeant,

Sherlock J. Andrews,

At this meeting, the following resolution was adopted significant
of the limited resources of Trinity Parish in 1827, as compared
with its condition in 1884 :

" Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Freeman be appointed an agent, to
go to the East for the purpose of endeavoring to raise funds, with
which to erect a church in this village."

Mr. Freeman was very successful in this expedition, and Trinity
Parish was thus enabled to erect in 1828-9, the first Church edifice
that was built in Cleveland. It stood at the intersection of Seneca
and St, Clair streets, southeast coi-ner, and the whole cost of the
structure was $3,070.

In Februarj^ 1828, the Parish was incoporated by a special act
of the General Assembly, and the names of the corporators were
as follows : Josiah Barber, Phinehas Shephard, Charles Taylor
Henry L. Noble, Reuben Champion, James S. Clarke, Sherlock J.
Andrews, Levi Sargeant and John W. Allen, who were then
wardens and vestrymen.

In the 3'ear 1830, the vestry believed themselves so strong
financially, that they ventured to call on the Rev. Mr. McElroy to

70 ANNALS OF THE

be their Eector, and agreed to pa}' hira, for his whole time, at the
rate of $450 per annum.-

During this last fiscal year, this old Parish of Trinity has raised,
by voluntar}' contribution for Church and charitable purposes, the
sum of seventy-one thousand eight hundred and sixteen dollars and
sixty-two cents ($71,816.62).

The Parish is free from debt, and has property- in possession,
worth, at a low estimate, one hundred and thirty- three thousand
dollars. It is the mother church of all the Episcopal churches in
the city, and has under its exclusive charge a '• Home for the Sick
and Friendless,'' that is an honor to humanit}'.

In the words of the message, first transmitted through Morse's
telegraph, I sa}, with reverence :

"What hath God avrought !"

Several other prominent gentlemen were expected to favor the
audience with brief speeches, but the lateness of the hour pre-
vented.

The exercises of the dav were now closed with the song of " Old
Folks at Home " hy the Home Amateurs and the singing of the
doxology, in which the audience joined.

EABLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 71

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTIONS.

AN INTP]RESTIN(1 LETTER.

Hon. Harvey Rice, Preside/it of the Early Settlers' Association.

Dear Sir : — Agreeably to j-our request I herewith contribute, as
one of the oldest inhabitants of .Cleveland, and a native of the
Western Reserve, my mite to the historical collection of our
Association. I shall necessarily make myself apparently unduly
prominent, but I trust that will be overlooked.

When I attended the last meeting of our Association, I met
many whom I knew when they were young, when their steps were
light, when their hair was of the original hues, when, imbued with
the enthusiasm of youth, they looked forward with a hopeful feel-
ing of having a pleasant journey through life. When I looked at
that white haired matron, the mother and grandmother of many
children, I remembered her well, when a boy, as a young society
belle. When I gazed on that stately and venerable gentleman, I
could hardly realize that I knew him once as a favored beau, a
handsome young man and a first class dancer. When I first met
with the esteemed President of our Association, he had a fair
young bride, his present wife. The first time I saw the genial face
with its kindly expression of the Hon. John A. Foote, he was pre-
siding over the meeting of a debating society, in Phoenix Hall,
on Superior street, in the Winter of 1838-9. He was then com-
paratively a young man and proved himself a good presiding
oflficer, judging by the manner in which he called James A. Briggs,
now of Brooklyn, N. Y., to order for some violation of rules of
debate. The question under discussion was, " Is Slavery right and
justifiable ? " I remember, Mr. Briggs took a high place in my heart
by taking the negative position. His opponent was a lawyer by
the name of Randall. When I listened to his defence of the in-
fernal institution of slavery, my boyish feelings against him were

72 AA'iXALS OF THE

akin to those I had subsequent!}' towards a "slave hunter." Young-
as I was, I am proud to say, I was an intense abolitionist. I im-
bibed ray abolition sentiment when a lad from a good old Anti-
Slaver}^ Aunt, who used to dilate on the cruelty and injustice of
slavery. She is still living in Austinburg, a venerable lad}' of
eighty.

That old pioneer, George B. Merwin,Esq. — the first time I remem-
ber seeing him was in December, 1838, when he was marching with
the Cleveland Grays, on their first public parade. He was second
lieutenant of that company, and a gay and fine looking officer he
appeared. The Grays had subsequently a great reputation as one
of the best drilled companies in the Union. It was commanded
by Capt. Timothy Ingraham, who, during the war of the rebellion,
did some good service for the government. He has since passed
away at his home in New Bedford, Mass. The venerable General
Sanford, who with his wife were among the old settlers who graced the
re-union by their presence, was the first lieutenant of the Grays. The
first time I saw him was when he was showing attention over half
a century ago to a handsome widow lady, Mrs. Hayward, whom he
afterwards married. She is the mother of Col. Hayward, who was
a high private in the Grays when that company was first organized
in 1838. I first knew the colonel when my father occupied his
mother's house, which was situated on Superior sti'eet, next east
of the Excelsior Block. He was a harum scamm lad, full of mis-
chief, but withal a good hearted boy. The house of Mrs. Hay-
ward was previously occupied by an J]nglishman by the name of
Bennet. He run the only brewery in the place. The first piano
I ever heard was owned by hira, on which his beautiful black-
eyed daughters used to play. He brought it over from England,
and it was the only piano in Cleveland in 1832. Just think of
Cleveland with only one piano during the early period of our Ha'cs.
Now there is not a farming town in Northern Ohio, but what has
upwards of a dozen, and our city, at this moment, has probably
over two thousand ! This illustrates most forcibly the great
advance we have made in musit-al culture.

Among the gray-haired gentlemen in the audience, I noticed

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 73

Buslinell White, Esq. He too was a member of the gallant Gra3's.
I saw him first when he accepted on behalf of that companj' a flag
from the late C. M. Giddings, in front of his stone mansion, on the
corner of Ontario street and north side of the square. He made
an eloquent speech on that occasion, for in his prime he was quite
an orator.

I listened with absorbing attention to the interesting remarks
of Judge Spalding. I first saw him in 1843, when he called
at the Herald office and settled a bill. He was a fierce but
intellectual looking gentleman. In his daj's he was a famous
politician, and as a drafter of resolutions at a political con-
vention he stood unrivalled — in fact, he was the champion
drafter of resolutions. If the different Presidential National Con-
ventions had only emplo3'ed the Judge on a salary to construct
their platforms, he would have given them a far better job than
anj' of them ever have had. He can write a resolution in most
elegant English and in the most terse style. No wonder the Plain
Dealer was wont to call him " The Honorable Resolutionary P.
Spalding." The Judge is now eighty six, yet he does not appear
to be more than seventy-five. He is indeed a remarkably well
preserved old gentleman, and may he live to celebrate his hundreth
birthday is my most sincere wish.

On the platform I noticed one of the Vice-Presidents of our
Association, Mrs. J. A. Harris. She is a fair sample of the noble
Pioneer women of the past. She was a worthy helpmeet of her
husband when he tackled the Cleveland Herald in 1837, and for
years was struggling to make the venture a success. He boarded
nearly all of his employes, which was a custom in those good old
days, in order to keep down expenses. It was m^' fortune to
be one of Mr. Harris' apprentices, and I boarded with him along
with the rest of the boys. I can testif}' to the kindl}" care
Mrs. Harris used to exercise over " her bo3's," and to her great
popularit}^ among them all. The absence of her husband from our
gatherings makes me feel sad, for I know of none who would have
enjoj'ed meeting with the early settlers more than he. I first made
his acquaintance in the Winter of 1838-9, nearly fort3--six 3'ears

74 ANMALS OF THE

ago, when be was seated at the "Old Eouud Table," in his office
in the Central Building, then located on the present site of the
National Bank Building. I had then commenced learning my
trade, that of " the art preservative of all arts." Mr. Harris was
a man of extraordinar}- industry. He was editor of the Herald,
and his own cit}' editor, reporter, commercial editor, financial
editor, mailing clerk and book-keeper. In those days the Herald
was considered a great newspaper, and Mr. Harris a great editor.
The expense of publishing, the Herald, including everything, did
not exceed eighty dollars a week. The hand-press turned out only
240 impressions on one side per hour, equal to 120 sheets printed
on both sides. The news was received by mail carried in the old-
fashioned stage coach. The^- had no 'telegraphic news, no special
dispatches, no special correspondents, no staff of editors, and no
lightning presses. Now, for the purpose of showing the contrast
between the Herald when I first knew it and the papers of to-da}',
I will compare it with the Leader as a sample. M}' apology for
doing so, is that I am familiar with the cost of running it and with
its details. The weekl}' cost of publishing this last named paper
ranges from forty-two hundred to forty-five hundred dollars a
week. Its presses have turned out during the Garfield funeral 500
papers per minute printed both sides, pasted, cut and folded. Its
staff consists of one editor-in-chief, one managing editor, a writing
editor, news editor, commercial editor, financial editor, railwa}'^
editor, cit}^ editor, telegraphic revisor and eight reporters. In
addition the Leader has two correspondents stationed at Washing-
tion, who are considered members of the staflF. Scattered all over
the countrj' are nearl}- two hundred correspondents, who are paid
for ever}' piece of news the}' send. Instead of waiting for a stage-
coach to arrive with a later batch of newspapers, from which to
cull our news, as Mr. Harris used to do, the night editor will
receive a dispatch from sa}' New York as follows : " Several failures
in Wall Street, Grreat excitement, How man}^ words ?" The reply
would be, perhaps, " Send one thousand." A dispatch from Cin-
cinnati will be received sajing for instance : "A riot brewing. It
promises to be a serious affair. How many words ?" The reply

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 75

would be, " Send full account." Our Boston correspondent may
send as follows : '' Beacon street terribl}- excited. A girl of wealth
and culture eloped with her father's coachman. How many
words ?" The answer may be, " Four hundred." It is in this man-
ner the great modern dailies gather the news by telegraph from
all parts of the Union. Also by means of the associated press
news from Europe, Africa, Asia and South America. Yet in spite
of the difference of circulation being in favor of the modern paper,
as compared with that of the Herald forty-five j-ears ago, Mr.
Harris as editor, was considered a far greater man than your
humble servant is as editor of the Leader to-da}' ! In fact Mr.
Harris, was considered the biggest man in the city. Editors have
rather degenerated in the estimation of people, compared to what
the}' were fort}' years ago.

I served Mr. Harris as an api)rentice off and on for several
years. I was not a very gOod apprentice, I am sorr}' to say, for I
had a proneness for quarrelling and fighting with some of the boys
in the office, and as a result I was discharged three different times
and taken back each time. But I revenged myself on the " old
man," as we used to call him, by employing him 3'ears afterwards
to edit the Leader. Two of Mr. Harris" apprentices — my fellow
apprentices — have risen to prominence. One of them, Dr. J. C.
Reeve, has become an eminent physician, and he now lives in
Dayton. TLie other, George K. Fitch, is the editor of the San
Francisco Bulletin, and part owner of that paper, also of the San
Francisco Daily Call. He stands high as a citizen and journalist.
To show the great regard he had for his old employer, years ago,
when he was over here on a visit, he presented Mr. Harris with a
magnificent gold watch as a memento of his friendship. Mr.
Fitch can be claimed by us as one of the earl}' settlers, for he
resided in this city from 1842 till 18-17. While visiting him at his
home in San Francisco, last year, he referred to Mr. Harris in
terms, I might say, of affection. Would that this veteran
journalist could have been with us at our last meeting. How he
would have enjoyed the occasion, for he had been himself an old
settler, and he had such a reverence for the early pioneers. But he

7(5 ANJSALU OF THE

is gone. How I mourned his departure for the other side of the
river. How sadlj' the old residents of Cleveland missed J. A.
Harris, after he had left us forever ! A kinder-hearted and better
man than he never liA^ed.

While looking over the audience at the last meeting of our Asso-
ciation, I could not help feeling sad, for there were many familiar
faces missing. I realized then, how many there were whom we
loved, respected and esteemed, who had " gone to that bourne
whence no traveller returns." It brought to vay mind the stately
form of my respected uncle, the late Judge Samuel Cowles, who
died in 1837. It made me think of my departed brother Giles,
who died in 1842. He was onl^' twenty-three years, but he was a
young man of extraordinary ability. At the age of eighteen he was
a partner in business of the late Orlando Cutter, and when their
store was burned in 1837, he caught cold, which settled on his
lungs and eventualh' carried him awa3\ Some of the familiar faces
which graced the gathering, brought up before me my honored
parents, and ray brother, the late Judge Samuel Cowles, of San
Francisco. This brother studied law in the office of Andrews, Foot
and Hoyt, and was admitted to the bar in 1847. In 1852 he and
his law partner, E. B. Mastick, Esq., went to California. My
brother died in 1880, and Mr. Mastick is still living, a prominent
lawyer of San Francisco. As one of the trustees acting under the will
of Mr. James Lick, he has charge of the construction of the largest
telescope the world has yet seen. The object glass of the largest
now in existence is twent3'-eight inches in diameter. That Mr.
Mastick is overseeing will be thirtj'-six inches in diameter, and it
is calculated it will bring the moon to within twelve miles of the
earth. But I have departed from my theme.

My mind wandered back in the past, and I thought of many
good men and women, early settlers, who have gone to their final
earthly homes in the Erie street and Woodland cemeteries. I
made a draft on my memory and brought to mind the names of
the following early settlers who lived here forty to forty-five years
ago, who are now slee^Ding in those cemeteries :

T. P. Ma}^, Dr. David Long, John Blair, Buckley Stedman, Rev.

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 77

Dr. S. C. Aiken, W. J. Warner, Leonard Case, sen., William Case,
Leonard Case, jr., N. C. Winslovv, Richard Winslow, H. J. Winslow,
Thomas Jones, sen., H. L. Noble, John L. Severance, who lies alone
in his grave in Southampton, England ; Solomon Severance,
Varnum J. Card, Ex Post-master Aaron Barker, Judge John W.
Willey, the first Mayor of Cleveland; Ex-Mayor Joshua Mills,
Geojge Hoadley, the father of the Governor ; John M. Woolse}-,
George C. Dodge, J. F. Hanks, Richard Hilliard, Ex-Mayor
Nicholas Dockstader, Gov. Wood, Ex-Ma^'or W. B. Castle, Judge
and Ex- Mayor Samuel Starkweather, Ex-Mayor Nelson Hay word,
Ex-Mayor H. M. Chapin, Orlando Cutter, A. D. Cutter, Henry W.
Clark, Col. Clark, his nephew who was killed during the rebellion ;
Judge H. V. Wilson, Judge Sherlock J. Andrews, Judge John
Barr, Elisha T. Sterling, Ahaz Merchants, S. A. Hutchinson, A. S.
Hutchinson, George A. Benedict, Editor Herald ; Hon. Edward
Wade, J.F. Clark, Alexander Seymour, Prof. J. P. Kirkland, Prof.
H. A. Ackley, Prof. John Delamater, Prof. Jehu Brainard, P. M.
Weddell, Peter P. Weddell, Wm. MoGaughey, Judge T. M, Kelley,
T. H. Beckwith, Lewis Handerson, Dr. Robert Johnston, Benjamin
Rouse, Rev. Dr. Levi Tucker, Captain John Perry, Nathan Perry,
Oliver H. Perry, Edwin Stair, John Stair, Benjamin Stair, Prof.
Mendenhall, latterly of the Cincinnati Medical College ; the two
Proudfoot brothers, A. M. Perry, William Lemen, Tom Lemen,
Philo Scoville, Benjamin Harrington, formerly post-master ; J. W.
Gray, Editor Plain Dealer and formerly post-master ; N. A. Gray,
Melancton Barnet, Deacon Whitaker, Deacon Hamlin, Dr. Henry
Everett, Wm. J. May, George May, A. W. Walworth, Deacon Fox,
H. B. Hurlbut, Milo Hickox, John Gill, Harmon Kingsbury,
Elijah Bingham, Silas Belden, Nelson Monroe, Deacon W. A. Otis,
Capt. Sartwell, Charles M. Giddings, N. E. Crittenden, George
Worthington, Thomas Brown, formerly Editor of the True
Democrat ; Judge Solomon Stoddard and his three Sons, Charles
G. Aiken, J. F. Taintor, Charles Bradburn, Judge Thomas Bolton,
Moses Kelly, J. M. Gillette, Elijah Sanford, Capt. Moses Ross,
David Morrison, sen., Henry Gaylord, Aaron Stickland, Joseph
Ross, Seth A. Abbey, Dr. W. A. Clark, Samuel Raymond, Woolsey

78 ANNALS OF THE

Welles, Richard Lord, Samuel Williamson, Robert Williamsorir
Rev. Dr. S. B. Canfield, Rev. Dr. Bury, PI F. Punderson, Rev. Wm.
Da}-, James H. Kellogg, Edward Baldwin, Joseph Sarjeant, W. D.
Beattie, Horatio Ford, J. H. Crittenden, Charles A. Shepard, Fidward
Shepard, 0. E. Huntington, Edward White. James Houghton, N. M.
Standart, Dr. B. S. L3-man, E. C. Rouse, J. L. Weatherly, Dr. Teny,

D. L. Beardslev, Oen. D. L. Wood, Augustus Merwin, J. M. Hughes
I. N. Halliday, Judge Reuben Hitchcock, Erastus Smith, Jacob
Lowman, S. Brainard, Henry Mould, Henr}- J. Mould, Prof. J.
Lang Cassel, C. Stetson, J. B. Bartlet, Hon. Franklin T. Backus,
Judge J. P. Bishop, Deacon Moses White, Henr}' Seaman,
Sylvester Ranney, Horatio Ranney, — Seaman, of Seaman &
Smith ; Wm. Mittleberger, Wm. Sholl, John B. Waring, Darwin
Severance, Col. Lawrence, Gov. J. W. Fitch, Daniel W. Fiske, J.

E. James, the old sexton of the Stone Church ; Uncle Abram
Hickox, Levi Bander, John Wills, Wm. Milford, Herrick Childs,
Oscar A. Childs, Judge Josiah Barber, Deacon S. H. Sheldon, Joel
Scranton, Marshal Carson, S. S. Coe, Reuben Champion, Zalmon
Fitch, Grant Fitch, Wm. J. Brooks, — Gardner, of Gardner &
Vincent ; J. R. Stafford, Dr. C. D. Bra^-ton, J. H. Gorham, Isaac
Taylor, Henry S. Stevens, M. B. Scott, John H. Guptil, R. H.
Blackmer, Capt. L. A. Pierce, James S. Clark, Henry F. Clark,
Lieutenant Allen Norton, E. W. Andrews, B. L. Spangler, Capt.
Levi Johnson, Thomas Richmond, Gurdon Fitch, John Outhe-
waite, T. C. Floyd, James B. Finney, Dr. Amos Pierson,
Ambrose Spencer, J. C. Woolson, Judge Joseph Hayward,
Judge Q. F. Atkins, Capt. D. Howe, Morris Jackson, Mar-
shal S. Castle, Daniel M. Haskell, Uncle Jenkins, the vener-
able bachelor, who used to ride a white horse; Uncle Nelson,
sexton of Trinity Church ; Dr. P. Mathivet, Wm. Fiske, Capt.
J. C. McCurdy, George Tolhurst, S. L. Bingham, Charles A. Dean,
George A. Stanley, George W. Stanle}^, N. Brainard, Dr. Ed.
Kelley, John R. St. John, Prentiss Dow, John G. Stockle}^, Elisha
Taylor, Lyman Kendall, C. W. Heard, Anson Hayden, Dr. M.
L. Wright, Judge Whittlesey, C. L. Camp, Seth T. Hurd, Dr. A.
Underhill, Dr. Weston, Thomas Umbstaetter, David Hersh, Henry

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSI'CIATION. na

E. Biitler, Deacon A. Wheeler, Stephen C. Whitaker, Joseph S.
Lake, James E. Craw, Samuel Foote, John E. Gary, Stephen S.
Clary, — Brewster, the school-master ; Carnarhan Aiken, Son of
Rev. Dr. Aiken, who died at sea ; Robert Parks, Israel P.
Converse. — Barstow, — Kingsley, who was drowned at Sandus-
ky, brother of H. C. Kingsley ; Harmon Handy, Rev. Joseph
Breck, Flavel W. Bingham, Aaron Clark, Dr. Thomas G. Cleveland.

There are others who were prominent, but they are beyond the
reach of my memory. The foregoing list comprises some of the
best known citizens, who lived in Cleveland forty to forty-five years
ago, when it had only an average population of about ten thousand.
Now our city has a population of about twenty-one times that
number. Can it now show twent^'-one times the number of citizens
comprising the list I have given of equal standing ? I doubt very
much if it can, when to this list should be added the names of
earl}' prominent citizens who are now living. Among the dead of
the early settlers are these legal lights : Andrews, Hitchcock, Wade,
Kell}', Bolton, Backus, Stetson, Starkweather, Williamson, Wilson,
and Bishop. Can our bar to-da^', consisting of ten times as many
members nearly all modern settlers, match that array of legal
names in standing ? Among the scientific names, which have
added to the social quality of Cleveland forty years ago, are those
of Kirtland, the Agassiz of the West, Delamater, St. John, Ackley,
Mendenhall and Cassel, none of whom are now living, and I will
add the names of Prof H. L. Smith, of Hobart college, Geneva
N. Y. ; General Charles Whittlesey, the well known geologist, who
both are living and who were residents of Cleveland fort}' 5'ears ago.

