University of California Berkeley
THE PETER AND ROSELL HARVEY
MEMORIAL FUND
s
FRONTISPIECE.
THK CHANGES OK A I.rKKTTM K-Sl XTY YKAKS Hi TO 7li, OK
FIFTY YEARS Al OVER
OF
AKRON
AXD
SUMMIT COUNTY,
BY
EX-SHERIFF SAMUEL A. LANE.
EMBELLISHED BY NEARLY SIX HUNDRED ENGRAVINGS PORTRAITS OF
PIONEER SETTLERS, PROMINENT CITIZENS, BUSINESS,
OFFICIAL AND PROFESSIONAL ANCIENT
AND MODERN VIEWS, ETC.
MXK TENTH'S OF A CENTURY OF SOLID LOCAL HISTORY PIONEER INCIDENTS,
INTERESTING EVENTS INDUSTRIAL, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL
AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS, BIOGRAPHIES, ETC.
AKRON, OHIO:
BEACON JOB DEPARTMENT.
1892.
Entered, according to Act of Congress,
in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at
Washington, D. C., January 17, 1887, by
SAMUEL A. LANE.
All Rights Reserved.
CONTENTS.
Autobiography of Author 1 30
Preliminary Remarks 31
CHAPTER I. Akron's Beginning-Ancient Middlebury A Visit from DeWitt
Clinton Commencement and Completion of the Ohio Canal First Boat to
Cleveland Dr. Crosby and his " Ditch " " Thunder from a Cloudless Sky "
The Doctor's " Goose Pasture " Prophecy The New Village of " Cascade "
Bitter Triangular Rivalry Spirited Guide Board War Early Manufactures
Pioneer Hotels, Merchants, Etc., Etc 3248
CHAPTER II. Akrou Incorporated First Charter Election Early Mayors The
First a Venerable but Wealthy Quaker, the Second an Impecunious Lawyer
"Kid" Unsuccessful Speculations Curious Law Practice A "Moving"
Defense Successfnl Administration Subsequent Mayors, Etc 4956
CHAPTER III. Early Crookedness Confidence Games, ''Keg Money," Etc.
Unsavory Reputation The " Gore-y" Battle Ground Bitter Post Office Con-
troversyScandalous Church Squabbles Decadence of Middlebury and the
South End "Cascade" in the Ascendency Succumbing to the Inevitable,
Etc .57-63
CHAPTER IV. The Boom and the Collapse Poetry reraus Fact Speculation
Rampant Wonderful Enhancement of Values and still more Wonderful
Decline The Morus Multicaulus Craze Immense Fortunes that Didn't
Materialize The Panic of 1837 Hard Times as was Hard Times The Shin-
plaster Era Decidedly a Mixed Currency The "Truck and Dicker" System,
Etc 6470
CHAPTER V. The "Cross-Cut" Canal Charter Granted in 1827 Preliminary
Survey Eight Years' Slumber Revival of Project in 1833 Ohio a Large
Stockholder Delayed by Panic of 1837 Push and Pluck of its Projectors-
Successful Completion Celebrating all Along the Line Prosperity, Decline,
Etc 7179
CHAPTER VI. The Portage Canal and Manufacturing Company or "Chuckery "
Enterprise A Mammoth Scheme Superior Sagacity and Engineering Skill
of Akron's Great Benefactor, Doctor Eliakim Crosby Rise, Progress and
Collapse Portrait and Life History of its Projector, Etc. An Instructive
Chapter *. 80-90
CHAPTER VII. Summit County Six Years' Struggle Over its Erection Rejoic-
ing Over the Result Preliminary Election and Organization The County
Seat Question Akron, Cuyahoga Falls and the "Chuckery" Competitors
Akron Finally Wins the Prize Public Buildings Erected First Speech in
the New Court House Made by ex-President John Quincy Adams Imprqve-
. ments, Etc 91108
CHAPTER VIII. Educational Matters Pioneer Schools " Model " Examination
Early Select Schools, High Schools, Etc. The Union School System A
Distinctly Akron Institution but now Universal A magnificent Educational
Showing Present Status of Akron's Splendid Public Schools, Views of Build-
ings, Portraits of Superintendents, Etc. Buchtel College and its Promot-
ers, Presidents, Officers, Etc 109167
CHAPTER IX. Akron's Literary Achievements " Lyceum and Library Asso-
ciation" Chartered in 1834 "Philo Lexion Society" 1836-40 "Akron Literary
Association" "Akron Lecture Association ""Akron Library Association"
Akron Mechanics' Library, Akron Public School Library, Akron Free
Public Library Young Men's Christian Association Reading Room, Lec-
tures, Etc 168187
CHAPTER X. Akron's Churches Pioneer Religious Organizations Successes
and Reverses The Various Sects Very Largely Represented Views of
Several Early Church Structures and a Number of Modern Houses of Wor-
shipPortraits of Several Representative Ministers With Brief Biographies
Church and Sabbath School Statistics, Etc . . 188214
ii. CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XI. Akron Truly a Literary Center Ancient Middlebury the Pioneer
with the " Portage Journal " in 1825 The "Akron Post " of 1836 The "Ameri-
can Balance" of 1836 The "Akron Buzzard" of 1837 The "Akron Journal" of
1836, '37 The "Summit Beacon "of 1839, and the Various Literary and News-
paper Ventures to the Present Day. An Interesting Chapter 215 231
CHAPTER XII. Akron's Burial Places The Old Sixth Ward Cemetery of 1808
The Spicer Cemetery 1813 to 1870 The . Original North Akron or "Dublin"
Burying Ground of 1825-The Akron Rural Cemetery 1838 to Present Time-
The New Sixth Ward Cemetery The Several Church Cemeteries of the
City Superintendent's Lodge and Memorial Chapel and Other Fine Views in
Akron Rural Cemetery, Officers of Association and Superintendents Some-
thing About Public Parks, Etc 232259
CHAPTER XIII. Akron and Portage Township Civil Service Town, Village, City
and Township Local and General Public Officers for Over Half a Century
A Highly Honorable Record Without a Single Case of Malfeasance Known
Among the Hundreds of Official Incumbents Portraits, Biographies 260 309
CHAPTER XIV. Public Illumination The Original "Tallow Dip" Followed
by Sperm Oil, Lard Oil, Coal Gas, Petroleum and Electricity Local Trans-
portation, Herdics, Horse Cars, Electric Cars, Etc. Fuel Gas, and Other
Modern Improvements Akron Fully Abreast With the Times 310314
CHAPTER XV. Akron's Postal History Ancient Middlebury's Early and Suc-
cessive Postmasters to Present Time First Postmaster of Akron Proper-
Youthful Mail Carrier Successive Postmasters of Akron for Sixty Years,
With Portraits of Several Scramble for the " Spoils " Under Successive
Administrations Wonderful Growth of Postal Business Free Delivery Sys-
tem, Etc 315329
CHAPTER XVI. Akron's Fires Hundreds of Houses, Churches, Stores, Shops,
Mills, Etc., Destroyed Millions of Dollars' Worth of Propert3' Consumed
Incendiarism Rampant The Bucket Brigade The Old Crank and Brake
Engines The Tireless Steamer List of Akron's Principal Fires for Over
Half a Century A Chapter Full of Instructive Information 330349
CHAPTER XVII. Akron, Middlebury and Portage Township Military History,
Ancient and Modern Early Army and Civil Military Operations Brilliant
Record in the War of the Rebellion Later Local Military Affairs A Mag-
nificent Showing 350446
CHAPTER XVIII. Ancient and Modern Akron Contrasted Early Business and
Industrial StatusWhat Horace Greeley Said of Us in 1843 Greeley a True
Prophet The Boom that Came to Stay From Village to City An Indus-
trial, Commercial, Financial and Professional History Justly to be Proud of. .447 ~>,~>7
CHAPTER XIX. Summit County's Tornadoes The Stow Disaster of October 20,
1837 Dwelling House Demolished and Four Persons Instantly Killed The
Sharon, Copley and Springfield Blow of April 8, 1890, Leaving Death and
Desolation in its Track Akron's Fearful Visitation of May 10, 1890, with Ten
Graphic Illustrations Barberton's Fatal Call, December 23, 1890, Etc 558568
CHAPTER XX. Akron's First, Last and Only Homicide The Sixth Ward Wife-
MurderTerrible Brutality of a Whisky-Selling, Whisky-Drinking Fiend
"Watt" Henry's Fatal Assault upon His Wife, Bridget Henry Exciting
Trial, Conviction, Life Imprisonment, Etc 569-576
CHAPTER XXL The "Irrepressible Conflict "The Infamous Fugitive Slave
Law Every Man, Woman and Child a Bloodhound Dastardly Attempt to
Kidnap a Weil-Known Akron Barber, "Jim" Worthington Prominent Citi-
zens to the Rescue The Slave-Catchers FoiledEscape of "Jim" and
Other Local Fugitives to Canada An Intensely Interesting Chapter 577 583
CHAPTER XXII. Our Own John Brown "Old Ossawatomie" Freedom's Hero
and Martyr Full Personal History with Life-like Portrait Business Suc-
cesses and Reverses Free-State Operations in Kansas Fatal Harper's
Ferry Expedition Capture, Trial, Conviction and Execution for Treason
and Insurrection A Thrilling Historical Episode 584592
CHAPTER XXIII The Canadian Patriot War of 1837-1839 " Hunter's" Lodges-
General Lucius V. Bierce one of the "Leading Spirits" Defeat, Execution
and Banishment of Insurgents in the East The United States Interferes
Commander-in-Chief Bierce Captures Windsor, Burns Barracks, Etc.
Defeat and Flight for Life An Exciting International Episode 593603
CONTENTS. iii.
CHAPTER XXIV. Second Adventism The End of the World Predicted in
1843 Great Excitement in Akron and Summit County Miscalculation in
Dates The Final Catastrophe Postponed One Year Still the Day of Doom
will not Come Attempts to Work Miracles Feet-Washing and the Holy
Kiss Spiritual Marriages, Etc. Wonderful Power of Humbug 601 (ill*
CHAPTER XXV 7 . The Geology of Summit County, by Professor Matthew Can-
field Read, with Portrait and Biography of Author Canyon Formation-
Nature's Great Ice PlcJw, the Glacier Structural Geology Coal, Oil and
Gas Measures, Etc- An Extremely Useful and Instructive Chapter 614 &M
CHAPTER XXVI. Summit County's Railroads -Early Railway History-
Schemes that never Materialized Successes and Reverses Projects that
Came to Stay Present and Constantly Increasing Systems The Chief
Factor in Akron's Unexampled Prosperity A Chapter Full of Interest
to A 1 1 , ". 621 639
CHAPTER XXVII. The Township of Bath Early Settlement, with Portraits of
First and Subsequent Early Settlers Pioneer Incidents and Perils Civil
Criminal, Military and Business Status, Past and Present Educational and
Religious Matters, Etc 640-ti53
CHAPTER XXVIII. The Township of Boston Early Settlement, Organization,
Xame, Etc. Indian and Other Pioneer Incidents Ancient and Modern
Military Prowess A Splendid Record in the War of the Rebellion Criminal
Catalogue Civil, Business, Educational and Religious Status Portraits of
Prominent Citizens, Soldiers' Monument, Etc 654 W>9
CHAPTER XXIX. Daring Burglaries in Peninsula Singular Detection of
Burglar Arrest, Indictment and Ingenious Escape from Jail Giving "Aid
and Comfort" to Rebels Confinement in Fort Lafayette Return to his Old
Quarters in Jail Conviction and Nine Years' Imprisonment Thoroughly
Reformed, Etc 670077
CHAPTER XXX. -The Peninsula Wife Murder Henry Kerst from Ambush
Shoots his Wife upon the Public Highway Terrible Excitement Among the
People Arrest, Trial, Conviction and Sentence His Own Executioner by
Suicide A Ghastly Spectacle 678 (WI5
C II AFTER XXXI. Boston's Last Great Sensation The Washburn-Peoples Homi-
cideA Wronged Husband's Terrible Revenge Preparations for the Bloody
Deed Arrest, Trial and Conviction of Murder in the Second Degree
Imprisonment for Life Still Doing Penance after Twenty Years <i84 (>!4
CHAPTER XXXII. Copley Township Why so Named Topography-The Big
Swamp A Gamy Locality Early Settlement, Organization, Etc. Pioneer
and Later Thrilling Incidents Growth, Population and Business, Educa-
tional, Religious, Civil and Military Status The Bosworth Insane Homicide,
Etc 695 7<iTt
CHAPTER XXXIII. "The State of Coventry "Origin of Xame The Indian's
Paradise Settlement. Organization, Growth and Wonderful Prosperity-
Mineral and Manufacturing Resources The Reservoirs, When and Why
Constructed Early and Later Criminal Matters Civil and Military Status
A Chaoter Well Worth Perusal 70t> ?_'4
CHAPTER XXXIV. Cuyahoga Falls, a Full History of its Beginning, Progress,
Prosperity, Reverses, Etc. Its Past and Present Business, Educational,
Religious, Criminal, Civil and Military Status, with Portraits and Biogra-
phies of Several Prominent Citizens, a Number of Romantic Views, Etc 7'_ > 5 7i>!'
CHAPTER XXXV. The Parks-Beatson Homicide One of the Most Cold-
Blooded Murders on Record Exciting Chase after the Murderer Capture, _
Trial, Conviction New Trial Granted Again Convicted, Executed, Etc.
Full History of the Case 770 7X!
CHAPTER XXXVI. Franklin Township Early Resources, Settlement, Busi-
ness Centers, Civil, Criminal, Moral and Military StatusPortraits, Biogra-
phies, Etc 784795
CHAPTER XXXVII. Green Township When and by Whom Settled Organiza-
tion Mercantile, Educational, Military, Business and Criminal Matters-
Person j| I Biography, Etc , 7!Kj 8V)
iv. CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXXVIII. Hudson Township and Village The Pioneer Township
of Summit County, Founded in 1799 Perils by Water and by Land Early
Privations The Grand Old Western Reserve College Other Educational
Institutions Religious, Industrial and Military History The Malony-Ste-
pleton Homicide, Etc 811 853
CHAPTER XXXIX. Northampton Indian and Frontier, 'Matters Settlement,
Organization, Early and Modern : Military Operations, Civil and Criminal
Status The Dunn-Whipple Homicide, Trial and Life .Imprisonment of the
Murderer The Brooks-Tedrow Tragedy, Etc 854875
CHAPTER XL. The Counterfeiters of the Cuyahoga " Dan " and "Jim" Brown
Stupendous Financial Schemes Successes and Reverses Brilliant Oper-
ations of "Dan" the Second Wonderful Romance of Crime 876897
CHAPTER XLI.Northfield Early Settlement, Organization and Progress
The Viers-Charlesworth Episode of 1826 Wrongfully Accused of Crime
The Mystery Pluckily Cleared Up A Genuine Romance in Real Life -
Township Patriotism "and Military Roll of Honor Honorable Civil .Service
Record, Public. Spirit, Etc 898907
CHAPTER XLIL Northfield's Second Great Sensation, The Murder of Catha-
rine McKisson by her Brother-in-law, David McKisson July 34, 1837 Pursuit,
Trial, Conviction and Execution A Highly Thrilling Narrative 908917
CHAPTER XLIII. Norton Origin, Pioneer Experiences Organization Early
"Queer "ness Business Emporiums Mad Pranks of Lunatic Merchant-
Killing of Burglar by New Portage P. M. The McLister- Welsh Homicide
Civil and Military Status Portraits, Biographies, Etc 918935
CHAPTER XLIV. The New Industrial City of Barberton Wonderful Growth
and Prosperity Showing What Courage and Cash can Accomplish Finely
Illustrated 936940
CHAPTER XLV. The Township of Richfield Pioneer Inhabitants and Inci-
dentsSuccesses and Reverses Educational, Religious, Civil, Military and
Criminal Status The Big Sleigh Ride of 1856-The Great Reunion of 1880
Present Business Status, Population, Etc 941 9.Vt
CHAPTER XLVI. The Hunter-Gargett Tragedy Love-Making by Proxy
Marriage Contract " Unsight Unseen" Lover Jilted by Sweetheart Fatal
Revenge Father and Mother of Girl Shot to Death Narrow Escape of
Young Lady Herself Arrest, Trial and Execution of Murderer Spicy Cor-
respondence, Etc 956 97S
CHAPTER XLVIL Springfield Township Early Settlement, Organization-
Progress Industrial, Educational, Religious, Patriotic, Etc. The Murder of
John Rhodenbaugh and Punishment of Murderers The Roof-Musson Hom-
icideExciting Trials Imprisonment, Pardon, Etc 979 1002
CHAPTER XLVIII. Stow Township Historical and Incidental " Pioneer Mir-
acle" Wild Animals, Rattlesnakes, Indians, Etc. Early Fatal Tornado-
Double Fatal Episode of the Rebellion Educational, Moral, Civil and
Military Status Portrait of Judge Joshua Stow and Other Prominent
Citizens, Etc 1(XW-1(7
CHAPTER XLIX.- Monroe Falls One of the Early Booming Cities of Sum mil
County Rise, Progress and Decline Protege Dude of Company Twice
Convicted of an Infamous Crime Escape From Jail; Secreted in Attorney's
Cistern Six Weeks Five Years in Sunny Italy Return to America With
Lola Monte&- Death, Etc 1028-1035
CHAPTER L. Tallmadge Township A Unique Arrangement of Roads, Lots,
Etc. A Projected " Utopia "Hopes of Founder Blasted but Settlement
Rapid and Township Prosperous Industrial. Religious. Educational and
Military Status-Biographical, Etc 1036-105!*
CHAPTER LI. Twinsburg, the Latest Settled Township in Summit County-
First Settler a Seventeen-Year-Old Boy Derivation of Name Rapid Prog-
ressPioneer Incidents Wonderful School History Church, Official and
Military Matters Past and Present Business Status, Etc 10601079
CHAPTER 'LIL Summit "County's Agricultural Society Origin, Early Fairs,
Changes ot Location, Hindrances, Successes, Etc. Popular "Fountain
Park "-Most Prosperous Local Fair in Ohio 1080-lcii
CONTENTS. v.
CHAPTER LIII. Summit County's Benevolence Early "Poor Houses" Pur-
chase of County Farm Original Infirmary Buildings New and Enlarged
Structures Greatly Improved Methods The De Roo Hospital Bequest-
Akron Charity Association Mary Day Nursery, Etc 10871098
CHAPTER LIV. Labor Fifty Years Ago History Repeating Itself-Early Dis-
satisfaction, Strikes, Riots, Etc., as Now Clamoring for a Ten Hour Day
and Cash Payments Combinations, Dissensions, Defeats, Successes, Etc.
An Interesting and Instructive Chapter 10991105
CHAPTER LV. Akron and Summit County in California The Great Exodus
of 1849, '50 Dangers and Hardships of the Journey Thither Incidents of
Travel, Both Thrilling, Ludicrous and Sad Successes, Disappointments
and Deaths A Chapter Full of Reminiscent Interest for All 11061140
CHAPTER LVI.-Early Crimes and Other Incidents Within the Present Limits
of Summit County Captain Samuel Brady's Reputed Wonderful Leap for
Life Brady's Lake, Etc. Shooting of Daniel Diver and Killing of Indian
Nickshaw Murder of Nathan Cummins in 1834, Etc 11411147
CHAPTER LVIL Some Clever Local Detective Operations How the Civil Offi-
cers of a Third of a Century Ago Managed Things Thieves, Burglars and
Counterfeiters "Roped In" Sheriff Lane, Himself Victimized Slippery
"Bob" Hurst, Etc. A Brief but Interesting Chapter 11481159
CHAPTER LVIIL Miscellaneous Portrait and Biography of Rev. William
Frost Crispin- Something Further About Buchtel College Death of Miss
Myrtle Louisa Barker Death of Treasurer Joy H. Pendleton The Howard
Street Disaster With View of Ruins, Etc , ....11621168
GENERAL INDEX.
A.
Autobiography of Author 130
Author's Preliminary Statement 31
Absolute Chemical Company 498
Adams, John Quincy, Visit to Akron in 1843 107
Advance, The 230
./Etna Furnace 43
AKRON Beginning ; Why so Named 32
As seen by Horace Greeley in 1843 447
As seen by Henry Howe, Historian, in 1846 447
As shown by Parallel Views 1853 1891 : 448
Additions to 449
Annexation of Middlebury 449
Ancient and Modern, Contrasted 447 457
Abstractors of Titles 521
Architects 511
Bakers 510
Banks and Finances 538
Barbers 510
Belting Company , 471
Blacksmiths 511
Brass Band 1840 444
Book and Stationery Stores 518
Boom and Collapse 1835 1845 64
Boot and Shoe Stores 527
Board of Education, 1847 to 1891 '.. 145
Board of Education Presidents 147
Board of Education Secretaries 147
Board of Education Treasurers 147
Bounty Fund Surplus 176
Branch Railroad 623
Building and Loan Association 544
Burial Places 232259
Buzzard 217
Cabinet and Building Company 492
Cart Works 502
Carriage Makers 521
Cereal Operations v>. 554
Chemical Company 498
China and Glassware Dealers 520
Church History 188-214
Cigar Company .' 508
City Clerks 278
City Councilmen 268
City Engineers 282
City Marshals : 278
City Mayors : 278
City Solicitors 282
City Street Commissioners 282
City Guards 429
City Organization .' 449
City. Times 226
Clothing Dealers 520
Coal Dealers 528
Cold Spring Company 451
Commercial 228
Confectioners 520
Congressmen . . 308
Constitutional Delegates 309
Contractors and Builders 509
Cooper Shops .' 510
CONTENTS. vii.
AKRON County Officials 298307
Crockery Dealers 520
and Canton Railroad 623
and Chicago Junction Railroad 638
Daily Argus 227
Daily Beacon 221
Daily Beacon and Republican 222
Daily News 228
Daily Republican 228
Daily Telegram 228
Drafts during the War 1861 1865 417
Drug Stores 527
Dry Goods Stores < 516
Eagle 223
Electric Company 501
Engraving Company 537
Educational History 109167
Electric Street Lighting 312
Electric Street Railway 313
File Works 498
First Building 38
First Church Building 189
First Election 49
First Mayor, Councilmen, etc 50
First School House 110
First High School Building 122
Fire History... 330349
First and Only Homicide .-... 569
Fire Brick Company 475
Free Democrat 224
Free Public Library 178
Freie Presse 227
Fruit Dealers 528
Fuel Gas Company 314
Funeral Directors 528
Gas Company 310
Germania 227
Grain Dealers 518
Great Exodus to California 1839-'40 1109
Grocery Merchants 523
Hardware Company 498
Hardware Merchants 520
Harness Makers 510
Hat, Cap and Furnishing Stores 525
Heat, Light and Power Company 498
Heating and Ventilating Company 498
Home Guards 395
Hotels '. 528
Hydraulic Company 78
Incorporated : 49
Institute 115
Insurance Agents 529
Iron Company 468
Jewelers 518
Journal 216
Knife Works 409
Lawyers ' 551
Lecture Association 173
Library Association 174
Library Association Officers 182
Literary Association Officers 171
Lyceum and Library Association 168
Light Infantry 353
" Live Dutchman " 451
Machine and Repair Shops 510
Meat Markets 529
Mechanics' Library 171
Merchant Tailors 510
Military History , 350446
CONTENTS.
AKRON Milliners 520
Milling Company 455
Mining Company 1849 1107
Ministerial Association 214
Musical Organ izations 444
Newspaper History 215 231
Notion and Fancy Stores 520
Novelty Manufacturing Company 506
Original "Eel Pot" 1149
Painters and Paper Hangers 510
Paving Brick Company 483
Philo Lexion Society 169
Photographers 525
Physicians 544
Pioneer Boat Yard 492
Pioneer Lumber Yard 485
Pioneer Planing Mill : 486
Pioneer Sash Factory 484
Pioneer Street Railway 313
Plumbers 525
Popular Lecture System 187
Population 451
Postal History 315-329
Presidential Electors 308
Printing Houses 534
Printing and Publishing Company 534
Public Parks 255
Post 216
and Portage Township 260369
and Perrysburg Railroad 1836 622
Queensware Company 481
Real Estate Dealers 528
Reed and Rattan Company 502
Rifles 351
Rural Cemetery 235
and Richmond Railroad 622
Rolling Mill 468
Rubber Works 469
Savings Bank 443
School Law 116
Second Election 51
Second Mayor, Council, etc 52
Second High School Building 123
Security and Indemnity Company 544
in State Legislature 307
in State Senate 308
Soap Company 508
Sewer Pipe Company 477
Shoe Company 516
Silver Plate Company 502
Steam Forge Company 471
Stoneware Agency 481
Stoneware Company 481
Stove and Tinware Dealers 321
and Summit County in California 1106
Tool Company 496
Town and Village Attorneys 267
Town and Village Marshals 263
Town and Village Mayors 263
Town and Village Recorders 265
Town and Village Treasurers 267
Town and Village Trustees 260
Township Officers 297
Union Depot (old) 626
Union Depot (new) 628
Vitrified Pressed Brick Company 483
Water Supply 451
Water Works Company 452
White Sand Company 502
CONTENTS. ix.
Akron Wholesale Grocery Company 512
Akron Woolen and Felt Company 49g
Allen, David and Jesse, Pioneer Manufacturers 44
Allen, Frank P., Printer 577
Allen, Jacob, Early Manufacturer and Miller 293
Allen Mills 459
Ailing, Ethan 1061
American Balance 217
American Cereal Company '. 457
American Crayon Company 508
American Democrat , 223
American Farm News 230
American Marble and Toy Company 481
American Sewer Pipe Company 479
American Straw Board Company 938
American Tin Plate Company 50g
Angel, Miss Harriet N., Teacher 124
Art Preservative of All Art 534
Ashley, " Col." William ! 667
Atlantic and Great Western Railway 628
Aultman, Miller & Co 466
Babcock's Band 445
Bank Charter Applied for 1837 45
Banks, Finances , etc 538
Baker, McMillen Company 474
Bakers 511
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad 631
Bank of Akron 543
Barbers 511
BARBERTON, New City of 935
Land Company 937
Manufacturers 938
Barber Match Company 464
Barrel Factory Fire 1153
Barris-Cummins Homicide 1146
Barker, Myrtle Louisa, death of 1163
BATH TOWN SHIP, History of 641-653
Pioneer Settlers 641
Manufactures 641
In War of 1812 642
Organization, Name, etc 644
Civil Service Record 645
Military History 647
as " Railroad Center " 648
Early Crookedness 649
Educational and Religious Status 652
Population . .. 652
Present Official Roster-1891 653
Beach, Thomas Parnell, Teacher 115
Beacon and Republican 222
Belding, Miss Lucy E., Teacher 131
Bennett, Mrs. Sarah P., Teacher 129
Bernard, Harriet Amanda, Teacher 124
B. F. Goodrich Company 469
Bierce, General Lucius V 593
Bierce Cadets 428
Bierce Cadets, Dismissal from Service 430
Big Falls, Cuyahoga River : 84
Bissell, Rev. Samuel, Teacher 1070
Blacksmiths, in Akron \ 511
Bitter Church Controversy 1837 39
Bitter Postoffice War 1837 61
Boat Building in Akron 492
Books and Stationery 518
Boots and Shoes - 527
x. CONTENTS.
BOSTON TOWNSHIP, History of 554684
Village of 654
Pioneer Settlers 657
Organization, Name, etc 658
Early Marriages, Births, Deaths, etc 659
Pioneer Experiences " 659
Military Prowess 660
Roll of Honor 661
Soldiers' Monument 663
Industries 663
Civil Service Status 664
Crookedness 666
Schools, Churches, etc 668
Present Official Roster 1891 668
Population 659
Postmasters 669
Triple Burglary 670
First Great Sensation 678
Last Great Sensation 684
Bounties, Quotas, Drafts, etc 409
Bounty Jumpers 428
Bounty Tax Law 418
Brady, Captain Samuel, Narrative of 1141
Brady's Lake 1144
Brady's Leap '. 1142
Brigger Belting Company 502
Brittain 886
Brown, "Jim" and "Dan" 876
Brown, John" Old Ossowatomie" 584
BUCHTEL COLLEGE, History of 149-167
Breaking Ground 153
Laying Corner Stone, Address by Horace Greeley 153
Faculty-1891-'92 , 161
Presidents of 159161
Course of Study 161
Board of Trustees of 161
Officers of Board 161
Professorships 163
Finances 164
Grouse Gymnasium 162
Science Building 165
Fatal Disaster 165
Addenda 1163
Athletic Grounds 1164
Cadets 444
Buchtel, Mr. and Mrs. John R., Portraits of 150
Buckeye Sewer Pipe Company 478
Budd, Townsend C., Machinist 498
Burglar Neatly Nabbed 1154
" Butternut " Demonstration 1863 414
o.
Caldwell, Charles G 1139
California, Goldseekers of 1849-'50 1110
California , Perils of the Journey to 1128
California, Akron's Bonanza King 1138
California, Ups and Downs 1139
Camp, Miss Lizzie, Teacher 132
Campbell, Miss Emma, Teacher 130
Canadian Copper Company 509
Canadian Patriot War 1837-'39 593
Canal Dover Paving Brick Company 509
Canrield, Horace G 536
Capron & Curtice 537
Carothers, Miss Sarah J., Teacher 129
Carleton, Will M., Memorial Poet 253
Cascade Mill Race 41
Cascade, Village of 43
Cascade House 43
CONTENTS. xi.
Cascade Store
Cascade Roarer
Charleroi Plate Glass Company 508
Cheap Popular Entertainments 187
Chittenden, Henry .'
"Chuckery," History of
"Chuckery" Race, View of
Church, Miss Lavena, Teacher 124
CHURCH, Central Presbyterian 214
First Congregational
Second Congregational
West Congregational
Christian Science
Calvary Evangelical 207
First Presbyterian
First Methodist Episcopal 191
First Baptist 194
First Universalist
St. Paul's Episcopal 198
High Street Church of Christ
Grace Methodist Episcopal 201
First German Reformed 202
Grace Reformed 204
German Zion Lutheran 204
Sixth Ward Church of Christ 205
Trinity Lutheran 206
German Methodist 206
United Brethren 206
St. Bernard's 209
St. Vincent de Paul's T. 207
Akron Hebrew Congregation 210
African M. E. Zion 212
Shiloh Baptist
Trinity Reformed 212
North Hill M. E ,
Wabash Avenue Church of Christ 213
South Main Street Church of Christ 213
Sherbondy Hill Church of Christ
Evangelical Lutheran
Swedish Evangelical Lutheran 214
Old Forge Congregational Sunday .School 213
Clark, Henry, Akron's First Hotel-keeper
Clothiers, Hats, Caps, etc...* 520
Clarendon Hotel
Cleveland, Akron and Columbus Railroad 625
Cleveland and Pittsburg Railroad 623
Cleveland, Mt. Vernon and Delaware Railroad 625
Cleveland, Zanesville and Cincinnati Railroad 625
Cleveland and Canton Railroad 635
Clinton, Governor De Witt, Visit to Akron in 1825 38
City National Bank 540
Citizens' Savings and Loan Association 540
Civil Engineers 530
Coal .Dealers 528
Cobb, Charles B., Pioneer Hotel-keeper 45
Codding, Miss Elsie A., Teacher 123
Coffman, Miss Rebecca, Teacher 124
Cohn Manufacturing Company 502
Collapse of the Rebellion 421
Commercial Matters 512
Commins & Allen , 455
Company B, Eighth Regiment O. N. G 436
Company B, Official Roster 440
Company B, at Presidential Inauguration, 1889 441
Cone, Rev. Orello, D. D 160
Confectionery Dealers 520
Cook, Fairbanks & Co 481
Cooper, Samuel F., Early School Superintendent 126
Cooper Brick Company 484
xii. CONTENTS.
Cooper Shops '' 51
Cooper, Jack, alias Samuel Wittum, Execution of
COPLEY TOWNSHIP, History of 695705
Starting Point 695
Swamp The Great Hunt
Swamp Danger, Death, etc *>96
Why so Named 697
When and by Whom Settled
Organization 698
Growth, Population, etc
Business Status
Early Temperance Society '00
Schools, Churches, etc '01
War Record 702
Civil Service Record
Railroad Facilities "04
Present Official Roster (1891) J04
Sad Insane Homicide '04
Cotter's Battery, O. L. A 438
COVENTRY TOWNSHIP, History of 706724
Aboriginal " Garden of Eden" '06
Early Settlement 707
Organization, etc '08
Why Called " The State "of
Early Homicide 'O 9
Industrial Resources '11
Milling Operations The Old State Mill 12
Ancient Metropolis
Military History ' 'I 6
Civil Service Record .*. 718
Growth, Population, etc 720
Indian Traditions 720
Early Crookedness
Last Sad Homicide 7215
Present Official Record (1891) ' 24
County Seat Contest 1840-1843 1Q 2
County Seat, Election for 104
Court House and Jail 105
Court House, View of 105
County Jail, Shabbiness of 100
County Jail, Escape From 106
Crispin, Rev. William Frost 1162
Crosby, Doctor Eliakim, Sketch of * 41
Crouse Gymnasium 162
Cummins, Nathan, Murder of 1146
Counterfeiters of the Cuyahoga 876
CUYAHOGA FALLS, History of .- 725-769
Early Settlement 725
Pioneer Mills 725
Why so Named 726
Pioneer Paper Mill 727
Magnificent Water Power 728
Early Residents '. 729
Early Business Matters 739
"Ahead of Chicago " 731
Shinplaster Mill (1838) ; 731
Later Banking Operations : 732
Pioneer Temperance Society in Ohio 733
Whisky" Strike 734
Municipal Organization 735
Township Organization 735
Portage Mutual Insurance Company 737
One Year a County Seat 737
Educational Matters 738
Church History 74Q
Temperance Crusade : 743
Musical, Fraternal, etc 745
Fine Pleasure Resort : 746
Newspapers 748
CONTENTS. xiii.
CUYAHOGA FALLS, Military History ; 750
Soldiers' Monument 753
Criminal Status : 754
Early Births, Marriages, Deaths, etc 755
Public Buildings 755
Library, Lyceum, etc 755
Population 757
Fires 757
Civil Service Record 761
Present Business Status (1891) 763
D.
Detection of Crime in the Early Days 1148
D. F. Morgan Boiler Company 497
Diamond Drill and Tool Company 497
Diamond Fire Brick Works 475
Diamond Match Company ' 464
Diamond Plate Glass Company 508
Diver, Daniel, Shooting of , 1144
Dodge, Col. Sebried, Civil Engineer 42
Dodge, Mrs. Susan E., Teacher 112
Dodge, William M., Probate Judge 130
Dow, James G., Early Akron Merchant 1139
Doyle, William B 486
Draft " Prize Winners " in War of Rebellion 412
Drafts, Quotas, Bounties, etc 409
Drop Hammer Forging Company 497
Dry Goods, Akron Dealers in 516
Drugs and Medicines, Dealers in 527
" Dublin "North Akron's Early Cognomen 39
Ducking Rebel Sympathizers 411
Dussel, Miss Lida M., Teacher 131
E.
Early Crimes and Incidents 1141
Early Crookedness .- 57
Early Hotels 37
Early High Schools 113
Early Schools, Teachers, etc Ill
Early Select Schools 112
E. H. Merrill Company 480
Eighth Regiment, O. N. G 436
Eighth Regiment Band 445
Eighty-fourth Regiment, O. V. 1 417
Elwood Land Company 509
Empire Reaper and Mower Works 467
Enterprise Manufacturing Company 497
Eves, Parvin .: 1022
Ewart, J. C. & Co., Roofing Tile Works 483
Ewing & Hollinger , Builders 292
Excelsior Rea per and Mower Works 467
Exchange Bank 539
Executions at Wooster and Ashland 436
F\
Filley, Homer, the Killing of. 1020
First American Locomotive 620
First Draft During the War 410
First National Bank of Akron v 539
First Ohio Light Artillery 384
Fifth U. S. (colored) Infantry 405
Fifty-Eighth Regiment, O. V. 1 386
Fifty-Fourth Battalion, O. N. G * 396
Flag Festival-54th Battalion, Co. A 397
Finances, Banks, etc 538
Forty-Second Regiment, O. V. 1 406
Foster, Joseph W., Boat Builder 494
Fountain Park -. 1084
Free Democratic Standard ... 224
xiv. CONTENTS.
Free School Clarion 225
Friction Matches, History of 459
Fruit Dealers in Akron 528
F. Schumacher Milling Company 465
Fugitive Slave Law 578
Funeral Directors in Akron 528
Furniture Dealers 525
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, History of.. 784
Where Located 784
Water Courses, Lakes, etc 784
Resources 785
Early Village Failures 785
Early Business Emporiums : 785
Three Villages in One 786
The Village of Clinton 786
The Village of Manchester 786
Business Status 786
Organization 788
Industries 788
Military Matters 788
Criminal Matters , 790
Civil Service Record 793
Population, etc 794
Present Official Roster (1891) 795
<3.
Garfleld Obsequies 436
Gargett, Mr. and Mrs. Robert, Murder of 956
Gargett, Chloe E., Daughter of Above 956
Garrett, John O., California Forty-Niner 1110
Geology of Summit County 614
German Guard, Com pany Buchtel 443
German Lutheran School 135
Gilbert, Miss Mary, Teacher 123
Globe Sign Company 508
Glover, Prof. N. L., Musical Instructor 131
Goodrich Hard Rubber Company 469
Gothic Block, Howard Street 63
Graded School System 116
Graham, Joseph Gilbert, Teacher 122
Graham, William, the Stow Homicide 1018
Grain Dealers in Akron 518
Great Western Band 446
Great Western Railway 622
Greele, Samuel S., Teacher 115
Greeley , Horace 155
Grocery and Provision Dealers 5'<23
Guide Board War, in the Early Days 46
Green Township's Hundred-Day Men 401
GREEN TOWNSHIP, History of 796
Early Settlement 796
Indian Experiences 797
Topography, Resources, etc 788
Business Centers 800
Industries 801
Educational Matters 800
Electoral Matters 802
Criminal Catalogue 802
Military History 807
Civil Service Record 809
Present Township Officers (1891) 810
H.
Hall, Philander D., Akron's Pioneer Merchant 46
Hankey Lumber Company 490
Hanscom, Lewis 1138
Harper's Ferry, Capture of 589
Hardware, Dealers in 520
Harness Makers... , 510
CONTENTS.
XV".
Hart, Capt. Joseph, Middlebury Pioneer 33
Hartford City Plate Glass Company 508
Hats, Caps, etc., Dealers in 525
Hawkins, Miss B. M., Teacher 112
Heathman Heathman Homicide 709
Her rick & Son, China, Glassware, etc 516
High Street Church of Christ, View of 1167
High School Dedication (1853) 123
Hill & Adams Sewer Pipe Company , 476
Hill, Foster & Company 476
Hill, Merrill & Company 476
Hill, Powers & Company 476
Hill Sewer Pipe Company 477
Hole, Prof. Israel P., Educator 125
Hollinger, Miss Annie M., Teacher 130
Home Building & Loan Association 544
Howard, Charles W 69
Howard, Frank D 498
Howard Street Disaster, November 7, 1891 1164
Howe, Capt. Richard 117
Hower Oatmeal Mills 457
Hoy, Judge John , 98
Hotels 528
Hubble, Miss M. E., Teacher 114
Hugill & Briggs, Brick Manufacturers 484
Humphrey Turbine Company 505
Hundred and Eighty-Eighth O. V. 1 407
Hundred and Fifth O. V. 1 405
Hundred and Fifteenth O. V. 1 371
Hundred and'.Fourth O. V. 1 368
Hundred Day Men, O. N. G. (1864) 396
Hundred and Ninety-Seventh O. V. 1 404
Hundred and Seventh O. V. 1 387
Hundred and Seventy-Seventh O. V. 1 407
Hundred and Sixty-Fourth O. V. 1 400
Hundred and Twenty-Fifth O. V. 1 404
HUDSON, Pioneer Township in Summit County 811 850
David, First Settler ^in Summit County 812
The Long and Perilous Journey to 812
Early Settlers 816
Organization, Name, etc 817
First Born White Child 818
Indian Experiences 818
Religion, Churches, etc 820
Education al Matters 823
Western Reserve College 824
Railroad Enterprises 834
Business S a tus 836
Population ' 839
Municipal Officers 840
Newspapers 841
War History 843
Civil Service Record 846
Present Village and Township Officers (1891) 848
Criminal Matters : . . . . 849
Hinckston, the Fire Bug 849
The Maloney-Stepleton Homicide 850
Hunter, John H., the Richfield Double Homicide 974
Hunter-Gargett Tragedy, History of 956
Hurst, "Bob" Sharp Evasion of Justice 1158
Insurance Agencies 446
"Irrepressible Conflict" 577
Issue, The 229
Italian Orchestra ... : 529
xvi. CONTENTS.
J.
Jackson, George C., & Co 537
Jackson & Lyman 490
J. C. McNeil Company C 495
J. F. Seiberling & Company 467
Johnny Cake Lock 655
Johnson, Harvey H 61
Jones Wholesale Grocery Company 516
Joyce, M. & A. C., Teachers 112
K.
Kansas Freedom versus Slavery 588
Keating's Orchestra 445
"Keg Money" 57
Kerst, the Peninsula Homicide 578
Kilpatrick, Hugh, Death of 1020
King, Judge Leicester 557
King Varnish Company 474
Klages Coal and Ice Company 508
Knight, Lee R., Teacher 131
Konkle's Battery, O. L. A ; 385
Kubler & Beck, Varnish Works 473
Labor Fifty Years Ago 1099
Ladies' Cemetery Association 241
Lane, Luman 1064
Latta, William, the Counterfeiter 651
Lake Shore and Tuscarawas Valley Railroad ' 635
Lantz's Orchestra 446
Leggett, General M. D., Early School Superintendent 122
Ley-Swartz-Thomas Homicide 722
Library Board of Control 186
Line and Packet Boat Navigation 656
Locofoco Matches 461
Locofoco Party 462
Lucifer Matches 461
Lumber and Building Establishments 484
Lyceum and Library Association 166
M.
Machine and Repair Shops 510
Maloney Stepleton Homicide 85o
Marble's Band 445
Markle & Inman, Stoneware '481
Marriner Rifles 352
Massillon Branch R. R 635
Match Manufacture 450
May, Andrews 123
McArthur, Miss Jerusha, Teacher 1 124
McCausland Brothers, Brick-Makers 484
McClellan, William A., Builder : 492
McCollester, Rev. Sullivan H., D. D 159
McCready, Miss Margaret L., Teacher 129
McMasters, Henry, 1139
McKisson Homicide, Trial, Execution, etc 908917
McMillan, Reuben, Early Manufacturer 45
McMillen, John 39
Moffatt & McNeil 495
Meat Markets in Akron 529
Mechanics' Association (1840) 1102
Mechanics' Library 1103
Mechanics' Political Organization (1848) 1103
Mechanics' Strike for Ten Hour Day (1845) 1102
Mechanics' Strike for Cash Payments (1845) 1102
Mechanics' Strike for Higher Wages (1845) 1102
Members of Akron School Board, 1847 to 1891 145
Memorial Chapel, 245
CONTENTS. xvii.
Merrill, Powers & Company' '. 476
Merchant Tailors of Akron 510
Metropolitan Band 446
Middlebury, Ancient Village of 32
Middlebury, Annexation to Akron v 449
Middlebury Cemetery Association 232
Middlebury Mining Company (1849) 1107
Middlebury Township Officers 297
Militia During the War 426
Miller Chain Works 474
Millerism or Second Adventism 604
Miller & Roche, Grocers 512
Miller Match Company 474
Millinery Stores in Akron 520
Millheim 986
Miscellaneous Regiments in Union Army 407
Miscellaneous Trade and Traffic 530
Modern Military Operations 446
Mogadore, Village of 984
Moore, Milton, Trials and Tribulations of 994
Morrow County Draft Riots . 413
Morus Multicaulis Craze 66
Munificent Bounty Fund 423
Munroe Falls, Village of 1028
Munroe Falls, Boom and Collapse 1029
Munroe Falls, Early Criminal Episode 1030
Musical Instrument Dealers 523
Musson, Mrs. Harriet, Murder of 994
Mustill's Orchestra 446
rsi.
Neracher Sprinkler Company 509
Newberry, Henry, Sr 728
Newberry, Henry, Jr 762
Newberry, Miss Josephine, Teacher 128
New York, Mahoning & Western R. R 636
New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio R. R 631
New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio R. R. Depot 627
Nickshaw, John, the Killing of 1145
Nineteenth Regiment, O. V. I 357
Ninth Battery, 'O. L,. A 390
Ninth Regiment, O. N. G 434
Ninth Regiment, O. N. G., Merged in Eighth 436
North Hill Band 446
Notion and Novelty Dealers 520
Norton, Capt. Aaron 33
Noyes, Gov. Edward F. , Memorial Orator 253
NORTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP, History of 854875
Locality, Beginning, etc 854
Indian and Frontier Matters , 854
Settlement, Name, etc 855
Growth, Development, etc 856
Industrial Matters .' 858
Organization, Population, etc 860
Military History 861
Civil Service Record 863
Present Official Status (1891) 864
Criminal Catalogue 864
Dunn-Whipple Tragedy 865
Brook-Tedrow Homicide 873
Sapp Treasury Robbery 1153
NORTHFIELD TOWNSHIP, History of 898917
When and by Whom Settled 898
Name, Organization, etc 898
Rapid Settlement 899
Military Record 900
Civil Service Status 901
The Viers-Charlesworth Romance 903
The McKisson Homicide 90S
xviii. CONTENTS.
NORTON TOWNSHIP, History of 918-935
Origin, Name, etc 918
Early Settlement 918
Business " Centers " 920
Early Crookedness 922
Lunatic Merchant 922
Postoffice Robber Killed 924
Lost Child Excitement 925
Military History 926
Civil Service Record 828
McLister- Welsh Homicide 931
Population, Present Official Roster, (1891j etc., 935
CD.
Ohio Canal, Letting Contracts , 38
Ohio Canal, Breaking Ground by De Witt Clinton 38
Ohio Canal, First Boat to Cleveland 40
Ohio Educational Monthly 229
Ohio Exchange 47
Ohio National Guard (18&4) 399
Ohio National Guard, Guarding Coal Mines 430
Ohio National Guard, Annual Encampments 438
Ohio Stoneware Company 480
Olcott, Charles, Akron's Christener 35
Old Maid's Kitchen, View of 85
Olmsted, Edwin Bigelow, Early Superintendent of Schools 123
Oster-Kernan Homicide 792
Overland Journey to California 1107
F 3 .
Paige Brothers Company 516
Paige Tube Company 509
Painters and Paperhangers 510
Palmer, Charles W., Early Principal Akron Schools , 122
Panama Route to California 1108
Panic of 1837 66
Parks-Beatson Homicide 771
Patriotism and Pleasantry 418
Pavilion House 45
Payne, William H., Boat Builder rf 494
Pease, Judge Calvin 36
Pendleton, Joy H., Death of 1164
PENINSULA, Village of 651
Burglarized 670
Homicide 678
Official Roster (1891) 669
Pennsylvania and Ohio Canal 7179
People's Monthly 228
People's Savings Bank 544
Perkins, Crosby & King 42
Perkins School 128
Piano Tuners 523
Picture Frame Makers 523
Pittsburg, Akron and Western Railroad ; 637
Pittsburg and Western Railroad 635
Plumbers 525
Polishing and Plating Company ' 502
Pomeroy, Miss Helen, Teacher 122
Pooler, Charles T., Early Superintendent of Akron Schools 125
Portage Canal and Manufacturing Company 80
Portage Furnace 43
Portage Journal 115
Portage Strawboard Company 595
PORTAGE TOWNSHIP Early Settlement 32
Assessors '. 297
Clerks 289
Justices of the Peace 295
Treasurers 291
Trustees 287
CONTENTS. xix.
Porter Zouaves 428
" Powder Patch " 1083
" Preliminary " 31
Pryne, Miss Rosetta, Teacher 123
Q.
Quotas, Drafts, Bounties, Etc 406
R.
Railroads of Summit County 621639
Real Estate Agents 528
Recruiting in Rebel States 420
Regular Army Military Service , 408
Resistance to Draft 410
Rexford, Rev. Everett L., D. D 159
RICHFIELD TOWNSHIP, History of 941-978
Organization 941
Early Settlers 942
Population 943
Business Resources 944
Rival Centers 944
Education and Religion 954
Military History 946
Civil Service Record 947
Big Sleigh Ride (1856) 950
Great Reunion 951
Lunatic Horse Thief 952
Present Business Status (1891) 954
Official Roster 955
Hunter-Gargett Tragedy 956
Robeson, W. E., the Farmer-Detective 1149
Robinson Brothers & Co 478
Rodenbaugh,' John, Murder of 991
Rood, Wilbur V., Principal High School 128
Roofing Tile Works 43
Roof-Musson Homicide 994
Roman Orchestra 446
Root, George H., Teacher '. 124
Roster Company B., Eighth Regiment, O. N. G 440
Sanitary Aid Societies 418
Sapp, George, County Treasury Burglar 1152
Sauter-Sheetes Homicide 791
Sawtell, S. L., Early Akron Teacher 112
School Enumeration (1839) 112
School Enumeration (1888) . 139
School E numeration (1890) 141
School Graduates, 1864 to 1891 142
Schools Latin, Greek, Etc 144
Schools Teachers' Examinations in 1835 109
School Early Select High 115
Scholarships in Buchtel College 145
Schumacher Gymnasium Company 504
Seaman Manufacturing Company 508
Second Adventism 604
Second Draft during the War 416
Second National Bank of Akron 53 9
Second Ohio Cavalry 378
Seiberling, J. F. & Co 467
Seiberling Milling Company 459
Selle Gear Company 471
Semler-Kepler Homicide 804
Seventy-Sixth Regiment, O. V. I.... 407
Sewer Pipe Manufacturers 475
Sherbondy Hill Church of Christ 213
Sheriff Lane Victimized 1155
Singular Boiler Explosion 621
Sixth Battery Light Artillery 431
xx. CONTENTS.
Sixth Battery at Washington Centennial 443
Sixth Battery Roster for 1891 642
Sixth Independent Battery, O. L. A 366
Sixty-Fourth Regiment, O. V. I 364
Sixty-Seventh Regiment, O. V. 1 392
Smith Brothers 502
Soldiers' Memorial Chapel 245
Soldiers' Surplus Bounty Fund 176
South Akron Flouring 'Mill 459
South End News 229
South Main Street Church of Christ 213
Spicer, Amos, Early Portage Township Resident 32
Spicer, Major Miner, Akron's First Settler 32
Spicer Cemetery 232
SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP, History of 979-1002
Early Settlement 979
Organization, Growth, Etc 979
Population 981
Topography, Resources, Etc 982
Pioneer and Indian Matters 983
Villages, Hamlets, Etc 984
Abolition Riot 986
Educational Matters 988
Railroad Facilities 988
Military History 988
Civil Service Record 1001
Hundred-Day Men 401
Present Official Roster 1002
Murder of John Rhodenbaugh 991
Roof-Musson Homicide 994
" Squirrel Hunters" 376
Star Drilling Machin$ Company 498
Steinbacher, Erhard 512
St. Bernard's Parochial School 148
St. Vincent De Paul's Parochial School 147
Stone Mill ; 42
Stoneware and Pottery Trade 479
Storer & Barnhart . . 494
Storer & Miller 494
Stoves and Tinware 521
Summit Sewer Pipe Company . . . '. 478
Stow, Joshua, Original Proprietor of Stow Township, Portrait of 1003
STOW TOWNSHIP, History 10031027
A Pioneer Miracle 1003
First Actual Settlers 1005
Organization 1007
Topography, Hydraulics, Etc 1007
Beautiful Lakes 1008
Industries 1008
Education and Religion 1009
Fatal Tornado of 1837 1010
Early Marriages, Births, Etc 1012
Indians, Rattlesnakes, Etc 1012
Bears, Wolves, Etc 1014
Military History 1015
Civil Service Record 1017
Terrible War Tragedy 1018
Population, Official Roster, Etc 1027
Stripe-Cooper Homicide 803
Sultana Disaster 372
Summit Beacon * : 219
Summit City 80
Summit City Boiler Works 496
SUMMIT COUNTY, History of 91-108
Abstract Company 544
Agricultural Societies 10801086
Benevolence 10871098
Journal 226
Railroads.. ...621-639
CONTENTS. xxi.
Summit County Tornadoes 558
Summit Guards 350
Summit House 47
Supplemental Draft 417
Superintendent's Cemetery Lodge 243
Surveyors 530
Symphony Orchestra 446
T.
Tallmadge Hundred-Day Men 400
TALLMADGE TOWNSHIP, History of 1036-1059
Portrait of its Founder, Rev. David Bacon , 1042
Early Settlers, Etc 1036
Topography, Population, Etc 1040
Name, Organization, Etc 1039
Utopian Schemes Not Realized : 1041
Educational Matters 1043
Pioneer Deaf and Dumb School 1044
Church and Spiritual Matters \ . .. 1045
Coal Mining Interest 1048
Early Railroad Enterprise 1049
Manufactures 1050
Clean Criminal Record 1054
Military History 1055
Honorable Civil Service Record 1057
Present Business Status 1059 1
Present Official Roster (1S91) 1059
Tappan, Charles W 1140 1
Taplin, Rice & Co 465-
Tee-Total Mechanic.. . . . 225
Terrible Calamity 4f>4
Thirty-Seventh Regiment, O. V. I 389-
Thomas Lumber Company 488
Thomas Phillips Company 475?
Thomastown . 896-
" Three Hundred Thousand More " 422
Thyng, J. Warren, Teacher Drawing, Akron Schools 134
Trade and Labor Journal 229 1
Turner Band 446
Twenty-Ninth Regiment, O. V. I ' 358
Twine and Cordage Company 472
TWINSBURG TOWNSHIP, History of 1030-1079
Topography, Name, Etc 1060
First Settler . 1061
Pioneer Incidents 1066
Early Business Status 1067
Church Matters 1068
Educational History, Twinsburg Institute, etc 1070
Military Operations 1072
Soldiers' Monument 1073
Locust Grove Cemetery 1076
Pioneer Reminiscences 1076
Civil Service Record 1078
Present Business Status (1891) 1079
Present Official Roster 1079
u
" Underground Railroad " 579*
United States Baking Company 508
United States Stoneware Company 481
Upson, Dr. George C 1025
Upson, Julius A . 1025
Upson, Dr. Daniel 1049
Upson, William H 1058
V.
Valley Railwav 631
Vallandigham, Clement L 374
Viers-Charlesworth Romance [903
xxii. CONTENTS.
Village Rivalries, 18351845
Vitrified Sewer Pipe Industry
Voris, Judge Alvin C
Voris, Miss Annette, Teacher.
Voris, Judge Peter
W.
Waltz, Miss Laura E., Teacher 133
Washburn-Peoples Homicide 484
Watches and Jewelry 518
Weary, Snyder & Wilcox Manufacturing Company 485
Webster, Camp & Lane Machine Company 464
Weeks, Arthur J 481
Weeks, Frederick H 481
Weeks & Kingsbury 512
Werner Printing & Lithographing Company 536
Western Linoleum Company 508
AVestern Reserve College 824
Wetmore, Judge William ' 1005
Whitman & Barnes Manufacturing Company 471
Whitmore, Robinsons & Co 471)
Wholesale Dealers in Akron 512
William H. Evans Building and Loan Association 544
Williams, Paul, Akron's First Inhabitant 32
Willis, Edward P 1030
Wilson, Solon L 490
Windsor Hotel 518
W r ise, Prof. J. O., Teacher Penmanship 134
Wolcott, Hon. Alfred 657
Wolcott, Hon. Christopher P 553
Wolcott, Hon. Simon P 665
Wolcott, Miss Lucretia, Teacher 122
Wood and Provision Procession 419
Worthington, "Jim," Akron's Fugitive Slave 577
z..
Zanes ville Street Railway Company 509
VIEWS, BUILDINGS, ETC.
Academy of Music, East Market Street, 1891 458
Akron's First School House, South Broadway, 1834 Ill
Akron's First High School Building, South Summit Street, 1817 122
Akron's Second High School Building (now Jennings) , 1853 123
Akron's Present High School Building, 1891 135
Akron's First Church Building, 1835 189
Akron's First Fire Engine House, 1841 332
Akron Saving's Bank, Mill and Main, 1891 543
Akron, As it was in 1853, and as it is in 1891 448
Allen School Building, South Main Street 131
Arlington Hotel, West Market Street 453
Baptist Church, Original, South Broadway, 1837 194
Baptist Church, North High Street, 18531890 197
Baptist Church New, South Broadway, 1890 195
Barberton Residence of Manager Land and Improvement Company 936
Cleveland, Akron and Columbus Railroad Station 937
Inn 938
Houses for Workmen 939
National Hotel 940
Beacon Block, Corner Mill and Main, 1891 534
Bell Tower, Akron Rural Cemetery 255
Big Falls, Cuyahoga River 84
Boston Township Soldiers' Monument ... 663
Bowen School Building, North Broadway 131
Buchtel College, East Buchtel Avenue, 1872 149
Cemetery Lodge, from Glendale Avenue, 1891 243
Lodge, Looking East 247
View, Looking West from Robinson Monument, 1891 248
View, Looking East from Perkins Lot, 1891 250
View, Looking East, Miller's Pond 254
View, Bell Tower 255
View, Soldiers' Memorial Chapel 251
View, Glendale Avenue, Looking West 246
Central Fire Engine House, South High Street 349
Children's Home, South Arlington Street 1091
Chuckery Race, where it Emerges from River 86
Chuckery Race, in Glens, below Cuyahoga Falls 768
City Building, South Main Street 451
Clarendon Hotel, Corner Main and Exchange .\.... 523
Congregational Church (Old) 189
Congregational Church (New) 191
Companion Views of North Akron, from West Hill, 18531891 448
Conger, Col. A. L., Fine Stone Residence, Irving Lawn 550
Court House and Grounds Fronting on High Street 105
Crosby School Building, Corner West and Smith Streets 130
Crouse Gymnasium, Buchtel College 162
Cuyahoga Falls, High Bridge Glens 747
From Lower Dam, Looking Up 746
Suspension Bridge in Glens 765
Chuckery Race in Glens 768
Old Maid's Kitchen 85
Big Falls, From Old Chuckery Race 84
View of Chuckery Race, where it Leaves River. ... : 86
East Market Street, From Howard to Main, South Side (1845) 450
From Howard to Main, South Side (1891) 459
From Howard to Market, North Side, 1891 484
From Main to High, South Side, 1855 460
From Main to High, South Side, 1891 460
From Main to High, North Side, 1864 458
From Main to High, North Side, 1891 458
XXIV.
CONTENTS.
Empire House, Corner Market and Main 7
First Fire Engine House, Erected in 1841 332
Fire Station, Number 1, Corner High and Church Streets 349
Number 2, Sixth Ward 349
Number 4, South Main Street .-. 349
First M. E. Church, Corner South Broadway and Church Streets 193
German Lutheran Church, Old, 1835 189
Lutheran Church. New, 1891 205-
Lutheran Parochial School, 1891 148
Reformed Church, Old, 1837 194
Reformed Church, New, 1891 203
Gothic Block, East Side South Howard Street, 1861 63
Grace School Building, Corner Maple and Exchange Streets 133
Glendale Avenue, Looking Towards Cemetery 246
Henry School Building, North Forge Street 132
High Bridge Glens, Cuyahoga Falls .747
High Street Church of Christ, New 1167
Howard Street Collapse, November 7, 1891 1166
Howe School Building. Corner Bartges and St. Clair Streets 131
Hundred Day Men Starting for Washington, 1864 458
Hotel Buchtel 494
Jennings School Building, Corner Summit and Mill Streets 123
Kent School Building, South Arlington Street 132
Leggett School Building, Corner Thornton and Sumner Streets 133
Memorial Chapel, Glendale Cemetery 251
Miller's Duck Pond, From Cemetery 254
Northeast Akron, View From West Hill 70
North Howard Street, West Side, Old JEtna Mill in Distance, 1858 482
North Howard Street, West Side, 1891 482
North Main Street, Old P. & O. Canal 73
Ohio Canal and East Side, From Above Glendale Avenue 90
Ohio Canal, View back of Stone Mill 259
Ohio Exchange, Corner Market and Main, 18351855 450
Old Maid's Kitchen, below Cuyahoga Falls 85
Pennsylvania and Ohio Canal, South Main Street 72
Pennsylvania and Ohio Canal, North Main Street 73
Pennsylvania and Ohio Canal, From Rear of Howard Street 74
Perkin's School Building, West Exchange Street 130
Railroads Original Union Depot 626
New Union Depot A- *>28
New N. Y., P. & O. Depot 7.... 627
Valley Depot 453
Recruiting Scene at Beginning of War, in 1861 353
Schumacher Power Block, xxxix, Index
Sixth Ward, View from Tallmadge Hill, 1891 231
South Howard Street from Market, West Side, 1855 446
From Market, West Side, 1870 462
From Market, West Side, 1891 462
North from Cherry, West Side, 1872 309
North from Cherry, East Side, 1872 329
North from Mill, East Side, 1891 486-
South Main Street, Market to Mill, Showing C.ourt House, 1855 72
From Rear of Howard, 1880 74
West Side, 1891 527
Spicer School Building, Carroll Street 131
St. Bernard's (Catholic) Parochial School Building 148
St. Paul's (Protestant Episcopal) Chapel, East Market Street 199
St. Vincent De Paul (Catholic) Parochial School 147
Stone Block, Corner Howard and Market Streets, 18351849 450
Summit County Infirmary 1088
Tappan Hall, Corner East Market and Main Streets, 1855 460
Trussell Hall, Corner East Market and Maiden Lane Alley, 1855 460
Trinity Lutheran Church, 1891 205
German Lutheran Parochial School, 1891 148
Tornado of May 10, 1890, Overturned House of Antony Mennell, 175 Grant Street 561
View East Side of Grant Street 562
View of Burkhardt's Brewery 562
View of Brewery Dormitory 563
Houses of Otto Miller and Frank Kuntz... .. 563
CONTENTS. xxv.
Tornado of May 10, 1890, Overturned Houses of August Miller and Allen Coup 564
Grocery Store of Orrin C. Baker 565
Ohio Stoneware Works , 566
Barn of Frank J. Knapp 566
A. D. Alexander and Kate O'Connell 567
Twinsburg's Soldiers' Monument 1088
Universalist Church, Original Structure, 1837 197
Universalist Church, New, Corner Mill and Broadway ." 197
Valley Railroad Depot, West Market Street 453
Water Works Pumping Station, Wooster Avenue, 1891 452
Windsor Hotel, Corner Mill and Broadway 518
West Congregational Church, Corner West Market and Batch 211
West Market Street From Howard, Old City Mill, etc., 1858 453
West, Market Street From Howard, Arlington Hotel 453
PORTRAITS, BIOGRAPHIES, ETC.
310
318
650
264
948
555
Allen, Albert 456
Allen, George G 140
Allen, Jacob 293
Allen, Jesse 44
Allen, Jonah 707
Allen, Levi 708
Abbey, Henry S
Adams, Frank
Alexander, John
Alexander, J. Park
Alger, David B
Alger, General Russell A.
Allen, Levi, Jr 720'
Allen, Miner J ' 45$
Allen, William C 325
Allen, William T 177
Ailing, Ethan 1061
Allison, George 1050
Allyn, Abel G 713
Allyn, Israel 712
Anderson, George M 286
Andrew, Angelo 145
Andrew, Robert L 303
Atterholt, Frank M 137
Bacon, Rev. David
Baird, Charles
Baker, John W
Baldwin, Captain Aaron P.
Baldwin , Frederick
Baldwin, Harvey
Baldwin, Mrs. Harvey
Baldwin, Joseph A
1042
274
183
366
827
818
818
478
Bangs, Elisha X 1161
Barber, Alfred M 515
Barber, George 532
Barber, Ohio C 533
Bartges, Dr. Samuel W 545
Bartlett, Albert A 277
Bates, George D 539
Battels, Benjamin F 538
Beardsley, Talmon 39
Beck, J. Martin 473
Beebe, Joseph A 185
Beebe, Oliver B 752
Belden, Dr. Albert C 549
Berger , Captain Darius F- 801
Bernard Charles B.. 173
Berry, George C 139
Bierce, General Lucius V 414
Biggs, Lester M 496
Billow, Captain George 388
Bissell. Rev. Samuel 1070
Bliss, Ambrose W 901
Bliss, Hon. George 5T>1
Bock, Philip P 262
Bonstedt, Charles W 183
Bowen, Hon. Hiram 219
Bowen, Dr. William 134
Bradley, Ariel 980
Brewster , Alexander 300
Brewster, George W 718
Brewster, Jonathan H 717
Bronson, Hermon 656
Bronson, Mrs. Hermon.... 656
Bronson, Hiram Volney 658
Broun, Rev. John B 209
Brouse, Cornelius A 514
Brown, Charles W 35
Brown, Henry, H 300
Brown, John ' 584
Bryan, Judge Constant 115
Bryan, Captain Frederick C 440
Buchtel, John 716
Buchtel, John R 150
Buchtel, Mrs. John R 150
Buchtel, William 542
Buckingham, Captain Edward 374
Buckley, Col. Lewis P .359
Bunn. David R 274
Burlison, James 27$
Burnham, Sanford M 163
Burton, Rev. Nathan S., D. D 195
Call, Moses D 1005
Camp, Hezekiah 761
Camp, William. 1160
Canfield, Horace 224
Cannon, Wilson B 301
Carpenter, Judge James S 94
Carter, Dr. Israel E 265
Cartter, Hon. David K 552
Case, James H 302
Chalker , Newton 556
Chandler, William 270
Chapman, Dr. Byron 696
Chapman, Dr. Mason 184
Chapman, Willis D 290
Chase, Dr, Byron S 179
Childs, Dr. Orin D 546
Christy, James 297
Clark, Benjamin F 280
Clarke, William L 261
Cobbs, Charles S 285
Coburn, Dr. Stephen H 545
Cole, Dr. Arthur M 499
Cole, Edmund H 661
Cole, Herbert W 499-
Cole, Dr. Joseph 113
Collins, Charles A 175-
CONTENTS.
XXVll.
Commins, Alexander H 455
Commins, Dr. Jedediah D 235
Cone, Rev. Orello, D. D 160
Conger, Col. Arthur L 470
Conger, Mrs. Arthur L 470
Conger, John C 664
Conger, Kenyon B 535
Conger, Sidney P 662
Cook, John 298
Cook, Joseph 144
Cooper, Gen. Samuel F 126
Cornell, Thomas W 541
Crispin, Rev. William F 1162
Crosby, Dr. Eliakim 41
Crouse, Hon. George W 152
Crumrine, Martin H 45!>
Curtiss, Augustus 665
Cutter, Morrill T . . 463
Day, Rev. William F., D. D.
Dahlman, Rev. Jacob
Dick, Major Charles W. F...
Dodge, Burdette Lynde
Dodge, Judge William M
192
202
278
525
130
Doyle, Dayton A 167
Doyle, William B 488
Dudley, Plimmon H . . . 288
Dyas, Isaac J 526
Ebright, Dr. Leonidas S 266
Ebright, Dr. Thomas Me 137
Eclgerton, Hon. Sidney 180
Edison, Thomas A 500
Edison, Mrs. Thomas A 500
Eichenlaub, Harry C ' 327
Elkins, Richard S 320
Ellet, King J 985
Evans, Mrs. Mary I. T 242
Ewart, Joseph C 442
Ewart, Robert L... .. 982
Falor, George A 714
Falor, Hiram S 715
Farnam, Daniel 489
Fay, Nahum 112
Findley, Dr. Samuel 128
Foltz, Dr. Abner E ..547
Foltz, Hiram H 138
Foltz, Dr. William K 549
Ford, Judge James R 114
Ford, Newton '^87
Fraunfelter, Dr. Elias 129
Frederick, Henry 279
Gale, Col. Justus 47
Gamble, William B 326
Ganter, Rev. Richard L., D. D 200
Gardner, Omar N 289
Goodhue, Judge Nathaniel W 171
Goodhue, Nathaniel P.. ..280
Hale, Andrew 643
Hale, Hon. Charles Oviatt 647
Hale, Jonathan 641
Hale, Othello W 493
Hale, William 642
Hall, Alfred W 146
Hall, John 2nd 981
Hall, JLorenzo 463
Hall, Philander D 46
Hammond, Roland 319
Hankey, Simon 491
Hardy, Nathaniel 859
Hardy, Perry D 861
Hardy, William 305
Harper, Erastus R 304
Hart, Henry W 307
Hart, Col. John C 983
Henry, Milton W '. .. 132
Herrick, Burke C 517
Herrick, Jonathan E 1072
Hibbard, Allen 169
Hill, David E. . . '. 475
Hill, George R 476
Hill, Dr. John ..926
H
Goodrich, Dr. Benjamin F 469
Goodwin, Thomas H 311
Grant, Judge Charles R 186
Green, Judge Edwin P 153
Green, Hon. Frank M 1006
Hine, Charles, C 835
Hitchcock, Dr. Elizur 548
Hitchcock, Herbert P 497
Hitchcock, Lucius W 1051
Hitchcock, Wolcott W 531
Hole, Professor Israel P 127
Holloway, Rev. Joseph T 743
Houghton, John B 514
Howard, Dr. Elias W 174
Howe, Charles R 244
Howe, Henry W 133
Howe, Richard 117
Hower, Charles H..,. 506
Hower, Harvey Y..~ 505
Hower, John H 457
Hower, M. Otis 505
Howland, Charles E 483
Hoy, Judge John 98
Hudson, Deacon David 812
Hugill, Joseph 509
Humphrey, Dr. Elwyn 550
Humphrey, Tudge Noah M 945
Humphrey, Major Norris 942
Humphrey, Judge Van R 831
XXV111.
CONTENTS.
Ingersoll, Charles F
Ingersoll, Henry Ward.
301
Ingersoll, Noah 719
Iredell, Seth 50
Jacobs, Dr. William C 182
Jackson, Andrew 490
Jackson, Erastus 659
James, Daniel A 492
Janes, Lewis M 660
Jennings, Rev. Isaac 120
Jewett, Dr. Mendal
Johnston, Abraham W...
Johnston, Alexander
Johnston, Hon. John
Johnston, Washington G.
Johnston, William
264
797
101
263
799
700
Kent, Hon. Marvin 629
Kent, Roswell 37
Kent, Mrs. Roswell 37
King, David L 241
King, Henry W 119
King, Leicester 557
Knox, Eugene 767
Koch, Jacob 515
Kohler, Hon. Jacob A 267
Koplin, Jacob.. 282
Kreuder, John 306
Kubler, Edward G 473
Kummer, George W 535
Ladd, Judge Charles G 270
Lane, Julius S 181
Lane, Luman 1064
Lane, Samuel A., Frontispiece
Lane, Samuel A. 1
Leggett, General Mortimer D 124
Nash, Rev. C. Ellwood, D. D 198
Nash, Sumner 275
Newberry, Henry 728
Newton, Samuel . 33
IV]
Mahar, Rev. Thomas F 208
Mallison, Amos 293
Mallison, Albert G 292
Marvin, David L 556
Marvin, Ulysses 1004
Marvin, Ulysses L 269
Mathews, James 56
McArthur, Col. Rial 857
McClure, Judge Samuel W 268
McCollester. Rev. Sullivan H., D. D... 158
McDonald, William Z 291
McFarlin, John 646
McFarlin, William 542
McGillicudy, Captain Timothy D 432
McGregor, John 136
McKinney, Judge Henry 554
McKinney, William 1077
McMillan, Reuben 45
McNeil, James C 495
Means, Captain John A 373
N
Lewis, Hon. Asahel H 220
Lewis, Captain Isaac 750
Long, Denis J 221
Long, Jeremiah A 468
Lothman, Rev. William H 204
Lyder, Dr. John W 135
Memmer , John 299
Merrill, Edwin H -... 480
Metcalf , Dr. Jonathan 823
Miller, Ansel, H8
Miller Charles 921
Miller, Edward B 501
Miller, Harvey F 308
Miller, Ira M *&
Miller, Lewis 1*0
Miller, Robert A 501
Miller, Samuel H 95
Miller, Stephen D 927
Miller, Stephen S 506
Miller, William H 285
Moersch, Peter J ...1161
Monroe, Rev. Thomas E 191
Moore, Joseph 984
Morrison, James H 324
Murray, William M 522
Nichols. Hon. Orrin P 1075
Noah, Andrew H 185
Norton, Thomas 38
Olmstead. Rev. Edward B
O'Neil, Michael...
125
526
Oviatt, Edward
Oviatt, Emmon S
266
279
Paige, Albert T 519
Paige, Hon. David R 271
Parker, Richard E 644
Parmelee, Luther H 698
Parshall, Samuel W 290
Parsons, William C... ..472
Paul, Hon. George 766
Paul, Hosea, Sr 756
Paul, Robert S, 271
Payne, William H 493
Pendleton, Joy H 156
Perkins, Charles E 277
CONTENTS.
XXIX.
Perkins, Col. George T 157
Perkins, Henry 466
Perkins, General Simon 34
Perkins. Col. Simon 238
Perrin, Edward W 319
Peterson, Dr. James H 177
Pitkin, Albert J 507
Pitkin, Rev. Caleb
Pitkin. Judge Stephen H.
Pitkin, Stephen H
Poulson, James M
825
176
507
276
Prior, William 855
Purdy, Henry 56
Rawson, Dr. Secretary
Raymond, William G
Reynolds, Thomas C
Read, Prof. Matthew C....
Rexford, Rev. E. L., D. D
943
295
223
614
159
Rice, Alvin 299
Ritchie, Samuel J 1053
Robinson, John K 532
Robinson, Wilson G 517
Rockwell, Frank W . . 141
Sackett, George 764
Sadler, Rolin W 555
Sanders, Hon. Wilbur F 554
Sanford, Hon. Henry C 273
Sargent, Albert H 245
Schumacher, Ferd 155
Schumacher, Hugo 504
Schumacher, Louis 504
Scott, Dr. Daniel A 179
Scott, James F 283
Searles, Henry C 949
Seiberling, Charles W 503
Seiberling, Frank A 503
Seiberling, James H 929
Seiberling, John F 467
Seiberling, Monroe 930
Seiberling, Nathan 919
Seward, Col. Dudley 379
Seward, Louis D 284
Seymour, James H 833
Sieber, George W '. 281
Sill, Hon. Elisha N 733
Singletary, John C 52
Sisler, Dr. William 794
Smith, Rev. Carlos, D. D 190
Snyder, Jacob 487
Spalding, Hon. Rufus P 93
Spelman , Harvey B 121
Sperry, George R 1054
Sperry, Hon. Ira P 1052
Spicer, Avery 151
Spicer, Hiram J 316
Spicer, Major Miner 32
Stanford, George 655
Steinbacher, Major Erhard 513
Stewart, Adam Clarke 787
Stipe, Franklin G 144
Stone, Nelson B 261
Stone, Simon M... 292
Storer, James B 322
Storer, Webster B 116
Stow, Joshua 1003
Stuart, Judge Edward W 272
Sumner, Judge Charles 36
Sumner, Increase '. 40
Sumner, Julius A 48
Taplin, James B 170
Thomas, Col. David W 361
Thomas, Rev. David T 211
Thomas, George 296
Thompson, Dr. Moses 821
Underwood, Dr. Warren J.
Upson, Dr. Daniel
. 546
.1049
u
V
Vansickle, Nicholas E 294
Viall, George. . ; 519
Viall, James 477
Viall, John F ..533
Wagner, Edwin 291
Wagoner, Aaron 541
Wagoner, George 789
Walker, Richard B 281
Wallace, James W 899
Watt, Robert 522
Watters, Lorenzo Dow 284
Weary, Frank 489
Weary, Simon B 487
Thompson, Judge Sylvester H 829
Tibbals, Judge Newell D 164
Tinker, Professor Albert B 165
Townsend, Captain Alfred R 1160
Turner, Grant B 739
Upson, Judge William H 172
Viele, Henry C 276
Viele, Hiram 294
Voris, Judge Alvin C 154
Voris, Edwin F 142
W
Weber, Florence 531
Weber, John C 367
Webster, Charles 465
Weeks, Arthur J 143
Weeks, George W 521
Werner, Paul E 537
Wesener, Joseph E 283
Wetmore, Henry 736
Wheeler, Benjamin F 513
XXX.
CONTENTS.
w
Wilcox, David G., (at 30) 485
Wilcox, David G.. (at 70) 485
Wilcox, Francis A 302
Wilcox, Dr. Jeremiah C 944
Williamson, Judge Samuel C 425
Wills, Thomas 239
Wilson, Solon N 491
Wilson, Thomas 99
Wolcott, Hon. Alfred 657
Wolcott, Hon. Christopher P 553
Wolcott, Hon. Simon P 665
Wolf, John 181
Woods, John B 540
Wright, Alpha 1043
Wright, Dr. Amos 1044
Wright, Captain Josiah J 363
Wright, Reginald H 134
Wright, Hon. Thomas 98$
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY,
IN PUBLIC OFFICE -NATIONAL, ".STATE AND COUNTY,
1840 TO 1891, INCLUSIVE.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF WAR.
WOLCOTT, CHRISTOPHER P., of Akron, by appointment of PresidentAbraham
Lincoln, in May, 1862, became Assistant Secretary of War, under his
brother-in-law, Secretary Edwin M. Stanton. continuing 1 until broken
in health by the arduous diities of the position, returning 1 to Akron in
February, 1863, and dying- April 4, of that year. Portrait page 553.
UNITED STATES MINISTERS, CONSULS, ETC.
CARTTER, DAVID K., a resident of Akron from 1836 to 1845 Minister to-
Bolivia, South America, 1861 to 1863. Portrait and biography, page 552.' ]
COGGESHALL WILLIAM T., a resident of Akron frooii 1842 to 1847, editor and
author, State Librarian from 1856 to 1862, Minister to Ecuador, South
America, 1865 to 1867, dying of consumption at Quito, in the Summer of
1867, his remains being conveyed by the government to Columbus for
interment, together with those of his daughter Jessie, who, after suc-
cessfully closing up the affairs of the Mission, died of yellow fever, at
Guyaquil, while en route for home.
COOPER, SAMUEL F., Superintendent of Akron schools from 1853 to 1856, was
United States Consul at Glasgow, Scotland, from 1876 to 1880, now being 1
a resident of Grinnell, Iowa. Portrait and biography, page 126.
STATE AND TERRITORIAL GOVERNORS.
EDGERTON, SIDNEY, Akron, Governor of Montana Territory, 1864-1865. Por-
trait and biography, page 180.
AxTELL, SAMUEL B., Richfield, appointed Governor of Utah Territory in 1875 r
transferred to New Mexico as Governor, same year, continuing between
three and four years, page 949.
ALGER, RUSSELL A., Richfield, Governor of Michigan, during the years 1885-
and 1886. Portrait and biography, page 555.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA AND TERRITORIAL JUDGES.
CARTTER, DAVID K., early resident of Akron, as elsewhere stated, ably served
as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia, by
appointment of President Lincoln, from 1863 until his death in 1887. Por-
trait and sketch, page 552.
EDGERTON, SIDNEY, Akron, Chief Justice of the Territory of Idaho, by
appointment of President Lincoln, from 1863 to 1864, resigning to take the
Governorship of Montana, as elsewhere stated. Portrait, page 180.
AXTELL, SAMUEL B., Richfield, by appointment of President Arthur, Chief
Justice of New Mexico, from 1882 to 1885, page 949.
UNITED STATES SENATE.
SANDERS, WILBUR F., formerly of Akron, now of Helena, Montana, was
elected United States Senator for that State in 1890, and is still servingv
Portrait, page 554.
OHIO STATE OFFICIALS.
KING, HENRY W., Akron, Secretary of State, and Commissioner of Public
Schools, 1850 to 1852. Portrait, page 119.
WOLCOTT, CHRISTOPHER P., Attorney General, 1856 to 1861. Portrait page 553.
xxxii. CONTENTS.
SILL, ELISHA N., Cuyahoga Falls, served as Canal Fund Commissioner of
Ohio, from 1843 to 1850. Portrait, page 733.
KOHLER, JACOB A., Akron, served as Attorney General from 1886 to 1888.
Portrait, page 267.
OHIO SUPREME AND CIRCUIT COURTS.
SPALDING, RUFUS P., then a resident of Akron, in the session of 1848, '49,
was elected by the Legislature, a Judge of the Supreme Court, serving
three years. Portrait, page 93.
UPSON, WILLIAM H., Akron, by appointment of Governor Charles Foster,
served as Judge of the Supreme Court, from March to December, 1883, to
fill the vacancj 7 occasioned by the death of Chief Justice William White.
Portrait, page 172.
UPSON, WILLIAM, H., Akron, in 1884 was elected one of the Judges of the
Eighth Circuit of the newly organized Circuit Court System of Ohio,
drawing the fractional term of two years, in 1886 being re-elected for the
full term of six years, and is still ably serving. Portrait, page 172.
CLEVELAND HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE TRUSTEES, ETC.
PITKIN, STEPHEN H., Akron, 18621874 and 1876^1878, page 847.
PERRY, JOHN F., Cuyahoga Falls, 1878 -1880.
BEEBE, WILLIAM M., Hudson, 18801886, page 848.
KING, DAVID L., Akron, 18861889, page 241.
HOUGH, DR. WAYLAND S., Cuyahoga Falls, July 16, 1890, to date.
EVANS, MRS. MARY, I. T., Matron, 18581860, page 242.
OHIO PENITENTIARY, WARDEN, ETC.
DEWEY, LAURIN, Warden, 1846 to 1849, page 220.
GLINES, MRS. JULIA F., Matron, 1882 to 1884.
INSPECTOR OF OHIO WORKSHOPS AND FACTORIES.
TMcDONALD, WILLIAM Z., Akr,on, appointed by Governor Joseph B. Foraker,
Inspector of First District, September 6, 1885, and promoted to the Chief
Inspectorship for four years from April 29, 1889, page 291.
OHIO BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS.
PAUL, GEORGE, Cuyahoga Falls, member of Board of Public Works from 1878
to 1884, in special charge of Ohio Canal from Cleveland to Hebron, 185
miles, 25 miles of Walhonding canal and Western Reserve and Maumee
road, 46 miles, page 766.
OHIO CANAL SUPERINTENDENTS.
From 1829 to 1850, Captain Richard Howe, of Akron, was resident engineer
and superintendent of Northern division, with his brother, the late John
Howe, as his efficient Assistant. Later Akron Superintendents have
been L. Charles Schnell, George T. McCurdy, and Alfred W. Hall from
1886 to the present time (1892), page 146.
OHIO CANAL COLLECTORS.
The writer is without definite data in regard to the earlier collectors of tolls
upon the Ohio Canal for the port of Akron, but from the recollection of
himself and other old residents consulted, the following roster is
believed to be substantially correct: Wolsey Wells, Samuel A. Wheeler,
Robert K. Du Bois, Lewis P. Buckley, Frederick Wadsworth, Leander L.
Howard, Allen Hibbard, Frederick A. Nash, Nathaniel W. Goodhue,
George T. McCurdy, Charles Baird, J. Alexander Lantz, Mills B. Purdy,
William W. Zeisloft, and from 1888 to present time (1892), Hiram H. Foltz,
page 138.
MEMBERS OF CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS.
OTIS, WILLIAM S. C., Akron, Constitutional Convention of 1850, serving from
May 6, 1850, to March 10, 1851. Constitution then framed, ratified by voters
of State, June 21, 1851, the vote in Summit county standing 2,025 for, and
and 2,013 against a majority of twelve, only, in its favor, page 309.
CONTENTS. xxxiii.
VORIS, ALVIN C., Akron, Convention of 1873, serving from May 13, 1873, to
February 3, 1874. Constitution then framed, though in many respects an
improvement upon the former, was rejected by the people, August 18,
1874, Summit county standing 2,112 for, and 2,774 against an adverse
majority of 662. Portrait, page 154.
TRUSTEE OF OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY.
BUCHTEL, JOHN R., Akron, by appointment of Governor Rutherford B. Ha3 r es
in 1870, became Managing Trustee, and personally superintended the
laying out of the grounds and the erection of the buildings for the Ohio
Agricultural and Mechanical College, at Columbus, which was opened
to students in 1873; name since changed to Ohio State University. Por-
trait, page 150.
REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS, 1840 to 1891.
ANDREWS, SHERLOCK J., Cuyahoga county, XV District, 18401842.
TlLDEN, DANIEL R., Portage County, XIX District, 18421846.
CROWELL, JOHN, Trumbull County, XIX District, 18461850.
NEWTON, EBEN, Mahoiiiiig County, XIX District, 1850 1852.
BLISS, GEORGE, Akron, XVIII District, 1852-^1854, page 551.
LEITER, BENJAMIN F., Stark County, XVIII District, 18541858.
EDGERTON, SIDNEY, Akron, XVIII District, 18581862, page 1058.
SPALDING, RUFUS P., Cuyahoga County. XVIII District, 1862 1868.
UPSON, WILLIAM H., Akron, XVIII District, 18681872, page 1058.
MONROE, James, Lorain County, XVIII District, 18721880.
McCLURE, ADDISON S., Wayne County, XVIII District, 18801882.
PAIGE, DAVID R., Akron, XVIII District, 18821884, page 271.
McKlNLEY, WILLIAM, Stark County, XVIII District, 18841886.
CROUSE, GEORGE W., Akron, XX District, 1886-1888, page 810.
SMYSER, MARTIN L., Wayne County, XX District, 18881890.
TAYLOR, VINCENT A., Cuyahoga County, XX District, 1890 to date.
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS.
PITKIN, STEPHEN H., 1868, voting in Electoral College for Ulysses S. Grant
for President and Schuyler Colfax for Vice President, page 847.
BUCHTEL, JOHN R., 1872, voting for Ulysses S. Grant for President and Henry
Wilson for Vice President, page 719.
GOODHUE, NATHANIEL W., 1880, voting for James A. Garfield for President
and Chester A. Arthur for Vice President, page 171.
MARVIN, ULYSSES L., 1884, voting for James G. Blaine for President and John
A. Logan for Vice President, page 269.
STATE SENATORS 1840 to 1891, INCLUSIVE.
Perkins, Simon, Jr,, Akron 1838 to 1840, page 308.
Sill, Elisha N., Cuyahoga Falls, 1840 to 1842, page 762.
Jackson, John E., Portage County, 1842 to 1844.
Wetmore, William Jr., Stow, 1844 to 1846, page 1017.
Lewis, Asahel H., Portage County, 1846 to 1848, page 220.
Swift, Lucian, Akron, 1848 to 1850, page 308.
Lymaii, Darius, Portage County, 1850 to 1851.
Gillette, Ransom A., Portage County, 1851 to 1853.
Upson, William H., Akron, 1853 to 1855, page 308.
Brown, Oliver P., Portage County, 1855 to 1857.
Ashmun, George P., Hudson, 1857 to 1859, page 847.
Garfield, James A., Portage County, 1859 to 1861.
Bierce, Lucius V., Akron, 1861 to 1863, page 308.
Day, Luther, Portage County, 1863 to 1864.
Hart, Alphonso, Portage County, 1864 to 1865.
Tibbals, Newell D., Akron, 1865 to 1867, page 308.
Conant, Philo B., Portage County, 1867 to 1868.
Stedman, William, Portage County,1868 to 1869.
McKinney, Henry, Cuyahoga Falls, 1861 to 1871, page 762.
Hart, Alphonso, Portage County, 1871 to 1873.
Goodhue, Nathaniel W., Akron, 1873 to 1875, page 308.
Kent, Marvin, Portage County, 1875 to 1877, page 629.
xxxiv. CONTENTS.
JBeebe, David Duncan, Hudson, 1877 to 1881, page 847.
Wolcott, Simon P., Portage County, 1881 to 1885, page 665.
Crouse, George W., Akron, 1885 to 1887, page 810.
Alexander, J. Park, Akron, 1887 to 1891, page 646.
Lampson, Klbert L., Ashtabula, 1891 to date.
REPRESENTATIVES TO STATE LEGISLATURE, 1840 TO 1891.
Spalding, Ruf us P., Ravenna, 1839 to 1840, page 92.
Hubbard, Ephraim B., Deerfield, 1839 to 1840, page 92.
Weaver, Henry G., Springfield, 1840 to 1841, page 1001.
Spalding, Rufus P., Akron, 1841 to 1842, page 307.
Perkins, Simon Jr., Akron, 1841 to 1842, page 307.
Seward, Amos, Tallmadge, 1842 to 1843, page 1057.
McMillen, John H., Middlebury, 1843 to 1844, page 307.
Foote, Augustus E., Twinsburg, 1843 to 1844, page 1078.
Kirkum, George, Akron, 1844 to 1845, page 928.
Bowen. Hiram, Akron, 1845 to 1846, page 307.
Johnston, Alexander, Green, 1846 to 1847, page 809.
Voris, Peter, Bath, 1847 to 1848, page 645.
Seward, Amos, Tallmadge, 1847 to 1848, page 1057.
McClure, Samuel W., Cuyahoga Falls, 1848 to 1849, page 762.
Spelman, Harvey B., Akron, 1849 to 1850, page 307.
Finch, Nathaniel, Akron, 1850 to 1851, page 307.
Humphrey, Noah M., Richfield, 1851 to 1853, page 947.
Somers, Porter G., Cuyahoga Falls, 1853 to 185o, page 762.
Jewett, Mendal, Springfield, 1855 to 1857, page 1001.
Sperry, Ira P., Tallmadge, 1857 to 1859, page 1058.
Thompson, Sylvester H., Hudson, 1859 to 1861, page 847.
Voris, Alvin C., Akron, 1859 to 1861, page 646.
Johnston, John, Middlebury, 1861 to 1865 page 307.
Encell. John, Copley, 1865 to 1867, page 703.
Sisler, William, Franklin, 1867 to 1869, page 793.
Wolcott, Alfred, Boston, 1869 to 1871, page 666.
Burnham, San ford M., Akron, 1871 to 1873, page 307.
Mack, Hiram H., Bath, 1873 to 1875, page 646.
Nichols, Orrin P., Twinsburg, 1875 to 1877, page 1078.
Mack, Hiram H., Bath, 1877 to 1879, page 646.
Hill, John, Norton, 1879, to 1881, page 929.
Ebright, Leonidas S., Akron, 1879 to 1881, page 308.
Alexander, J. Park, Akron, 1881 to 1883, page 646.
Kohler, Jacob A., Akron, 1883 to 1885, page 794.
Green, Francis M., Stow, 1885 to 1887, page 1018.
Sanford, Henry C., Akron, 1887 to 1891, page 307.
Wright, Thomas, Springfield, 1889 to 1891, page 1002.
Hale, Charles Oviatt, Bath, 1891 to date, page 647.
COMMON PLEAS JUDGES, UNDER OLD CONSTITUTION,
PRESIDENT JUDGES.
Humphrey, Van R., Hudson, 1840 to 1844, page 846.
Newton, Eben, Canfield, 1844 to 1846.
Wade, Benjamin F., Jefferson, 1846 to 1851, page 306.
Bliss, George, Akron, 1851 to 1852, page 306.
ASSOCIATE JUDGES.
Du Bois, Robert K., Akron, 1840 to 1845, page 305.
Sumner, Charles, Coventry, 1840 to 1845, page 718.
Caldwell, Hugh R., Franklin, 1840 to 1847, page 793.
Clark, John B., Hudson, 1845 to 1846, page 846.
Ford, James R., Akron, 1845 to 1849, page 305.
Thompson, Sylvester H., Hudson, 1846 to 1852, page 847.
Hoy, John, Franklin, 1847 to 1852, page 793.
Wheeler, Samuel A., Akron, 1849 to 1850, page 305.
Voris, Peter, Bath, 1850 to 1852, page 645.
CONTENTS. xxxv.
COMMON PLEAS JUDGES, UNDER PRESENT CONSTITUTION.
Humphreyville, Samuel, Medina, 1851 to 1856, page 306.
Carpenter, James 3., Akron, 1856 to 1861, pag-e 306.
Canfield, William H., Medina, 1858 to 1863.
Burke, Stephenson, Elyria, 1861 to 1869, page 306.
Boynton, Washington W., Elyria, 1869 to 1876.
Hale, John C., Elyria, 1876 to 1881 .
McClure, Samuel W., Akron, 1870 to 1875, page 306.
Tibbals, Newell D., Akron, 1875 to 1883, page 306.
Lewis, George W. Medina, 1881 to 1891.
Marvin, Ulysses L., Akron, May to October, 1883, page 306.
Green, Edwin P., Akron, 1883 to 1891, page 306.
Voris, Alvin C., Akron, 1891 to date, page 306.
Nye, David J., Elyria, 1891 to date.
COUNTY AUDITORS, 1840 to 1891, INCLUSIVE.
Booth, Birdsey, Cuyahoga Falls, 1840 to 1842, page 762.
Noble, Theron A., Springfield, 1842 to 1848, page 301.
Goodhue, Nathaniel W., Middlebury, 1847 to 1852, page 301.
Newberry, Henry, Jr., Cuyahoga Falls, 1852 to 1854, pag'e 762.
Bernard, Charles B., Akron, 1854 to 1858, page 301.
Crouse, George W., Akron, 1858 to 1863, page 809.
Burnham, Sanford M., Akron, 1863 to 1871, page 301.
Paul, Hosea, Jr., October 9, to November 14, 1871, page 763.
Buckingham, Edward, Akron, 1872 to 1881, page 301.
Wagoner, Aaron, Akron, 1881 to 1887, page 794.
Dick, Charles, W. F., Akron, 1887 to date, page 301.
COUNTY CLERKS, 1840 TO 1891,,INCLUSIVE.
Spaldiiig, Rufus P., Akron, appointed by Court, April to December, 1840,
page 304.
Swift, Lucian, Akron, appointed by Court, 1840 to 1847, page 304.
Peck, Lucius S., Akron appointed by Court, 1847 to 1851, page 305.
Stone, Nelson B., Tallmadge, elected, 1851 to 1853', page 1057.
Green, Edwin P., Akron, 1854 to 1861, page 305.
Means, John A., Northfield, 1861 to 1864, page 902.
Rinehart, Charles, Franklin, 1864 to 1870, page 793.
Means, John A., Northfield, 1870 to 1873, page 902.
Weeks, George W., Copley, 1873 to 1879, page 703.
Nash, Sumner, Bath, 1879 to 1885, page 647.
Hale, Othello W., Bath, 1885 to 1891, page 647.
Goodhue, Nathaniel P., Akron, 1891 to date, page 305.
COUNTY TREASURERS, 1840 to 1891, INCLUSIVE.
O'Brien, William, Hudson, April, 1840 to February, 1842, page 847.
Wallace, George Y., Northfield, February, 1842 to November, 1842, page 901.
Arthur, Milton, Northfield, 1842 to 1848, page 902.
Dewey, William H., Akron, 1848 to 1850, page 303.
Wadsworth, Frederick, Akron, 1850 to 1852, page 303.
Rice, Chester W., Cuyahoga Falls, 1852 to 1854, page 762.
Sisler, Houston, Franklin, 1854 to 1858. page 793.
Wilson, Sullivan S., Northampton, 1858 to 1863, page 863.
Crouse, George W., Akron, February to September, 1863, page 810.
Carter, Israel E., Akron, 1863 to 1867, page 303.
Conger, Arthur L., Boston, 1867 to 1871, page 666.
Oviatt, Schuyler R., Richfield, 1871 to 1875, page 948.
Paige, David R., Akron, 1875 to 1879, page 303.
Viele, Henry C., Akron, 1879 to 1883, page 303.
Cole, Arthur M., Boston, 1883 to 1887, page 666.
Seymour, James H., Hudson, 1887 to 1891, page 848.
Oviatt, Etnmon S., Akron, 1891 to date, page 948.
PROBATE JUDGES, 1851 TO 1891, INCLUSIVE.
Ladd, Charles G., Akron, October, 1851 to August, 1852, page 306.
Hammond, Roland O., Bath, August, 1852 to October, 1852, page 645.
Bryan, Constant, Akron, 1852 to 1853, page 307.
Humphrey, Noah M., Richfield, 1854 to 1860, page 948.
xxxvi. CONTENTS.
Dodge, William M., Akron, 1860 to July, 1861, page 307.
Lewis, Asahel H., Akron, July to October, 1861, page 307.
Pitkin, Stephen H., Hudson, 1861 to 1869, page 307.
Marvin, Ulysses L., Akron, 1869 to 1875, page 307.
Williamson, Samuel C., Akron, 1875 to 1881, page 307.
Goodhue, Nathaniel W., Akron, 1881 to September, 1883, page 307.
Grant, Charles R., Akron, 1883 to 1891, page 307.
Stuart, Edward W., Akron, 1891 to date, page 307.
COUNTY RECORDERS, 1840 TO 1891, INCLUSIVE.
Johnston, Alexander, Green, 1840 to 1843, page 809.
Fay, Nahum, Akron, 1843 to 1849, page 303.
Jennings, Jared, Coventry, 1849 to 1352, page 718.
Purdy, Henry, Springfield, 1852 to 1858, page 1001.
Bock, Phillip P., Akron, 1858 to 1864, page 303.
Lantz, J. Alexander, Springfield, 1864 to 1870, page 1002.
Thorp, Grenville, Bath, 1870 to February, 1872, page 646.
Viele, Henry C., Akron, February to October, 1872, page 303.
Payne, George H., Akron, 1872 to 1878, page 303.
Bartlett, Albert A., Akron, 1878 to 1884, page 303.
Searles, Henry C., Richfield, 1884 to 1891, page 949.
Clark, Benjamin F., Akron, 1891 to date, page 303.
COUNTY SHERIFFS, 1840 TO 1891, INCLUSIVE.
Wilson, Thomas, Northfield, 1840 to 1844, page 901.
Janes, Lewis M., Boston, 1844 to 1848, page 664.
Clarke, William L., Springfield, 1848 to 1852, page 298.
Seward, Dudley, Tallmadge, 1852 to 1856, page 1057.
Lane, Samuel A., Akron, 1856 to 1861, page 298.
Chisnell, Jacob, Green, 1861 to 1865, page 809.
Burlison, James, Middleburj-, 1865 to 1869, page 298.
Curtiss, Augustus, Portage, 1866 to 1873, page 902.
McMurray, Levi J., Franklin, 1873 to 1877, page 794.
Lane, Samuel A., Akron, 1877 to 1881, page 298.
McKinney, William, Twinsburg, 1881 to 1885, page 1078.
Gamble, William B., Akron, 1885 to 1889, page 298.
Bunn, David R., Akron, 1889 to date, page 298.
PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS, 1840 TO 1891, INCLUSIVE.
Dodge, William M., Akron, 1840 to 1842, page 298.
Kirkum, George, Norton, 1842 to 1844, page 928.
Otis, William, S. C. Akron, 1844 to 1846, page 298.
McClure, Samuel W., Cuyahoga Falls, 1846 to 1848, page 762.
Upson, William H., Akron, 1848 to 1850, page 1058.
Whedon, Harvey, Hudson, 1850 to 1352, page 847.
Edgerton, Sidney. Akron, 1852 to 1856, page 1058.
McKinney, Henry, Cuyahoga Falls, 1856 to 1860, page 762.
Tibbals, Newell D., Akron, 1860 to 1864, page 298.
Green, Edwin P., Akron, ad interim 100 days, 1864, page 298.
Oviatt, Edward, Akron. 1864 to 1868, page 948.
Kohler, Jacob A., Akron, 1868 to 1872, page 794.
Sanford, Henry C., Akron, 1872 to 1874, page 298.
Poulson, James M., Akron, 1874 to 1876, page 298.
Stuart, Edward W., Akron, 1876 to 1880, page 298.
Baird, Charles, Akron. 1880 to 1884, page 298.
Means, John C., Tallmadge, 1884 to May, 1886, page 1058.
Voris, Edwin F., Akron, May to October, 1886, page 298.
Sieber, George W., Akron, 1886 to date, page 298.
COUNTY SURVEYORS, 1840 TO 1891, INCLUSIVE.
Ashmun, Russell H., Tallmadge, 1840 to 1843, page 1057.
Voris, Peter, Bath, 1843 to 1846, page 645.
Seward, Frederick, Tallmadge, 1846 to 1849, page 1057.
Newton, Dwight, Akron, 1849 to 1852, page 303.
Oviatt, Schuyler R., Richfield, 1852 to 1855, page 948.
Paul, Hosea, Cuyahoga Falls, 1855 to 1870, page 762.
CONTENTS. xxxvii.
Paul, Robert S., Akron, 1870 to 1874, page 762.
Seward, John W., Tallmadg-e, 1874 to 1877, page 1058.
Paul, Robert S. Akron, 1877 to 1883, page 762.
Perkins, Charles E., Akron, 1883 to date, page 303.
COUNTY CORONERS, 1840 TO 1891, INCLUSIVE.
Hinsdale, Elisha, Norton, 1840 to 1844, page 928.
Mills, Ithiel, Akron, 1844 to 1848, page 304.
Holloway, Joseph T., Cuyahoga Falls, 1848 to 1850 page 762.
Nash, Col. John, Middlebury, 1850 to 1853, page 304.
Gross, Oliver E., Stow, 1853 to 1855, page 1017/
Clarke, William L., Akron, 1855 to 1857, page 304.
Ingersoll, Noah, Coventry, 1857 to 1861, page 719.
Holloway, Joseph T., Cuyahoga Falls, 1861 to 1863, page 762.
Soniers, Porter G.. Cuyahoga Falls, 18(53 to 1868, page 762.
Gross, Oliver E., Stow, 1868 to 1872, page 1017.
Brown, Almon, Akron, 1872 to 1882, page 304.
Brashear, B. B., Akron, 1882 to 1886, page 304.
Sargent, Albert H., Akron, 1886 to 1890, page 304.
Brewster, George W., Coventry, 1890 to date, page 720.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, 1840 TO 1891, INCLUSFVE.
Foote, Augustus E., Twinsburg, 1840 to 1843, page 1078.
Starr, Jonathan, Copley, 1840 to 1844, page 703.
Hoy, John, Franklin, 1840 to 1845, page 793.
Thompson, Mills, Hudson, 1843 to 1849, page 847.
Weld, James W., Richfield, 1844 to 1853, page 947.
Weaver, Henry G., Springfield, 1845 to 1851, page 1001.,
Wetmore. Edwin, Stow, 1849 to 1858, page 1017.
Weston, Hiram, Middlebury, 1851 to 1854, page 298.
Metlin, James A., Norton, 1853 to 1856, page 929.
Bliss, Ambrose W., Northfield, 1854 to I860, page 902.
Gilcrest, John S., Springfield, 1856 to 1862, page 1001.
McFarlin, John, Bath, 1858 to 1861, page 646.
Upson, Nelson, Twinsburg, 1860 to March, 1866, page 1078.
Buel, George, Akron, 1861 to May, 1864, page 298.
Hill, David E., Middlebury, 1862 to 18(58, page 298.
Bates, George D., Akron, May to December, 1864, page 298.
Conger, Sidney P., Boston, Maj r to December, 1866, page 666.
McFarlin, John, Bath, 1864 to 1867, page 646.
Johnston, John C., Northampton, 1866 to 1872, page 863.
Sackett, George, Cuyahoga Falls, 1867 to 1870, page 763.
Oviatt, Orson M., Richfield, 18(58 to 1874, page 948.
Hill, John, Norton, 1870 to 1879, page 929.
Crouse, George W., Akron, 1872 to 1875, page 809.
L'Hommedieu, Giles, Cuyahoga Falls, 1874 to 1877, page 763.
Sisler, William, Franklin, 1875 to 1881, page 793.
Call, Moses D., Stow, 1877 to 1883, page 1018.
Hart, Hiram, Richfield, 1879 to 1885, page 948.
Miller, David C., Franklin, 1881 to November, 1886, page 794.
Ellet, King J., Springfield, 1883 to 1889, page 1002.
Hill, John C., Coventry, November, 1886 to December, 1887, page 720.
Hine, Charles C., Hudson, 1885 to 1891, page 848.
Johnston, Washington G., Green, 1890 to date, page 810.
Frederick, Henry, Portage, 1889 to date, page 298.
Nesbit, James, Northtield, 1891 to date.
COUNTY INFIRMARY DIRECTORS, 1849 TO 1891, INCLUSIVE.
Kent, Roswell, Middlebury, 1849 to 18ol, page 303.
Spicer, Avery, Coventry, 1849 to 1853, page tl8.
Bierce, Lucius V., Akron, July to October, 1849, page 303.
Ackley, Gibbons J., Akron, 1849 to 1851, page 303.
Wesener, Joseph E., Akron, August to December, 1851, page 303.
Hawkins, Ira, Portage, 1851 to 1857, page 304.
Bates, George D., Akron, 1851 to 1855, page 304.
Sherbondy, George, Portage, 1853 to 1856, page 304.
Hanscom, Charles, C., Akron, 1855 to 1858, page 30,4.
xxxviii. COXTENTS.
Scott, David A., Akron, 1856 to 1859, page 304.
Spicer, Avery, Coventry, 1857 to 1866, page 718.
Johnston, William, Copley, 1858 to 1861, page 703.
Walker, Richard B., Akron, 1859 to 1868, page 304.
Townsend, Alfred R., Akron, 1861 to 1867, page 304.
Brewster, Jonathan H., Coventry, 1866 to 1875, page 719.
Cunningham, William M., Akron. 1869 to 1873, page 304.
Husong-, Francis T., Copley, 1868 to 1871, page 703.
Storer, Webster B., Portage, 1871 to 1874, page 304.
Townsend, Alfred R., Akron, 1873 to 1876, page 304.
Herrold, Levi S., Akron, 1874 to 1877, page 304.
Kolb, Clement J., Akron, 1875 to 1881, page 304.
Frederick, Henry, Portage, 1876 to 1882, page 304.
Townsend, Alfred R., Akron, 1877 to 1879, page 304.
Southmaycl, William, Stow, 1879 to 1883, page 1018.
Beebe, Joseph A., Akron, 1881 to 1887, page 304.
Johnston, John M., Copley, 1882 to 1888, page 703.
Miller, Stephen D., Norton, 1883 to 1889, page 929.
Moore, Joseph, Akron, 1887 to date, page 1002.
Smith, Eli, Portage, 1888 to date, page 304.
Koplin, Jacob, Akron, 1889 to date, page 304.
SUPERINTENDENTS OF INFIRMARY, 1849 TO 1891, INCLUSIVE.
Sichley, Abraham, 1849 to 1855, page 304.
Chandler, William, 1855 to 1861, page 304.
Husong, Francis T., 1861 to 1868, page 703.
Glines, George W., 1868 to 1878, page 304.
Feichter, George, 1878 to 1879, page 304.
Glines, Julia F., 1879 to 1882, page 304.
Hamlin, Millard F., 1882 to 1387, page 304.
Stotler, Sherman B., 1887 to date, page 304.
FURTHER ADDENDA; ERRATA, ETC.
On page 1058, in notice of Hon. William H. Upson's election to Circuit Court Judgeship,
read elected in 1881, drawing fractional term of two years, and re-elected in 1886 for full term
of six years.
On page 532, in biographical sketch of Mr. John K. Robinson, read married to Miss
Henrietta Eleanor Barber, January 1, 1868, instead of January 15, 1860, as printed in part of
edition.
On page 526, to biographical sketch of Isaac J. Dyas, add: died suddenly of pneumonia,
January 3, 1892, aged 42 years and 12' days.
On page 943, to biographical sketch of Dr. Secretary Rawson, add: died in Des Moines,
Iowa, December 29, 1891, aged 95 years, 2 months and 11 days.
On page 669, to official roster of Boston Township and Peninsula Village, add the death
of Treasurer Henry Kerst, January 7, 1892, aged 51 years.
On page 463, to biography of Mr. Lorenzo Hall, add : died January 9, 1892. aged 79 years, 10
months and 17 days.
On page 762, read that Dr. Chester W. Rice was elected Treasurer of Summit county, in
1852 instead of 1872, as there printed.
On page 736, to biography of Mr. Henry \Vetmore, add : died January 10, 1892, aged 90 years
and 11 months.
On page 130, to biographical sketch of Judge William M. Dodge, add the death of Mrs.
Dodge, January H, 1892, aged 83 years, 5 months and 13 days.
Add to Contents:
Official Roster of Summit County, 1840 to 1891, Index pages xxxi to xxxviii.
Schumacher Power Block, Index page xxxix.
Government Public Building, Index page xl.
Akron City Hospital, Index page xl.
THE SCHUMACHER POWER BLOCK.
XXXIX.
Since the completion of the main portion of this book, Messrs.
Weary & Kramer, architects, have perfected the drawings of the
new power block which Mr. Ferd Schumacher is about to erect
on West Market street, the foundations for which are now being
laid upon the site of the well-remembered Old City Mill, as shown
in the upper engraving on page 453. As this will be the largest,
handsomest and most costly structure yet erected in Akron, it is
fitting that an engraving of it, with proper measurements, should
be given the prominent place in this volume here accorded to it.
Schumacher Power Block, Corner of West Market and Canal Streets, Erected in 1892.
This superb structure will be built in the modernized
Romanesque style of architecture, and present a facade of 165 feet
on West Market street, and 135 feet on Canal street. The building
will be seven stories in height two full stories, equaling thirty-
four feet, below the level of West Market street and five stories
above, the total height of the walls being about 114 feet. The walls
of the first two stories -will be of brown stone or granite, and the
upper stories of pressed brick, the floors and roof being carried by
a system of protected steel construction, supported from massive
stone foundations. The building will be so constructed that it can
be adapted to any desired business, and the machinery of such
mechanical and manufacturing operations as may be therein
located will be driven by the waters of the Cascade mill race, with
its forty-five foot fall secured by means of the tunnel constructed
through the solid rock, by Mr. Schumacher, between the point
named and the Cascade Mill, a year or two ago.
The entire plant will cost not far from $200,000, and will not
only be a very decided credit to our already wonderfully pros-
perous city, but the crowning glory of the very many magnificent
business structures hitherto erected by Akron's truly munificent
benefactor, Mr. Ferd Schumacher.
xl. AKRON'S GOVERNMENT BUILDING.
In closing the chapter on Akron's postal history, pages 315 to
329, it was stated that a government building was "almost in
sight," Congress having voted an appropriation of $75,000 for that
purpose, though owing to the clashing of local interests, and per-
sonal predilections, the site had not then been agreed upon. Since
that time, however, in the spirit of mutual concession and good
feeling that should ever animate our people, the differences in
question have been harmonized, and the old Bartges property,
now known as the Union Club House, on the southeast corner of
Market and High streets, has been agreed upon. It is a convenient
and sightly location, and it is expected that within the coming
year an imposing arid elegant government building will cover the
ground for nearly sixty years occupied by the then and still hand-
some frame cottage, built in 1834 by Akron's pioneer merchant
and manufacturer, Charles W. Howard, after whom our hitherto
principal business street was very properly named.
AKRON CITY HOSPITAL.
On page 1093, in the chapter devoted to Summit county's
benevolence, is an account of the bequest of the late Boniface
De Roo, of the Sixth Ward, who died November 3, 1883, towards
the founding of a city hospital in Akron, which bequest, judici-
ously invested by duly constituted trustees, now amounts to some-
thing over $10,000, Mr. De Roo expressing the desire, in his will, that
the hospital, when established, should bear the name of the largest
contributor towards its establishment and maintenance. Though
the need of such an institution has for several years been sorely
felt and often discussed by our people, nothing tangible has hith-
erto been developed in the premises. Now, however, among the
very last written words for this book, we are pleased to note that
this long felt want is about to be munificently filled. To the
accomplishment of the project, Messrs. Ohio C. Barber and Thomas
\V. Cornell have made voluntary donations of $10,000 each, and
negotiations have nearly been completed for the purchase of the
Bartges homestead, 943 East Market street, for the sum of $30,000,
to be used for that purpose. The property consists of five acres of
land and a large and handsome brick house and suitable out build-
ings, and can be made immediately available for the needs and
purposes of such an institution. In addition to the generous
donations mentioned, Mr. Barber is endeavoring to secure, by pop-
ular subscription from our well-to-do citizens, an endowment fund
of $100,000, for the future maintenance of the institution, nearly
one half of which is already in sight, though an analysis of the list
of donations, when completed, will alone determine the question in
regard to the name which shall be given to this, the crowning
glory of the charitable impulses of our people.
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
S
AMUEL ALANSON LANE,
fourth son of Comfort and
Betsey (Sikes) Lane, was born in
Suffield, Hartford County, Conn.,
June 29, 1815. The father, a car-
riage maker by trade an exten-
sive manufacturer of the old-time
thorough-brace stage coach ow-
ing to a natural aptness in that
direction, had designed the boy,
Alanson, for a carriage and orna-
mental painter, and hence, during
his childhood, he was permitted
to dabble in colors to his heart's
content, his own face, hands and
clothing often presenting a more
variegated and picturesque ap-
pearance than the majority of
the lavishly bepraised subjects of
SAMUEL A. LANE. , . . ., .,
his juvenile pencil.
The father dying, when the lad was but thirteen years of age,
and the business being discontinued, that plan had to be aban-
doned, and the next two and a half years were devoted to school
and such agricultural labor, at home and among neighboring
farmers, as such a boy was capable of performing an arrange-
ment to enter the painting department of a large chair manufac-
tory in an adjoining town, as an apprentice, having been foiled by
the destruction of the establishment by fire.
In addition to his repute, as a carriage maker, "Judge" Lane,
as he was called by his neighbors, was quite an inventor, not only
in the way of mechanical devices in the furtherance of his own
business, but shortly before his death he constructed and patented
the "Suffield Cotton Gin" a machine which it was confidently
believed would supersede the celebrated Whitney Cotton Gin the
parchment letters patent, dated March 24, 1825, (now in* possession
I
2 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
of the writer) bearing the autograph signatures of John Quincy
Adams, President; Henry Clay, Secretary of State; and William
Wirt, Attorney General; a single clerk in the office of the Secre-
tary of State then performing the entire clerical work of the Patent
Department, while an average of 500 employes in that branch of
the government are now scarcely adequate to its necessities.
Death intervening, however, before its practical introduction, the
device was of no pecuniary benefit to the heirs of the inventor.
MERCHANT'S CLERK, BOOK-AGENT, ETC.
May 1, 1831, then not quite 16 years of age, young Lane engaged
as clerk in the store of Mr. Billings Brown, father of the present
United States Judge, Henry Billirigs Brown, in the paper manu-
facturing village of South Lee, Berkshire Co., Mass., with whom
he served a year and a half, when he entered the larger establish-
ment of Mr. Austin Hayderi, at Pittsfield, in the same county,
with whom he remained six months. Returning home for a visit,
in the Spring of 1833, an arrangement was made with a Hartford
publishing house for the *canvass of Merrimac County, New
Hampshire, for the sale of the then popular History of the United
States, by Chauncey A. Goodrich, \vhich service was so satisfac-
torily performed that, in the Fall of the same year, he was assigned
to similar duty in the States of South Carolina and Georgia, with
headquarters at Augusta; the journey from New York to Charles-
ton being made in the sailing vessel, "John C. Calhoun," there
then being no ocean steamers, (not even coastwise); the journey
from Charleston to Augusta being over the then just completed
Charleston and Augusta Railroad, at that time the longest railroad
in the World 130 miles.
A CONTEMPORARY OF "BOB" TOOMBS.
While awaiting the arrival of books, in the late Summer and
early Autumn of 1834, during a very heated political campaign, a
position, as mailing clerk and assistant editor, was accepted in the
office of the "Southern Spy," at Washington, Wilkes County, Geor-
gia, then, and until his death, the home of the afterwards notorious
secession agitator and rebel general, Robert Toombs the "Spy"
being a strong Jackson, or Union, paper, with the talented young
lawyer, Toombs, as one of its most vigorous writers against John
C. Calhoun's nullification heresies, so prevalent in South Carolina
and Georgia about those days. While thus employed, in addition
to his mailing and editorial duties, the writer obtained something of
an insight into the "Art Preservative of All Arts" printing
which was to be such a potent factor in the shaping (or unshapiiig)
of his future life.
AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 3
A NIGHT IN AN INDIAN WIGWAM.
On concluding his book-canvassing labors, in the late Fall of
1834, the writer, then nineteen years of age, concluded to resume
mercantile life, and permanently settle in the South. Not succeed-
ing in finding a clerkship in Augusta, and the several other cities
and villages visited in Georgia and South Carolina, in company
with a young northern printer, a few years his senior, he started,
in his double-rig Yankee peddling wagon, overland, for Mobile,
Alabama, having to pass through the territory of the Creek Indians,
then in rather an unamiable mood, by reason of the agitation of the
question of removing them beyond the Mississippi. It was about
sixty miles through the territory, with one intervening white set-
tlement and trading post about midway, at the ferry across the
Wetumpka river. The road through the wilderness was blind and
difficult, the Indian trails, from time to time diverging therefrom,
being tnore distinct than the road itself. Darkness setting in,
before reaching the ferry, we at length found ourselves wedged in
among the trees, and on reconnoissance, in the darkness, for we had
no means of striking a light (friction matches not being then in
general use, as now), discovered that we had branched off on to
Si trail, but were wholly unable to discern the point of diver-
gence.
In this dilemma, our only resource, except to remain all night
where we were, was to unhitch our horses and follow the trail
whithersoever it might lead. A quarter of a mile, or so, brought us
to a log hut in which were two squaws evidently mother and
daughter. Endeavoring, by words and signs, to make them under-
stand that we wanted to find our way to the ferry across the
Wetumpka river, the elder squaw lighted a pine-knot torch, and
motioning to us to follow, started diagonally to the left from the
trail we were on, through the woods, ten minutes' walk bringing
us to the bank of the river, running rapidly and darkly through
the murky forest.
We were now, of course, no better off than before, and could
only follow our guide back to her hut, where we found a gayly
dressed young Indian buck, to whom we also endeavored to
explain the situation, in doing so, in addition to signs, saying in
English that we had got lost, wanted some supper and to stay all
night. Borrowing a torch, he started in an opposite direction, we
and our horses following. Our guide was in a very merry mood,
indeed, gayly singing as he went, his music being interspersed with
loud peals of laughter, frequent repetition of our phrases, "got loss!
got loss! suppaw! suppaw! 'tay all night! 'tay all night! "etc., with an
occasional blood-curdling and hair-lifting Indian, yell, or whoop,
that made the surrounding woods the darkness being intensified
by the flaming torch he was carrying all ring again!
4 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
RIGHT ROYALLY ENTERTAINED.
Ten or fifteen minutes brought us to a somewhat more preten-
tious cabin, from which, warned by the noisy antics of our guide,
there came forth to meet us a fine looking Indian, somewhat past
middle life, his wife, another buck about 25 years of age and his
wife, the latter bearing in her arms a six or eight months' old
pappoose our guide also being a member of the family.
After a short palaver with the head of the family, active meas-
ures for our ''entertainment" were inaugurated, the men helping
us to unharness and properly secure and feed our horses, the feed
consisting of corn in the ear, and corn-fodder cured in the same
manner as among the planters of the South, generally, in those
days. Our "suppaw" consisted of bread made from pounded
corn, and baked before the fire, sweet potatoes roasted in the ashes,
some bear's meat fried in a small iron kettle, and some sort of home-
made but quite palatable coffee, the rude table being set with reg-
ular dishes plates, cups and saucers, knives, forks, spoons, etc.
Later in the evening, and just before retiring to rest, the family
supper was partaken of. A large tub of mush and milk was placed
in the middle of the bare earth floor, the members of the family
squatting themselves in a circle around it. It was provided with
one large wooden spoon, or ladle. The elder Indian, picking up the
spoon, takes a mouthful and returns the spoon to the tub. The
elder squaw next takes a mouthful, and so on around, according to
age, a running merry conversation being kept up during the repast,
of which the "strangers within their gates" were apparently the
principal subjects.
Across one end of the cabin was a platform, about two feet from
the floor and six feet in depth, devoted to sleeping purposes.
Spreading a blanket on one end, and rolling up some of their sur-
plus clothing for pillows, they motioned us to take our places
thereon, my chum taking to the wall and myself turning in next to
him, with a blanket for covering. The elder Indian then planted
himself next to me, the old squaw next, and the younger squaw
with her pappoose next, the two younger bucks stretching them-
selves out upon the floor.
. Our slumbers \vere reasonably tranquil, being occasionally
interrupted by the distant howl of the festive wolf, and once or
twice disturbed by the rushing forth of our hosts to drive away their
own horses running loose in the woods, while trying to pick a quarrel
with our animals in the snug pole-pen in which they had been
corralled.
AGAIN UPON OUR WINDING WAY.
Rising with the earliest dawn, harnessing our horses, paying
our hosts liberally in silver coin for our entertainment, and bidding
AUTOBIOGRAPHY. O
them all good-by, we started in the direction of our wagon. The
three bucks, however, fell into our \vake and helped to get our
wagon up into the main road, only a few rods distant, it appearing
that the trail ran for a considerable distance nearly parallel at the
foot of the ridge along which the \vagon road passed. The con-
tents of our \vagon were found to be intact, and producing from
one of the trunks some slight presents of cheap jewelry, pictures,
etc., for each of the three bucks, the two squaws and the pappoose,
we again bid our tawny friends good-by and started for the ferry.
The people at the ferry were very greatly astonished at our
t^arly call to be ferried over the river, it being deemed very unsafe
for pale-face strangers to travel through the territory, especially at
night, a number of murders having been committed during the
previous Summer. From our account of our night's adventure, it
was thought that we had staid at the house of one of their
"kings," who, as well as the other members of the household^
could both understand and speak English, but that their natural
cunning led them to affect ignorance with strangers, in order, as
in our case, to learn what might be said about them; but that even
had our criticisms been offensive to them, having sought their
hospitality, they would have permited no harm to come to us or
our belongings within the limits of their jurisdiction.
TWENTY APPLICANTS TO ONE VACANCY.
Disposing of my horses, wagon and other property at Mobile,
I renewed my efforts to obtain a clerkship, but without success, as
was also the case at New Orleans, whither I went a couple of
weeks later, there being scores of young men from the North
watching for any vacancy that might possibly occur.
I then " floated" up the river to Louisville and Cincinnati, where
everything in that line was also found to be more than full. In
the latter city I made an arrangement with a publishing house to
canvass for a book in the northeastern portion of the State, but on
going to the office the next morning, to procure my outfit, found
the entire establishment in ashes.
Thus, for the second time, had my plans been frustrated by
fire. I now determined to visit " New Connecticut," as the Western
Reserve was then called, where, at Aurora, Portage County, an old
family friend, 'Squire Artemas W. Stocking, a former employe of
my father, was located, an unmarried aunt of mine being also a
member of the 'Squire's family.
NARROW ESCAPE FROM ARREST.
My journey from Cincinnati to Cleveland was by stage, via
Columbus, Mount Vernon, Wooster, etc. Leaving Cleveland by
6 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
stage, before daylight, on the morning of Wednesday, March 4,
"dragging our slow length along," through the unfathomable clay
mud of the " turnpike," between Newburg and Twirisburg, we
arrived at the " stage house," in the latter village, between 9 and 10
o'clock in the forenoon. Taking breakfast with the rest of the
passengers, while they resumed their journey I sought to secure a
chance ride for myself and baggage, to Aurora, five miles to the
eastward. No such chance presenting itself, I remained to dinner
and finally, leaving my two hand trunks at the hotel, I started for
Aurora on foot.
During my stay at the hotel, at which, besides the landlord
and his help, a number of village idlers dropped in during the
afternoon, I had probably, like many another " traveled" young man
not yet out of his teens, put on a good many airs, and perhaps in
settling my bill made a somewhat reckless display of the rather
showy, but exceedingly meager amount of wealth of which T was
then possessed.
My Aurora friends, whom I had not seen for five 3^ears, made
me very welcome, and the next day the 'Squire loaned me his
horse and wagon to go for my baggage, the 'Squire's younger
brother, " Sam" (about my own age) accompanying me. Through
the 'Squire and Sam I was pretty well acquainted with most of the
villagers by the end of the week, some of whom were from the
same town in Connecticut.
On Sunday morning, about 10 o'clock, while the rest of the
family were reading or resting in their rooms, I slipped out to the
'Squire's carriage shop to sharpen my knife. The grindstone was
under the staging in front of the shop, and while turning the
crank with my right hand, and holding on \vith the left, I observed
three men approaching from the direction of the hotel, while quite
a crowd stood in front of the hotel, apparently watching for some-
thing extraordinary to " turn up."
As the trio approached, I discovered one of them to be a young
man with whom I had been quite familiar at the Twinsburg hotel.
I greeted them pleasantly, and, in answer to the leader's inquiry
for 'Squire Stocking, directed him to the house, the back way,
through the shop. Entering the shop, I sat down on a saw-horse
at one of the benches and began honing my knife, holding
the whetstone in my left hand, the two remaining men following
me in, apparently much interested in the work I was performing.
Presently the other stranger, with the 'Squire and Sam, put in
appearance, the faces of the two latter bearing a distressed expres-
sion that I could not at the moment account for. After an embar-
rassing silence of a few seconds, the leader directed his attention
to me, by saying: "Your name is Lane, is it?" "Yes, sir," I replied.
"Well, Mr. Lane, I desire to ask you a few questions," said he. "All
AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 7
right, go ahead," said I. " Mr. Lane, where did you come from to
Aurora?" "From Twinsburg," I replied. " Where from to Twins-
burg?" "Cleveland." " Where from to Cleveland?" "Wooster."
"Where from to Wooster?" "Mount Vernon." "Where from to
Mount Vernon?" "Columbus." "Where from to Columbus?"
"Cincinnati." " Where from to Cincinnati?" "Louisville." "Where
from to Louisville?" " New Orleans." "Mr. Lane, were you ever
in Detroit?" "No, sir; but I should very much like to go there,"
said I, jestingly. "Well, sir," said he, sternly, "you may soon have
your wish." He then asked: "Mr. Lane, did you ever go by the
name of Charles Lewis ?" " No, sir!" " Or by the name of George
Davis?" "No, sir!"
During this colloquy I had continued sharpening my knife,
and at this stage my interrogator said: "Mr. Lane will you oblige
me by straightening out the fingers of your left hand?" " Suppose
I can't do it, what then?" I smilingly enquired. "It will be all the
better forj^ou, if you can," he rather savagely replied. After a few
seconds' aggravating delay, I suddenly extended my open hand to-
wards him for inspection. "You are not the man I'm after," he
stammeringly responded and then it was my turn to ask
questions.
His explanation was this: That he was a Deputy Sheriff from
Detroit; that a young man named Charles Lewis, but who some-
times called himself George Davis, about 25 years old, and answer-
ing to my general description, but with the fingers upon his left
hand seriously crippled, had committed several forgeries in Detroit,
and was also believed to be connected with an extensive gang
of counterfeiters. The officer (who had never seen him) had traced
him to Cleveland, and from thence on board the Pittsburg stage,
on Thursday morning (it will be remembered that I came to Twins-
burg on Wednesday morning); that on reaching Twinsburg, on the
Saturday morning stage, he, the officer, was assured by landlord
Grant and his bar-keeper, that the party he was after had stopped
off there and had gone to Aurora to visit one of the most respecta-
ble men of that township, 'Squire Stocking, their statement being
verified by the dining room girl, who had particularly observed
that in handling my fork and food, I didn't straighten out the fin-
gers of my left hand; while the clerk was sure I had quite a quan-
tity of counterfeit money with me.
Thus assured, he had remained at Twinsburg over night, as
the man he was in pursuit of was a desperate character, always
went armed to the teeth, and a dangerous customer to encounter
in the dark. On Sunday morning, calling to his assistance a
Twinsburg constable, and taking along a young man who had seen
me at the hotel, to point me out, the Detroiter and his posse had
duly arrived at the Aurora hotel as stated.
8 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
Making known his mission to landlord Woodruff, and others at
the hotel, he was assured that there must be some mistake about
the matter, but he knew better; he was after the right man, and
though he expected to meet with a desperate resistance (exhibiting
a number of weapons) he intended to secure him either dead or
alive, even if he had to take him out of church, to which it was
suggested that I might have accompanied the family.
At this juncture the spy of the party had observed me passing
from the house to the shop, and entering upon the knife sharpening
operation alluded to, and they had approached as stated. On
making known his errand to the 'Squire, he also assured the officer
that there certainly must be some mistake about it, as his young
friend was the son of his old boss, Judge Lane, of Suffield, Conn.,
and although he had not known much about him for five or six
years, it could not be possible he was the desperado intimated.
The officer, however, was positive, and called upon the 'Squire as
a magistrate, notwithstanding his friendship for the family, to aid
him in bringing the offender to justice. The rest has already been
told.
By the time the denouement had been reached, a number of the
villagers had ventured into the shop. To say that the 'Squire and
Sam were indignant, and the by-standers excited, would be a mild
statement. Sam was for booting the Detroiter arid his Twinsburg
aids out of the shop, and several other young men manifested an
ardent desire to help him do it; but the 'Squire and myself inter-
ceded and they were permitted to depart in peace. Whether the
real Charles Lewis, alias George Davis, was ever apprehended,
this deponent knoweth not; but one thing is certain, the writer, for
over half a century, has retained a very vivid recollection of his
first visit to Twinsburg, though his intercourse with many of her
good people during the intervening 56 } r ears has been both inti-
mate and pleasant.
ARTISTICAL, THEATRICAL, ETC.
Remaining with my friends nearly two months, about the first
of May, 1835, I again started out to "seek my fortune." At this
time the art of making sun pictures had not been discovered, and
aside from painted portraits and miniatures, about the only mode
of securing a semblance of the "human face divine," was by the
silhouette process drawing, with tracing rod and universal joint,
a sideview outline of the features on \vhite paper, deftly cutting
out the same and placing a piece of black silk back of the opening,
the whole being mounted \vith frame and glass.
On this crude device I essayed an improvement, in that,
instead of cutting out the center and producing a simple black
profile, I finished it up \vith pencil, india ink and \vater colors,
AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 9
tracing in the hair, eyebrows, eye, nostril, lips, ear, chin, wrinkles,
drapery, etc., my apparatus being adjustable from miniature up to
quarter size. After some gratuitous experiments in Aurora, my
first objective "business" point was Ravenna and the contiguous
townships of Shalersville and Streetsboro. Though infinitely
superior to the plain black profile, owing to the enhanced cost of
their production, and the general scarcity of money in the country,
the business did not prove to be remarkably remunerative, besides
footing it from house to house with my pretty heavy outfit, was
found to be decidedly hard work.