The clergy of Cleveland forty and forty-five years ago had a
galax}' of names noted for their profoundness, abilit}-, learning
and eloquence. There were the Rev. Dr. Aiken, pastor of the Old
Stone Church ; Rev. Dr. S. B. Canfield, of the Second Presbyterian
Church ; Rev. Dr. Levi Tucker, pastor of the Baptist Church ;
Rev. Dr. Perry, of St. Paul, and Rev. Lloyd Winsor, of Trinity.
Besides these I can add the name of that famous Millerite
clergyman, Rev. Mr. Fitch, a man of great learning, sincerit}- and
eloquence, and who honestly believed that the world would come

ANNALS OF THE

to an end in 1844. Intellectually he was a great man. Can the
clergy of Cleveland to-day produce an equal number of names of
equal abilitj" ?

This brings to mind that Cleveland forty 3'ears ago, or more
strictly speaking thirty-eight years ago, had a lecture bureau of
her own, and instead of importing lecturers from outside of her
limit, the bureau drew on her home talents and the lectures
delivered were fully as interesting as any of those of the foreign
lights. Dr. Aiken gave a lecture on the histor}- of the Greek
Church, Dr. Canfield on the Life and Times of Oliver Cromwell,
Rev. Lloyd Winsor on the French Revolution, Dr. Terry on
Charles the First, Edward Wade on the Convention that formed
the Constitution, Albert G. Lawrence, on Sir Walter Raleigh, John
B. Waring on some commercial subject. Prof H. L. Smith on
chemical science. Prof. St. John on a theme which I have forgotten,
George Bradburn, who afterwards became one of the editors of the
True Democrat, now the Leader, dilated on his experience in
England, — in those da3s it was considered a great thing to have
been to England, — and James A. Briggs, delivered a lecture on
" The Greatness of our Countr}-,'' or something to that effect.
Mr. Bradburn in his lecture took occasion to put our country
sadly at a disadvantage in comparing her with the greatness of
England. He was followed shortly afterwards by Mr. Briggs, who
made a sort of an indignant repl}' to Mr. Bradburn. That
gentleman had the misfortune to be deaf and sat on the platform,
where he could hear. The burden of Mr. Brigg's address was
decrying the claims set up b}' Mr. Bradburn of the superior
greatness of Brittannia as compared with our countr}^, and while
dealing out his sarcasm he would look at that gentleman and bow
to him. Mr. Bradburn received the salutation in an immovable
manner. Mr. Briggs afterwards became editor of the same paper,
the True Democrat, that Mr. Bradburn subsequently edited.

The lecture which created the most interest was that delivered
by the Rev. Dr. Canfield, on Oliver Cromwell, in which he made
an able defence of that great soldier and statesman from the bitter
attacks of the adherents of the Church of England. He quoted

EARLY SETTLERti' ASSOCIATION. gj

from the writings of Tliomas Carlj-le to sustain liis statements. He
took the position that Hume, the historian, was an infidel, con-
sequentl}- was interested in denouncing Cromwell, the Puritan
Christian. It was a most logical and eloquent lecture. It divided
the community into two factions — the Cromwell and Anti-Cromwell,
the latter being composed of Episcopalians. Among them was a
law3-er by the name of L. C. Turner, who had written frequentl}-
for the Herald over the nom de plume of " Otsego." He was a very
high churchman and probabl}' honestlj' believed that there was no
salvation outside the pale of his church. He took upon himself to
come out in the Herald and criticize Mr. Canfield's lecture, in
which he said he was susprised that the " reverend " — the
■quotation is his — gentleman should repudiate the great historian
Hume as authority, because of his being an infidel, and at the
rsame time accept the statement in defence of Cromwell of a
notorious blasphemer like Carl^-le who had been imprisoned for
blasphemy ! A correspondent in Akron wrote a repl}', in which he
-exposed the ignorance of " Otsego." It seemed that individual
liad confounded Thomas Carl3'le, who spells his name with a "3-,"
with Kichard Carlisle, who spells his with "is," and who was im-
prisoned in London for blasphemy. In spite of hisi humiliating
defeat, " Otsego "" came back with another letter, in which he
.acknowledged his mistake, but notwithstanding all that, Carl^'le
was nevertheless a blasphemer, and made a quotation from his
-" Hero Worship ' of apparentl}- blasphemous expressions to prove
his assertion. The Akron writer returned to the charge with
another communication in which he showed up the trick}' character
of " Otsego." It seemed he selected a blasphemous expression,
Carl^'le had ascribed to Satan, and tried to palm it ofl?" as being the
■sentiment of that great essayist. Mr. " Otsego '' never appeared in
print after that, as least I never saw any more of his effusions.

Another incident occurred in connection with the course of
lectures b}' home talent. Prof. St. John of the Cleveland Med-
ical College, an eminent scientist and literateur, gave a lecture,
the subject of which I have forgotten, but it was admired b}-
all who heard it. Cleveland at that time was blessed by the
6

32 ANXALS OF THE

presence of a conceited legal sprig by the name of Dudle}", who-
had imported himself from New Hampshire. He pompously
advertised himself as having been a former law partner of Ather-
ton, the infamous author of the gag law bearing his name. This
man Dudley published a communication, charging Prof St.
John with having committed plagiarism b}- stealing his lecture
from J. S. Headley, and palming it off as his own. This charge
created quite an excitement, for the Professor was looked upon as
being incapable of committing such a thing. Dudle}' published
in his communication an extract from Headle3'"s lecture, the senti-
ment of which sounded, it was claimed, ver}- much like some of
the Professor's utterances. Finally H. C. Kingsley, Esq., now of
New Haven, took the manuscript of the lecture and compared it
with that of Headlej^'s, and found the sentiments in certain parts
were somewhat similar to those of Headle3''s, but the language
was entirely different. This disposed ver}- thoroughl}- the charge
of plagiarism, and that bus3'-body Dudley soon disappeared, no-
body knew where.

The early settlers of Cleveland show to advantage, as compared
with the later settlers, by furnishing most of the prominent militar}'
characters who served during the war of the Rebellion. Herewith
is a list as far as I can gather from the recesses of my memory :

Gen. James Barnet, Oen. Lucius Fairchild, of Wisconsin, Gen.
Charles Whittlesey, Gen. David L. Wood, Col. 0. H. Payne,
Col. W. H. Hayward, Col. Timothy H. Ingraham, Col. Clark (who
was killed in battle), Lieut. Colonel Perry (son of Capt. John Perry),
Lieut. Col. Lawrence, Lieut. Col. Crane (killed at Ringgold), Major
George A. Mygatt, Maj. Seymour Race, Maj. Dwight Palmer, Maj.
Carlton, Captain P. W. Rice, Capt. E. C. Rouse, Capt. Homer
Baldwin, Capt. John Nevins, Capt. Wm. Nevins, Capt. George W.
Tibbitts, Capt. Standart.

The foregoing is a ver}^ good record for the early settlers, con-
sidering the smallness of their number to draw from. The num-
erous later settlers comparatively furnished few military names.

Among the early settlers we find the names of Gov. Fairchild
of Wisconsin, Gov. Wood, Gov. Hoadle}', and Lieutenant Gov. J.

J^A RL Y SETTLERS' A SSO CIA TION. gg

AV. Fitch, v'^enators Henry B. Payne, and John P. Jones of Nevada.
The early settlers furnished the following congressmen, namely,
Hon. John W. Allen, Hon. Sherlock J. Andrews, Hon. Edward
Wade and Hon. H. B. Payne.

The distinguished names I have given prove very conclusivel}^
that the settlers who lived in Cleveland previous to 1844, small as
they were, numerically speaking, as compared with the modern
settlers, outnumbering them twenty to one, furnished the bulk of
the brains for the now mighty cit}^ of Cleveland with its nearly a
quarter of a million of population.

I have dilated on the interesting past more than I intended, and
I will close by relating a little incident which the Hon. John A.
Foot omitted for obvious reasons from his eulogistical remarks ou
Judge Andrews, in which he described the humorous phrases iu
the character of that great jurist and lawyer, and his proneness for
perpetrating jokes. The year of 1842 was the era when the Wash-
ingtonian temperance movement was at its height. That old " sea
dog," Capt. Turner, was one of its moving spirits, and made many
temperance speeches homel}', but very forcible and popular. Mr.
Foot was engaged in the good work with all the enthusiasm of his
nature. At that time he was a law partner of Judge Andrews,
and the firm was known as "Andrews, Foot & Hoyt." Just below
their office was a notorious whiskey shop, known as the " Hole in
the Wall." One day while Mr. Foot was busy with the good
work in the cause of temperance, he came into the office. There
were present, Judge Andrews, Mr. Hoyt, and an P]nglishman from
Euclid, whose name I have forgotten. As Mr. Foot was about
leaving, the Judge put on a serious expression of countenance and
commenced giving brother Foot this feeling advice : " Now, Foot,
I wish you would refrain from your visits to the Hole-in-the-WalL
Try and walk hy without entering that place. Remember your
family, the reputation of our firm, and your standing as a professed
temperance man. How can you aflford to risk all by entering that
place. Now try and go by the Hole-in-the-Wall without entering
it." The J]nglishman, completely sold by the mock gravity of the
Judge, spoke up in his native brogue—-' Advice well put, Mr. Foot

^4 ANNALS OF TJIJ-J

— he pronounced that name "Fut ' — well put. Let me tell you,
you had better accept it and cease going to that Hole-in-the-Wall."
Mr. Foot gazed at the Englishman with astonishment that he
should be mistaken as a toper, and then turned around and darted
out of the door down into the street.

Hoping to haA'e the privilege and pleasure of meeting all of the
members of our Association alive and in the enjoyment of good
health at our next gathering. I remain

Yours of the present as well as of the past,

Edwin Cowles.

• OLDEST HOUSE ON THE RESERVE.

In the ■' Annals of the Earl}- Settlers Association of Cuyahoga
Count}-," published in 1883, is an account of an old house standing
at the corner of Hanover and Vermont streets, in Cleveland (West
Side), said to be about two hundred years old. That a house of
that age exists within the borders of the Western Reserve will be
news to most of its citizens.

Mr. Robert Sanderson is its present owner. Many ma}- have
doubts of its antiquity. We have some evidence — not exactly
corroljorative — regarding an old house which once stood near the
site of this : Colonel James Ilillman, Youngstown's earliest settler,
in a letter written in 1843 (found on page 363 of Colonel Whittle-
sey's Early history of Cleveland), relates a journey as pack-horse
man, in 1756, from Pittsburgh to the mouth of Cuyahoga river
with goods, to be taken thence to Detroit by water. He says that
near the mouth of Tinker's Creek "we crossed the Cuyahoga and
went down the west side to the mouth. In going down we passed
a small log trading house, where one Meginnis traded with the
Indians. He left the house in the Spring before we were there."
He adds, that on a subsequent trip that Summer he, and those with
him, drew small logs and built a hut at a spring near where Main
street comes to the river, " which, I believe, was the first house
built on the Cleveland side."

He speaks of the Meginnis house as a '-small log house." The

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. g5

"old house" described by Mr. Sanderson was a two-stor}- bouse
with chestnut siding — a ver^' different house. If it had been at or
near the mouth of the river Mr. HiUman would probably have seen
it and mentioned it in his letter. And yet it may have been built
where stated by Mr. Sanderson and have been one of the age
named. If it was about two hundred years old ,it was erected, say
in 1G83. If one hundred and forty years old, in 1743.

More than two hundred j-ears ago the French possessed Canada,
Avhich the}' called " New France." They were pushing their settle-
ments and trading posts westward along the great lakes and rivers.
In 1683 they founded Detroit, and had probably at that time visited
the mouth of the Cuyahoga. About 1753 they had erected Fort
Duquesne, at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela,
near Pittsburgh. It is not improbable that they may have had
trading posts on the south shore of Lake Erie, and perhaps the
"old house" was one of them. John M. Edwards.

Youngstown, 0.

RECOLLECTIONS OF AN EARLY DAY.

A short account of my own experience in traveling and of the
manner of transit of some goods, during the early settlement of
the Western Reserve, may interest some readers.

' I left my home in the State of steady habits, the first of March
1812, in compan}' with two young men, having a team loaded with
tea, axes, and scythes for New-Connecticut. It was their second
peddling trip west. Nothing of special interest occurred during
our months journey. The goods were left in Hartford, Trumbull
county, as a base for their supplies in their short excursions in the
settlements to dispose of their goods. On their first excursion,
they bargained a chest of tea to Martin Bushnell, of Claridon, who
had subsequently sold it to John Bartholomew, of Hambden. Mr
Bushnell was to take the chest in Hartford, and deliver it to Mr.
Bartholomew in Hambden. A part of my outfit for the West was
a low chest, about twenty inches in width, and about the same in
height, and about five feet in length, containing an axe, scythe,

36 ANNALS OF THE

hoe, and some clothing, which were left to bo brought with the
tea. I had come to Claridon and informed Bushnell that his tea
was ready. He left with horse, saddle and harness on the horse.
At the place of receiving the two chests, he constructed a draj-
from poles much in the form of a ladder, with two or more cross-
pieces, one end of the poles passing through the thill straps, the
other end drawing on the ground, the tugs being fastened to the
thills b}' a pin of wood. Necessity is said to be the mother of in-
vention. Surely the above described vehicle for conveyance was as
primitive as well could be. He returned in a few days without
the chests, having left them in A'ienua, making ten miles in
advance with the loading, saying the mud was so deep it would
be necessar}' to wait a few da^s for the ground to dry some. In
the forepart of April, it was arranged for me to go with his horse,
which I found spring poor. Passing over minor incidents. I found
myself benighted in the woods and swamp bordering Musquito
Creek. Following the trail b}' star-light I caiue across another
trail angling to the right a little, which I took as having the most
tracks, which led me into a clearing of some ten acres, with a hay
stack from which hay had been drawn. Returning to the forks of
the road, and taking then the right path. I soon came to an ocean
of water, according to the night vision. A few rods ahead was
evidently a log bridge just above the surface of the water. Wad-
ing on, I found a bridge in the midst of the water, covered with
large round sticks of timber lying so much on the surface of the
water that the}' would settle under the horse's feet. The bridge
being short, I waded into the water, some two or three feet deep,
lessening in depth as I approached the sight of land, the water
probabh' extending some sixty or hundred rods. In the course of
a mile I came to a log-house, waking the inmates about midnight.
I was admitted to quite comfortable quarters. Next morning, I
made vay way to where the chests were, and harnessed my horse.
Adjusting the dray and putting on the chests, I was soon in the
woods homeward bound. The waters in the creek had fallen a
little, so that the chests were above the water, and the bridge com-
parativel}' safe. The view and trail were not attractive, but not so

EA R L Y SE TTLERS' A SSO CIA TION. 87

imposingly fearful as the previous night's view. The da}' was
warm and sultry. Towards night it became cloudy. Not having
a time-piece, and darkness coming on sooner than expected, I was
in the Champion Woods, with man^- miles of forest ahead in
Champion and Southington, with a narrow road, some of the way
being mud and other parts corduroy, logs laid cross ways, the
horse showing unmistakable signs of fatigue. Deep darkness
ensued, and flashes of lightning, and distant thunder greeted my
ears. I was tired, walking all day slowly. The air was compar-
.atively still, just commotion enough to see the wind was southerl}'.
Soon the wind was roaring, the forked lightning more vivid, dark
and heavy clouds rolling from the northwest. The horse stopped,
so tired that the load could not be drawn an}- further. A large .
oak tree had been turned up by the roots, leaving the trunk some
three feet above the ground. As the lightning flashed, I com-
prehended the situation. Although as dark as Egyptian darkness,
between the long and swift chains of fire I succeeded in placing
the two chests under the fallen tree, the bark of which was loose.
I pulled oif strips of thick bark and putting them against the tree
to turn the rain off from the chests, flung the dray on the other
side of the road. Now came the wind and torrents of rain. The
thunder shook the earth. The tall, dead, girdled trees along the
line of the narrow road might be good magnets for the electric
fluid, and the timber dangerous missiles when thrown by violent
gusts of wind. The whole scene was appalling. Real danger that
cannot be avoided helps to keep the mind calm and cool. I was
soon cool enough, as there was not a dry thread in my clothes, and
the change of air from heat to cold was sudden, with many degrees
of change. In the course of half an hour or so, the torrents
ceased to a moderate shower, with a corresponding abatement of
wind and thunder. I started the horse, driving him before me as
best I could. Without any cessation of the moderate rain, there
came another shower, from another very dark cloud, which, how-
ever, was not as intense either in lightning, wind or rain, which for
some hours continued, raining more or less in quantit}-, until I
•came to a log hut, inhabited to my great joy. The man getting up,

88 ANNALS OF THE

put my horse under shelter, making a gi-eat fire of drj wood antT
logs. I seated mj-self on a bench, my clothes next to the fire>
smoking like a coal-pit, then changing to give the other side a
chance to dr)'. A knock at the door for admittance, and another
traveller on foot found a shelter. His stor}-, in short, was that he
had been in the same woods, road and storm. He was wet and
looking sad, accounting that his experience that night had been
awful. His mind was greatly agitated over a solemn spectacle
amidst such surroundings of wind, lightning, thunder and storm.
He said he had seen a coffin under a fallen tree. We doubted. He
affirmed his sober convictions, denying that he was superstitious.
My relation of the low chest having been put under the tree,,
evidenth' soothed his mind. Lajing ourselves down on a blanket
on the floor, with our feet towards the fire, Ave spent the early
morning hours ver}' comfortably. Next day I got the chests along
about seven miles to the Young's place in 31iddlefield. where the
load was left, footing it home. I told my friend Bushnell it was
his turn. I think that tea, when it came into Bartholomews hands^.
must have been sold at such prices, that economy would have
dictated dealing out in homeopathic doses.

Thus, in a few weeks from the time I had been accustomed to-
the fashions and mode of traveling in the New England States. I
was initiated into the backwoods customs and mode of traveling iix
Ohio. Lester Taylor.

Claridox, Nov. 25th, 1883.

THE CLEVELAND NEWS LETTER OF 1829.

( Special Correspondence of the Leader. )

Washington, June 27th. — Among the tens of thousands of
bound files of papers which are buried away in the crypt of the
Capital building there is one labeled " Ohio, 1829." which contains
a number of copies of the Cleveland Indepettdent News Letter.
These papers were sent to Martin '\''an Buren, who was Secretary
of State about that time, and the}' were bound by him for the-

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. g^

State Department. From this department the}- somehow drifted
to the Congressional Librar}-, where the}- are now kept hidden from
sight about twenty feet below ground.

In 1829, Cleveland, it will be remembered, had less than 1000
inhabitants, and the Neivs Letter would open its old-fashioned ej'es
if it could see the papers published in the cit}- to-day. The issue
now spread out before me is that of May 9th, 1829. It is a single
folio, the pages of which are not so large as those of the Leader,
and I see it is headed vol. 2, No. 12. Its advertisement states
that its editor is Harvey Rice, and that it is published every
Saturda}' evening by David McLain, at the Printing Office, four
doors west of the Franklin House Square, Superior St., Cleveland-
Below this come its terms.

Two dollars and fifty cents per annum to •• village subscribei-s,
who have their paper left at their doors, payable three months
after the reception of the first number."

" Grain will be received in payment at cash prices if delivered
within three months."

" No subscription received in payment for six months unless
accompanied b}' cash."

" Advertisements very conspicuously inserted three times at one
dollar per square, and twenty- five cents for each subsequent
insertion.'

"No paper or advertisement discontinued until settlement is
made, except in hopeless cases."

The first page of the paper, with the exception of the veiy lean
head, is given up to advertisements, while the last is devoted
entirely to poetry and stories. The news is all on the two inside
pages, and there is little in it except quotations from other papers,
and a single column of Andrew Jackson editorials.

Over the editorial column is the cut of a printing press much
like that of Ben Franklin's at the centennial, radiating rays of light,
and over it is stretched a scroll bearing the words, " The News
Letter — The Tyrants Foe — The People's Friend. ' There are no
telegrams, no special letters, no Associated Press dispatches, no
markets, and the tabulated matter is a column headed, "Bank,

90 AXyALS OF THE

Note Table," which shows how few cents on the dollar the different
issues of State banks are worth. T notice that very few of them
are at par. Ohio banks seem to be worth within about five per cent,
of their face value, and every l)ank except one out of the fifteen
Maine banks quoted is marked broken.

The advertisements give man}' hints as to the history of the
times.

One shows the editor to be hard up, and says that every sub-
scriber on his list owes him at least a dollar and a half

Another oflTers '• I^IOO reward for the detection of the person who
fabricated a marriage notice, and clandestinely contrived to procure
its insertion in this paper last Saturday. "" Think what an ex-
citement that notice must have caused in this little village of
Cleveland of 1000 inhabitants. I can hear the tongues of the
gossips wag as I read between the lines.