At this time an amateur dramatic company The Thespian
Society was being organized by the young people of Ravenna,
and I was invited to assist in painting the scenery, also taking
prominent parts in both the tragedy of "Barbarossa" and the
comedy of "Fortune's Frolic," during "Court Week" of the June
term, 1835.
HOTEL CLERK. BAR-TENDER, ETC.
My Aurora friends advised me, whatever I did, by all means to
steer clear of Akron. But during my brief stay in Ravenna I met
a number of Akron gentlemen, lawyers and others, at the hotel
where I boarded, and after closing my theatrical "engagement," I
concluded to run over and take a look at it. Accordingly, on
Wednesday, June 10, 1835 by stage, via Franklin Mills, (Kent)
Stow Corners, Cuyahoga Falls, Old Forge and Middlebury I
wended my way thither, sleeping the first night in the southwest
corner, second story, of the frame building now standing on the
northeast corner of South Main and Kxchange streets, then kept
by Mr. Lewis Humiston, and designated as the "Stage House,"
and later as the "Railroad House," arid kept by Mr. Charles
P. McDonald, father of the veteran livery man, Mr. Yenning
McDonald.
The next day, visiting North Akron, or "Cascade," as it was
then called, I made an arrangement with Mr. Charles B. Cobb,
proprietor of the "Pavilion House," northwest corner of Howard
and Market streets, to keep his books, tend bar, wait upon guests
and make myself generally useful for my board, until some other
suitable employment could be found. Clerkships were as scarce
then in Akron as in the other Western and Southern towns which
I had visited, and by this time I was beginning to think that
"counter-jumping" wasn't very good business, anyhow. (The
grapes were getting very sour, you see.)
ANOTHER NARROW ESCAPE.
At this juncture, the late Gen. Lucius V. Bierce, then the
Prosecuting Attorney for Portage County, being about to establish
10 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
an office in Akron, made me a proposition to enter his office as a
law student, offering to furnish me with gratuitous instruction,
and to help me through with my hoard during my studies. I
interposed the objection that my education was inadequate, having
no knowledge whatever of Latin or the other dead languages. But
the General held that all that was needed to make a successful
lawyer was a fair common school education, a reasonable famil-
iarity with Shakespeare and the Bible, and ordinary common -
sense. Distrusting my own inquisitorial and forensic abilities,
however, I respectfully declined the General's kind proposition, and
the legal world will probably never realize the full magnitude of
its loss, by reason of such declination, though the "generality- of
mankind in general" may well congratulate itself upon its narrow
escape from so calamitous an infliction.
HOUSE AND SIGN PAINTER, SCHOOL-TEACHER, ETC.
About two months later, as half apprentice and half journey-
man, I entered the service of a house and sign painter, my first job
being a piece of ornamental work that the boss himself was
incapable of performing. With the slowing up of work in the late
Fall, I again returned to the " Pavilion," but a few days later engaged
to teach the school in district number seven, Portage township,
(opposite the northeast corner of the present Infirmary farm), as
detailed in another part of this volume.
EMBARKS IN BUSINESS FOR HIMSELF.
After the close of my school, in the Spring of 1836, I opened
shop as a full-fledged "House, Sign and Ornamental Painter," and
though not making "rich" come very fast, I may, with all due
modesty, claim that I was fully as expert on general \vork as any
of my "regularly bred" contemporaries, while on sign-writing and
ornamental work I was ahead of all competitors, with considerable
skill as a wood and copper-plate engraver, stencil-plate and brand-
pattern maker for marking flour barrels, etc.
PUBLISHER OF THE "AKRON BUZZARD."
As detailed in Chapter XI of this work, under the editorial noin
de plume of " Jedediah Brownbread, Esq.," while still carrying on
my painting business, on the 7th day of September, 1837, I started
a small semi-monthly paper under the above title, utilizing my
knowledge of the printing business acquired in the office of the
" Southern Spy," by setting up and striking off the first number
with my own hands, with the type and press of Judge Bryan's
suspended Akron Journal, elsewhere alluded to, afterwards hiring
it printed in the office of the American Balance.
AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 11
The object of the paper was to combat, and expose the black-
legism, and other crookedness and wrong doing then so prevalent
in Akron and neighboring villages along the line of the canal.
The editorials were constructed on the Yankee dialect plan, these
excerpts from its salutatory being an example: " You see, I cum from
Varmount about tew munths ago. Uncle Jed was monstrous glad
tu see me, now I tell you. Says he, ' Jedediah,'(you see I was named
arter Uncle Jed, and he thinks a monstrous site of me), 'I'm mity
glad you've cum and I've bin 'spectin you this tew or three years,
for I new that a chap of your genus and enterprise wood'nt be
contented tu stay in Varmount all your lifetime, an' then die poor,
when you cood make a fortin here in six munths.' * * * You see, I
was raised to the occupashun of teechin the young idee how to
shute, but seein as how as that's ruther poor bizness in this secshun,
I've concluded to try my hand at editerin awhile. Uncle Jed says
that a real- jolly-nothin-tu-du-with-polyticks-anti-blackleg- respect-
able paper will du well here, an that's jist what I'm goin tu print. *
* * Sum folks may think, perhaps, that I've got a curious name for
my paper, so I'll jist explain it tu em. You see, a buzzard is a kind
of hawk, an my "Buzzard" is near of kin tu the turkey-buzzard that
I've hern tell on way down south, where it's a fine tu kill 'em, cause,
you see, they remove all the filth an carin from the streets. Now,
you see, I calkulate to make my paper prodigous handy in this
way. If there 's enny thing wrong goin on, I calkulate to tell on't,
an expose an endevor to remove newsances and so forth from the
city."
THREATENINGS DIRE, ASSAULTS, ETC.
As may well be imagined, the plain-speaking of the BUZZARD
was well calculated to arouse the ire of the wrong-doers inveighed
against,,and many threats to destroy the office where it was printed,
whip, and even shoot, the editor, were indulged in, and innumera-
ble schemes for revenge were attempted, a few, only, of which can
be noticed here. One evening, just at dusk, after the appearance
of a pretty pointed article on counterfeiting and counterfeiters, a
boy entered the office saying that there was a gentleman at a
neighboring hotel who wished to see me. Learning, on inquiry,
that a well-known blackleg, by the name of George Miller, had sent
the message, I at once suspected that mischief was brewing, but
not wishing to exhibit the white-feather, in company with a friend,
I promptly responded to the message. As I entered the bar-room,
in which were a number of well-known sporting gentlemen who
made the hotel their headquarters, I found the head-center of the
counterfeiting fraternity, "Jim" Brown, in confidential conversa-
tion with the said George Miller, and noticed the significant glances
and grimaces indulged in by the crowd.
12 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
Approaching the bar I said to the mixer of "whisky toddies:
''Your boy told me there was a gentleman here who wanted to see
me. Who is he?" "I don't know," replied the bar-keeper, "he's a
stranger; j^ou'll find him in the sitting room." Thinking it possible
that some Bastern acquaintance might have come to town, but
still keeping my wits about me, I stepped across the hall and
opened the sitting-room door. The first glimpse revealed the fact
that, though not yet lighting up time, the window curtains
were closely drawn and the room duly lighted. Keeping my
hand still upon the latch of the door, I swung myself far
enough into the room to discover that its only occupant, standing
with his back to the grate, was a well-known local bruiser by the
name of "Jim" Blane, who a few years later, while drunk, fell
from the West Market street bridge to the canal towing-path below
and broke his neck.
"Good evening, Mr. Blane," I said pleasantly. "G'n'ev'ning,"
he surlily responded. "I was told there was a gentleman here
who wanted to see me, but I don't see any," I said, and swinging
myself back into the hall, closed the door, and re-entered the bar-
room, into which, by this time, had come quite a number of
mechanics, merchants and others, regular boarders in the house.
It afterwards transpired that "Jim" Brown had hired the
other "Jim" to give me a drubbing, not only the blackleg habitues
of the house, but the rascally bar-keeper also, entering into the
conspiracy, the plan being to inveigle me into the room with the
bruiser, who, while his confederates were to hold and guard the
door upon the outside, was to "decorate" my countenance and
other portions of my corporeal economy.
A NEARLY FATAL RENCOUNTER.
Up to this time I had never gone armed, but after the occur-
rence narrated, my young friend, the late Henry J. Frost, of
Wooster, then clerking for Mr. P. D. Hall, handed me an old-
fashioned single-barreled brass pistol (ready loaded) with which to
defend myself, should another attempt be made to inflict personal
injury upon me. This weapon I carried in the right hand skirt
pocket of my overcoat, while upon the street, and deposited it upon
a shelf, above the editorial table, while in the office.
A few days later, having an item of business with the brother
of the landlord of the hotel in question, as I started to leave the
bar-room I was confronted by a six-foot, double-fisted habitue of
the house, by the name of Dwight Spooner, who, seizing me by the
collar \vith his huge left hand, began making hostile demonstra-
tions towards my physiognomy with his right. Instinctively I
thrust my right hand into my overcoat pocket, at which one of the
half dozen black-legs present, who were hissing my assailant on,
AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 13
seized my elbow and threatened to put an end to me if I attempted
to draw a pistol. Quietly withdrawing my hand, I appealed to the
landlord for protection. Instead of compelling the ruffian to
release his hold, the landlord, opening the door, said: " If you are
going to fight, gentlemen, you must go out of doors," and as my
assailant backed out through the hall and front door, his brawny
fist still glued to the collar of my coat, it may be taken for a fact,
without substantiation by affidavit, that I didn't hang back any!
The blackleg fraternity followed us out and continued to hiss
the drunken bully on, but the commotion also attracted the
attention of respectable people upon the street, who immediately
gathered around us. Drawing back his right fist, and pulling me
towards him with his left, he would maudlinly exclaim: " Shall I
strike you! Shall I mash your face for you! " etc. Meantime I had
quietly slipped my hand into my pocket, cocked my pistol, and, as
near as I could calculate, aimed it in the direction of the fellow's
abdomen, with full determination to pull the trigger the instant his
fist came in contact with my face, saying in response to his
questions, as to whether he should strike me, "You can do as you
please about it, Dwight, but I advise you not to, as you may feel
bad about it afterwards."
Happily, however, for both Spooner and myself, such by-
standers as Col., Justus Gale, Mr. Lyman Cobb, Mr. James B,
Taplin, Alfred R. Townsend and others, compelled him to release
his hold, before bringing his drunken courage up to the striking
point. His blackleg coadjutors, however, plying him still further
with liquor, urged him to visit my office, and finish up the job.
Half an hour later, I heard some one blunder up the stairs and
open the door. Looking around, there stood my late assailant,
hanging on to the door casing, incoherently inquiring if I was going
to "Buthard" him again. Seizing the pistol from the shelf, I
started towards him, telling him to get out of my office, or I
would Buzzard him so that he would stay Buzzarded, and he
"got," falling heels over head down the stairs, and vomiting all
over the landing and the platform upon the outside.
Subsequent examination revealed the fact that in addition to a
large charge of powder, that pistol contained four buck-shot and
three slugs of lead about one-fourth of an inch square. It makes
me shudder, even to this day, to contemplate the consequences to
my assailant, and possibly to myself and the by-standers, that
would have followed the discharge of that pistol.
ANOTHER SHARP GAME THAT DIDN'T WIN.
In those days the village of Franklin Mills (now Kent), like
many another western village (and eastern, too, for that matter),
boasted of a number of very fast young men, who, though admitted
14 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
to the very best society, were from time to time guilty of the most
immoral practices. Among this class was a young and enter-
prising business man, who, later in life, having abandoned his evil
courses, not only became the head of a highly respectable family,
but one of the political, commercial and financial magnates of
Northern Ohio. The BUZZARD'S? Franklin Mills correspondent
having laid bare some of the more flagrant violations of the moral
code, by this gay and festive Lothario and his associates, it imme-
diately came to my ears that he was threatening to come to Akron
and "whip me within an inch of my life."
A day or two later, however, I received a very polite letter from
the gentleman, enclosing a one dollar note, with the request that
I should send him my "very valuable paper" for one year. This I
supposed was the mode of "vengeance" that he had finally
concluded upon, instead of inflicting the threatened personal
chastisement.
But this proved to be an erroneous conclusion, for a short time
afterwards, one afternoon, a boy brought me a note of about the
following purport :
" OHIO EXCHANGE, AKRON, March 7, 1838.
"Compliments of Mr. Blank, of Franklin Mills, to Mr. S. A. Lane,
and would be pleased to see Mr. Lane at room 24, Ohio Exchange."
Knowing that room 24 was in the rear end of the third story of
the hotel, and surmising the true intent of the "call," I dispatched
as polite a reply, by the boy, saying that it was inconvenient for
Mr. Lane to visit the Ohio Exchange, but that Mr. Lane would be
happy to see Mr. Blank at his office.
Up to this time I had never met Mr. Blank, and not knowing
exactly what kind of an adversary I had to deal with, I invited in
three or four friends from adjoining offices to \vitness the interview.
Presently Mr. Blank, a medium sized but robust young man,
presented himself, accompanied by a six-foot-two stalwart friend,
\vhom he introduced as Captain Pierce. After mutual introduc-
tions, and a little desultory conversation, Mr. Blank expressed
a desire to speak with me in private. Leading the way to a back
room I invited him to a seat and to state his wishes. Thereupon,
in stentorian tones that could be heard all over the neighborhood,
he exclaimed:
"Mr. Lane, I have come down here to ascertain who wrote that
blankety blank scurrilous article signed 'Jerry,' in your last
BUZZARD."
"Well, Mr. Blank," I replied, "I am not authorized to give you
the name of the writer of that article without his consent. But if
there was anything unjust or untrue in the article, of course I
stand ready to make the 'amende honorable. 1 "
AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 15
'"It don't make a blankety blank's difference whether the
article was true or false, I'm not going to be held up to public
contempt, through the press, without having satisfaction, and if
you don't give me the name of the writer of that article you will
have to take the consequences."
"Very well, Mr. Blank, I'm prepared to take the consequences.
But see here, 'Dan,'" said I, adopting the familiar sobriquet by
which I had often heard him called, "you may as well understand
at the outset that I don't ' scare worth a cent.' I was too sharp to
fall into your trap. After attempting to allay suspicion by sending
me a sop in the shape of a dollar for the paper, you sought to
inveigle me into a back room in the third story of the Kxchange,
where, through the 'influence' of your herculean friend, you expected
to squeeze me into the disclosure of the name of my correspondent.
Though you might there have inflicted upon me the personal
chastisement you had so fiercely threatened, you would have failed
to learn the name of the correspondent in question. Now, however,
I am upon my own 'dunghill' and do not propose to be either
whipped or frightened."
"See here, Lane," he rejoined, "I admire your pluck and have
no desire to injure you or your correspondent. It -was a mighty
sharp article, anyway, and I have a curiosity to know who wrote it,
and if you will just tell me, I pledge you my word and honor that
no harm shall come to either you or him."
"It's of no use, Dan," said I. "That would be a breach of confi-
dence and good faith between publisher and correspondent that
\vould be entirely unjustifiable."
"One thing more," said Dan, "will you show me the manu-
script?"
"O, certainly," I replied, and handed him the copy from which
the article had been put in type. After scrutinizing it awhile,
saying that the handwriting was very familiar to him, but he
couldn't quite place it, he handed it back to me, and with his
stalwart friend cordial^ took his lea-ve.
Afterwards, becoming very well acquainted with Dan, in
talking over the episode in a friendly chat, I disclosed to him the
fact that having a printer from Franklin Mills at work in the office
who would be likely to recognize his chirography, I went to the
trouble of copying all of "Jerry's" communications, and it was my
copy of the article that I had shown to him.
"That was the cutest part of the whole transaction," said Dan,
with a hearty laugh. "Shake!"
COWHIDED BY A WOMAN.
Among the minor subjects treated by the BUZZARD was an
indolent, whisky-guzzling, wife-beater by the name of Chandler.
16 AKKON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
Following a pretty severe castigation for some of his many acts of
brutality towards his long-suffering wife, being too cowardly to
attempt it himself, he, by threats of additional violence, compelled
her to undertake the task of giving me a whipping. They lived in
the garret of a building in the second story of which was located
the Balance office where the BUZZARD was printed, both reached
by a common stairway. One day as I started up I observed the
lady coming down. As we reached the central platform, she
suddenly drew a rawhide from under her apron and made a pass
at me. Catching the blow upon my left arm, I took the weapon
from her with my right hand, and hastily opening a side door she
ingloriously retreated into an adjoining room.
AN EGGS-TRAORDINARY DEMONSTRATION.
Exasperated at the failure of his cowhiding scheme, and
claiming that in the scrimmage on the stairs I had choked his
wife, "Old Hod" as he was called, determined to take the matter of
inflicting adequate punishment upon me into his own hands.
Among others who had fallen under the ban of the BUZZARD was
"Mother Mason," of questionable repute, whose husband was the
keeper of a grocery, located directly under the BUZZARD office on
the present site of the Arlington Hotel on West Market Street.
Just before noon, one day, a friend informed me that "Old Hod"
was on the street below, with a pocket full of addled eggs, with
which "Mother Mason" had supplied him, watching for me to go
to dinner, with a view of treating me to an odoriferous shower-
bath. Raising a window I inquired what he was doing there.
Drawing an egg from his pantaloons pocket, he made several
motions as if to throw, which I dared him to do. Finally I took
the old brass pistol from the shelf and asked him how he liked the
looks of that. This seemed to inspire him with the idea that
rotten eggs would fail to do the subject justice, and thrusting the
egg into his pocket, he stooped down to pick up a stone, in doing
which he broke all of the eggs in his pocket!
" Hod " withdrew for repairs and I went to dinner without moles-
tation. Having again "charged his batteries," he watched for my
return, and, starting towards me on the run, again broke his eggs
in his pocket. "Hod" then changed his tactics, and expressed a
determination to whip me on sight, and whenever I would pass
him on the street he would strike or kick at me with all vengeance,
though always very careful not to hit me. This anno3 r ance
continued for several months, when one day while he was
following me and going through his "monkey shines" on West
Mill Street, I turned upon him and said: "Now, Chandler, I've
stood this torn-foolery long enough. You are a consummate old
coward, and wouldn't dare to strike or kick me, but I'll not be
AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 17
annoyed by you any longer, and if you ever make a motion towards
me again, or even speak to me, I'll shoot you on the spot and
(drawing from my vest pockets a pair of small-sized pistols which
a friend had in the meantime presented to me) I've a good mind to
do it now!" "Oh, for God's sake, Lane, don't shoot; I didn't mean to
hurt you!" Then ordering him to "about face! march!" he left me,
and that was my last personal rencounter with old "Hod."
A "BUTTONED-UP" EYE AND A BLOODY NOSE.
Somewhat later, a notorious pugilist and negro-dancer, by the
name of John Kelley, whose action in fraudulently and forcibly
obtaining possession of a hall occupied by a religious society, in
which to give a disreputable exhibition, had been severely criticised
in the BUZZARD, confronted me on the northeast corner of Howard
and Market streets. His first salutation was a swinging blow with
his right fist upon the left side of my head, slightly staggering me,
but not knocking me down. As I regained my equilibrium, a
similar blow from his left hand grazed my right eye and the bridge
of my "rather prominent" nose, almost instantly closing up the
former and causing a copious flow of " claret" from the latter. Well-
knowing my inability to cope with the burly athlete, I dodged
under his up-raised arm and started at a two-forty gait for the
stone-block corner, with my irate antagonist close at my heels.
Catching me by the collar of my vest, (I was in my shirt-sleeves)
he gave me a whirl which threw me to the ground, I instinctively
seizing the skirt of his fine -broadcloth frock coat, to ease my fall,
and tearing it entirely up the back. Here the ferocious gymnast
endeavored to kick and jump upon my body and face with his heels,
but by making pivotal gyrations on my back, I kept him at bay
with my feet until by-standers interfered and drove him off.
This being the first actual personal injury that had been
inflicted upon me, a warrant was issued for my assailant, but, in
the meantime, his friends spirited him away, and thenceforward
Akron was relieved of his pestiferous presence. In the next issue
of the BUZZARD, in alluding to the affair, I said editorially: "It
makes us feel more sensibly the high responsibility that devolves
upon us. Go it, blacklegs, rummies and sympathizers we would
quietly submit to a good sound thrashing every day, for a month
to come, if for each one we could rid the community of the baneful
influence of twenty or thirty individuals whom we could mention."
SUSTAINED BY PUBLIC OPINION.
In view of these hostile demonstrations, and other disreputable
operations, a very large meeting of the more reputable citizens of
Akron, such as Col. Justus Gale, Gibbons J. Ackley, Seth Iredell,
Horace K. Smith, Alvin Austin, Erastus Torrey, Ithiel Mills,
18 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
Jonathan Myers, Ansel Miller and others, was held on the evening
of February 28, 1838, among the spirited resolutions unanimously
adopted, being the following:
"Resolved, That S. A. Lane, publisher of the BUZZARD, is entitled to the
thanks of this community for his exertions in holding' up to public odium
the gamblers and counterfeiters who have hitherto infested this village.
"Resolved, That we will protect and sustain the public papers of our
village, in holding up to merited contempt the gamblers and counterfeiters."
A FABRICATOR OF "LOCO-FOCO" MATCHES.
In Chapter XIII, of this volume, is given a detailed history of
the rise and progress of the match-making business, now one of the
leading industries of our goodly city and of the world. The
pioneer establishment of this character, in Akron, was founded
by the writer and the late Dr. James R. Miltimore, in the Spring of
1838, the mode of manufacture being fully described in the chapter
referred to. The business not proving remarkably remunerative,
and both the writer and the Doctor forming other business
connections, the works were transferred to other parties, and the
business soon afterwards discontinued, Dr. and Mrs. Miltimore
both being drowned on the occasion of the burning of the steamer
Krie, off Silver Creek, Lake Brie, on the afternoon of August 9, 1841.
MARRIAGE, BUSINESS CHANGES, ETC.
On the llth day of November, 1838, I -was united in marriage
to Miss Paulina Potter, the foster sister of the late Paris Tallman,
a week or ten days later being joined by my elder brother, Henry
it. Lane, a carriage maker by trade, who had concluded to establish
himself in business here. In the Spring of 1839, owing to fears of
personal violence to myself naturally indulged by my young -wife,
and the desire of my brother that I should join him in business,
the BUZZARD was discontinued and a carriage shop erected on the
present site of Paige Brothers' magnificent block on Main street,
there being then, also, an open space on the West to Howard
street. Here quite an extensive carriage making, painting and
blacksmithing business -was entered into under the firm name of
H. L. & S. A. Lane. My brother dying July 20, 1841, I soon after-
wards associated with myself Mr. Jonathan Remington, a former
employe of my father in Connecticut, and the father of Mr. Orson
H. Remington, our present well-known Howard street jeweler, the
business being disposed of to other parties in the Fall of 1843.
TEMPERANCE LECTURER, EDITOR, ETC.
Kntering heartily into the Washingtonian Temperance move-
ment, which struck Akron in the Winter of 1841-2, and my health
having become somewhat impaired by too close application to the
painting business, in the Spring of 1844, in connection with the
AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 19
late William T. Coggeshall, (afterwards State Librarian for several
years, and later Minister to Ecuador, South America, where he
died in 1867), I revived the BUZZARD as a temperance paper, its
name being afterwards changed to the CASCADE ROARER, as
elsewhere stated. To promote the cause of temperance, as well as
io secure a circulation for the paper, I devoted the most of my
time to lecturing, a portion of the time traveling in connection
with another l^fcturer, and "discussing" the question I taking the
side of the liquor drinker and saloon keeper, using their customary
arguments, but by a series of ludicrous arguments and illustra-
tions often producing a more salutary effect upon the minds of
both drinkers and venders, than the most eloquent straight-
forward lecturing could possibly do that mode of procedure,
not-withstanding the burlesque nature of the defense, securing a
full attendance of saloon-keepers and their customers, as well as
out-and-out temperance people, besides securing immunity from
disturbance and violence so often visited upon Temperance and
Abolition speakers in those early days; attempts being made to
"egg" the \vriter while talking straight temperance, on two
different occasions, once in the Summer of 1846, at the small
village of McCutchensville, Wyandot County, while lecturing in
the village school house, and later, the same year, while speaking
from the Judge's bench in the Court House of Holmes County, at
Millersburg, more harm coming to the audience, however, than to
myself.
ACROSS THE CONTINENT IN SEARCH OF GOLD.
Retiring from the ROARER, in the Fall of ,1846, I again took
up the brush, continuing the painting business until the Spring of
1850, when, my health again becoming precarious, I went overland
to California, the details of the journey being fully set forth
elsewhere in this volume. Notwithstanding its almost incredible
hardships, I found, on reaching the first town in California,
Placerville, on Sunday morning, August 4, 1850, that I had gained
32 pounds in weight six pounds more than I had ever weighed at
home, which condition of corpulency I more than maintained
during my entire residence upon the Pacific Coast, over two years.
Looking about among the mines for a day or two, I immedi-
ately proceeded to San Francisco, spending but a single day among
the Summit County boys in Sacramento City. With health fully
restored, then 35 years of age, I again embarked in the painting
business, earning, over and above my expenses, about $200 per
month.
About the first of December, 1850, in company with Mr. Charles
G. Caldwell, of Akron, a "Forty-niner," then located at Sacramento,
I embarked in the auction business on the corner of Jackson and
Montgomery Streets, San Francisco, with a cash capital of $3,000
20 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUXTY.
$600 of which was contributed by myself, $1,400 by Caldwell and
$1,000 borrowed, Mr. James G. Dow, also of Akron, having accumu-
lated quite a handsome fortune in that business during the pre-
ceding six or eight months.
AN IGNOMINIOUS FAILURE.
The firm of Caldwell & Co. got a good start, with a fair prospect
of doing as -well as the firm of Dow & Co. had previously done.
Before we had got fairly under way, however, owing to the over-
stocking of the market with all kinds of merchandise, arid the
appearance and fearful ravages of the cholera at Sacramento and
other portions of the upper country, a commercial panic ensued,
by which the same class of goods -we had upon our shelves, could be
bought at one-half, or less, than we had paid for ours, while retail
sales could hardly be made at any figures.
With our heavy expenses one item of which was $600 per
month for rent of store the reader will not be surprised to learn
that though we managed to refund our borrowed money, besides
giving several months' valuable time to the "enterprise," we sunk
every dollar of our capital, and were nearly $1,500 in debt to our
landlord, Mr. Dow, who, on his return to California, a few months
later, generously abated one-half the amount of his claim.
AGAIN AMONG HIS POTS AND BRUSHES.
On winding up our disastrous venture, Mr. Caldwell returned
to his cows and chickens, at Sacramento, which in the meantime
had been in charge of Mr. William H. White, the present head
miller at the Allen Mills, and I returned to my pots and brushes,
in the upper portion of the building spoken of. On the first day of
March, 1851, though still in possession of my painter's kit and
sundry household goods, furniture, stove, bedding, etc., I hadn't a
dollar in money with which to buy a meal of victuals. On the first
day of April I sent my -wife a draft for $150, had paid out a hundred
dollars for stock, clothing, etc.; had paid a month's board in advance
by work on Morton & Hanscom's Kastern Exchange Hotel, else-
where alluded to, and had about $50 of finished work still in the
shop. On the first day of May I transmitted another $150 to my
wife, with about that amount of my earnings for the month still
in hand.
A FIFTEEN MILLION DOLLAR FIRE.
Early on Sunday morning, May 4, 1851, commencing in the
upper part of the city, eighteen squares, comprising the principal
business houses, banks, hotels, etc., of the city, were destroyed by
fire, involving a total loss of fully $15,000,000. As it became evident
that the building I occupied would be reached by the fire, I
removed such of my personal effects as I could carry by hand, two
AUTOHIOGKAPHY. 21
or three blocks away, only to he obliged to remove them still
further up the hill, a half hour later, the operation having to he
repeated several times before a safe place was found for them.
My individual loss, in stove, table, benches, heavy sign boards, etc.,
and my proportion of the store fixtures burned, amounted to
perhaps $200, while a hundred dollars or so of work delivered
and not yet paid for was afterwards found to be non-collectable.
SINGULAR EARTHQUAKE EXPERIENCE.
The course of the fire had left intact a number of small
buildings on a lot considerably below grade nearly opposite our
old stand, mostly occupied by a company of Chilians, who coined
money by bringing drinking water and stove-wood from over the
high range of hills west of the city, on the backs of donkeys. One
of these buildings, just 10x20 feet in size, planted on blocks about
a foot in height, I secured for a shop, at a rental of $30 per month,
also securing, at the same figure, a lodging room on Telegraph
Hill, nearly a mile away. Painting on cloth, and fastening to the
<;nd of my shop, a suitable sign, I also nailed upon the charred
lamp-post at my old corner, a guide-board, pointing in the proper
direction, bearing the legend: "S. A. Lane, Sign and Ornamental
Painter, just over yonder Jl^g "."
A few days after the fire, while seated on a stool at my impro-
vised table, writing an account of the great calamity for the
BEACON, I felt the entire building swaying violently back and
forth, in an easterly and westerly direction, for several seconds,
which phenomenon I instinctively thought was caused by the
rubbing of one of the aforesaid donkeys against the corner of my
frail building, and was greatly puzzled on going to the door and
finding none of said animals in the vicinity. On going to the
plaza to mail my letter, a short time afterwards, I found the people
of the city in a high state of excitement over an earthquake which
had toppled .down chimneys, cracked walls, broken -windows,
thrown bottles and other articles from shelves, and driven the
occupants of hotels, private dwellings, stores, etc., in .the utmost
consternation into the streets. The scratching of a donkey,
indeed !
AGAIN IN THE AUCTION BUSINESS.
In the rebuilding of the burned district, which proceeded at a
rapid rate, there was, of course, a great demand for signs, and my
business was quite prosperous for several months. In the mean-
time Mr. James G. Dow, with Mr. Charles \V. Tappan, also of
Akron, as a partner, had again embarked in the auction business,
with phenomenal success, and about the middle of September, 1851,
I entered their employ as a salesman, at a salary of $275 per month.
Two months later a branch store was established in which I took
22 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
a one-fourth interest, -with Mr. Hallet Kilbourn, now of Wash-
ington City, as a member of the firm, finally becoming a half owner,
with Mr. Humphrey Sawyer, of Massachusetts, as partner, the
venture being reasonably remunerative.
THE HOMEWARD FLITTING CHOLERA RAVAGES, ETC.
Mr. Sawyer desiring to go to the mines, we closed up our
business and dissolved our partnership on the first of May, 1852,
Doing an occasional job of sign-writing for an old established firm,
ad interim, to defray my expenses, on the first day of September,.
1852, I sailed for- home via Panama, on the Steamer "Winfield
Scott" its distinguished namesake then running for the Presi-
dency as the candidate of the Whig party. The steamer was
densely packed with passengers, and the passage to Panama
stormy and long (19 days) not only causing a great amount of sea-
sickness on the first part of the journey, but producing consider-
able havoc from cholera, on the latter part, from 30 to 50 persons
having probably been consigned to a watery grave during the last
six or eight days.
The transit across the Isthmus was then largely of the primitive
order, the first 22 miles, from Panama to Cruces, on the backs of
mules, at a cost of only $25 per mule (hire, not purchase,) from
Cruces to Barracoa, 12 miles, by open boat rowed by nearly naked
natives, at $2.00 per passenger, and from* Barracoa to Aspinwall,
20 miles, by railroad, at the moderate charge of $8.00, two full days
being consumed in making the transit, 54 miles. The trip from
Aspinwall to New; York, via Kingston, on the Island of Jamaica,
was also tempestuous, and fraught with much discomfort to all,
and especially to this particular individual, -who lost, from sea-
sickness, nearly one-half the surplus flesh gained upon the overland
journey as above stated, but a small portion of which has ever come
back to him. The many interesting (and some thrilling) incidents-
of the homeward journey cannot be here given for want of space.
CLOTHING MERCHANT AGAIN BURNED OUT, ETC.
Returning to Akron with my " pile" something "less" than a
million but with what was far better than gold, thoroughly
restored health, after "pottering around" through the winter of
1852-3, (among other things, paying my own hall rent and deliv-
ering to crowded houses a series of lectures on the " Overland
Journey to California," the substance of which is reproduced in
another chapter of this volume), I invested my savings in a
clothing and merchant tailoring establishment, where the New
York Clothing House now stands, on the south side of Kast Market
Street.
AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 23
With Mr. Arthur Malcolm, as senior partner and chief cutter,
the firm of A. Malcolm & Co. were doing a reasonably prosperous
business, when, on the morning of April 30, 1855, in the fire which
destroyed the large brick hotel on the present site of Woods' block,
every dollar of my investment was greedily licked ,up by the
devouring flames.
UNSUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE FOR OFFICE.
In the Fall of 1853, while selling "rags" as aforesaid, the
Temperance Reform Party of Summit County placed me in nomi-
nation as a candidate for Representative in competition with the
regular nominees of the Whig, Democratic and Free Soil parties,
but afterward an arrangement was made between the Temperance
Reformers and the Whigs and Free Soilers, by which all three
candidates should submit their claims to a union mass convention,
in \vhich Dr. Porter G. Somers, of Cuyahoga Falls, carried off the
prize.
After being thrown out of business by the fire, as stated,
on the affiliation of the Whigs, Free-Soilers and Temperance
Reformers, under the banner of Republicanism, in the Summer of
1855, I announced myself as a candidate for Representative, subject
to the decision of the county nominating convention, the late Dr.
Meiidal Jewett, then living in Mogadore, being my successful
competitor. On the accession of Salmon P. Chase to the Gover-
norship of Ohio, in the Winter of 1855-6, I applied, with a strong
backing from the citizens of Akron and contiguous canal towns, for
the position of Collector of Tolls upon the Ohio Canal, but my
genial friend, the late Nathaniel W. Goodhue, carried too many
political guns for me, and won the prize for himself.
OFFICIAL HONORS AND SUCCESSES.
My official "deserts," however, had not been altogether over-
looked by my fellow-citizens, for, on the appointment of Councilman
Richard S. Elkins to the Recordership, made vacant by the death of
Recorder Horace Canfield, in December, 1853, in January, 1854, I
was appointed by the Town Council to fill the vacancy in the
Board of Trustees, holding the position until the ensuing munici-
pal election. On the resignation of the late James Mathews, as a
member of the Board of Education, December 20, 1854, the Council
also elected me to the vacancy, which position I continued to hold
by appointment and re-election until April, 1857, also serving as
Treasurer of the Board from November, 1855, until the expiration
of my term of service, in the Spring of 1857.
SHERIFF, EDITOR, PROBATE JUDGE, ETC.
In the first National campaign of the Republican party, in the
Summer of 1856, I endeavored to make myself generally useful, in
24 AKROX AXI> SUMMIT COUNTY.
painting banners and mottoes, writing, speaking, etc., but with no
special design of asking for an office for myself. Leading Repub-
licans, however, in different portions of the county, seemed to
spontaneously fix upon me as their candidate for Sheriff, and
though there were some six or seven other aspirants working like
beavers for the position, I was nominated on the first ballot by a
majority of 17 over all competitors. Though bitterly opposed, on
account of my well-known radical temperance proclivities, I was
triumphantly elected, renominated by acclamation, and re-elected
by a largely increased majority in 1858, holding the office four years
and two months, the time of taking possession of the office having
in the meantime been changed from the first Monday of November
to the first Monday of January.
In January, 1861, on retiring from the Sheriff's office, I accepted
a position with Messrs. Beebe and Elkins, as editor-in-chief of the
SUMMIT COUNTY BEACON, a few years later acquiring a one-third
interest in the paper. Some six months after assuming my
editorial duties, Governor William Dennison, without solicitation
from either myself or my friends, appointed me Probate Judge of
Summit County, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of
Judge William M. Dodge, the commission, now in my possession,
bearing date July 24, 1861, being accompanied by the following
note from the Governor's Private Secretary:
THE STATE OF OHIO, ) .
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, V
COLUMBUS, July 24, 1861. }
Samuel A. Lane, Esq.,
DEAR SIR: The Governor has heard of the death of William
M. Dodge, your Probate Judge. He has appointed you to fill the
vacancy occasioned by his death till the Fall election shall decide
upon a successor. Herewith please find commission. Trusting
it will be satisfactory to yourself and beneficial to your people, I
remain very truly, Yours, etc.
W. T. BASCOM, Private Secretary.
While this voluntary action of Governor Dennison, with
whom I had had a pleasant personal acquaintance for several
3'ears, "was exceedingly gratifying, I immediately notified him by
telegraph that I could not accept the position, not only being
under obligations to Messrs. Beebe & Elkins, but the brief period
that I could hold the office would be no object, as even my cheek
was not then sufficiently colossal to warrant me in asking the
people of Summit County to elect me to so important an office so
soon after vacating the one which I had so recently, for over four
years, enjoyed at their hands.
AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 25
AGAIN BURNED OUT AGAIN SHERIFF.
A full history of the BEACON is given elsewhere in this volume,
by which it will be seen that on the 27th day of April, 1872, the
entire establishment, then running on a fully paid up capital of
$25,000, of which I was the one-third owner, was totally destroyed
by fire. Though immediately rebuilt and established on a much
larger scale, it became so greatly embarrassed by the calamity,
and the subsequent commercial and financial panic of 1873-4, that
in the Fall of 1875, after nearly fifteen years of the very hardest
work of my life, I had to consent to transfer the concern to other
parties, for the assumption of its liabilities, and retire therefrom
without a dollar, and with quite a large personal indebtedness
resting upon my shoulders, besides.
Thus once more hors de combat in the battle of life, in 1876,
just twenty years after my first election to that office then 61
years of age I again appealed to the good people of Summit
County to give me my old position of Sheriff, to which they
generously responded, also re-electing me in 1878, making my
entire term of official service eight years and two months, an
honor accorded to no other incumbent of that office in the history
of the county.
The office of Sheriff, of a county like Summit, while not
remarkably remunerative, involves very great pecuniary responsi-
bilities and hazards, and bristles with perplexities and dangers,
but fortunately, though declared by my political opponents and
competitors to be too old to properly perform its functions in my
"dotage," in fact I got safely through, and am under a positive
pledge to my constituents not to ask for the office again until 1896
just 40 years from the commencement of my first and 20 years
from the commencement of my last incumbency, at which time,
should I survive till then, I shall be onlv%\ years of age.
EXCITING JAIL INCIDENTS.
Space will not permit a recital, even in the briefest terms, of
the many exciting episodes of the eight years of my Sheriffalty
efforts to break jail mutinies and insubordinations attempts to
commit suicide one by cutting his throat, at the moment of
starting him to the penitentiary, and another (a girl) by drowning
herself in the bath-tub, though I am happy to say that no thanks
to our noisome and rickety old jail I never lost a prisoner, either
by sickness, self-murder or escape.
One incident, however, is worthy of pretty full mention, as
illustrative of the strategetic ingenuity of the average prisoner,
and of the pluck and nerve of some women. Among my most
efficient aids in the management of the jail, and safe-keeping of
the prisoners, was my present kind-hearted wife, who, while most
26 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
sympathetic to any of the numerous cases of illness or distress
with which we had to deal, was also extremely vigilant in
detecting mischief among the inmates and preventing escapes.
In the Summer of 1878, a couple of tramps giving their names as
James Thompson and James Pierce, were convicted of burglar-
izing the store of Mr. George S. Dales, Corner Howard and Mill
streets. Pierce was a stout, burly young man, with close kinky
hair, from which his jail-mates nicked-named him "Curly," and
Thompson was a short, spare, and rather sickly looking youth,
whom his companions nick-named " Shorty." At this time the
late John S. Rowan was temporarily acting as my turnkey, who,
after locking the prisoners safely in their cells, in the evening,
spent the night with his own family on Forge street.
After conviction, and before sentence, "Shorty's" " sickly''
symptoms rapidly increased, elicting the sympathy not only of
turnkey Rowan, but also of our kind-hearted Women, especially our
most excellent cook at that time, Mrs. Amelia Randall, of Richfield,
who fixed him up sundry delicacies to eat, instead of confining
him to the regular, though wholesome and abundant, rations
served to the other prisoners.
One night, between ten and eleven o'clock, just as I was
retiring, there was a commotion in the jail, and on going to the
door I was informed that "Shorty" was very sick with a terrible
pain in his stomach, which statement seemed to be confirmed by
fearful groans apparently emanating from his cell. Thinking that
perhaps a dose of strong peppermint sling might afford him relief,
I warmed some water in a tin cup over the gas burner in the
guard-room and compounded a good strong potion. In the mean-
time Mrs. Lane and Mrs. Randall had both put in an appearance,
and supposing all the prisoners to be safely locked in their cells, I
threw open the inner jail door, without taking the precaution to
close the guard-room door, and with my cup of "medicine" in one
hand and a candle in the other, I started down the steps and along
the corridor, "Shorty's" cell being upon the north side upper tier,
reached by stairs, at the east end of the jail.
Just as I was about to turn the corner, I heard a sort of
suppressed scream, and instantly comprehending the situation, I
turned and retraced my steps, on what the prisoners in the lower
cells, who were on the watch, called "the best time on record," to
find the "sick" prisoner in a desperate hand-to-hand struggle with
the two women, Mrs. Randall, as he suddenly popped up from the
darkness of the narrow corridor, on the west end of the jail,
instinctively seizing him around the waist and hanging on for
dear life, on the supposition that he had suddenly gone crazy,
while Mrs. Lane was doing her utmost to keep him from getting
through the open door of the guard-room.
AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 27
On arriving upon the scene of conflict I seized the young
desperado by the collar, whereupon he turned and clutching me
by the throat, endeavored to thrust me back into the jail.
Wrenching his hands from my throat with my right hand and
holding on to his collar with my left, with my right foot I
managed to close the outer guard-room door, which being at once
securely fastened by Mrs. Lane, the prisoner incontinently wilted,
and was soon safely locked in his cell again, by Deputy S. D.
Blocker, who, awakened by the rumpus, had by this time appeared
upon the scene; the feat of closing the guard-room door being all
the more difficult from the fact that when both wide open the inner,
with its stationary lock-bar, laps a foot or more over the outer
door.
Investigation showed, that out of some of their extra garments
and the contents of their husk mattresses, the boys had constructed
a "dummy," which had been skillfully tucked away in "Shorty's"
bed. When Rowan was locking them up for the night, not seeing
the "sick" boy about, he sympathetically inquired how he was.,
and was told by "Curly" that he guessed he was feeling better as
he had been sleeping quietly for some time. On reaching his
cell, and finding its inmate already snug in bed (as he supposed)
he locked the door and after locking all the cells, properly secured
the outer door and returned home.
The manner in which he escaped detection, while Rowan was
thus making his rounds, was as follows : In the Winter time the
jail is heated by a huge cylinder stove, fully two feet in diameter,
and four feet in height, with about a 10x15 inch door. This stove
had been lined with newspapers, and "Shorty," being small of
stature, found no difficulty in secreting himself therein, until all
was quiet for the night, when he made his exit therefrom with the
result stated the desperado afterwards being heard to lament
that he didn't carry out his original intention of beating me
senseless with the heavy iron stove-poker, or a chair, before
rushing up the steps and unexpectedly encountering the women,
in his unceremonious flight for liberty.
HOW "CURLY" FOOLED THEM ALL.
The two burglars in question were sentenced to the peniten-
tiary by Judge Newell D. Tibbals, for three years and a half each,
whither I took them*on the 8th day of July, 1878. Nothing further
was heard from either until early in Sheriff William McKinney's
term, in 1881, when Probate Judge Samuel C. Williamson received
a notice from the prison authorities, at Columbus, that the
Summit County prisoner, James Pierce, was violently insane, and
must be forthwith removed from the institution. Sheriff McKinney
was therefore sent for him, returning him to his old quarters here,
28 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
only lodging him in the "crazy room" in the second story instead
of a cell in the lower jail, as before.
In the penitentiary he had violently assaulted his keeper and
the surgeon, putting them all in deadly fear for their lives, and
undertook to practice the same tactics upon Mac. while awaiting
the determination of the county and insane authorities as to what
should be done with him. Finally mistrusting that he was
shamming, Mac. told him one day, that if he did not stop his fooling
he \vould "pulverize" him, whereupon the fellow simmered down
and became as quiet as a lamb, and finally confessed to Mac. that
his insanity had been wholly feigned, and there being some
question as to whether he could be legally returned to the peni-
tentiary, and the term for which he had been sentenced being so
nearly out, Judge Williamson ordered his discharge, and he has
never troubled the community since.
MAYOR OF THE "TIP-TOP" CITY.
In April, 1881, without solicitation on my part, though violently
opposed, not only because of my radical Republicanism, but also
of my radical anti-saloonism, as the Republican nominee, I was
elected as Mayor of Akron by a small majority (60) over the then
Democratic incumbent, one of the most popular members of his
party in the city, John M. Fraze, Bsq., in which capacity I served
the people faithfully, if not brilliantly, for a single term of two
years.
FAMILY AND DOMESTIC MATTERS.
My good and faithful wife, Paulina Potter Lane, after bearing
me eight children, four of \vhom died in early childhood, after a
lingering and distressing illness from cancer, died July 2, 1871. Of
our four surviving children, the eldest son, Julius Sherman Lane,
born November 19, 1841, well-known in the business circles of
Akron for, many years as the Superintendent of the Webster,
Camp & Lane Machine Company, is now the general Superinten-
dent of the M. C. Bullock Manufacturing Company, of Chicago,
111., \vith his family residence in the beautiful suburban village
of Oak Park, eight miles west of the city. My second son, Frede-
rick Alanson Lane, born October 31, 1849, has for many years
served as foreman of the Beacon press rooms, and superintendent
of its machinery. My youngest son, Arthur Malcolm Lane,
born November 6, 1855, is head draftsman *of the Schenectady
(N. Y.), Locomotive Works, of which my son-in-law, Albert J.
Pitkin (the husband of my only living daughter, Carrie Maria,
born March 26, 1858,) is the general Superintendent, the works
being the second largest of the kind in the United States, employ-
ing from 1600 to 2000 men, with a capacity for turning out one
complete locomotive, of the largest class, every day in the year.
AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 29
Among the four, with one still unmarried, there are, at the present
writing, eleven grandchildren, five boys and six girls, ranging
from six months to twenty-three years, so that there is no imme-
diate danger of the tribe becoming extinct, while bringing to
their progenitor the proud satisfaction of knowing that whatever
his own personal short-comings and errors, in business or social
life, the world is decidedly the better for his having lived in it.
THE SECOND MARRIAGE.
On the eleventh day of November, 1872, I married for my second
wife, Emeline (Potter) Manning, widow of the late Levi Manning
and only sister of the first Mrs. Lane, and who for the past nineteen
years has been to me a most pleasant and affectionate companion
and faithful help-mate, my chief regret being that the heavy strain
put upon her in the care of the jail, during my last four years'
incumbency of the Sheriff's office, and the excitements incident
thereto, has so seriously affected her health, as to very greatly
lessen the physical and social enjoyment that in her declining
years, her long and faithful service, as wife, mother and neighbor,
she is so justly entitled to.
CONCLUDING REMARKS.
I have thus, at some length, though omitting many (to me)
interesting incidents and experiences of the nearly four score years
that I have lived, given to the reader the principal events of my
life-history, confirming, in a large degree, the old adage that "Man
is the creature of circumstance," and possibly the truth of the
familiar quotation:
"There's a divinity that shapes our ends,
Rough hew them how we may."
Since retiring from the Mayoralty, in 1883, being too far
advanced in life to undertake to re-establish myself in active busi-
ness, and yet not wishing to be entirely idle, I have devoted a
large portion of my time to gathering the data and preparing for
the press, the local historical matters contained in the following
pages, which, though heretofore mainly given to the public,
through the columns of the BEACON, it has seemed to me and the
many friends with whom I have consulted, should be put into a
more enduring and convenient form.
Though very many pioneer incidents and personal experi-
ences, that would have been extremely interesting to the partici-
pants therein, and their surviving friends, necessarily had to be
omitted, I feel that I have amassed a great amount of matter that
has interested those who have perused the several chapters as
they have appeared, and that will be still more interesting to the
30 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
rising and coming generations, who are, for the succeeding
" Fifty Years and over of Akron and Summit County," to take the
places of those who have so gallantly fought and won the physical,
political, intellectual, moral and spiritual battles of the city and
county for "Fifty Years and Over" in the past.
In the way of illustration, I have reproduced such of the early
views of Akron, as could be gathered up, supplemented by many
modern views of the same localities, showing the changes that
have taken place and the improvements that have been made in
the intervening half-century. I have also given the portraits of
such of the early settlers and prominent citizens as were available,
together with those of a large number of the present live business
and public men, old and young, accompanied by brief biograph-
ical sketches. This is a very valuable as well as a somewhat
expensive feature of the work, made possible only through the
generosity of our people, many of whom, in addition to liberally
subscribing for the book itself, have voluntarily assumed the cost
of engraving such portraits of themselves and deceased friends
as it was deemed advisable to include therein.
As showing the changes of a life-time I have also had
prepared, as a frontispiece to this work, seven portraits of myself,
averaging about ten years apart, from 16 to 76, which may possibly
elicit the curiosity if not the interest of my readers. The silhouette
at 16, was left with my mother on first leaving home in 1831; that
at 26 is from one of the very first sun-pictures ever made in Akron,
by a travelling daguerreotypist, in 1841 ; that at 36, is from a
daguerreotype taken in San Francisco, Cal., in 1851; that at 48 is
from a photo, taken in 1863, by Akron's pioneer photographer,
Samuel J. Miller, in the gallery of Gurney & Son, New York, where
he was then employed as poser ; that at 59 was executed by
Akron's present well-known photographer, Benjamin F. Battels,
in 1874 ; that at 72 is from the camera of Walter B. Manning, a
native Akron boy, at Georgetown, Brown Co., O., taken in 1887 ;
that at 76 by Battels, in 1891.
Trusting that its sale may be sufficiently large to defray the
heavy cost of its publication, and slightly compensate the writer
for his many years of downright hard work devoted to its compi-
lation, this volume is respectfully dedicated to my contemporaries
living and dead for "Fifty Years and Over of Akron and
Summit County," and their descendants and successors, by its
grateful author.
SAMUEL ALANSON LANE.
PRELIMINARY.
WITH a view of rescuing from oblivion sundry interesting events
historical, biographical, criminal, tragical, comical, etc.,
that have transpired in Akron and Summit County during the
past fifty years and over, and in the hope of imparting informa-
tion, admonition, and possible amusement to the younger, and
reminiscent gratification to the older readers thereof, this work
has been compiled.
Of matters and things transpiring prior to my becoming a
resident of the town and county, June 10, 1835, I have had to rely
largely upon tradition and such written evidence as -was available,
aided somewhat by the recollections of such pioneer residents of
the vicinity as still survive. But as to incidents and events that
have taken place since I came here, I have relied largely upon my
own memory, supplemented by the official, civil and criminal
records of this and the original counties out of which Summit was
carved, and the newspaper files in my possession, or otherwise
readily accessible, covering almost the entire period written of.
While my own recollections may, and doubtless do, differ
somewhat from those of other gentlemen now living who have
participated in, or been personally cognizant of, the scenes and
events herein recorded, I think I can guarantee substantial
accuracy, both as to data and detail. At all events, unlike some
local " historians" who have preceded me, I have not, for the sake
of telling a good story, perpetrating a flippant joke, or swelling
the importance of my subjects on the one hand, or disparaging
them upon the other, in any instance drawn entirely upon my
imagination, or given vent to any personal animosities that may
have existed between myself and such persons as a narrative of
this character must of necessity mention.
And, in this connection, I desire to say that in detailing
individual transactions or personal conduct prejudicial to morality,
or the public welfare, I have endeavored to be as considerate of
the feeling of the parties themselves, if living, or their surviving
friends, if dead, as a reasonable conformity to the truth of history
would justify.
Permit me, also, right here, to remark that if in these chapters
the personal pronoun "I" should appear to be a rather prominent
factor, I wish to have it distinctly understood that it is not by any
means because the writer wishes to exalt himself above those of
his neighbors who have participated in, or witnessed, the. events
narrated, nor through any spirit of egotism or "top-loftiness," but
because the force of circumstances, and the "logic of events," have
conspired to bring him to the front in many of the skirmishes with
immorality and crime herein described, as well as in advocating
and advancing many of the laudable enterprises which have, from
time to time, contributed to the industrial, commercial, financial,
educational and moral well-being of the city and county.
That its merits may be properly appreciated, and its faults
indulgently overlooked, by a discriminating public, on the comple-
tion of his long and arduous labors upon it, more than any hope
for large pecuniary gain, is the sincere desire of
THE AUTHOR.
32
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
CHAPTER I.
AKRON'S BEGINNING ANCIENT MIDDLEBURY A VISIT FROM DEWITT CLINTON
COMMENCEMENT AND COMPLETION OF THE OHIO CANAL FIRST BOAT TO
CLEVELAND DR. CROSBY AND HIS "DITCH" " THUNDER FROM A CLOUDLESS
SKY" THE DOCTOR'S "GOOSE PASTURE" PROPHECY THE NEW VILLAGE OF
"CASCADE" BITTER TRIANGULAR RIVALRY SPIRITED GUIDE BOARD WAR
EARLY MANUFACTURES PIONEER HOTELS, MERCHANTS, ETC., ETC.
THE BEGINNING OF AKRON.
PREVIOUS to the commencement of work upon the Ohio Canal,
in 1825, the territory now covered by the thriving and popu-
lous city of Akron was an almost unbroken wilderness, excepting a
small portion of the Sixth Ward (the original village of Middle-
bury) and the partially cultivated farms of Miner and Amos
Spicer and Paul Williams, these gentlemen being the first settlers
in Portage township, Mr. Miner Spicer having, in 1810, visited
and located the lands in the southeast portion of the township on
which the three families settled in 1811 Portage township being
so named from the fact that its entire length, north and south, is
traversed by the path over \vhich the Indians used to "port" their
canoes, and other portable belongings, between the Cuyahoga
and Tuscarawas rivers, that name also extending to the county of
which the township was originally a part.
1V/TAJOR MINER SPICER, born
LV1 in Grotori, Conn., May 29, 1776:
married to Miss Cynthia Allen, of
Groton, in 1798; in 1810 came, on horse-
back, to Ohio and bought 260 acres
of land in the southeastern part of
Portage township; in June, 1811, with
his family, accompanied by his
cousin, Capt. Amos Spicer, and Mr.
Paul Williams, again started, by ox-
team, to Ohio, arriving at their desti-
nation in September, being the first
actual settlers in Portage township;
built small log cabin about 40 rods
southeast of the present corner of
Spicer arid Carroll streets. On organ-
ization of township Mr. Spicer was
made a trustee, and also for many
years was justice of the peace. In
the war of 1812, served as Major of
Militia, and through life was active
and energetic in all business matters,
both public and private. Mrs. Spicer
dying, at the age of 50 years, 2 months
and 14 days, Sept. 10, 1828, Mr. S. was
again married in March, 1829, to Mrs.
Hannah (Allen) Williams, widow of
Barnabas Williams, and sister of the
first Mrs. S. Major Spicer died Sept.
11, 1855, aged 78 years, 3 months and
12 days, and the latter Mrs. S., March
7, 1856, aged 63 years, 5 months and
21 days. The first Mrs. S. bore him
nine children A very, born Oct. 26,
MAJOR MINER SPICER.
1799; Lucinda (afterward Mrs. Stephen
Ayres) Feb. 8, 1801; Cynthia, (Mrs
Jonah Allen) May 21, 1803; Phcebe,
(Mrs. Levi Allen) Dec. 4, 1804; Tem-
perance, (Mrs. Talmon Beardsley)
Oct. 15, 1807; Emily, (Mrs. Ithiel
Mills) Aug. 8, 1809 ; Lydia, (Mrs. War-
ren H. Smith) Feb. 16, 1811 ; Miner A.,
March 20, 1813 and Hiram J., Oct. 24,
1816.
THE ANCIENT VILLAGE OF MIDDLEBURY. 33
Down to 1825, the village of Middlebury, founded by Capt.
Joseph Hart and Judge Aaron Norton, in 1807, embracing a corner
each of Tallmadge, Springfield, Coventry and Portage townships,
was the market town and commercial center for this entire
section of Ohio, having a population of from 300 to 400 inhabi-
tants, with several mills, a blast furnace, a nail factory, three or
four hotels and some 10 or 12 stores, besides the usual comple-
ment of mechanics and artisans in demand at that early day,
together with sundry civic and military organizations which
need not be enumerated here, one of the most prominent and
best-remembered hotels of the ancient emporium being that of
Mr. Samuel Newton, \vhose portrait and biography is here given.
O AMUEL NEWTON, born at New-
vJ port, N. H., September 13, 1782,
when young moving to Groton, Conn.,
and from thence to Ohio, settling- in
Middlebury, October 14, 1815. Mr.
Newton was for many years one of the
leading- hotel-keepers of Northern
Ohio, his house standing at what is
now the intersection of East Market,
North Arlington and Kent streets,
Akron, Sixth Ward. In March, 1849,
Mr. Newton, though then 67 years of
age, went with the Middlebury Min-
ing Company overland to California,
returning via the Isthmus of Panama
in January, 1850. His wife dying in
September, 1855, Mr. Newton was
again married, to Mrs.L/aura Reming-
ton, in November, 1856. Mr. Newton
died August 5, 1871, at the age of 88
years, 10 months and 22 days, leaving 1
three children Isaac S. (since de-
ceased), William G., now residing in
the City of Washington, and Eliza-
beth R., married to the late Hon.
John Johnston, and now residing
with her daughter, Mrs. Robert Watt,
East Market street.
SAMUEL NEWTON.
In that year, 1825, Gen. Simon Perkins, of Warren, owner of a
large tract of land in Portage township, foreseeing that the
construction of the canal, with the large number of locks necessary
to its successful completion and operation, located here, would
make it something of a business point for the shipment of
produce, and the receipt and distribution of merchandise, as \vell
as, through its lockage water-power, be likely to attract manufac-
turing and commercial enterprise, induced Mr. Paul Williams,
owner of the adjoining lands upon the east, to join with him in
laying out into village lots, \vith the usual complement of streets,
alleys, parks, etc., the territory embraced within the limits of
Summit street on the east, Center street on the north, and
Chestnut street on the south, on the east side of the canal, and
Center street on the north, Pine street on the west, and an alley
next south of Catharine street on the south, on the west side of
the canal, embracing in. all some 300 lots. The plat of the new-
village was duly recorded in the Records of Portage County on.
the 6th day of December, 1825.
34
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
f A EN. SIMON PERKINS born in
^J Lisbon, Conn., September 17, 1771 ;
located in Oswego, N. Y., 1795 ; in 1798,
emplo} T ed by the Erie Land Com-
pany to explore the " Connecticut
Western Reserve;'' as agent of the
company, spent his summers in Ohio
and his winters in Connecticut,
until his marriage, March 18, 1804,
with Miss Nancy Anna Bishop, of
Lisbon, born January 24, 1780, when he
permanently settled in Warren; post-
master of Warren from 1801 till 1829,
also special agent of Government in
establishing local offices, treating
with Indians, etc.; as Brigadier Gen-
eral of militia. August, 1812, took
command of troops in defense of
northwestern frontier ; at close of
campaign, Feb., 1813, warmly com-
mended by Gen. Harrison, for ener-
getic and faithful performance of
duty; tender of Colonel's commission
in regular army by President Madi-
son declined by reason of pressing
private and fiduciary duties ; in 1813
organized Western Reserve Bank,
and its President until 1836 ; Ohio
Canal Fund Commissioner from 1826
to 1838 ; in connection with Paul
Williams, in 1825, founded the village
of Akron, and in 1831, in connection
with Judge Leicester King and Dr.
GEX. SIMON PERKINS.
Eliakim Crosby, that portion since
known as North Akron, liberally
donating grounds for public build-
ings, parks, churches, etc. General
Perkins died at Warren, November 6,
1844, aged 73 years, 1 month and 19
days, Mrs. Perkins dying April 24, 1862,
aged 82 years and 3 months.
Previous to this, our late well-remembered fellow citizen, Mr.
Charles W. Brown, of 966 East Market street, then living in
Middlebury, where he located in 1817, was the owner of 58 acres
of uneven and rather swampy land, running from near the present
southwest corner of South Main and Exchange streets, south-
wardly and westwardly, covering what is now known as the
Lower Basin, and that portion of the canal at and immediately
above and below L/ock One. Gen. Perkins requested Mr. Brown to
donate to the State the right of way through this land for the
canal. This, Mr. Brown, being a mechanic with but limited
means, could not afford to do, but would sell it to Gen. Perkins
and let him do the donating. The General then made him an
offer, giving him the option of four different tracts of land for his
58 acres ; 45 acres in the eastern part of Portage township, 30 rods
wide on Middlebury street, and running north to the middle of the
Little Cuyahoga River; 100 acres a little west of the homestead of
the late Col. Simon Perkins ; 150 acres further west or 300 acres in
an adjoining county; and, to the General's great surprise, Mr.
Brown took him on the 45 acres, it being a portion of the same
farm on which he ever afterwards resided, and as the sequel
proved, it was a good trade for both of them.
"AKRON," HOW AND WHY SO NAMED.
There already existed a tortuous public highway from the
northeast to the southwest portions of the State, running from
Warren via Ravenna, Franklin Mills (now Kent), Stow Corners,
Cuyahoga Falls, Old Forge, Middlebury, New Portage and John-
'AKRON, HOW AND WHY SO NAMED.
35
son's Corners to Wooster, Mount Vernon, etc. This road ran
substantially where Middlebury street, since changed to Buchtel
avenue, now is, as far west as Broadway, thence striking
diagonally towards, but a little north of what is now Exchange
street, and, after crossing the valley and circling somewhat
around to the south, again striking the present Exchange street
line near its junction with Maple ; thence rising the hill near the
Perkins residence, and continuing on southwesterly towards New
Portage.
CHARLES W. BROWN, born Oct.
**J 2, 1796, in North Stonington,
Conn.; district school education ;
learning- carpenter's trade, in 1817
came on foot to Ohio, reaching
Middlebury, 700 miles, February 28,
Mrs. Brown, nee Miss Henrietta Hal-
sey, to whom he was married June 9,
1816, arriving in the following Au-
gust, by ox-team ; lived in Middlebury
15 years, working- at his trade, mean-
time purchasing the 115 acre farm
upon which he resided from 1832
until his death, at the present junc-
tion of East Market street and Buch-
tel avenue, dividing his time between
farming and jobbing at his trade,
opening streets, building bridges,
etc., among others opening Market
and Main streets, building the Stone
(late Baptist) Church, the High (Jen-
nings) School building, etc. Though
a man of peace, he took an active
part in early local military matters,
holding a lieutenant's commission
for five years. Mr. Brown was the
father of five daughters and one son
Mary, wife of Edward F. Pulsifer, of
Chicago ; Prudence, wife of John W.
Sabin, of Akron, (both deceased),
Antoinette, wife of Benjamin Mc-
Naughton, of Akron ; Lucy, wife of
Robert P. Henry, of Akron,who died in
CHARLES W. BROWN.
1850 ; Alice, now Mrs. William H. Mills,
of Akron, and Capt. Henry H. Brown,
of Akron. Mrs. Brown dying Septem-
ber 23, 1859, Mr. B. was again married
on May 14, 1864, to Mrs. Lydia Will-
iams, of Connecticut, who died Sep-
tember 6, 1865, Mr. Brown himself
dying June 1, 1888, at the age of 91
years, 7 months and 29 days.
The new village was named "Akron" at the suggestion of
Charles Olcott, Esq., of Medina, from a Greek word signifying
"high," this being the highest point of land on the line of the
canal between Lake Erie and the Ohio River. It is not, however,
as is popularly supposed, the highest land in the State, though no
other point in Ohio, probably, can boast of a location that, through
the fresh and living waters gushing from its summit, daily
replenishes the Atlantic ocean at two separate points more than
two thousand miles apart, the northern outflow from our own
beautiful Summit Lake reaching the ocean through the Cuyahoga
river, Lake Erie, the Niagara river, Lake Ontario and the river
and Gulf of St. Lawrence; while from its southern outlet its waters
find their way to the ocean through the Tuscarawas, the Muskin-
gum, the Ohio and the Mississippi rivers, and the Gulf of
Mexico.
Apropos of the name of "Akron," Gen. Perkins was greatly
chaffed, by his Warren neighbors, while he was engaged in laying
out his new town in what they regarded a very forbidding locality,
36
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
and many ludicrous names were suggested, one of his most
persistent teasers being Judge Calvin Pease, grandfather of our
well known citizen, Calvin Pease Humphrey, Bsq., and after
whom the latter was named. Judge Pease was a fine scholar,
and had suggested a number of classical names, with the most
ridiculous definitions, and in consulting with Mr. Olcott, also a
fine classical scholar, Gen. Perkins told him that he wanted a
name that would not only represent the topographical position
of the town, but one, also, that Judge Pease could not perpetrate a
pun upon. After having adopted the name selected by Mr. Olcott,
on his return to Warren he was accosted by Judge Pease with:
"Well, General, have you named your new, village yet?" "Yes,"
said the General, "we've named it Akron." "Ach-e-ron! Ach-e-
ron!" said the Judge thoughtfully. "Ah, yes, I see! Ach-e-ron
river in hell, hey? A, very appropriate name indeed!"" Classical
scholars, as well as those familiar with the original "lay o' the
land" hereabouts, will at once see the aptness of this retort.