Another advertisement is for a shooting match. It was dated
Cleveland, May 1st, 1829, and states that a $45 Double Barrelled
f]uropean Fowling piece will be shot for as soon as a sufficient
number have subscril)ed. Shots one dollar each. Off' hand fifteen
rods ; from a rest twent}' rods. The gun may be seen and names
entered at Andrews' gun factory. Bank street.

Below this Orson M. Oviatt advertises that he has received a
new stock of dr}' goods, groceries, hardware, and Spanish sole
leather, which he will sell at the lowest prices for cash or pork.

And in another column is a petition for divorce of James Petti-
bone from Wealthy Pettibone his wife.

The school advertisements are interesting. T. H. Gallaudet, of
Hartford, Conn., advertises his deaf and dumb school there. Since
then his son has risen to the top of his profession, and now he
ranks in the world as one of the greatest deaf and dumb teachers
in it.

The Eev. Mr. Freeman, of the village of Chagrin, announces that
he proposes to open a school for young ladies where instruction will
be given in reading, spelling, writing, history, arithmethic, ge-
ogi-aphy, and plain needle work, at three dollars per term of twelve
weeks.

EA RL Y SETTLERS' A SSOCIA TION.

The St. Clair Female Seminary at Pittsburgh teaches about the
same studies at a cost of $100 for board and tuition, and an
apothecary's bill at the charge of the parents. It states also that
the dress of all the young ladies will be uniform, consisting of two
black bombazette frocks and one white one, two black capes and
two white ones, two black bombazette aprons, handkerchiefs,
towels, combs, brushes, waste-bowls, etc., all at charge of parents.

A medical college advertisement of an institution at Cincinnati
states that good board can be had in that city from $1.75 to $2.75
per week.

In another advertisement Cleveland is described as at the junc-
tion of the Ohio Canal with Lake Erie as the most populous,
wealth3' and thriving village on the Western Reserve, with the
exception of Buffalo, on the Lake Shore. It has direct commu-
nication daily with the East, and three times a week with Pitts-
burgh, Cincinnati, Columbus, Detroit, etc., by mail stages, dail}'
south b}^ the canal, and almost hourly with Detroit and Buffalo
b}' steamboats and schooners.

Another advertisement states that The Remember Me, a religious
and literary miscellany, is for sale at the news office. And another
looking very strange for abolition Cleveland offers a reward of $20
for the return of a runaway slave. This I copy in part. It reads :
" $20 reward — ran away on Saturday evening, the 9th, inst., a negi'o
man named Frank, aged about thirty-five years, he is five feet
eight inches in height or thereabout. Said slave is very black with
white teeth, very talkative with those with whom he is acquainted
and reserved to strangers. Is fond of making use of high sound-
ing words. Will steadily deny being a runaway, but can be easily
found out b}' being cross-questioned. A reward of $20 will be
given if taken out of the State, or of $10 if taken within the State
and returned to me. [Signed] Samuel Trottler,

Lexington, Ky."

If this paper be an index, Cleveland in 1829 was satisfied with
A'ery little news. There is vindictive spirit shown in the editorials,
and there is no halting between the two parties. All that the
Jackson men do is right ; all that Clay and the other part}- propose

92 AN-XAJ^S OF THE

radicalh' wrong. One item states that Andrew Jackson has-
received a box made of twent}^ different kinds of wood from some
man. and it gives Jackson's letter of thanks, which must have-
covered several pages of foolscap. The Presidents had more time
then than now. It also gives the vote of one of the campaigns for-
nomination as Senator, in which Leonard Case and Reuben Wood
figured, and it states a fact which I had not known in regard to
Lafayette's death, A-iz., that he was buried in a hogshead of earth
which his agent procured from Bunker Hill, and forwarded to
France. It also contains notices of the " great union canal lottery
of Pittsburgh,"' and gives its drawings, in which it seems that there-
are twice as many thousand blanks as there are thousand prizes.
June 27th, 1884.

FIRST WHITE CHILD BORN IN OHIO, 178L
[Piitshurgh Chronicle Telegraph.)

On hundred years ago, that portion of the West which is now
Ohio was partly primeval forest and partly a prairie region, inhab-
ited by wild beasts and Indians. The possession of the land was
disputed for many years by the French and English, and afterward
by contlicting state claims. A large portion of the district known-
as the " Western Reserve " belonged to the State of Connecticut,
till sold by her in 1800. In 1778, a New England company, sent-
out by General Putnam, made the first Ohio settlement at Marietta,
so called for the French Queen ]\Iarie Antoinette, and three years
later. April 16th 1781, the first white child was born in the district-
Cincinnati was also settled in 1778. Not until 1794 did General
Wayne's victory secure to the colonists peace and safety from the
Indians. In 1802 Ohio became a State, and in 1816 Columbus was.
made its capital.

EARLY SETTLERS'' ASSOCIATIOX.

GOLDEN WEDDING.

Mr. and Mrs. Darius Adams, of Collamer, Celebrate ihe Fiftieth Anni-
versary of their Marriage.

Silver weddings are not infrequent, but the celebration of the
fiftieth aniversary of the date when for better or worse two lives
were united for life's journej-, is more rare, as few husbands and
wives are spared until they have passed together the three score
years and ten alloted to man.

November 24th 1883, however, was the fiftieth anniversarj- of the
marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Darius Adams, of Collamer, and a large
number of relatives gathered to celebrate with them their golden
Wedding. On the 24th of November, 1S33, Mr. Darius Adams, then
a 3'oung man of twent3'-three, was united in matrimonial bonds to
Miss Mar}' Doan, daughter of Timoth}' Doan, who was one year his
junior. They were married in that portion of Euclid township which
has since become East Cleveland township, and have passed their lives
in that locality, Mr. Adams having by his business as a contractor
and builder acquired wealth that renders them independent in their
later years. Among the guests at the golden wedding, many of
whom came from distant States, were Mr. Edwin Adams and his
wife, Mrs. Laura Adams, the oldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Darius Adams, Mr. Charles Adams of St. Louis, the eldest son,
accommpanied by his wife, Mrs. Sarah Adams, Mr. Charles Taylor
and Mrs. Mary Taylor, the second daughter, Mr. C. C. Shanklin
and Mrs. Stella Shanklin, the youngest daughter, and Mr. Clark D.
Adams, the ^-oungest son, and several brothers and sisters of Mrs
Adams, among them Mr. Seth Doan, of Kenosha, Wis., Mr. Norton
Doan, Mr. George Doan, and Mrs. Samantha Slade. Beside these
were Mr. John Doan, Mrs. Adams' uncle, who, as well as several
other of the guests, was present at the wedding in 1833. The
relatives gathered at the family residence at 3 o'clock in the after-
noon and enjoyed a family- reunion, the more pleasant as many of
the relatives, by business or other relations, had been prevented
from meeting one another for years. When supper was served the

94 ANNALS OF THE

dishes that were used fift}' j-ears ago were among those on the-
table, the knives and forks, with handles of horn, especially attract-
ing much attention from the 3-ounger guests. The bride and groom
sat in the same cane-seat chaii's that they occupied at their wedding
in 1833, these as well as the dishes having been preserved by Mrs.
Slade. After spending the evening in an enjoyable manner, recall-
ing incidents and anecdotes of the past, the guests whose homes
were in the vicinity departed, leaving with Mr. and Mrs. Adams
their most earnest wishes that they might live in peace and happi-
ness until, on the seventj'-fifth aniversar}', their diamond wedding .
could be celebrated.

OUR PRESIDENTS.

The American Presidential line
Began in Seventeen p]i<rhtj-nine.
The roll was led bj' Washington,
Who served two terms, then Adams one ;
Jefferson, Madison and Monroe
Enjoj'ed two terms each, although
John Qiiincy Adams had but one.
"Old Hickory " twice the honor won ;
Van Buren was the ne.xt enrolled,
One terra the office he controlled.
Harrison died and left years four
For Tyler ; Polk the burden bore ;
Zach Taylor died in j'^ears scarce two,
And Filmore filled the balance due.
The next for a full term was Pierce.
Buchanan has equal claims to verse.
Abe Lincoln, first republican,
Was shot as his second term began.
And Johnson ruled until came Grant,
Who had two terms, Hayes one and scant
Four months had Garfield, who was killed
And Arthur the vacant office filled.

EARLY SETTLERS' A SSOCJA TIOS. 95

A NOTABLE ANCESTRY

The following from Cooley's Weekly, published at Norwich, Conn.,
May 18th, 1884, refers to the famil}' of Agent Wightman, of the
Humane Society : " A singular fact in connection with the history
of the First Baptist Church of Groton, is that for 137 of the years
of its existence the pastor has been one of the Wightman family.
The Rev. Valentine Wightman was its first pastor, serving forty-
two years, ending 1747, when he died. He was succeede<l bj' his
son, Timothy- Wightman, who served until his death in 1796.
John G. Wightman, a son of the above, next occupied the pulpit
until his death in 1841, and his grandson, Palmer G. Wightman,
was its pastor for the twelve years ending 1875. The first was a
descendant of Rev. Edward Wightman, the last Protestant clergy-
man who was burned at the stake during the reign of 'Bloody
Mary.' The above church, which is located in the village of
M3-stic, is the oldest Baptist church in the State."

It will be remembered by man}' of our earl}- settlers that John
Wightman settled in pioneer days on a farm located about half-
way between the then rival villages of Cleveland and Newburgh,
and on the road now known as Broadway. He emigrated from
Connecticut, and settled on this farm, in 1811, and was a descend-
ant of one of the clergymen who preached in that old church at
Mystic, Conn. He was born in 1787, and received a good common
school education, married Deborah C. Morgan in 1807, by whom
he had eight children. She died in 1827. He married a second
wife, Hannah Taylor, of Aurora, by whom he had one son, and
died in 1837. His second wife still survives him. He led an
honest and industrious life, and, though often solicited, would
not accept a public oflSce, except in one instance he consented to
serve as supervisor of highways.

He employed Dr. David Long, of Cleveland, as his family
physician, in whose skill he had entire confidence, and named one
of his sons by the first wife David Long Wightman, who is our
present well known D. L. Wightman, the eflflcient agent of the
" Humane Society' of Cleveland. It hardly need be added that

96 ANNALS OF THE

■our genial fellow citizen D. L. Wightraan has inherited an hon-
ored name. He certainl}' deserves great credit for the faithful
manner in which he discharged for several years the responsible
duties of sherift'of the county, and for some 3-ears past the still more
responsible duties of agent for the Humane Society — duties to
which he is still devoted There can be no more divine work than
that in which he is engaged. He devotes himself not only to the
welfare of helpless humanity, but to the relief of the brute creation,
that cannot speak in words the miseries which they suffer at the
hands of their still more brutal masters. In his dcA'otion to this
benevolent work Mr. Wightman discloses the ^' divinity that stirs
within him," and sufficiently corroborates the truth of his divine
ancestry, or rather ancestry of divines.

It is to be hoped that the benevolent and humane work in which
Mr. D. L. Wightman is now employed, will continue to be appre-
ciated and liberally sustained by a generous public, and that the
sphere of his usefulness may be enlarged.

OUR FIRST ATTEMPT AT RAILROAD BUILDING.

BY HON. JOHN W. ALLEN.

Judge Griswold, in his annual address, published in this number
of the " Annals," has referred to the difficult}- of starting our earlj-
railroads, and it may seem a little curious at this da}- to see to
what devices the friends of the Cleveland and Columbus road had
to resort to get even the organization of a company in legal shape
for its construction.

The original charter required a subscription of $500,000, with a
down payment of $50,000 — then a meeting of the subscribers was
to be called for the election of officers and the complete machineiy
of a corporation established. At this time the country was on the
highest wave of what was supposed to be prosperity, but it
collapsed on a frosty morning in May 1837, and thousands of men
who got up rich went to bed bankrupt at night, the country was
strewed with wrecks from Maine to the Gulf of Mexico, and they

EARLY SETTL ERS' ASSO CIA TION. ^'J

were not cleared off for years — nothing could be done with new
enterprises and little with old ones. — About 1843-'44 the Whig
tariff of 1842 began to bear fruit, and hopes of better times*
increased, and the people " thanked God and took courage," as diet
St. Paul when on his journej" to Damascus he saw the three
tavern signs on his road ahead. — At the session of 1845-'4(>
applications were made for several railroad charters between the
Lake and Columbus, which were granted and the $500,000 requisi-
tion for the road of the Cleveland company was reduced to $50,000
and the down payment to five per cent, on that sum, and commis-
sioners appointed for all of them. Thus in the Spring of 1846 there
were three or four rival projects for a road to Columbus from the
Lake, either in whole or part, but none of them were unfriendly to
Cleveland. We called a meeting of all the commissioners at
Mansfield, and at our request they all agreed to give us six months
to enable us to carry out our project, and if we were successful,
they would rest quieth^ as to theirs. We went to work actively in
getting rights of way, surveying several lines in whole or part,
seeking subscriptions, collecting money by donations for expenses,
etc., which we could get more readil}' than stock subscriptions, which
last were mostly subject to conditions. When the limitation
granted us was about expiring, we were not in a condition to
organize, and the writer of this went to Columbus to consult our
friends ; four of the most prominent men made this proposition,
that they would take one-half the required $50,000 and be directors
and that the writer should select four men at Cleveland and be
president, and that they should provide the other half of said sum,
and that a call should be made for a meeting of the subscribers at
the earliest day admissible at Columbus, and that on the question
of calling for payments the writer should vote with them, and that
their checks in the Clinton Bank, for the five per cent., should
be held till tliey were ready to pay them.

The writer for himself agreed to this offer, came home, and

his associates here assented, and at the meeting called, the records

and papers showed a full compliance with the law, the officers were

chosen, a corporation was formed and out of these devices grew

^98 ANNALS OF THE

this road of great aud immediate importance to Cleveland. The
requisitions of the law were not complied with in spirit or fact, but
■we made a good show on paper, nobod}- was hurt, nor was it meant
that anybod}' should be. As a matter of fact the subscriptions
and the Columbus checks were never paid specifically, Init the
makers aided in other waj'S. and what finally became of their
subscriptions and checks never was known ; but probably they
were put in some packages where they should not have been put, by
accident, and now repose among the old packages of papers in the
company's office.

In the light of much later events it is obvious that we were
decidedl}' verdant as railroad managers. In our ignorance and
honest simplicity we supposed it took money to construct railroads,
and that the money must be furnished by the projectors, and so it
was at that da)'. We should have employed printers and engravers,
run a Ihie or two, got estimates from some count}- surveyors?
ascertained that the cost would be, sa}- five million dollars, issued
ten millions in bonds and used half in replenishing our own pockets,
then issued as large an amount of common stock, and divided that,
finished the road after a fashion, declared one or two liberal
dividends, run the stock up to a high figure, and then sold out,
and if we could have swindled a few banks, so much the better,
and then emigrate to Canada or some other safe locality.

THE FARMERS' INN.

In the days of the early pioneers Paul P. Condit. of Euclid, was
known far and near as the popular landlord and proprietor of the
^' Farmers' Inn." This inviting home of the weary traveler was
located on the Lake Shore road leading through Euclid from
Buffalo to Detroit.

There is much in the character and career of Mr. Condit, that is
not only interesting, but exemplary and worthy of record. Yet
the want of space in these pages forbids amplification. Mr.
Condit was born at Momstowu, N. J., in 1784, and soon after com-

EARL Y SEl TLERS ASSOCIA TION. 99

pleting his education, and arriving at tlie age of manhood, visited
friends in Euclid, and liked the then '-far west" so well that he
concluded to remain. He engaged in business with Enoch Murray,
a merchant at Euclid, and was emplo_yed for some time in trans-
porting goods for his emplo3'er from Pittsburgh on pack-horses —
the usual method adopted in those earl}- times. In 1810, he
married Phebe McTlrath, a young lady of Euclid, who possessed
just the amiable, patient, and yei efficient traits of character, that
nre requisite in a wife destined to share the trials and hardships of
pioneer life. In 1819, Mr. Condit purchased 85 acres of land at
$3 per acre, on which he erected the " Farmers' Inn." He and his
wife took charge of the inn, or tavern as it was sometimes called,
and soon gave it a wide reputation for good cheer and ample fare,
and the result was, that inn received a liberal and a profitable
patronage. It was for many j-ears the favorite resort not onl}' of
travelers, but of social parties from the region round about. The
frank and pleasant manner in which guests were received at the
inn. and the generosity with which their wants were supplied, were
subjects of remark and general commendation. Mr. and Mrs.
Condit remained in charge of this inn for thirty or more years, and
in addition to the care of providing for its numerous guests, raised
a famil}' of children, five of whom still survive. Mr. Condit died
in 1851, at the age of 67 years. He was a gentleman of unblem-
ished character, who enjoyed the confidence of the public and the
respect of his fellow citizens. For some years he held the office of
postmaster at Euclid, and also that of assessor. Whatever he
undertook to do, was faithfully done. He has left an honorable
record, and his memorv will long be cherished.

Mrs. Condit, who still survives him. is now 87 j-ears of age. She
enjo^'S excellent health, and is still possessed of sound mental
powers. She has perfonned in her day a great work, and is in fact
a remarkable woman. She was born at Morristown, N. J., in 1707,
came to Euclid in 1807, when but a child, with her father Andrew
Mcllrath, who settled here. It was at his house that the first
church in Euclid was organized. It was a Presbyterian Church,
and consisted of but twelve members when organized. Mr.

100 ANSA IS OF THE

Andrew Mcllrath was a devout man. and did not think there could
exist a wholesome state of societ}- without the aid and influence of
a church and the promulgation of the Gospel. He furnished an
ancient silver-plated tankard, which had been brought over from
Scotland, and also plated cups which he purchased at Pittsburgh
for the communion service. Andrew was elected deacon. This
church still survives the many trials and vicissitudes through which
it has passed — a landmark of the pioneer days.

Mrs. Condit remembers vividly manj- incidents of interest con-
nected with her pioneer life. While mistress of the '• Farmers'
Inn," she did nearh^ all the housework, cooking and getting meals
for travelers, washing and caring for her children, and spinning the
flax and wool required for clothing the family. In spinning she
says that she often made her wheel go with all the noisy rapidit}' she
could, in order to drown the howl of the wolves and save her little
children from being scared b}- their dismal bowlings, especially in
the evening. At that early day tea cost 83 a pound, and was
brought from Pittsburgh in saddle-bags. It was used bv the
family on extra occasions. Sundays, and washing days. We also
made the ink we used. It was simply a decoction of maple bark and
copperas. We hunted along the bank of the lake, where we found
a supply of wild goose quills with which to write. We paid 25
cents postage on letters in those days. Aunt Shaw was my father's
sister. Mr. Shaw, her husband, was an Englishman highly
educated, who taught our school. It was he who endowed the old
academy known for many years as Shaw's Academy. The church
that was first built and organized at Euclid was a log-building.
After some 3-ears it was replaced by a frame building with a
steeple, when people came from far and near to see a church that
had a steeple. It was the greatest marvel of the times. AVe
had to go to Willoughb}' to mill to get our breadstuffs gi-ound.
It took three da^-s to go and return, and was considered a hazard-
ous undertaking, owing to the condition of the roads. We
did not like the mill at Newburgh. My Aunt Shaw invited
company one day, and was expecting flour from the mill
in time to make a short-cake for her guests, but was

EARL Y SETTLERS' ASSOCIA TION. 1()1

disappointed, and so slie stewed a pumpkin and flavored it in
a way that made it a very good substitute for cake. She was a
very hospitable, social and cheerful lad}-, and by some of her pious
friends was thought to be rather too ga}-. She at one time attended
a ball, and ventured to indulge in dancing a figure or two. For
this she was called to an account b}' the church, and censured.
She had no children of her own, but her husband kept a hired boy,
who at one time was ver}- anxious to attend a militar}- muster or
general training, but could not go for the want of respectable
clothing. Aunt Shaw, in the kindness of her heart, put a piece
into the loom, wove it, and in the course of the following da^^,
furnished the lad with a new suit of becoming apparel which made
him ver}' happy and enabled him to go to the general training.
These are but few of the many incedents of pioneer life which Mrs.
Condit remembers and delights to relate. Old as she is, she reads
the newspapers, keeps up with the times, and takes a deep interest
in politics and the welfare of our common country. She is one of
the few sincere, intelligent women of the carl}- times, who still
remain to tell the story of life's battle in the primitive wilds of the
Western Reserve.

IN MEMORIAM.

Another old pioneer of Cleveland has left us to join her kindred
who stand on the other side of the river to tender her a greeting of
love. Mrs. Catherine Spangler Lemen, an honored matron, who
has lived in Cleveland ever since it was a hamlet of a couple of
hundreds of inhabitants in 1815 — sixt3--nine years ago — passed
away early Monday morning, September 8th, 1884, at the residence
of her son-in-low, George Howe, fjsq. Her death will be mourned
by a large circle of friends who knew her only to have the highest
esteem for her man}- amiable traits of character.

Mrs. Lemen was born in Canton, 0., in the year 1811. In 1815
her parents moved to Cleveland, where the whole family has
resided. Her father kept what was known in those good old days
as Spangler's tavern on the site of the Miller Block, next west of

JQ2 ANNALS OF THE

the Excelsior building. In the 3-ear 1827 Mrs. Lemen was married
to the late William Lemen, and shortl}' afterwards he erected on
the site of the Hoffman Block, opposite the postofflce, the famous
residence known as "the stone cottage." This beautiful cottage
was a well-known land mark on account of its unique style of
architecture. It was one storj' high, with a front facing the
Square, of exactly the same width of the Hoffman Block, about sixty
feet. The roof extended over the front the entire length, and was
supported by eight beautiful stone columns. The cottage extended
the same distance on Superior street that the Hoffman Block does.
It was torn down about thirt}' years ago, when the present block
was erected. The columns have been preserved and were used to
erect the Grecian temple now on the family lot in Lake View,
where the remains of Mrs. Lemen will be interred. For over a
quarter of a century Mrs. Lemen presided in this cottage and
dispensed its well-kuown hospitality. Many regretted the removal
of that cottage, for it added much in its da^'s to the beaut}' of the
Square.

It is rare, indeed, that a person living in a hamlet of 200
inhabitants lives to see it blossom into a mighty and beautiful
cit}^ of 220,000 population. Such was the privilege Mrs. Lemen
had. It can be imagined how she could hardly realize the gi'cat
change that had occurred in the city in which she resided so long.
Soon none of the old settlers who were her cotemporaries will be
left to tell the story of the infancy of our magnificent city. Mrs.
Lemen was a lady of great benevolence of character, and. as a
life-long member of Trinity Church a most consistent Christian,
and was universally beloved b}' all who knew her. She left three
children, Mrs. William H. Sholl, Mrs. George Howe, and Mrs.
Walter Morison, of Columbus. She also left a brother. Miller M.
Spangler, Esci., of this city, and two sisters, Mrs. J. K. Miller and
Miss Harriet Spangler. The late Basil Spangler was a brother of
Mrs. Lemen.

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.

103

A COMPLETE LIST

OF THE

MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION.

Since its Organization, November 19th, 1879, to October 1st, 1884.

Total 591.

Came to

Name.

Where Born.

When.

Reserve. Died.

Abbey, Seth A.

New York,

1798

1831 1880

Ackley, J. M.

Ohio,

1835

Adams, Darius

Ohio,

1810

Adams, Mrs. Mary A.

Ohio,

1811

Adams, W. K.

New York,

1812

1881 1882

Adams, S. E.

New York,

1818

1837

Adams, Mrs. S. E.

Yei-mont,

1819

1839

Adams, G. H.

England,

1821

1840

Adams, E. E.

Ohio,

1880

1830

Adams, Mrs. E. E.

Ohio,

1836

Adams, CM.

Ohio,

1843

Addison, H. M.

Ohio,

1818

Aiken, Mrs. E. E.

New York,

1821

1835

Alleman, C. J.

Ohio,

1833

Allen, J. W.

Connecticut,

1802

1825

Andrews, S. J.

Connecticut,

1801

1825 1880

Andrews, Mrs. J. A.

Ohio,

1816

Angell, Greorge

Germany,

1830

1838

Anthony, Ambrose

Massachusetts,

1810

1834

Atwell, C. R

New York,

1818

1817

Avery, Rev. J. T.

New York,

1810

1839

Babcock, Chas. H.

Connecticut,

1823

1834

Babcock, P. H.

Ohio,

1816

Babcock, Mrs. P. H.

Ohio,

1841

104

Name.

Bailey, Robert
Bailey, Jno. M.
Baldwin, Dudley
Baldwin, Mrs. Dudley
Baldwin, N. C.
Banton, Thomas
Barber, Mrs. J. T.
Barber, Josiah
Barnett, Jas.
Barnett, Mrs. M. H.
Barr, Mrs. Judge
Bartlett, Nicholas
Bauder, Levi
Bauder, L. F.
Beauston, Jno.
Beardsley, 1. L.
Beardsley, Mrs. 1. L.
Beavis, B. R.
Beers, D. A.
Beers, L. F.
Belden, Mrs. Silas
Benedict, L. D.
Benham. F. M.
Berg, Jno.
Beverlin, John
Beverlin, Mrs. Gr.
Bingham, Elijah
Bingham, Mrs. Elijah
Bingham, William
Bingham, E. Beardsley
Bishop, J. P.
Bishop, Mrs. E. W.
Blackwell, Benj. T.
Blair, Mary Jane
Blair, Elizabeth
Blish, Mrs. A. M.
Bliss, Stoughton
Blossom, H. C.
Bolton, Mrs. Judge
Borges, J. F.
Bosworth, Milo
Bosworth, Mrs. L,

ANNALS OF THE

Where Born.

When.

Came to
Reserve.

Died.

1820

1834
1885

New York,

1809

1819

Connecticut,

1802

1816

England,

1816

1832

New Hampshire,
Ohio,

1804
1825

1818
1825

New York,

1821

1826

Grermany,
Connecticut,

1822

1820

1835
1,-37

. . . .

Massachusetts,

1822

1833

New York,

1812

1834

1882

Ohio,

1840

Scotland,

1810

1837

New York,

1819

1838

New York,

1821

1836

England,

1826

1834

1884

New Jersey,
Ohio,

1816
1823

1818
1823

1880

New York,

1808

1840

Vermont.

1827

1830

Connecticut,

1801

1811

Germany,

1817

1842

Pennsylvania,

1813

1834

Ohio,

1817

1842

New Hampshire,

1800

1835

1881

New Hampshire,
Connecticut,

1805
1816

1835
1836

Ohio,

1826

A^ermont,

1815

1836

188i

Ohio. ^

1821

New York,

1808

1832

Ohio,

1818

Ohio,

1820

New York,

1826

1837

Ohio,

1823

Ohio,

1822

1883

1822
1810
1806

1833
1835
1841

Germany,
New York,

New York,

1828

1847

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.

105

Came to

Name.

Where Born.

When.

Reserve.

Bowler, N. P.

New York,

1820

1839

Bowler, William

New York,

1822

1833

Brainard, Mrs. Stephen

Massachusetts,

1802

1S15

Brainard, G. W.

New Hampshire,

1827

1834

Brainard, Mrs. G. W.

Ohio,

1831

Branch, Dr. D. G.

Vermont,

1805

1833

Brayton, H. F.

New York,

1812

1836

Erett, J. W.

England,

1816

18H8

Brooks, 0. A,

Vermont,

1814

1834

Brooks, S. C.

Ohio,

1820

Brown, H.

Michigan,

1823

1837

Brown, Mrs. Hiram

England,

1822

1832

Buell, Anna M.

Ohio,

1837

JBuhrer, Stephen

Ohio,

1825

1844

Buhrer, Mrs. Stephen

Germany,

1828

1840

Bull, L. S.

Connecticut,

1813

1820

Burgess, Catherine

New Jersey,

1800

1830

Burgess, Solon

V ermont.

1817

1819

Burgess, L. F.

Ohio,

1823

Burke, 0. M.

Ohio,

1823

Burke, Thos.

New Y'ork,

1832

1839

Burnham, Thos.

New York,

1808

1833

Burnham, Mrs. M. W.

Massachusetts,

1808

1838

Burnett, Mrs. F. M.

Ohio,

1832

Burton, Mrs. Abby P.

"V^ermont,

1805

1824

Burton, Dr. E. D.

Ohio,

1825

Burwell, G. P.

Connecticut,

1817

1830

Burwell Mrs. L. C.

Pennsylvania,

1820

1824

Bury, Theodore

New York,

1839

Butts, S. C.

New Y^ork,

1794

1840

Butts, Bolivar

New I'ork,

1826

1840

Byerly, Mrs. F. X.

Ohio,

1834

Gaboon, Joel B.

New York,

1793

1810

Gaboon, Mrs. J. B.

Washington, D.C

1810

1842

Callester, J. J.

Isle of Man,

1818

1842

Callester, Mrs. M.

Isle of Man,

1824

1828

Cannell, John S.

Isle of Man,

1801

1828

Cannell, Thomas

Isle of Man,

1805

1834

Cannell, William

Isle of Man,

1811

1837

Cannon, Jas.

Isle of Man,

1814

1827

-Cannon, Jas. H., Sen.

Massachusetts,

1821

1833

■Carlton, C. C.

Connecticut,

1812

1831

Died.

1880

1882

1884

106

A^yALS OF THE

Came to

Name.

Where Born.

When.

Reserve.

Died.

Carson, Marshall

New York,

1810

1834

1882

Carver, Stickuey

New York.

1840

Case, Zophar

■ Ohio,

1804

1818

i884

Champuey, 3Irs. J. P.

Massachusetts,

1824

1841

Chapman, Gr. L.

Connecticut,

1795

1819

....

Chapman, Mrs. G. L.

New Hampshire,

1805

1827

....

Chapman, H. M.

Ohio,

1830

Chapman, Mrs. E. C.

Ohio,

1840

....

Charles, J. S.

New York,

1818

1832

Christian, James

Isle of Man,

1810

1838

. . . .

Clark, James F.

New York,

1809

1833

1884

Clark, E. A.

New York,

1825

1835

Clarke, Aaron

Connecticut,

1811

1832

1881

Clarke, 3Irs. Aaron

Connecticut,

1818

1843

Cleveland, J. D.

New York,

1822

1835

■ • • •

Coakley, Mrs. Harriett

New Jersey,

1897

1814

1884

Coe, S. S.

1808

1837
1814

1883

Colahan, Samuel

Canada,

Colahan, Chas.

Ohio,

183(3

1836

....

Condit, Mrs. Phebe

New Jersey,

1797

1807

Coon, John

New York,

1822

1837

....

Cook, W. P.

New York,

1825

1838

Cooley, Rev. Lathrop

New York,

1821

1828

Corlett, John

Isle of Man,

1816

1836

....

Corlett, Thomas

Isle of Man,

1820

1827

- . . .

Corlett, Wm. K.

Isle of Man,

1820

1837

....

Corlett, Mrs. M. H.

New York,

1829

1833

Cottrell, L. Dow

New York,

1811

1835

Cottrell, Mrs L. D.

New York,

1811

1833

Cowles, Edwin

Ohio,

....

1832

....

Cox, John

England,

1837

Cozad, Elias

New Jei'sey,

1790

1808

1880

Crable, J no.

Germany,

1828

1833

....

Craw, William V.

New York,

1810

1832

....

Crawford, Lucian

Ohio,

1828

....

Crawford, Mary E.

Ohio,

1834

....

Cridland, E. J. H.

Ohio,

1825

Crittenden, Mrs. M. A.

New York,

1802

1827

1882

Crocker, Mrs. D.

New York,

1796

1801

1881

Crosby, Thomas D.

Massachusetts,

1804

1811

. . . .

Crosby, 3Iary A.

Ohio,

1813

Cross, David W.

New York,

1836

. . . .

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.

107

Name.

Curtiss, Mary E.
Curtiss, L. W.
Curtis, Mrs. Samuel
Cushman, Mrs. H.
Cutter, O. P.
Davidson, C. A.
Davidson, Mary E.
Davis, L. L.
Davis, Mrs. Cynthia
Davis, Alfred
Davis, Julia E.
Davis, Thomas
Day, L. A.
Degnou, Mrs. M. A.
Denham, J. L.
Dentzer, Daniel
Denzer, Mrs. S.
Detmer, G. H.
Dibble, Lewis
Diebold, Fred.
Diemer, Peter
Doan, John
Doan, C, L.
Doan, Mrs. C. L.
Doan, Seth C.
Doan, W. H.
Doan, Mrs. W. H.
Doan, George
Doan. Norton
Doan, J. VV.
Dockstader, C. J.
Dodge. II. H.
Dodge, George C.
Dodge, Mrs. G. C.
Dodge, Wilson S.
Dorsett, Jno. W.
Douw, Mrs. Melissa
Dunham, D. B.
Dunham, Jno. L.
Dunn, Mrs. E. Ann
Dunn, ]Mrs. Elizabeth
Dutton Dr. C. F.

Came to

Where Born.

When.

Reserve.

Ohio,

1821

1842

New York,

1817

1834

England,

1824

1830

Ohio,

1820

Ohio,

182-1

1824

Ohio,

1837

Ohio,

1839

Connecticut,

1793

1839

Pennsylvania,

1818

1839

Sweden,

1814

1838

Ohio,

1834

England,

1799

1819

Ohio,

1812

New York,

1814

1837

Scotland,

1810

1835

Germany,

1815

1832

England,

1824

1837

Germany,

1801

1835

New York,

1807

1812

Ohio,

1840

Germany,

1827

1840

New York,

1798

1801

Connecticut,

1916

1834

Ohio,

1819

Ohio,

1828

New York,

1833

1844

Ohio,

1828

Ohio,

1831

Ohio,

1833

Ohio,

1838

Ohio,

1810

Ohio,

1813

Vermont,

1817

1820

Ohio,

1839

England,

1822

1832

New York,

1809

1831

New York,

1831

Scotland,

1810

1835

England,

1806

1834

New York,

1828

1834

New York,

1831

1837

r>kd.

1884

1883

188S

108

ANNALS OF THE

Came to

Name.

Where Bore.

When.

Eeserve.

Duty, D. W.

New Hampshire,

1804

1825

Eckerniann, M.

Germany,

1808

1842

Eckerraann, Caroline

Germany,

1807

1842

Edwards, K.

Ohio,

1818

Edwards, Mrs. S.

New York,

1819

1830

j:ddy, iMrs. J. Selden

Ohio,

1835

Elwell, J. J.

Ohio,

1820

Emerson, Oliver

Maine,

1804

1821

Erwin, John

New York,

1808

1835

Farr, E. S.

Pennsylvania,

1805

1819

Ferris, William

Pennsylvania,

1808

1815

Ferris, Amanda

Vermont,

1808

1820

Fey, Frederick

Germany,

1810

1832

Fish, Electa

New York,

1808

1811

Fitch, James

New York,

1821

1827

Fitch, J. W.

New York,

1823

1826

Flmt, E. S,

Ohio.

1819

1838

Flint, Mrs. E. S.

New York,

1824

1830

Foljambe, Samuel

England,

1804

1824

Foot, John A.

Connecticut,

1803

1833

Foot, Mrs. John A.

Pennsylvania,

1816

1832

Foot, A. E.

Connecticut,

1810

1830

Ford, L. W.

Massachusetts,

1830

1841

Fuller, William

Connecticut,

1814

1836

^Gage, D. W.

Ohio,

1825

Gardner, A. S.

Vermont,

1809

1818

Gardner, Mrs. A. S.

Ohio,

1814

Gardner, 0. S.

Ohio,

1840

Gardner, George W.

Massachusetts

1834

1837

Gates, S. C.

New York,

1813

1824

Gaylord, E. F.

Connecticut,

1795

1834

Gaylord, Mrs. E. F.

New York,

1801

1834

Gaylord, H. C.

Connecticut,

1826

1834

Gay ton, Mrs. M. A.

England,

1808

1832

Gibbons, Mrs. M. B.

Ireland,

■ 1829

1838

Gibbons, James

Ohio,

1840

Giddings. Mrs. C. M.

Michigan,

1805

1827

Gill, Mrs. M. A.

Isle of Man,

1812

1827

Giffin, Mrs. J. W.

Vermont,

1816

1844

Gilbert, Mrs. Mary D.

Ohio,

1830

Given, William

Ireland,

1819

1841

•Given, Mrs. M. E.

Ohio,

1825

Died.

1883
1884

1883

1884

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.

109-

Name.

Gleason, I. L.
Gleason, Mrs. I. L.
Glidden, Joseph
Goodwin, William
Gordon, Wm. J.
Gorhani, J. H.
Graham, Robert
Granger, Mrs. Lucy
Greene, S. C.
Greenhalgh, R,
Griswold, S. 0.
Hadlow, H. R.
Hamlen, C. L.
Handerson, Mrs. H, F.
Handy, T. P.
Haltuorth, Mrs. G.
Hamilton, A. J.
Hamlin, C. A. J.
Hax'beck, John S.
Harper, E. R.
Harris, Mrs. J. A.
Harris, B. C.
Harris, B, E.
Hastings, S. L.
Hawkins, H. C.
Hayden, A. S.
Hay ward, Wm. H.

Heil, Henry

Heisel. N.

Hendershot, Geo. B.

Heniy. R. W.

Herrick, R. R.

Hessenmueller, E,

Hickox, Charles

Hickox, Frank F.

Hills, N. C.

Hills, Mrs. N. C.

Hills, Chas. A.

Hills, Mary

Hine, Henrietta

Hird, Thomas

Hird, Mrs. Wm.

Came to

Where Born.

When.

Reserve.

Ohio,

1825

Ohio,

1832

Vermont,

1810

1841

Ohio,

1838

New Jersey,

1818

1835

Connecticut,

1807

1838

Pennsylvania,

1814

1834

England,

1818

1832

Ohio,

1822

1841

England,

1828

1840

Connecticut,

1823

1841

England,

1808

1835

Ohio.

1840

Ohio,

1834

New York,

1807

1832

Prussia,

1819

1836

Ohio,

1833

Connecticut,

1804

1816

New York,

1807

1840

Ohio,

1812

1S16

Massachusetts,

1810

1837

Ohio,

1832

Ohio,

1838

Massachusetts,

1813

1836

Ohio,

1822

Ohio.

1813

1835

Connecticut,

1822

1825

Germany,

1810

1832

Germany.

1816

1834

Ohio,

1826-

1826

New York,

1809

1818

New York,

1826

1836

Germany,

1836

Connecticut,

1810

1837

Ohio,

1844

Vermont,

1805

1831

New York,

1811

1831

England,

1818

1843

Scotland,

1821

1843

Ohio,

1810

England,

1808

1830

England,

1816

1832

Died..

1881.

1880'

1883.

• • • *

110

AKNALS OF THE

Came to

Name.

"Where Born.

When.

Reserve. Died.

Hodge, 0. J.

New York,

1828

1837

Honeywell, Ezra,

New York,

1822

1831

Howard, A. D.

Connecticut,

1803

1834

Hough, Mary P.

Ohio,

1816

House, Harriet

Connecticut,

1779

1818

House, Sani'l W.

Ohio,

1823

1828

House, Harriet F.

Ohio,

1826

House, Martin

Ohio,

1835

1 835

House, Carolina M

Ohio,

1838

1 838

Hubbell, H. S.

Ohio,

1832

1 832

Hubby, L. 31.

New Y'ork,

1812

1 839

Hudson, Mrs. C. Ingersoll

Ohio,

1819

Hudson, \V. P.

Ohio,

1820

Hudson, D. D.

Pennsylvania,

1824

1 8/,7

Hughes, Arthur

Vermont,

1807

] 840

Hughes, Mrs. p]liza

New Y'ork,

1814

ISU . ..

Hurlbut, Mrs. H. A.

Vermont,

1S09

1834 1882

Hurl but, H. B.

New York,

1818

1836 18b4

Hurlbut, Mrs. H. B.

New Y'ork,

1818

] S:]6

Hutchins, John

Ohio,

1812

Ingersoll, John

Ohio,

1824

ls2±

Ingham, W. A.

1829

1832
1835

Jackson, Chas.

England,

Jaynes, Harris

Ohio,

1835

Jay red, Wni. H.

New Jersey,

1831

1833

Jewett. A. A.

1813

1821
1835

Johnson, W. C.

Connecticut.

Johnson, A. M.

Ohio,

1823

Johnson, P. L.

Ohio,

1823

Johnson, Mrs. L. D.

Ohio,

1825

1834

Johnson, Charlotte A.

Pennsylvania,

1818

1821

Johnson, Mrs. Mary R.

New York,

1822

1833

Johnson, Seth W.

Connecticut,

1811

1833

Jones. Geo. AV.

Connecticut,

1812

1820

Jones, Mrs. Mary A.

Ohio,

1813

Jones, Thos., Jr.

England,

1821

1831

Jones, W. S.

Ohio,

1837

Keller, Henry

Germany,

1810

1832

Keller, Elizabeth

Germany,

1817

1836

Kelly. Mrs. Moses

Connecticut,

1807

1839

Kelley, Horace

Ohio,

1819

Kelsey, Mrs. L. A.

Connecticut,

1806

1837

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.

Ill

Name.

Kellogo;. A.
Kelloti"o;, Louisa
Kelly John
Kerr, Levi
Kerruish, W. S.
Keyser, James
Keyser, Mrs. James
Kingsbury, J as. W.
Lamb, Mrs. D. W.
Lathrop, C. L.
Lathrop, W. A,
Layman, S. H.
Lee, Mrs. R.
Lemen, Catharine
Leonard, Jarvis
Lewis, Chittenden
Lewis, CI. F.
Lewis, 8anford J.
Long, John
Lowman, Jacob,
Lyon, S. S.
Lyon, Mrs. S. S.
Lyon, 11. T.
Mackenzie, C. S.
Mallory, Daniel
Marble, Levi
Marble, Henry
Marshall, George F.
Marshall, Mrs. G. F.
Marshall, 1. H.
Marshall, Daniel
Marshall, Mrs. Daniel
Martin, Eleanor L.
Mather, Samuel H.
McCrosky. S. L. B.
Mcllrath, M. S.
Mcllrath, 0. P.
Mcintosh, A.
Mcintosh, Mrs. A.
McLeod, H. N.
McKinstry, J. P.
McKeynolds, Mrs. M. D.