In this connection, also, it may properly be mentioned that
Akron's christener, Charles Olcott, more than 65 years ago,
invented and built the model of an iron ship, which he in vain
urged upon the public authorities to adopt; a style of ship now in
common use without the bestowal of a thought upon the original
inventor.
HON. CHARLES SUMNER, born
in Roxbury, Massachusetts,
June 6, 1794 ; common school edu-
cation ; came to Middlebury, (now
Akron, Sixth Ward), in spring of 1817,
and was married the following- June
to Miss Clarissa Hart, daughter of
Rufus Hart, who settled in Middle-
bury in 1815 ; in early life worked at
the clothier's trade, and officiated as
minister of the g'ospel of the Baptist
faith, his quite extensive congrega-
tion being greatly decimated and
altogether broken up by sickness and
death during the building of the
Ohio Canal. Enterprising and suc-
cessful, he purchased a large tract
of land in Springfield township,
raising and dealing in stock, and
taking large droves of horses, cattle
mules, etc., over the mountains. In
1834 he moved upon the farm and
built the fine stone mansion, where
the daughter, Miss A. Louise Sunnier,
now resides. He was Associate
Judge for Portage county nine years,
and on the organization of Summit
County, 1840, was made one of its
first Associate Judges, which posi-
tion he held until his death, June 22,
1845, at the age of 51 years and 16
days, Mrs. Sumner dying March 3,
HON. CHARLES SUMNER.
*1872, aged 75 years, 10 months and
25 days. The daughter. Miss Louise,
has never married, and is managing
the fine estate left by her parents
with admirable judgment, liberality
and beneficence.
SOME ANCIENT LANDMARKS.
At that time the only hotels, or taverns as they were then
called, west of Middlebury, within the territory now embraced in
Summit County, on the Warren and Wooster road, were those of
SOME EARLY LANDMARKS.
37
Joshua King, a log structure, on the present site of County
Surveyor Charles K. Perkins' residence, in the "west part of the
city; a story and a-half frame building nearly opposite, on the
east, kept by Pliny Wilcox; the two story frame house of Henry
Clark, at New Portage ; and one or two wayside inns at or near
Johnson's Corners; for houses of "entertainment for man and
beast," of rather a primitive character, were to be found at most 'of
the township centers, and at frequent intervals along all the
public thoroughfares, in those early days. On the Smith road
also, leading from Old Portage to Medina, on the line between
Copley and Bath, besides two or three others further west, was
the notable and somewhat notorious "Latta's Tavern," kept by
one William Latta, at what was then called "Latta's Corners,"
afterwards for many years known as "Kilis' Corners," but which
is now known as the village of Montrose. The original building,
substantially as first constructed, is still doing duty as a hotel.
Hut of this hotel and others, and their early proprietors, more
anon.
KOSVVELL AXD ELIZA KENT.
ROSWELL KENT, born in Leyden, Massachusetts, May 18, 1798; removing
with his parents to Hudson, Ohio, about the year 1812; educational
.advantages quite limited; at majority entered store of his brother Zenas
(father of Hon. Marvin Kent, of Kent), at Ravenna. About 1820, he estab-
lished a store in Middleburj^, (now Akron, Sixth Ward), for his brother and
Capt. Hemati Oviatt, of Hudson, buying out the concern about 1826, and
continuing the business on his own account for several years. He then
engaged in the manufacture of woolen machinery, as a member of the firm
of Irish, Kent & McMillan, afterwards Irish, Kent & Baldwin, later changed
to Kent, Baldwin & Co., which he followed until his death, July 19, 1871. Mr.
Kent was married to Miss Eliza Hart, daughter of Joseph and Annie
(Hotchkiss) Hart, the first settlers in Micldleburj- (1807), who was born
August 6, 1808, being the first white child born within the present limits of
Akron and the third born in Tallmadge township. Seven children were
born to Mr. and Mrs. Kent, three of whom, only, are living Ella K., now Mrs.
Finley McNaughton, of Youngstown; Russell H., Secretary and Treasurer
of the Akron Stoneware Company; and Flora K., now Mrs. T. S. Page, of
Toledo. Mrs Kent is still living in the enjoyment of reasonably good
health, at the ripe age of over 83 years.
38
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
The farm house of Paul Williams, a one story frame building,
on the laying out of the new village, was found to stand in about
the center of South Broadway, a little south of Middlebury street,
and was accordingly moved a few rods to the eastward, where, as
the well known Babcock house, it still stands, in a remarkably
fair state of preservation. The first building erected in the new
village, however, was the tavern of Henry Clark, on the northeast
corner of South Main and Exchange streets, the main portion of
which building still stands upon the same site. Up to the
occupation of this house, in the latter part of the Summer of 1825,
the largely augmented hotel business of the vicinage, pertaining
to canal operations, was transacted in Middlebury, the letting of
the contracts from Cleveland to Summit Lake, having been made
at Chittenden's hotel, early in June of that year; sections further
south being let at other convenient points along the line of the
canal during the same month.
^THOMAS NORTON, born in
A Oneida Co., N. Y., April 6, 1806 ;
same year parents moved to Ohio,
first to Smithfield, Trumbull County,
and in 1809, to Tallmadge, the father,
Peter Norton, in 1813, purchasing- 200
acres of land, in Springfield township
adjacent to the villag-e of Middlebury,
on a portion of which Mr. Norton
still lives, though somewhat physi-
cally infirm, in full possession of his
mental faculties, at the age of nearly
86 years. Mr. Norton was married
January 10, 1847, to Miss Hannah M.
Coney, born in Stark County, April
13, 1812. Of their two daughters,
Martha M. was married, June 2,1873,
to Mr. Theodore Johns, a former
Middlebury boy, now a prosperous
shoe merchant in Des Moines, Iowa,
and Mary P. is now the wife of Mr.
Joseph Cook, a prominent manufac-
turer of Akron, whose portrait and
biography will be found elsewhere,
Mr. and Mrs. Cook now occupying
the old homestead, and kindly min-
istering to the care and comfort of
Father Norton, in his declining years,
THOMAS NORTON.
Mrs. Norton having died at the home
of her daughter in Des Moines, Iowa,
August 7, 1886 in the 76th year of her
age.
A DISTINGUISHED VISITOR.
Though some work had previously been done by the con-
tractors in this vicinity, the formal breaking of ground took place
at Licking Summit, near Newark, on the 4th of July, 1825, DeWitt
Clinton, the projector and "Patron Saint" of the Erie Canal,
performing the ceremony, aided by the then Governor of Ohio,
Hon. Jeremiah Morrow, amid great rejoicing by the assembled
thousands, with booming of cannon, beating of drums, and other
characteristic oratorical and gustatorical festivities of those early
times. The distinguished New Yorker, and his retinue of traveling
companions and servants, came to Buffalo by the Erie Canal;
from Buffalo to Cleveland via Lake Erie, and from Cleveland to
Middlebury in stage coaches. Remaining over night at Chitten-
RAPID GROWTH OF THE NEW VILLAGE.
39
den's hotel, early on the morning of July 2nd, in the private
carriages of Mr. Chittenden and Mr. John McMillen, they started
for Newark, our lately deceased 91-year-old fellow citizen, Talmon
Beardsley, Esq., officiating as the driver of Mr. Chittenden's team.
HpALMON BEARDSLEY, born in
A Delhi, Delaware Co., N.Y., De-
cember 15, 1799; in 1810 moved with
parents to Licking- Co., Ohio, settling
on wild land which Talmon helped to
clear and cultivate, attending school
about three months per year ; in Sum-
mer of 1818, walked to Middlebury
(now Akron, Sixth Ward) finding em-
ployment in the okl ( uyahoga Fur-
nace of Laird & Norton, going to school
part of the time ; in 1819, entered the
employ of Henry Chittenden, hotel
keeper, farmer, canal contractor, etc.,
with whom he continued 14 years ;
October 27, 1831, was married to Miss
Temperance Spicer, fourth daughter
of Major Miner Spicer, settling upon
a 75 acre farm near Middlebury,
selling that in 1833 and purchasing
100 acres in Coventry, now largely
embraced within the city limits of
Akron, which he brought up to a
high degree of cultivation, and upon
which they lived until 1864, when
they removed to Akron. 'Their five
children are Ann, wife of Mr. George
W. Hart, of Cuyahoga Falls ; Mills H.,
hotel keeper at Green River, Utah;
Avery S., now residing at Adrian,
Mich.; Harriet, wife of Gates A.Bab-
cock, now living in Fremont, Ohio;
Louisa D., wife of Mr. Geo. Stover, of
TALMON BEARDSLEY.
Canal Fulton, Ohio. In 1889 Mr. and
Mrs. Beardsley went to reside with
Mr. and Mrs. Stover, where Mrs. B.
died April 20, 1891, aged 83 years, 6
months and 5 days, Mr. Beardsley
dying July 18, 1891, aged 91 years, 7
months and 3 days.
THE SECOND BUILDING,
Soon after the commencement of work upon the canal and
locks at this point, and following closely upon the erection of the
hotel of Henry Clark, a man named Benedict built a two-story
frame store, on the southwest corner of Main and Exchange
streets, which was for many years, under successive proprietors,
known as the " Mammoth Store." From this time on, lots in the
new village sold quite rapidly, and a considerable number of
residences and shops were erected for the accommodation of the
large number of contractors arid operatives required to build the
canal, and construct the locks and bridges in this vicinity. The
lower lands of what is 'now called North Akron, being thickly
dotted over with log and slab shanties, inhabited mostly by Irish
laborers upon the canal, was christened, and for many years
retained, the historic name of "Dublin." Thus, by the time the
canal was finished, in 1827, the village had, including its Dublin
suburb, a population of perhaps two hundred souls, embracing
merchants, lawyers, doctors, mechanics, laborers, and " gentlemen
of leisure," of which latter class, more anon. The more substan-
tial improvements were on the east side of the canal, on Main and
Exchange streets, several of the original structures still standing
where they were then erected, though one or two grocery stores
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
and two freight warehouses were soon afterwards located upon
the \vest side of the canal, one of the latter at the head of Lock
One, still standing, and the other on the north side of the bridge, a
warehouse also being located on the east side of the lower basin,
about \vhere the Brewster coal chutes are now.
INCREASE SUMNER, son of
J- Thomas and Elizabeth (Holland)
Sunnier, was born in Towiishend,
Vt., February 2o, 1800 ; at 16, came to
Pittsburg, where he worked for a
time at nail-making', \vhen he came
to Middlebur}*, where his brother
Charles was then living, where he
early became prominent in business
affairs, engaging in milling, mer-
chandising, contracting, etc., build-
ing many of the bridges and dams
in Akron, besides doing considerable
stone work on the Ohio Canal. In
1849, as Captain and Treasurer of the
"Middlebur3 r Mining Company," he
went, by ox-team, overland to Cali-
fornia, where, mining- and merchan-
dising, he remained nearlj* three
3 r ears. On his return to Middleburj%
he engaged in farming, but later
sold his farm and opened a stone-
quarr3 r and engaged in contracting
stone work until his death, November
18, 1868, at the age of 68 years, 8
months and 23 days. March 19, 1837,
Mr. Sumner was married to Mrs.
Elizabeth (Hammel) Miller, a native
of Ithaca, N. Y., born September 21.
1812, her first husband, Arthur Miller,
to whom she was married January
29, 1827, having 1 died of consumption,
at Pautuxet, R. I., whither he had
INCREASE SUMNER.
gone in hopes of recovering his
health, July 1(5. 1830, leaving two
children, since deceased. Mrs. Sum-
ner, in comfortable health and cir-
cumstances, still survives.
The first regular boat to navigate the waters of the Ohio
Canal was called the "Ohio." It was built upon the east side of
the lower basin, about where Jackson & Lyman's planing mill now
stands, according to the recollection of the late George Dailey, of
Cuyahoga Falls, by Alexander and Edward Wheeler, the hulk of
the ancient craft now lying in the mud in a small cove in the
berme bank of the canal near the residence of the late James
Robinson, of Coventr}'. It was launched on the 27th day of June,
1827, and, after receiving a few finishing touches, and its furniture,
commissary stores, etc., on the third day of July, under command
of Captain Henry Richards, an experienced navigator from the
Erie Canal, started, \vith a full load of passengers, amid the
huzzas of the multitude, the firing of cannon, etc., for Cleveland,
to participate the next day in the dual celebration of the Nation's
birthday the glorious Fourth and the arrival of the first boat
from the "port" of Akron, via the new canal. The late John C.
Stearns, of Copley, claims to have been steersman of the "Ohio,"
on its initial excursion trip, -while Northampton claims for the
late Job Harrington, of that township, the honor of having
propelled said craft from Akron to Cleveland and back, with his
own team of substantial farm horses.
I)K. CROSHY AM) HIS "DITCH." 41
DOCTOR ELIAKIM CROSBY, to whom
Akron is more largely indebted
for its manufacturing existence than
to any other one man, was born
in Litchfield, Conn., March 2, 1779.
He was educated and for some time
engaged in teaching in and about
Litchfield. In 1806, he went to Buf-
falo, where he read medicine with a
Dr. Chapin, allopathic, though in the
early forties he embraced, and for
a while practiced, the homeopathic
system of medicine. About 1808 or
1809 he went to Simcoe, Canada,
where he was married to Miss Marcia
DK CKOSBY Beemer in 1810. In the war of 1812,
Dr. Crosby entered the service of the
United States as a surgeon in the army, in consequence of which
his property in Canada was confiscated by that government. In
1820 he removed with his family to Ohio, locating in the then
enterprising village of Middlebury. Though giving some attention
to the practice of medicine, he soon became interested in the
various enterprises of the time, in connection with Mr. Henry
Chittenden taking a contract upon the canal, between Bethlehem
and Zoar, and for furnishing 16,000 bushels of water-lime for the
construction of locks in 1826-7. Previous to the completion of
these contracts, Dr. Crosby purchased of Mr. Ralph Plum the
Cuyahoga Furnace property, originally erected by Aaron Norton
and Wm. Laird in 1817, on the present site of the Seiberling
flouring mill. This purchase included the property on the opposite
side of the Canton road, for many years past known as the "Aunt
Betsy Stewart homestead," the doctor removing his family into
the small frame house erected by Mr. Plum, and now doing
service as a horse barn and carriage house.
This furnace, originally devoted to the smelting of such iron
ores as were found in the vicinity, was, by Dr. Crosby, largely
devoted to the manufacture of plows and sundry other agricultural
and household articles in demand at that time. The furnace was
at this time run by water power from a dam across the Little
Cuyahoga river, near the present woolen and felt works. A year
or two later Dr. Crosby sold the furnace property, including his
dwelling house, to the Stewart brothers, Arnold, Isaac and Daniel
H. The Doctor then bought the sawmill property, near the dam,
arid by securing the control of the river above, built a dam three-
fourths of a mile further up, and by race and flume, secured a better
head of water, both for the furnace property, his saw mill and
the large two-story grist mill which he erected where the felt
works now stand; building for himself, in the meantime, a new
dwelling house on or near the present site of the Kent
school house. After running these mills a year or two Dr. Crosby
sold his mill property to the late Increase Sumner, who also
opened a store in the business portion of the village, both of
which, finding himself financially embarrassed, Mr. Sumner trans-
ferred to his two brothers, Edward and Charles, in 1832.
42 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
The Doctor now got his practical eye upon " bigger game,"
and by his mysterious maneuvers led certain property owners to
believe that he was endeavoring to divert the business of the
town to a point further down the stream, towards or below the
Old Forge, and a combination was entered into by which it was
sought to dam the river at, or near, "what is now known as the
"White Grocery," and from thence conduct the water through
Blue Pond to a point near where the Akron Sewer Pipe works
now stand, thus creating a water power that "would overshadow
anything that the Doctor could command lower down the stream.
That eminent hydraulic engineer, Col. Sebried Dodge, (afterwards
owning and living upon, until his death, what is known as the
"Dodge farm," three miles south-west of Akron) was employed by
the syndicate to make the surveys, and both loud and frequent
were the boasts made to the Doctor that they would head him off,
to all of which the Doctor \vould pleasantly, but signincantl}'
reply: " Gentlemen, your scheme won't work, but mine will; and
what's more, it will cause the grass to grow in your streets, and
make a goose pasture of your town."
Thus time passed on. Kngineer Dodge found that very little,
if any, additional power could be obtained by the plan proposed
than by folio-wing the natural course of the stream to the point
designated, and that scheme -was abandoned. In the meantime
the Doctor pursued the even tenor of his way, quietly obtaining
control of the river bed and all the lands upon either side, as far
west as the lands of Gen. Perkins, through which the Ohio Canal
had been constructed, when, suddenly, like a peal of thunder
from a clear sky, it burst upon the astonished intellects of the
Middleburghers, that an arrangement had been made between the
Doctor and Gen. Perkins to conduct the entire waters of the river,
by means of a race, to be immediately constructed, from the north
part of that village to a point near Lock Five on the Ohio Canal,
from -whence they could be used over and over again, as far as
Lock Seventeen, for milling and manufacturing purposes.
This was in 1831. The surveys being completed, a large force
of men -was at once set to work constructing the race, a consider-
able portion of which, from about opposite the present Fair
Grounds to Summit street, had to be quarried from the solid rock.
The next year, 1832, the building then, and ever since known as
the " Stone Mill," at Lock Five -was begun ; both the race and the mill
being completed and running early in 1833. The lands purchased
by Dr. Crosby were consolidated with the 300 acre tract, so-called,
belonging to Gen. Perkins, and by those gentlemen, and Judge
Leicester King, of Warren, who had in the meantime purchased a
one-third interest in the enterprise, had been platted into streets,
lots, etc., and quite a good many lots sold and improved, though
the plat was not put to record until the 10th day of August, 1833;
the new plat covering the territory between North street, on the
north, and the " gore," so called, (Quarry, Bowery and West
Center streets) on the south, and Summit street upon the east,
and Oak and Walnut streets upon the west. It was said, -with
how much truth the -writer cannot say, though -with a strong
shade of probability, that to prevent observation and the miscar-
riage of his designs, the Doctor did much of his surveying and
the running of his levels for his contemplated race, by moonlight,
THE NEW VILLAGE OF "CASCADE." 43
as all of his movements had to be made on the sly, until after the
control of the river bed had been secured by the purchase of
contiguous lands on either side.
As a sample of some of the difficulties encountered and over-
come, some 15 acres off from the north end of the 45 acre tract
deeded by Gen. Perkins to Mr. Charles W. Brown, as before stated,
being needed for the race, and the control of the waters of the
river, and suspecting that the Doctor's designs were deeper than
was apparent upon their surface, Mr. Brown drove so sharp a
bargain with him that 57 acres of much better land, immediately
adjoining him upon the east, was obtained from the Doctor for the
smaller parcel needed. Also upon the north side of the Little
Cuyahoga river was a 300 acre farm belonging to Mr. William
Phelps, a small corner of which ran down into the bed of the
stream, and which had to be secured before the waters could be
diverted from their natural channel. This acre or two Mr. Phelps
would not sell at any price, unless they would take the entire farm
at the exorbitant price, for those days, of $14,000 in gold. An
option for a certain number of days having been obtained by
Judge King, late in the afternoon of the last day of the option the
Judge appeared at the Phelps mansion with the coin. On
inquiring for Mr. Phelps, the Judge was informed that he was
away from home, but could get no information as to where he had
gone nor how soon he would be back. "Very well, " said the Judge,
" I'll wait for him," and wait he did until near midnight, when he
took the bag of gold from his pocket and began counting it out
and piling it upon the table, and then and there made a tender of
the sum agreed upon to Mrs. Phelps, as the representative of her
husband. After the midnight hour had passed Phelps came forth
from his hiding, but refused to receive the money, claiming that
the time of the option was up; thinking perhaps, that by holding
off he could extort from them still higher figures. Finally a day
or two later, on the advice of Mr. Brown, he executed a deed to
Judge King, and took his money, a portion of which he invested in
farming lands in Wadsworth, Medina County.
-THE NEW VILLAGE OF "CASCADE."
As indicated by the name given to Dr. Crosby's "ditch" the
"Cascade Mill Race," the embryo rival to the ancient village of
Middlebury and the original town of Akron,. was at first called
"Cascade," though it was finally platted under the name of Akron.
Hence the first store on the site now occupied by Hall's block,
corner of Market and Howard streets, erected by Mr. Seth Iredell
(father of our present fellow citizen, Robert S. Iredell) in 1832, was
called the "Cascade Store," while the first hotel, erected the same
year, by James Baldwin (father of Capt. Aaron P. Baldwin) and
Lewis Kilbourn (father of William W. Kilbourn, of 212 East
Exchange street), was called the "Cascade House;" and for several
years, both at home and abroad, the snappy and prosperous new
village was known as "Cascade," rather than by its platted and
ultimately well-established cognomen of Akron.
About simultaneously with the building of the race and the
Stone Mill, two blast furnaces had been erected at the North End
the " JEtna," near Lock Twelve, by Parsons, DuBois & Co., (L. M.
44
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
Parsons, Robert K. DuBois and William Slater) succeeded early
in 1833 by Hart, DuBois & Co., (William J. Hart, Robert K. DuBois
and David J. Garrett) and the "Portage, "on the present site of
Dr. J. H. Peterson's Assembly Hall, by Fenn & Howard, (Jonathan
F. Fenn and Charles W. Howard), the blast of the former run by
the waters of the Cascade Mill race, and that of the latter by the
waters of Wilcox run (the cemetery brook) brought in a race and
wooden flume from a little above the cemetery lodge and crossing
W T est Market street, at its present junction with Cherry street.
About the same time, also, Messrs. David and Jesse Allen and
Col. Reuben McMillan, under the firm name of Aliens & McMillan
erected a three-story frame building, a little southwest of what is
now known as the Allen Mills, where they entered largely into
the manufacture of carding and spinning machines, for which
there was quite a demand in those early days. This factory was,
a few years later, converted into a flouring mill by Messrs. Joseph
A. Beebe (our late City Librarian) and William E. Wright, (late of
Rome, N. Y.,) and was called the "Center Mill," and though it long
years ago gave place to the Allen Mills, the most excellent brand
of flour, called "Center Mills," is still a favorite with many of our
citizens.
TESSE ALLEN, sixth sou of Jesse
J Allen, senior, one of the pioneers
of Coventry, was born in Tompkins
Co., N. Y., May 1, 1807, removing- with
family to Ohio in 1811. Though his
education was limited he was remark-
ably intelligent, and early acquired
prominence in business, social and
political circles. In boyhood worked
on farm, later learning- vhe trade of a
stone cutter, at which he became
quite expert, especially in carving-,
lettering, etc. About 1833, with his
brother, David, and the late Reuben
McMillan, he erected a large three-
story building, west of the present
barrel-house of the Allen Mills, and
engaged in the manufacture of wool-
carding and spinning machinery. On
the retirement of Mr. McMillan, three
years later, D. and J. Allen erected
the shop on the west side of Lock 7,
now embraced in the Akron Building
and Cabinet Company's plant. Mr.
David Allen dying December 6, 1842,
at the age of 42 j r ears and 4 days, the
original shop having meantime been
converted into the well-remembered
Center Mill, Mr. Allen, in connection
with other members of the family,
engaged in milling, later, with his
brothers Jacob and Hiram, and the
late Jedediah D. Commitis, engaging
in the. manufacture of satinets, in the
JESSE ALLEX.
building now known as the Allen
Mills, the change from cloth to tlour
being made in 1856, in which business
he continued until his death, Sept.
24, 1863, at the age of 56 years, 4
months 23 days. Mr. Allen served
three years as member of the Village
Council 1837-38-44. He never mar-
ried.
PIONEER MERCHANTS, HOTEL KEEPERS, ETC.
In 1832, Jonathan F. Fenn and Charles W. Howard, (son-in-
law of Dr. Crosby), placed a stock of general merchandise in the
store which had been erected by Mr. Seth Iredell as above stated,
BANK CHARTER APPLIED FOR.
45
but that firm having failed, in the Spring of 1835 the building was
leased to Mr. P. D. Hall, and, as lessee and owner, the stand has
been continuously occupied by that gentleman to the present
time. The "Cascade" House was opened by Mr. Willard W,
Stevens, (now living at Tontogany, Wood County, Ohio), and
kept by that gentleman until the Fall of 1834, when the lease was
transferred to our present venerable fellow citizen, and model
landlord, Mr. Charles B. Cobb, who changed its name to the
"Pavilion House. " These pioneer hotel, mercantile and manufac-
turing establishments, were rapidly followed by others, so that,
when the \vriter arrived in Akron, June 10, 1835, though the South
End still held the ascendency, in point of imports and sales of
merchandise, shipments of produce, etc., , the North End was
rapidly developing its manufacturing and commercial resources,,
and in population, also, rapidly approached the former.
COL. REUBEN McMILLAN born
in Galway, Saratoga Co., N. Y.,
May 25, 1799, when young- moving
with parents to Lima, Livingston Co.;
soon after coming of age was com-
missioned Colonel of artillery ; Oct.
24, 1824, was married to Miss Orpha
Partridge, of Thetford, Vt., who bore
him six children Geo. Willis, died
in infancy; Harriet Louisa, now Mrs.
D. E. Hill, of Akron; Lucinda Avis,
late Mrs. Robert Foster, of Minneap-
olis; Caroline Eliza, deceased; George
R. died young; and Frances A., now
Mrs. O. W. Keller, of Montana. In
1832, came to Middlebury arid a year
or two later to Akron, engaging with
Messrs. David and Jesse Allen
in the manufacture of carding ma-
chines; in 1836 went to Massillon and
started the same business there. The
works being destroyed by fire, in 1840
he returned to Middlebury and or-
ganized the firm of Kent, Irish & Mc-
Millan, successful manufacturers of
carding and spinning machinery for
many years. Col. McMillan was an
early advocate of the cause of tem-
perance, and an earnest abolitionist,
both by his tongue and pen advo-
cating the doctrines of the "Wilmot
COL. REUBEX MCMILLAN.
Proviso," and using his personal in-
fluence, in Washington, to secure its-
passage; was also an able and intelli-
gent advocate of labor reform and
protection to American manufac-
tures. Mr. McMillan died Nov. 9,
1851, aged 52 years, 5 months, 14 days,
Mrs. McMillan dying March 31, 1887,
aged 83 years, 1 month, 5 days.
The joint population of the two villages at this time was
probably from 600 to 900, though in the copy of a petition to the
Legislature, now in possession of the writer, dated Decerrtber 18,
1835, for a bank charter for Akron, the committee composed of
James W. Phillips, Richard Howe, Erastus Torrey, S. A. Wheeler,
Justus Gale, Simon Perkins, Jr., J. D. Commins, R. McMillan and
Seth Iredell, state the population of the town to be between 1,200
and 1,300. It is quite probable, however, that it was intended to
include, in this estimate, the inhabitants of Middlebury and other
adjacent territory, who would be patrons of, and benefited by, the
establishment of a bank in Akron, the entire population of
Portage township, five years later, including Akron, the
"Chuckery," and a portion of Middlebury, being, by the census of
1840, but 2,381.
46
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
PHILANDER D. HALL born at
A Bridgeport, Conn., Oct. 10, 1806;
educated at Weston Academy; at 20
engaged in teaching at.Saugatuck,
Conn., where he also clerked in dry
goods store a year and a half; return-
ing to Bridgeport, engaged in the
grocery shipping trade and import-
ing West India products; in Summer
of 1834 first visited Akron, and in May
1835, established himself in the gen-
eral merchandise trade, corner of
Howard and Market streets, then
called the " Cascade Store." The
original store, a two-story frame,
being destroyed by fire, February 17,
1851, the present three-story brick
block was erected and occupied
the same season. In 1842 Mr. Hall
was joined in business by his brother
Orlando, who was married to Miss
Sophia R. Towne, December 12, 1854,
and died March 10, 1855, Mr. Hall soon
afterwards associating with himself
his brother Lorenzo, under the firm
name of "Hall Brothers," which ar-
rangement still continues. Mr. Hall
was married December 30, 1841, to Miss
Martha McElhinney, of Allegheny
City, Pa., who died in New York, Feb-
ruary 20, 1889, Mr. Hall in 1857 having
PHILANDER D. HALL.
established his family residence in
that city, dividing his time between
travel and purchasing supplies for
his firm, though at frequent intervals
giving his personal attention to bus-
iness and property interests here.
INTENSE AND BITTER RIVALRY.
The completion of the Cascade Mill race, the starting of the
Stone Mill, and other business enterprises resulting therefrom,
soon culminated in a very bitter triangular rivalry between
Middlebury and the two Akrons, and especially between the North
and South Akronites. The ancient emporium had struggled
bravely to prevent the diminution of its business by the establish-
ment of a rival village at the Summit, and for the reason that the
former, through its water power, possessed superior manufac-
turing advantages, was for a time fairly successful in holding its
own, if not, in fact, slowly advancing. But this new rival
Cascade was an impending calamity to be fought to the bitter
end by both the Middleburghers and Southenders; for the Doctor's
"goose pasture" prediction, in regard to the former, was not only
likely to be speedily and literally fulfilled, but South Akron, also,
\vas in imminent danger of sharing the same fate. Hence, when
the denizens of the former could no longer retain all the trade
from -the south and east, they would use their best endeavors to
turn it towards the south end, representing the inhabitants of
"Cascade" as being a set of cut-throats, and the village itself as
reeking with pestilential niiasms that it would be dangerous to
encounter, even for an hour. These representations were also
persistently promulgated by the Southenders, and every possible
device adopted to keep the people of the country from visiting the
lower village. At the forks of the road, at the intersection of East
Market and Middlebury streets, the Southenders erected, upon the
south side of the road, a guide board, pointing towards that village,
bearing the inscription " Akron, 1 mile J^T"." This was imitated by
he Northenders, the board pointing towards that village also
CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES.
47
reading "Akron, 1 mileJ|@ D= '." This was speedily demolished by
the Southenders, followed almost as speedily, by the destruction
of their own board by the irate Northenders. Both of these
boards were several times replaced with like results, and several
personal collisions took place between the parties detailed to
guard the boards in question. At length a compromise was
effected, said boards being inscribed "South Akron" and "North
Akron" respectively; after which, so far as the guide board
contest was concerned, there was a cessation of hostilities ; but, as
will be seen further on, the "cruel war" was by no means over.
pOL. JUSTUS GALE, born in
^ Guilford, Vt., January 14, 1798;
June 23, 1823, was married to Miss
Sarah Hyde, who was born in Guil-
ford, April 26, 1802; in July, 1833 remov-
ed to Akron, as a member of the firm of
Pulsifer, Gale & Austin, establishing
a store on the east side of South
Main street, near Exchange, and a
Sear later the pioneer tin-shop in
orth Akron, and erecting- a dwelling
house on the southeast corner of
Howard and Mill streets, later erect-
ing a cupola furnace and engaging
extensively in stoves, hollow-ware,
plows, etc. Col. Gale was active in
all public enterprises, an earnest
promoter of the cause of education;
was one of the trustees of Akron's
first high school project in 1837; was
several times member of the Village
Council, and one of the most influen-
tial promoters of the New County
project 1835 to 1843. Col. Gale died
June 28, 1847, aged 49 years, 5 months,
14 days. Mr. and Mrs. Gale were the
parents of six children Lucy Jane,
afterwards married to the late John
H. Chamberlain, now Mrs. Alexander
Brewster; Sarah Hyde, the first Mrs.
Frank Adams, died in 1863, aged 35;
Frances Harriet, died May 10, 1845,
aged 16; Ann Elizabeth, now Mrs.
COL. JUSTUS GALE.
Theodoric Balch, Henry Clay,
farmer on West Exchange street; and
Mary Gertrude, widow of the late
James C. McNeil, whose portrait and
biography appear elsewhere. Mrs.
Gale, in full possession of all her
faculties, now in her 90th year, still
survives.
SOME OTHER EARLY HOTELS.
On my arrival in Akron, June 10, 1835, besides the "Clark
Hotel," then kept by Mr. Lewis Humiston, who was also at that
time Akron's postmaster, there was a two-story frame tavern,
directly east, on Exchange street, kept by Dr. Rufus Pierce, and a
new two-story and a half frame, the Summit House, on West
Exchange street, kept by "Col." Lyman Green, afterwards from
about 1839 to 1845 by Samuel Edgerly, father of Mr. Charles H.
Edgerly and Mrs. Sarah M. E. Battels, Mr. Edgerly being a
charter member of Akron Lodge, No. 83, F. & A. M., and dying
in this city in 1852, while at the North end, besides the Pavilion
House, kept by Mr. Charles B. Cobb, a three-stor}^ brick hotel,
called the "Ohio Exchange," on the present site of Woods' Block,
corner Market and Main streets, was completed and occupied by
Gen. Duthan Northrop, of Medina, the same year. While it is not
my design to name all the buildings, public and private, that then
48
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
composed the two rival, and in fact, bitterly hostile, villages,
since, with the pioneer village of Middleburj^ now bravely over its
"goose pasture" stage of existence, consolidated into one compact,
harmonious and enterprising city, I have been thus particular in
regard to those early hotels, because of the prominent part the}',
and their proprietors, and some of their patrons, will play as-
"dramatis personae" in the scenes arid events to be recorded in
these chapters.
JULIUS A. SUMNER, born in
J Townshend, Vt., January 2, 1802;
educated in common school ; at 14
started out for himself, going first
to Boston, then on foot to Huntingtoii,
Pa., and soon to Pittsburg, working
in nail factory ; at 16 taught school
one year ; in 1818 engaged with father
and brother in the manufacture of
bar and strap iron and nails in Mid-
dlebur}' ; also making frequent trips
east, over the mountains with horses
and cattle ; later carrying on a large
farm, pottery and distillery, near
Mogadore, and in the middle forties,
erecting a large distillery at Lock
Seventeen, and keeping Akron's prin-
cipal hotel, the Ohio Exchange, on
the present site of Woods' block, and
quite an extensive store on the oppo-
site side of the street ; later building
Empire block, adjoining the Empire
Hotel on the west, and the large
hotel and opera house building, cor-
ner of Howard and Tallmadge streets.
Though from time to time meeting
with heavy losses by fire, Mr. Sumner
was phenomenally prosperous dur-
ing a long business career, dying June
20, 1882, at the age of 80 years, 5 months
and 18 days. In 1824 Mr. Stunner was
married to Miss Margaret New-
comb, of Wadsworth, who bore him
six children Charles A. (now of
Detroit). Mary (now Mrs. C.Ferguson,
of Akron, Sixth Ward), Nellie (Mrs.
JULIUS A. SUMMER.
J. B. Hough ton, now deceased), Eliza
(Mrs. E. S. Stillwell, of Coventry),
Albert A. (deceased) and Victoria
(Mrs. George S. Clark, Akron). Mrs.
Sumner dying in 1849, in 1853 Mr.
Sumner was again married to the
widow of Heman A. Bradley, who
died October 18, 1880.
AKKOX INCORPORATED. 49
CHAPTER II.
AKRON INCORPORATED- FIRST CHARTER ELECTION -EARLY MAYORS THE
FIRST A VENERABLE AND WEALTHY, BUT WORLDLY-MINDED QUAKER
THE SECOND AN IMPECUNIOUS, BUT TALENTED FARMER-LAWYER "KID"
UNSUCCESSFUL SPECULATIONS- FORCED INTO BANKRUPTCY PECULIAR
LAW PRACTICE PROSECUTED FOR ASSAULT -CHIEF JUSTICE DAVID K.
CARTTER, ATTORNEY FOR THE STATE "MOVING" DEFENSEINDEPENDENT
CANDIDATE ELECTED BY THE " KIDS "SUCCESSFUL ADMINISTRATION-
RE-ELECTED PROSPEROUS FARMER -SUBSEQUENT MAYORS, ETC.
ACT OF INCORPORATION.
I^HE two villages, North and South Akron, having for the time
being placed their antagonisms in abeyance, in the Winter of
1835-36, jointly petitioned the General Assembly of the State of
Ohio for a town charter, which was duly granted on the 12th day
of March, 1836. The territory described in the charter, comprised
of portions of both Portage and Coventry townships, embraced the
territory within the recent north, west and south corporation lines,
and a line upon the east starting a short distance east of the south
end of Spicer street, and running northerly, diagonally crossing
Spicer street a short distance south of the old Spicer homestead,
through Fir street to the north corporation line, a little east of Lock
Sixteen, and containing about three and one-fourth square miles of
land.
By the terms of the charter it was provided that the first elec-
tion for the new corporation should be held on the second Tuesda}'
of June, 1836, at the usual place of holding elections in the town-
ship of Portage, commencing between 9 and 10 o'clock in the fore-
noon and closing at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, " white male inhab-
itants " having resided in said town for the period of six months,
and having the qualifications of electors for members of the Gen-
eral Assembly, only, being allowed to vote.
This initial election was held at the tavern of Asa Larned (the
old Clark stand on the northeast corner of Main and Exchange
streets), Harvey H. Johnson (lawyer), Rufus Pierce (hotel-keeper),
and Zebulon Jones (shoemaker), acting as judges, and Franklin C.
May (merchant), acting as the clerk of election, being elected vive
voce by the electors in attendance, as provided by the charter.
As the time for the election approached, there was, of course,
a good deal of figuring as to candidates, the officers to be elected
being Mayor, Recorder and five Trustees. Not only politics, but ,
sectional interests and. predilections, were invoked, both in the
choice of candidates and at the polls. Whigs and Democrats were
the only political parties then in vogue, and the lines, in both gen-
eral and local elections, were usually drawn pretty taut, and the
contests were often very warm, and sometimes extremely bitter.
By this time the voting population of the North End was
rather the stronger, and in the caucuses secured both of the can-
didates for Mayor Seth Iredell (Whig), and Dr. Eliakim Crosby
(Democrat) as well as both of ttue candidates for Recorder Charles
W. Howard (Whig), and Constant Bryan (Democrat). Politically,
the new corporation was pretty evenly balanced, but an analysis
of the vote, for Mayor and Recorder, will show that sectional, rather
50
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
than political, interest, was the most potent factor in determining
the result. Mr. Iredell was a venerable Pennsylvania Quaker,
a man of liberal means (for those days), and had been thoroughly
identified \vith the growth and prosperity of the Lower Town from
its very start, while Dr. Crosby was, in reality, the very father
thereof, by reason of his having projected and successfully com-
pleted the Cascade Mill race, which made the very existence of the
Lower Town possible.
The vote for Mayor stood : Iredell (Whig), 91 ; Crosby (Democrat),
75; clearly indicating that the very fact that the Lower Town
existed through the genius and push of the enterprising Doctor,
compassed his defeat. A like influence is also'seen in the vote for
Recorder; Mr. Howard, (Whig, but son-in-law of Dr. Crosby), receiv-
ing but 75 votes, while his competitor, Mr. Bryan (Democrat),
received 87. The contest for Trustees seems to have been a sort of
"go as you please" scrub race, 16 different persons receiving votes
as follows : Krastus Torrey, 153 ; Jedediah D. Commins, 143 ;
William B. Mitchell, 114; William E. Wright, 88; Justus Gale, 87;
Noah M. Green, 124; Ansel Miller, 23; Robert K. DuBois, 43;
Samuel A. Wheeler, 4 ; Alvah Hand, 3 ; Hiram Payne. 7 ; Eliakim
Crosby, 13 ; Seth Iredell, 3 ; Richard Howe, 1 ; Eber Blodgett,
2 ; and Capt. Howe, 1. Erastus Torrey (South Akron, Whig),
Jedediah D. Commins, (South Akron, Democrat), Noah M. Green,
(South Akron, Whig), William B. Mitchell, (North Akron, Demo-
crat), and William E. Wright, (North Akron, Wh ig), were returned
as duly elected, but Mr. Mitchell declining to qualify, the Council,
at its second meeting, appointed Col. Justus Gale, (of North
Akron, Whig), to fill the vacancy; the Mayor and Recorder, with
the five Trustees, constituting the Town Council, and five
members constituting a quorum ; Marshal, Treasurer, Engineer,
Solicitor, etc., being appointive offices by the Council.
AKRON'S FIRST MAYOR.
As above stated, Seth Iredell re-
ceived 91 votes for Mayor out of a
total vote of 166, being a majority of
16 over the vote of his worthy com-
petitor, Dr. Crosby. This total vote
of 166, making the very liberal
allowance of five inhabitants for
every vote cast, would make the
total population of the town at this
period, 830 souls, only, instead of
1,200 or 1,300, as represented a year
previous, in the memorial to the
Legislature for a bank charter, here-
tofore alluded to.
Mr. Seth Iredell, the first recip-
ient of Akron's highest honor, the
mayoralty, was a Pennsylvania
Quaker, then about 62 years of age,
but still remarkably vigorous, both
physically and mentally. Though,
characteristic of his sect, he was
moderate in conversation, and con-
SETH IREDELL.
AKRON'S FIRST MAYOR. 51
servative in business and official matters, he was, nevertheless,
decided in his opinions, and diligent in the discharge of every
private obligation and public duty. Thus, while he looked care-
fully after the welfare of the public, and labored faithfully for the
prosperity of the entire town, being a man of peace, he also earnestly
sought to harmonize sectional differences, and allay sectional ani-
mosities. This characteristic also led him to discourage every
species of litigation, and to peaceably and amicably adjust antag-
onisms among his neighbors. Hence, though opening and keeping
Si mayor's docket, as required by law, he not only did not court
magisterial business, but, so far as he could, turned such parties
as were bound to fight, whether civilly or criminally, over to the
justices of the peace of the respective townships out of which the
municipal corporation had been carved.
The venerable and most amiable and devoted Quaker wife of
Mr. Iredell, Mrs. Mary Iredell, died on the 17th day of March, 1839,
at the age of 65 years, leaving no children. As soon thereafter as
the proprieties would allow, Mr. Iredell married, for his second
wife, Elizabeth (or Betsy) Davidson, who had been a faithful
domestic iri the family for several years, and who died Nov. 30,
1840, at the age of 34 years, leaving one son, Charles Iredell, for
many years a worthy citizen of Portage county, but now residing
in Akron.
Mr. Iredell married, for his third wife, Miss Mary Irvin, of
Middlebury, March 4, 1841, with whom he lived quietly and hap-
pily until his death, March 22, 1854, at the ripe age of 80 years.
The fruit of this marriage was two sons Seth, a bright and
promising boy, who died at the age of seven years, September
13, 1849, and Robert S., still living, a highly respected resident of
his native city, over which, in its chrysalis existence, of more than
a half a century ago, his venerable father reigned as its first
chief magistrate. Mrs. Mary Irvin Iredell died April 19, 1883, at
the age of 78 years.
By the provisions of the charter, the tenure of municipal office
was one year, only. The second annual election was held on the
first Tuesday of June, 1837, at Clark's hotel, in South Akron, with
Councilmen William E. Wright and William K. May, as judges,
and Recorder Constant Bryan, as clerk. The record does not give
the names of all the candidates voted for, but the result only.
There were 155 votes polled, of which John C. Singletary.
Jr., received 85 votes for Mayor ; William E. Wright, 135 votes
for Recorder; and for Trustees, William K. May, 133; William
T. Mather, 145 ; Dana D. Evans, 125 ; Jesse Allen, 147 ; and
Eber Blodgett, 110 votes, being an entirely new set of men, with
the exception of William E. Wright, Recorder-elect, who had served
as Trustee during the preceding year, and William K. May, who
had several months before been appointed Trustee, in the place
J. D. Commins, resigned. The new Council met for organization
June 12, with Mayor Iredell in the chair, until the bond of the
Mayor-elect, in the sum of $3,000, was approved, which was unani-
mously done, one of the eleven sureties upon the bond being the
late Paris Tallman, Esq., of 803 East Market street. At the
second meeting, September 17, Horace K. Smith was elected
Treasurer, and Moses Cleveland, Marshal, which, with the regular
standing committees, completed the organization.
AKKON AND SUMMIT COrXTY.
J. C. SINGLETARY.
AKRON'S SECOND MAYOR.
Although Mayor Iredell, as before
intimated, had declined to do very
much judicial business, his admin-
istration had been generally satis-
factory, and as the time for the new
election approached, it was sup-
posed he would be his own suc-
cessor ; but it was destined to be
otherwise.
In 1834, there had come into
Akron, a stalwart young lawyer, by
the name of John Curtis Singletary,
Jr. He was fully six feet high, and
every way well proportioned, with
an intelligent and genial counte-
nance, good-natured, social and
kind-hearted. His father, Col. John
C. Singletary, was a wealthy
and highly respected farmer of
the township of Streetsboro. Young
Singletary was born in Aurora, Portage County, December 19, 1810,
and was a graduate of Western Reserve College, at Hudson, of the
class of 1835. His proficiency in his studies was such that he had
substantially completed his course a year or more before graduation
day, and had also studied law with his uncle, in Middlebury, the
late Senator Gregory Powers, and had been admitted to the Bar,
by the Court in Bane, at Columbus, in 1834, Judge Reuben Wood
presiding.
Though not very liberally endowed with ready money, he had
been provided by his father with a good law library (for those da} r s)
and started in, at the age of 24, with bright prospects of winning
for himself a brilliant career in his chosen profession; building a
commodious and comfortable office on the south side of Kxchange
street, a little east of Main.
Had the young lawyer stuck closely to his briefs, all would
have been well; but, unfortunately, like the most of his associates,
he was seized with the prevailing mania for speculation, the
embryo "Lowell of the West," as Akron was then called, being at
that time decidedly on the boom; both business blocks and tene-
ment houses being in real or prospective demand.
Accordingly, with but limited business or financial experience,
but, (as he himself expresses it in a private note to the writer), with
"immense credit," he largely "invested" in village lots, building
materials, labor, etc.; one of the monuments of his enterprise being
the substantial two story tenement house, on the corner of Bowery
and West Middlebury streets, now owned and occupied by Dr. John
G. Carpender. The tightening down of business and monetary
matters, in 1836, precursory to the great financial and commercial
crash in 1837, brought matters to a crisis, and our youthful specu-
lator was forced into bankruptcy.
Bverything he possessed, even down to his law office, library,
etc., had to be sacrificed. This, of course, very materially clouded
his prospects, and subjected him to many indignities, and consid-
erable persecution, from those who held, but were unable to realize
AKROX'S SECOND MAYOR. 53
upon, his paper. But he still maintained his genial good nature,
and, to a limited extent, his law practice; his desire being rather to
see justice done, through his services, than the filling of his own
pockets.
As a sample of his mode of procedure, in this regard, and of the
persecutions with which he was beset, the following incident will
suffice: A farmer's boy, from Springfield, came to town on busi-
ness, riding upon one of his father's horses. A local shark had
induced the boy to swap horses with him, and had palmed off upon
the boy a tolerably good looking, but totally blind, horse. On dis-
covering the swindle that had been perpetrated upon him, the boy
sought the office of young Siiigletary, and weepingly told his tale.
"Where is your horse?" enquired Singletary.
" Over in the tavern barn," said the boy, and then looking out
of the window, he exclaimed, "there he goes now ; they're leading
him away please stop 'em, Mister!"
Looking in the direction indicated, Singletary saw a noted
horse-jockey-boat-captain, leading the farmer's horse past his
office. Stepping into the street, he took hold of the halter strap,
and said to the boat-captain, "Here, give this boy his horse."
"'Tain't his hoss ; it's my hoss ; it was a fair trade," replied the
captain.
Singletary pulled one way, and the horse-jockey the other,
until the latter began to make some hostile demonstrations
towards the former, when Singletary, striking straight-out from
the shoulder with that brawny right fist of his, knocked the
tricky boat-captain nearly half way across the street. Then, before
the captain could recover his equilibrium, and his grip upon the
halter, Singletary picked up the boy, threw him astride the horse,
and told him to "run for his life," which he literally did ; neither
the boy nor the horse ever having been seen or heard of by Mr.
Singletary from that day to this.
The discomfited horse-jockey, backed b} r the entire gang,
caused Singletary to be arrested for assault and battery. The
warrant was issued by Justice of the Peace, John H. Cleveland,
whose office was located in North Akron, in the second story of
a building standing where the office of the Thomas Lumber and
Building Co. now stands, on the west side of West Market Street
canal bridge. Justice Cleveland was a short, corpulent man, a veri-
table "Dogberry," and very decidedly appreciated the importance
and dignity of his official position.
The case was prosecuted by David K. Cartter, Esq., late Chief
Justice of the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia. Cartter
was then, 1835, a new accession to the legal fraternity of Akron
and the bar of Portage County. He had, however, been here suf-
ficiently long to have fully established his reputation as a sharp,
witty, and terribly sarcastic pettifogger, before the lower courts, as
well as a profound arid sagacious lawyer, and skillful pleader,
before the higher courts. Singletary defended himself, assisted by
Harvey H. Johnson, Esq.
During the examination of witnesses, by Cartter, numerous
objections interposed by Singletary, and his associate counsel,
were nearly all promptly arid pompously over-ruled by the Court.
At the conclusion of Cartter's opening plea, in which the accused
54 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
had been unmercifully scored, Singletary arose, and with smiling
countenance, commenced his defense something in this "wise :
"May it please your Honor, I stand here nominally to defend
myself against the charge of assault and batter} T , but in reality as
the defender of virtue and innocence against such unmitigated
scoundrels as the complainant in this case, and the perjured vil-
lains who
CARTTER : (Interrupting) "I ask the Court to protect the
witnesses for the State from the abusive epithets of the prisoner
now on trial."
THE COURT: "Mr. Singletary, you must confine your remarks
strictly to your defense, under the evidence that has been given."
SINGLETARY: (Resuming) "That, may it please your Honor,
is precisely what I am doing, and I repeat, that I stand here as the
defender of virtue and innocence against thieves and robbers, and
I am not to be intimidated by the foul-mouthed billingsgate of the
imported blackguard from New York, nor am I to be frowned
down, nor awed into silence, by the bloated dignity of the
Court-
JUSTICE CLEVELAND : (Hastily rising) " Stop, sir ! Stop sir ! I
won't listen to you, but bind you over to Court ! " and seizing his
docket he rushed from the room. As he reached the door
Singletary laughingly called to him :
"Hold on, Squire ! What's the amount of the bond ?"
"Three hundred dollars!" yelled the irate Justice, as he dis-
appeared through the door.
The bond 'was duly executed, and the transcript sent to the
Court of Common Pleas of Portage County, but the case was
promptly ignored by the Grand Jury at the September term, 1835,
on hearing all the facts connected therewith.
As above related, the financial and business status of the young
lawyer, was considerably below zero, on the setting in of the Winter
of 1836-7. Clients were few, and most of those who d$d employ him
were as impecunious as himself; and being too proud to call upon
his father for further pecuniary aid, he was often in dire straits for
his daily bread. In addition to this, he was constantly hounded by
his creditors, and taunted with his failure and poverty.
One day, in the latter part of the Winter of 1836-7, he turned
upon a party of his high-toned annoyers, saying : " Never mind,
gentlemen, it is your turn now, but my turn will come by and by,
for I intend to be your next Mayor ! " This declaration was received
with shouts of derision, and after a few days' gossip and laughter
over the boast, the circumstance was forgotten by those who heard
it. Not so, however, with the moneyless and almost briefless law-
yer. As the June election drew near, he announced himself as an
independent candidate for Mayor. His announcement was fairly
hooted at by the "aristocracy" of both sections of the town; his
lack of success in business, and his poverty, being the chief accu-
sations against him, for his honesty, morality and ability could not
be called in question.
It is not now remembered who was placed in nomination against
him, but, by concentrating the vote of both parties upon a single
man, it was not supposed that Singletary stood the ghost of a
chance of being elected. The opposition to him at length became
so bitter and abusive that a reaction in his favor finally set in. The
SUBSEQUENT MAYORS TO DATE. 55
majority of the voters of the town, mostly young men nearly, if
not quite, as poor as himself began to argue that poverty, though
mighty inconvenient, was not a crime, and that even in a rough-
and-tumble physical fight, it was mean to kick a man when he was
down. Consequently the "kids" of that day, of whom the writer
was one, openly espoused the cause of the plucky independent can-
didate, and the election of June 13, 1837, resulted in his triumphant
election by the handsome majority of 15, above indicated.
Mr. Singletary, who had hitherto resided in the South End,
immediately opened an office in the north village, and announced
himself ready to attend to all the duties of the office, both civil,
municipal and criminal. So successful was his administration
that he was triumphantly re-elected on the 5th day of June, 1838,
against a prominent South End lawyer, William M. Dodge, Esq.,
receiving 125 votes out of a total of 222, being a majority of 28.
He continued to satisfactorily discharge his municipal and
magisterial duties until February, 1839, when, by reason of debility
superinduced by oft recurring attacks of fever and ague, he went
home to Streetsboro to recruit, where, on account of the poor
health and the increasing years of his father, he concluded to
permanently remain, and where, as successor to his father's fine
estate of some 350 acres of excellent land, he has since lived the
life of a quiet but highly successful and enterprising farmer.
On the llth day of August, 1845, Mr. Singletary was married
to Miss Mary Ann Carter, of Boston township, who is still living.
There have been born to. them eight children three sons and five
daughters of whom three of the latter only survive. For the past
few years the health of Mr. Singletary has not been very good, and
yet, at the age of 80 years, he is able to superintend his extensile
farming operations, and will be happy to receive calls from any of
his old Akron friends and constituents, at his hospitable domicile,
on the northwest corner of the public square, at the center . of
Streetsboro.
It is not the purpose of these papers to give the biographies of
all the persons who have held the honored post of Mayor of Akron
during the half century of its municipal existence, both as Town,
Village, and City, some of whose characters and idiosyncracies were,
perhaps, as marked as those of the two already named. The bare
names, theretore, of those who have successively filled that office,
since June, 1839, with the length of their respective terms of
service, will have to suffice: 1839, Lucius V. Bierce; 1840, Arad
Kent; 1841, Lucius V. Bierce; 1842 and 1843, Harvey H. Johnson;
1844, Lucius V. Bierce; 1845, 1846 and 1847, Philo Chamberlin; 1848,
Israel E. Carter; 1849, Lucius V. Bierce; 1850, George Bliss; 1851,
Charles G. Ladd; 1852, Frederick Wads worth; 1853, Philip N.
Schuyler; 1854, William T. Allen; 1855 and 1856, Nathaniel Finch;
1857 and 1858, Frederick A. Nash; 1859, George W. McNeil; 1860
and 1861, Henry Purdy; 1862 and 1863, Charles A. Collins: 1864,
George D. Bates; 1865 and 1866, James Mathews; 1867 and 1868,
Lucius V. Bierce; 1869, 1870, 1871 and 1872, John L. Robertson;
1873 and 1874, Henry Purdy; 1875 and 1876, Levi S. Herrold; 1877
and 1878, James F. Scott; 187.9 and 1880, John M. Fraze; 1881 and
1882, Samuel A. Lane; 1883, 1884, 1885 and 1886, Lorenzo Dow
Walters; 1887 and 1888, Louis D. Seward; 1889, 1890, 1891 and 1892,
William H. Miller.
AKRON AND STMMIT COl'NTY.
TAMES MATHEWS, born in Wash.
J ing-ton County, N. Y., April 23,
1803; in boyhood removing- with his
parents to Vermont; educated in
common schools and bred a cabinet
maker and ornamental painter ; in
1839 came to Akron, and engaged in
manufacturing- grain shovels, in 1841
engaging in grocery business, until
1849 when he became secretary and
manager of the Summit Mutual Fire
Insurance Company, and on the
winding up of the business of that
company, a few years later, becoming
the agent of several of the leading
fire insurance companies of the
country, and of the Mutual Life of
New York, for which he secured a
very large clientage in Akron and
vicinity, the policies written by him
aggregating over $12,000,000. Mr.
Mathews possessed both public spirit
and private enterprise, as witness the
fine block on Howard street bearing
his name ; was a member of Akron
Town Council in 1843 ; member of
first Board of Education in 1847, and
the first Mayor of Akron, under city
charter, 1865-1866. Mr. Mathews was
married to Miss Agnes Grant, of
Wells River, Vt., in January, 1833, who
died in Akron in April, 1870, leaving
three children -George H., who died
JAMES MATHEWS.
in December 1873, Henrj r G. and
Charles H., now of New York. Mr.
Mathews was again married, to Mrs.
Isabella (Howard) Ta3 r ler, a native of
Middlebury, (Akron, Sixth Ward),
who now resides in California, Mr.
Mathews dying December 2">, 1883.
aged 80 years, 8 months and 2 days.
HENRY PURDV.
HENRY PURDY, son of Solomon
Purdy, was born in Zanesville,
Ohio, September 30, 1815, removing to
Springfield township, with parents.
when 13 years of age; educated in
Putnam Academy in Zanesville and
Randolph Academy. In 1837 became
associated with his father in the
manufacture of stoneware at the
center of Springfield. In 1852 Mr.
Purdy was elected County Recorder
on the Whig ticket, and re-elected in
1855 on the Republican ticket, hold-
ing the office six years; was member
of Council in 1857; Mayor of Akron
in 1860-1861,1873-1874; and Justice of
the Peace for Portage Township,
with the exception of a single term,
from 1868 till his resignation, by
reason of failing health, February
12, 1888. February 2, 1837, Mr. Purdy
was married to Miss Diantha C.
Clark, (laughter of Barber Clark, of
Franklin Mills, (now Kent). Mr. and
Mrs. Purdy, who have continuously
resided in Akron since April, 18.13,
have three children Mills B. (City
Clerk 1867, 1868, 1869, 1870, 1871, 1872
and 1876) born June 27, 1839; Mary C.,
(now Mrs. J. A. Boynton, of Sala-
manca, N. Y.) born July 10, 1841; and
Melissa C. (now Mrs. "S. K. Zwisler,
Akron) born November 29, 1847.
THERE WERE " CROOKS " IN THOSE DAYS. 57
CHAPTER III.
EARLY CROOKEDNESS-- CONFIDENCE GAMES, "KEG" MONEY, ETC. UNSAVORY
REPUTATION THE "GORE"-Y BATTLE GROUND BITTER POST-OFFICE CON-
TROVERSY-CRIMINATION AND RECRIMINATION SCANDALOUS CHURCH
SQUABBLES DECADENCE OF MIDDLEBURY AND THE SOUTH END DESPISED
"CASCADE" IN THE ASCENDENCY THE "WHIRLIGIG OF TIME BRINGS ALL
THINGS EVEN," ETC., ETC.
EARLY CROOKEDNESS.
IN those early days, the Ohio, Mississippi, and other western riv-
ers and lakes, and the cities and villages contiguous thereto,
\vere swarming with, and infested by, gamblers, counterfeiters and
thieves; and on the opening of the Ohio Canal, as a channel for
trade arid travel, not only the passenger boats navigating its waters,
but the thriving towns that immediately sprang into existence
along its entire line, were soon thoroughly infested by the several
classes of "sports" and "crooks" alluded to, with branch resorts at
many of the "centers" and "corners" of adjacent townships.
Akron and other points within the present limits of Summit
County, were by no means excepted from the general rule, but, on
the contrary, the large number of locks here, and the peculiar for-
mation of the country, particularly down the valley, northward from
Akron, afforded especial facilities for the successful operations of
the fraternity, and for the effective concealment of their nefarious
occupation, their gambling and counterfeiting implements, and
their stolen plunder.
At the date of my arrival in town, (1835) the average honest
stranger was filled with astonishment at the large number of finely-
dressed, ruffle-shirted, plug-hatted, kid-gloved, lavishly-bejewelled,
arid apparently wealthy sojourners at the various hotels. To the
writer, though, the genus was very familiar, the several preceding
months having been spent in New Orleans, Louisville and Cincin-
nati, and on the steamers plying between those points, with brief
calls at Natchez, Vicksburg, Memphis, and other blackleg-infested
towns upon those great thoroughfares the Mississippi and Ohio
rivers. Indeed, so flagrant had become the operations and outrages
of this class of scoundrels, that about this time the honest people
of Vicksburg, after giving the gamblers proper warning to leave
that place, arose in their might and summarily hung half a dozen
or more to the lamp posts and shade trees of the city, creating the
most intense excitement among all classes, and a decided panic
among tha fraternity throughout the entire South and West.
Besides the numerous raids that were made among the pioneer
farmers of the vicinity, by those early "crooks" and shovers of the
" queer," for predatory purposes, and for the purchase of horses,
cattle, sheep and other property with bogus coin or spurious paper,
there was in Akron and other business centers of the gang, a set
of confidence operators, who got in their work something in this
An unsophisticated farmer would be inveigled into some back
room, and "confidentially" shown a number of genuine American or
Spanish silver dollars, with the statement that they were bogus,
58 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
but so cleverly executed that they could never be detected, and
that if he would buy 500 or 1,000 of them, to operate with among
his neighbors, he might have them for 10 or 20 cents on the dollar.
If the cupidity of the ruralist should over-balance his discretion,
and he should " tumble to the racket," he would be shown sev-
eral small kegs, said to contain 500 or 1,000 each of the bogus coin,
so arranged that by taking out a plug in one end, he could see the
glittering metal of a genuine silver dollar inside, and be assured that
if, on getting home and counting it, he did not find the full num-
ber there, the dealer would make it all right the next time he came
to town.
Having duly paid over his $50 or $100 in good money, and
having with due secrecy deposited the keg selected under the
straw in the wagon, the "honest" yeoman would depart for home,
to find, on examining his treasure, that, with the exception of the
genuine dollar seen through the hole in the end, his precious keg
contained the regulation weight of scrap-iron, only.
Generally the victim would quietly swallow his disappoint-
ment and shame, and never be heard of again ; but now and then
one would return to seek redress, only to be told by the operator, if
found, that he had never seen him before, or to be informed by his
lawyer that his own hands were too badly soiled in the transac-
tion to enable him to proceed against his confederate in crime.
The game was by no means confined to Akron, or the neigh-
borhood of the canal, as witness the following item from the
Western Courier, of Ravenna, under date of September 15, 1836:
"Several attempts have been made lately, to defraud in the way of what
is called keg money speculations ; obtaining money and property on a
promise to deliver a keg or box of money, of large amount, and 'just as good
as genuine.' The keg or box supposed to contain the money, and perhaps
having some on the surface, is usually delivered in some dark place, and 'is
then, if of any value, wrested or stolen from the owner by ruffians before he
gets home with it. Many such cases have formerly occurred in this county,
in Geaug'a and Cuyahoga, and several lately the last one in Newburg. But
the people are learning to expose them, and the head ones have to abscond
from the officers of the law."
Similar transactions in paper "money" were also often nego-
tiated, genuine bills being exhibited and represented as coun-
terfeit, and duly placed in a package, under the eye of the
purchaser, to be adroitly exchanged for a similar looking package
of wrapping paper, cut to proper size, while the purchase money
was being counted out and examined.
Still another mode of procedure was for a couple of sharpers
to purchase a horse from some rustic, to be paid for in non-detect-
able counterfeit money, at a nominal price, the exchange to be
made after dark, in some neighboring thicket, and after the
transfer had been duly made, and the horse led off by one of the
sharpers, other confederates would rush in, under the guise of
officers, and pretend to arrest the remaining two, but finally let
them off on their handing over all their loose change ; and thus
the victim would not only be done out of his horse and the pre-
tended counterfeit money he had received in exchange for him,
but also of whatever good money he might happen to have about
him at the time.
By this and similar devices were the unwary pioneers of the
rural districts "taken in and done for," while from the lack of
information, now so rapidly and so generally transmitted through
EARLY CHURCH IMBROGLIOS. 59
the mails, the railroads, the telegraph and the newspapers, whole
droves of horses, cattle, sheep, and even hogs, could be gathered
up and paid for wholly in counterfeit money, and safely driven
out of the country, before the sellers would discover the fraud that
had been practiced upon them.
And yet, notwithstanding such was the early status of Akron,
as well as many other enterprising business points along the line
of the canal, and notwithstanding good friends with whom I was
visiting in the northern part of Portage County, in the early Spring
of 1835, advised me, in my search for a location for permanent set-
tlement, by all means to avoid Akron and Cascade, I found, on
coming here, later in the season, that the great majority of the
people were honest, industrious and enterprising, and that its
unsavory reputation was wholly due to a comparatively small
minority of local crooks, and the large contingent of transient
sharpers continually moving from point to point, along the line of
the canal as above noted.
That this vicinity was, however, for many years the general
rendezvous and headquarters of one of the most extensive gangs
of counterfeiters in the entire country, admits of not a doubt. The
reputed leader of this gang, together with several of his most
important subordinates, were permanently located within the
limits of what is now Summit County, some of whom sought and
obtained positions of public trust and honor, the more effectually
to cover up their true characters, and their nefarious operations.
To the chief of this gang, and his prominent lieutenants, with
an inkling of their operations, their successes, reverses, arrests,
trials, imprisonments, etc., one or more chapters of this -work will
be devoted, as well as one, or more, to the measures that were
finally taken to rid the village and county of local sharps and trav-
eling blacklegs and thieves.
The bitterness existing between the inhabitants of the north
and south villages has already been alluded to, in the " guide
board war" spoken of in the first chapter, and otherwise. It will
be impossible, of course, in the prescribed limit of this work to
relate all the acts of hostility, overt and covert, manifested ; but
one or two episodes, illustrative of that feeling, somewhat in detail,
may not be amiss.
The two villages were divided by a wedge-shaped strip of
unplatted land, called the "gore," embracing the territory between
Quarry street on the north and Center street on the south. On
this unplatted strip the earlier churches the Congregational
the Methodist and the Baptist, -were originally erected, not only
because their respective sites were generously donated by Gen.
Perkins, but more particularly, perhaps, because the adherents of
the several denominations, residing in either section, were unwill-
ing to worship, on Sunday, in houses located within the boundaries
of the rival village they so heartily, and perhaps religiously,
hated through the week.
This feeling was so strong that when, in 1836, the majority of
the trustees of the Baptist Church decided to face the new church
edifice they were then about to build (on the site of the present
fine German Reformed brick structure) towards South Akron,
instead of towards the West, as had been done by both the
Congregationalists and Methodists, (the Congregational Church
60 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
then stood on the present Court House grounds), several contrib-
utors to the building fund, living north of the "gore," withdrew
their subscriptions, and a few even severed their connection with
the society in consequence of such action; the facing of the
church in that direction being considered an advantage in favor of
South Akron.
This animosity became intensified as the work progressed, and
by the time the structure was completed had culminated in a most
bitter controversy between certain prominent members, trustees,
building committee, pastor, etc., in which charges and counter-
charges of falsehood, dishonesty, malice, etc., were freely bandied,
resulting in the calling of a church council on the 6th day of
October, 1837, at which Rev. Levi Tucker, of Cleveland, presided
as Moderator, and by which it was
" Resolved, That brother Dodge has not been labored with according to
gospel discipline; that brother Dodge's conduct has rendered him unworthy
of a place in a Christian church, and that he ought not to be recognized as a
member until he make satisfaction to the church ; that brother Crane (the
pastor) did not act judiciously ; believing, however, that his press of duties
ought in this case to be admitted in extenuation ; that Elder Austin (a retired
minister) has acted injudicious!} 7 , and the church had better grant him a letter
of dismission and a recommendation to any other sister church ; that the
course of brother Alvin Austin has been incautious and wanting in pru-
dence ; and that this Council earnestly recommend to each individual in
any way concerned in the late difficulties, to make very strenuous efforts to
promote the peace of the church, and zealously engage in the cause of our
dear Redeemer."
Notwithstanding these dissensions the church was duly dedi-
cated October 26, 1837, Elder Tucker preaching the dedicatory
sermon. But neither that solemn proceeding, nor the action of the
Council, were productive of any perceptible mollifying influence, as
is evidenced by some six or seven columns of crimination and
re-crimination published in the several issues of the American
Balance, from December 7, 1837, to January, 4, 1838, in which the
names of Rev. Kber Crane, (pastor and building agent) Alvin
Austin, H. K. Smith, Smith Burton, Richard Howe, J. Rockwell, R.
K. DuBois, S. R. Brackett, Erastus Torrey, Nathan B. Dodge,
Miner Spicer, Warren H. Smith, Justus Gale, Joseph Cole, David
Allen, Jesse Allen, Jacob Brown and Nathan S. Jones, were some-
what promisicuously mingled.
Though nearly, if not quite, all of the belligerents in this wordy
\varfare have passed away, and though the society, in another loca-
tion, has for many years maintained more than an average stand-
ing in usefulness and numbers, among the many similar benefi-
cent institutions of our goodly city, it is questionable whether the
deleterious influences of those early contentions, among really good
men, have not been felt, in a greater or less degree, through all the
intervening half century.
The Methodist Society, also, got into a similar tangle, mainly
through sectional jealousies, regarding the building .of their first
house of worship, about the same time; certain of the members
connected with the raising of funds and erecting arid furnishing
the building, accusing each other of gross irregularities. This
bitter feeling, though riot ventilated through the public press, con-
tinued for several years, and finally, when the building was
destroyed by fire, on the morning of March 17, 1841, each party
accused the other of having set the building on fire, though the
"UPPER" VERSUS "LOWER" TOWN. 61
origin of the fire was, doubtless, purely accidental. The original
Congregational society was also twice rent asunder, and finally
annihilated, by unhappy dissensions, which will be fully set forth
in a subsequent chapter.
BITTER POSTOFFICE WAR.
Up to 1837, a full year after both the rival villages of North
and South Akron, had been consolidated by Legislative enactment
into the corporate "Town of Akron," arid though by this time
much the larger portion of the business of the town was done
north of the "gore," when it was sought to remove the postoffice
from the upper to the lower town, a struggle ensued, which in
point of bitterness, renders the partisan and personal squabbles of
modern office seekers the very extreme of mildness and cor-
diality.
Some three or four years prior to that time, Akron's first post-
master, Wolsey Wells, Ksq., having left the place, had been
succeeded by Mr. Lewis Humiston, keeper of the Clark tavern,
the office being located in a small building immediately east of the
hotel, on Exchange street, the late Arad Kent officiating as his
deputy.
As Mr. Humiston was about to leave the town, it became
necessary to secure the appointment of his successor. There were,
of course, a number of applicants for the place, and among the
rest, the late Judge Constant Bryan, and another lawyer by the
name of Harvey H. Johnson, both Democrats and both northenders.
Who the southern candidates "were, is not now remembered, but
the contest was so bitter that the appointment hung fire for some
time, Postmaster General Amos Kendall finally intimating that
unless the two factions reconciled their differences he \vould
discontinue the office.
In this emergency, after a conference with that gentleman,
the southenders gave in their adhesion to Mr. Johnson, and he,
consequently, received the appointment some time in June, 1837;
it being aftewards vigorously claimed that the withdrawal of their
opposition to him by the southenders, "was upon the distinct under-
standing that, if appointed, he would not remove the office north
of the "gore."
For several months after the appointment of Mr. Johnson, the
Akron postoffice continued to "do business at the old stand," on
Exchange street, much to the* delight of the southenders, and
very greatly to the disagruntlement of the northenders, who
were not backward in expressing their feeling to Mr. Johnson, both
verbally and through the press.
At length, some time in December, 1837, the confiding south-
enders one morning suddenly awoke to the disagreeable and
astounding fact, that the office had not only been removed, but
that, not stopping to rest, for even a single moment, upon the
"gore," it had gone "clean down" to their hated rival, "Cascade,"
into the building then owned by the late Col. Lewis P. Buckley,
on the site of our present splendid postoffice structure.
This high-handed act of "perfidy" and "treason" immediately
called down the direst anathemas of the southenders upon the
devoted head of the offending postmaster, the arraignment of
whom, written by the late Jedediah D. Commins, and signed by
62 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
that gentleman and the late Judge Samuel A. Wheeler and Gen.
Philo Chamberlin, as published in the American Balance,
commences as follows:
"The doctrine that a public servant is bound to resign when he finds
himself unable, or unwilling-, to perform the duties of an office in the manner
he had pledged himself to those who were the active cause of his appoint-
ment, has been long sanctified by the republicans of this country, and acted
on by every high-minded man, when he found himself so circumstanced."
After nearly a column of high sounding platitudes "violation of
solemn pledges," "plighted faith," "stung by the viper we had nour-
ished in our bosoms," "stab in the dark," " forfeited honor," "want of
gratitude," "gentlemanly feeling," "moral restraint," etc. the man-
ifesto concludes \vith several affidavits to the effect that the
affiants had, at divers times and places, heard Mr. Johnson say
that if he should receive the appointment, he would not remove
the office north of the "gore," or stone quarry.
To this severe castigation, Mr. Johnson, after a few prelim-
inary observations, gets back at the gentlemen whose signatures
are thereto attached as follows:
"As your communication was intended to affect the public mind, not
only in our own vicinity, but at a distance, it is proper that I should premise
by informing the public by what and by whom my private as well as my
public character has been wantonly assailed. Is it -not true of one of your
number, that he has succeeded, to his entire satisfaction, in failing two or
three times in the State of New York, and from the wreck has been able to
establish two most splendid wholesale and retail stores in Ohio? In regard
to another, is it not true that there is a letter in town which asks if a note of
some $30 or $40, can be collected, which was given before he absconded from
the town of E., in Vermont 7 "
After much more similar verbiage, reflecting upon the honesty
and credibility of his assailants, Postmaster Johnson continues as
follows: "I will only add that where the parties to this transaction
and the circumstances are known, I do not deprecate the righteous
decision of a virtuous community your allegations and affidavits
to the contrary, notwithstanding."
The editor of the Balance having declined to publish anything
further on the subject, in a 16-page pamphlet, now in possession
of the writer, Messrs. Commins, Wheeler and Chamberlin, in a
lengthy rejoinder, including affidavits from Ferdinand Durand, C.
P. McDonald, Dr. Dana D. Evans, Asa Field, Jonathan Myers,
George Howe, Joshua Catlin, Silas Anson, E. M. Chamberlin, Miner
Spicer and Arad Kent, in opening, say: "In regard to what you
are pleased to say about ourselves, it may be proper to remark that
it does not become us to speak of our own standing in this com-
munity, but whatever it may be, we have too much self-respect to
notice your abusive epithets and innuendoes, further than to say,
if our characters need defense from such vituperation, they are no
longer worth our care." And further on they clinch the matter
against the offending P. M., thus: "But it requires not the gift of
prophecy to foretell that when your hair shall have been whitened
by the frosts of a few more winters, as you walk among mankind,
and they shall hereafter see you moving alone in the midst of
society, with the brand of 'forfeited faith' burnt deep in your fore-
head, you will regret, in the bitterness of your soul, the course you
have taken in relation to this whole matter."
DISSENSIONS HAPPILY ENDED.
63
But the fact remains that the Akron Postoffice was removed
to "Cascade" just 54 years ago, and that, as water then the most
potent factor in the growth and maintenance of towns and cities
would run down hill, instead of up, the preponderance of business
and industry were largely in its favor. Commins, Chamberlin and
others of the original business men of the South End, had to suc-
cumb to the inevitable, and a few years later removed their own
business operations north of the "gore;" though the decadence in
the volume and value of water power, and the rapidly increasing
use of steam, as a propelling agent, has, in these latter days, again
brought to Ancient Akron, south of the "gore" and in fact to said
"gore" itself, as well as to the ancient burgh of Middlebury, a high
degree of business enterprise and prosperity, thus Wonderfully
demonstrating the truth of the old adtige that " the whirligig of
time makes all things even," while the offending postmaster was
elected Mayor of Akron in 1842 and 1843, afterwards went to Con-
gress from the Ashland District, and was subsequently U. S. Land
ommissiorier, in Minnesota, where he still resides.
The office was, a few years later, removed still further "down
town," and after several changes of location, was finally established
in "Gothic Block," a view of which is here given, where it
remained until removed to its present location, in 1871, as elsewhere
stated.
Gothic Block, erected by Ex-Mayor James Mathews, on present site of J. Koch
& Go's Clothing Store. From photo by George W. Manley, 1861.
64 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
CHAPTER IV.
THE BOOM AND THE COLLAPSE POETRY VERSUS FACT SPECULATION RAM-
PANT WONDERFUL ENHANCEMENT OF VALUES, AND STILL MORE WONDER-
FUL DECLINE THE MORUS MULTICAULIS CRAZE IMMENSE FORTUNES THAT
DIDN'T MATERIALIZE THE PANIC OF 1837 HARD TIMES. AS WAS HARD
TIMES THE SHIN-PLASTER ERA DECIDEDLY A MIXED CURRENCY THE
"TRUCK AND DICKER" SYSTEM, ETC., ETC.'
A DECIDED BOOM.
In a work of this character, it will, of course, be impossible to
present a strictly chronological narrative of the events to be
treated of; consequently there will sometimes be, for the sake of
continuity on the subject under immediate consideration, a
reaching forward, and at other times a backward movement, as to
the order of occurrences herein recorded. Though the growth of
Akron, notwithstanding its antagonisms, had hitherto, from its
very inception, been almost phenomenal, in the West, for those
early times, the location of the Pennsylvania and Ohio canal, com-
monly known as the ''Cross-cut" canal, from the Ohio River a
short distance below Pittsburgh, to this point, gave an impetus to
the boom which has scarcely been exceeded in the later gold,
silver, oil and gas booms of California, Colorado, Pennsylvania and
Ohio.
While Howard and Market streets \vere then, as now, the chief
business streets in North Akron, the sticking of the stakes in
Main street for the new canal, in 1835, caused the real estate upon
that street, between Mill and Tallmadge, streets more than quad-
ruple in value in a very short time; it being confidently believed
that the completion of the canal \vould immediately create .a
demand for large warehouses, and other business blocks, along the
entire street.
Such was also the case in South Akron, and lots abutting
upon the canal, fronting on Main street, between the present City
Building and the Clarendon Hotel, were immediately and eagerly
sought after, and contracted for (but not always paid for) at almost
fabulous prices, both on speculation and by persons who really
designed to improve and occupy them on the completion of the
canal; one substantial three-story brick block having actually been
built, and the store-room filled with goods, by Mr. Benjamin \V.
Stephens, on the present site of Merrill's pottery, the south end of
which is part of the original building.
Money, such as it was, was plenty, and credit was seemingly
lavished upon all who asked for it; large stocks of goods were
ordered, and stores and other business enterprises rapidly increased
so that, in the early part of the year 1836, the town was seemingly
upon the very apex of the high road to prosperity and wealth.
A local poet (Mr. Milo Fuller, brother of the late well-known
"Doctor" Isaiah Fuller) voiced the popular enthusiasm and con-
POETRY VERSUS FACT. 65
iidence in Akron's future, in the following "jingle," which we find
in a local journal of the time:
"AKRON IN 1840."
A few days since, in this now peaceful glen,
The wild-beast lurked securely in his den,
The stately savage, with his dart and bow,
With dauntless step pursued his stealthy foe;
The serpent's hiss, the war-song and the" yell,
Was oft re-echoed frcni each hill and dell,
And in this vale frotn which yon Summit rose,
The panther crouched, and safely sought repose,
The gloom of darkness, as in sable night,
Hung o'er this valley and obscured the sight.
Where Nature saw would rise, in grandeur drest,
The great, unrivaled Princess of the West.
The white man came, the savage Indian fled,
The wild-beast started from his leafy bed;
The war-song ended when the mighty blow,
Of Eastern genius laid the forest low;
Yon rugged hills, that sought the sky in vain,
Fell by the shock, and formed a pleasant plain;
Hence grew this city, which unrivaled stands.
A beacon-light to all benighted lands.
Here, Science reigns and guides the statesman's quill,
And Arts develop all their wondrous skill;
Here, Virtue sits enthroned in robes divine,
With modest Beauty kneeling at her shrine;
Here, Pleasure, too, with all her matchless charms,
Invites the youth, and calls them to her arms,
And gently whispers to each mirthful son,
' The banquet's open for your sport and fun;
While all tilings grand and pleasing to the eye.
Allure the traveler as he passes by.
And with glad accents from his weary breast,
He hails a home, a refuge and a rest.
Thus has Dame Fortune from her bounteous store,
Poured forth her treasures on this happy shore,
And every breeze from every sun-lit land,
Is wafting blessings with a liberal hand,
And all the world with honor deigns to bless,
THE GREAT AXI) MIGHTY LOWELL OF THE WEST.
The foregoing doggerel was, as before intimated, a true index
of the prognostications, as to both its proximate and ultimate great-
ness, indulged in by the average citizen of Akron, in 1835-6. Bu,t,
alas! how uncertain are human calculations and human prophe-
cies. Not only the new and snappy town of Akron, but the entire
country was at that period on a high pressure boom; all making
haste to get rich, but to be overtaken by the inevitable sequence of
over-production, over-trading and excessive speculation irretriev-
able collapse the now historical panic of 1837.
So disastrous was the collapse in Akron that only two or three,
out of the score or more of the mercantile establishments of the
town, maintained their financial integrity, while real estate sank
in value almost out of sight. To such an extent did this deprecia-
tion fall, and continue, that, in 1839, the writer leased from Col.
Justus Gale the lot on Main street now covered by the handsome
new brick blocks of Augustus Warner and E. G. Kubler, and from
Mr. Nathan B. Dodge the adjoining lot upon the north, now occu-
pied by Paige Brothers' magnificent stone front block, for which
bh AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
$1,(KK) each had been paid in 1835, for the period of five years,
for the payment of the taxes; while hundreds of lots, (thus pur-
chased at boom prices, either reverted to the original owners or
were sold for taxes.
GENERAL MONETARY CRASH.
At that period the most of the banks of the country were
chartered under loosely-constructed State laws, the greater por-
tion of them being what were properly denominated " Red Dog,"
or "Wildcat" institutions. When the crash came, all the banks of
the country, good, bad and indifferent, immediately suspended specie
payment, and gold and silver, which had been in fair supply dur-
ing the flush times, at once almost entirely disappeared from
circulation. Many of the banks failed out-right, and the large vol-
ume of the notes of such banks then in the hands of the people,
became entirely worthless. Others maintained a partial standing,
their notes for a time being taken by merchants in exchange for
merchandise, at discounts ranging from 10 to 90 per cent.
This condition of things . continued for several years, THE
BEACON of June 15th, 1842, giving quotations of discounts as follows:
Mechanics' and Traders' bank of Cincinnati, 10; Marietta, 10;
Chilicothe, 20; Franklin bank of Columbus, 20; Lancaster, 20; Com-
mercial Bank of Lake Erie, 40; Farmers' Bank of Canton, 50;
Hamilton, 60; Cleveland, 70; Steubenville, 75; Urbana, 75; Gran-
ville, 80; Ohio Railroad, 85. As indicative of the dire financial
distress of the entire country, particularly Akron and Summit
County, at that period, THE BEACON of November 2, 1842, contains
five full pages of delinquent taxes, while -wheat is quoted at 50
cents per bushel, arid a year or so later a single number of THE
BEACON advertises 54 sheriff sales.
A few of the old banks of the country, though suspending spe-
cie payment, maintained their financial standing, among which, in
this vicinity, were the old Western Reserve, at Warren; Banks of
Geauga, Massillon, Wooster, Norwalk, Sandusky, etc., (Akron hav-
ing no bank at that time). The notes of these banks were readily
taken at par in all commercial transactions, though being
extremely conservative as to discounts, their limited issues were
entirely inadequate to meet the wants of the people in their abso-
lutely necessary business transactions.
. Then came into existence, all over the country, a class of local
"shinplaster" factories, from which small notes for circulation
were issued, payable, not in specie, but in current bank notes, the
most of these institutions purporting to be based upon real estate
securities. Of this class, now readily recalled to mind by the wri-
ter, were the "Kirtland Safety Fund Bank," under the auspices of
the original Mormon prophet, Joe Smith; "The Orphan's Institute,"
at Canal Fulton; "The Cuyahoga Falls Real Estate Association;"
''The Medina Land Company;" "The Munroe Falls Manufacturing
Company;" "The Franklin Silk Company," etc.
THE MORUS MULTICAULIS CRAZE.
This latter institution was based upon the silk culture craze
that then prevailed in many sections of the country, with which
the people of Munroe Falls, Franklin Mills (now Kent), and other
THE " SHINPLASTER " ERA. 67
places in this vicinity \vere severely smitten village lots, as well
as farm lands, being held and sold at fabulous prices. Immense
cocooneries were built, and everybody having land went into the
raising of the morns niulticuulis variety of the mulberry tree, on
which to feed the silk worms.
A wealthy farmer by the name of Barber Clark, a short dis-
tance east of the village of Franklin Mills, made arrangements to
devote his entire farm to the business, and among other like
transactions, contracted with Joy H. Pendleton, Esq., now of the
Second National Bank of this city, then residing there, for all the
young trees of a single year's growth, that he could raise for three
years, at 25 cents each for the first year, 15 cents for the second
year and 10 cents for the third year. As they could readily be
grown from slips, or cuttings, it will be seen that Pendleton had a
mighty good thing of it, (in his eye). The first year the plant was
comparatively small, but the second year he was on hand with
some $3000 \vorth, and by the third year he would have realized,
under his contract, about $50,000. But, alas! for human calcula-
tions and, alack! for Pendleton and Clark. The bottom suddenlj r
fell out of the silk business; Clark was irretrievably bankrupted
and Pendleton not only did not realize his $50,000, but absolutely
lost, from Clark's failure, about $2000 of the $3000 already earned,
and, considering the outlay he had made, was probably consider-
ably out of pocket by the operation.
In the general dearth of real money, the bills of these local
institutions circulated more or less freely, in the traffic of the
vicinity where they were issued, and to a limited extent in more
remote localities. Being redeemable in sums of not less than five
dollars, holders of lesser sums at length found it difficult to get rid
of them, giving rise to a brood of street brokers, who would buy
them up at a discount, paying for them, perhaps, in the equally
worthless notes of the "Bank of Pontiac," or ''River Raisin," of
Michigan, or simular red-dog "currency."
When these speculators began to pass in their accumulations
for redemption, the shinplaster fabricators were found to be decid-
edly short of "current bank notes" wherewith to redeem their
promises to pay, and speedily fell into disrepute and eventual
failure. The Franklin Silk Company was an exception to this
rule; the late Zenas Kent, father of the Hon. Marvin Kent, then
a substantial merchant in Ravenna, being a large stockholder in
the company in question, rendered the value of its notes certain
and their redemption sure.
Owing to the scarcity of coin, merchants, hotel-keepers and
other business men, issued considerable amounts of a species of
private "fractional currency," payable on demand in their own
wares, or in current bank bills, when presented in sums of one
dollar or its multiple. These however, unlike* the majority of the
class above named, were pretty generally re leemed, in one or the
other of the modes indicated upon their face.
In fact, so uncertain was every species of "currency," that
people at length became, distrustful of even the very best, and
preferred to exchange such commodities as they raised, or manu-
factured, for such fabrics or. produce as they themselves needed;
and even if a man got hold of a dollar or two in "currency," he
would hasten to get it off his hands the same day, lest he should
68 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
wake up the next morning to find that the bank had failed during
the night. Hence, the inauguration of the "truck and dicker""
system that will be so vividly remembered by the older portion of
my readers, and which was operated something as follows:
Country produce was bought by all our merchants, and invar-
iably paid for in goods, or credited on running accounts, farmers, in
turn, paying their help, farm hands and mechanics, whom they
employed or dealt with, in their own products, or in orders upon
the stores. There were a number of woolen factories then running
in the town and vicinity, and "sheep's gray" cloth, was almost a
"legal tender" in the transaction of nearly every kind of business,
while the goods and wares of the numerous stove founders of the
town, were of almost equal potency as factors of trade and com-
merce.
How was it done? Something like this: A carriage maker,
for instance, would sell a wagon or buggy to the factory or foundry
man, and agree to take his pay in cloth or castings. Then he
would trade off his cloth or his castings for lumber, wood, coal r
horses, hay, oats, beef, pork, potatoes, apples, butter, cheese, poultry,,
eggs, etc., or perhaps sell a roll of cloth at a discount to a merchant
to be paid for in goods. Then, in turn, he would pay his hands in
sheep's gray, farm produce, orders on stores, furniture dealers,,
tailors, shoemakers, butchers, etc. In payment for his new \vagon
or carriage, the farmer would turn in ten or a dozen fat steers,
which the wagon maker would pass over to the butcher to be paid
for in daily steaks and roasts for the family of the wagon maker
and his hands.
And this system of exchange entered into all the ramifications
of business, agricultural, manufacturing, mechanical and com-
mercial, and to a great extent into real estate transactions; the
writer once taking in part payment for a house and lot on Howard
street, 40 brass clocks, which in turn, were traded off to the lumber
dealers, the stone mason, the carpenter, the brick mason and the
plasterers, for the erection of another house on the lot next north
of the new Baptist Church on South Broadway.
Individuals and firms doing thousands of dollars worth of busi-
ness per year, would thus sometimes go weeks at a time without
handling scarcely a dollar in money. During a good portion of the
time covered by this financial and commercial depression, the "wri-
ter was engaged in the publication of a small paper in the interest
of which he personally canvassed the most of the towns and villages
of Northern Ohio, and in about the proportion of nine to one, pay-
ments for subscription and advertising \vere made in trade, woolen
cloths, calicoes, sheetings, shirtings, furnishing goods, boots, shoes,
tinware, saddlery, etc., which in turn \vere traded for paper, wood,
coal, farm produce, etc., for the use of his own and his printers'
families. This state 'of affairs was, in many respects, a very whole-
some experience and discipline for both the business man and the
farmer, mechanic and laborer of the day, inasmuch as the con-
stant figuring and ingenuity required to transmute such commodi-
ties as he could get for his own labor or products, but for which he
had no use, into such articles as he really did need, had a tendency
to sharpen both his intellectual and his business faculties, while at
the same time it inculcated habits of the strictest industry and the
most rigid economy of both individuals and families.
IMPRISONMENT FORT DEBT. 69
Of course, merchants had to have some money to make their
purchases in the Bast, though these were largely made with wool
and other produce taken from the farmer in exchange for goods.
Mechanics would also need to have a little money, to buy their
iron, steel, paints, etc., and in making their contracts would have
to stipulate accordingly, a liberal amount of good Kastern money
finding its way into circulation here, during the Summer, in the
purchase of wheat, \vool, etc. There being no railroads in those
days, transportation of every description from the Bast to the West,
and from the West to the East, was entirely suspended for nearly
one-half of the year; the writer, on getting married and going to
housekeeping in November (1838), being obliged to hire beds and
bedding to use through the Winter, until the provident you rig lady,
who had consented to unite her destiny \vith his, could get her own
liberal collection of such articles, from her former home in the
State of New York; on the opening of navigation in the Spring.
And dire, indeed, was the condition of the poor wight who was
so unfortunate as to be indebted to a heartless creditor; and the town
arid county was then, as now, perhaps, cursed with a class of Shy-
locks, who not only stood ready to prey upon the necessities of
their fellows, but to invariably insist upon the "pound of flesh," if
the victim found himself unable to meet the fullest requirements
of his bond, or of the inhuman and oppressive laws then in vogue.
There was then no exemption of real estate from execution, and
but about $20 worth of personal property, such as furniture, per-
sonal clothing, etc. In one instance in the South Village, in Decem-
ber, 1838, and which created the most intense excitement in the
community, as \vell as severe newspaper comment, in collecting a
small store account from a hard-working mechanic, the creditor
caused the Sheriff to levy upon everything he could find in and
about the house furniture, meat, flour, potatoes, beans, apples, etc.,
and even the cradle of a sick infant and the washtub which con-
tained its soiled linen, the family books, the ax from the scanty
wood, pile, etc., and when, in setting off the exemptions, the wife of
the debtor wanted them to include a portion of the provisions, the
creditor objected, because the law exempted clothing and furniture
only.
The law then sanctioned imprisonment for debt, arid if the
creditor chose to do so, by paying a dollar or two a week for board,
to the Sheriff, he could cast his debtor into jail for an indefinite
period, unless he could prevail upon some friend to sign a bond
admitting him to the limits of the county, in which case, if he but
stepped over the county line for a single moment, the bondsman
would become liable for the entire debt. Under this barbarous
law, Mr. Charles W. Howard, one of Akron's pioneer manufacturers
and merchants, and for whom our well-known arid well-used How-
ard street was named, was, in 1837, incarcerated in the jail of
Portage County for nearly a year, at the instance of the local
attorneys of the well-remembered New York dry goods firm of
Tappan, Edwards Co., the senior member of which firm Arthur
Tappan was the best known philanthropist and promoter of the
A riti slavery cause, and other humanitarian and benevolent enter-
prises, of half a century ago. Of course, in the extensive operations
of the firm, Mr. Tappan had no personal knowledge of this particu-
lar transaction, but, on the contrary, it was said that on his atten-
70
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
tion being called to the matter, through certain strictures in the
little paper, devoted to the righting of similar \vrongs, which the
writer was then publishing (the " BUZZARD") Mr. Howard's dis-
charge was at once ordered. Be this as it may, Mr. H. was released
from custody? either by such order, or by the repeal of the law in
question, in March 1838. Mr. Howard's case was, by no means, the
only case, in which citizens of early Akron and contiguous villages,
suffered imprisonment for debt, though in most of the cases so
long a confinement, or perhaps any actual incarceration, was obvi-
ated by furnishing the required bond, giving them the range of the
county thus, of course, affording them the privilege of being with
their families and of pursuing their customary vocations.
It will thus be seen and those of my contemporaries who have
lived through them all, will bear me out in the assertion that the
"hard times" resulting from the panics of 1873 to 1877, and from
1883 to 1887, \vere unalloyed prosperity, compared with the disas-
trous nine years' panic and financial arid commercial depression,
from 1837 to 1846.
As may readily be imagined, during that dark period in its
history, Akron made but comparatively slow progress; though even
then, it pluckily more than held its own with its sister towns in
Ohio, and of the West generally.
View from near residence of Mr. Lorenzo Hall, " West Hill," looking
northeast. From photo, by G. \V. Mauley, INTO.
THE "CROSS-CUT" CAXAL. 71
CHAPTER V.
EAKLY INTER STATE ENTERPRISE -THE "CROSS-CUT" CAXAL CEX. PERK1XS.
JUDGE K1XG ANY) DOCTOR CROSBY ITS ACTIVE PROMOTERS -CHARTER
OBTAINED IN 1827 -PRELIMINARY SURVEY EIGHT YEARS' SLUMBER PRO-
JECT REVIVED OHIO A LARGE STOCKHOLDER -DELAYED BY PAXIC OF 1-SH7
CHANGE OF ROUTE MERGED WITH CASCADE MILL RACE GREAT EXPEC-
TATIONS COMPLETED AT LAST FIRST BOAT TO >I IDDLEBUR Y FIRST BOAT
FROM PITTSBURG GRAND CELEBRATION MAGNIFICENT RECEPTION" TO
GOV. PORTER OF PENNSYLVANIA -BANQUET. SPEECHES, TOASTS, ETC. -
DEATH OF EXCURSIONIST FROM APOPLEXY EARLY MODES OF TRANSPOR-
TATIONCANAL PROSPEROUSLY OPENED ADVERSITY AND DECLINE
SWALLOWED BY THE MAHONIXG RAILROAD- LEASED TO AKROX HYDRAULIC
COMPANY NOCTURNAL NAUGHTINESS -BANKS CUT AND WATER DRAWN
OFF CHARTER FORFEITED CANAL SOLD MORE NIGHT WORK FINAL
DEMISE RAILROAD BUILT UPON ITS RUINS, ETC., ETC.
PENNSYLVANIA AND OHIO CANAL.
UP to 1840, the only access to, or egress from, Akron, except by
wagon, etc., was by the Ohio Canal, completed from Akron
to Cleveland in 1827, and through to the Ohio river in 1830. As
early as 1825, however, the project of constructing a canal from
the Ohio river, a short distance below Pittsburg, to connect with the
Ohio canal, then just commenced, at the Portage Summit, began
to be agitated, a meeting of prominent citizens of Trumbull and
Portage counties, in the furtherance of that project, being held at
Ravenna, November 6, 1825, Gen. Simon Perkins, of Warren, and
Dr. Eliakim Crosby, of Middlebury, being placed upon the com-
mittee to collect information as to the most favorable route, etc.
The ensuing Winter, a bill was introduced in the Ohio Legis-
lature to incorporate the Pennsylvania & Ohio Canal Company,
"for the sole purpose of making a navigable canal between some
suitable point on the Ohio river, through the valley of the Maligning
river, to some suitable point on Lake Erie, or to some point on the
Ohio Canal," said act to go into effect when the Legislature of
Pennsylvania should pass a similar act, but final action upon the
bill was postponed until the next session.
The people along the line now became "terribly in earnest" on
the subject, and numerous meetings were held at Beaver, New
Castle, Warren, Ravenna, Franklin Mills, Middlebury, etc., in which
Gen. Perkins, Judge King, Dr. Crosb}% Judge Wetmore and others
participated, and on the 10th day of January, 1827, the bill passed
the Ohio Legislature, with Jonathan Sloane, of Ravenna, and
Frederick Wadsworth, of Kdinburg (afterwards for many years a
resident of Akron), as the corporators for Portage County, a sim-
ilar bill passing the Pennsylvania Legislature the following April.
Outside of preliminary surveys, under the auspices of the
Canal Commissioners of Pennsylvania and Ohio, nothing further
was accomplished for the period of nearly eight years.
Interest in the project at length having revived, on the 20th
day of February, 1835, the charter was renewed with an amend-
72
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
merit, giving the company ten years from December 31, 1835, in
which to complete the work; Pennsylvania taking similar action
April 13, 1835.
East side Main street, South of Market, showing section of old Pennsylvania and
Ohio Canal, and ruins of Ohio Exchange 1855 from photo, by S. J. Miller.
The Company was organized at Newcastle, May 21, 1835, with
Judge Leicester King as a director, and as the Secretary; Col.
Sebrfted Dodge (afterwards owner of the "Dodge farm," three miles
west of Akron), being appointed Chief Engineer. The State having
promised to take one dollar of the stock of the company, for every
two dollars subscribed by private parties, Judge King pushed the
matter so vigorously, both at home and in Pittsburg, Philadelphia,
etc., that he was soon enabled to report private subscriptions to the
amount of $840,000, the State promptly responding in the sum of
$420,000; the Pennsylvania Legislature, in 1839, contributing $50,000
for ttie completion of the work. In those days the present system
of exchange was not in vogue, nor were there responsible express
companies everywhere in operation, as now, and on his return from
his successful canvass for stock subscriptions in Philadelphia, he
brought with him, over the mountains, several hundred thousand
dollars of gold and paper money in a common leather satchel, an
exploit that would, be considered very risky now, with all our
improved police regulations and methods of travel.
Though pushed quite vigorously for two or three years, for
those comparatively slow times, the work was somewhat retarded
by the panic of 1837, owing to the difficulty of collecting stock
installments, so that the canal was.not fully completed arid opened
to through navigation until the spring of 1840, though portions at
either end were in use as early as May, 1839.
The project, originally, contemplated running the canal
directly through Middlebury, with its western terminus a/bore
Lock One, on the Ohio Canal. This would have entirely given
Cuyahoga Falls and North Akron the go-by. But in the interven-
COMPLETION OF THE \V<>K'K.
73
ing years a material change of interest had taken place with Gen.
Perkins, Judge King, Dr. Crosby and several others of its early
promoters, which, together with some engineering difficulties
encountered by the management, and the powerful influences
brought to bear by the people of Cuyahoga Falls, resulted in a
change of route, by which, after crossing the valley of the L/ittle
Cuyahoga, it should merge itself with, and follow the route of, the
Cascade Mill race, and unite with the Ohio Canal 6e7owLock One.
This change necessitated the construction south of Cuyahoga
Falls, of nine descending locks to meet the level of the race, and
of one lock up, at Mill street, in Akron, to meet the level of its junc-
tion with the Ohio Canal, thus very materially augmenting the
waters of the race, and by so much the power and value of the
mills.
View of North Main street from Market, showing old Pennsylvania and Ohio
Canal, Market street canal bridge, etc., 1875.
Under this arrangement, and to somewhat mitigate the disap-
pointment of the Middleborians, a side-cut was constructed,
following the race from the junction southward to the mills and
warehouses in that village. The first boat to navigate the western
end of the new canal, was the "Joseph Vance," which, on May 9,
1839, carrying a jolly load of passengers, sailed from the junction,
in South Akron, making a triumphant entry into the "port" of
Middlebury, amid the joyful plaudits of the people of that ancient
metropolis.
It was riot only supposed that this canal would greatly inure
to the advantage of the towns and villages, through which it
passed, but that Pittsburg, Philadelphia and other points in
Pennsylvania, as well as Cleveland, Columbus and other points in
Ohio, and further west arid south, would be largely benefited
therebv.
74
AKKOX AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
On this point, the BEACON of May 6, 1839, said: "This canal will
be of very great importance to the cities of Philadelphia and
Pittsburg. In the Spring goods can be brought from Philadelphia
four or five weeks earlier than by the New York Canal, which will
make a vast difference with merchants who live far in the interior,
who are naturally impatient at the long interruption to navigation
which now occurs between the West and New York; and all the
Kastern purchases will find their way to their destination by this
route!" the idea also being advanced that during the long seasons
of suspension of navigation, by reason of low \vater in the upper
Ohio, shipments of merchandise and products to the lower Ohio
and Mississippi could be made over this route; a Pittsburg paper
of about this date, saying: "This very important canal will open
to our city the trade of Warren, Akron, Massillon, Cleveland, and
all the north and western portions of the flourishing State of Ohio;
also of the lakes and Michigan, New York, Canada, etc."
View of P. and O. Canal, South Main street from rear of Howard the dwelling
ind clothes-yard in foreground, being the present site of O'Neil & Dyas' store.
On the eastern division, the first trip from Beaver to Warren
was made by the packet "Ontario," May 23, 1839, quite a jollifica-
tion taking place on its arrival; among the impromptu toasts offered
and responded to, being: "Judge Leicester King and Col. Sebried
Dodge, to whom the public is much indebted for the early comple-
tion of this part of the P. & O. Canal, in which they have done the
company great justice, and themselves much credit!"
The first boat through from Beaver, freighted with mer-
chandise from Pittsburg, mostly iron, nails, glass, etc., arrived in
Akron, April 4, 1840, on noticing which fact the BEACON said:
" Pennsylvania and Ohio are now united by a canal which prom-
ises to be of immense benefit to both, and the citizens of Akron
should felicitate themselves upon the completion of this impor-
tant work, -which, from its termination at this point, cannot but be
of great importance to our already flourishing town."
In May, 1840, Judge King, Secretary of the company, success-
fully negotiated, at par, in Philadelphia, a sufficient amount of
ENTHUSIASTIC CELEBRATION. <O
the bonds of the company to cancel its floating indebtedness and
place it upon a firm financial foundation, with abundant funds to
fully complete the line.
At a meeting of the Board of Directors, at Warren, June 18 r
1840, it was resolved to celebrate the completion of the work, all
along the line, and a committee of arrangements was appointed,
consisting of Judge Leicester King, Hon. David Tod, Jonathan
Sloane, Ksq., and Col. Sebried Dodge; the programme being for the
boats to start from Newcastle, Pa., at 6 o'clock A. M., August 4,
proceed to Youngstown for dinner, and to Warren the same
evening; leave Warren at 6 A. M., August 5, dine at Ravenna, and
arrive at Franklin Mills (now Kent) the same evening; August (>
leave Franklin at 7 A. M., and with brief stops at Munroe Falls, and
Cuyahoga Falls, proceed directly to the junction of the two
canals, in South Akron.
The programme was successfully carried out. The Pennsyl-
vania party, including Gov. David R. Porter, were met at the State
line, by delegations from Warren and Youngstown, and were warmly
welcomed to Ohio, by Judge King (in the absence of Gov. Wilson
Shannon who had promised to be present), which was fittingly
responded to by Gov. Porter. Similar ceremonies were observed
at Youngstown, where the party dined, with a banquet, speeches,
toasts, etc., at Warren in the evening.
The next day, at Ravenna, a dinner was given the excur-
sionists with an address of welcome by Hon. Darius Ivyman, and
responses by Gov. Porter and Col. Dickey, of Beaver, and in the
evening, a supper and reception were given the party on its
arrival at Franklin Mills.
The next day, making a brief halt at Munroe Falls, where the
villagers and surrounding farmers made the welkin ring with
cheers and shouts of joy, the party, on arriving at Cuyahoga Falls,
were escorted by a band of music, to the American House, where
an enthusiastic reception, with a bounteous collation, was given
them, with an eloquent address of welcome from Hon Elisha N.
Sill, and spirited responses from Gov. Porter, Col. Dickey, Judge
King and others.
Soon after leaving Cuyahoga Falls, the party was met by a
boat carrying Akron's reception committee and other promi-
nent citizens, when the entire fleet, consisting of six new arid
freshly painted boats, with banners and pennants flying, to the
music of the Akron Brass Band, led by the late Henry S. Abbey,
drove gayly into Akron, amid the plaudits of the multitude who
lined both banks of the canal from Tallmadge to Mill streets, and
as soon as the lockage at the latter point could be made, continued
on to final destination, in the lower basin of the Ohio Canal in
South Akron, where an equally demonstrative crowd welcomed its
arrival with booming cannon and prolonged and enthusiastic
cheers.
The six boats were drawn up side by side on the east side of
the basin, many other boats already in the basin, quietly drawing
near, when in the presence of the large concourse of people upon
the shore and surrounding boats, Hon. Rufus P. Spalding deliv-
ered an eloquent address of welcome to the distinguished visitors,
and of congratulation to the officers of the company, at the final
consummation of the great work whose completion they were met to
76 AKRON AXL) SUMMIT COUNTY.
celebrate, to which an equally eloquent and happy response was
made in behalf of the visiting party, by Governor Porter.
At the conclusion of the exercises at the basin, the visitors
were transferred to carriages, and, headed by the band and the
Summit Guards, commanded by Capt. Philo Chamberlin, and fol-
lowed by nearly the entire populace, were escorted to the Univer-
salist Church, on North High street, where Judge King, on behalf
of the directors, made a concise report of the work which had been
so successfully accomplished, and of the highly satisfactory condi-
tion and prospects of the company, Mr. King being followed by
brief and spirited congratulatory speeches from Hon. David Tod,
Gov. Porter, Hon. K N. Sill and others.
At the close of the exercises at the church, the party repaired
to the spacious hall in the third story of May's block (the present
Clareiiden Hotel), where a sumptuous dinner had been spread by
that ancient prince of hotelists, Mr. Samuel Kdgerly (father of Mrs.
B. F. Battels and Charles H. Edgerly).
Here the balance of the afternoon was spent in feasting, drink-
ing, toasting and speaking, in -which both visitors and citizens
heartily participated.
Upon the Akron boat had been borne an elegant silk banner,
upon which, in the line of his early artistical profession, the writer
had painted in gilt, two right hands clasped underneath the legend,
J< Pennsylvania and Ohio." Towards the close of the festivities,
Mr. Spalding, offering as a sentiment: "Pennsylvania and Ohio,
distinguished by unity of interest, unity of principle and unity of
friendship," presented the flag in question to Gov. Porter, "as a
slight testimonial of the respect entertained for him by the citizens
of Akron, and as a memento, in subsequent life, of the joyful festivi-
ties of the day."
On receiving the flag, the Governor feelingly responded,
expressing his great gratification at the kindness of his reception
by the people of Ohio, and especialty at the extreme cordiality that
had been extended to him by the citizens of Akron and Summit
County.
Much wonderment, and very great regret, was indulged in over
the absence of Governor Shannon, after his unqualified agreement
to honor the occasion -with his presence, and on his non-appear-
ance, without explanation, it was feared that he had been suddenly
taken severely ill. But when it soon afterwards transpired that,
on the very days "when the festivities named "were in progress, the
Governor was in attendance upon political meetings in the south
part of the State, making stump speeches in behalf of his own
re-election, the indignation hereabouts was both intense and
emphatic, aiding to some extent, no doubt, in compassing his defeat.
A previous historical writer has given the date of the celebration
as 1841, and Gov. Thomas Corwin as the delinquent official, an error
that should be corrected, as Gov. Shannon was defeated by Mr.
Corwin, at the ensuing October election after his shabby treatment
of Gov. Porter and the people of Northeastern Ohio.
In the evening of the celebration in Akron, as above related,
there was an impromptu reception, with rather a late supper,
accompanied with the usual liquid refreshments then so univer-
sally in vogue, at the Ohio Exchange, on the present site of Woods'
block, corner Main and Market streets. The visitors retiring to.
IX SrcCKSSFl'L OPERATION. 77
their several rooms at rather a late hour, were not very early astir
in the morning, and when finally assembled for breakfast, Major
General Seeley, of Warren, was found to be absent. A friend going
to his room to call him found him dead, from an attack of apoplexy
during the night. The General was 70 years of age, of genial man-
ners, and a great favorite, his sudden and unexpected death, creating
great excitement and the profoundest sorrow among his fellow
excursionists, as well as the citizens of Akron and other towns
along the line of the canal generally.
But sometimes the most serious event has a comical side to it.
A middle-aged son of the General, a physician by profession, being
bibulously inclined, not having entirely recovered from the indulg-
encies of the night previous, on being informed of his father's death,
broke out into an uncontrollable and hysterical fit of weeping. A
lady acquaintance of the family, a former resident of Warren, then
living in Akron, endeavored to comfort him, urging him to cease
weeping and control his feelings, but the Doctor, in his maudlin
phrenzy, pathetically exclaimed: "Why, I I I always cry -when
my dear father dies!"
Among the incorporators and active promoters of the enter-
prise was a rather eccentric and somewhat profane lawyer, of
Ravenna, named Jonathan Sloane, and when the sudden death of
Gen. Seeley, who was one of his most intimate friends, was dis-
closed to him, rubbing his hands together he gleefully exclaimed:
"Dom'd fine! Dom'd fine! Went out of the world with his belly
full of beefsteak and brandy ! "
Hitherto transportation of iron, steel, nails, glass and other
Philadelphia snd Pittsburg manufactures and merchandise, com-
ing into Nortern Ohio, had to be made overland in "Conestoga
wagons" immense schooner-like affairs, drawn by four, six and
eight horses the products of this region, black salts, potash, wool,,
cheese, flour, etc., etc., being in like manner transported thither.
Among the .commanders of this class of crafts, the writer remem-
bers, Mr. Peter More, of Sharon, (father of the well-known cattle-
king, More Brothers, of California), Mr. George Grouse, of Tall-
madge, afterwards of Green, (father of ex-Congressman G. W. Grouse)
and Mr. Patrick Christy, of Springfield, (father of Messrs. James
and John H. Christy), Mr. James Christy himself making an occa-
sional trip both with his father and by himself. Indeed, the writer,
then with a brother running the carriage making and painting
business on the present site, of the Paige block, on South Main
street, made several excursions to Pittsburg with a four-horse rig,
for iron, steel, paints and other supplies, in 1839-40, previous to the
completion of the canal.
The opening of the canal to navigation, as above narrated,
changed all this, quite large warehouses being erected upon its
banks, at Akron, Cuyahoga Falls and other points, for the storage
and forwarding of produce and merchandise through the large num-
ber of boats that immediately commenced plying thereon.
For 12 or 15 years receipts for tolls were quite satisfactory, and
several small dividends upon the stock were declared and paid.
The tolls received at Akron amounted to about $7,000, in 1852; over
$8,000, in 1853; and nearly $9,000, in 1855; quite large shipments
being made by this route between Pittsburg and Cleveland, Mas-
sillon, etc.
78 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
In the meantime, however, railroad competition had come in,
the completion of the Cleveland arid Pittsburg, arid the Akron
branch, in 1852, very materially interfering with the canal, and the
building of the Mahoning Valley road, from Cleveland to Yourigs-
town, a few years later, seriously crippling its resources and
impairing its usefulness and prosperity.
In 1862, under a resolution adopted by the Legislature, iri 1858,
the Sinking Fund Commissioners sold the $420,000 worth of the
stock of the canal owned by the State, to the Mahoning road for
$35,000, which with stock previously secured from private parties,
at equally low rates, gave that company a controlling interest in
the canal. From that moment its doom was sealed; transportation
rates largely discriminating iri favor of the road and against the
canal being adopted, traffic upon the latter soon almost entirely
ceased.
It will be remembered that in the erection of the canal, the
Cascade Mill race, from Middlebury to Akron, had been merged
therein, under an arrangement that gave the mills the advantage
of the surplus or lockage waters from the canal. So when, in 1867,
the Legislature authorized the company to abandon or lease any
portion of the canal it might deem advisable, the Akron Hydraulic
Company leased, in perpetuity, all that portion of the canal
between the Portage summit, near Ravenna, (including the reser-
voirs, feeders, etc.), and Akron, with the view of mantaining the
full supply of water that had hitherto, since the constructing of
the canal, accrued to their several mills.
By a provision of the charter, any portion of the canal not used
for navigation purposes for the period of one year, became forfeited,
the lands covered thereby reverting to their original owners. The
middle and eastern portion having thus gone into disuse, its stag-
nant waters were drained off by contiguous land owners, and its bed
and banks largely brought under cultivation
The Akron Hydraulic Company, however, fully maintained its
rights, under the charter, and its lease, by keeping the section
between Akron arid Ravenna in repair, and passing an occasional
boat along its channel. In the meantime, the people of Cuyahoga
Falls, feeling that not only was the health of the neighborhood
being imperiled by the comparative stagnation of its waters, but
that a large proportion of what water did pass, was just so much
wrongfully kept from the wheels of their own mills and manufac-
tories, in the Spring or early Summer of 1868, the bank of the canal
was clandestinely cut iri three several places, both at, above and
below that village, by which the entire waters of the long level
between Kent and the nine locks were drawn off into the river.
The Hydraulic Company several times repaired the breaches
thus made, and sought to protect them by stationing \vatchmen
along the line, but as often would the waters mysteriously "per-
colate" through the soft earth, and wash it out again. Iri this way
the fatal year was permitted to pass, without a resumption of
navigation, arid quo warranto proceedings were at length brought
in the Supreme Court, in 1872, under which Gen. A. C. Voris, of
Akron, and Hon. Samuel Quinby, of Warren, were appointed
trustees to sell the property, rights, franchises, etc., of the Canal
Company to the highest bidder, which was accordingly done, in
September, 1873, for the sum of $38,000, the Mahoning Railroad
CANAL ABANDONED. 79
Company, being the sole beneficiary of the sale. This sale did not,
of course, affect the rights of the mill men in that portion con-
nected with the original mill race, between Middlebury and
Akron, nor the short section, between the junction with the race,
in Main street, and the Ohio Canal basin in South Akron, the ben-
efits of whose waters, through the Mill street Lock, the mill
owners still for some years continued to enjoy.
To this enjoyment the South Main street people, through
\vhose lands the canal ran, put in an emphatic demurrer one
night, in the Spring of 1874, by filling the canal with earth at the
Exchange street bridge, and tapping the towing path at one or
two points further North, and discharging the waters of the level
upon the bottom lands, and into the Ohio Canal on the west.
Legal proceedings against the supposed nocturnal violators of the
law were instituted, but finally abandoned, and that portion of the
canal also reverted to the contiguous land owners, and the
Pennsylvania and Ohio Canal, as such, became a thing of the past,
and its bed and banks, from Newcastle Junction to Akron are now
covered by the tracks of the Pittsburg & Western Railway, as fully
set forth in another chapter.
The conception of the scheme, however, was a grand one, and
one which, through the sagacity and enterprise of Gen. Perkins,
Judge King, Dr. Crosby and their contemporaries, did its full
share towards establishing the commercial and manufacturing
reputation and importance of Akron, Middlebury and Cuyahoga
Falls, and but for the advent of that still more potent lactor of
human enterprise and progress the modern railroad would still
have been one of the cherished institutions of the State, and a
source of profit to its proprietors.
As a mill race, however, conveying the waters of the Little
Cuyahoga river, Springfield Lake, etc., from Ancient Middlebury,
now the populous Sixth Ward, of Akron, to the several extensive
flouring mills of the city, it is still doing valuable service, though
hidden from sight by a substantial conduit through Main, and that
portion of Mill street, east of Howard. Peace to the "ashes" of
the Pennsvlvariia and Ohio Canal!
80 AKKOX AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
CHAPTER VI.
THE PORTAGE CANAL AND MANUFACTURING COMPANY, OR THE " CHUCKER Y "
ENTERPRISE A MAMMOTH SCHEME SUPERIOR SAGACITY AND ENGINEER-
ING SKILL* OF AKRON'S GREAT BENEFACTOR, DR. ELIAKIM CROSBY "SUMMIT
CITY" FIFTEEN MINUTES A COUNTY SEAT RISE, PROGRESS AND COLLAPSE
MISMANAGEMENT AND RASCALITY PROTRACTED LITIGATION RUIN ALL
AROUND BRIEF BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DOCTOR CROSBY AND FAMILY
TARDY JUSTICE TO HIS MEMORY.
TRULY A MAMMOTH SCHEME.
A FTER the consummation of the Cascade Mill race scheme, by
** which the waters of the Little Cuyahoga river had been turned
from their course, at Middlebury, and brought to North Akron,
thus constituting the extensive water-power now owned by the
Akron Hydraulic Company, and which has, in reality, made Akron
what it is, Doctor Eliakim Crosby conceived the idea of securing
as an adjunct to that then potent element of manufacturing
growth and prosperity, the entire volume of the waters of the Big
Cuyahoga river, also. Quietly, but carefully, making his surveys,
the Doctor satisfied himself that, if the right of way, and the
requisite territory, together \vith an adequate construction fund,
could be secured, a water-power second in magnitude and accessi-
bility to no other in the Western countr3 T could be created, and a
large manufacturing town, rivalling even the most prosperous in
New 5fork and New England could be built up.
The village of Cuyahoga Falls was already largely using the
waters of the river for manufacturing purposes, but the peculiar for-
mation of the land and the stream below the village, -with its deep
and almost inaccessible gorge, rendered the availability of its-
waters, for manufacturing purposes, both difficult and extremely
inconvenient, if not wholly impracticable.
In the furtherance of this project, Doctor Crosby, having sold
his one-third interest in the Cascade Mill race and contiguous
lands in North Akron, to his associates in that enterprise, General
Simon Perkins and Judge Leicester King, with the avails thereof
quietly, through Mr. Eleazer C. Sackett (for many years past, until
his death, July 10, 1889, at the age of 88, a resident of Wyandotte,
Kansas), in 1836 secured, by purchase, all the lands abutting on the
river, on both sides, from a point a little below the " High Bridge, "
in what is now known as the "Glens," to its junction with the
little Cuyahoga, a short distance below Lock Twenty-one upon the
Ohio Canal.
Of the large tract of land thus purchased, nearly four square
miles, or something over 2,500 acres, about 200 acres were nicely
platted, and a large and handsomely engraved and printed map of
" Summit City" was placed on exhibition in the principal business
centers of the country, particularly in the East, and capitalists
were invited to invest in the choice manufacturing sites and
eligible building lots for business blocks and private residences-
displayed thereon.
TRULY A MAMMOTH SCHEME. 81
To those familiar with the territory comprising what is now
generally known as the "Chuckery" (so named from the facetious
remark of that inveterate joker and punster, the late Col. John
Nash, of Middlebury, in reply to the inquiry of a stranger as to
the population of Summit City, that as near as he could judge it
was about 10,000, "that is," he said, with that peculiar leer of his,
"one man and nine thousand, nine hundred and ninety-nine wood-
chucks"), it will be readily seen that the location was remarkably
favorable for the success of the contemplated scheme. The large
plateau, now designated as " North Hill," embracing the Wise
farm, and contiguous lands north to the river, and east to the old
Pennsylvania and Ohio Canal, were admirably adapted to private
residences, public buildings, parks, etc., while the next lower pla-
teau, e"mbracing Cuyahoga street, was to be the business or
mercantile portion of the city^ the contemplated mammoth mills
and manufacturing establishments to be located on the side of the
bluffs, the lower plateau, and along the bottom lands of the Little
Cuyahoga, from a short distance west of the deep cut of the
Howard street extension, around the brow of the hill westerly and
northerly, to the junction of the two rivers.
On the 27th day of February, 1837, a charter -was granted to
Simon Perkins, Eliakim Crosby, Frederick Wads worth, Kleazer
C. Sackett, Kdmund W. Crittenden, Peter Kicher and their asso-
ciates and successors, under name and style of the Portage Canal
and Manufacturing Company, with an authorized capital of $500,-
000, and with power to issue bonds for the purpose of raising funds
for building its dam and canal, and defraying the other necessary
expenses of the corporation, and with authority to mortgage its
entire lands and franchises to secure the paym'ent of such bonds.
The first series of bonds was issued with the view of being
negotiated in London, through the United States Bank of Penn-
sylvania, at Philadelphia, to which institution, as trustee, the
company executed a mortgage upon all its lands and franchises,
on the 19th day of April, 1839, to secure the payment of said bonds.
The total amount of bonds thus authorized was 20,000 sterling,
in forty bonds of 500 each. These bonds, as prepared, were
nicely engraved, with a handsome vignette, representing both a
moving canal boat and a railroad train, fine marginal designs,
with 24 interest coupons attached to each, and were nicely printed
on a fine quality of bank note paper. The body of the bonds read
as follows:
STATE OF OHIO, U. S. A.
Xo
500 St'g. [Canal Boat, etc.) St'g 500.
THE PORTAGE CANAL AND MANUFACTURING- COMPANY, [Incorporated by
the State of Ohio, February, 27th, A. D. 1837), promise to pay to the bearer of this Bond, FIVE
HUNDRED POUNDS STERLING, on the first day of January, one thousand, eight hundred
and with interest thereon at the rate of Six per cent, per annum from the
date hereof. The said interest to be paid semi-annually, on the first days of January and
July, on presenting the proper warrant for the same at .where the principal
will also be paid on the surrender of this certificate at its maturity.
Witness the Seal of said Corporation, with the signatures of the President
[SEAL] and Treasurer, at Akron, Ohio, the day of ,A. D. 18
Treasurer. President.
With the exception of some four or five of these bonds, negoti-
ated with Joseph S. Lake, a Wooster Banker, and a stockholder
in the company, it was found impracticable to carry out this
scheme, because of the alleged stringency of the money market in
82 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
London, and because of the discovery that, being a corporation,
the United States Bank of Pennsylvania, under the laws of that
State, could not legally act as a trustee for their negotiation. An
arrangement was therefore made by the company with Mr. Lake
to give him, in exchange for the bonds he had thus purchased, a
like amount in a new series of bonds to be issued, and the mort-
gage given, as above stated, to the U. S. Bank, was duly cancelled
on the 30th day of March, 1841. On the succeeding day, March 31,
1841, a mortgage was executed in favor of John J. Palmer, of New
York, as trustee, to secure the payment of bonds to be issued by
the company, to the amount of $100,000, in sums of $500 each, to be
negotiated by him, which bonds, similar in style and execution to
the others, as appears by a specimen in the hands of the writer,
were as follows:
[Loan of 100,000 Dollars.] [Real Estate Pledged By Deed of Trust.]
STATE OF OHIO, U. S. A.
$500. [Canal Boat, etc.] $500.
THE PORTAGE CANAL AND MANUFACTURING COMPANY, (Incorporated by
the State of Ohio, February 27, 1857), promise to pay the bearer of this Bond, Fiv r E HUNDRED
DOLLARS, on the first day of January, One Thousand, Eight Hundred and Forty-Six, with
interest thereon at the rate of Six per cent, per annum from the date hereof ; the said
interest to be paid semi-annuallv, on the first days of January and July, on presenting the
proper warrant for the same, at THE MERCHANTS' BANK IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK, at
which INSTITUTION, the principal will also be paid on the surrender of this Certificate at
its maturity.
Witness the Seal of said Corporation, with the Signatures of the President and
[SEAL.] Treasurer, at Akron, Ohio, the thirty-first day of March, A. D. 1841.
S. DAY, Treasurer. ELIAKIM CROSBY, President.
[Instituted March 31, 1841.] [Appraised at five times the amount of the I/oan.J
Some time previous to the issue of the bonds described, the
original proprietors of the lands and water power, Messrs. Crosby,
Eicher, Sackett and Crittenden, transferred the entire property to
the company, after it had become duly organized, being credited
therefor, upon the books of the company, the sum of $500,000, stip-
ulating to erect the dam, construct the canal and cause to be
surveyed and laid out into suitable sized lots for the purposes
designed, 100 acres or more of said lands. Of the $500,000 thus
credited to them, the original proprietors set apart the sum of
$118,000, for the execution of the work they had stipulated to -per-
form. Subsequently, said original proprietors contracted with
Mr. E. C. Sackett to build the canal or race for the sum of $90,000,
Mr. Sackett entered vigorously into the work, its progress, from the
nature of the route to be traversed, being necessarily very
slow, however, and afi^r he had expended about $50,000 the com-
pany, reimbursing him in that amount, purchased his contract,
binding itself to complete the work as stipulated therein. After-
wards the company contracted with Dr. Crosby, for the sum of
$30,000, to complete the dam and race, excepting the unfinished
work upon the latter begun by Mr. Sackett; but for some reason
not now fully ascertainable, this arrangement fell through, and
the company itself, under the superintendencj^ of Dr. Crosby,
proceeded to complete the work.
The means for the earlier prosecution of the work -were mostly
procured from the sale of shares of stock, lots, etc. For this
purpose, Dr. E. W. Crittenden, as general agent of the company,
ASPIRING FOR COUNTY SEAT HONORS. 83
and James W. Phillips as special agent, visited New York
Philadelphia, and other Eastern cities, in the interest of the corpo-
ation. Money being a decidedly "cash article," in those days the
panic of 1837 then being full head on large blocks of stock in
Kastern railroads and other corporations, real estate and all kinds
of merchandise, were taken in exchange for both stock shares and
building lots in the prospective city; a store being opened, about
1810, in the corner room of the historical old stone block where
the M. W. Henry block now stands, corner Howard and Market
streets by E. Darwin Crosby, son of Dr. Eliakim Crosby, the large
double-faced gilt sign, bearing his name, on either side, as above
given, made by the \vriter, now doing service as a shelf for canned
fruit in his [the writer's] cellar, at 510 West Market street.
Later on, in 1842, the late John T. Balch (father of Mr.
Theodoric A. Balch, of 136 Balch street), as agent for John R.
Hudson, of New York, contracted to furnish goods upon the orders
of the company, at retail prices, to the amount of $30,000, on a
year's credit, the company to provide two store rooms for the sale
of said goods, rent free. The main store under the taking title of
" The New York Store," was established in room No. 3, of the stone
block, and filled with a large and well-selected stock of general mer-
chandise, for sale to the public at large, as well as upon the orders
of the company; a smaller but pretty full assortment of goods also
being kept in a store erected by the company in "Summit City,"
on the southwest corner of Cuyahoga street and Tallmadge
avenue. The same building, then occupied as a dwelling by Mr.
Seth Sackett, was destroyed by fire on the night of February 11,
1844, with all its contents, the family, in their night clothes, barely
escaping with their lives; the New York Store closing business on
the 25th day of April, the same year.
FOR FIFTEEN MINUTES A. COUNTY SEAT.
Elsewhere will be found, in detail, the history of the erection
of Summit County, and the protracted and bitter struggle over the
location of the county seat. For the purposes of this chapter it
will be sufficient to say that, in 1840, the "Chuckery" appeared upon
the tapis as a compromise candidate for county-seat honors,
against Akron and Cuyahoga Falls, between which towns a fierce
rivalry existed. Akron claimed it as being the larger, in point of
manufactures, general business and population, and because of its
more convenient access from a large proportion of the territory
included in the new county; while Cuyahoga Falls claimed it
because of its more central geographical location, its alleged
superior water power; its more favorable topographical advantages,
and above all for its unsurpassed salubrity and healthfulness; the
"Chuckery's" claim being that by means of its gigantic hydraulic
operations, then rapidly progressing, Summit City -would speedily
outgrow either of the other claimants, both in the magnitude of its
manufactures and general business, and in population, while its
accessibility, as well as its beauty of location, would be generally
satisfactory to the people of the entire county, and allay the bitter
animosities that were being engendered in the controversy then
being waged between its two rivals.
So promising were the prospects of the company at this time,
and so plausible were the arguments presented by Drs. Crosby and
84
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
Crittenden before the reviewing commissioners, at an all day's
meeting held by them in the Universalist (late Baptist) Church, in
1841, to hear the question discussed, that two of the three commis-
sioners actually decided in its favor, and proceeded to " stick the
stakes" for the public buildings on the first level above the valley
of the Little Cuyahoga, a little east of the house now owned by Mr.
R. A. Grimwood, on Glenwood avenue, built and formerly occupied
by Mr. K. C. Sackett, one of the most prominent and active promot-
ers of the "Chuckery" scheme.
It is possible that this selection would have prevailed, the disas-
ters of the company have been averted and the project have proved
a triumphant success, but for the "moving" remark of bluff old
Dr. Daniel Upson, of Tallmadge, while the measurements were
being made and the stakes driven, who said to the bystanders, loud
enough to be heard by the commissioners, that "nobody but fools
or knaves would think of locating county buildings on such a spot
as that." This so incensed the commissioners who, having con-
versed with the Doctor the day before, knew that though his resi-
dence was nearer the Falls, he was favorable to Akron, that
they immediately pulled up their stakes, and proceeded to locate
the county seat at Cuyahoga Falls as elsewhere stated, resulting
finally in a submission of the question to a vote of the people, in
1842, and a confirmation of the judgment of the original commis-
sioners in favor of Akron.
To those familiar with the topog-
raphy of the section traversed
by the canal, the engineering diffi-
culties to be overcome, \vith the
crude and limited appliances then
in vogue, to say nothing of the
serious financial embarrassments
by which the company and the
contractors were beset, the won-
der is that the really gigantic
work in question could then have
been accomplished as soon as it
was, while in these modern
days of improved labor-saving
expedients, and comparatively
easy finances, it could have been
done in one -fourth the time,
though probably at double the
cost; common laborers upon the
job then receiving but $13 per
month, $2 only of which was in
money, and the remaining $11 in
orders upon the company's stores.
For the information of those who
have never been over the ground, I will attempt to convey what, at
best, will be but a faint idea of the magnitude of the work.