Wliere Born.

Ohio,

Pennsylvania,

Ohio.

Ohio,

New York,

Ohio,

Massachusetts,

Connecticut,

New Hampshire,

Ohio,

^^ermontj

New York,

England,

Connecticut,

Ohio,

Illinois.

Maryland,

New York,

Vermont,

New York,

Ohio,

New York,

Vermont,

England,

New Hampshire,

Ohio,

New Jersey,

Ohio,

Scotland,

Canada,

Ohio,

Wheu.

1820
1821
1809
1822
1831
1818
1821
1813

1804
1813
1819
1837
1811
1810
1800
1822
1823
1810

1817

1822

1819

1809.

1801

1820

1811

1817

1818

1822

182-1

1830

1826

1813

1833

1842
1808
1809
1831
1842

Came to
Reserve.

1820

1821

1832

1822

18H1

lo32

1S21

1813

1837

1831

1816

1S31

1837

1815

1834

1837

1842

1832

1818

1822

1824

1836

1833

IS 30

1832

1836

1842

1841
1841
1832
1835
1833

1842
1836
1836
1837

1842

Died.

1881

1884

L882

1881

1883

112

.ANNALS OF THE

Came to

Name.

Where Born.

When.

Reserve. Died.

McReynolds, Rev. A.

Ireland,

1805

1842

Meeker. S. C.

Ohio,

1820

Merchant, Silas

Ohio,

1826

Merkel, M.

Germany,

1818

1840

• . .

Merkel, Mrs. M.

Germany,

1823

1834

> • •

Merwin, George B,

Connecticut,

1809

1816

...

Messer, J no.

Germany,

1822

1840

. . .

Miles, Mrs. E.

Ohio,

1816

. • .

Miles, Mrs. S. S.

Ohio,

1820

. • •

Miller, Wm. L.

Ohio,

1829

■ • .

Miller, Mrs. M.

Ohio,

1809

1820

. . .

Miller, Mrs. Augusta

New York,

1835

1844

. . •

Minor, Marion

New York,

1825

1831

. . .

Morgan, Mrs. H. L.

Massachusetts,

1820

1833

. . .

Morgan. Y. L.

Connecticut,

1797

1811

. . .

Morgan, Caleb

Connecticut,

1799

1811

. . .

Morgan, E. P.

Connecticut.

1807

1840

. . .

Morgan, I, A.

Connecticut,

1809

1811

. . .

JNIorgan, A. W.

Ohio,

1815

. , .

Morgan, 3Irs. A. W.

Ohio,

1821

. . .

Morgan, Mrs. N, Gr.

Ohio,

1815

1818

. . .

Morgan, H. L.

Ohio,

1832

. . . .

Morgan, Sarah H.

Ohio,

1838

Morrill, Elisa

Vermont,

1811

1834

• a •

Moses, Mary A.

Ohio,

1818

• • . •

Murphy, William

Ireland,

1810

1830

• » •

Myer, Nicholas

Germany,

1809

1834

> . ■

Mygatt, George

Connecticut,

1797

1807

■ ■ •

Neff, Melchor

Germany,

1826

1834

. . .

Newmark, S.

Bavaria,

1816

1839

Norton, C. H.

New York,

1805

1838 :

L881

Nott, C. C.

Connecticut,

1826

1835

O'Brien, 0. D.

Ohio,

1819

O'Brien, Delia R.

Vermont,

1813

1817 '

1882

O'Brien, Sylvia M.

Vermont,

1815

1835

• • • •

O'Connor, R.

Ohio,

1824

. ■ •

Ogram, J. W.

England,

1820

■ > ■

Ogram, Mrs. J. W.

Ohio,

1825

. . >

Outhwaite, Mrs. Jno.

Ohio,

1821

. . . .

Paddock, T. S.

New York,

1814

1836

• • > .

Paine, R. F.

New York,

1810

1815

. * •

Palmer, Sophia .

Ohio,;

1818

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.

113

Came to

Name.

Where Born.

When.

Kesei've.

Pali.Kn-, E. W.

New York,

1820

1841

Pahner, J. D.

Connecticut,

1831

1835

Panklmrst, Mrs. Sarah

England,

1812

1835

Pannell, James

New York.

1812

1832

Paniiell, Mrs. James

IMassachusetts,

1813

1835

Parker, Mrs. L. E.

Ohio,

1809

Parker, M. C.

Connecticut,

1810

1839

Parker, Henry

Ohio,

18i-4

1829

Payne, H. B.

New York,

1810

1833

Payne. Mrs. H. B.

Ohio,

1818

Payne, N. P.

Ohio,

1 837

1837

Pease, Samuel

Massachusetts,

1805

1828

Pease. Melissa

Ohio,

]81(j

1816

Pease, Charles

Ohio,

1811

1835

Pease, Mary E.

Connecticut,

1816

1835

Pelton, F. W.

Cotuiecticut,

18'27

1835

Penty, Thomas

England,

1820

1829

Peterson, A. Ct.

Ohio,

1843

Phillips, Mrs. Emily

Ohio.

1809

Phillips, B. F.

Ohio,

1833

Pier, 31 rs. L. J.

Ohio,

1823

Piper, A. J.

Vermont,

1814

1839

Pollock, John

Ohio,

1840

Porter, L. G.

Massachusetts,

180t)

1826

Prescott. James

Massachusetts,

1826

Proudfoot, Jno.

Scotland,

1802

1842

Proudfoot, D.

Scotland,

1809

1832

Punderson, D."

Ohio,

1814

Qnayle. Thos.

Isle of Man,

1827

Quayle, Thos. E.

Ohio,

1836

Quayle, W. H.

Ohio,

1838

(Quayle, (J. L.

Ohio,

1842

Quinii, Arthur

Ireland,

1810

1832

Radcliff, Mary A.

Isle of Man,

1822

1826

Ranney, Mrs. Anne

New York,

1811

1834

Ranney, Rufus P.

Massachusetts,

1813

1824

Ranney, W. S.

Ohio,

1835

Redington, J. A.

New York,

1818

1839

Redington, Mrs. C.

New York,

1821

1839

Rees. Mrs. L. Elvira

New York,

1834

1835

Remington, S. Cx.

New York,

1828

1834

Rice, Harvey

Massachusetts,

1800

1824

Died.

1884

[883

114

A^TNALS OF THE

Came to

Name.

Where Born.

When.

Reserve. Died

Rice. Mrs. Harvey

Vermont,

1812

1833

Rice, P. W.

Ohio,

1829

Robison, J. P.

New York.

1811

1832

Rogers, C. C.

Ireland,

1813

1839

Ross, Mrs. pmeline

Connecticut,

1810

1814

Rouse, Rebecca E.

Massachusetts,

1799

1830

Rouse. B. F.

Massachusetts,

1824

1830

Rowley, Lucy A.

Connecticut,

1805

1827

Ruple, S. D.

Ohio,

1808

Ruple, Mrs. Anna

Ohio,

1814

Ruple, James R.

Ohio,

1810

Rnple, Mrs. James. R.

Ohio,

1814

Russell, C. L.

New York,

1810

1835

Russell, George H.

New York,

1817

1834

Sabin. William

New York,

1817

1839

Sabin, Mrs. Wm.

New York,

1821

1838

Sacket, Alex.

Pennsylvania,

1814

1835

Sacket, Mrs. Alex.

Ohio,

1815

Sanford, Mrs. A. S.

Rhode Island,

1803

1825

Sanford, A. S.

Connecticut,

1805

1829

Sargent, C. H.

New York,

1819

Sargent, John H.

New York,

1814

1818

Saxton, J. C.

"N^ermont,

1812

1818

Saxton, Mrs. E. A.

Maine,

1821

1833

Schiely, Mrs. Anna

(jermany,

1832

Scovill. Mrs. J. Bixby

Ohio,

1800

1816

Scovill, E. A.

Ohio,

1819

Selden, N. D.

Connecticut,

1815

1831

Selden, Mrs. Elizabeth

Ohio,

1819

Severance, S. L.

Ohio,

1834

Severance, Mrs. M. H,

Ohio,

....

Sexton, Jehiel

1811

1833

Sharp, Clayton

Ohio,

Shelden, S. H.

New York,

1813

1835

Shelley. John

England,

1815

1835

Shepard, D. A.

Connecticut,

1810

1833

Shepard, Mrs. Wni.

Vermont,

1828

1835

Sherwin, Ahimaaz

Vermont,

1792

1818 ]

L881

Sherwin, Mrs. S. M.

New York,

1809

1827

Short, Lewis

Connecticut,

1811

1827

Short, Helen

New Hampshire,

1811

1828

Short, David

Connecticut,

1818

1827

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.

115

Came to

Name.

Where Born.

When.

Kes^erve. Died.

Shunk, Mrs. A. H.

Ohio,

1824

Silberg, F.

Germany,

1804

1834

Sininioiis, Isaac 13.

1806
1832

1836

Simmons, Thomas

Ohio,

1832

Skedd, W. V.

England,

1816

1833

Skinner, 0. B.

Ohio,

1831

Slade, Samantha Doan

Ohio,

1817

Slade, Horatio

England,

1827

1834 1882

Slawson. J. L.

Michigan,

1806

1812

Smith, Erastus

Connecticut,

1790

1832 1881

Smith, Erastus

Connecticut,

1802

1833

Smith, W. T.

New Fork,

1811

1836

Smith, Mrs. Wm.

1811
1821

1836

Smith, Elijah

Connecticut,

1832

Smith, Mrs. E. L.

Connecticut,

1836

Sorter, C. N.

New York,

1812

1831

Sorter, Harry

New York,

1820

1831

Soutlnvorth, Mrs. E.

Connecticut,

1801

1819

South worth, W. P.

Connecticut,

1819

1836

Spalding, Ft. P.

Massachusetts,

1798

1820

Spangler, Mrs. Elizabeth

Maryland,

1790

]820 1880

Spangler, M. M.

(,)hio,

1813

1820

Spangler, Mrs. M. N.

Canada,

1820

1835

Spayth, A.

Germany,

1800

1832

Spencer, T. P.

Connecticut,

1811

1832

Spring, V.

Massachusetts,

1799

1817

Stanley, G. A.

Connecticut,

1837

Starkweather, Mrs. Sam'l

Connecticut,

1810

1825

Stephenson, Wm.

Pennsylvania,

1804

1833

Sterling, Dr. E.

Connecticut,

1825

1827

Stevens, C. C.

Maine,

1819

1833

Stewart, C. C.

Connecticut,

1817

1836

Steward, J. S.

Ohio,

1818

Stickney, Mrs. C. B.

Canada, "

1836

Stickney, Hamilton

New York,

1824

1830

Stillman, W. H.

Connecticut,

1808

1833

Strickland. Mrs. H. W.

Ohio,

1834

Strickland, B._

A'^ermont,

1810

1835

Strong, Homer

Connecticut,

1811

1836

Strong, Charles H.

Ohio,

1831

ISSl

Taylor, Harvey

Ohio,

1814

1814 1880

Taylor, Jas.

Ohio,

1814

116

Name.

Thomas, Jetferson
Thompson, Thos.
Thompson, H. V.
Thompson, Mrs. H. Y.
Tilden, D. R.
Townsend, H. Gr.
Truscott, Samuel
Turner, S. W.
Vincent, J. A.
Wackerman, Wendell
Wager, A. M,
Wager, I. D.
Walters, B. C.
Walters, John R.
Walworth, John
Warner, W. J.
Warren, Moses
Warren, Mrs. J. Y.
Warren, Mrs. Wm. H.
Waterman, Wm.
Watterson, Jno. T.
Watterson. Mrs. M.
Watkins, George
Weidenkopf, Mrs. Celia K.
Weidenkopf, F.
Weidenkopf, Mrs. 0.
Weidenkopf, Jacob
Welch, 0. F.
Welch, John
Welch, Jas. S.
Wellstead, Joseph
Welton, F. J.
Wemple, Myndret
Weston, George B.
Wheller, Jane
Wheller, B. S.
Whipple, Mrs. R. B.
Whitaker, Charles
White, Moses
Whitelaw, George
Whittlesey, H. S.
Wick, C. C.

ANNALS OF THE

Came to

Where Born.

When.

Reserve. Died.

Ohio,

1809

England,

1814

1836 1884

New York,

1816

1839

Vermont,

1823

1837

Connecticut,

1806

1828

New York,

1812

1834

Canada,

1829

1838

Connecticut,

1813

1832

Pennsylvania,

1807

1839

Germany,

1817

1833

New York,

1818

1819

Ohio,

1820

New York,

1807

1837

New York,

1811

1834

Ohio,

1821

Vermont,

1808

1831 ]

L883

Connecticut,

1803

1815

New York,

1816

New York,

1819

1833

Ohio,

1818

Ohio,

1828

New York,

1828

1829

Connecticut,

1812

1818

Germany,

1832

1838 -

. . .

Germany,

1819

1837

. . .

Alsace,

1819

1830

Germany,

1828

1837

. . .

1800

1817
1825

New York,

Ohio,

1821

> > ■

England,

1817

1837

New York,

1796

1818

Massachusetts,

1805

1826

England,

1831

. . .

England,

1836

New York,

1815

1844

a • •

New York,

1817

1831

Massachusetts,

1791

1816 1

l881

Scotland,

1808

1832

. • •

Ohio,

1836

Ohio,

1813

1835.

. . .

£:ARLY SETTLERS' A SSO CIA TION.

117

Came to

Name.

Where Born.

When.

Reserve.

Died.

Wightniaii, D. L.

Ohio,

1817

Wightinan, Mrs. D. L.

Ohio,

1822

Wiglitinau, S. H.

Ohio,

1819

Wightnian, Mrs. Sarah L.

Ohio,

1824

Williams, (Jeorge

Connecticut,

1799

1833

Williams, William

Connecticut,

1803

1836

Williams, Juo.

England,

1817

1832

Williams, A. J.

New York,

1829

1840

Williams, Mrs. Elizabeth

New York,

1812

1833

Williamson, Samuel

Pennsylvania,

1808

1810

1884

Wilcox, Norman

Connecticut,

1793

1829

Willson, Mrs. H. V,

Michigan,

1802

1835

1884

Wilson, Fred.

New York,

1807

1832

Wilson, William

Ohio,

1819

Wilson, Jas. T.

Ohio,

1828

1840

Winch, Thomas

New York,

1806

1832

Winslow, E. N.

North Carolina,

1824

1830

Wood, H. B.

New York,

1813

1817

. . .*.

Wood, Mrs. D. L.

1821

1840

Wood, Mrs. M. S.

Michigan,

Younglove, M. C.

New York,

1836

SUMMARY,

Total number of Members, 591

Died, 52

Livinj^, 539

Ug aMnals of the

HONORARY MEMBERS.

Garfield, James A. — Late President of the United States; born at

Orange, 0., 1831 ; came to the Western Reserve, 1831 ; died, 1881;

home at Mentor, 0.
Garftkld, Mrs. Lucretia R.^ — Wife of the late President Garfield ; born

in Ohio, 1832 ; came to the Reserve, 1832 ; home at Mentor, O.
Garfikld, Mrs. Eliza B. — Mother of the late President Garfield; born

in Connecticut, 1801 ; came to the Reserve, 1830 ; home at Men-
tor, 0.
HoADLY, George. — Governor of Ohio; born in Connecticut, 1826; came

to the Reserve, 1830 , home at Cincinnati, 0.
Wood, Mrs. Mary. — Wife of the late Governor Wood; born in Vermont,

1798; came to the Reserve in 1818; home at Rockport, 0.
Taylor, Hon. Lester. — Born in Connecticut, 1798; came to the Reserve

in 1819J home at Claridon, 0.
Edwards, Hon. Jno. M. — Born in Connecticut, 1805; came to the

Reserve in 1832; home at Youngstown, 0.
BissELL, Rev. Samuel. — Born in Massachusetts. 1797; came to the

Rererve, 1806; home at Twinsburg, 0.
Bolles, Ret. Dr. Jas. A. — Born in Connecticut, 1810; came to the

Reserve, 1834; home at Cleveland, 0.
Crosby, Chas. — Born in Massachusetts, 1801 . came to the Reserve, 1832;

home at Chicago, 111.
Green, Ret. Almon. — Born in Connecticut, 1808 ; came to the Reserve,

1810; home at East Cleveland, 0.
Beebe, Laurel. — Born in Connecticut, 1809; came to the Reserve, 1818;

home at Ridgeville, 0.
Punderson, Daniel. — Born in Ohio, 1814; came to the Reserve, 1814;

home at Newbury, O.

Total, 13

Died, - - 1

Living, 12

EA RL Y SETTLERS' A SSOCIA TION. ]^ ;[ 9

CONSTITUTION,

AS AMENDED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING OF 1883.

ARTICLE I.

This Association shall be known as the " Early Settlers'
Association op Cuyahoga County," and its members shall
consist of such persons as have resided in the Western Reserve at
least forty 3-ears, and are citizens of Cuyahoga County, and who
shall subscribe to this Constitution and pay a membership fee of
one dollar, but shall not be subject to further liabilit}^ except that
after one year from the payment of such membership fee, a con-
tribution of one dollar will be expected from each member, who is
able to contribute to the same, to be paid to the Treasurer at every
annual re- union of the Association, and applied in defraying
necessary expenses.

ARTICLE II.

The officei's of this Association shall consist of a President,
two Vice-Presidents, Secretary and Treasurer, with the addition of
an Executive Committee of not less than five persons, all of which
officers shall be members of the Association and hold their offices
for one year, and until their successors are duly appointed and
the}^ accept their appointments.

ARTICLE III.

The object of the Association shall be to meet in convention on
the 22d of July, or the following day if the 22d fall on Sunday,
each and every year, for the purpose of commemorating the day
with appropriate public exercises, and bringing the members
into more intimate social relations, and collecting all such facts,
incidents, relics, and personal reminiscences respecting the early
histor}' and settlement of the County and other parts of the
Western Reserve, as may be regarded of permanent value, and
transferring the same to the Western Reserve Historical Society
for preservation ; and also for the further purpose of electing
officers and transacting such other business of the Association as
may be required.

120 AN^'ALS OF THE EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.

ARTICLE IV.

It shall be the duty of the President to preside at public meetings
of the Association, and in his absence the like duty shall devolve
upon one of the Vice-Presidents. The Secretary shall record in a
book provided for the purpose the proceedings of the Association,
the names of the members in alphabetical order, with the ages and
time of residence at the date of becoming members, and conduct
the necessarA' correspondence of the Association. He shall also
be regarded as an additional member, ex-officio, of the Executive
Committee, and may consult with them but have no vote. The
Treasurer shall receive and pay out all the moneys belonging to the
Association, but no moneys shall be paid out except on the joint
order of the Chairman of the J]xecutive Committee and Secretary
of the Association. No debt shall be incurred against the
Association by any officer or member beyond its ready means of
payment.

ARTICLE V.

The Executive Committee shall have the general supervision
and direction of the affairs of the Association, designate the hour
and place of holding its annual meetings, and publish due notice
thereof, with a programme of exercises. The committee shall also
have power to fill vacancies that may occur in their own bod}' or
in an}- other office of the Association, until the Association at a
regular meeting shall fill the same, and shall appoint such number
of subordinate committees as they may deem expedient. It sh:ill
also be their duty to report to the Association at its regular annual
meetings the condition of its affairs, its success and prospects,
with such other matter as they may deem important. They shall
also see that the annual proceedings of the Association, including
such other A'aluable information as they ma}- have received, are
properly prepared and published in pamphlet form, and gratui-
tousl}' distributed to the members of the Association, as soon as
practicable after each annual meeting.

ARTICLE YI.

At any annual or special meeting of the Association the
presence of twent}' memljers shall constitute a quorum. No
special meetings shall be held, except for business purposes and
on call of the Executive Committee. This Constitution ma}- be
altered or amended at any regular annual meeting of the Associa-
tion on a three-fourths vote of all the members present, and shall
take effect, as amended, from the date of its adoption.

ANNALS

OF THE

Early Settlers' Association

CUYAHOGA COUNTY J/^s

NUMBER VI.

Published by Order of the Executive Committee,

CLEVELAND, O: WILLIAM W. WILLIAMS.

THE

NEW YORK

PUBLIC LIBRARY

Astor, Lenox and^J-llden

mi.

OFFICERS OF THE ASSOCIATION,

1885.

Hon. Harvey Rice, President.

Hon. John \V. Allen, |

^■Vice-Presidents.
Mrs. J. A. Harris, )

Thomas Jones, Jr., Secretary.

Solon Burgess, Treasurer.

Rev. Thomas Corlett, Chaplain.

David L. Wightman, Marshal of the Day.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

George F. Marshall,
R. T. Lyon,
Darius Adams,
John H. Sargent,
M. M. Sprangler,
Wilson S. Dodge,
Solon Burgess.

THE EARLY SETTLERS' ANNIVERSARY,

JULY 22, 1885.