In the first place, a dam, some 20 feet in height, was required
to be thrown across the river, from whence to draw the water
thereof at a sufficient elevation to properly flow through the con-
templated canal and discharge itself, on reaching its intended
outlet at the other end, a distance of nearly four miles. This dam r
View of "Big Falls" on Cuyahoga River,
from "Chuckery" race, opposite "Old
Maid's Kitchen;''
SKILLFUL ENGINEERING FEAT.
85
nearly 100 feet below the general surface of the surrounding coun-
try, was constructed of heavy timbers, anchored to the bed rock, at
the bottom of the narrow gorge \vhere it was located, with the ends
of the upward arching superstructure resting against the solid
rocky walls of the river bank, upon either side. Though meeting
with several disasters and many hindrances, by reason of frequent
floods, during the progress of the work, the dam was finally suc-
cessfully completed some time in the year 1843.
For two miles from the dam, the canal had to be cut from the
solid rock of the overhanging cliff, or built up from the bed of the
btream \vith substantial masonry and curbing, and filled in with
earth difficult of access. On emerging from the gorge of the river
a mile or so above the present covered bridge, the course of the
canal, southward, was through a succession of large spurs of the
high bluffs on the northwestern verge of the upper plateau of the
company's domain, and at an elevation of fully one hundred feet
above the bed of the river.
These bluffs, composed chiefly of sand, had been corrugated and
worn into deep ravines, by the action of the surface water from the
upper plateau in its flow towards the river. These numerous high
ridges required to be cut down, while the intervening gullies had
to be elevated to the proper level for the bed of the canal then
being built. To have done this by the usual modes of excavation
then in vogue, the shovel, the barrow, the scraper and the cart,
would have required an immense number of men and teams, and
an immense expenditure of time, muscle and money.
But the engineering and
hydraulic skill of Dr. Crosby
\vere equal to the emergency.
Procuring a permit from the
managers of the Pennsylvania
and Ohio Canal, that canal was
tapped upon the eastern verge
of the company's lands, and in
'a shallow ditch, formed mainly
by its own current, the water
was conducted across the nearly
level plain, about a mile and a
half, to the western edge of the
plateau, where, in troughs and
properly directed sluice-ways, it
was made to wash the parts to
be cut down into the parts to be
filled up; the latter being forti-
fied at the bottom with suitable
breastworks of logs, brush, etc.,
to catch the moving sand, which
were from time to time added to,
as the cavities filled up.
In this way, not only were the
depressions in the bluffs brought
up to the required level, but thousands and perhaps millions of
cubic yards of earth were deposited upon the flats below; the
bottoms, between the river and bluffs, being in places raised from
twenty-five to thirty feet; trees of quite large growth, being almost
completely buried thereby.
View of "Old Maid's Kitchen," from
" Chuckery" race below the " Big
Falls, on Cuyahoga river.
86
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
The south end of the canal, along the base of the upper plateau,
for a mile or more, was constructed in the usual way, with shovels,
barrows, scrapers, carts, etc., and though the work had several
times been suspended, by the exigencies of the times, and the
many unavoidable obstacles it had encountered, the great project
was at length so far consummated, that on the 27th day of May,
1844, the water was turned into the canal at the dam, and,
running its entire length, nearly four miles, was permitted to flow,
for a short time, over the edge of the lower bluffs into the valley of
the Little Cuyahoga, at a point about midway between Cu}^ahoga
street and Howard street extension.
The news that the water was
to be let into the "Chuckery"
canal, at a given hour of the day
named, attracted to the spot a
large crowd of interested people,
from both "Summit City," Akron
and the surrounding country.
Of this event, Hiram Bowen,
Ksq., founder and editor of the
BEACON, in the issue of May 29,
1844, said :
"On Monday morning last the
water of the Great Cuyahoga
river was turned into the race,
which has been for several years
in process of construction by the
Portage Canal and Manufactur-
ing Company, for the purpose of
conducting it to the brow of the
hill, just north of the village, to
be used for hydraulic purposes.
The "water flowed freely through
the rocky channel which ha&
been made at incredible labor
and expense along the precipi-
tous banks of the Cuyahoga, for more than two miles, when it
passed into that portion of the race made through the sand bank,
where it makes a southerly course towards the village of Akron, and
leaves the river. Here, in consequence of the porous nature of
the soil, the water made but slow progress, but it crept slowly and
securely on towards its destined termination, the distance through,
from the commencement of the sand bank, being about two miles.
Long before the "water came in sight a crowd of spectators from
the neighboring villages, had gathered to -witness the interesting
spectacle.
"About 4 o'clock p. M. the -water was descried from the point
-where it was to flow over the hill into the valley of the Little
Cuyahoga river, when the ' Baby Waker' of the Summit Guards,
stationed on a neighboring hill, awakened the echoes that skirt
the vallies of the two rivers, by repeated discharges, done in line
style. This -was answered by the hearty cheers of the multitude,
arid the ringing of the bells from the town. Then came a pause,
and all -were on tip-toe to see the final consummation of this great
-work the fall of the water at the end of the race into the valley
View of " Chuckery" race where it emerges
from the rocky bank of the Cuyahoga
river, into the sandy plain towards
Akron.
INHARMONY AND DISASTER. 87
below. The water came slowly on, as if it had lost its way, and
was loth to leave the foamy bed of the ancient river, and check its
headlong career to be subject to the control of man. But art and
enterprise had triumphed the great work, which had so long been
held in doubt, was accomplished, for soon the water was seen to
emerge from the termination of the canal, and flow over the hill
into the valley below. This was greeted with three cheers from
the people and the firing of cannon. Ithiel Mills, Esq., then pro-
posed the following sentiment, to which the people responded with
a right good will, and then retired to their homes:
" 'DR. E. CROSBY: The noble projector and efficient executive
of the great enterprise this day successfully accomplished, of
introducing the waters of the Great Cuyahoga river to Akron by
land. Of his noble and persevering spirit of enterprise, his fellow-
citizens are justly proud.'"
It was to be expected, of course, that there would be more or
less defects in the bed of the canal, particularly in the sandy por-
tion of it, that \vould need to be puddled and otherwise remedied,
and there being as yet no proper gates and sluices for safely
conducting the water into the Little Cuyahoga river, the water was
turned off at the dam until these things could be provided, and, as
the sequel proved, never to be again turned on.
Of the causes that led to the final overthrow of this gigantic
project, which had cost so much time, labor and money, arid so
great a degree of intrepidity, skill and perseverance of its projector
and his associates, it is difficult at this remote day to definitely
determine. But from the legal and other sources of information
available, it seems to have largely resulted from want of harmony
among the stockholders, and the importunity of the numerous
creditors of the company, and perhaps, to a certain extent, from the
cupidity, if not downright rascality, of certain parties who had
been trusted with the sale of bonds, stocks, lots, etc., and the
purchase of merchandise and other property in exchange therefor,
the court records showing that about fifty suits at law, and in
chancery, were instituted against the company and parties con-
nected therewith, between the time its embarrassments and
complications became manifest, until the final closing up of its
affairs.
Finding itself unable to restore harmony among its members,
or regain the confidence of capitalists, in September, 1845, Joseph
S. Lake, of Wooster, was appointed a trustee, and all of the lands
and franchises of the company were conveyed to him, in fee
simple, for the purpose, as he expressed it in his advertisement
announcing his appointment, "of enabling him to payoff the debts
of the company, and to secure a good title to the purchasers;" and
to more speedily accomplish that object, he associated with him-
self, \V. S. C. Otis, Esq., to arrange and settle claims, and receive
pay for lands sold; and Mr. E. C. Sackett to make sales of lands,
rent property, etc.
Finding that but little, if any, headway was being made by
Trustee Lake, towards adjusting the affairs of the company, and
placing it upon its feet again, on the 20th day of June, 1845, John
J. Palmer, of New York, mortgagee of a-11 the company's property
in trust to secure the payment of its bonds negotiated through
him, filed a bill in chancery, in the Court of Common Pleas of
88 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
Summit County, for the foreclosure of said mortgage, in which
suit, besides the corporation itself, some 45 or 50 more or less
interested private individuals were made parties. What with
answers, replications, demurrers, amendments, references, contin-
uances, etc., this suit was prolonged until the October term of the
court, 1849, at which time a judgment was rendered against the
company for $127,832.18 and costs $289.81, and a decree entered for
the sale of the mortgaged property, by Daniel R. Tilden, Esq., as
Special Master Commissioner; E. C. Sackett having been appointed
by the court, receiver of rents, etc., pending said litigation.
Having been duly advertised, said property was sold by Master
Commissioner Tilden, on the 15th day of June, 1850; a few of the
smaller portions, city lots, etc., being sold to parties to -whom they
had previously been sold or contracted, by the company, and who
had made improvements thereon ; but the bulk of the property, includ-
ing its water-power, hydraulic improvements, franchises, etc.,
being sold to W. S. C. Otis, Esq., attorney for the bondholders for
the sum of $38,172, the entire sales aggregating a little over $42,000,
for what, exclusive of the large outlay on the dam and race, had
originally cost the company nearly or quite $300,000.
In speaking of this sale, John Teesdale, Esq., then editor of the
BEACON, said: "Its present shape renders it available for the exe-
cution of the original design, and the conviction seems to be
general that with the requisite enterprise and energy, the new-
purchasers may realize from their investment what even the most
sanguine of the stockholders dared hope for."
But the prediction of Mr. Teesdale was destined never to be
verified. The rapidly increasing use of steam, as a machinery pro-
pelling power, and the constantly diminishing volume of -water in
the Cuyahoga river, by reason of the wanton denudation of adja-
cent timber lands, rendering hydraulic privileges less desirable,
the entire project was finally abandoned, and the territory included
in the original scheme, embracing about 2,500 acres with the small
exceptions noted was sold as occasion offered, to private parties,
mostly for agricultural purposes; though at this time a considera-
ble portion thereof is rapidly assuming a city aspect, preparatory
to annexation as the Seventh Ward of the exceptionally prosper-
ous and growing city of Akron; while the dismantled canal through
the gorge of the Cuyahoga river rnow largely overgrown with
bushes and trees only serves as an object of curious interest and
wonderment to the thousands of pleasure seekers who annually
visit that now celebrated Summer resort, "The Glens;" that portion
south of the river being rapidly obliterated by the action of the
elements upon its sandy embankments, and the plowshare of the
gardener and husbandman.
DR. CROSBY'S LATER LIFE, DEATH, ETC.
Fifty years ago the Crosby family were not only the very elite,
but the very life and soul of Akron society, first and foremost in
every good work and social enterprise, the second and third daugh-
ters, Louisa and Mary, being very fine singers the latter occupying
about the same position in musical circles that Mrs. Henry Perkins
holds among us to-day.
What I have said of Dr. Eliakim Crosby, in this and former
chapters, conveys but a faint idea of his services to the people of
DOCTOR CROSBY'S LATER LIFE. 89
Akron, a meager recognition of which has been tardily accorded in
the naming of the new street running parallel with West Market
street, from Maple to Balch streets; arid also in giving his name to
the Third Ward school building, corner of Smith and West streets.
It is proper, in closing this chapter, and as supplemental to
matters pertaining to the same subject contained in the first chap-
ter of these papers, to add the following in regard to Doctor Crosby
and his family: In 1830, the Doctor buried his wife, Mrs. Marcia
Beemer Crosby, who died October 13, at the age of 38 years,
having borne him seven children, four sons and three daughters.
In about 1832 he moved his family to his projected new village of
"Cascade," building for himself the house which is still standing
on the back part of the lot on the corner of North Howard and
Beach streets, and for many years known as the "Wheeler
House." A year or two later this property was exchanged, with
Mr. Reuben Downing, for the present lot occupied by the St. Vin-
cent De Paul Church and parsonage, corner of West Market and
Maple streets, and in the plain story-and-a-half frame house thereon
he continuously resided until removing from the town in 1853.
August 15, 1832, Doctor Crosby married for his second wife
Klizabeth Brackett, who died January 3, 1834, an infant daughter
remaining to him as the fruit of this marriage. May 8, 1834, he
married for his third wife, Mrs. Ann Hamlin West (widow of Dr.
Wareham West, who died in Middlebury, December 9, 1821, at the
age of 30 years), her only daughter, Mary West, then being added
to the lively family circle.
After the disastrous failure of the great enterprise of his life,
and the termination of the perplexing litigation connected there-
with, shattered in fortune and spirits, Dr. Crosby, in 1853, removed
\vith his wife arid youngest daughter, to Suamico, near Green Bay,
Wisconsin, where his youngest son, Benjamin Franklin Crosby,
was then engaged in the lumber trade; his two other sons, Henry
Clay, arid E. Darwin, soon after going thither also. Dr. Crosby died
at Suamico, September 2, 1854, aged 75 years and 6 months, his
widow, Mrs. Ann Hamlin Crosby, dying at the same place Decem-
ber 11, 1857, aged 64 years.
Dr. Crosby's eldest son, John B., died in Akron, September 23,
1832, aged 20 years. His second son, Henry Clay, married Mary
West, (daughter of his last step-mother), and soon after the death
of his parents removed to Chicago, near which city, in the pleas-
ant village of Winrietka, he died May 27, 1886, in the 71st year of
his age; his wife and one son, Wareham West Crosby, surviving
him. The next younger son, E. Darwin, recently died in Chicago,
where the youngest son, Benjamin Franklin, now lives.
Of Doctor Crosby's four daughters, Calista M., when quite
young was married to Charles W. Howard, one of Akron's pioneer
merchants, and for whom Howard street was named, and in 1853
was again married to Judge Leicester King, of Warren, who died
in 1856. She is still living, dividing her time among her brothers,
sisters and other friends at Chicago, Colorado Springs, Akron and
other places; her only son, Charles O. Howard, having died in
Nebraska in 1876. The second daughter, Louisa, married William
Harrison Dewey, (brother of the late Mrs. Dr. Joseph Cole, of
Akron), also one of early Akron's enterprising business men, who
died in Chicago in 1863, leaving to the care of his widow five
90
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
daughters; the eldest, Jennie, died in 1870; the second, lone, mar-
rying Gen. L. P. Bradley, of the United States Army, now retired;
the third, Helen, marrying Capt. Rogers, of the U. S. Army; the
fourth, Louisa, marrying Samuel Colyer, son of Rev. Dr. Robert
Colyer, now living in Portland, Oregon; the fifth, Charlotte,
unmarried, still living with her mother. Dr. Crosby's third daugh-
ter, Mary, married Hon. Henry W. King, brother of our present
well-known citizen, David L. King, Ksq., the two brothers forming
the law firm of King & King, in this city, from 1849 to 1851; Mr.
Henry W. King also holding the office of Secretary of State and Com-
missioner of Public Schools, from 1850 to 1852, dying in Akron,
November 20, 1857, at the age of 42 years and one month, leaving
two children, Harry C. and Julia H. The former died in Washing-
ton in August, 1864, -while serving as one of Summit County's 100-
day men in the war of the rebellion. The daughter, Julia H., is
married to Homer Dewey Fisher, son of the late Dr. Alexander
Kisher, of Chicago, (formerly of Akron), who is now manager of
the Colorado Midland Railway, with headquarters at Colorado
Springs, and with whom Mrs. King now resides. Dr. Crosby's
youngest daughter, (by his second wife), Elizabeth Brackett Crosby,
married Charles N. White, paymaster of the N. Y., L. E. & W. R, R. r
-with headquarters at Nyack, N. Y., where she died in Decem-
ber, 1885.
View from West Hill, above Glendale Avenue, looking East. From photo
by E. J. Howard, 1879.
CHAPTER VII.
SUMMIT COUNTY SIX YEARS' STRUGGLE OVER ITS ERECTION SUCCESSFUL AT
LAST GREAT REJOICING OVER THE RESULT PRELIMINARY ELECTION AND
ORGANIZATION THE COUNTY SEAT QUESTION AKRON, CUYAHOGA FALLS
AND SUMMIT CITY COMPETITORS LOCATING COMMISSIONERS DECIDE IN
FAVOR OF AKRON BUILDING OF COURT HOUSE AND JAIL BEGUN NEW
DEAL.AND NEW LOCATING COMMITTEE APPOINTED EXCITING DISCUSSION-
STICKING THE STAKES, FIRST ON THE "CHUCKERY," THEN AT CUYAHOGA
FALLS MAJORITY AND MINORITY REPORT A DIVIDED COURT FAILS TO
CONFIRM MAJORITY REPORT COUNTY OFFICERS DIVIDED ALSO, PART
GOING TO THE FALLS, PART REMAINING IN AKRON ANOTHER NEW DEAL
THE QUESTION SUBMITTED TO VOTE AKRON AHEAD NEARLY TWO TO
ONE COMPLETION OF THE PUBLIC BUILDINGS OVATION TO JOHN QUINCY
ADAMS SHABBY COURT HOUSE AND UNSAFE JAIL SUBSEQUENT IMPROVE-
MENTSNEW BUILDINGS IMPERATIVELY NEEDED, ETC.
EARLY NEW COUNTY AGITATION.
TH'E opening of the Ohio Canal, from Cleveland to Akron, in
1827, and through to the Ohio river, in 1830, greatly increasing
the facilities for travel and transportation, very materially changed
the currents of trade, diverting business from old established cen-
ters, like Ravenna, Canton, Wooster, Medina, etc., to such points
as Akron, Massillon, Canal Fulton, Clinton, etc., on the line of the
canal.
As early as 1833, therefore, the farmers of the western portion
of Portage, and the eastern portion of Medina Counties, in connec-
tion with the people of the new and enterprising village of Akron,
began to agitate the question of a new county, to be composed of
two tiers of townships from Portage, one tier from Medina, and a
sufficient amount of territory from either Stark or Wayne, or both,
to answer the constitutional requirements in regard to area.
To facilitate the project, on the 14th day of December, 1833,
Dr. Eliakim Crosby, in behalf of the people of Akron, published
the following in the Ohio Review, at Cuyahoga Falls, Akron
having no newspaper at that time :
"PUBLIC NOTICE AND PLEDGE.
" To whom it may concern:
"Should the Legislature of Ohio set off and organize a New Count y, at its
present session, composed of townships from Portage, Medina, Stark and
Wayne counties, establishing the seat of justice in Akron, or its vicinity,
then in that case, I hereby agree and obligate myself to raise and appropri-
ate, or secure to be given and appropriated, towards the New County
Buildings, a sum not less than Two THOUSAND DOLLARS.
"AKRON, Dec. 14, 1833. E. CROSBY."
It is proper to say, here, that at this time two other projects
were being agitated, and advocated with considerable earnestness,
by the people of the localties interested; one, the project of remov-
ing the county seat of Portage County from Ravenna to Franklin
Mills (now Kent), which was supposed to be destined to become
92 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
a large manufacturing city; the other to retain the regular county
seat at Ravenna, with Cuyahoga Falls as a half-shire; that is,
the business pertaining to the west part of the county to be trans-
acted at Cuyahoga Falls, and that from the east part at Ravenna,
with perhaps an alternation of commissioners' meetings, court
sessions, etc. For these reasons, not only the people of Ravenna
and the eastern townships, vigorously opposed the new county
movement, but Franklin Mills and Cuyahoga Falls, also, and when
Dr. Crosby's proposition was left with the editor of the Review,
the people of the latter village hastily prepared for publication, in
the same issue, the following counter proposition:
" To the Public : An effort being made at this time to divide the county
of Portage, and, from a part of this and the counties of Medina, Wayne and
Stark, to form a new county, the seat of justice to be at Akron, and public
notice having- been given that if the Legislature of the State shall, at its
present session, locate the seat of justice at that place, and in conformity
with the terms therein offered, then that the signer, E. Crosby, will pay, or
cause to be paid, two thousand dollars towards the new public buildings :
" We, the undersigned inhabitants of Cuyahoga Falls, believing that
said attempt to divide this county is premature and uncalled for by the best
interests of the county, and believing further that if it should be determined
to divide the county at this time, against which we hereby publicly protest,
"the best interests of this part of the county require that the county seat shall
not be placed at Akron, but that other places would be more eligible, and
that this place, from its location, its superior healthfulness, and the many
natural advantages of its situation, offers peculiar advantages for the
county seat, if such county shall be formed, do hereby pledge ourselves,
that if the Legislature, at its present or next session, will locate the seat of
justice of a new county, to be formed of such portions of the adjoining
counties as to them shall seem proper, at this place, we will pay, or
secure to be paid, the sum of FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS towards building
the new county buildings of said county.
HENRY NEWBERRY,
JOSHUA STOW,
(By his agent B. Booth.)
OGDEN WETMORE."
Nothing, however, was accomplished at that, nor the five
succeeding sessions of the Legislature, though continuous and
and persistent efforts were made to work up a public sentiment
in the territory interested, and to influence the members of the
Legislature elected from time to time, in the counties named, to
look favorably upon the proposition.
Thus matters stood up to the Summer of 1839. Politically,
Portage County was largely Whig, and as long as party lines were
adhered to, that portion of the county opposed to division were
able to nominate and elect candidates for the Legislature inimical
to the measure. But at the annual election in 1839, the Whigs of
Akron, and the western townships, united with the Democrats of
Portage County, and elected their candidates for Representative,
Hon. Ruf us P. Spalding, then practicing law at Ravenna, and Hon.
Ephraim B. Hubbard, an enterprising farmer, of Deerfield, both
pledged to the New County project; Col. Simon Perkins having
been in 1838, elected State Senator for two years.
NEW COUNTY BILL INTRODUCED.
The Legislature convened on Monday, December 2, 1839, and,
true to their pledges, Messrs. Spalding and Hubbard formulated a
bill for the erection of the County of Summit, which -was favor-
NEW COUNTY BILL REPORTED.
ably reported by Hon. James Hoagland, of Holmes County,
chairman of the Committee on New Counties, and read the first
time on Tuesday, December 17, a full synopsis of the bill being a&
follows:
HON. RUFUS PAINE SPALDING,
born at West Tisbury, Island
of Martha's Vineyard, Mass., May 3,
1798 ; educated in academies of
Bridgewater, Mass., and Colchester.
Conn., and at Yale College, graduat-
ing- from latter in 1817 ; studied law
with Chief Justice Zephaniah Swift, of
Conn., to whose daughter, Lucretia
A., he was married October 1, 1822.
Soon after finishing his law studies,
he emigrated to Ohio, practicing for
several years in Warren, then in
Ravenna, and, on organization of
Summit County, in 1840, moved to
Akron, several years later going to
Cleveland, where he resided until his
death, August 29, 1886, at the age of 88
years, 3 months, 23 days. In 1839, Mr.
Spaldiiig was elected representative
to the Legislature, on the New County
issue, and was largely influential in
securing its erection ; was re-elected,
by his new constituency, in 1841 and
made Speaker of the House ; in 1848-9
was appointed Judge of Supreme
Court of Ohio, ably serving three
years ; in 1862 was elected Represen-
tative to Congress from the 18th dis-
trict, and twice re-elected, ably
serving^ six years. Mrs. Spalditig
dying February 21, 1858, Judge Spald-
ing was again married, January 11,
1859, to Mrs. Nancy Sargent, eldest
daughter of Dr. William S. Pierson,
of Windsor, Conn. By the first Mrs.
Spalding he had seven children
HON. RUFUS PAINE SPALDING.
Emily, married to Judge Luther Day r
of Ravenna, both now deceased ;
Philura C., the first wife of Mr.
Joseph E. Wesener, of Akron ; Lucre-
tia, died young ; Rufus died at the
age of 19; Kittie, now Mrs. Mcllrath r
of St. Paul, Minn.; Zephaniah Swift,
now a wealthy sugar grower in
the Sandwich Islands ; and George,
deceased. The second Mrs. Spalding
is now also deceased.
SECTION 1, provided that the townships of Twinsburg,.
Northfield, Boston, Hudson, Stow, Northampton, Portage, Tall-
madge, Springfield and Coventry, in Portage County; Richfield r
Bath, Copley and Norton, in Medina County, and Franklin and
Green, in Stark County, be erected into a separate county, to be
known by the name of Summit, and that, for the purpose of
restoring to Medina County its constitutional limits, the town-
ships of Homer and Spencer be transferred from Lorain to Medina.
SECS. 2 AND 3, provided for the prosecution of suits already
commenced, in the several original counties; the collection of the
taxes should proceed as if no change had taken place, and that
justices of the peace, constables, etc., continue to act until the
expiration of the terms for which they were elected.
SECS. 4 AND 5, provided for the election of county officers on
the first Monday of April, 1840, to hold their respective offices until
the ensuing annual election, and that the courts be held in Akron,
until the permanent location of the seat of justice.
SEC. 6, provided for the appointment of commissioners to
locate the county seat, said commissioners to be paid by said new
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
county; with authority "to receive propositions for the erection of
county buildings by the citizens of such towns and villages as
may desire to have the seat of justice established within their
respective limits/' and that "in no event shall any tax for the
erection of county buildings for said County of Summit be
imposed upon the citizens of the townships of Franklin and
Green, which townships are taken from the county of Stark, for
and during the term of fifty years, from and after the passage of
this act."
JUDGE JAMES S. CARPENTER,
J born at Swanzey, N. H., August
17, 1805 ; at 18 months of age moved
with parents to Pottsdam, N. Y. ;
boyhood spent on farm ; educated at
home, in schools of neighborhood,
and at St. Lawrence Academy, at
Pottsdam, teaching part of } r ear, from
17 to 20 ; in Winter of '25-26 taught in
Franklin Co., New York ; 1826 to 1828
taught in Canada, part of the time in
Montreal ; then became assistant
teacher in Amherst (Mass 1 .) Academy
and during Summer of 1829 a teacher
in Ladies' Seminary, at Springfield ;
then entered Amherst College, but
from failing health returned home,
resuming teaching and j r et keeping
up the studies of his college course.
In June, 1832, came to Ohio, teaching
in Cleveland, Massillon and Ravenna,
being Principal of Ravenna Academj*
from 1833 to 1835 ; in Summer of 1835
\vorked on farm ; Maj r 1, 1835, was
married to Miss Frances C. Saltonstall
of Geneva, N. Y. ; in November, 1835,
went to Medina and for four years
edited the Constitutionalist, a Whig
and anti-slavery paper, at same time
studying law ; admitted to bar May 29,
1838 ; in Fall of 1839 was elected Rep-
resentative to Ohio Legislature, and
in 1840 to the Senate, being the only
avowed Abolitionist in either House,
fighting valiantly for the rights of
the colored people of Ohio in the
schools and otherwise ; from 1840 to
1850 was law-partner of the late
JUDGE JAMES S. CARPENTER.
Judge Samuel W. McClure ; in 1846
removed to Akron and has practiced
law here ever since, with the excep-
tion of the five years, from 1856 to
1861, that he occupied the Common
Pleas Bench. Judge Carpenter is
the father of three children Gilbert
S., captain in regular army, now on
recruiting service in Cleveland ; Dr.
William T. Carpenter, of Stambaugh,
Mich., and Abbie L., now wife of
Charles W. Tyler, Esq., of Warren,
Ohio.
Our well-known fellow-citizen, Hon. James S. Carpenter, was
then 1838-40 the representative of Medina County, and the
senator from that district from 1840 to 1842, and, in accordance
with the wishes of a majority of his constituents, opposed the
measure, slicing off as it did, some of the very best townships of
that county. For a like reason Representative Bliss and Senator
Birch, of Lorain, and Representatives Smith and Welch, and
Senator Hostetter, of Stark, also vigorously fought the project at
every step, while the representatives and senators of other
counties threatened with dismemberment, by new county projects,
acted and voted with them.
Prominent citizens of Ravenna and Medina were in attendance
to lobby against the measure, while a number of Akron's foremost
business men were sent to Columbus to work for the project.
THE PROJECT VIGOROUSLY OPPOSED. 95
The bill finally passed the House on the 6th of February, 1840,
by the close vote of 34 to 31 a majority of three only. The bill
was read the first time in the Senate, February 7, and passed
February 28, by a vote of 19 to 15, a majority of four; and was
engrossed and signed by Thomas J. Buchanan, Speaker of the
House, and William McLaughlin, Speaker of the Senate, March 3,
1840.
Space will not permit a full detail of the artifices resorted to
to defeat the measure, nor the skill with which our representa-
tives and senator engineered the bill through, though the follow-
ing extracts from the House and Senate journals will suffice to show
the persistence with which the project was fought throughout.
In the House, December 21, the bill being taken up for
consideration, on Mr. Spalding's motion, Mr. Welch moved to
postpone until the second Tuesday of January, which was carried
by a vote of 42 to 28. On the day named, the bill was taken up on
Mr. Spalding's motion, when Mr. Welch moved to commit it to the
Committee on New Counties, with instructions to report the
number of petitioners for and remonstrants against the project,
which was agreed to. January 17, the bill being under consider-
ation, Mr. Welch moved to postpone further action until the first
Monday of the following December, which was lost, 28 to 32, and
the bill laid upon the table. January 27, Mr. Spalding moved to
take the bill from the table which motion was lost, 25 to 30.
February 6, Mr. Spalding moved to put the bill upon its final
passage, which, after considerable delay, caused by Mr. Welch's
demand for a call of the house, was done, and the bill passed, as
as above stated, 34 to 31.
In the Senate February 27, Mr. Hostetter moved to strike out
the territory belonging to Stark County. Lost, 15 to 18. Mr. Nash
of Meigs, moved to strike out the clause exempting Franklin and
Green townships from taxation for public buildings for 50 years.
Lost 14 to 19. February 28, on the third reading of the bill, Mr.
Thomas, of Miami, moved to re-commit to Committee on New
Counties with instructions to so amend as to strike out the part
exempting Franklin and Green from taxation. Lost, 13 to 21. Mr.
Hostetter moved to postpone the further consideration of the bill
to the first Monday of December. Lost, 7 to 27. Mr. Birch, of
Lorain, moved to refer to Judiciary Committee, with instructions
to strike out the two Lorain townships. Lost, 9 to 25. 'Mr.
Hostetter moved to amend so as to submit to voters of the pro-
posed new county at the next October election. Lost, 10 to 24.
The bill was then passed as above stated, 19 to 15.
A joint resolution passed both Houses, without opposition,
appointing Jacob J. Williard, of Columbiana County, James
McConnell, of Holmes County, and Warren Sabin, o, Clinton
County, as commissioners to locate the seat of justice of the new
county, as did also the organizing bill providing for the election
of officers, the proper care of paupers, idiots and insane; the col-
lection of taxes; giving to the new county its proportion of the
government surplus revenue, $29,330; the time of holding courts;
attaching Summit to the Third Judicial District, embracing the
counties of Ashtabula, Trumbull and Portage, and to the
Fifteenth Congressional District, embracing Cuyahoga, Portage,
Medina and Lorain counties, etc.
96 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
It -will be remembered that the bill passed the Senate
28, which was on Friday, 1840 being leap year. It will also be rec-
ollected that there was neither telegraphic nor railroad communi-
cation between Akron and Columbus at that time, the old
four-horse mail and passenger coach being the fastest mode of
travel then in vogue, which at that season of the year, was not by
any means fast,
The news of the passage of the bill consequently did not
reach Akron until Monday evening, March 2, three full days.
The effect of the news upon the people of Akron was thus graphi-
cally stated in one of the local papers:
"With the rapidity of lightning the news was spread from
house to house, and in less than half an hour the whole town was
in motion. Cheers, congratulations, ringing of church bells, bon-
fires and illuminations were the order of the day, while the deep-
toned thunder of the cannon continued to proclaim the birth of
the new county to all the surrounding country. Such a spon-
taneous burst of feeling has seldom been witnessed under any
circumstance. It was a scene to be looked upon, but cannot be
described; such a noise as the shrouds make at sea in a stiff tem-
pestas loud and to as many tunes. Hats, caps and cloaks flew
up, and had their faces been loose this night had lost them."
The recollection of the writer, looking backward through the
dim vista of the intervening half century, is clear and distinct that
throughout that entire night unrestrained jollity, if not absolute
revelry, prevailed.
Nor did the people of Akron confine the jollification business
entirely to themselves. The booming of the cannon, the ringing
of the bells and the reflection from the bonfires, had already
announced to contiguous townships that something extraordinary
had happened, and many of the nearest came in to help us "make
a night of it," -while those more distant were in betimes next
morning.
Steps were immediately taken for a general New County Cele-
bration on Wednesday, March 4. A committee of twelve citizens
of Akron and one from each of the townships, was appointed and
messengers were sent to every part of the county to spread the
joyful news, and invite everybody to the banquet. Dr. Jedediah D.
Commins was made President of the day; Col. James W. Phillips,
Col. Justus Gale arid Justice Jacob Brown, of Akron; Col. Frederick
A. Sprague and Benjamin Rouse, of Richfield, and Col. Solomon
Markham, of Green, Vice Presidents; Gen. Lucius V. Bierce, Mar-
shal, and Col. Erastus Torrey and Major Ithiel Mills, Assistant
Marshals.
At sunrise, on Wednesday morning, a national salute of 13 guns
was fired from the summit of the " grove," between north and
south Akron, the present Court House lot, -which -was also the place
selected for the celebration. At an early hour people from near
and far townships began to assemble, everybody seeming jubilant
and happy. The military display was very fine, indeed, partici-
pated in by the Summit Guards, Akron Light Infantry and Cav-
alry, Copley Light Artillery, the Military Band and the Akron
Brass Band, under the leadership of the late Henry S. Abbey.
The procession of several thousand men and boys, after march-
ing through several streets, was jointl by a large cortege of ladies
NEW COUNTY JOLLIFICATION. 97
dressed uniformly, all carrying parasols, who, taking position
between the committee of arrangements and the military,
marched the balance of the route to the place of feasting, the din-
ner, though hastily prepared, being both abundant and palatable.
Space will not permit a detailed report of the after-dinner pro-
ceedings, consisting of the customary thirteen regular toasts, and
a great variety of volunteer toasts, with responses more or les appro-
priate, by the more tonguey of the jollifiers. The full text of the
regular toasts, well illustrates the popular sentiment, and are here
reproduced as follows:
1. The Legislature of Ohio They have at length done jus-
tice to themselves arid to us. Better late than never.
2. Our Senators and Representatives Many have done well,
but these have excelled them all.
3. The County of Summit An infant Hercules. Give him
a -wide berth, for he'll be a whopper!
4. Our Struggle Almost another Trojan siege! The pangs
and throes it has cost our parents to bring us forth are a certain
presage of future greatness.
5. Akron Look at her as she was, as she is and as she
WIvL BE!
6. Our Young County The pride of our affections; unsur-
passed in the elements of future greatness; already populous and
wealthy. If such is its childhood, what will it be when it becomes
a man?
7. Portage, Stark and Medina Among them they have
hatched a young eagle, full-fledged and on the wing. She \vill soar
above them all.
8. The Buckeye State A germ of future empire, marching
right ahead in the road of prosperity. She will not be turned aside
from the high destiny that awaits her !
9. Our Canals and Public Improvements If such things
be done in the green tree, \vhat will be done in the dry?
10. The Late Meeting at Ravenna Malignity feeding on
envy; daws pecking at eagles; a striking instance of folly reacting
on itself !
11. The Memory of Gregory Powers We mourn the untimely
fate of this patriot, statesman and jurist. His memory \vill long
be cherished in the County of Summit, his native and resting place!
12. The Memory of George Washington The greatest and
best man ever produced in the tide of time. When nature formed
him she broke the mold, that he might stand peerless and alone !
13. The Ladies of Summit It is the summit of our ambi-
tion to stand in the summit of their affections !
Volunteer toasts similar in sentiment, and perhaps still more
extravagant in language, were offered by Messrs. Benjamin Rouse,
of Richfield; Gen. Samuel D.Harris, of Ravenna; John Hunsberger,
of Green; Julius A. Sumner, of Springfield, and Dr. Asa Field, Col.
James W. Phillips, Robert K. DuBois, Dr. Jedediah D. Commins,
Capt. Philo Chamberlin, Col. Erastus Torrey, Col. Justus Gale, Dr.
Joseph Cole, Major Ithiel Mills, and Hiratn Bowen, Esq., (Editor
BEACON), of Akron.
In the evening a large convival party took supper at the "Ohio
Exchange," southwest corner of Main and Market streets, (present
site of Woods' Block), winding up with a social dance, the utmost
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
good feeling and hilarity prevailing throughout; a local paper say-
ing: "The day was closed without accident, or other untoward
circumstance to mar the festivities, amid bon-fires and every
demonstration of joy. The 4th of March, 18iO, will long be remem-
bered in Akron !"
HON. JOHN HOY, born in Adams
County, Pa., July 4, 1797; com-
mon school education; learned trade
of stone and brick mason; December
19, 1820, was married to Miss Eliza-
beth Traxler; moved to Ohio in 1821,
settling in Manchester, then in Stark
Co.; soon after settling- there was
elected justice of the peace for Frank-
lin township, holding the office 18
years; on the organization of Summit
County, in April, 1840, was elected
County Commissioner, re-elected in
October following, for two years, and
again in 1842 for three years, serv-
ing in all five years and seven
months; in April, 1847, was appointed'
by the Legislature one of the Asso-
ciate Judges of Summit County, ably
serving till the taking effect of the
new State Constitution, in 1852; also
served as land appraiser for four
townships, and on the State Board of
Equalization, and took an active
interest in educational matters and
the religious and benevolent enter-
prises of the day. Judge and Mrs.
Hoy were the parents of six daugh-
ters and one son Sophia, married to
Adam Sorric, (now deceased); Sabina,
wife of Heiirj^ Daily, (deceased);
Lorohama, wife of Dr. William Sisler,
HON. JOHX HOY.
(deceased); Amanda, now Mrs. Dr.
Adam Sisler; Caroline Maria, now
Mrs Samuel Gongwer; Anna, wife of
Lewis Everhart, (deceased), an-d John
F., now a resident of the city of
Springfield, O.
As provided by law the county officers were chosen at the "reg-
ular Spring election, on the first Monday of April, to hold their
respective positions until the annual election in the following
October. The officers chosen at that time were: Commissioners,
John Hoy, of Franklin; Jonathan Starr, of Copley; and Augustus
E. Foot, of Twinsburg; Auditor, Birdsey Booth, of Cuyahoga
Falls; Treasurer, William O'Brien, of Hudson; Recorder, Alexan-
der Johnston, of Green; Sheriff, Thomas Wilson, of Northfield;
Prosecuting Attorney, George Kirkum, of Akron; Coroner, Klisha
Hinsdale, of Norton; Real Estate Appraiser, Frederick A. Sprague,
of Richfield; Assistant Appraisers, Milo Stone, of Tallmadge and
Thomas E. Jones, of Franklin, County Clerks at that time being
appointees of the several Common Pleas Courts of the State, Court
Judges in turn, being appointees of the Legislature; the office of
Probate Judge not then being in existence.
The officers elect assembled at the tavern of Charles P. McDon-
ald, northeast corner of South Main and Exchange streets, (in the
same building still standing there), on Thursday, April 9, 1840.
Justice Jacob Brown administered the oath of office to Commis-
sioners Hoy, Starr and Foote, who, in turn, administered a like
oath to the several other officers, and on the due filing and accept-
ance of the proper bonds, the organization -was complete.
LOCATING THE COUNTY SEAT.
99
At this meeting propositions were made for temporary quar-
ters for county purposes, pending the erection of public buildings,
as follows: the present Continental Hotel building, corner of
Main and Exchange streets, by Jacob Brown, Esq.; the three-story
brick building of Mr. Benjamin W. Stephens, on the present site
of Merrill's Pottery, and the three-story stone block of Messrs.
Chauncey S. and Hiram Payne, on the southeast corner of Howard
and Market streets; the latter being accepted at a subsequent
meeting of the commissioners.
The large hall on the third floor was used for a court room, a
small portion of the southeast corner being partitioned off for jail
purposes; the several county officers occupying other rooms on
the second and third floors of the building.
HpHOM AS WILSON, - Summit Coun-
-*- ty's first Sheriff, was born in
Pennsylvania, December 22, 1811 ;
raised on farm, with common school
education ; about 1830 moved with
parents to Northfield, Ohio, walking'
.all the way, and driving his mother's
two favorite cows. He was married
at Brandywine Mills, by Rev. Caleb
Pitkin, of Hudson, to Miss Emeline
H. Wallace, sister of the late James
W. Wallace, December 20, 1838, who
died October 7, 1840, aged 26 years.
At the preliminary election, in the
organization of the new county of
Summit, held on Monday, April 6,
1840, Mr. Wilson was elected Sheriff,
was re-elected in October, the same
year, and again in 1842, ably filling
the office four years and seven
months. On retiring from office Mr.
Wilson was for several years engag-
ed in the manufacture of mineral
paint in Akron, about 1860 remov-
ing to St. Louis, Mo., where he en-
gaged in the real estate business, also
having an interest in the Glencoe
Rock Company, and furnishing the
stone for some of the finest buildings
in that city. June 15, 1857, Mr. Wilson
married Miss Marie E. McArthur, of
Akron, who bore him three children,
THOMAS WILSON.
one only of whom is now living -
Ruth, now a music teacher in St.
Louis and living with her mother.
At the time of his death, June 19,
1887, at the age of 75 years, 6 months
and 7 days, Mr. Wilson was superin-
tendent of "Memorial Home," a home
for old gentlemen in St. Louis.
At this time, it will be recollected, the seat of justice of the
new county was only temporarily located at Akron, the perma-
nent location of which was to be determined by the commissioners
named in the joint resolution of the Legislature heretofore given;
Akron, besides being pretty evenly divided between the North and
South villages, having two formidable rivals in Cuyahoga Falls,
four miles to the northward, and the then largely talked of " Summit
City" (since known as the "Chuckery"), midway between.
Messrs. Williard, McConnell and Sabin, the Locating Commis-
sioners, entered upon the task assigned them on Tuesday, May 12,
1840, occupying several days examining the several proposed sites
for the location of the public buildings, hearing arguments in
favor of each, receiving proposals for the donation of lands, con-
struction of buildings, etc. The principal competitors for the
100 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
prize were, as before stated, Akron, Cuyahoga Falls and Summit
City Akron, meantime, having so far harmonized her conflicting
local predilections as to agree upon a point midway between the
two villages, should the commissioners deem it advisable to
decide the matter in her favor.
Kach locality presented well secured pledges for the donation
of lands and the construction of the county buildings free of cost
to the tax-payers of the new county, and each, through its chosen
spokesman Hon. Blisha N. Sill, for Cuyahoga Falls, Dr. Kdmund
W. Crittenden, for Summit City, and Hon. Rufus P. Spalding, for
Akron presented arguments, accompanied by statistics in regard
to business resources, healthfulness, accessibility, etc., of the
several locations.
Akron based its claim upon its location on the Ohio Canal,
the great artery of travel and commerce from Lake Krie to the
Ohio river on the south, and the just completed Pennsylvania and
Ohio Canal, bringing it in direct communication with Pittsburg
and Philadelphia, on the east, and upon its superb water power,
as well as its ready accessibility from all parts of the count}^.
Cuyahoga Falls claimed to be nearer the geographical center
of the county, more eligibly located for the building up of a large
manufacturing city, and more healthful than the other points
named, with inexhaustible water-power, and, with the completion
of the new P. & O. canal, of equal access to the outer world "with
Akron, and vastly superior to that of the intermediate point
named.
Summit City's claim was based upon its location nearly midway
between its two bitterly hostile rivals; its high and salubrious terri-
tory, and, above all, upon its mammoth hydraulic scheme then
nearing completion, by which the entire "waters of the Big
Cuyahoga river, with nearly 200 feet fall, was to speedily build up
at that point the largest manufacturing city in the Great West.
After a thorough and pains-taking examination of the points
named, and a full consideration of the statistics and arguments
presented, the commissioners unanimously decided that the
interests of the people of the new county would, as a whole, best
be subserved by locating their seat of justice at Akron, and
accordingly, as the unanimous choice of Akron, the stakes for the
county buildings were stuck upon the "gore," between the two
villages, where they now stand, the land for that purpose being
generously donated by Gen. Simon Perkins, of Warren, father
of the late Col. Simon Perkins, of Akron.
Though the bitter rivalry between North and South Akron for
the business ascendency had not, perhaps, entirely abated, the public
buildings having been located upon neutral ground, then about as
wjnhandy to the one as the other, they so far stifled their animosi-
ties, for the time being, as to unite in a wild jollification over the
result, and to heartily co-operate with each other in raising funds
and materials with which to erect the public buildings, which, it
will be remembered, each of the three competitors had agreed
should be done free of cost to the tax-payers of the county.
Hiram Bowen, Esq., the editor of the BEACON, in announcing
the result, said: "The 'Gore' is situated midway between North
and South Akron, and a more beautiful and commanding site can
not be found for public buildings in the State. It is said that
CONTRACTS FOR PUBLIC BUILDINGS LET.
101
almost every township in the county can be seen from the build-
ings on this spot. Its location, as regards Akron, is auspicious
she is now ONE. There is now no North Akron, no South Akron,
and our citizens will henceforth unite their common energies in
developing the great natural resources for which Akron has become
so justly celebrated."
ALEXANDER JOHNSTON,~born
** in Center County, Pa., Novem-
ber 7, 1808 ; coming- with parents to
Ohio, and settling- in Green town-
ship in 1814 ; educated in common
schools ; for many years taught
school winters, working 011 farm in
summer; Summit County's first Re-
corder, elected in April, 184(), re-elect-
ed in October, of that year, for full
term of three years ; in 1846 elected
as Summit's Representative to State
Legislature for two years, having
also served his township for many
years in the capacit}' of school ex-
aminer, township clerk, justice of the
peace, etc. March 14, 1850, Mr.
Johnston was married to Miss Lovina
Thurston, who was born November
8, 1821. They are the parents of three
children Horace Greeley, surveyor
and engineer, born April 15, 1851, now
living in Salina, Kansas ; Isaac
Newton, born July 13, 1853, now living
in Hinton, W. Va.; and Anna Maria,
born September 7, 1858, still at home
with parents. Residing on his finely
cultivated 125 acre farm, in the east-
ern portion of Green township, Mr.
Johnston, now in his 83d year, is one
of the best preserved and most intelli-
gent representatives of pioneer life
in Summit County. Originally a
ALEXANDER JOHNSTON.
Whig with strong anti-slavery pro-
clivities, Mr. Johnson naturally, on its
organization, attached himself to the
Republican party, which for over a
third of a century has received his
most zealous and unqualified sup-
port.
The committee on subscriptions to the building fund consisted
of Ansel Miller, Lewis Miller, Robert K. DuBois, Richard Howe,
Benjamin W. Stephens, L/eander L. Howard, Justus Gale, George
P. Stephens, Simon Perkins, Jr., Tedediah D. Commins, Jacob
Brown, Thomas P. May, Joseph Cole, Charles, P. McDonald, Ithiel
Mills and Warren Clark. The subscriptions, amounting to $17,495,
were made payable to the County Commissioners, and the deed of
the land having been received from Gen. Perkins, on the 14th of
July, 1840, the commissioners, Messrs. John Hoy, Jonathan Starr
and Augustus E. Foote, and the committee, in a written agreement,
transferred, assigned, conveyed, set over and delivered to Simon
Perkins, Jr., Jedediah D. Commins and Richard Howe, as trustees,
the subscription aforesaid, with power to collect the same, and "to
make all such contracts and agreements as they shall judge nec-
essary and proper, for the erection and completion of said buildings,
and furnishing materials for the same, and generally to superin-
tend and direct in the expenditure of the moneys and property to
be received on the subscriptions aforesaid."
It was further stipulated in the agreement that the court
house and jail were to be similar in construction, and equal in
value, to those at Ravenna, to be fully completed and finished by
102 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
the first day of July, 1843. The trustees acted promptly and after
due notice for proposals, entered into contracts with Major Ithiel
Mills, of Akron, for the erection of the court house, and with Mr,
Sebbens Saxton, of Norton, for the building of the jail, both con-
tractors at once commencing operations, the foundation, and several
feet of the main walls of the former, and the massive foundation
walls of the latter, being completed before the setting in of Winter,,
the same Fall.
AN ENTIRELY NEW DEAL.
The term of Senator Perkins having expired, Hon. Klisha N-
Sill, of Cuyahoga Falls, was, as the candidate of the Whig party r
elected as his successor, in the Portage-Summit District, in October,
1840, Henry G. Weaver, a substantial farmer, of Springlield r
being at the same time elected Representative of the new county.
Early in the session Mr. Sill introduced a bill for the appoint-
ment of a commission to review, and, if in their judgment deemed
necessary, to re-locate the seat of justice of Summit County, said
commission consisting of Jacob C. Hoagland, of Highland County,.
Valentine Winters, of Montgomery County, and William Kendall r
of Scioto County. This bill was readily engineered through the
Senate, by Mr. Sill, and though Mr. Weaver made a vigorous effort
to defeat it in the House, Mr. Sill's influence -with that body pre-
vailed also, the bill having been passed and signed by Seabury
Ford, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and by William
M. McLaughlin, Speaker of the Senate, on March 25/1841; and
that, too, in the face of the fact that on a very thorough canvass
of the county, 3,014 voters remonstrated against, while but 2,376
petitioned for, the opening of the vexed question, there being a
majority of 638 in favor of the location already made.
The reviewing commissioners came upon the ground about
the middle of May, 1841, and, after spending a day or two in exam-
ining the several competing locations, on Thursday, May 20, held
an all day meeting in the Universalist Church on North High
street, in Akron, where, as before, arguments were made by
Messrs. Sill, of the Falls, Crittenden of Summit City,' and Spalding
of Akron, in favor of their respective locations. This meeting was
interesting and exciting in the extreme, the church being crowded
to its utmost capacity all day.
The commissioners held a consultation at their room in the
Ohio Exchange in the evening, and, after "sleeping over it," a final
talk the next morning, when, to the astonishment of everybody r
it was announced that a majority of the committee, Messrs.
Hoagland and Winters, had decided in favor of Summit City, Mr.
Kendall being in favor of the original location. When, therefore r
the commissioners started out to formally drive the stakes for the
county buildings, a large crowd of indignant Akronians and
delighted "Chuckery-ites" accompanied them to witness the
ceremony.
To the great surprise of all, however, instead of going to the
upper plateau, which sightly position had been proffered by the
company, they proceeded to set their stakes on the first bench
above the Little Cuyahoga river, at a point a short distance east
of the present residence of Mr. R. A. Grimwood, on Glenwood
avenue. Expressions of disgust were both numerous and emphatic.
REVIEW AND RELOCATION. 103
the pretended "compromise," between the contending interests,
pleasing nobody. The two active Commissioners, (Kendall
standing aloof) were evidently sorely nettled at the pungent criti-
cisms of the crowd, bluff old Dr. Daniel Upson, of Tallmadge, who
sat in his buggy watching the operation, capping the climax by
remarking, in his emphatic and incisive manner, that "nobody but
fools or knaves would think of locating 'county buildings in such a
place as that! "
At this point, Messrs. Hoagland and Winters held a hurried
consultation, at the close of which, they hastily pulled up the
stakes they had driven, and loading them into their carriage drove
direct to Cuyahoga Falls, where they proceeded to set the stakes
upon the very handsome site now occupied by the Congregational
Church, on the south side of Broad street between Front and
Second streets.
As elsewhere stated, Summit County was made a part of the
Third Judicial District, of which Hon. Van R. Humphrey was at
that time the President Judge; while the Legislature, imme-
diately after erecting the new county, had appointed as Associate
Judges, Messrs. Robert K. DuBois, of Akron, Charles Sumner, of
Middlebury, and Hugh R. Caldwell, of Franklin.
As required by law, majority and minority reports were sub-
mitted to the Court by the locating Commissioners, which were
duly presented for record by Prosecuting Attorney George Kirkum.
To this the County Commissioners, through counsel, objected, and
after full argument, the court, on the 23d day of July, 1841, made
the following entry upon its journal:
"In the matter of the review and relocation of the seat of justice for
Summit County, Jacob C. Hoagland and Valentine Winters, two of the Com-
missioners appointed by the Legislature to review and locate the seat of
justice of Summit County, having- returned to the office of the Clerk of this
Court their joint report, and William Kendall, the other Commissioner,
having returned to the Clerk of this Court his separate report, this day
George Kirkum, Esq., a citizen and Prosecuting Attorney of said county,
presented the same reports to the Court, and moved that the report of said
Hoagland and Winters be filed and entered of record. Whereupon the Com-
missioners of said County of Summit appear by their attorney and object to
the filing and entering of said reports of record, for various reasons by them
set forth, and the parties were heard by counsel and the Court being equally
divided in opinion, it is ordered that the said George Kirkum, Esq., take
nothing by his said motion."
The Court being thus divided as to the legality of the proceed-
ings which had been had, and the County Commissioners also
being divided on the same subject, Commissioner Foote favoring
the majority report, no further action was had in regard to the
public buildings during that year; the several county officers
meantime, assuming the prerogative of deciding, each for himself,
where his office should be kept; Auditor Booth establishing his
headquarters at Cuyahoga Falls, Treasurer O'Brien, also, having
his main office in that village, though maintaining a branch office
in the room -which had been provided by the commissioners in
Akron. This arrangement was very unsatisfactory and inconven-
ient, but -was patiently borne with in the hope that the next Leg-
islature would straighten the tangle out.
Senator Sill's incumbency, of course, continued through the
session of 1841-42, Summit County being entitled to two represen-
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
tatives, at this session. Politically, as before intimated, the new
county was largely Whig, and through certain influences the
executive committee of that party appointed its nominating. con-
vention at Cuyahoga Falls, notice of which failing to reach the
remote southern townships in time, several of said townships were
not represented in said convention; Capt. Amos Seward, of
Tallmadge, and Harvey Whedon, Ksq., of Hudson, being nomi-
nated for Representatives.
Keeling that this convention was being manipulated entirely
in the interest of Cuyahoga Falls, the people of Akron, and those
townships favorable to Akron as the county seat, called a non-
partisan convention for about the same date, which convention
nominated Hon. Rufus P. Spalding (then a resident of Akron), and
Col. Simon Perkins, as its candidates for representatives, the
former being a Democrat and the latter a Whig. This non-partisan
convention also renominated Mr. Jonathan Starr, of Copley, for
commissioner, his opponent on the Whig ticket being Asaph
Whittlesey, Esq., of Tallmadge.
The canvass was short but spirited, and proved to be a decided
victory for Akron, the vote standing: Perkins, 2,133; Spalding,
2,005; Seward, 909; Whedon, 950; Starr, 2,178; Whittlesey, 959.
On the assembling of the Legislature, in December, 1841,
Messrs. Spalding and Perkins introduced a bill to submit the ques-
tion of location to the voters of the county on the first Monday of
April, 1842. The opposition to the bill in the House was much less
stubborn thati against the original bill, but in the Senate, through
the efforts and influence of Mr. Sill, the vote was substantially the
same, standing 45 yeas to 19 nays in the House, and 20 yeas to 16
nays in the Senate; the bill being signed March 2, 1842, by Rufus
P. Spalding, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and James
J. Farran, Speaker of the Senate.
Some lively campaigning was done by both parties during
the intervening month between the final passage of the bill and
the election, and it may safely be said that a full vote was polled,
with the following: result:
TOWNSHIPS.
Akron.
Cuyahoga
Falls.
Summit
City.
Scattering.
Bath
191
41
2
1
Boston
66
54
60
2
Copley .
271
1
1
Coventry
232
Franklin
250
4
12
Green.
289
1
2
Hudson
16
235
Northampton
29
132
7
2
Northfield
30
143
g
Norton
295
Portage
621
5
15
1
Richfield
153
16
1
Spritigiield
348
15
1
Stow
6
361
1
Tallmadge
181
177
7
1
Twinsburg'
199
2,978
1,384
101
24
AKRON FINALLY WINS.
105
A kron's total vote 2,978
Cuyahoga Falls' total vote 1,384
Akron's plurality 1,594
Summit City, etc 125
Akron over all 1,4459
Summit County Court House, erected 1840 18J3 Remodeled and Winjjs
added in 1867.
This emphatic vote definitely settled the question as to loca-
tion, and the erection of the county buildings was proceeded with,
though by reason of the protracted delay, they were not completed
until several months after the time stipulated in the contract as
above set forth, as will be seen by the following extract from the
record of the County Commissioners:
"December 5th, 1843. Simon Perkins, Jr., Jedediah D. Commins and
Richard Howe, the trustees for building- the court house and jail, and Ithiel
Mills, the court house contractor, submitted the court house for inspection
of the board and for their acceptance.
" December 6th. Having- examined the court house the board proposed,
as an offset to the general bad character of the work, which the building-
trustees full)' admitted, to accept it, if the windows were made to work freely
up and down, the doors better hung or fastened and provided with more
suitable latches and locks, and the windows in the Auditor's, Clerk's and
Recorder's offices secured by iron blinds or shutters made and fitted into
them."
Though the ceiling has been raised and modernized, the court
room remains substantially the same as originally built, though a
flight of stairs leading from the lower hall to the two small rooms
in the rear of the Judge's seat, on the east end, has been dispensed
with. On the lower floor the space on the north side of the hall,
now entirely occupied by the treasury, was divided into three
106 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
rooms Sheriff's office on the east, Treasurer's office in the center
and Grand Jury room on the west, while upon the south side of
the hall "was the Probate office upon the east, with the Auditor,
Clerk and Recorder in the order named upon the west.
A special act was passed March 29, 1867, authorizing the County
Commissioners to make certain greatly needed improvements to
the court house edifice without submitting the question to a vote
of the people. Under this act the two wings upon the front or
west end were erected, and the other changes alluded to made, the
cost of which was paid out of the general fund as collected from
the taxpayers of the entire county, notwithstanding the inhibition
clause of the original new county act in regard to the taxing of Frank-
lin and Green for county building purposes for the period of 50
years, that provision having been entirely lost sight of, both by the
officials and the tax-payers of those two townships, themselves.
No one, however, regrets the expenditure, the improvements
being very greatly needed, the -wing upon the south providing
fairly respectable offices for the Probate Judge below and the
Clerk of the Courts above, and that upon the north for the Recorder
on the ground floor, and the Jury room above; though the structure
is still very inadequate to the constantly growing necessities of the
public service, and the people of Summit County cannot better
subserve their own interests than by taking immediate measures
for the erection, upon their present sightly and beautiful grounds,
a new court house not only commensurate with the public require-
ments, but one, also, that, in point of architectural design and
adornment, shall be in keeping with the proverbial good taste of
its enterprising and public spirited citizens.
The contractor on the jail, Mr. Sebbins Saxton, dying in August,
1841, pending the controversy over the location of the county-seat,,
on the final settlement of the " vexed question," the trustees, Messrs.
Perkins, Commins and Howe, on the 13th day of April, 1842, adver-
tised in the BEACON for proposals for the erection and completion
of the jail, a new contract being finally entered into with Mr.
Harvey Saxton, a younger brother of the former contractor.
The jail was accepted by the Commissioners about the first of
October, 1843, and the prisoners then in custody four in number
were immediately transferred from their comparatively unsafe
quarters in the third story of the old stone block, to the supposed
to be impregnable and perfectly secure quarters in the new stone
jail, on Wednesday, October 3, 1843. Yet, notwithstanding its
presumable "non-break-out-ability," the very next night, those
same four prisoners liberated themselves from "durance vile " with
perfect ease in the following ingenious manner: One of them, by
the name of Garner Miller, charged with "tinkering with the cur-
rency," was a machinist by trade, and perfectly understood the
principle and power of leverage and purchase. He was not long,
therefore, in devising a plan for testing that power, and his own
skill upon the walls of the new jail. The beds of the prisoners
were composed of a frame work of strips of about 2x6 whitewood
plank, with canvas nailed across them. The side rails of the bunks
were just about as long as the space between the outer and the
inner walls. Using one of these bed rails horizontally as a lever,
and another as a pry, with the inner wall as the fulcrum, the
united strength of the four men readily pushed one of the huge
OVATION TO JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. 107
blocks of sand-stone entirely out of the massive wall, thus demon-
strating that at least one important point of strength in the
construction of the new bastile had been entirely overlooked, viz.:
the anchoring of the several courses of stone as they were laid.
This defect was remedied, in part, by drilling obliquely from
near the upper edge of each stone, into about the middle of the
tier below, inserting iron dowels, and filling the orifice with
cement. No escapes from that cause have since been made,
though many nearly successful attempts have been made to dig
through the soft sand-stone of which the walls are composed.
Several escapes have been effected, however, through the soft-iron
window gratings and otherwise, though that danger has been par-
tially obviated by the addition of inside steel window gratings,
and by boiler plating the walls, but the fact remains that the jail
is, as it has been so often declared to be by the Grand Jury, a
nuisance inconvenient and insalubrious to both jailor and pris-
onerwhich should at once be abated by the erection of a building
not only creditable to the intelligence and ability of the people of
the county, but also in accord with the advanced humanitarian
and reformatory status of the age.
A FITTING DEDICATION.
In the autumn of 1843, Ex-President John Quincy Adams,
"The Old Man Eloquent," was invited to deliver an address on the
occasion of laying the corner stone of the Cincinnati Astronomical
Observatory the first of its kind on this continent. Being prior
to the advent of railroads in the West, Mr. Adams traveled exclu-
sively by those ancient "fast" modes of conveyance the stage-
coach, the canal packet and the steamboat, making brief calls, and
receiving enthusiastic ovations at prominent points along the
route.
Learning that it was his intention to visit Ohio's then most
distinguished statesman, Hon. Joshua R. Giddings, at his home in
Ashtabula County, a delegation was sent to Jefferson to invite Mr.
Adams to visit Akron, but stress of weather on Lake Erie
prevented him from calling upon his \varm personal friend and
anti-slavery colleague in Congress, as he had designed to do, and
the committee returned home without seeing him.
Early in the morning of Thursday, November 2, 1843, word was
received that Mr. Adams was coming up the canal, en route to
Columbus. The committee were hastily convened, who procured
a carriage, met the distinguished visitor at Lock Twenty-one, and
escorted him to a hotel. As he could only remain while the boat
was passing through the locks, bells were rung and messengers
were sent. from house to house, notifying the people that a recep-
tion would be tendered to Mr. Adams at half past eight o'clock.
As short as the notice was, the new court room was crowded to its
utmost capacity, by men, women, children and babies.
The distinguished visitor, on appearing in the Judge's desk,
by the rear entrance, was greeted by an immense shower of
enthusiastic cheers from the men and the waiving of handker-
chiefs from the women. Mayor Harvey H. Johnson, made a brief
and fitting address of welcome, the response of Mr. Adams, though
occupying only about twenty minutes, giving quite a comprehen-
108 - AKRON AXD SUMMIT COUNTY.
sive review of the history and progress of our whole nation, and
of his surprise at, and admiration of, the evidences of enterprise and
prosperity which met him at every step of his initial visit to the
great West, saying among other things equally happy: "It seems
as though a person in this Western country was witnessing a new
creation a new world rising from discord and chaos to order,
happinsss and virtue! What will this country be in half a century
from this time? Cherish this spirit of improvement which has
made it what it is apply your mighty energies to the work,
invoke the aid, encouragement and protection of your country in
your enterprise, and may God speed you."
Mr. Adams' remarks were frequently interrupted by enthusias-
tic applause, and at the close he stepped forward and took each one
by the hand, gallantly and graciously kissing each of the ladies
and all of the the babies in attendance.
It was truly a fitting dedication of the new court house, \vhich
had not as yet been formally accepted by the County Commis-
sioners.
ADDITIONAL TOWNSHIPS.
The aggregate territory of the county remains the same as in
1840, though there have been some changes in the arrangement of
the townships, there being now eighteen instead of sixteen as
originally. In March, 1851, the township of Cuyahoga Falls was
erected by the County Commisssoners, out of portions of the four
original townships of Stow, Tallmadge, Portage and Northampton,
being on the average, about two miles square. In like manner the
township of Middlebury was erected in March, 1857, out of portions
of Tallmadge, Springfield, Portage and Coventry, and though
subsequently annexed to the city of Akron, as its Sixth Ward, it
retained its distinctive township features to the extent of having
one justice of the peace and one constable, until the erection of the
new township of Akron, by special act of the Legislature, in March,
1888, when, the latter being co-extensive with the city, the former
became^ merged therein. The township of Akron is entitled to three
justices of the peace and three constsbles, only, the other govern-
mental functions of the township devolving upon the officers of the
city, the law providing for the appointment, by the city council, of an
Infirmary director to take the place of the township trustees in
looking after the township and city poor.
CHAPTER VIII.
EDUCATIONAL MATTERS PIONEER SCHOOLS " MODEL " EXAMINATION AND A
"MODEL" TEACHER OF A "MODEL" SCHOOL EARLY SELECT SCHOOLS,
HIGH SCHOOLS, INSTITUTES, ETC. SUCCESSES AND FAILURESTHE UNION
SCHOOL SYSTEM, DEVISED IN AKRON IN 1846 BUT NOW UNIVERSAL A
MAGNIFICENT EDUCATIONAL SHOWING PRESENT STATUS OF AKRON'S
PUBLIC SCHOOLS BUCHTEL COLLEGE, WHEN, HOW AND BY WHOM FOUNDED
HORACE GREELEY'S CORNER-STONE ADDRESS BIG-HEARTED JOHN RICH-
ARDS BUCHTEL THE CROUSE GYMNASIUM THE INSTITUTION A GRAND
SUCCESS FATAL DISASTER CONTEMPLATED NEW FEATURES, ETC.
EDUCATIONAL MATTERS.
WHEN the \vriter first came to Akron , in 1835, the public schools of
the village were under the j urisdiction of the township author-
ities, Portage township then being divided into seven school dis-
tricts. It was the fortune of the writer to teach the school in
district number seven, in the Winter of 1835-6. The school house,
about 16x18 feet in size, was built of logs, -with a huge stone fire-
place at one end, surmounted by a stick and mud chimney; plain
board desks running lengthwise around the sides of the room, with
slab benches for the older scholars, and an inner circle of lower
board seats for the smaller ones. The house was situated on the
northwest corner of Medina and Portage roads (opposite the north-
east corner of the present Infirmary farm), and the "deestrict"
extended from Old Portage on the north, to, and including, the
Perkins homestead on the south, and from, and including, the
McGuire farm upon the west, to the Ohio Canal upon the east,
embracing, as \vill be seen, quite a large slice of the western por-
tion of the present City of Akron.
Then, as now, teachers of public schools had to be examined,
and provide themselves with certificates, to enable the trustees to
draw their proportion of the school fund, but, unlike the present
usage, in addition to the half or quarter yearly examinations, the
president of the board was authorized to make examinations and
issue certificates during vacation, as occasion might require.
Akron was then a dependency of Portage County, the presi-
dent of the board of examiners being, at that time, Darius Lyman r
Esq., a prominent lawyer of Ravenna. Riding on horseback, via
Middlebury, Old Forge, Cuyahoga Falls, Stow Corners and Frank-
lin Mills (Kent), 18 miles to Ravenna, on a cold December Saturday
afternoon, I reached the house of Mr. Lyman, a short distance east
of the public square, just as the family was retiring from the sup-
per table. Making known my errand, Mr. Lyman turned to his
law-student, Frederick Hudson, a young man about my own age,
and with whom I had a slight acquaintance, and said: "Fred, you
take Mr. Lane into the office and examine him while I go to the
barn and do the chores."
Repairing to the office, after a few preliminary questions as to
where I was going to teach, size of school, etc., Fred shoved a law
book across the table, requesting me to read a few sentences, -which
I accordingly did. Then handing me a sheet of paper and a stubbed
110 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
x
goose quill pen, he asked me to write a line or two, and I "writ."
Next a sum in simple interest, and a problem in the "Rule of
Three" were submitted which were duly wrought out.
"That'll do," said my examiner. "What!" I exclaimed, "don't
you examine in geography, grammar, etc.?" "No," said Fred, "the
law only requires a knowledge of reading, writing and arithmetic
the three R's you know and in all of those you've done first-rate."
President L/yman soon coming in, was informed by Fred that I
was " O. K." and a certificate for one year, was duly executed, and,
paying the customary fee of 75 cents therefor, I wended my way
back to Akron, in*the face of a blinding snow storm, rejoicing at
having slipped through the dreaded examination-mill so easily.
How some of the modern aspirants for pedagogic honors, in con-
templation of the intricate mathematical problems, grammatical
conundrums and geographical, historical, and other puzzles which
will be fired at them, will envy me.
My stipulated salary was $11.00 per month and "board around,"
some ten or twelve families thus sharing the "honor" of providing
the "school master" with fresh pork, sausage and buckwheat cakes
during the winter. The average attendance was about 30, ranging
from 6 to 21 years of age. Kvery house where I boarded but one,
was of the log cabin variety; in one, my bed being in the loft,
reached by a ladder, and through the long oak shingles of which,
on stormy nights, the snow would sift liberally down upon the
coverlet. The house where I boarded the longest, had two rooms;
one kitchen, dining room, parlor and bed room, combined, the high
bed in the corner being occupied by the old folks, and the trundle-
bed, beneath, by the two younger children; the other room con-
taining two beds, one of \vhich was occupied by the "Master" and
a twelve-year-old boy, and the other by the three older girls of the
family, with a linen sheet suspended midway between the two beds!
As prolific as were many of those early families, the enumer-
ated youth of the district, of school age, "warranted the drawing of
less than half the amount of public money needed to pay the
teacher's salary, as meager as it was; consequently a roll of
attendance had to be kept, even to the half days, and the deficit
assessed, pro rata, and collected from the parents, a task which
proved so irksome to the acting director, the late Sidney Stocking,
that he finally gave up the job in disgust, paying the last ten
dollars out of his own pocket.
AKRON'S EARLIER SCHOOLS.
Besides this and other outside schools, in the Ayres settlement,
the Sherbondy neighborhood, the Spicer settlement, the Old Forge,
etc., North and South Akron were each separate school districts, a
small frame school house standing on the northeast corner of
Middlebury street and Broadway, afterwards replaced by a one-
story stone building, which is still standing.
That school house, a cut of which, from memory, is here
given, \vas the only place for holding public meetings religious,
political, literary or otherwise, the first number of Akron's first
newspaper the Weekly Post issued March 22, 1836, announcing
that "The Akron L/yceum arid Library Association will meet at
the School House in South Akron, on Friday next, at 6 o'clock
EARLY SCHOOL HOUSES, TEACHERS, ETC.
Ill
p. M., to discuss the question:
'Ought the right of suffrage to
be extended to foreigners?'"
and the further announcement
that "the electors of Portage
township will meet at the
School House in South Akron,
on^Thursday, the 31st inst., at
7 o'clock, for the purpose of
nominating candidates to be
supported at the ensuing elec-
tion;" and a few weeks later
this: "A meeting of the mem-
bers of the Akron and Middle-
bury Baptist Church and Society will be held at the School House,
in South Akron, on Wednesday, June 16, at 4 o'clock p. M., for
the purpose of organizing under their charter;" and also this:
"The citizens of Akron and vicinity are earnestly requested to
meet at the School House, in South Akron, on Saturday evening at
7 o'clock precisely, for the purpose of ascertaining the public
feeling in this place -with regard to constructing a Railroad from
Akron to Richmond, on Grand river in Geauga County."
In North Akron there was then no public school house, such
brief terms as were taught being dependent upon such hired rooms,
in private houses or stores, as could be procured, though there was
erected in 1835, back of where the Congregational Church now
stands, a small house for a select school, but by whom built, or by
whom the school was taught, is not now remembered.
In this house, also, religious, political, literary and other meet-
ings were held, until the completion of the Congregational,
Methodist, Baptist and Universalist churches, and the halls in the
old stone building, in North Akron, May's building in South Akron,
and Stephens' building, between the two villages, were completed
in 1836-7.
Of the earlier public teachers, the writer has no definite
recollection, but the proportion of public money for the payment of
teachers was then so meager, and the term so short and uncertain,
that many parents preferred to send their children entirely to
select schools, which were quite numerous about those days.
Among those recalled, who taught for shorter or longer periods,
were Miss Sarah Carpender, sister of Dr. John G. Carpender, of 315
Bowery street, afterwards married to Mr. John S. Harvey, one of
North Akron's pioneer merchants; Miss Amanda Blodgett, sister
of the late Mrs. A. R. Townsend, and later the wife of the late Dr.
William P. Cushman; and our present well preserved 80-year-old
fellow citizen, Nahum Fay, Esq.; Mr. Fay teaching the North
Akron district school for five successive Winters 1836-7 and 1837-8
in a store-room in Lewis P. Buckley's building, where the post-
office now stands; 1838-9 in a store room belonging to Elisha N.
Bangs, where the Allen block now stands, and 1839-40 and 1840-41
in the new school house, below referred to, on South High street;
his sister-in-law, Miss Emily Cummings, teaching in the lower
story of the same house; the first Mrs. Fay also at one time teach-
ing a small public school in a rented room on West Hill, near the
present residence of Dr. John W. Lyder. Advertisements of other
select schools are found in the newspapers of the period, as follows:
112
AKKON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
May 20, 1836, "M. and A. C. Joyce respectfully inform the
inhabitants of Akron, and vicinity, that they have opened a school
in South Akron, where they will instruct a few young ladies in
Arithmetic, Orthography, History, Composition, Natural Phi-
losophy, Astronomy, Botany, Rhetoric, Chemistry, Drawing in
Crayon, Mezzotinto, Pencil, India Ink, Japaning, Flower Painting,
etc. Terms made known on application. Those wishing to attend
to Reading, Writing, Geography, Grammar, etc., $3 per quarter."
NAHUM FAY, born in Reading-,
Vt, July 26, 1811; common
school and academic education ; rais-
ed on farm ; from 18 years of age
taught school six consecutive win-
ters ; then entered employ of map
publishing firm of Lewis Robinson
& Co., as salesman and copper-plate
printer ; in July, 1836, came to Akron
where the company established a
map manufactory, working for com-
pany Summers and teaching school
Winters, for six } r ears ; in October,
1843, was elected County Recorder,
and re-elected in 1846, holding the
office six years ; served as Deputy
County Treasurer, under the respec-
tive terms of Treasurers William H.
Dewey, Frederic Wadsworth and
Chester W. Rice, from 1849 to 1855;
afterwards grain buj^er for several
years ; Akron Village Recorder 1842,
'43, '47; Township Clerk 1844, '45, '46,
'47 ; Village Councilman 1844 ; Town-
ship Assessor of personal property
1847, '51, '52, '54, '61, '62, '64, also several
times assessor of real estate, school
enumerator, etc.; in 1860 commenced
the manufacture of cordage, twine,
etc., by hand machinery, supplying
the local markets with that class of
goods for more than twenty years.
In 1837 Mr. Fay was married to Miss
Lucia Cumings, of Windsor County,
NAHUM FAY.
Vt., who bore him two children
Henry C. M. (deceased) and Emma
V., wife of James W. Chamberlain,
superintendent of the Webster, Camp
& Lane Machine Co., of Akron. Mrs.
Fay dying October 23, 1882, Mr. Fay
was again married, to Mrs. Mary E.
Wright, September 16, 1883.
July 27, 1836, "Mrs. Susan E. Dodge announces that on the 1st
day of August, she will open a school on the corner of Main and
Exchange streets, for Young Ladies and Misses, in which the
following branches will be taught: Reading, Writing and Spelling,.
$2.50; Grammar, Geography and Arithmetic, $3.50; Rhetoric,
Philosophy, Botany, Map-drawing and Needle-work, $5.00; Paint-
ing (water colors) 24 lessons, $5.00, Landscape Painting, $5.00.
Term eleven weeks."
January 2, 1837, Miss B. M. Hawkins, under the heading,
"Akron High School," gives notice that she "will continue her
school, over the room of M. C. and A. R. Townsend, in North
Akron, during the Winter term of twelve weeks. Tuition: Ortho-
graphy, Writing, Grammar, and Geography, $2.50; History,
Arithmetic, Rhetoric and Composition, $3. 00; Geometry, Chemistry,
Botany, Intellectual Philosophy, Natural Philosophy, Natural
Theology, $i. 00; French Painting, $5.00."
In the Spring of 1837, Mr. S. L/. Sawtell, an eastern college
graduate, opened a select school in Stephens' block (present site of
VARIOUS "SELECT" AND "HIGH" SCHOOLS.
113
Merrill's pottery) giving such satisfaction, that on the 15th of
November, the "Winter term of the Akron High School," with Mr.
Sawtell as instructor, is announced, the price of tuition for a
term of 11 weeks, ranging from $3.00 to $5.00.
DR. JOSEPH COLE, born in
Winfield, Herkimer County, X.
Y., September 17, 1795 ; served in the
war of 1812, (50 days at Sackett's Har-
bor in 1814; graduated at Fairfield
Medical College, February 16, 1825;
located at Old Portage, Ohio, in
Spring- of 1826, at once attaining- a
large practice ; December 25, 1826,
was married to Miss Charlotte Dewey,
formerly of Westfield, Mass., in
Spring 1 of 1827 removed to Akron,
where he enjoyed a lucrative prac-
tice, and the public esteem and con-
fidence until his death, October 28,
1861, ag-ed 66 years, 1 month and 11
days. Dr. Cole was among the
earliest Temperance advocates in
Ohio, a bitter foe to human slavery
and a most zealous friend of educa-
tion, larg-ely aiding in the formula-
tion of the Akron School Law, and
serving- upon the first Board of
Education, elected under said law, in
1847. Mrs. Cole survived her hus-
band nearly a quarter of a century,
dying August 1, 1886, aged 85 years, 5
months. They were the parents of
seven children ~ Joseph Keep, born
April 7, 1828, died July 4, 1829;
Harriet F., born November 24, 1830,
married to Dr. A. H. Agard, October
10, 1849, died November 14, 1854, leav-
ing one child, now Mrs. Helen L.
Epler, of Saratoga Springs, N. Y. ;
Amanda L., born December 28, 1831,
died July 1, 1855; Alvin, born July
DR. JOSEPH COLE.
18, 1834, died November 15, 1834; in-
fant son born September 1835, died
September 19, 1835; Ben. Franklin,
born September 19, 1836, died Jan-
uary 29, 1839; Harrison Dewey
born June 19, 1840, married to Miss
Harriet A. Farnam, November 24,
1864, died April 25, 1876, leaving two
children Harrison D. and Fanny F.,
both now living- with their mother,
603 South High street.
This seems to have been a regularly organized institution,
but whether chartered or not is. not remembered, and the manage-
ment seems to have included gentlemen from several neighboring
townships in both Portage and Medina counties (Summit not
having yet been erected), the officers named in the advertisement
being as follows: Jedediah D. Commins, (Akron), President;
Jonathan Starr, (Copley), Vice President; Simon Perkins, (Portage) r
Treasurer; Horace K. Smith, (Akron), Secretary; John Codding,
(Granger), Erastus Torrey, Eliakim Crosby, Gibbons J. Ackley,
Justus Gale, Samuel A. Wheeler and Joseph Cole, (Akron), Roan
Clark, (Middlebury), Lewis Hammond, (Bath), Allen Pardee,
(Wadsworth), and Henry Van Hynirig, (Norton), Trustees.
But notwithstanding this solid backing, and notwithstanding
the acknowledged ability of Mr. Sawtell, the attendance was so
meager that, as an inducemerit to increase of pupilage, the Spring
and Summer term, of 22 \veeks, in 1838, without increased pay, was
offered, Mr. Sawtell seeking, at the same time, to create an interest
in his school, and the cause of education generally, as well as to
piece out his income, by the publication of the "Pestalozzian,"
114
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
-which had an existence of six months only, both his paper and
his school being discontinued in the Fall of 1838.
In the American Balance of December 27, 1837, is an
announcement that "on January 3, 1838, a select school will be
opened on the corner of Middlebury and High streets, South Akron,
under the superintendence of Miss M. E. Hubble, of New York,
where pupils will receive instruction in all branches usually
taught in our Eastern Female Seminaries. Terms per quarter (11
weeks) from $3.00 to $5.00 according to studies pursued, and for
music, $8.00, including use of piano."
JUDGE JAMES R. FORD, born in
J Herkimer Co., N. Y., January 28,
1797. His earlier years \vere spent in
Pittsfield, Mass., coming to Paines-
ville, Ohio, about the year 1817. Here
he resided about 17 years, filling-
many positions of trust and honor,
when he removed to Huron County,
and from thence, about 1837 to Akron,
when, with others under the firm
name of The Akron Manufacturing-
Company, a large foundry and stove
business was carried on, on what is
known as the old JEtna Furnace site,
opposite Lock Eleven, Ohio Canal.
In June, 1845, Mr. Ford was appointed
by Gov. Bartle}', Associate Judge of
the Court of Common Pleas Court,
for Summit County, which office he
acceptabl} 1 - filled until failing health
compelled his resignation in 1849.
April 27, 1826, Judge Ford was mar-
ried to Miss Julia A. Tod, daughter
of Judge George Tod, of Youngstown,
who bore him seven children Sarah
T. (now Mrs. Peck, of Youngstown),
James H., deceased ; Mary M. died in
infancj r ; Hobart, deceased ; Julia A.,
wife of Judge William H. Upson, of
JUDGE JAMES K. FORD.
Akron ; George Tod Ford, of Akron ;
and Elizabeth A., now Mrs. John F.
Earl, of New York. Judge Ford died,
January 2, 1851, aged 53 years 11
months and 4 days, Mrs. Ford dying
January 19, 1885, aged 77 years, 11
months and 13 days.
The growth of the public school system was slow for the next
six or eight years, because of the disproportion of Akron's quota of
the State school fund, to the number of children to be educated,
though, in about 1839, a fair sized school house had been erected in
North Akron, on High street, immediately south of the present
Congregational Church (still standing there), -with a room in the
basement in -which the younger scholars were taught; a small
additional building, afterwards known as the "Bell" school house,
on South High street, being used for a second school in South
Akron. But owing to the fact that each parent was required to
pay his pro rata proportion of the teacher's salary, over and above
the amount received from the State, very many of the youths of
the village were not kept in school, the average attendance, in
1845, being scarcely more than 350 out of a total enumeration
of 690.
Yet, besides those mentioned in the "High School" advertise-
ment, above quoted, many other citizens, of both villages, were
deeply interested in the cause of education, among whom were
Constant Bryan, Esq., Capt. Richard Howe, Gen. Lucius V. Bierce,
Webster B. Storer, Ansel Miller, Horace K. Smith, William H.
THE "AKRON INSTITUTE.
115
Dewey, William M. Dodge, Harvey B. Spelman, Allen Hibbard,
Henry W. King, Sidney Edgertoti, Hon. James R. Ford, James
Matthews, James S. Carpenter, Dr. Edwin Angel, Dr. Elias W.
Howard, etc.
JUDGE CONSTANT BRYAN son
J of Elijah Bryan (a soldier of the
Revolution for six years) and Content
Baldwin Fowler ; born in Delaware
Co., N. Y., September 6, 1809; raised
on farm ; common school education ;
16 to 19 taught school ; read law in
Bainbridge, N. Y., graduating- from
Law Department of Yale College 'in
1830; came to Akron in 1833; admit-
ted to bar .in Columbus, in 1834,
opening an office in Akron, later for
two or three years having Hoti.
George Bliss for partner ; originally
a Democrat, in 1836-37, published and
edited the Akron Journal, a Demo-
cratic paper ; was Akron's first vil-
lage Recorder, in 1836 ; was active in
formulating the Akron school law,
1846, and an efficient member of
School Board thereunder ; early es-
pousing the cause of Freesoilism, in
1852 was elected Probate Judge by a
Democratic and Free-soil coalition,
serving two years. May 15, 1839, he
was married to Miss Sophia Den-
iiison, of Hartland, Vt., who bore him
three children, one of whom, only, is
living Henry E., for many years
past Clerk of the City of Columbus.
Mrs. Bryan dying, March 27, 1847, at
tin' age of 29 years, 10 months and 8
days, Judge Bryan was again married
JUDGE CONSTANT BRYAN.
in September, 1854, to Miss Susan L.
Barnum, of Florence, Huron Co., O.,
who bore him two sons Fred C.,
now practicing law in Akron, and
Isaac Jennings, now engaged in
newspaper work in Chicago. Judge
Bryan died July 27, 1886, aged 76
years, 10 months and 21 days.
Early in 1844, Mr. Thomas Parnell Beach, a graduate of
Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Maine, established a high school
in the small stone building on the side-hill, north of the Dr. D. A.
Scott residence, on North High street, originally used for church
purposes by the German Lutheran Society, the school being
removed later in the season to an upper room in the new Trussell
building, corner East Market street and Maiden Lane alley, which
was carried on with a fair degree of success, until the death of Mr.
Beach, September 30, 1846, his successor for a term or two being
Benjamin Franklin Dennison, A. M., commencing in November,
1846.
December 3, 1844, notice of the establishment of a " Select High
School," in the "Stone Block," is given by Mr. Samuel S. Greele,
the success or duration of which is not now remembered by the
writer. In the meantime, a number of citizens had inaugurated a
movement for the establishment of a permanent high school on
the stock plan, and on the 10th day of February, 1845, a charter
was granted by the Legislature for "The Akron Institute," with
power to confer degrees, with Simon Perkins, Eliakim Crosby,
Edwin Angel, Henry W. King, James R. Ford, Lucius V. Bierce
and Samuel A. Wheeler as corporators. Though the stockholders
organized, nothing definite seems to have been done towards
accomplishing the object sought, the last mention of the project
116
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
found in the papers of the day, being the announcement of a
meeting of the stockholders, held October 9, 1846, at which direc-
tors were elected as follows: Simon Perkins, Richard Howe,
Samuel A. Wheeler, Henry W. King, Edwin Angel, Lucius V.
Bierce and William Harrison Dewey, with Simon Perkins as Pres-
ident, Henry W. King, Secretary and Richard Howe, Treasurer.
WEBSTER B. STORER , born in
Portland, Me., January 24, 1809;
moved with parents to Zanesville,
Ohio, in 1818, the family removing- to
Cleveland in 1828 ; was educated in
common schools of Portland and
Zanesville ; learned ship-carpenter
and joiners' trade with his father, at
the age of 21 engaging in that busi-
ness on his own account, in Cleve-
land, continuing four years; in 1836
came to Akron, following house
building for three years ; then boat
building for 18 years, two } r ears in
partnership with Jacob Barnhart,
and ten years with Ansel Miller,
meantime from 1856 to 1858, conduct-
ing a wholesale and retail grocery
store at corner of East Market and
High streets. In 1863, sold boat
building interests to William H.
Payne, and with his son-in-law, John
L,. Noble, under the firm name of
Storer & Noble, ran an iron store
corner Main and East Market streets
until its destruction by fire on the
morning of March 11, 1869; in 1868
bought 208 acres of land, one mile
West of city limits, which, with his
son-in-law, he has since successfully
conducted, making small fruits a
speciality. Mr. Storer is a prominent
member of the Disciple Church, and
an ardent Republican, having served
as member of Town Council in 1841 ;
Portage Township Trustee 1848 and
1851, member of Akron Board of Edu-
WEBSTER B. STORER.
cation several years, and from 1871
to 1874 Director of Count}* Infirm-
ary, the last two years as President
of Board. Mr. Storer was married
July 24, 1832, to Miss Mary A. Bangs,
who has borne him five children four
of whom are now living Daniel W.,
now of Anderson, Ind. ; Hattie I. .now
Mrs. John L. Noble ; James B., of
Akron; and George S., of New York
City.
THE GRADED SCHOOL SYSTEM.
Though not a liberally educated man, himself, the late Ansel
Miller was an earnest friend of education, in those early days, being
for many years a trustee of the South Akron school district, as
\vell as a member of the Board of Education later on.
Mr. Miller, realizing the many defects in the old school system,
as early as 1840 began to advocate the plan of educating all of the
children of the people at the public expense, and the classification
of schools into distinct grades according to proficiency. In this
view Mr. Miller -was warmly seconded by Dr. Joseph Cole, Webster
B. Storer, William M. Dodge, Richard Howe, and others in the
South Village, and by Horace K. Smith, Nahum Fay, James
Mathews, Henry W. King, Allen Hibbard, Hiram Boweii, Constant
Bryan, James M. Hale, Dr. E. W. Howard, and others in the North
Village.
This doctrine, however, did not find favor among the childless
property owners, and some of the larger tax-payers, they contending
THE GRADED SCHOOL SYSTEM.
117
tli at aside from the amount annually drawn from the State School
Fund, every parent was bound to provide for the education of his
own children. Thus, for several years, the discussion went on,
both in private and in public, culminating in a large and enthusi-
astic public meeting, at Mechanics' Hall, in the old stone block, on
the night of May 14, 1846, at which a committee was appointed "to
take into consideration our present educational provisions, and
the improvement, if any, which may be made therein."
PAPT. RICHARD HOWE, born
V-> iii St. Marys Co., Md., March 8,
17.K); father dying- April 16, 1810, in
1*12 came with mother to Frank-
linton, opposite Columbus, Ohio;
here he was adopted by Lucas
Sullivant, a wealthy resident of
Frankliiiton, who, besides giving
him a good education for those times
also taught him the art of survey-
ing; at 21, surveyed and located a
road from Columbus to Cincinnati ;
in 1824, was selected as a member of
the Board of Engineers to survey and
locate the Ohio Canal, removing to
Akron in 1829, where, as president of
of the board and resident engineer
of the Northern division, he was in
the continuous employ of the State
until his resignation, in 1850, to go to
California, where, in 1851, he was
.appointed Dept. U. S. Surveyor to
run the meridian line from Mount
Diablo to the Bay of Monterey; from
1863 to 1865, was employed by the
Pittsburgh Cincinnati and St. Louis
R. R. to superintend the building of
a bridge across the Ohio River at
Steubeiiville, at which time the por-
trait accompanying 1 this sketch was
taken. Capt. Howe was an early and
earnest friend of education in Akron,
liberally aided all of her early church
enterprises, was one of the trustees
for the erection of the court house
and jail in 1840; village councilman
in 1S54, 1855 and 1860. September 25,
1827, Capt. Howe was married to Miss
CAPT. RICHARD HOWE.
Roxana Jones who bore him eight
children, five of whom survived him
Henry W. Howe. Esq., now of Ira,
Northampton township ; Charles R.,
who died December 7, 1875; Nathan*
J., now of Chicago ; Emity B. now
Mrs. J. A. Ingersoll, of Chicago ; Mary
Anna now Mrs. John Wolf, of Akron.
Capt. Howe died March 19, 1872, aged
73 years and 11 days. Mrs. Howe
dying February 14, 1875, aged 70
3 r ears, 1 month and 10 days.
Rev. Isaac Jennings, Pastor of the Second Congregational
Church, was made chairman, -(the names of the others not remem-
bered), and the committee at once vigorously entered upon the task
of thoroughly informing themselves upon the question under con-
sideration, and to the formulation of a report upon the subject.
At an adjourned meeting, held November 21, 1846, Mr. Jennings,
in behalf of the committee, submitted an exhaustive report, occu-
pying three columns and a half in the BEACON.
After setting forth the defects of the existing system, and the
advantages of the proposed change greater uniformity, enlarged
scope of studies, greater efficiency, etc. the plan submitted by the
committee, after full discussion, at a numerously attended meeting
at Mechanics' Hall, on the night of November 21, 1846, was unani-
mously adopted, and a committee, consisting of Rufus P. Spalding,
Henry \V. King, L/ucius V. Bierce and Harvey B. Soelman, was
118
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
appointed to carry the report into effect, and secure the necessary
legislation in the premises.
A NSEL MILLER, born in Bridge-
** water, Windsor County, Vt., May
20, 1798; education limited raised a
farmer; at 23 learned carpenter's
trade; 1826 to 1828 worked at trade in
Boston, Mass.; visited Akron in 1828
and located permanently in 1829;
here, with his brother Lewis, he
engaged in contracting and building
and being the first to raise a building
in Akron a large two-story frame,
still standing opposite Lock One-
without the use of whisky; in 1839,
engaged in boat-building with Mr.
Webster B. Storer, under the firm
name of Storer & Miller, continuing 18
years; November 7, 1860, after voting
for Abraham Lincoln, moved on to
a farm in Copley township, with his
son, Charles C. Miller, where he died
December 16, 1879, aged 81 years, 6
months and 26 days. Mr. Miller was
married to Miss Lucy Auldin Hawk-
ins, November 22, 1831, who died
December 17, 1837, having borne him
two children Charles C., now a pros-
perous farmer in Copley, born Decem-
ber 11, 1832, and James Nelson, born
August 25, 1836 and died August 15,
1837. Mr. Miller was a warm friend
of education, often serving as school
trustee under the old system, and,
as elsewhere stated, among the very
first to advocate the union, or graded
school system, originating in Akron,
AXSEL MILLER.
and now general in Ohio; was an
early member of the Board of Edu-
cation under the new system, and a
member of the Council of the incor-
porated village of Akron for the years
1838,1841, 1842, 1843, 1847, 1848, 1849,1852
and 1855. Mr. Miller was an original
Anti-Slavery man, and from its organ-
ization, a zealous member of the
Republican party.
. Mr. Spalding, as the chairman, and Mr. King, as secretarj^ of
the committee, carefully embodied the substance of the report in
a bill, which, being duly presented and advocated by our Repre-
sentative, Hon. Alexander Johnston, of Green, and our Senator,.
Hon. Asahel H. Lewis, of Ravenna, was duly enacted into a law on
the 8th day of February, 1847. The act is as follows:
An Act for the support and better regulation of the Com-
mon Schools of the Town of Akron.
SECTION 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the
State of Ohio, that the electors of the Town of Akron, in the County
of Summit, qualified to vote for members of the town council, shall,
at the time and place of holding the annual election for said mem-
bers of the town council, for the year one thousand eight hundred
and forty-seven, meet and elect six directors [Mr. Jennings' report
styled them superintendents and recommended their appointment
by the council], of common schools for said town of Akron, two of
whom shall serve for one year, two for two years and two for three
years, the order of the seniority to be determined by lot, by such
directors after their election; annually thereafter, at the time and
place above specified, there shall, in like manner, be two directors
elected and qualified. All vacancies which may occur shall be
filled by the town council.
THE AKRON SCHOOL LAW
119
HON. HENRY W. KING, eldest
son of Judge Leicester King-,
was born in Westneld, Mass., Septem-
ber 24, 1815; removed with parents to
Warren, Ohio, in 1817; graduated from
Washington (now Trinity) College, at
Hartford, Conn., August 4, 1836; after
thorough course of study at Cincin-
nati Law School in 1839 opened law
office in Akron in connection with
Judge Milton Sutliff, of Warren, and
later with James D. Taylor, Esq., and
in 1849, with his brother, David L.
King, under the firm name of King
& King; was married October 20, 1842,
to Mary, third daughter of Dr.
Eliakim Crosby, who still survives,
two children having been born to
them Harry Crosby King, d3 r ing in
Arlington Heights hospital August
11, 1864, while in the hundred days
service in defense of Washington as
a member of the 164th Regt. O. N. G.;
the daughter, Julia Hunting ton,
being married to Homer Fisher (son
of Akron's former well-known physi-
cian, Dr. Alexander Fisher), now
living in Chicago. Mr. King was one
of the most active promoters of
Akron's Union School System, as
elsewhere stated; in 1850 was elected
Secretary of State, whose duties, with
those of Commissioner of Public
Schools, he performed with singular
HON. HENRY W. KING.
intelligence and ficlelitj-. Ever active
in the promotion of the business.
educational and moral interests of
the town and couiitjs his early death,
November 20, 1857, at the age of 42
years and one month, was univer-
sally regretted.
SEC. II. The said directors, -within ten days after their first
appointment, as aforesaid, shall meet and organize by choosing,
from their members, a president, secretary, and treasurer; and
such treasurer, before he enters upon the duties of said office, shall
give bond and security, to be approved by the council, and filed in
the office of the Mayor of said town, conditioned for the faithful
disbursement of all moneys that shall come into his hands as such
treasurer, which bond shall be made payable to the State of Ohio;
and when such bond shall be forfeited, it shall be the duty of the
town council to sue and collect the same for the use of the com-
mon schools in said town; and the said directors, so organized and
qualified, and their successors in office, shall be a body politic and
corporate in law, by the name of "The Board of Education of the
Town of Akron," and as such, and by such name, shall be author-
ized to receive all moneys accruing to said town, or any part
thereof, for the use and benefit of the common schools in said town;
and the said board shall be capable of contracting and being
contracted with ; suing and being sued ; pleading and being
impleaded, in any court of law or equity in this State ; and shall
also be capable of receiving any gift, grant, donation or devise,
made for the use of common schools in said town ; and said board,
by resolution, shall direct the payment of all moneys that shall
come into the hands of said treasurer; and no money shall be paid
out of the treasury except in pursuance of said resolution, and on
the written order of the president, countersigned by the secretary.
Without following the exact phraseology of the balance of the
law, we summarize the remaining sections as follows:
120
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
REV. ISAAC JENNINGS, D. D.,
bom in Trumbull, Conn., July
24,1822, in boyhood removing to
Derby, Conn.; graduate of Yale Col-
lege, in class of 1837, with Senator
William M. Evarts, Chief Justice
Morrison R. Waite, Hon. Edwards
Pierpoiit and Samuel J. Tilden;
taught school from 1837 to 1840; g'rad-
uated from Andover Theological
Seminary in 1842; June 14, 1843,
ordained pastor of the then Second
(now First) Congregational Church in
Akron its first pastor and his first
charge; took an active part in inaug-
urating the graded or union school
system, and formulating the "Akron
School Laws" now general in Ohio
and other states, the old High or
Jenning's school being so named in
his honor. February 17, 1847, Mr. Jen-
nings was married to Miss Sophia
Day, of Mansfield. O., immediately
removing to Stamford, Conn., offi-
ciating as pastor of First Congrega-
tional Church there six years, when
he removed to Beiinington, Vt., where,
as pastor of the old First Church, he
faithfully and successfully labored
over a third of a century, his death
occurring there August 25, 1887, at the
ag'e of 65 years, one month and one
day. Mr. and Mrs. Jennings were the
parents of nine children, six of whom,
with their mother, survive one son,
Isaac, Jr., beinga minister; one,Fred-
REV. ISAAC JENNINGS, D. I).
erick Beach, a lawyer, and one,
Charles Green, a physician. The
memory of Mr. Jennings, whose por-
trait is given herewith, though his
sojourn here was comparatively brief,
will long be cherished by all the good
people of Akron, in whose behalf he
so zealously labored nearly half a
centurj r ago.
SEC. Ill relates to regular and special meetings of the board,
quorum, etc.
SEC. IV gives the board entire control of all the schools and
school property; that after the then ensuing first Tuesday of June,
Akron should constitute but one school district and that all
moneys accruing to said district from the State, or otherwise, for
school purposes, should be paid over to the treasurer of the board.
SEC. V relates to number and grade of schools; the establish-
ment of a central grammar school, studies to be pursued, what
pupils entitled to admission, etc.
SBC. VI confers upon the board power to make and enforce
rules, employ teachers, fix salaries, purchase apparatus, buy lands,
build houses, buy furniture, etc.
SEC. VII requires the town council to levy such annual tax
upon the property of the district, as, with the amount received
from the State school fund, and other sources, would meet the
expense of maintaining said schools; which provision, owing to
the clamor of certain inimical tax-payers, was modified by an
amended act, passed January 28, 1848. limiting the levy to four
mills on the dollar in any one year.
SEC. VIII places the title of all lands, houses and other school
property, with power to purchas^, sell, etc., in the control of the
town council.
SEC. IX provides for the appointment of three school examiners,
by the council, for the examination of all applicants as teachers,
Till; LAW MADE GENERAL.
121
granting certificates, etc., and also for quarterly visits to schools,
reporting progress to council, etc.
SEC. X provides for public examinations of schools, annually,
under the direction of the mayor, council, hoard of education and
examiners.
HARVEY B. SPELMAN, -born in
Rootstown, Portage County, O.,
September 15, 1811 ; educated in Tall-
madge Academy and T wins bur g
Institute; after tea eh ing 1 awhile
entered employ of Mr. Roswell Kent,
of Middlebury, as clerk, afterward*
becoming 1 his partner and opening a
branch store in Wadsworth ; in 1839
removed to Franklin Mills (now
Kent), in 1841, formed a partnership
with Mr. Charles Clapp, and removed
to Akron, the firm occupying the cor-
ner store in the old stone block, cor-
ner Howard and Market streets. An
ardent Congregationalist, he was one
of the organizers of the Second Con-
gregational Church, in 1842, and one
of its first deacons ; strongly anti-
slavery, he early allied himself with
the Third Part}- movement, and by
the aid of Free-soil Democrats was
elected Representative to the State
Legislature, in 1849; enthusiastic in
the cause of education, was a zealous
promofer of the Akron Union School
system, and a member of the first
board of education thereunder in 1847;
in 1851 removed to Cleveland, where
he at once activelj* identified himself
with the religious, educational and
reform movements of the day ; in
1X5(5 removed to Burlington, Iowa; in
1864, under Gen. John Eaton, took
charge of cotton raised by "contra-
bands" 011 lands brought under gov-
ernment control; in 1866, removed to
New York, there and in Brooklyn
actively engaging- in business and
philanthropic work. November 16,
HARVEY B. SPELMAN.
1835, Mr. Spelman was married to
Miss Lucy Henry, of Blaiiford, Mass.
(sister of the late Milton W. Henry),
who bore him three children Lucy
M., born March 4, 1838 ; Laura C., Sep-
tember 9, 1839, (now Mrs. John D.
Rockefeller, of New York), and Henry
Jennings, born December 1, 1842, and
died March 15, 1857, Mr. S. himself
dying October 10, 1881, his remains
being interred in Lake View Ceme-
tery, Cleveland. Mrs. S. still survives,
residing with her daughter, Mrs.
Rockefeller, in New York.
February 14, 1848, an amendment was adopted by the Legis-
lature, providing: "That every incorporated town or city in this
-State shall have the provisions of the act entitled 'an act for the
support and better regulation of the common schools in the town
of Akron' and the amendatory acts thereto, passed by the Forty-
sixth General Assembly of this State, extended to all or any of said
incorporated towns or cities, whenever two-thirds of the qualified
voters thereof shall petition the town or city council in favor of
having the provisions of said act so extended," thus establishing
a precedent for the "local option" laws, on the temperance ques-
tion, now in vogue in Ohio, arid other states.
Changes and amendments have from time to time been made.
extending the provisions, under certain regulations, to unincorpo-
rated villages, townships and school districts, so that now a large
proportion of the State is working under the Akron School L/aw,
a tact of which our citizens may justly feel proud.
122
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
It will be noted that the plan of the original report was so
modified in the act as passed, as to make the superindents, or as
the act specifies, the directors, elective by the people, instead of
appointive by the town council. At the first election under the
law, June 1, 1847, Lucius V. Bierce, Harvey B. Spelman, William
H. Dewey, James Mathews, William M. Dodge and Dr. Joseph Cole
were duly elected as members of the board. The board organized
by electing L. V. Bierce, president; H. B. Spelman, secretary, and
W. H. Dewey, treasurer; James S. Carpenter, Esq., Abel B. Berry,
Ksq., and Mr. Horace K. Smith, being appointed school examiners
by the council.
The entire town, de-
nominated the "Akron
School District," was
divided into eight sub-
districts; additional pri-
mary school houses were
built, and the property
abutting on Summit, Mill
and Prospect streets, then
embracing about two and.
a half acres of land, was
purchased for $2,137.21,
and the castellated one-
story, frame building, al-
ready upon the ground,
was fitted up for a gram-
mar school, at a cost of
Akron's First Ri^KScHoBuildinffl 847 ft
[on site of present Jennings School}
$613.44.
Mr. Mortimer D. Leggett, Ithaca, N. Y., a ripe scholar, and a
thorough disciplinarian, was employed as Principal of the Gram-
mar School, at the "munificent" salary of $500 per year, with Miss
Lucretia Wolcott and Miss Helen Pomeroy as assistants, at $200
and $150 per year, respectively.
The board was opposed in all of its movements by certain
penurious property owners, and, as above stated, an amendment
to the law was secured, limiting the rate of taxation for school
purposes, in any one year, to four mills on the dollar, which
compelled so great a degree of economy, in providing houses and
apparatus, and the employment of competent teachers, as to very
seriously threaten the success of the experiment, Mr. Leggett being
impelled to withdraw from the schools the second year for lack of
adequate compensation for his exceedingly efficient services.
The graded system was found to work well, however, there
being a much greater proportionate attendance, and at a con-
siderable less expense per capita, and greater proficiency, than
under the old plan. In 1849, an additional sub-district was formed,
the primaries were graded into primary and secondary, and the
grammar school was suspended during the Summer.
September 3, 1849, Mr. Charles W. Palmer, assisted by Mrs,
Palmer, and Mr. Josiah Gilbert Graham, took charge of the
grammar school, Mr. Palmer's engagement being for two years, at
a joint salary, for himself and wife, of $600 per year, though owing
to Mr. Palmer's illness, the school was again suspended early in
1851, not to be again resumed until the completion of the new
HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING DEDICATED.
123
grammar school building, a contract for the erection of which was
entered into by the board with the late Charles W. Brown for the
foundation, and the late Andrews May, for the superstructure, in
the Winter of 1850-51, at a cost of $9,200.
Meantime, Mr. Kdwin Bigelow Olmstead, and his wife, \vere
employed to teach a higher grade primary, or rather secondary,
school, in lieu of the grammar school, at a joint salary of $50 per
month, the fifth annual report showing the cost of tuition for the
previous year (1851), to have been $2.00 per scholar upon the
average number enrolled; $2.80 per scholar upon the average
attendance, and $1.12 per capita on the enumeration.
This arrangement continued
until the dedication and occupa-
tion of the new High School
building, October 13, 1853. This
building was erected immediately
south of the original frame struct-
ure, being a two-story brick, 50x70
feet, of fair exterior and interior
finish with a large school room
and recitation rooms, on either
floor. In 1868, the two wings were
added, giving four additional
rooms, at a cost of $15,000, and is
now known as the Central or Jen-
ings School building.
The dedication exercises were
held in the upper room of the
new building, which was crowded
by parents and the friends of education. Sidney Kdgerton, Esq.,
then a member of the Board of Education, made a formal presen-
tation of the structure, on behalf of the contractor and the board,
with congratulatory remarks upon the advanced position which
Akron occupied in the educational world, and the bright future in
store for her both from a business as well as an educational stand-
point. Rev. I). C. Maybiri, rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church,
read a portion of the scriptures; Rev. A. Joy, of the Baptist
Church, following with an appropriate prayer. Brief addresses
were made by Abel B. Berry, Esq., Rev. John Tribbey, of the
M. E. Church, and others. Rev. Nathaniel P. Bailey, of the
Congregational Church, offered a resolution of thanks to the Board
for their efficiency in the promotion of the work which' had been
done, and a hearty commendation of the system of education, so
auspiciously inaugurated, to the unstinted support of the people of
Akron, and the friends of education everywhere. The exercises
were interspersed with music by the Akron Band, and closed \vith
a benediction by Rev. N. Gher, of the Grace Reformed Church.
Mr. Samuel F. Cooper was employed as Superintendent of
Schools, assisted in the High Department by Mrs. Cooper and Miss
Annette Voris, sister of Gen. Alvin C. Voris; the Grammar depart-
ment being placed in charge of Miss Elsie A. Codding, assisted by
Miss Mary Gilbert and Miss Rosetta Pryne. Mr. Cooper's engage-
ment closing after two and a half years of faithful work, in April,
1856, Horace B. Foster, Esq., of Hudson, graduate of Western
Reserve College, filled the position with great acceptance, to both
Jennings School old High School Build
ing Summit, Mill and Prospect,
First Ward.
124
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
board and pupils, from October, 1856, until the Spring of 1857.
Mr. E. B. Olmsted was then appointed Superintendent, with Mr.
J. Park Alexander in charge of the Grammar school, Mr. George
H. Root, of Tallmadge, having had charge of that department
during the years 1855-56, assisted by Miss Harriet N. Angel and
Miss Jerusha McArthur; Mr. Root also giving especial attention to
penmanship, in both the grammar and high schools.
GEN. MORTIMER D. LEGGETT,
born, of Quaker parentage, in
Ithaca, N. Y., April 19, 1821; at 16
emigrated to Geauga County, Ohio ;
school advantages limited, but b} r
study at night acquired an education
which secured the vohmtarj^ be-
stowal of degrees from several west-
ern colleges ; though admitted to
the bar at 22, his time was for several
3 7 ears devoted to the cause of popu-
lar education, being the organizer of
Akron Union School System, now
general throughout the State ; as
Principal of the Grammar School,
which position he ably filled for two
years, as elsewhere stated, our fine
new Leggett School Building, East
Thornton, Sumner and Allyn streets,
being so named in his honor. On
retiring Mr. Leggett engaged in the
practice of law at Warren, in 1857
removing to Zanesville, where in
addition to his law practice, he offi-
ciated as superintendent of public
schools, until the Fall of 1861, when
he was commissioned by Gov.
Dennison to recruit a regiment for
the Union Army. Appointed Lieu-
tenant Colonel, 78th O. V. I., Decem-
ber 1861; promoted to Colonel,
January 11, 1862; fought at Fort
Donelson, February 11, 1862 ; on sur-
render of fort appointed provost-
marshal ; was in continuous service
GEN. MORTIMER D. LEGGETT.
during the war, being several times
wounded, with constant advances
for meritorious conduct, and appoint-
ed full Major-General from January
15, 1865; after the siege of Vicksburg,
receiving as the award of a Board of
Honor, a gold medal, inscribed,
" Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Siege of Cor-
inth, Bolivar, luka, Champion Hills,
Vicksburg." Gen. Leggett was ap-
pointed Commissioner of Patents, by
Pres. Grant, in 1871, and is now with
his son, L. L. Leggett, Esq., practicing
law in Cleveland.
The teachers' pay-roll for 1856, was $2,777.42, the average price
paid in the primaries and secondaries being about $4.75 per week;
in the grammar school and assistants in the high school $35 per
month; superintendent $65 per month.
The board, deploring the evils resulting from frequent
changes of superintendents and teachers, in their llth annual report
expressed the conviction that the lowest -wages principle was not
the most economical, and that such liberal compensation should be
paid for both superintendent and instructors, as would secure the
best ability and skill in all the departments.
Acting upon this principle, Mr. Charles T. Pooler, a teacher of
large experience in the state of New York, was emploj^ed as Super-
intendent, assisted in the High School by Miss Harriet N. Angel
the first five months, and on her resignation, by Miss Lavena
Church, now Mrs. Jacob Oberholser, of New York City, who con-
tinued the second year, with Miss Harriet Amanda Bernard as
second assistant; Mr. Hezekiah Melchisedec Ford having charge
of the grammar school, with Miss Rebecca Coffman as assistant.
EARLIER SUPERINTENDENTS.
125
LTDWIN BIGKLOW OLMSTED,
*-! born in Sidney, N. Y., August
20, 1826; academical and collegiate
education ; taught school in Sidney,
N. Y., in Virginia., in Butternuts, \.
Y., in Mt. Sterling, Ky., in Geneva, ().,
Madison, O. Academy, as principal,
in Akron, as principal of grammar
school, and Fredonia, N. Y., as prin-
cipal of public scliools, in 1857
returning to Akron, as superinten-
dent, as elsewhere stated, and then
for several years as superintendent
of schools at Marion, O. In April,
1861, went into service as Captain of
Co. H., 4th O. V. I., participating in
battles of Rich Mountain and Rom-
ney. After a great variety of regular
and detached service, was wounded
while constructing a bridge over the
Shenatidoah, near Front Royal, and
discharged for disability ; in 1864, at
request of Gov. Brough, was sent to
take the vote of Ohio soldiers in
front of Charlestown and Hilton
Head, S. C. ; in Washington, served
on editorial staff of Daily Intelli-
gencer; completed north wing of P.
O. Dept. building; designed and
constructed Dead Letter room in said
building; was original inventor of
making envelopes for the govern-
ernment, without hand labor, but
through red-tape-ism, or favoritism,
failed to reap the benefit of his
invention and the large amount of
labor and money expended thereon.
Mr. O. then spent several years in
educational work in the South, where
EDWIN BIGELOW OLMSTED.
he was ordained as a Baptist min-
ister, and is now the pastor of a
church in Port Byron, New York.
Mrs. Olmsted, who assisted him in
the schools here, died in the South,
leaving four sons, two of whom
Victor H. and Edwin B., Jr., are in
government employ in Washington ;
Ledru Rollin in the West ; and
William Dennison preparing for the
legal profession. Mr. O. was again
married, to Miss M. E. Strong, of
Yorkshire, N. Y. in 1881.
Mr. Pooler entered upon his duties in the Fall of 1857, at a
salary of $1,000 per year, and after a fairly acceptable service of
three years, declining a reappoititment, retired from the Superin-
tendency at the close of the Spring term, 1860.
In September, 1860, Mr. Israel P. Hole, entered upon the duties-
of Superintendent at a salary of $900 per year, which was increased
from time to time, the last year of his term of service, 1867-68, his
salary being $1,500. This increase of compensation, while made
necessary by the advance in the cost of living, and the enhance-
ment of all values by the war, was a significant acknowledgment
of the high estimation placed upon the services of Mr. Hole by
successive boards, and by the majority of the people.
In January, 1868, owing to a real or supposed unfriendliness on
the part of a portion of the patrons of the schools, Mr. Hole
and several of his assistants tendered their resignations to the
board, which body, on February 1, 1868, unanimously adopted the
following resolution:
" ResolrCd, That the Board of Education take pleasure in attesting to
the fidelity and zealous labors of the superintendent and teachers. We
further assure the superintendent and teachers that they have and will con-
tinue to have, the most cordial support of the Board so long as they continue
to merit their confidence in the future as they have in the past. We also
earnestly invoke the confidence and support of the community as being
126
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
eminently due to those having- charge of our public schools as superintend-
ent and teachers. As at present advised we decline to accept the resigna-
tions as tendered."
H'
rON. SAMUEL F. COOPER,
born in Stockbridge, Mass.,
December 19, 1826; in 1836 removed
with parents to Tallmadge, Ohio,
working- on farm ; from 18 taught
school Winters, and attended Ober-
lin College Summers, graduating in
the class of 1851 ; in August, 1851,
was married to Miss Margaret J.
Loughridge, of Mansfield ; Superin-
intendent of Youngstown Union
schools two years, and of Akron
schools two years and a half from
October, 1853 to April, 1856 with Mrs.
Cooper as one of his most efficient
assistants ; in Spring of 1856, removed
to Grinnell, Iowa, being admitted to
the bar, and engaging in practice
the same year. In August, 1861,
entered the army as Adjutant of the
4th Iowa Cavalry, serving in Mis-
souri and Arkansas till September,
1862, when he was appointed Lieu-
tenant Colonel of 40th Iowa V. I.,
serving under Gen. Grant in the
Vicksburg campaign, and afterwards
till close of the war, west of the
Mississippi, being mustered out in
August, 1865. Since the war Mr.
Cooper has filled many honorable
civil positions Clerk of the United
States District Court, Collector of
Internal Revenue, and, from 1876 to
1880, United States Consul to Glas-
gow, Scotland. For the past ten
years Mr. Cooper has been connected
HON. SAMUEL F. COOPER.
with the Merchants National Bank,
of Grinnell, of which he is now Pres-
ident, but in a recent letter to the
writer, says : "For nearly a half a
century my best thought and effort
has been given to the cause of pop-
ular education, having in all that
period, scarcely ceased to have offi-
cial connection with that grand work,
in some of its departments."
Feeling, at length, that a change was desirable, both for him-
self and the schools, Mr. Hole again tendered his resignation, at
the close of the school year, in 1868, after eight full years of effi-
cient and meritorious service; among his most efficient aids,
without disparagement to others, being Miss Harriet Amanda Ber-
nard, now Mrs. Dr. Edward S. Coburn, of Troy, N. Y.
In the meantime, the magnitude and importance of Akron's
public schools had immensely increased, her enumeration of
school children and youth, being fully 3,000 against less than 700 in
1846; the town itself having been advanced from an incorporated
village to a city of the second class, both its business and its pop-
ulation and wealth being rapidly on the increase.
At this juncture, most fortunately, the services of Mr. Samuel
Findley, as Superintendent, were secured, the new incumbent
entering upon his duties in September, 1868, holding and most ably
and efficiently filling the position for the period of 15 years, until
feeling the absolute necessity of a rest from the arduous labors of
the position, he voluntarily tendered his resignation at the close
of the Spring term- in 1883.
Meantime, in addition to the rapid growth of original Akron,
various annexations of territory were made, the Spicer school dis-
trict being added in 1865, and the township of Middlebury in 1872;
WONDERFULLY SUCCESSFUL.
127
Superintendent Findley's last report showing a total enumeration
of school youth between six and twenty-one years, for 1883, within
the city limits to have been 5,858, as against 690 in the Akron of
1846, and probably not to exceed 1,000 in the entire territory now-
included in said city. The total enrollment of scholars in 1882,
was 3,582 and the average daily attendance for that year, 2,840.
PROF. ISRAEL P. HOLE born
near Salem, Columbiana Co., O.,
April 2, 1827 ; educated iu common
schools and at select high school, of
G. K. Jenkins, Mt. Pleasant, O. ; from
1849 to 1856 taught part of each year
in country and village schools ; in
1856 was student in State Normal
School at Hopedale, Harrison Co.,
afterward merged in Hopedale Nor-
mal College, from which he holds
the degree of B. S.; taught a select
school in Springfield, O., seven
months ; superintended Minerva, O.,
schools one year, Hanover, O., two
3*ears, New Lisbon, O., four years,
Akron, O., eight years and was
principal of Damascus, O., Acad-
emy ten years, making about a
third of a century in the work of
instruction, many of his students
now adorning the bench, the bar,
the pulpit, the medical, the teachers'
and other professions of Science,
Literature and Art, or successfully
engaged in the various other honor-
able pursuits of public and private
life. Mr. H., since 1884, has resided
on a small farm, near Damascus, O.,
partly engaged in agriculture and
partlj* promoting the public welfare,
as opportunity offers. He is presi-
dent of an insurance company, pres-
ident of Board of Trustees of
Damascus Academy, and president
of a gold minirng company. In the
Autumn of 1852, Mr. Hole was mar-
PROF. ISRAEL P. HOLE.
ried to Miss Mary Miller, of Colum-
biana Co. February 3, 1861, two sons
twins were born to them Mahlon
W., (deceased) and Morris J., the
latter married to Eliza Spear, of
Garfield, Mahoning Co., holding the
degree of M. S. from Damascus
Academy, and of A. B., from Adel-
bert College ; is now principal of
Green Spring Academy, Seneca Co.,
Ohio.
In speaking of Superintendent Findley's retirement, President
F. W. Rockwell, in his annual report for 1883, said: " With the
close of the year the board lost the services of Superintendent
Samuel Findley, who has been at the head of our schools for the
past fifteen years. His administration has been marked by ability
and firmness of purpose, and having conducted our schools from a
small beginning until they have reached their present status, he
may well look back upon his work with pride."
Capt. Elias Fraunfelter, for several years Professor of Mathe-
matics in Buchtel College, was elected by the Board of Education
as Dr. Findley's successor, entering upon his responsible duties in
September, 1883, his administration thus far being equally satis-
factory with that of his predecessor.
With the passing years many and important changes have
come to the schools of Akron, not only in the matter of greatly
improved school buildings, but also in a large increase of the
courses of instruction, including scientific penmanship, vocal
128
AKROX AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
music, drawing, etc., and, in the High School, the higher mathe-
matics, chemistry, Latin, Greek, etc., with semi-annual examina-
tions and graduations graduates from the High School being
thoroughly qualified to engage in teaching, enter college without
further preparation or examination, or to engage in business or
professional life, an arrangement having been made between the
board and Buchtel College by which, beginning at tenth year of
course, or second year in High School, pupils in Greek recite to
tutors of College.
SAMUEL FINDLEY, born in New
Concord, Ohio, December 1, 1831;
educated in common schools and
preparatory department of M u s -
kingum College; at 17, moved with
parents to Green County, working on
farm two years, then teaching coun-
try schools four years and one year
in Xenia Public Schools. In 1855,
became publisher and manager of
Presbyterian Witness and book con-
cern at Cincinnati, continuing two
years. In Spring of 1857, engaged in
book-selling in Monmouth, 111., for a
short time, then teaching near Mon-
mouth two years ; in Fall and Winter
of 1859, operated as agent for Mon-
mouth College, in Ohio; in 1860,
returned to Ohio and resumed teach-
ing in Green County, in the Fall of
1861, in Xenia Union Schools, a few-
months later accepting the princi-
palship of a ward school in Colum-
bus ; in Januarj^, 1864, became princi-
pal of the old Brownell Street School
in Cleveland, organized the new
Brownell Street School, in 1865, with
18 teachers; in the Fall of 1868
assumed superintendence* of Akron
Schools, which position he ably filled
for 15 j^ears, as elsewhere detailed.
For 20 years Mr. F. has been Count} r
and City Examiner and member of
State Teachers' Association, Presi-
dent of Superintendents' Section in
1873 and President of Association in
1877; was given degree of A. M. by
SAMUEL FINDLEY.
Buchtel College in 1876, and of Ph.
D. by Wooster University in 1880, and
is now editor and publisher of the
Ohio Educational Monthly, with a
large circulation among the teachers
of Ohio. March 31, 1853, was married
to Miss Mary A. Hardie, of Xenia,
who has borne him four sons and
two daughters William Clarence,
Alvin Irwin, Lorena Belle, Laura
May, Edwin Leigh, and Samuel
Emerson, all living in Akron.
By the growth of the city and a change in the law, the Board
of Education has been enlarged from six to twelve members two
elected by the voters in each ward instead of being elected by the
city at large, as under the old arrangement.
From a half dozen or less diminutive rooms, the school accom-
modations now consist of one splendid four-story brick twelve
room High School building, on South Forge street, Wilbur V. Rood,
principal, with fifteen lady teachers in High and Grammar depart-
ments. Jennings School, six rooms, corner Mill and Summit
streets, former High School, (named in honor of Rev. Isaac Jen-
nings, chairman of the committee which reported the plan of the
Akj-on school law, as hereinbefore stated), fourteen teachers, Miss
Josephine Newberry, principal ; Perkins School, six rooms and
annex, corner Bowery and Kxchange streets, (named in honor of
Gen. Simon Perkins, -who founded the village of Akron in 1825),
PRESENT SUPERINTENDENT OF INSTRUCTION.
129
ELI AS FRAUNFELTER, born of
German parentage, near Easton,
Pa., April 3, 1840 ; came \vith family
to Ohio April, 1846, settling near Ash-
land, working on farm and in hotel ;
educated in country school and Ver-
million Institute, Hayesville ; at 17
began teaching ; at 20 chosen tutor
of Mathematics in Vermillion Insti-
tute ; August 22, 1862, enlisted in Co.
C, 120th O. V. I., but soon transferred
to Co. F; promoted to sergeant,
orderly sergeant, first lieutenant and
captain " for meritorious conduct in
camp and in field, " serving-, also, for
a time,as aide-de-camp on staff of Gen.
Peter Osterhaus, 9th Div. 13th Army
Corps, and later as adjutant of hi
regiment ; participated in the various
battles, skirmishes and assaults
resulting in the siege and surrender
of Vicksburg and capture of Jack-
son, Miss. ; transferred with regiment
to the Department of the Gulf, was in
the Teche campaign and the dis-
astrous Red River expedition ; cap-
tured with steamer " City Belle " near
Alexandria, La., May 4, 1864 ; confined
in rebel prison at Camp Ford, Texas,
13 months ; exchanged at New Orleans
May 30, 18(35; by consolidation, becom-
ing captain of Co. D, 114th O. V. I.,
reporting for duty at Mobile, Ala.,
May 31, 1865, and mustered out with
regiment at Columbus, Ohio, June
27,1865; August, 18(55, resumed posi-
tion in Vermillion Institute ; April,
1866, elected Professor of Mathematics
in Savannah (Ohio) Academy, and in
June, 1866, Associate Principal and
Professor of Mathematics and
Natural Science, reorganizing insti-
tution and enlarging buildings, in
1870 cataloguing 385 students ; Sep-
tember, 1873, chosen Professor of
Engineering and Normal studies in
Buchtel College, at Akron, and Pro-
fessor of Mathematics in June, 1874 ;
in August, 1883, accepted the position
of Superintendent of Instruction in
Akron Public Schools, which respon-
sible position he is still ably filling.
Capt. Fraunfelter holds a life State
teacher's certificate ; served nine
years as president of board of school
examiners for Ashland County ; has
been a. member and president of the
E. FRAUNFEI/TEK.
board of school examiners for the
city of Akron wince 1877, and a mem-
ber of the board of managers of the
Akron Public Library since May 10 r
1886 ; received degree of A. M. from
Bethany (W. Va.) College June, 1873 r
and of Ph. D. from Lombard (111.)
University June, 1879. The Captain
became a member of Buckley Post,
G. A. R., May 4, 1883 ; was vice com-
mander 1884-1885 ; commander 1886-87,
representing Post in Department
Encampment at Cleveland in 1886, at
Springfield in 1887, and at Cincinnati
in 1890, and the Department in the
National Encampment at San Fran-
cisco, Cal., August, 1886, and at
Boston, Mass., August, 1890; has also-
been a member of Ohio Commandery
of the Loyal Legion of the United
States since April 2, 1884. April 2,
1867, Dr. Fraunfelter -was married to
Miss Laura K. Caldwell, daughter of
Rev. John P. Caldwell, a Presbyterian
minister of Barnesville, Ohio, who
has borne him two children Charles
Davies, stock clerk in Superintend-
ent's office of Aultman, Miller & Co.,
and Clara May, book-keeper and
cashier for Kubler & Beck, Akron
Varnish Works.
seven teachers, Miss Sarah I. Carothers, principal ; Crosby School,
eight rooms, corner Smith and West streets, (named in honor of
Doctor Eliakim Crosby, projector of the Cascade mill race, which
gave to Akron its start as a manufacturing center), nine teachers,
Mrs. Sarah P. Bennett, principal ; Spicer School, eight rooms, Car-
roll street, (named in honor of Major Miner Spicer, who in 1811
settled upon the land on which said school is located), nine
teachers, Miss Margaret L/. McCready, principal ; Allen School,
eight rooms, corner of South Main and Thornton streets, (named
130
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
in honor of Jesse Allen, one of Coventry's earliest settlers, said
school being in what was originally a part of Coventry town-
ship), nine teachers, Miss Anna M. Hollinger, principal ; Bowen
School, six rooms, on North Broadway, (named in honor of Dr.
William Bowen, an early and earnest promotor of Akron's public
schools,) seven teachers, Miss M. Elma Cam pbell, principal ; Howe
Perkins School House, corner West
Exchange and Bowerv Streets,
Fifth Ward."
Croi-by School House, corner Smith
arid West Streets, Third Ward.
JUDGE WM. MORGAX DODGE,
J born January 2, 1805, at Granville,
Washington County, N. Y; came to
Ohio in 1813; read law with Judge
Wheeler, in Unionville; after his
admission to bar settled in Middle-
bury, in 1831 removing to Akron; in
April, 1840, was elected Prosecuting
Attorney of the then new county of
Summit, and re-elected in October of
the same year for the full term of two
years; was active in securing the
passage of the Akron School Law,
and an efficient member of the first
Board of Education thereunder; in
October, 1860, was elected Probate
Judge of Summit County, which office
he ably filled until his death, July 21,
1861, aged 56 years, 6 months and 19
days. June 4, 1833, Mr. Dodge was mar-
ried to Mrs. Harvey A. Howard, nee
Hannah B. Fenn, Mr. and Mrs. Howard
being the parents of the last Mrs.
James Mathews, and Mr. Howard one
of the early merchants of Middle-
bury and Akron. Mrs. Dodge, born
in Milford (now Orange), Conn., May
28, 1808, still survives, now, in her 84th
year, enjoying full mental and ph3*s-
ical vigor, with the exception of her
lower limbs, which have been para-
lyzed for the past 22 years. Her chil-
dren by her last marriage, were :
JUDGE WILLIAM MORGAN DODGE.
Stella A., now Mrs. John B. Etz;
Victoria, died in infanc} r ; Walter,
died in infancy ; Emmet D., died
August 2, 1882, at the age of 41 years
and 28 days ; Marion E., now Mrs. M.
E. Reed, and Jennie, now Mrs. George
C. Heifer, of South Mound, Kansas.
AKRON S LATER PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
131
Spicer School House, Carroll Street,
Fourth Ward.
Allen School House, corner South
Main and Thornton Streets,
Fourth Ward.
School, eight rooms, (named in
honor of Capt. RichardHowe,an
early resident of Akron, and for
many years superintendent of
the Northern Division of Ohio
Canal), nine teachers, Miss Lucy
E. Beldiner, principal ; Henry
Bowen School, North Broadwav, First
Ward.
Howe School House, South Bowery,
Bartges and St. Clair Streets,
Fifth Ward.
School, eight rooms, corner North Forge and Arch streets,
(named in honor of Milton W. Henry, long a prominent merchant
in Akron, and a great friend of education,) nine teachers, Miss
Lida M. Dussell, principal; Kent School, eight rooms, Arlington
street, Sixth Ward, (named in honor of Roswell Kent, one of Mid-
dlebury's pioneer merchants and most public spirited citizens,)
nine teachers, Mr. Lee R. Knight, principal ; Leggett School, eight
rooms, named in honor of Gen. Mortimer D. Leggett, first superin-
tendent, (or principal, as it was then called,) of Akron schools
under the new law- Thornton, Allyii and Sumner streets nine
132
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
teachers, Miss Lizzie Camp, principal ; Grace School, so named in
honor of the late Mrs. Grace Perkins, intersection of West
MILTON W. HENRY, born in
Blanford, Mass., October 13,
1816 ; in 1830 removed with family to
Westfield, Medina County, Ohio;
educated in common schools and
Wadsworth Academy ; clerk in stores
of Kent & Spelman and G. & J.
Miller, of Wadsworth, and Clapp &
Spelman, of Akron, from 1836 to 1843,
when he became a partner of Harvey
B. Spelman, under the firm name of
H. B. Spelman & Co., located in the
"Old Stone Block," corner of Howard
and Market streets ; in 1848 purchas-
ed Mr. Spelman's interest, and soon
afterwards associated with himself,
James Zwisler, under the firm name
of M. W. Henry & Co.; December 27,
1849, building- and portion of stock
destroyed by fire, but business con-
tinued in another location ; occupied
new building- on old site, in 1854, sub-
sequently purchasing- the property ;
admitting to partnership some of his
faithful emploj r es, the firm of G. C.