The Early Settlers' Association of Cuyahoga county held their reunion,
on return of their anniversary, at the Tabernacle, Ontario street, in the
city of Cleveland. The assemblage was large, and many new member-
ships were secured. The platform in the hall of the tabernacle was
decorated with a rich profusion of flowers. The exercises commenced
at 1 1 o'clock a. m. and were of a very interestmg character. The open-
ing prayer was made by the chaplain. Rev. Thomas Corlett, followed by
the song — "Auld Lang Syne" — delightfully rendered by Mrs. Grace
Tod Lohmann, of Akron. In addition to this fovorite and gifted song-
stress, the German orchestra with stringed instruments was present and
discoursed sweet music at intervals in the exercises. The following is
the introductory address delivered by Hon. Harvey Rice, President of
the association.

ADDRESS.

Ladies and Gentlemen: This is a day that recalls pleasant memories.
We hail its return with joy, because it gives us as a fraternity of early
settlers an opportunity to exchange heartfelt congratulations on the score
of " old acquaintance" that cannot and should not be forgotten. We
have reached the sixth anniversary of our association since its organiza-
tion. When first organized the association consisted of less than twenty
members. We have now over six hundred memberships. The num-
ber has rapidly increased from year to year. The association is com-
posed of men and women, early settlers, who have resided within the
limits of the Western Reserve for at least forty years, and who are at

6 ANNALS OF THE

the time of becoming members citizens of Cuyahoga county. The an-
nual fee is but $1. In return the members receive a free luncheon at
the reunions, together with a gratuitous copy of the " Annals " published
by the executive committee. The object of the association is to gather
such crumbs of pioneer history pertaining to the Western Reserve as
may be of permanent value, so that " nothing be lost," and at the same
time give to the annual meeting of the association such a degree of
social enjoyment as shall render its work as delightful as it is useful
and praiseworthy. In doing this we not only consolidate old friend"
ship, but bequeath to posterity and to the world a legacy that will be
appreciated. The pioneer life of the Western Reserve can never be
repeated. The men and women who were known as original pioneers
possessed not only a high degree of intelligence and enterprise, but ex-
hibited a heroism that was absolutely invincible. The plucky spirit of
Puritanic blood flowed in their veins. The age in which they lived
might well be called the " heroic age " of the Western Reserve. They
possessed inventive genius as well as heroism, sought out many inven"
tions, rude as they might be, and thus adapted themselves and their
needs to circumstances. It was they who conquered the wilderness and
bequeathed to us a comparative paradise. Hence it is that every scrap
of their history has become not only interesting, but conveys a valuable
lesson. It is certain that the Western Reserve has a gigantic destiny,
and is endowed with gigantic power. We see what she now is, but who
can predict what she will be in the distant future, in the next century, in
the next ten centuries ? Show me the prophet who can foretell, and I will
show you a man who is " more than a prophet."

But let us drop the prophets and ask what we as an association have
done. We have gathered and published in a series of pamphlets, known
as " Annals," five hundred and thirty-seven octavo pages of historical
reminiscences of pioneer life. These pamphlets have been much sought,
and read with interest, and have found their way into many public and
private libraries, both in the eastern and western states. The work we
are doing has led to the formation of similar associations in different
counties of the state, in addition to those that existed at an earlier date.
Not long since a " State Archaeological and Historical Society " was or-
ganized and incorporated at Columbus, composed of several hundred

EARLY settlers' ASSOCIATION. 7

gentlemen of the state. This society holds its annual meeting at Colum-
bus on the nineteenth of February. Hon. Allen G. Thurman is the
president of the society, and A. A. Graham secretary. It solicits mem-
berships from every part of the state. Its object is to promote and dis-
semmate a knowledge of archaeology and history, especially of Ohio-
It depends for its support on the annual dues received from its
members. It is a promising institution and should be encouraged. It
is engaged in a work of general benefit to the public, and should
receive aid from the legislative authority of the state. It has its cen-
tral office at Columbus.

Another enterprise that deserves liberal encouragement, as it seems
to me, has recently been inaugurated at Cleveland. I allude to the
Magazine of Western History, published monthly by W. W. Wil-
liams. Its aim is a meritorious one, and its matter and style of execu-
tion highly creditable to the publisher. It is a monthly bouquet of
fresh history, if not of fresh flowers. We have already taken some
steps as an association relative to the erection of a statue in honor of
General Moses Cleaveland, the founder of the beautiful city that bears
his name — a city of which we all are proud, A more graceful thing
could hardly be done. The project is one which, I believe, is generally
approved by public sentiment. It is proposed to meet the cost by
soliciting subscriptions. A special committee was appointed at our
last meeting for this purpose. But, owing to the financial stringency of
the times and the lack of a specific plan of the monument and estimate
of its cost, the committee has wisely deferred action. An effort has been
made, however, to ascertain the approximate cost of a granite monument
ten feet high, surmounted by a life-size and a life-like bronze statue of
General Cleaveland. It is believed that a monument of this charac-
ter could be erected at the moderate cost of four or five thousand
dollars. I would suggest that our executive committee, who are
certainly proper persons, be requested to take this matter of the
monument in hand, determine the plan, ascertain the actual cost,
and with this information present the project to our generous citi-
zens, and solicit the requisite subscriptions. If this were done I
doubt not the project would receive a cheerful response, and we,
in the course of another year, would all have the gratification of

8 ANNALS OF THE

seeing an appropriate monument of the founder of our city grace
ts central park in association with the Perry monument. Such
a monument would be a perpetual lesson to the young, and an
honor to the age that erected it. Our association has an object. It
combines the useful with the social. It should always have an object,
if it would perpetuate itself. There will always be a past and a present.
The relics of the past will always be sought by the present. The living
present will soon become the dead past. When a century or two has
elapsed, we of to-day, with our manners, customs, and habits of life
will become relics and curiosities, and the generations of the unborn
future will gather such fragmentary evidences of our past existence as
they can find, and preserve them in cabinets and historical rooms for
the inspection of antiquarians and inquisitive idlers. It is doubtless
true that the moral as well as the physical world moves in a circle. Be
this as it may, we as a fraternity have much to encourage us in our
philanthropic work — a work that affords us much social pleasure in the
execution of it. These annual reunions of ours give zest to life. They
not only recall the happy days of our youth, but strengthen the ties of
early friendships that bind us in age as with golden heartstrings that can
never be broken. It is in this way that we may share a degree of
heaven-life on earth, and thus catch a foretaste of the purer life that
awaits the "just made perfect" in the better land.

REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

The chairman being absent, John H. Sargent, a member of the
committee, reported verbally that the association is in a flourishing con-
dition, and during the past year has received a liberal accession to the
number of its memberships. This association is accomplishing its
work with all the success that could be expected, while its entire har-
mony and cordiality seem to unite its members not only m the interests
of a common work, but in the bonds of a common brotherhood.

EARLY settlers' ASSOCIATION. 9

REPORT OF THE TREASURER.

Cleveland, O., July 22, 1885.

At the last annual meeting of the Society, there was on hand $ 14 00

281 members have paid $1 each 281 00

57 new members have been admitted 57 00

Making a total of $352 00

DISBURSEMENTS.

H. M. Addison— collected five members $

300 postal cards

Money returned to T. Quayle ,

Money returned to J . R. Ruple

'Brainard — use piano

Schueren — decorations

H. Weisgerber — refreshments ,

Postal cards

Printing programmes

Printing Annals 144 00

Ryder — framing pictures 5 81

H. M. Addison — eighty members 20 00 $327 06

; I

112

Balance cash on hand $ 24 09

Solon Burgess,

Treasurer.

REPORT OF THE MONUMENT COMMITTEE.

The chairman of the committee, Hon. R. P. Spalding, reported that
the committee had taken no definite action in reference to obtaining sub-
scriptions for erecting a monument in honor of Gen. Moses Cleaveland,
for the reason that the stringency of the times and the want of a specific
plan of the monument and estimate of its cost, led the committee to
think its action should be delayed until another year, and then that such
action should be taken as the association might deem advisable.

NECROLOGICAL REPORT BY THE CHAPLAIN.

The following are the names of the members of the Early Settlers'
association, so far as I have been able to ascertain, who have departed
this life since the last annual meeting of our association. Mrs. Mary

10 ANNALS OF THE

Adams, Josiah Barber, Mrs. Eliza Harris Chapman, Thomas Davis, Eras-
tus F. Gaylord, W. C. Johnson, Mrs. Catharine Lemen, Caleb Morgan,
Hon. George Mygatt, W. P. Cook, Mrs. D. W. Lamb, Rev. A. McRey-
nolds, Hon. N. P. Payne, Alexander Sacket, T. P. Spencer, Mrs. Louisa
Kellogg, F. Weidenkoff, George Angell, Homer Strong, Mrs. M. A.
Gayton, Le/i Kerr, Mrs. Julia L Warner, Jonas S. Welch, William Ful-
ler, Amanda Ferris, and Charles Crosby, an honorary member.

Thomas Corlett, Chaplain.

The report was followed by instrumental music, a sweet plaintive air,
rendered by the German orchestra.

RESOLUTIONS.

On motion the following resolutions were adopted :

Resolved, I'hat our present executive committee of five be increased
to seven, and that Wilson S. Dodge and Solon Burgess be, and they are
hereby appointed additional members of said committee.

Resolved, That said Executive committee be requested to meet with-
in ten days and organize by electing a chairman and secretary, and pro-
ceed to secure the erection of a monument in honor of Gen. Moses
Cleaveland, the founder of the city of Cleveland, to be placed, the city
council permitting, in the central park of the city, the pedestal of said
monument to be granite, ten feet high, surmounted with a life-size bronze
statue of the general, and having first procured a lithograph of the design,
with an estimate of actual cost, proceed to solicit subscriptions from the
citizens generally to defray the expense, and when a sufificient amount
has been subscribed, contract for the monument as herein suggested, and
report results to the next annual meeting of this association.

Resolved, That David L. Wightman be and he is hereby appointed
Marshal of the Day, of the Early Settlers' association, whose duty it
shall be to see that its exercises and arrangements at its annual meetings
are conducted in such orderly manner as will best promote the comfort
and enjoyment of its members.

Resolved, That the secretary be requested to prepare and publish in

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. II

the next number of the Annals a complete index to the six numbers of
the Annals that will then have been issued, giving page and number.

On leave, H. M. Addison introduced the following resolution which
was read and referred to the executive committee. —

Resolved, That this association caused to be prepared an engraved
certificate of membership, a copy of which shall be furnished to each
member.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS.
On motion the following officers were elected for the ensuing year :

President, Hon. Harvey Rice.

•„. D J J ( Hon. John W. Allen.
Vice- Presidents, < ,^ t tj tt

' ( Mrs. J. H. Hams.

Secretary, Thomas Jones Jr.

Chaplain, Rev. Thomas Corlett.

Marshal of the Day, David L. Wightman.

Executive Committee, George F. Marshall, R. T. Lyons, Darius
Adams, John H. Sargeant, M. M. Spangler, Wilson S. Dodge and Sol-
on Burgess.

WHAT I REMEMBER.

a paper read by john h. sargent.

Mr. President : — '

The second decade of the present century may fairly be said to form
the lowest strata of civilization in Cuyahoga county. Among the upper
beds of that formation I find myself.

In the spring of i8i8, Levi Sargent stowed himself, wife and four
children away in the hold of a little schooner, at the mouth of the
River Raisin, now Monroe, Michigan, and ran down to the little hamlet
at the mouth of the Cuyahoga.

We came to anchor off the mouth of the sand-barred entrance, and
were taken to the shore in lighters. After a short sojourn at the then
Grand Hotel of the place, Noble H. Merwin's — where we children had

12 ANNALS or THE

for our playmates, George, Gus and Minerva Merwin, the eldest of
whom, George, is still one of us — we domiciled ourselves with *' Uncle
Abram " on Euclid street, near what is now Bond street — " Levi " (being'
also a blacksmith) and " Abram " struck their irons while they were hot
together on Superior street, near where the Weddell house now stands.
It becoming necessary to swarm, we soon after moved into a little red
house on Water street, about where the Board of Trade building now
stands.

The notorious VVm. G. Taylor, also from " River Raisin," came soon
after and built a palace, for those times, on Water street, overlooking
the lake.

Orlando Cutter dealt out groceries and provisions at the top of
Superior lane, looking up Superior street to the woods in and beyortd
the public square, and I still remember the sweets from his mococks of
Indian sugar. Nathan Perry sold dry goods, Walsworth made hats, and
Tewell repaired old watches on Superior street.

Dr. Long dealt out ague cures from a little frame house nearly
opposite Bank street, at first ; but not long after from a stone house that
stood a little back from Superior street, about where Baldwin's store
now is. His daughter Mary, now Mrs. Severance, we have still among
us ; his son Solon died young. These, with his ward, Catharine Phelps,
were among our schoolmates, in a little two-roomed schoolhouse,
standing on St. Clair street, where the central fire department now is.
This house sufficed for the whole town, both sides of the river

The " Ox Bow, Cleveland centre," was then a densely wooded
swamp. Alonzo Carter lived on the west side of the river, opposite the
foot of Superior lane. He was a great hunter ; with his hounds he
would drive the deer onto the sand spit between the lake and the old
river bed, where they would take to the water, when Carter's unerring
aim would convert them into venison.

Brooklyn township was originally owned by Samuel P. Lord of
Connecticut, and his son-in-law, Josiah Barber, came at about that time
to occupy the land. He built a log house on what is now the corner
of Pearl and Franklin streets. This log house gave way about 1825
to the first brick house west of the river — my present residence.

Josiah Barber became one of the men of mark in the new settlement.

EARLY settlers' ASSOCIATION. 1 3

He was one of the fathers of the Episcopal church, especially west of
the river. He also established there its first manufactory— a distillery —
and was elected successively justice of the peace and judge of the
court, and in company with his brother-in-law, Richard Lord, gave the
village of Brooklyn, now the West Side, its first boom.

Levi Sargent " Greelyized " and crossed over to Brooklyn in 1819,
and built there its first smithy, and one of the first frame houses on Pearl
street, near Franklin. Himself and his wife lived to the good old age
of eighty-four. A son was born to them in 1819, on Water street. Of
their five children only one has died, our lamented sister Mrs. Eliza
Harris Chapman, who has passed away since our last meeting, in her
eightieth year. You would hardly find a better record of longevity in all
New England.

The land along the old river bed was a marshy and wooded swamp,
and I well remember my father killing a bear near the site of the pres-
ent water works.

Walworth Run was a little mill stream of crystal waters. Chapman
and Foote built a paper mill on it, opposite where Monroe street ceme-
tery now is. A carding machine stood just below " The Wooster Turn-
pike," now Pearl street, while lower down was Kelley's flouring mill.
The carding machine afterwards fell into the hands of Elijah F. Willey,
a Baptist clergyman, who turned it into a brewery. When we look back
and see that the leaders in religion were the introducers of strong drink,
while now they are the leaders in its suppression, we can take courage,
and have some hope yet for this soiled world of ours.

Tom A. Young and Philo Scovill were back in the forests of Big
Creek with their saw mills.

These are the recollections of a lad from four to nine years of age —
it would not be strange if they were a "little off" in some particulars,
but they are very vivid in my memory and seem as of yesterday.

From 1823 to 1833, Cleveland's progress is a blank to me.

In the winter of 1823, a Mr. Harris from Boston, a little settlement up
the river, took Asa Foote, my mother and myself, in a two horse sleigh,
from here to Vermont, in the remarkably quick time of two weeks to the
Hudson river. My grandfather claiming me, I remained with him until
1833, when a severe attack of the western fever carried me off — or

14 ANNALS OF THE

rather brought me back to Cleveland. How great had been the change
in that ten years ! When I left, the Walk-in-the- Water puffed solitary and
alone upon the lake, awaking the echoes with her signal gun off our
literally land-locked river. Returning, I found the lake alive with
steamers and white winged messengers, able to range along the river
docks with great warehouses ready to receive and give them freight.
The river was alive with packets, line boats, and scows, which passed
freely between the waters of the two gulfs. Water was king. The land
lubbers had few rights the jolly tars were bound to respect. A single
bridge, a bridge of logs, had taken the place of the old time ferry. From
that little float bridge to the viaduct, the "bridge war" was constant and
at times vindictive.

A new set of men had come to the front, of whom Leonard Case,
Peter M. Weddell, May and Barnett, Richard Hilliard, Irad Kelly, N.
C. Baldwin, Tylers and Folsome may be taken as samples. It took
twenty years to submerge this strata of humanity. The flood that then
came was not a flood of water — it came on rails of iron, o'er hill and

dale.

But as this fossil is getting out of its bed, I will close with

SONG OF THE CUYAHOGA.

Four score — twice forty years ago,
The bounding buck and timid doe
Roamed undisturbed by civil man;
The prowling wolf, and savage clan
Mid tangled swamps, and forests wild,
Their prey they sought, their time beguiled;
Our crooked, turbid river crept.
Where nature smiled, and quiet slept,
In Cuyahoga.

The cat-fish, sturgeon, muscalunge.
With beaver, otter, sport and plunge.
In Cuyahoga's sluggish waters,
Bucks and squaws and dusky daughters.
No deadly filth — nor fetid oils.
No sewage foul, nor poisoned soils
Repelled from floating in the flood.
Or sporting on the banks of mud
Of Cuyahoga.

EARLY settlers' ASSOCIATION. 1 5

The white man came, the red man went,
His time had come, his day was spent.
Before the ringing axe the forest fled.
Before the whites, the savage sped —
By hunter's trap, by rifle's crack,
The timid game was driven back,
And thus the old was done away,
And thus began the new born day
Of Cuyahoga.

A full decade was thus consumed,
And thus civilization bloomed.
Thus went the savage men and game.
Thus our earliest settlers came.
The next decade, with progress slow
By strongest hearts, and hardest blow,
These men of iron, with firm intent,
In making homes and names they spent
In Cuyahoga.

A single steamer plowed the lakes ;
A single ferry crossed the river ;
The doctors fought the ague shakes,
And fought the miasmatic fever.
No bridge across the river's flood.
No piers to guide its muddy waters,
No bottom to the roads of mud.
Few schools for sons and daughters
In Cuyahoga.

The next ten years were busy years.
Bridges were built, and harbor piers
Sent through the serf protecting arms,
'Till shoals no more the sailor harms.
His goods he lands on ample docks,
His inland boats find lifting locks.
The Tuscarawas seeks the lakes,
While to the gulf our river takes —
Our Cuyahoga.

For ten years more, but little change
Was wrought — was done but little strange;
The country grew, the city grew,
And commerce grew the country through.

1 6 ANNALS OF THE

And far away was heard the shriek
Of steam. And men began to speak
Of iron roads, and rushing trains,
Of increased trade and ample gains
In Cuyahoga.

But ten years more jogged on the same,
Before the locomotive came,
On rails of iron, with breath of flame.
Since then, my friends, I need not name
-All the marvelous wonders wrought
By giant steam and giant thought.
By the startling lightning's flash.
By clash of arms, by cannon's crash ;
Since then, my friends, you've seen the fall
And rise of men and hopes— you know it all
In Cuyahoga.

The association now adjourned till 2 o'clock p. m., and partook
refreshments in a social way, which were served in the hall of the
Tabernacle in fine style by the Weisgerber Brothers.

AFTERNOON SESSION.

The assemblage was called to order at the appointed hour, when the
following exercises took place in the order in which they are here pre-
sented, interspersed with songs by Mrs. Lohmann, in alternation with in-
strumental music by the German orchestra.

ANNUAL ADDRESS— THE WESTERN PURITAN.

BY HENRY C. WHITE, ESQ.

Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen:

Historic sympathy has become a great moulding force in our modern
life. Nothing in intellectual growth to-day is more manifest than the
development of the historic sense and sentiment — the tendency to his-
toric philosophy. The inductive methods of thought — the best gift of

EARLY settlers' ASSOCIATION. 1 7

Science to this age — are being wonderfully applied in the field of hu
man action and human phenomena. The modern historian is no longer
the plodding chronicler, simply running the chain of narrative across the
arid plain of human annals. He ascends an eminence whence he holds
in survey the whole race as a unit. History is therefore ceasing to be
merely annalistic — ceasing to be merely national — and is becoming the
science of civilization. Historical thought is being massed in far-reach-
ing, vast, century-spanning generalizations.

In no country has the revival of history been so sudden and marked
as in America — in no other locality as in the older west. The causes
of this revival with us are not far to seek. We have completed our first
cycle, have passed the first invisible milestone set in the pathway of
history ; we have added the first unit in the problem of existence —
our first century has been completed. We have established the fact of
self-government. We have come to the period of national retrospect-
ion, and the American mind is busy with its past. Fortunate for our
country is it that, in seeking its genesis, we do not grope amid the shad-
ows and myths of tradition. We possess a complete volume of written
history. Measuring progress in great epochs, celebrating the nativity
of peoples and institutions, is a sure way to inculcate knowledge of the
past. We have passed the centennial of national independence,
we approach the centennial of constitutional government ; and to us
these mighty anniversaries should be mounts of transfiguration, on
which lofty heights we view our glorified country clad in the shining gar-
ments of Justice, Freedom, and Peace.

It is emphatically an era of retrospection in this older west. The
generations which have gone out from us into the farther west are
engaged in the sublime work of making government, law, and history
on the plains and prairies, the peaks and slopes of the great continental
spaces and ranges, in the surging and seething activities of giant in-
dustrial forces. We linger here on this peaceful shore, whence they have
launched, noting the wave marks of time, picking up shells and pebbles
among the wreckage, pomting to the vanishing footprints in the sands.

No better sign of the historical habit and activity is found, than in
the fact of the innumerable associations and joint endeavors to garner

1 8 ANNALS OF THE

up the materials of our history. You at once prove and honor this
universal demand in the organized work of this association.

History, scientifically considered, is governed by the uniform and
continuing operation of law. The best developments of this science
prove the enduring vitality and tenacity of certain ideas and habits of
thought. To trace the fortunes of these more lasting opinions, or
mental and moral habits, through many years and almost endless
wanderings, changes andmodifications, is a task as difficult as it is interest-
ing and profitable. The presence and identity of such mental and moral
habits must be proved from data always confused and multifarious, often
elusive, entangled, and contradictory. It may be said, in fact, that such
efforts rise no higher than speculation, because absolute demonstration
is impossible. Such hypotheses must rest on moral evidence alone.
But in English history there is one countervailing circumstance which
tends to render the task less difficult ; this circumstance is the vitality
and tenacity of intellectual and moral biases and modes of thought in
the Anglo-Saxon mind.

I have ventured on this occasion, presumptuously, and far beyond my
competence, to leave the more frequented paths of historical narration,
and shall seek to trace that resistless current of ideas which came to the
surface in England, and which was the great fact of the 17th century.
Puritanism. To find and to hold to that historic clue-line, recently
called by a gifted American orator, " a shred of the most intense and
tenacious life of Europe, floating over the seajbnd clinging to the bleak
edge of America — that thin thread of the Old World by which incal-
culable destinies of the New World hung."

I shall try briefly to show how this thread of thought and life was
carried into this western wilderness ; how, finding lodgement here, it
grew, under modifying and meliorating conditions, into permanent so-
cial institutions and moral tones of life, which mark and distinguish this
community. Finally, I shall ask you to note with me somewhat of the
fruitage of Puritanism — baneful and blessed — ripening in our present
social life.

It has become quite the fashion to caricature the Puritan by magnify-
ing some fantastic accidents of his character, not essential but due
largely to the spirit and temper of his time. He stands upon the can-

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 1 9

vass of criticism a sombre, ungraceful figure, with the hard ungenial
face of austerity, and a heart full of the cold zeal of fanaticism. In
the unfriendly light of modern letters, we see in him only the narrow and
arrogant bigot of the 17th century. To modern eyes he stands by the
wayside of history a false prophet, lifting up his harsh, censorious voice
of warning and denouncing upon the world a woe that never came. He
stands as the sign and symbol of all the narrow asceticism of a hardened,
petrified faith.

In the religious fanatic we are prone to lose sight of his masterful
work and influence in the domain of civil and political liberty. We
sometimes forget even the fanatical heroism in which the rhetoric of a
Macaulay paints him. Let us recall the vivid portraiture by the emi-
nent historian, as it illustrates the strong coloring on the religious side
of the Puritan character, prevalent in literature. He says :

"The Puritans were men whose minds had derived a peculiar
character from the daily contemplation of superior beings and eternal
interests. Not content with acknowledging in general terms an overruling
Providence, they habitually ascribed every event to the will of the Great
Being, for whose power nothing was too vast, for whose inspection
nothing was too minute. To know him, to serve him, to enjoy him,
was with them the great end of existence. They rejected with con-
tempt the ceremonious homage which other sects substituted for the
pure worship of the soul. Instead of catching occasional glimpses of
the deity through an obscuring veil, they aspired to gaze full on his
intolerable brightness, and commune with him face to face. Hence
originated their contempt for all terrestrial distinctions. The differ-
ence between the greatest and meanest of mankind seemed to vanish,
when compared with the boundless interval which separated the whole
race from him on whom their eyes were constantly fixed. They recog-
nized no title to superiority but his favor ; and confident of that favor
they despised all the accomplishments and all the dignities of the world.
If they were unacquainted with the works of philosophers and poets,
they were deeply read in the oracles of God. If their names were not
found in the registry of heralds, they were recorded in the Book of
Life."

It is but the picture of the fierce and rugged prophet of the desert

20 ANNALS OF THE

and the wilderness. It is not the typical Puritan who ever walked the
earth and not above it: whose head was not always among the stars : who
was not always prostrate in the ecstasy of devotions The real Puritan
did not despise worldly wisdom nor secular knowledge. The leading
pilgrims of the Mayflower had taken their degrees at Cambridge.
Brewster had sounded all the depths and shoals of diplomacy, and in
no Puritan who has left an impress upon the page of history was there
lacking the strong sense for affairs — the dominance of practical wisdom.

Puritanism has blessed the world most in the field of politics and gov-
ernment. As a political reformer the Puritan has wrought his most en-
during work. He was the first reformer who founded all political rights,
obligations, and duties, on the enlightened conscience of religion. '' Pu-
ritanism, " says DeTocqueville, " was not merely a religious doctrine, but
it corresponded in many points with the most democratic and republi-
can theories."

Again he says, " Anglo-American civilization in its true light is the
combined result of two distinct elements, both the product of Puritanism,
the spirit of religion, and the spirit of liberty."

Thus we see that the surest muniments of our political liberties, the
best institutions of our civil freedom, are gifts of the political Puritan.
He was the son of that morning of hope which flushed, jn purple dawn
the sky of England at the close of the reign of Elizabeth. He was
the best gift of the Renaissance. He was the firstborn of the grandest
epoch in human history. Green, the historian, thus gathers up, in sub-
lime language, the spirit of the times which gave him birth: " A new
social fabric was thus growing up on the wreck of feudal England. New
influences were telling on its development. The immense advance of
the people as a whole in knowledge and intelligence throughout the reign
of Elizabeth was in itself a revolution. The hold of tradition, the un-
questioning awe, which formed the main strength of the Tudor throne,
had been sapped and weakened by the intellectual activity of the Re-
naissance, by its endless questionings, its historic research, its philosophic
skepticism. Writers and statesmen were alike discussing the claims of
government, and the wisest and most lasting forms of rule. The nation
was learning to rely on itself, to believe in its own strength and vigor, to
crave for a share in the guidance of its own life. His conflict with the

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 21

two great temporal powers of Christendom had roused in every English-
man a sense of supreme manhood which told, however slowly, on his at-
titude towards the crown."

It is the majestic march of this conserving moral force in human pro-
gress which we note in its western development. True, the march
takes us to the dungeon, the fagot, the stake. The rythm of its
foot-falls is timed by human groans. It alone of all that is lurid in
human passion and superstition, was left to light up the sky of America
with the awful fires of persecution. But it has marched past all these.
It contained the saving, recuperative energy to shake off the barbarisms
of the past ; and to-day modern Puritanism is the one political senti-
ment that has filled society with a dignified sense of the individual manj
and planted the deepest conviction of the boundless capabilities of the
human soul.

The political doctrines of New England are so plastic as to render
them useful under diverse and varying conditions. Those which have
become our inheritance have been thrice transplanted. We are heirs to
a pioneer Puritanism thrice refined — to Plymouth in 1620, from
Cape Cod to the Connecticut river in 1630, and to this place two
hundred and seventy years later.

We stand remarkably related to the Puritan movement in another sense.

This Connecticut Western Reserve is the last home of colonized Puri-
tanism. In individuals and families it has been carried into the Missis-
sippi valley and beyond it up the slopes of the Rockies and down the
western slopes, but in no other locality of the west does its organizing
quality appear, in no other place has its social flavor so permeated, as
here upon this Western Reserve. It was actually colonized here. The
settlement of northeastern Ohio at the beginning of this century was un-
precedented. It was not the straggling immigration of a few families ;
it was the veritable exodus of a colony.

We celebrate this day, the twenty-second day of July, in commemora-
tion of the landing on its site of the sturdy founder of our city.
Perhaps unconsciously we celebrate a mightier event, an event with
which the pioneer work of that little band of Connecticut surveyors is
wonderfully connected. On the twenty-second day of July, A. D., 1620
— ^just two hundred and sixty-five years ago to-day — one hundred exiled

22 ANNALS OF THE

Englishmen set sail from Holland for America. Let us lift a corner of
the veil, woven of the obscuring years, upon that scene. Says an
enthusiastic historian: " Morning came, the wind was fair, and the cap-
tain was in haste to be gone. They kneeled upon the deck, the minister
offering a parting prayer. Their farewells were spoken, the vessel
swung from her moorings, the sails caught the breeze and swept them
out upon the ocean and across the channel to Southhampton where
the Mayflower was waiting."

" They passed the frowning towers of Briel,

The hook of Holland's shelf of sand,
And grated soon with lifting keel

The sullen shore of fatherland,"

They tarried not long. The most inhospitable shores to them were
those of their own England. —

" No home for them ! too well they knew

The mitred king behind the throne.
The sails were set, the pennant flew.

And westward ho! for worlds unknown,"

The outward features of this farewell scene were simple and pathetic.
But this company bore with them, enfolded in spirit, the vital germ, the
unseen potential forces, of a mighty civilization, Even that faith in
the supernatural — which we often set aside as hard, rigid— and narrow, as
it came in that parting hour, in the benediction ot their loved pastor
was freighted with the free, elastic, progressive spirit of the nineteenth
century. In this unseen force this adjustability of doctrine and senti-
ment, and, to the development of the later progress, this farewell
blessing of the simple Puritian minister, with uplifted hands over the
kneeling band upon the deck, stands the picture of all time filled with
sublimest promise.

Says an eye witness of Pastor Robinson on that occasion : " The
Bible was to him like the universe, a system unchangeable in its great
facts and fundamental principles, but ever opening wider and wider
upon devout and studious intellects. He knew there would be no
change in God's word, no addition to or subtraction from its contents;
but he looked for beautiful and improving changes in men's views — for
broader, clearer, and grander conceptions of God's truth." This was

EARLY settlers' ASSOCIATION. 23

the pastor's parting injunction : "If God should reveal anything to
you by any other instrument of his, be ready to receive it as ever you
were to receive any truth of my ministry; for I am very confident the
Lord hath more truth and light yet to break forth out of His Holy
Word. It is not possible the Christian world should come so lately
out of such thick and anti-Christian darkness, and that full perfection
of knowledge should break forth at once." Surely in facmg with
unfaltering trust the future, they had turned their backs upon the dark
ages, toward which so much of modern ecclesiasticism now faces.
Buckle, the historian-, has well said that there is more of fanaticism than
superstition in the Puritan mind.

The grand elements of Puritan civilization are Land, Law and Liberty.
To these fundamental interests, as they found lodgement in the settle-
ment, and development in the growth of the Western Reserve, I
now invite your attention.

The first great epoch in modern history was the conjunction of the
Roman world and the Teutonic races, opening the way for the spread
of Christianity. The most valuable contributions of the Teutonic peo-
ple to this common stock were their customs and institutions of owner-
ship in land, and the domestic relations. The rise of the communal
idea in the distribution and cultivation of land is due in part to the
headship of the chieftain or patriarch, and m part to the necessity for
mutual defence and protection. The growth of population was neces-
sarily in the form of the village community. The Germanic tribes be-
came dwellers m villages. The outlying lands so far as arable were
distributed for temporary tillage by allotment each year. Thus the
" arable mark " was the typical holding of land for cultivation, before
feudalism was established in Europe. This jural conception, affecting
rights in land, never lost its hold in the Teutonic races, and found its
way into the Anglo-Saxon mind ; and thus it found its way into the
colonizing economy of the Englishmen in the sixteenth century.

It would be interesting to trace the influence of Teutonic ideas upon
the Puritan exiles during their sojourn in the Low Countries. Among
them the university men — the leaders — at Leyden, the seat of learning,
came under the enlightened sway of Grotius, Episcopius and other
leaders of legal and theological thought. We laud the Democratic

24 ANNALS OF THE

spirit of the Pilgrims, and vauntingly claim that free self-government
was born on board the Mayflotver. But they were but the " heirs of
all the ages." The notion of a legal corporate community was the
heritage of the Renaissance. Nothing was more natural than that the
idea of corporate independence should spring out of the triumphant
struggle against ecclesiastical intolerance.

We forget also that these men sailed out into the unknown, under
the obligations of a commercial covenant with the " Merchant Adven-
turers " of London. They were bound, therefore, in a comijion enter-
prise. What more natural than the sentiment of community. The
colony of Plymouth, therefore, existed before the Mayfloiuer weighed
anchor at Southampton. They were not, however, commercial adven-
turers. With true Anglo-Saxon instinct, on landing they turned to the
business of tillage.

In the year 1623, at Plymouth, in New England, it was found
that longer to continue to labor on the joint stock plan but led
to discontent, injustice, and confusion. In no country, and in no
considerable period of the world's history, have agricultural instincts
remained based upon the communal idea. Individual ownership,
by a more or less permanent tenure, has ever been the tendency
in landed property. So at Plymouth there sprang into new life in
America the Teutonic system of land cultivation. Allotments of land
were made to each individual to cultivate on his own account. The
persuasion of the time, that a colony in a new country could only exist
as the dependency of a corporation, with a community of goods in its pro-
ductions, ceased to exist in America. The true pioneers of English set-
tlement in the west, at the beginning of this century, were great land cor-
porations. The Ohio Company in the southern, and the Connecticut
Company in northeastern Ohio, opened the wilderness of the North-
west Territory to the advancing armies of civilization. They were not
giant monopolies. They placed their lands in market, and became at
once the conservators of that mode of land-holding which is ever essen-
tial to social and political equality, the right and dignity of individual
ownership. No types of civilization are more enduring than those con-
nected with real estate. The earliest and best symbols of western
growth, are the Gunter's chain, and the woodman's ax. If we would

EARLY settlers' ASSOCIATION. 25

follow the most majestic march of peacefyl conquest, we must follow the
sturdy knights of the sextent and the theodolite; if we would find the lines
upon which empires move, and states are builded, we must study their
maps and surveys. The little company which landed at the mouth of the
Cuyahoga on the afternoon of July 22, 1796, was a band of New England
surveyors. They brought with them from the far off Saxon forests,
through a line of Puritan colonists, the idea of the "arable mark " and
the " village community."

The ancient land-allotment of Cleveland was into two, ten, and one
hundred acre lots; the inlot^ for dwellings, being two acres each, and
the first tier of out-lots ten, and the outermost one hundred acre lots.
The exceedingly intelligent and cultivated gentleman who so ably
addressed you one year ago on the " Corporate Growth of Cleveland,"
generously praised those surveyors for their sagacity and foresight in pro-
viding the beautiful suburban facilities of our city. I beg to divide
this praise with their Puritan ancestors, and to suggest that this object
in so maping the site of Cleveland was for practical cultivation, rather
than for holding and embellishment, by the opulent classes of the future
city. Cleveland was a typical New England village, and such a village
was a cluster of population closely associated with the historical origin
of the village community, and with the peculiar kind of political and
social life by which it was characterized.

An eminent scholar, John Fiske, in a learned address upon the
subject of the "Town Meeting," delivered before the royal institution
of Great Britian recently, pointed to our own "Euchd Avenue," in the
following flattering way: "In some of our western cities, founded and
settled by people from New England, this spacious style of building
has been retained for streets occupied by dwelling houses. In Cleve-
land — a city on the southern shore of Lake Erie, with a population
about equal to Edinburgh— there is a street sonfie five or six miles in
length, and five hundred feet in width, bordered on each side with a
double row of arching trees, and with handsome stone houses of suffi-
cient variety and freedom in architectural design, standing at intervals
of from one to two hundred feet along the entire length of the street.
The effect, it is needless to add, is very noble indeed. The vistas
remind one of the nave and aisles of a huge cathedral."

26 ANNALS OF THE

The Western Reserve surveyors were influenced by their Puritanical
instincts to estabUsh that primary unit of civil self-government — the
New England township. Not all the townships in the Reserve, how-
ever, conformed to the exact New England pattern, by having the high-
ways converge from the corners of the outer angles to the center of the
town, where the meeting house was located. I am informed that Tal-
mage, in Summit county, Ohio, is the only township in the state which
is so platted.*

On the destiny of civil freedom, and social equality, with us, we can
never overestimate the influence of the custom of individual land hold-
ing, which was a distinctive achievement and institution of our yeoman
Puritan ancestry.

Another survival of Puritan character, leavening our social life to-day,
is the dominant influence of the spirit of legalism, which was his con-
spicuous characteristic. His excessive affectation of Hebraism has met
the condemnation of these later times. His idea of government too '
closely conformed to the model of the Jewish theocracy. He made
too small a distinction between the domain of personal morality and
the field of public law and legislation. He denounced penalties, too
awful and severe, against personal vices. He sought foolishly to stem
the tide of immorality with the barriers of legislation. Such is the
tenor of adverse criticism agamst this rather stern, unlovely side of
Puritanism. In the light of better teaching upon the principles of
government, it is doubtless true he laid too great stress upon the
efificacy of legal sanctions and coercion in moral conduct. But we
should remember that with a Democratic people the fountains of law
and justice must necessarily be sweetened with its flavor of morality ;
that law must be the impulse of the popular conscience as well as the
expression of the public will. We should remember that in a popular
government law is not only the expression of public opinion, but is a
powerful educational stimulant, reacting upon the moral conceptions of
the people. The domain of public law and private morality should not
be far sundered if we would form safe habits and right ideas in the
practice of self-government.

*For this fact, together with much that precedes it here on the survey of Cleveland, I am
indebted to the suggestions of Mr. Paul, a very intelligent and cultivated surveyor and
engineer of our city.

EARLY settlers' ASSOCIATION. 27

The Puritan inculcated a rigorous sense of justice. He drew his
legal inspirations from that ancient people whose legal code was graven
on tables of stone. He may have been too ready to condemn the ac-
cused. And this same bias in the administration of public justice may
have left its traces in this community. It is said that one of our lead-
ing criminal advocates in Ohio a short time ago was engaged on the de-
fence in a noted case of homicide occurring in our midst. When asked
the chances for his client, he said that if the trial were progressing else-
where, away from the heart of the Western Reserve, he could acquit his
client. " But," said he, "the accused is at the hard, unmerciful bar of
those Puritans, who have reversed the gracious theory of the common
law that every man is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty — and
the result is doubtful." But while we laugh at that quaint, fantastic and
harsh asceticism which fulminated ponderous statutes against minute
and trivial offenses, we should never forget that, to this grand spirit of
Hebraism — to that lofty ideal of the Puritan fathers who would fain
have made the world a very city of God — we owe the incalculable
blessing of that conserving moral force springing from the Bible which
finds its way into all the currents of our civil and social life.

I have said that " New Connecticut " or the Western Reserve is the
last Puritan colony. No community in the west is so marked by the
characteristics of the Puritan. Not simply in the personal traits of
character, but in the wider social life and relation. We are enveloped
by a peculiar social atmosphere, and it instils a peculiar flavor into our
social life. In our habits of intercourse and manners we are uncon-
sciously tempered with that seclusive reserve and conservatism which
have come down to us from our ancestors, who had gained the spirit of
clannish self-reliance from the hard experiences of exile life with strangers
or cautious reticence amongst unfriendly countrymen.

Western Puritanism is in no inconsiderable degree the product of the
conditions of its environment and surroundings. The French pioneers
who entered this ancient wooded wilderness with the flavor of medieval
chivalry bearing the sword and the crucifix, was pushed forward by the
reviving commercial spirit, and came to trade. He established posts
— half military, half commercial — but never became a settler. Even
in his temporary contacts with the influences of the forest, he largely

28 ANNALS OF THE

succumbed and lost his Gaelic identity. Not so with the more stolid,
unimpressible nature of the Englishman. He presented more resist-
ance, and yielded more slowly to the modifying and moulding forces
around him. But they found their way at last to the springs of his life
and character, and modified, altered, but never wholly transformed him.
It is by no means surprising that we have come to lay much stress on
the power of environment in giving tone and bias to a people or com-
munity. The life of the pioneer was a continuous struggle of hand,
mmd and heart, against all-surrounding, relentless nature. How man
sinks and perishes before the force, grand and noble though it be, of
colossal, unclaimed, trackless nature ! The forests of South America,
covering the fairest portions of the globe, and spreading over half the
continent, have held the civilization of Spain at bay for more than three
hundred years.

" In New England " — the birthplace of our pioneer — " nature gave
almost nothing, and all that men obtained had to be won by unflinching
and incessant toil. Not wealth and prosperity merely, but a bare sub-
sistence had to be wrung from a niggardly soil and from the cold and
stormy sea which washed its jagged cliffs."

The earliest pioneers of Ohio were in constant contact and frequent
struggles with the tribes of that weird race of men, specimens of
which are now placed on exhibition with wild animals for the wonder-
ment of our youth. I mean that disinherited race, of whom there is
nothing left with us, save the strange music of their names, mingling
with the names of England and France on the hills and rivers of this
their ancient heritage. They were the pioneers of an earlier age, and
we may seem no more than they to the later heirs of future ages. A
distinguished writer gives us the following picture of the North Ameri-
can Indian : " His senses were acute ; he was swift of foot ; he never
domesticated an animal for milk or food. By the labor of his general
drudge, the squaw, he gave the earth a precarious tillage. He had no
feeling, no cheerfulness, no sense of the comic. His joy always became
frenzy. He had passions which were those of the maniac; jealous,
envious, vindictive and unforgiving to the last degree. A master of
dissembling when inspired by deep revenge, without genuine courage,
strategems, stealth and ambush were his forte. He was devoid of pity.

EARLY settlers' ASSOCIATION. 29

His swift tomahawk made no distinction between the strong arm of a
foe and the helplessness of old age and infancy. Intrepid under priva-
tions and suffering, it was not the intrepidity of heroism, but of indomit-
able pride and stern rigidity of nature. His whole education was to
bid grim defiance to his foes. Quick to perceive and slow to reason ;
silent, taciturn and deliberate, but not reflective, with oratory, pitchedv
in a high key of grand and pompous magniloquence, he sometimes
moved by grand imagery and pathetic appeal."

Such was this stoic of the woods and wigwam. It is difficult to esti-
mate the influence of this human animal as an educator upon the pio-
neer in his life in the forest.

The success of the Puritan in his dealings and relations with the Abo-
rigines was most remarkable. He was the only English colonist who
ever inspired either awe or confidence in the North American savage.

Better than the peace-loving (Quaker with Penn, was the stern, promp
justice and inflexible honesty of Standish and his men at Plymouth, in
gaining the respect of the red man. The same elements of character
gained the mastery on the Cuyahoga over the native savage.

There was a shrewd sagacity, a mixture of Puritan rigor and steady
kindness, which saved the settlement at Cleveland from the savage bar-
barities visited upon other settlements ; md while the Indian held
permanent ground just west of the river, and his contact with the pio-
neers was close and constant, he was held in wholesome subordination
to the same blood that had mastered " Squanto " and Massasoit into
peaceful and helpful subjection.

Colonial Puritanism underwent a great change in consequence of the
minor social results following the War for Independence. The relation
of the Revolutionary struggle to the settlement of Ohio has never re-
ceived, as I believe, the notice its importance and influence demand.
It is my purpose here simply to point to a few of the secondary and less
obvious effects of the war, in the qualities of individual manners and
character they produced.

Not alone in the southern part of Ohio,but on our own Western Reserve,
the reflections from the watchfires of the great war continued long to
glow upon the hearths and in the hearts of the settlers. This military
discipline and experience through which many of them had passed,

30 ANNALS OF THE

gave a peculiar flavor and tone to the habits of these early pioneers. The
Anglo-Saxon of all races is most susceptible of irradicable impressions
and biases from continued occupations . The spirit of militarism, domi-
nating the citizen soldier, is a healthful educator toward the prompt and
efficient observance of public duties. The patriotism of the Puritan
was the result of his religious fervor. It was the narrow patriotism of
the Hebrew. It required a struggle for purely political rights in the
fierce, fiery baptisms of war, that his love of country might be secular-
ized and broadened.

Says Lecky, " War is the great school of heroism. It familiarizes the
mind w^ith the idea of noble actions performed under the influence of
honor and enthusiasm. It elicits, in the highest degree, strength of
character, accustoms men to the abnegation needed for simultaneous
action, compels them to repress their fears, and establish a firm con-
trol over their affections. It leads them to subordinate their personal
wishes to the interests of society." The Revolution was a great school
for the inculcation of this sentiment of patriotism. It infused into the
conservative veins of the staid Englishman the ardent blood of restless
adventure. This chivalrous spirit thus inherited produced a race of
pioneers who were ever faithful in the discharge of civil or military duty.
In a day when party fealty bound him by a slight tenure he never
failed in his conscientious regard for the public welfare, nor to cast his
ballot at each recurring election. No class of men ever placed a higher
value on the rights and privileges of our common citizenship. The dis-
cipline of the camp, the march, the field, filled him with a fortitude,
hardihood and command of expedients, which made it comparatively
easy for him to adjust himself to his new condition of life.

In a large measure the Puritan of New England inherited these qual-
ities from the Cromwells and Hampdens of the Commonwealth ; but in
the colonial struggle they were taught the great lesson of the value of
civil liberty for its own sake.

The absence of intermediate governmental agencies and corporate
intervention between the pioneer and his social duty, was an important
circumstance in the strengthening and development of individual char-
acter. He did nothing by proxy. He could lay the kindly offices of ,
benevolence upon no "Board of Organized Charities," as can we. Did I

EARLY settlers' ASSOCIATION. 3 1

a sick or wounded settler seek his cabin that cabin must be the hospital,
and the pioneer must be the nurse. While his wants were few and
simple, yet his necessities gave great diversity to his employments.
He often became a tradesman, a farmer, a hunter and a mechanic upon
his own clearing. He had no trouble with the "labor problem." He
neither sought nor expected aid from any government nor association in
his struggle with nature. All he wanted was an equality of chances in
the pursuit of happiness. These are the factors of strong character.
These are some of the influences of situation which tended to modify,
mould anew and soften somewhat the asperities of the Puritan pioneer.

The religious and political opinions of men at the close of the last
century were greatly colored and affected by the ideas born of the
French Revolution. We do not at this distance rightly appreciate the
force upon men of the new habits and modes of thought which found
their way to America out of this great historic convulsion. No spirit
has more reacted upon Puritanism than the spirit which arose out of
this great upheaval. The political and religious doctrines of this grand
epoch mingled with the nascent elements of society in these western
wilds. They turned men for a time from the formalities and outward
observances of religion. It was so with the rudiments of social growth
even in the Puritan settlement of Cleveland. History records the fact
that infidelity achieved an early and strong hold among the settlers. It
was open and agressive. It is said that in ribald mocking the" effigy of
Jesus was shockingly paraded in the new streets of the village. It was
many years before any organized religious work found favor here ; and
by many years the distillery antedated the church. The first church
edifice built here was not the work of Puritan nonconformists, but was
for an Episcopal parish.

The grandest product of American civilization is personal cha?-acter.
The lives of three typical Americans, born within four hundred miles
of this western city, have elicited the world's homage more than all
other great men of the century — Lincoln, Garfield and Grant. Bestow
the full and justest meed of praise on all their great achievements,, and
yet each, in his own distinctive manhood and character, rises infinitely
higher than all his works. If we make the last analysis, we shall find
that nearly all the conditions which' made these great lives possible

32 ANNALS OF THE

sprang directly out of the institutions and ideas of western Puritanism.

We need to turn oftener to the Puritan ideals of life to elevate the
moral tone of society. Perhaps we need no less of science, but cer-
tainly more of sincerity. We should get more of the Puritanical hatred
of shams and falsity in life and manners. The one supreme ingredient
to mingle in our western brusqueness and activity is more New
England honesty. We look to the past for men of giant mould.

Our honorable minister at the court of St. James once said in fitting
phrase : " There is something easier to state than to describe in the
influence of the time upon the quality of men produced in the begin-
ning of a state. It is akm to what is seen in some agricultural pro-
ducts, w'hich are better in the virgin soil than any cultivation can ever
make them afterwards. Whether it is the dignity of their employment
as the founders of institutions — whether it is in the vigor and freshness
which attend the youth of a state, like the youth of a life — or whether
such emergencies bring to the surface and into conspicuity a higher
order of men — whatever the reason may be, the fact remains, the fathers
are larger than the children." And yet he adds this hopeful, optimistic
sentence : "As change is the condition in life, so compensation is an
unfailing condition of change Whatever time takes away it compen-
sates in what it brings. Much that is precious perishes as it passes ;
but with new life comes always new beneficence."

I summarize the following as the grand gifts of Puritanism to our
modern social life :

First. Reverence for Moral Law.

Second. The imminence and power of the Deity.

Third. The dignity and worth of the individual.

Fourth. The eternal permanence of character.

I know that these teachings of the despised Puritans do no enter force-
fully the currents of modern thought. But it should never be forgot-
ten that the Mayflower was freighted with the best fruitage of the Prot-
estant Reformation. It should never be forgotten, as said by a quaint
old Puritan, " God sifted all England that he might send choice grain
into this wilderness." May that " choice corn " never lose its vital
power to germinate and grow ! No truer tribute of tongue or pen to
the Puritan was ever offered than what follows from the eloquent New

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 33

Yorker already quoted : " Unchanged as the eternal sky above us is
the moral law which they revered. Unfailing as the sure succession of
the seasons, its operation in the affairs of men. All the prosperity — the
power — the permanence of the republic — more than ever the pride of
the children — more than ever the hope of mankind — rests in obedience
to the unchanged and unchangeable law. The essence of the father's
faith is still the elixir of the children's life ; and should that faith decay
— should the consciousness of a divine energy underlying human society,
manifest in just and equal laws, and, humanely ordering individual rela-
tions disappear, the murmur of the ocean rising and falling upon Ply-
mouth Rock would be the endless lament of nature over the baffled
hopes of men."

The mission of the pioneer in our civic and social economy is eternal.
The border-line between the pursuit and the achievement is ever carried
forward by all our diversified currents of life. I address those of my
own generation with these suggestions. Into the ways of commerce —
into the ministries of truth and justice — before the forge of industry — ■
on the farm and into the home — carry everywhere the spirit of the true
pioneer ! Move on with the great social engineries of the Puritan — the
home — -the school— the church. The great business of life is to build
human character. Man in the world — God in the universe — human
character forever ! To these ends work all the historic forces of all the
ages.

THE INFLUENCE OF WOMAN IN THE EARLY SETTLE-
MENT OF THE COUNTRY.

A SPEECH BY HON. JOHN HUTCHINS.

Whatever mistakes may be charged to Moses by those wiseacres who
think they know more now than Moses did when he wrote, his account
of the motive for the creation of v.'oman is not one of them.

" And the Lord God said it is not good for man to be alone, I will
make an helpmeet for him."

The truth of this is well established in the history of all peoples, bar-
barous and civilized, and is as conspicuously prominent in the history of

34 ANNALS OF THE

the early settlers as anything relating to it used as themes in the ad-
dresses, papers and remarks at our annual meetings.

For the most part heretofore at our meetings the acts and characters
of prominent men have been referred to, while those of the women have
beed kept in the background. I will therefore say a few words on the
influence of woman in the early settlement of the country. I am en-
couraged in this direction by the action of the society three years ago in
the election of Mrs. J. A. Harris as vice-president. The quick-witted,
the late George C. Dodge, to whom we are indebted largely for the
formation of this society, elated at this new departure and understand-
ing full well the meaning of it, arose and making use of two of the
marked characters in the works of Dickens, thus happily expressed his
approval of it : "I desire to congratulate our society upon haviug settled
one question : We have vindicated Sarey Gamp and squelched Betsey
Prig. There is a Mrs. Harris."

This action of your society is a just recognition of the influence of
woman in the events resulting in the unique success of the early settlers.
In fact, without this influence the settlement of the country would have
been a miserable failure. It needs no argument to prove this ; it is one
of those self-evident propositions that the simple statement of it is its
best proof. Without it the men would have had no inducement to visit
the new country, and no motive to remain if they had visited it, and
they would have sighed and sighed and then have died. In a ten min-
utes' speech no details of the influence of particular women can be given.
A few suggestions applicable to all must suffice.

The wives of the pioneers who accompanied their husbands into, or
joined them in the new country, were animated with the same heroic
purpose to brave dangers, submit to privations and perform labor and
drudgery necessarily connected with new settlements as their husbands,
and therefore are entitled to equal credit. In addition to the perils,
anxieties and cares of maternity, the wives and daughters of the early
settlers performed more hours of hard labor than husbands and sons.
The shades of evening gave husbands and sons a chance for repose.
Not so with mothers and daughters. Dishes had to be washed and put
away ; dresses had to be made and mended ; stockings had to be knit
and darned ; pantaloons, coats and vests had to be made, patched and

EARLY settlers' ASSOCIATION. 35

repaired. The merchants in those days could not afford to sell ready-
made clothing at cost, and give away houses and lots and other valuable
property to their customers. The daughters had not the opportunity to
spend their winter evenings in roller rinks or their days in riding schools,
but " when night found them weary, in innocence they slept."

The mothers in early times brought up their sons and daughters to
lives of industry, and consequently to lives of usefulness, and the sons,
therefore, did not grow into dudes, nor the daughters into Flora Mc-
Flimsies. The daughters had something to do and something to wear,
but nowadays those girls who have nothing to do generally have nothing
to wear.

The mothers of early times were not believers in the notion that to
complete the education of their daughters it was necessary to send them
abroad to be taught to ape the manners, habits and customs of the aris-
tocracy of Europe.

What a change in the character of the young men and women of our
cities of to-day would there be if our city mothers were imbued with the
philosophy of their mothers and had the nerve to apply it in training
and educating their children. It is not because city mothers have less
love for their children than their mothers had that city children are edu.
cated on what is falsely called a higher plane than was possible in early
times. The kind mothers of to-day are anxious to have their children
enjoy all the advantages at command, and believe that education and
culture, and what are called accomplishments in society, will contribute
more to the happiness and usefulness of their children than those lessons
of rigid economy and healthful and useful labor to which they were sub-
jected when children. Hence, manual labor is to be shunned, and the
evidences of industry must not be seen on the hands or faces of their
children. The children are willing converts to this theory. Hence, the
tender care and wealth of parents contribute in many cases to the
effeminacy of their children. The lessons of experience are ignored or
forgotten. The taper fingers of the young men, and the soft hands of
the young ladies of our cities, if joined together, will never influence to
any great extent the affairs of business, or guide the welfare of the state
or the nation.

36 ANNALS OF THE

Would it not be wise for the mothers of today to pay more attention
to the example of the mothers among the early settlers ?

The tree of this example, like other trees, is known by its fruit. The
pioneer mothers taught their children, by precept and example, the
necessity and value of useful labor in the development of human char-
acter, but their mfluence did not end there. Upon them to a large ex-
tent was imposed the task of the moral training and education of their
children, and most faithfully, and with a self-sacrificing devotion, of
which only mothers are capable, did they execute this task. School
books must be furnished ; there were in those days no fiee school book
advocates ; they had not then been born and it was generally for the
mothers to see that their children were suitably provided and equipped
for attending on week days the school and on Sundays the church. The
means which the united labor of fathers and mothers had earned and
their joint economy had saved were legally under the control of the
fathers, but the details of application were left to the mothers and many
faithful mothers were put into their graves prematurely by reason of
their assiduous devotion to the moral and educational training of their
children. The result was the children of the families of the early settlers
were well taught in the rudiments of a common education and in com-
mon sense. Most of the prominent and influential men and women in
this city to-day and in the state and nation are largely indebted to the
love and devotion of their mothers for the moral training, education and
habits of industry and economy which have enabled them to achieve
distinction.

It was natural, therefore, that our esteemed and lamented friend,
George C. Dodge, should be elated at the election of Mrs. J. A. Harrfs
vice president. She is a fitting type of thousands among the early set-
tlers, who, without romance, ostentation or mystery, in a quiet way, con-
tributed largely to the growth and prosperity of the country.

I have not referred to the influence of woman in the history of the
early settlers to detract from the influence of man, but to show that in
what we most admire in that history woman was the coequal of man and
" a helpmeet for him," and besides I wanted to vindicate Moses, and
could not do it better than by reference to the character of pioneer
women. A word to the ladies by way of advice, which is generally

EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION. 37

cheap, unless given by lawyers : You, by the action of our society, are
eligible to office and you may wish to know how to hold on to it. Culti-
vate inoffiensive partisanship and you will then be as wise as men and
harmless as doves.

At the suggestion of Vice-President Mrs. Harris, the ladies of the
association formally recognized the tribute paid them hy Mr. Hutchins-

Mrs. Lohmann then rendered " The Old Barn Window, John," and
gracefully responded to an encore with " The Devoted Apple." Hon.
John A. Foote moved a vote of thanks to Mrs. Grace Perkins Lohman
for her inspiring musical selections. Mr. Foote said that he had never
known the difference between a chord and a discord, but the vocal music
had touched his heart as it had never been touched before. The motion
was unanimously adopted.

GOVERNOR CLINTON AND THE OHIO CANAL.
a paper read by george b. merwin.

Mr. President:

The important subject of opening and rendering permanent a naviga-
ble water communication between lake Erie and the Ohio river had been
discussed by the press and business men for some length of time in
various parts of the state, and in January 1822, the legislature enacted
a law and appointed commissioners to examine the country and report
on the practicability of making a canal from Lake Erie to the Ohio river.

These commissioners employed the Hon. James Geddes, of Onondaga
county, New York, as an engineer, who arrived at Columbus, the seat
of government, in the month of June 1822. On his way he had examined
the Cuyahoga summit.

In the spring, summer and autumn of 1822, Mr. Geddes examined
the country for a canal a distance in length amounting to nine hundred
miles; our engineers leveled eight hundred miles* The commissioners
themselves assisted in the examination, devoting nearly all their time
to this service, and continued the examination of different canal routes

38 ANNALS OF THE

during the whole season of 1823-4 and finally early in the year 1825, deter-
mined on commencing at Cleveland, and ending at Portsmouth on the
Ohio river^ a distance of three hundred and fifty miles.

All this being done, Judge Bates, of Rochester, New York, was ap-
pointed chief engineer ; every other necessary preparation being made,
the canal commissioners and all our constituted authorities, invited De-
Witt Clinton, Governor of New York, to be present and dig the first
shovelfuU of earth, which was to be done on the Licking ummit, in
Licking county, about three miles or more westwardly of Newark, on
the fourth of July, 1825.

Governor Clinton was a warm friend and advocate of internal im-
provements throughout the United States by the general government,
and was on that account looked upon as a probable presidential candi-
date at the next ensuing election and was considered the father of the
Hudson and Erie canal. He wrote that he would arrive in Cleveland
the last day of June.

The Superior was due that day, but it was uncertain whether he
would come on the steamboat or in the stage.

My father sent me down to Condit's tavern in Euclid, where the stage
horses were changed, to see if Governor Clinton was in the stage and told
me to come home lively; in half an hour the stage arrived but that very
distinguished gentleman was not among the passengers.

I mounted my horse and started at a lively gait; just as I passed the
residence of Nathan Perry, he look the bit in his teeth and ran away
with me. As I can^e to the public square my hat fell off, and I came through
the square and Superior street John Gilpin-like, my hair flying in the
wind, my coat tails at right angles with my body and my hands clinched
in the mane. Fortunately the stable door was shut and I received no in-
jury.

Many of the citizens, learning of my errand to Euclid, on seeing me
return in such a very unceremonious manner came to me and inquired
if Governor Clinton was on the stage; being answered in the negative,
we all went down to the bank of the lake to see if the boat was in sight.
She was about ten miles off.

It was a heavenly day, not a cloud in the sky, the lake calm as the
river, its glistening bosom reflecting the fierce rays of an almost tropi-

EARLY settlers' ASSOCIATION. 39

ical sun] she soon passed Water street, dressed with all her flags, and
came to anchor about a mile opposite the mouth of the river and fired
her usual signal gun.

Her commander. Captain Fisk, ordered the steps to be let down and
her yawl boat to be placed along side of them; then taking Governor
Clinton by the hand seated him in the stern of the boat, and was followed
by his aids, Colonel Jones, Colonel Read, and Colonel Solomon Van-
Rensallaer, who had traversed the state when a wilderness, as an officer
under General Wayne. Messrs. Rathbone and Lord, who had loaned
us the money with which to commence the canal, and Judge Conkling,
United States District judge, of New York.

They came up the river, the stars and stripes waving over them and
landed at the foot of Superior street, where the reception committee
with carriages and a large concourse of citizens awaited them and took
them to the Mansion house, then kept by my father, where Governor
Clinton was addressed by the late Judge Samuel Cowles, who had been
selected by the committee to make the reception address.

Governor Clinton made an eloquent reply. In a part of his remarks
he made the statement, "that when our canals were made, even if they
had cost five million dollars, they would be worth three times that sum ;
that the increased price of our productions, in twenty years would be
worth five millions of dollars; that the money saved on the transporta-
tion of goods, to our people, during the same period would be five mill-
ion of dollars, and that the canals would finally pay their tolls, refund
their entire cost, principal and interest."

De Witt Clinton was a man of majestic presence. In his person he was
large and robust, his forehead high and broad, his hair black and curly
and his eyes large, black and brilliant, and, take him all in all, looked as
though he was born to command.

As the weather was very warm and the distance to Licking county
about one hundred and fifty miles, it was thought best to get an early
start in the morning and take breakfast at Mother Parker's, who kept a
tavern at the foot of Tinker's creek hill about one and a half miles
down the creek west of Bedford. She was a black eyed, steel trap style
of a Vermont woman, and a good cook. Half an hour after daylight an
extra stage came and the party left.

40 ANNALS OF THE

A small swivel, used for celebrations, had been left at some former oc-
casion on the brow of the hill on the west side of Vineyard lane, now
called South Water street. My father woke up the late Orlando Cutter,
his store was where the Atwater block stands — and got some powder and
when the stage got a few rods up Superior street, gave the party