Berry & Co., was organized in 1875,
\vhich arrangement continued until
1883, when Mr. Henry retired from
active mercantile life. Mr.Henry was
one of the original stock-holders and
director and vice president of the
First National Bank of Akron ; stock-
holder and director Taplin, Rice &
Co., of Akron and Austin Powder
Co., of Cleveland ; served nine years as
member and officer of Akron Board of
Education and eight years member of
Akron City Council, a portion of the
MILTON \V. HENRY.
time as its president. December 5,.
1843, Mr. H. was married to Miss
Abigail Weeks, of Copley, who bore
him six daughters and one son :
Olive C., (now Mrs. M. H. Crumriiie),
Ella C., (Mrs. C. E. York, Youngsville,
Pa.), Julia A., (Mrs. William McFarlin),
Hattie A., (Mrs. C. A. Barnes), Charles
M., Grace P. and Mattie W., all of
whom are still living. Mr. Henrj r
died, suddenly, March 16, 1886, aged
69 years, 5 months, 3 da} r s.
Henry School House, NorMi Forge
Street, Second Ward.
Kent School House, South Arlington
Street, Sixth Ward.
SOME PROMINENT FRIENDS OF EDUCATION.
133
Exchange and South Maple streets, eight rooms, seven teachers,
Miss Laura .E. Waltz, principal.
Lejjgett School House, Allyn, Thornton
and Suinner Streets, Fourth Ward.
Grace School House, South Maple and
West Exchange Streets,
Fifth Ward.
The rapid growth of the city calling for still more extended
school accommodations, four-room additions are now (August,
1891,) being made to the already spacious Kent, Howe and Spicer
buildings, in each of which four additional teachers will be
employed.
TTENRY WILLETT HOWE
tl eldest son of Captain Richard
and Roxana (Jones) Howe, was born
in Bath, June 29, 1828, in infancy
removing with parents to Akron ;
educated in Akron public schools
and Oberlin College, graduating
from latter in 1849; read law with
Judge James S. Carpenter, practicing
with the Judge until his elevation to
the Bench, in 1856; in 1859, engaged
in the manufacture of agricultural
implements in Akron, seven years
later removing to Richfield, where
he was* engaged in manufacturing
enterprises until April, 1881, when he
moved to his farm in Northampton,
which he is still successfully culti-
vating ; is also postmaster of Ira
postomce, at Hawkins station on the
Valley railway, Mrs. Howe also hold-
ing the position of postmistress at
West Richfield, while residing there.
Mr. Howe was a member of Akron
Board of Education several years
and its secretary from 1851 to 1857 ;
represented the Second Ward in City
Council in 1865 and 1866 ; in Richfield
served as member of School Board,
and as Justice of the Peace, and is
now a Justice of the Peace for
Northampton township ; helped to
organize the Summit County Agri-
cultural Society, serving as director
imd secretary eight years, and since
1878 has been secretary of Summit
HEXRY WILLETT HOWE.
County Grange, Patrons of Hus-
bandry. September 17, 1856, Mr.
Howe was married to Miss Jennie
Williamson, of Stow, who died March
25, 1857 ; was again married, Decem-
ber 12, 1859, to Miss Isadore C. Bell, a
native of Connecticut, who has borne
him four children -Edwin B., Frank
R., and Abby B., living, and, Arthur
Willett, deceased.
134
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
DR. WILLIAM BO WEN, born in
Genessee County, N. Y., July 3,
1805; learned trade of carpenter; on
completion of apprenticeship came
to Ohio, working- on mill of Mr. Wil-
liam Raynolds, near Canton; desir-
ing" to secure a better edvication,
through the aid of Mr. Raj^nolds, he
attended the select school of Barak
Michener, in Canton; on completion
of his studies, taught school in the
village of Paris, Stark County, mean-
time studying medicine with Dr.
Robert Estep. In 1832, commenced
practice in Doylestown, Wayne Coun-
ty ; in 1835 attended lectures at Ohio
Medical College, receiving his degree
in 1836 ; then practiced two years in
Canton and nearfcy 15 j'ears in Mas-
sillon. In 1853 bought a farm, three
miles south of Akron, dividing his
time between medicine and agricul-
ture until 1857, when he removed to
Akron, where he remained in prac-
tice until his death, Jan 14, 1880, aged
74 years, 5 months and 15 days. Dr.
Bowen was a warm friend of educa-
tion, having published the Free
School Clarion from 1846 to 1848, in
Massilloii, as elsewhere noted; was
also School Examiner and member
and president of the Akron Board of
Education for several years, Bowen
School, on Broadway, being named
in his honor. Tn May, 1830, Dr. Bowen
. /,' i
DR. WILLIAM BOWEN.
was married to Miss Huldah M. Chit-
tenden, of Middlebury, who bore him
nine children, three only of whom
now survive, Miss Elma C., now
residing in the state of Washington ;
Frances C., now Mrs. Dr. A. E. Foltz,
of Akron ; and Mrs. Sarah B. Freer, of
Canton. Mrs. Bowen died July 3,
1890, aged 84 years, 9 months and 4
davs.
REGINALD H. WRIGHT.
REGINALD H. WRIGHT, -son of
Rev. A. K. Wright, was born at
Wadsworth, Ohio, January 18, 1841 ;
educated at Hudson, graduating-
from Western Reserve College in
1863 ; served as orderly sergeant of
Co. B, (composed principally of
students of college), 85th Regiment
O. V. I., from May 27th till September
27, 1862 ; in 1884 teacher in Shaw
Academy,at Collamer.Ohio ; engaged
in business in Cleveland from 1864 to
1869 and in Toledo in 1869 ; February,
1870, came to Akron as cashier and
book-keeper for Aultman, Miller &
Co., now being treasurer of the com-
pany ; has served several 3^ears as
member of Board of Education, being-
treasurer of the Board for the years
1883, 1884, 1885 and 1886; October 3,
1872, Mr. Wright was married to Miss
E. Augustine Chevrier, youngest
daughter of the late Louis Chevrier,
Esq., of Akron. They have four chil-
dren three sons and one daug'hter :
Charles Chevrier Wright, born Feb-
ruary 16, 1874 ; Reginald Ashmun
Wright, born March 14, 1876 ; Howard
Buttles Wright, born November 19,
1880, and Helen Maria Wright, born
July 18, 1883.
It will thus be seen, that, including Superintendent Fraun-
felter and Prof. Nathan L. Glover, musical instructor, Prof. J. War-
ren Thyng, teacher of drawing, and Prof. J. O. Wise, teacher of
THE NEW HIGH SCHOOL.
135
penmanship, that Akron's public schools have a grand army of
nearly 130 teachers, and it is safe to say, that, with the thorough
examinations which are made, and the extreme care bestowed
upon selections, together with the ripe experience of mam- of the
number, Akron's instructors 'Vill compare favorably with those of
any other city in Ohio, or elsewhere, while all our people have the
proud satisfaction of knowing that the system first devised and
adopted here, nearly half a century ago, is now in vogue in every
state where public schools, for the free education of the children
of all the people, are maintained and'cherished.
As early as 1875 it became
apparent that a new high
school building was rapidly
becoming a public necessity,
but as larger and better ward
accommodations were also
equally necessary, and had
to be provided, the high
school project was held in
abeyance until about 1883,
though several committees
on sites had previously been
appointed without definite
results. In 1883 a committee
on sites was appointed, con-
sisting of R. H. Wright,
Akron's Xew High School Building, Soul h Thomas McEbHght, D. W.
Borge btreet. Erected in 1680. ,, TT , -., <% _ ' ,
Ihcmas, H. CT. Cjrimn, Chris.
Vogt and F. M. Atterholt. This committee, after examining sev-
eral sites, and receiving various propositions from pioperty
DR. JOHN W. LYDER, born
near Elkton, in Elkrun town-
ehip, Columbiana County, Ohio,
December 16, 1837 ; educated in pub-
lic schools and at Oberlin College ;
graduated from Philadelphia (Pa.)
Dental College in 1869 ; practiced for
a time in Fairfield, Columbiana
County, then moved to Alliance,
Stark Courit3 r , where he practiced
until his settlement in Akron, April
20, 1875, where he has since been in
continuous and successful practice.
Dr. Lyder was president of the Ohio
State Dental Association three terms ;
served as member of Alliance Vil-
lage Council, and as president of the
Stark County Agricultural Society ;
from 1881 to 1883 was a member of
the Akron Board of Education ; was
a member of State Dental Society
Executive Committee for 1891 ; acting
Eminent Commander Knights Temp-
lar for 1891, and has filled various
other offices of honor in Masonic
orders for a period of twenty years.
September 15, 18(53, Dr. Lyder was
married to Miss Mar}^ V. Bedortha,
of Oberlin, who has borne him two
children Frederick H., born in
Alliance, November 4, 18(54, a gradu-
I)K. JOHN*
LYOEK.
ate of Philadelphia Dental College,
now practicing with his father, and
Jay Walter, born in Alliance, Octo-
ber 20, 18(58, now book-keeper in the
City National Bank, of Akron.
136
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
owners, finally selected and purchased grounds on the southeasterly
side of Forge street, fronting directly on Union Park and both Col-
lege and Mill streets. The property selected consisted of lots occu-
pied by Frank J. Staral, 96 feet ; Noah A. Carter, 45 feet, and
Augustus D. Power, 76 feet, making* a total frontage of 217 feet ;
with a rear frontage, on Jackson alley, of 190 feet ; the aggregate
price paid for the three properties being $19,000.
JOHN MCGREGOR, born near
J Wellsville, O., June 14, 1836;
raised on farm ; graduated from
Jefferson (Pa.) College in 1863 ; attend-
ing Ohio Law College, at Cleveland
one year, was admitted to practice in
State and U. S. Courts at Cleveland,
and opened an office in Akron in
1864, continuing in successful prac-
tice seven years ; was City Solicitor
two years 1869-71 ; was Treasurer of
Portage Township from 1877 to 1884 ;
member of Board of Education frqm
1888 to present time. In 1871, Mr.
McGregor purchased an interest in
the Akron Steam Forge Works, and
on their reorganization as a joint
stock company, in 1872, was elected
secretary and treasurer, which posi-
tion he stills holds. In 1887, Mr. M.
became a stockholder and director in
the Webster, Camp and Lane Machine
Company, being elected president
and treasurer of that corporation,
which offices he still retains. Novem-,
ber 11, 1868, Mr. McGregor was mar-
ried to Miss Hattie E. Folger, of
Akron, daughter of the late William
M., and Julia A. (Hayden) Folger, who
JOHN MCGREGOR.
has borne him three children Julia
F., John and Mary, all now living-
with their parents.
Several plans were submitted by well-known architects, that
of Messrs. Weary & Kramer, of Akron, being adopted. After
various delays a contract was entered into, in the Spring of 1885,
with Messrs. Wilhelm & Schroeder, of Akron, for the complete
structure, excepting the heating apparatus, for the sum of $78,672,
to which changes, additions, etc., added the further sum of $11,-
277.42. The steam heating apparatus, supplied by Mr. John Robb,
of Akron, cost $11,423, -which, with the cost of furniture, and the
various other indispensable conveniences for the proper working
of the several departments of the school, places the total cost of
the institution at about $135,030, the grand total of Akron's present
school property, at a fairly low estimate, being fully half a million
of dollars.
The edifice 'is 163 feet in length, 128 feet in width, and 88 feet
in height, exclusive of the central tower, which is 160 feet. The
foundation and basement walls are of stone, and the superstruct-
ure of pressed brick with handsome stone trimmings, the
architecture being of the Romanesque order. The foundation
walls are three feet in thickness; basement walls (stone) two and
one-half feet thick, and the brick -walls of the building 20 inches;
the entire structure, including basement and upper floor of the
main building, four full stories in height.
PERSONAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL.
137
FRANK M. ATTERHOLT, born
December 19, 1848, near New Lis-
bon, Ohio ; educated at New Lisbon
High School,Xatioiial Normal School,
of Lebanon, and Mount Union Col-
lege, graduating- at the latter institu-
tion in 1870. He was a prominent
teacher in the State for several years,
and for a time was editor of the
Coliiinbiatin Register. He came to
Akron in the autumn of 1879 and read
law with Upson, Ford & Baird ; was
admitted to the bar by the Supreme
Court at Columbus, O., October 5,1880,
and has most of the time since been
the law partner of Judge U. L. Mar-
viii. Mr. Atterholt is an earnest
friend of education ; has served as
member of the Board of Education,
City Board of School Kxaminers, and
is a Trustee of Mount Union College.
In politics he is an ardent Republi-
can ; has served on the State Central
Committee and been chairman of the
County Executive Committee. He is
an earnest member of the Board of
Trade and is largely financially and
officially interested in a number of
the most extensive business enter-
prises of the city and with several in
FRANK M. ATTERHOLT.
other places. He was married Decem-
ber 21, 1872, to Miss Mary E. Baird, of
Columbiana, Ohio. They have one
child Frank Bryant, born June 2, 1878.
DR. THOMAS MCEBRIGHT.
DR. THOMAS McEBRlGHT,-born
in Carlisle, Pa., April 14, 1824,
removing with parents to Wooster,
Ohio, in 1833; raised on farm, attend-
ing district school winters; at 16
attending Norwalk Academy, and
later entering on classical course in
Ohio Wesleyan University, but on
reaching the senior year failing
health compelled him to return to
the farm. Improving by out-door
exercise, in 1847, began the study of
medicine in Wooster, graduating
from Starling Medical College,
Columbus, February 22, 1851, immedi-
ately commencing practice in Nash-
ville, Holmes County, in 1857 remov-
ing to Millersburg. In Fall of '61 was
appointed by Gov. Dennison surgeon
of 8th Regt. O. V. I., serving as acting
Brigade Surgeon and Chief Opera-
ting Surgeon of division, in the Army
of the Potomac, until the Spring of
1863, when, by reason of ill health, he
resigned. In May, 1864, was appointed
Colonel of the 166th O. V. I., but
resigned and took the position of
Surgeon to that regiment, being
mustered out with regiment in Sep-
tember, 1864, removing to Akron the
following November. June 16, 1853,
Dr. Ebnght was married to Miss
Nancy Liggett, daughter of Judge
Thomas Liggett, of Millersburg, who
has borne him five children, three
dying m infancy, the two survivors
Misses Kit and Carita both being
A. B. graduates of Cornell Univer-
sity. Dr. Ebright is a high degree
member of the Masonic Order; a
member of the Summit County, the
N. E. Ohio, and the Ohio State Med-
ical Societies, and of the .American
Medical Association; Surgeon of C.,
A. & C. R. R., and has served 14 years
upon the Akron Board of Education,
several years as its president.
138
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
In the basement, besides the boiler and engine rooms, are the
Superintendent's office; the office of the Board of Kducation^
vault and safe room; laboratory; boys' and girls' play rooms,
wash rooms, cloak rooms, halls, etc. On the first floor, besides the
entrances, there is a large central court, eight school rooms, reci-
tation room, principal's room, boys' coat room, girls' cloak rooms,
halls, etc. On the second floor there are a central court, four large
school rooms, two recitation rooms, lady teachers' parlor, coat and
cloak room, ante-rooms, halls, etc., on the easterly side; while
Assembly Hall, 64x84 feet in size, occupies the entire westerly side
of the floor. On the third floor there are five good-sized rooms, to
be used for society purposes, library, museum, etc.
The exact dimensions of the several apartments need not be
given here, but a few figures will readily demonstrate the immen-
sity of the structure. The walls have a measurement of nearly
100,000 square feet of foundation, outside and partition walls*
containing about 30,000 cubic feet of stone, 2,000,000 common brick
and 270,000 pressed brick, and consuming over one-third of a
million feet of lumber in its completion. Including halls, closets,
attic, etc., there are 107 separate rooms in the building, with a floor
surface of some 55,000 square feet, there being 195 doors, and 253
windows in the edifice.
In the tower, 108 feet from the ground, is a fine-toned 2,000-
pound bell, and a first-class clock, with four illuminated dials,
16 feet in diameter, each. While the building is externally beau-
tiful, and its interior finish every way tasty and pleasing to the
eye, substantiality and practicalness, rather than ornament and
show, have been the objects aimed at by the several gentlemen
HIRAM H. FOLTZ, fifth son of
Moses and Sarah (Kean) Foltz,
was born near Wooster, Ohio, June
20, 1837 ; educated in common schools
of Wayne County ; raised on farm ;
August 9, 1862, with four of his
brothers, enlisted in the 102d O. V. I.
in the late war, serving three years,
being honorabty discharged May 13,
1865 ; March 14, 1866, moved to Akron,
and engaged in the painting busi-
ness ; was member of 'Akron Board
of Education from 1881 to 1885, being
one of the most efficient members
during the building of the High,
Howe, and Henry School buildings ;
is an active director of the Summit
County Agricultural Society and
superintendent of Fine Arts Hall ;
member of State Executive Com-
mittee of the National Union;
chairman of City Republican Com-
mittee ; member of Buckley Post,
No. 12, G. A. R.; in February 1888, was
appointed collector of tolls, rents,
etc., on the Ohio Canal for the port of
Akron, which responsible position
he is still ably filling. March 27,
1862, Mr. Foltz was married to Miss
Cynthia Bell 'Hughes, of Wooster.
They have two children living
Minnie M., now Mrs. Fred W. Davis,
HIRAM H. FOLTZ.
of the Sixth Ward, and Harry J., now
clerk in grocery and provision store
of J. B. Houghton, Akron. All five of
the Foltz brothers, who served
through the late war are now living
in Akron.
OCCUPATION OF NEW BUILDING.
139
under whose auspices Akron has been provided with this splendid
monument to the intelligence and enterprise of her people.
Very properly have the gentlemen alluded to perpetuated
their names in connection with the good work, by terra cotta tablets
inserted in the wall, upon the east side, as follows: "MEMBERS OF
THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, 1884-5: Dr. Thomas McEbright,
Pres., '84-5, R. H. Wright, Treas., F. M. Atterholt, Sec., D. W.
Thomas; Lewis Miller, Pres., '85-86, A. M. Armstrong, A. H.
Sargent, W. H. Evans, Louis Seybold, J. T. Sell, H. H. Foltz, Dr. L.
S. Sweitzer, W. H. Kothrock, F. W. Rockwell, H. G. Griffin. BUILD-
ING COMMITTEE: D. W. Thomas, chairman, F. W. Rockwell, Louis
Seybold, Dr. Thomas McEbright, Lewis Miller, J. T. Sell. ARCHI-
TECTS : Frank O. Weary, Geo. W. Kramer. CONTRACTORS : Louis
Wilhelm, W. C. Schroeder, John Robb."
/^EORGE C. BERRY, was born in
vJ Medina Co., Ohio, June 19, 1837,
removing to Akron with his pareats,
when three years old ; educated in
Akron's Union Schools ; at 15 entered
store of Mr. Joseph E. Wesener, as
clerk, afterwards serving in same
capacity in store of Mr. Milton W.
Henry; in 1864 was admitted to a
partnership in the concern under the
firm name of M. W. Henry & Co., by
the accession of others, in 1874 the
firm name being changed to G. C.
Berry & Co. ; in 1883 withdrew from
firm and opened a carpet warehouse
on Mill street, in which enterprise he
has been phenomenally successful,
in 1888 associating with himself in
business his son, Charles W. Berry,
under the firm name of Berry & Son.
In the war of the rebellion, Mr. Berry
served 100 days in the fortifications
in front of Washington, as a member
of Company F., 164th O. V. I., has
been a member of the Akron Board
of Education, and its most efficient
secretary for many years, and a
trustee in Summit Lodge No. 50, I. O.
O. F. Mr. B. was married March 11,
1857, to Miss Annie Wheeler, of Akron,
who bore him five children Willis
H., who died at 6 years of age ; Geo.
GEORGE C. BERRY.
C., Jr., Charles W., Anna L., and Mary
H., Mrs. Berry dying March 18, 1869,
Mr. B. was again married, to Miss
Isabel Wright, of Tallmadge, who
has borne him two children twins
Belle and Zelle, the former dying
at 8 months.
Delays intervening, the edifice was not completed until the
very moment for the opening of the Fall term of school, on Mon-
day, September 6, 1886. Consequently the formal dedication of
the building which had been contemplated, had to be omitted,
though hundreds of parents, and others, availed themselves of
the privilege tendered by the board and superintendent, of visiting
the building, and witnessing the workings of the several depart-
ments, during the earlier days of the term, as, indeed, all are
welcome to do at any time.
The total enumeration of school youth, within the city limits
for 1888, was 7,707, of whom 3,871 were boys and 3,836 girls; 6,904
American born; 516 German; 56 Irish; 51 English; 83 colored; 19
French; 9 Scotch; 10 Italian; 7 Welsh; 4 Norway; 3 Hungary; 1
Bohemia; 2 Greece; 1 Russia; 42 Sweden.
140
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
f^EORGE G. ALLEN,-son of
vJ Xemanthus and Margaret E.
(Turner) Allen, was born in Grander,
Medina Count}-, August 26, 1855;
boyhood spent on farm ; at 14 moved
Avith parents to Akron, graduating
from Akron High School in 1873 ;
read law in offices of John J. Hall
and Edward Oviatt, Esqs., with a six
months' course in Law Department
of Michigan University, at Ann
Arbor ; admitted to the bar in Akron
August 28, 1876, and immediately
admitted to partnership with Edward
Oviatt, Esq., under the firm name of
Oviatt & Allen, among the most suc-
cessful practioners at the Summit
County bar. Mr. Allen was for a
short time Acting Mayor of Akron
in 1883 ; was elected to the Board of
Education from the First Ward in
1887, and re-elected in 1889, being
treasurer of board for 1888 and 1889,
chairman of the committee on heat
and ventilation, etc. Besides his
extensive law practice Mr. Allen has
been a director in City National Bank
of Akron since its organization in
1883 ; director in F. Schumacher
Milling Co. since 1887; director in
Canada Copper Co ; in Anglo-Amer-
% GEORGE G. ALLEN.
ican Iron Co ; in Central Ontario
Railway Co., Canada, and Western
Linoleum Co., of Akron. July 18,
1877, Mr. Allen was married to Miss
Olivia Frances Oviatt, youngest
daughter of Edward Oviatt, Esq., who
has borne him two children Don
Oviatt Allen, born June 9, 1878, and
Ben. Herbert Allen, born July 11, 1885.
LEVVIvS MILLER.
LEWIS MILLER, born in Green-
town, Stark County, August 24,
1829; educated in district schools
and Illinois Academy, Plainfield ;
1846 to 1851 \vorked at plasterers
trade Summers attending and teach-
ing school Winters ; 1851 became
member of firm of Ball, Aultman &
Co., manufacturers of stoves, plows,
threshers and reapers, (the old Hus-
sey machine), the firm removing to
Canton in the Fall of that year; soon
advanced from apprentice to super-
intendent, inventing the wonderfully
successful Buckeye Mower and
Reaper, followed by the table-rake
in 1865, and subsequently the self-
binders, now so universally used,
and many other important labor-
saving devices ; separate works, on
an extensive scale, being established
^it Akron in 1864, under the name of
Aultman, Miller & Co. Besides offi-
ciating as president and superinten-
dent of the companies named, Mr.
Miller is pecuniarily and officially
connected with a large number of
other manufacturing establishments,
banks, etc., in Akron and Canton,
Mount Union College, Ohio Wesley-
aii University and Allegheny
College ; superintendent of the First
M. E. Sunda}" School, originator of
present Sunday School rooms, and
chief promoter of the Chautauqua As-
sociation scheme ; has served as
member of City Council and many
years as member of Board of Educa-
tion, Board of Librarj' control, etc.
Married, September 1(5. 1853, to Mary D.
Alexander, of Painfield, 111., eleven
children have been born to them
Eva, (died when 16), Jennie, Ira M.,
Edward B., Robert A., Lewis A.,
Mina (now Mrs. Thomas A. Edison),
Mamie, Grace, John V., and Theo-
dore W.
SCHOOL CENSUS, PAY OF TEACHERS, ETC.
141
T7RANK W. ROCKWELL son of
A Marshall M. and Sarah (Peiidle-
ton) Rockwell, born in Kent, Ohio,
October 31, 1851; when seven or eight
years old, inoved with family to Mis-
souri; father entering' the Union
army, came with mother to Stow,
returning- to Missouri in Spring of
1863 ; in Spring of 1864 removed to
Andover, Ashtabula County, O.; in
186o, to Indiana; in 1866, to Linesville,
Crawford County, Pa.; in 1871, to
Akron ; common school education,
with one year at Allegheny College;
entered employ of Akron Sewer Pipe
Co., as book-keeper, in 1871, in A ugust,
1882, becoming Secretary and Treas-
urer of the Company; January, 1884,
engaged in manufacture of stone-
ware as member of the firm of John-
son, Rockwell & Co., successors of
Johnson & Baldwin, later F. W. Rock-
well & Co.; in 1881 was elected mem-
ber of Akron Board of Education,
holding the position four terms
(eight years), serving two vears as
president of the Board 1883-4, 1888-9
and three years as chairman of
finance committee ; in 1887 and 1888,
was Chairman of Republican Cen-
tral Committee. September 21, 1875,
Mr. Rockwell was married to Miss
Mary Ann Johnson, daughter of
FRANK W. ROCKWELL.
Thomas and Harriet Johnson, who-
has borne him seven children
George W., Frank J., Addie (deceased),
Thomas, M a ry , Ida and Wad e.
Though still a resident of Akron, Mr.
Rockwell is now Secretarj r and Treas-
urer of the Pennsylvania Sewer Pipe
Co., at Huntingdon, Pa.
The number of scholars enrolled during the Spring and Sum-
mer term of 1888, was 4,654; the entire expenses, including the
superintendent's and teachers' salaries, janitors, fuel, etc., for the
school year, 1887-8 being $59,220, or $12.60 per scholar per year, on.
the enrollment, exclusive of interest on investment for lands,,
buildings, furnishings, repairs, etc. This, as will be seen by com-
parison with figures heretofore given, is somewhat more costly,,
per capita than under the earlier workings of the system, but
scarcely more so than was the old plan of select schools at from
$3.00 to $5.00 per quarter, while a vast improvement upon the
district and select plans, by being more systematic and efficient in
its methods and results.
The total enumeration for 1890-91, was 8,442 boys, 4,211; girls,.
4,231; total enrollment, 5,283. Total expenditures for the year end-
ing August 31, 1890, as follows: Wages of teachers, including
salary of superintendent, $51,955.65; fuel arid other contingent
expenses, $18,509.51; sites and buildings, $25,016.55; bonds and
interest, $19,100.00; total, $114,581.71.
The salary of Superintendent Findley was originally $2,500 per
year, but in 1876 was, for reasons which do not fully appear upon
the record, reduced to $2,000, but on the accession of Prof.
Fraunfelter, the old figure, $2,500, was restored; Principal Rood's
salary being $1,400; Prof. Glover, (music), four days per week,
$1,400; Prof. Thyng, (drawing), $1,000; Prof. Wise, (writing), $800;.
teachers in High School, $500 to $800; Grammar School, princi-
pal $900; teachers $250 to $650. Ward schools: principals, $600 to
$700; teachers, $250 to $500; a slight contrast between the present
superintendent's salary and that of the "superintendent" of the
142
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
"high" school on the hill, taught by the writer, in 1835-6 $11.00
per month and "board around."
In addition to regular teachers, "student teachers" one for
each room are now regularly employed, who are required to be
in daily attendance, and in case of sickness or other necessary
absence, take the place of regular teachers, being paid $25 per
month, while so employed the first year, with $5 a month extra, on
taking their places as regulars the second year. This plan of
training in teachers from graduates of our own schools, is proving
to be a very valuable feature of our present most admirable school
management.
T7DWIN F. VORIS, -son of Gen.
l-> Alvin C. and Lydia (A 1 1 y n)
Voris, was born in Akron July 31,
1855; educated in Akron public
schools, graduating from High
School in 1872 ; at its opening in Sep-
tember, 1872, entering Buchtel Col-
lege, from which he graduated June
30, 1875. Entering Harvard Law
School, in the Fall of the same year
he graduated therefrom June 27, 1877,
and was admitted to the bar at Cleve-
land October 8th of that year. June
8, 1878, he went to St. Louis, and the
following month was admitted to
practice in the courts of Missouri.
Stuctying and practicing with J. M. &
C. H. Krum, of St. Louis, until Feb-
ruary, 1879, he returned to Akron,
forming a partnership with his father
under the firm name of Voris & Voris,
after the accession of his father to
the Common Pleas Judgeship, form-
ing a partnership with his brother-
in-law, Charles Baird, Esq., Feb-
ruary 14, 1891, under the firm name
of Baird & Voris, which arrange-
ment still continues. On the death
of Prosecuting Attorney John C.
Means, in May, 1886, Mr. Voris was
appointed by Judge Green to fill
the vacancy, serving till January,
1887. Mr. Voris was one of the organ-
izers of Camp 27, Sons of Veterans,
EDWIN F. VORIS.
Division of Ohio,in Akron ; April, 1889,
was elected member of Akron Board
of Education from Second Ward, and
is still serving ; October 21, 1879, Mr.
Voris was married to Miss Lizzie U.
Slade, of Columbus, Ohio. The3^have
3 children Lydia, born J uly 17, 1880 ;
William S., born August 28, 1882;
Elizabeth, born August 12, 1884.
The first pupil graduated from the Akron High School, was
Miss Pamela H. Goodwin, now Mrs. William Renwick, of Daven-
port, Iowa, of the class of 1864. Since then, with the exception of
the single year of 1870, there have been graduated, yearly, as
follows: 1865, two; 1866, three; 1867, five; 1868, four; 1869, five;
1871, four; 1872, seventeen; 1873, eleven; 1874, sixteen; 1875, eigh-
teen; 1876, twenty; 1877, thirty-two; .1878, twenty-two; 1879,
thirty-five; 1880, thirty-six; 1881, eighteen; 1882, twenty-nine; 1883.
twenty-six; 1884, thirty-five; 1885, forty-nine; January, 1886, nine;
June, 1886, forty-seven; January, 1887, twenty-seven; June, 1887,
thirty-one; January, 1888, twenty-five; June, 1888, thirty-seven;
January, 1889, sixteen; June, 1889, thirty- three; January, 1890,
thirty; June, 1890, thirty- four; January, 1891, thirty-six; June, 1891,
thirty-four, making a total of 747 graduates, in the 28 years, 215 of
whom \vere boys and 532 were girls.
NEW AND VALUABLE FEATURES.
143
ARTHUR J. WEEKS, born in
*"* Copley, June 28, 1847 ; raised on
farm ; educated at North Madison
Academy and Willoughby College,
with a course in civil engineering at
Bethany College, W. Va. ; assistant
engineer in locating and construct-
ing Tuscarawas Valley R'y, two
years ; assistant to Chief Engineer
P. H. Dudle3 r , on Valley R'y three
years, last two years as division
engineer in charge of construction
between Akron and Canton ; Octo-
ber 1, 1874, was married to Miss
Lovina Humbert, of Lake Township,
Stark Co. ; 1875 to 1882, engaged in
jobbing' Akron stoneware, pipes,
matches, etc., at Evansville, Ind. ;
in 1882, removed to Akron, becoming
a member of the pottery firm of
Weeks, Cook & Weeks, a short dis-
tance south of the present felt works ;
Mr. Cook retiring in 1886, the firm of
Weeks Brothers (Arthur J. and Fred
H.) was continued until November 1,
1890, Mr. W., on dissolution, purchas-
ing the pottery works of F. W.
Rockwell & Co., 1110-1116 East Market
street, which he is still successful \y
conducting, on organization of Akron
Stoneware Agency, Mr. W. was
elected secretary, which position he
still fills ; was elected member of
School Board in 1888 and re-elected in
1890 ; chairman of building- commit-
tee, and of committee on heating and
ARTHUR J. \\EEKS.
ventilation ; in 1890 elected treasurer
and continued on building com-
mittee in charge of erection of the
new Grace School building.
It will be seen that while the sexes, in the enumeration, are
very nearly equal, considerable more than twice as many girls
graduate as boys, which may probably be accounted for, in part at
least, by the fact that before reaching the graduation point, from
necessity or choice, the boys embark in mercantile or other
business pursuits, while a large proportion of the girls go through
with the design of becoming teachers.
OTHER NEW AND VALUABLE FEATURES.
Jn 1890, the office of superintendent of primary instruction was
created by the board, and the position given to Mrs. Sarah C. Lake,
one of our most experienced teachers (formerly for many years
Principal of Bowen School), whose daily supervision of the work
being done in the primaries is proving to be a very valuable feat-
ure of our educational system. The salary of the primary super-
intendent is $850 per year. Another valuable advance which has
been made is the doing away with formal examinations for promo-
tion, it being found that many pupils worthy of promotion, being
naturally timid and easily embarrassed, would fail at the critical
moment to reach the iron-clad standard, and thus be arbitrarily
kept a grade or two below their more ready fellows, in reality no
better qualified than themselves. Promotions are now made on
the recommendation of the teachers and principals of the sev-
eral schools, and the plan has so far worked most admirably.
144
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
JOSEPH COOK, born in London,
J England, March 24, 1847; in
Spring- of 1849 came with parents to
America, settling at East Liverpool ;
in 1863 enlisted in the army, serving
till close of the war. During service
in army his parents removed to
Middlebury, where he came to reside
on receiving his discharge. Octo-
ber 9, 1873, Mr. Cook was married to
Mary T.. Norton, eldest daughter of
Thomas and Hannah Norton, who
has borne him five children Eva P.,
Thomas N., Mary J., Martha W. and
George W. Mr. C. engaged in the
pottery buisness .with David A.
Butler and John Richardson, vinder
the firm name of -Richardson, Cook
& Butler, incorporated March, 1879, as
the Akron Stoneware Co., with Mr.
Cook as president. Disposing of
his stock, three years later, the firm
of Weeks, Cook & Weeks, built an-
other pottery, of which Mr. C. was
superintendent until the Fall of 1886,
when he disposed of his interest to
the Messrs. Weeks. Then helped to
organize and was made president of
the Wood Type and Novelty Manu-
facturing Company, two years later
disposing of his interest therein, and
in the Spring of 1890, aiding in the
organization of the Drop Hammer
Forging Co., of which he is president.
JOSEPH COOK.
April, 1889, Mr. Cook was elected
member of the Akron Board of Edu-
cation, the first year being chairman
of committee on grounds, and the
second year of committee on janitors,
being re-elected in 1891.
FRANKLIN G. STIPE.
pR AN KLIN G. STIPE eldest son
of Harrison and Anna (Neug^ent)
Stipe, was born in Greeiitown, Stark
County, April 23, 1846, when young
removing with parents to Green
Township, Summit County; edu-
cated in public schools and Greens-
burg Seminar}^, for several years
teaching in Winter and assisting
father on farm in Summer; during
the war, as a member of the Ohio
National Guard, served from May to
September, 1864, in Co. H., 164th O. V.
I., in defense of Washington, as else-
where detailed ; in 1866, removed to
Akron, where he has since success-
fully followed the painting business.
A life-long Republican, Mr. Stipe
was vice-president of the Republi-
can CentralCommittee for 1887 ; mem-
ber of Board of Education from
Fourth Ward for 1888-9, and mem-
ber of City Board of Equalization of
decennial appraisement of real estate
for 1890. September 5, 18(55, Mr. Stipe
was married to Miss Soviah Koons,
daughter of Jonas and Sarah (France)
Koons, of Green Township, who has
borne him four children Norah
Eleanor, Harrj^ Jonas, Mabel Lonely
and Mattie Maria. Mr. and Mrs. Stipe
are members of the First M. E.
Church of Akron.
In September, 1884, in addition to Bnglish, Latin and Greek, a
class in German was formed in the High School, which is highly
SCHOLARSHIPS IN BUCHTEL COLLEGE.
145
appreciated by such of our people as desire to have their children
instructed in that language. Pupils in the several courses in 1890
were: English, 222 64 boys, 158 girls; graduates, 5 boys, 25 girls;
Latin, 51 boys, 53 girls; graduates, 8 boys, 7 girls; German, 56
boys, 57 girls; graduates, 7 boys, 12 girls; Greek scholars reciting
at College, 9.
November 14, 1881, the executive committee of the board of
trustees of Buchtel College adopted the following resolution, which
is still in full force:
"Resolved, That one scholarship be granted to the City of Akron, to be
awarded by competitive examination only, to the graduates of the High
School qualified to enter the Freshman Class in one of the courses of Buchtel
College. But in case there be no competitors for this scholarship among-
the graduates of the High School, it may be granted, by competitive exami-
nation, to any student in the City Schools who shall be qualified to enter the
Senior Preparatory Class of the College in either of the three courses."
A NGELO ANDREW, born in Bos-
** ton Township, Summit County,
O., February 1, 1846 ; common school
education; at 17, apprenticed to
printer's trade in office of SUMMIT
COUNTY BEACON ; August 23, 1864,
enlisted in Company H., 177th O. V.
I., participating in all its engage-
ments, and serving until the close of
the war ; on retiring from the army,
returned to Peninsula and engaged
in painting, three years later accept-
ing- a clerkship in the store of Mr.
Frederick Wood, where he remained
five years ; resuming his trade and
removing- to Akron, in 1877 he formed
a partnership with his brother,
Robert L., under the firm name of
Andrew Brothers, and besides em-
ploying a large number of painters
and decorators, dealing extensively
in paints, paper-hangings, house and
church decorations, etc. ; in Septem-
ber, 1890, buying his brother's inter-
est and now successfully conducting-
the business upon his own account.
Democratic in politics, Mr. Andrew
has been thrice honored with a seat
in the School Board of the generally
Republican City of Akron, serving-
faithfully and acceptablj* four full
ANGELO ANDREW.
years, from 1887 to the present time,
August 14, 1873, Mr. Andrew was mar-
ried to Miss Lizzie Warburton, a
native of Northampton township,
who has borne him five children
Mabel, Frank, Bessie, Nellie and
Mildred.
The following pupils, under this beneficent provision, have
availed themselves of its privileges: Lillian Moore, scholarship,
'81 -'82, full course; May Baker, '82-83, four terms; Lizzie Griffin,
'84-'85, one term ; Edith Garside, '85,-'86, one term; Edwin L. Findley,
'86-87, full course; William B. Baldwin, '87-88, full course; Anna
Thomas, '88-'89; Leroy C. Eberhard, '89-'90; Myrtle Pardee,'90-'91r
MEMBERS AND OFFICERS OF BOARD.
Following is given what is believed to be a full list of the
gentlemen who have served upon the Board of Education, from its
organization in the Spring of 1847 to the present time, (1891) a
period of 44 years, although the exact terms of service cannot here
be enumerated: Lucius V. Bierce, Harvey B. Spelman, William
Harrison Dewey, William M. Dodge, Dr. Joseph Cole, Jame&
10 %
146
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
A LFRED W. HALL, son of Alex-
* ander and Phoebe Elizabeth
(Rosman)Hall, was born in Lawrence
township, October 19, 1847 ; came with
parents to Akron when about three
j^ears of age ; educated in Akron pub-
lic schools ; followed boating- on Ohio
Canal, first with his father and after-
wards on his own account, till 1871 ;
engineer in Allen Mill and Rolling
Mill ten years ; then engaged in
insurance business for five years, in
March, 1886, being appointed by the
Ohio Board of Public Works super-
intendent of Northern Division of
Ohio Canal, from Cleveland to Boli-
var, 75 miles, which position he is still
ably filling. In local matters Mr.
Hall was an efficient member of the
old Volunteer Hook and Ladder
Company, Mechanics No. 3 ; a direc-
tor of the Summit County Agricul-
tural Society ; in 1890 was elected a
member of the Board of Education
from the Fourth Ward, which posi-
tion he still holds ; is also a stock-
holder in the Peoples' Savings Bank.
September 22, 1870, Mr. Hall was mar-
ried to Miss Jennie Letter,of Blissfield,
Lennewa County, Mich. They have
one son George Alfred, born Nov-
ALFRED W. HALL.
ember 1,1881, now a student in Akron
public schools.
Mathews, Judge James S. Carpenter, Dwight Newton, Judge
Daniel R. Tilden, Dr. Elias W. Howard, Henry W. Howe, Webster
B. Storer, Joseph F. Gilbert, Gov. Sidney Kdgerton, Joshua C.
Berry, Kdward W. Perrin, Richard S. Elkins, Dr. Joseph Stanton,
Samuel A. Lane, Judge Nathaniel W. Goodhue, Jacob Snyder,
Judge Constant Bryan, Charles B. Bernard, Ansel Miller, William
C. Allen, Dr. Elias L. Munger, Rev. Samuel Williams, Dr. William
Bowen, Houston Sisler, Capt. Gilbert S. Carpenter, Dr. Israel
E. Carter, Milton W. Henry, Hiram Viele, Rev. Robert Koehler,
Judge Roland O. Hammond, Edward Oviatt, Judge Stephen H.
Pitkin, Arad Kent, Gen. Alvin C. Voris, Alvin Rice, Col. Arthur L.
Conger, Andrew Jackson, Hon. George W. Grouse, Col. George T.
Perkins, L/ewis Miller, John F. Seiberling, Judge Newell D.
Tibbals, George Tod Ford, Dr. J. K. Holloway, Henry Young, John
M. Kirn, Adam Bahl, L/evi S. Herrold, Lewis Creveling, Dr. Mendal
Jewett, Dr. W. P. Morrison, John Johnston, Josiah Miller, George
C. Berry, Dr. Thomas McEbright, Fred Kuhlke, Frank Adams,
Joseph A. Baldwin, David Butler, Dr. William C. Jacobs, Sanford
M. Burnham, Paul E. Werner, Edward W. Wiese, Noah N.
Leohner, William M. Heffelman, James W. Stuver, Martin J.
Housel, William B. Raymond, Andrew M. Armstrong, Horace G.
Griffin, Frank W. Rockwell, Hiram H. Foltz, Frederick Bishop,
Isaac C. Alden, Frank L. Danforth, Judge Charles R. Grant, Frank
M. Atterholt, Reginald H. Wright, Dr. J. W. Lyder, Col. David W.
Thomas, W T illiam H. Evans, Christian Vogt, Louis Seybold, Dr.
Louis S. Sweitzer, Albert H. Sargent, John T. Sell, William
Rothrock, Frank G. Stipe, Charles H. Cleveland, George G. Allen,
Chester F. Lamb, Angelo Andrew, John McGregor, James V.
Welch, Arthur J. Weeks, F. Joseph Koeberle, Edwin F. Voris,
OFFICERS OF BOARD OF EDUCATION.
147
Joseph Cook, Amos J. White, Alfred W. Hall, Walter A. Folger,
Louis Lawman, James A. Swinehart.
PRESIDENTS: Following is as full a list of Presidents of the Board
and years of service in that office, as can now be compiled: Lucius
V. Bierce, 1847, 1848, 1852, 1853, 1854; James S. Carpenter, 1849, 1850;
Daniel R. Tilden (probably) 1851; Dr. Elias W. Howard, 1855, 1856,
1857; Constant Bryan (probably) 1858; Rev. S. Williams, 1859, 1860,
1861; Charles B. Bernard, 1862, 1863; Milton W. Henry, 1864; Dr.
Israel E. Carter, 1865; Judge Stephen H. Pitkin, 1866, 1867, 1868,
1870; Dr. William Bowen, 1869; George W. Crouse, 1871, 1872, 1877,
1878, 1879; Lewis Miller, 1873, 1874, 1881, 1885, 1886; Dr. Thomas
McEbright, 1875, 1876, 1880, 1884, 1887; Col. George T. Perkins,
1882; Frank W. Rockwell, 1883, 1888; Albert H. Sargent, 1889, 1890;
Edwin F. Voris, 1891.
TREASURERS: William H. Dewey, 1847, 1848; Harvey B.
Spelman, 1849, 1850, 1851; Dr. Elias W. Howard, 1851, 1852; Sidney
Edgerton, June, 1853 to February, 1855; Richard S. Elkins,
February, 1855 to April, 1855; Joseph Stanton, April, 1855, till
<leath in August, 1855; Samuel A. Lane, August, 1855, till April,
1857; Charles B. Bernard, 1857, 1859; Constant Bryan, 1858;
Houston Sisler, 1860, 1861; Dr. Israel E. Carter, 1862, 1863, 1864;
Milton W. Henry, 1865, 1866, 1867, 1869; Col. George T. Perkins,
1870, 1871, 1872, 1873, 1874, 1877, 1878, 1879; William C. Allen, 1875,
1876; William B. Raymond, 1880, 1881; Reginald H. Wright, 1883,
1884, 1885, 1886; Frank W. Rockwell, 1887; George G. Allen, 1888,
1889, 1890; Arthur J. Weeks, 1891.
SECRETARIES: Harvey B. Spelman, 1847, 1848; Dwight Newton,
1849, 1850; Henry W. Howe, 1851, 1852, 1853, 1854; Edward
W. Perrin, 1855, -1856, 1857; William C. Allen, 1858, 1859, 1860;
Hiram Viele, 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864; Charles B. Bernard, 1865;
Edward Oviatt, 1866, 1867; Arviii Rice, 1868; Arthur L. Conger,
1869, 1870, 1871; George Tod Ford, 1872, 1873, 1874, 1875; George -C.
Berry, 1876, 1886, 1887, 1888, 1889, 1890, 1891; Paul E. Werner, 1877,
1878; Sanford M. Burnham, 1879, 1881; Edward W. Wiese, 1880;
Frank M. Atterholt, 1882, 1883, 1884, 1885.
In addition to Akron's munificent public school system, herein
before described, separate parochial schools are maintained as
follows:
v^ St. Vincent de Paul's parish
school was established in 1853, in
a small frame building adjacent
to the original church structure,
on Green street. Since the com-
pletion of the new stone church
edifice, corner of West Market
and Maple streets, the old frame
church has been used for school
purposes. There are at present
three divisions, each in charge of
a competent teacher, with a total
pupilage of about 200. It is the
intention of the society to erect a
new and more commodious school
building adjoining the church, on
Maple street, in the near future.
St. Vincent de Paul's Parochial School,
South Maple Street, Third Ward.
148
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
St. Mary's division of this Church, erected on South Main
street, near Bartges street, in 1887, a fine two-story brick 'building,
30x62 feet in size, with chapel on the upper floor, and two school-
rooms on the lower floor, with an average attendance of 110 schol-
ars. The English language only is taught in these schools. Salary
paid teachers $200 per year.
St. Bernard's Catholic school
was established in 1865, in the
basement of the church, N. E.
corner Broadway and Center
streets, with about 35 scholars.
In 1867, a small frame building
was erected, east of the church,
the lower story of which was also
used as a school room. In 1880 r
four school rooms were fitted up
in the lower story of the large
addition then made to the church
edifice, the number of scholars
having meantime increased to
150. The present number is 370,
and a fine new building on the
southwest corner of Broadway
and Center streets, of brick,
72x100 feet in size, four stories
high, and of imposing architect-
ure, has just been completed.
In the lower story, besides numer-
ous other apartments devoted
to the uses of the society, is a
chapel 33x72 feet, and on the
upper floor is an assembly hall the full size of the building. The
second and third floors, besides proper halls, closets, etc., contain
eight spacious rooms; with accommodations for 100 scholars each.
The cost of the building with
necessary fixtures, furniture, etc.,
was about $35,000, exclusive of
the real estate, the consideration
for which was $9,000. Both
English and German instruction
is given in the schools of this
society. Compensation to teach-
ers $200 per year each.
The German Zion's Lutheran
society also maintains a parish
school in a new two-story brick
building standing in the rear of
the society's handsome brick
church, corner of South High
and Quarry streets. There are
at present 225 scholars, in three
classes, the first taught by Mr. German Lutheran Parochial School,
William M. Spuhler, the second
by Miss Emma Lothman, and the third by Rev. Theodore Huegli,
both German and English being taught. Salary of teachers, $600,
St. Bernard Parochial School, corner
South Broadway and East Center
streets.
BUCHTEL COLLEGE.
149
$400 and $300 per year, respectively. After confirmation, at the
age of 13 or 14 years, pupils are permitted to attend the public
schools of the city. Present school directors, George Single and
Henry Runge.
Buchtel College, named in honor of principal contributor to building
and endowment funds, Hon. John R. Buchtel, of Akron
Erected in 1871-2.
BUCHTEL COLLEGE.
This institution is the crowning educational glory of Akron,
and, indeed, of Summit County, since the ruthless spoliation of
the venerated old Western Reserve College, at Hudson, and
requires more -than mere passing mention in this work.
Though in no manner sectarian, the College was founded by, and
is carried forward under the auspices of, the religious organization
known as Universalist, and its history is, briefly, as follows:
At the annual Convention of the Universalist Church of the
State of Ohio, in 1867, its Committee on Education submitted a
report in favor of establishing, at some eligible point in the State,
a seminary for the education of the youth of the State, to the
privileges of which both sexes should be admitted on equal footing.
The report was favorably received by the Convention, but no
definite action was taken upon it at that session. At the session
of 1868, Rev. Andrew Willson, of Kent, submitted a plan for the
establishment of the contemplated school, \vhich was adopted by
the Convention, but no action was had towards carrying it into
effect. At the session of 1869, the Convention, by resolution,
rescinded its former action, and authorized the board of trustees,
and the committee on education to take the necessary steps for the
establishment of a college, instead of an academy, as at first con-
templated. The board of trustees then consisted of Rev. John S.
Cniitwell, Rev. Andrew Willson, Rev. Henry L. Canfielcl, Rev. John
W. Henley, and Oscar F. Haymaker; arid the committee on educa-
tion of Rev. Everett L. Rexford, Rev. Marion Crosley, and Rev.
Benjamin F. Eaton.
At a joint meeting of the board and committee, in November,
isi)9. Rev. Henry F. Miller, then of Madison, Indiana, who had
already greatly aided one or two similar institutions in that
150
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
direction, was chosen as the Financial Secretary of the Convention,
to solicit funds for the erection of the necessary buildings, endow-
ments, etc., of the proposed institution, which the Convention
desired to present as Ohio's offering to the approaching Centennial
anniversary of Universalism in America, the first Universalist
Church in America being organized at Gloucester, Mass., by Rev,
John Murray, in 1770.
MR. AND MRS. JOHN R. BUCHTEL.
JOHN RICHARDS BUCHTEL, son of John and Catharine (Richards)
J Buchtel, was born in Green township, January 18, 1820 ; education limited ;
raised a farmer, working land on shares, then buying twenty acres in Coven-
try, and afterwards the 210 acre farm, since known as the Thornton farm, now
a populous portion of the city of Akron ; for several years agent for Canton
Buckeye Reaper and Mower Works, and largely instrumental in securing the
Aultnian, Miller & Co. branch for Akron ; during the war, active in securing
enlistments, raising bounty money, and averting the draft ; larg-elj" promo-
tive of many of the industrial enterprises of the city, including blast fur-
nace and extensive coal and iron mines in'Athens County ; Grant presidential
elector, in 1872 ; Prohibition candidate for Secretary of State in 1874 ; managing-
trustee of Ohio Agricultural College for several years. An ardent Univer-
salist, while unstintedly liberal towards other denominations, his crowning"
glory is his munificence, aggregating nearly a half a million dollars,,
toward the college that bears his name, fully written of elsewhere. Married
January 8, 1844, to Miss Elizabeth Davidson, never having been blessed with
children of their own, though both physically infirm for many years, Mr. and
Mrs. Buchtel jointly devoted the accumulation of their lives, for the benefit
of the children of their neighbors and the general welfare.
Mrs. Buchtel, daughter of John Davidson, was born in Union Count}-,
Pa., August 25, 1821 ; removed to Ohio, with parents, in 1834, settling in
Coventry ; after marriage sharing with her enterprising husband the labor
of founding for themselves a home and a fortune, and sharing equally with
him the pleasure of dispensing, while living, the .wealth thus jointly accumu-
lated, in the founding.of Buchtel College, and the promotion of the various
other educational, moral and benevolent enterprises of the da}*. In June.
1881, Mrs. Buchtel was stricken wkh paralysis ; but notwithstanding her great
infirmity, and its many deprivations, she was ever cheerful and helpful of
her distinguished husband, who became similarl}- afflicted March 21, 1887,
still retaining her interest in all of their joint enterprises and benefactions,
to the last, her death occurring Friday, May 22, 1891, at the age of 69 years, 8
months and 27 days.
AKRON SECURES THE PRIZE.
151
Mr. Miller entered upon his duties in January, 1870. Meantime
a lively competition was in progress, between the inhabitants of
several of the cities of the State, Akron among the rest. It was
finally authoritatively announced that the location would be given
to the city that would furnish a suitable site and subscribe $60,000
to the funds of the College.
To this proposal, the people of Akron and Summit County
promptly responded, Mr. John R. Buchtel leading off with a sub-
scription of $25,000 to the endowment fund and $6,000 to the
building fund. Others followed with equal liberality, in proportion
to their means, and on May 31, 1870, Financial Secretary Miller
reported to the trustees and committee that the stipulated sum of
$60,000 had been subscribed and the proper site secured by the
people of Akron.
A VERY SPICER.-eldest son of
** Miner and Cynthia (Allen) Spicer;
born at Groton, Ct., October 26, 1799 ;
came with parents to Ohio in 1811,
being the first white settlers in Port-
age township ; district school educa-
tion ; raised a farmer; at 21, worked
for father two years at $7.00 per
month ; in 1825, had charge of gang
of hands on Ohio Canal, furnishing
stone, timber, etc. for locks ; Septem-
ber 3, 1826, was married to Miss Har-
riet King, daughter of Joshua King,
first white child born at Old Portage,
(September 7, 1810); in 1837 purchased
large farm in Coventry, where he
lived 20 years, moving to the original
homestead, corner Spicer and Car-
roll streets, in 1857, where he resided
until his death, May 10, 1881. Mr.
Spicer officiated for several years as
trustee of Coventry township, and
for 15 years as director of County
Infirmary, superintending the erec-
tion of present Infirmary buildings.
Mr. and Mrs. Spicer were the parents
of nine children Isaac A., who died
in California in 1850; Cynthia, now
Mrs. Geo. Coggshall, Akron ; Sarah C.,
late Mrs. John Newton, of Buchanan,
Mich.; Austin A., who died in Cov-
entry, March 4, 1889 ; Harriet, now
jll|.x ;V y^wp<'v-y<Mv-i
AVERY SPICER.
Mrs. J. T. Trowbridge, Akron ; Olive
and Oliver, twins, who died in
infancy, and Ella C., now Mrs. Charles
Parmetiter, Waltham, Mass. Mrs.
Spicer, now in her 82d year, still
survives.
This joint body then, by resolution, formally located the
"Universalist Centenary School of Ohio," at Akron, and a certifi-
cate of incorporation was duly filed, -with the following named
corporators: Hon. John R. Buchtel, Rev. John S. Cantwell, Col.
Geo. T. Perkins, Henry Blandy, Rev. George Messenger, Rev.
Benjamin F. Eaton, Hon. Newell D. Tibbals, Rev. John W.Henley,
Hon. Edwin P. Green, Oscar F. Haymaker, Rev. Willard
Spaulding, James Alexander Lantz and George Steese.
The association, on organization, very appropriately took the
name of "Buchtel College," in honor of its principal donor, and the
institution was formally declared "to be under the control of the
Ohio State Convention of Universalists." It was made the duty of
the corporators to appoint a board of 18 trustees, five of whom \vere
to be resident freeholders of Summit County, the first board
152
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
appointed being as follows: John R. Buchtel, president; Henry
Blamh r , Philip Wieland, J. Dorsey Angier, Edwin P. Green and
George T. Perkins, for three years each: Rev. Henr} r L. Canfield,
Rev. Everett L. Rexford, Gen. James Pierce, John F. Seiberling,
Rev. John S. Cantwell and Newell D. Tibbals, for two years each,
and Oscar F. Haymaker, Sanford M. Burnham, secretary, John R.
Cochraiie, Charles Foster, Rev. George Messenger and Avery
Spicer, for one year each; George W. Grouse, not a member of the
board, being appointed treasurer.
HON. GEORGE W. CROUSE,-born
in Tallmadg-e, November 23, 1832 ;
in early bc^hood removed with his
parents to Green township ; gradu-
ating from district school at 17,
taught schools five years ; 1855 to
1858, deputy in offices of County Audi-
tor and Treasurer ; 1858, at 25 years
of age, elected County Auditor, and
re-elected in 1860 ; resigned in Febru-
ary, 1863, to accept appointment of
Treasurer to fill vacaiicj', serving to
end of term, seven months ; 1863, took
management of Akron branch of C.
Aultman & Co.'s Buckeye mower and
reaper business ; in 1865, on organi-
zation of Aultman, Miller & Co., as a
separate corporation, became secre-
tary and treasurer, being now its
president, besides being pecuniarily
and officially connected with a large
number of other business and finan-
cial enterprises in Akron and else-
where. Republican in politics, Mr.
Crouse has filled, besides those
mentioned, the following civil offices:
County Commissioner, member and
president Board of Education ; mem-
ber and treasurer Board of Control
Akron Public Library ; member and
president Akron City Council ; State
Senator and Member of Congress.
Liberal, efficient and patriotic, Mr.
Crouse served 100 days in defense of
Washington, in 1864, and was largely
instrumental in securing the erection
of our beautiful Soldiers' Memorial
Chapel, besides contributing liber-
HON. GEORGE \V. CKOUSE.
ally in behalf of all the educational,
religious and benevolent enterprises
of the day. Married October 18, 1859,
to Miss Martha K. Parsons, of Tftafc
They have five childrenMartha P.,
Julia M., Mary R., Nellie J., and
George W., Jr.
The site selected for the College is one of the most commanding
in the city, fronting on Middlebury street, (now Buchtel Avenue),
upon the north, and running through to Carroll street on the
south. It is a part of the original farm occupied by Akron's
first settler, Major Miner Spicer, in 1811 Major Spicer himself
being an ardent Universalist, and a zealous member of the first
society of that faith organized in Akron, in 1837 the college edifice
being visible from every portion of the city, while' the view from
the top of its central tower is one of the moat extensive and pic-
turesque in the county.
The architect, Rev. Thomas W. Silloway, of Boston, Mass.,
submitted plans for the College building, December 28, 1870, and
a building committee of seven was appointed, as follows: Hon.
John R. Buchtel, Avery Spicer, Col. George T. Perkins, Rev. Henry
LAYING THE CORNER STONE.
153
F. Miller and Gen. Alvin C. Voris, of Akron; Rev. George
Messenger, of Springfield, and Mr. Henry Blaridy, of Zanesville.
Xoah A. Carter, of Akron, was made general superintendent;
Samuel Snider and Lewis Wilhelm, of Akron, awarded the contract
for stone work; John H. Waggoner, of Akron, superintendent of
brick work, and Henry W. Howe, Esq., superintendent of grading.
Ground was broken on the 15th day of March, 1871, and the
work so vigorously prosecuted that the massive foundation and
baseme'nt walls were completed, and the corner-stone of the super-
structure was laid on the Fourth of July, 1871, with the following
imposing ceremonies:
JUDGE EDWIN P. GREEN, born
I in Gaysville, Windsor Co., Vt.,
March 10, 1828; educated in common
schools and Bradford Academy;
commenced studying law in Little-
ton, N. H., coming- to Akron in 1852
and completing studies in office of
Humphre}', Upson & Edgerton, being
admitted to the bar in September
1853; October 1854 elected Clerk of
Covirts, holding the office until Feb-
ruary 1861, then resuming his law-
practice; during the war was deputy
provost marshal for Summit County,
and member of Congressional Mili-
tary Committee. Prosecuting Attor-
ney N. D. Tibbals entering the ser-
vice for 100 days, in 1864, Mr. Green
was appointed prosecuting attorney
ad interim; in 1883 was elected
Judge of Common Pleas Court, to
fill the unexpired term of Judge Tib-
bals, resigned, and re-elected for
full term in 1885, ably filling the
position until January 1, 1891,
wlien he resigned and again resumed
practice at the bar. Judge Green
has always taken a lively interest in
educational matters; for many years
serving as county and city school
examiner; was active in establishing
Akron Public Library, and a mem-
ber of its board of control until
elected Judge; was one of the incor-
porators of Buchtel College, serving
as Trustee since its organization in
1872; member of American Bar Asso-
ciation, for many } r ears its member
JUDGE EDWIN P. GREEN.
of General Council for Ohio, and in
1889 elected its vice president for
Ohio, also member "of Ohio Bar
Association of \vhich he was made
president in 1887. Judge Green was
married to Miss Isabella M. Moore,
of Littleton, N. H., December 31, 1855,
who died March 13, 1869; was again
married, to Miss Elizabeth A. Moore,
sister of the first Mrs. G., April 25,
1870, who has borne him three child-
ren, Isabella M. and William A., now
living, and Mary L., deceased.
The Excelsior Gun Squad fired a salute of thirty guns at mid-
night, and at sunrise the Buckeye Gun Squad awoke the morning
echoes with thirty-seven guns. The procession was formed on
Howard street by Chief Marshal Gen. Geo. W. McNeil, assisted by
Herman F. Hahn, Paul Giffhorn and Thomas K. Perkins, on the
part of the citizens, and by Dr. Thomas McEbright, Milton H.
Hart and Ohio C. Barber, marshals, on the part of the Masonic
Fraternity.
The procession formed in the following order: 1, Marshals
and Assistants; 2, Babcock's Band; 3, Fire Department; 4, German
Benevolent Society; 5, Order of United American Mechanics; 6,
Coopers' Union; 7, Harmonic Society; 8, Turner Society; 9,
154
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
Liedertafel Society; 10, Knights of Pythias; 11, Father Mathew
Temperance Society; 12, Good Templars; 13. Sons of Temperance;
14, Grand Army of the Republic and 29th O. V. V. I.; 15, I. O. O.
F.; 16, Marble's Band; 17, Masons; 18, Mayor, City Officers and
Council; 19, Clergy; 20, Trustees and Officers of College; 21 r
Officers of the Day and invited and distinguished guests; 22,
Citizens,
GEN. ALVIN COE VORIS, eldest
son of Judge Peter Voris, born
in Stark Co., April 27, 1827, in infancy
moving- to Bath township; educated
in Twinsburg- Institute and Oberlin
College; 1850 to 1852, deputy county
clerk and acting probate judge;
admitted to practice law June 20,
1853 ; in partnership with Gen. L.
V. Bierce till 1859; Sept. 25, 1853,
married Miss Lydia Allyn, who bore
him three children Edwin F. (now
practicing law in Akron,) Lucy,
(now Mrs. Charles Baird) and Bessie
C, (now Mrs. Will T. Sawyer); repre-
sentative to State Legislature 1859
1860; in September 1861. entered the
army as Lieutenant Colonel of 67th
Regiment. O. V. I., becoming its
commanding office the following
March; [the gallantry of this regi-
ment and the terrible sufferings of
its commander, from wounds
received in battle, fully set forth
elsewhere in this work]. Colonel
Voris was bre vetted Brigadier Gen-
eral December 8, 1864, and a few
months later Major General, "for
distinguished services in the field."
Since the war, with the exception of
serving. as a delegate to Constitu-
tional Convention in 1873, the Gen-
eral has devoted himself assiduously
to his profession, with marked legal
GEN. ALVIN COE VORIS.
and financial success. November 4,.
1890, General Voris was elected Judge
of Court of Common Pleas for the
counties of Summit, Medina and
Lorain for the the term of five years.
The first Mrs. Voris dying March 16,
1876, the General was again married,
to Mrs. Lizzie H. Keller February 21,
1882.
The corner-stone, three feet square on its surface and two feet
in thickness, bears, in oval form, the inscription: "Centenary of
Universalism in America, 1870. This stone laid July 4, 1871, by A.
H. Newcomb, G. M. F. & A. M., A. L. 5871." In the cavity was
placed a casket containing copies of the Star in the West,
Universalist, Gospel Banner, Universalist Quarterly, L,adies r
Repository, Myrtle, Guiding Star, Universalist Register, Akron
Daily Beacon, Akron City Times, New York Tribune, and the
Ohio Unirersalist, published in Cleveland in 1838; also a history
of the College enterprise, a list of its officers, architects, builders,
etc.; a Bible; list of officers of the Grand Lodge of Ohio,*and
officers and members of Akron Lodge, No. 83, F. & A. M., and
by-laws of the Lodge; samples of American coin, etc. On the
arrival of the procession at the building, the President of the Day,
Henry Blandy, Esq., of Zanesville, introduced Rev. Everett L.
Rexford, of Columbus, who offered a brief but fervent prayer,
which was followed by "America," superbly rendered by Marble's
Band, and the formal laying of the corner-stone by the officers of
HON. HORACE GREELEY S ADDRESS.
155
the Grand Lodge of Masons of Ohio, conducted by Grand Master
A. H. Newcomb.
Among other musical exercises, a Glee Club, composed of \V.
Milton Clarke, Wilson G. Robinson, Dr. Byron S. Chase and Daniel
R. Knight, sang an original song, of six twelve-line stanzas to the
tune of "Yankee Doodle," of which the following is a sample
stanza:
"A Yankee Dutchman lived in town,
And built machines for mowing,
And reaping, too, so he came down
(To set the thing a-going)
With thirty thousand of the pelf,
He'd earned by trade and labor;
He said 'twas good to help one's self,
Better to help a neighbor;
In this way Buchtel (that's his name)
Was bound to scatter knowledge;
He gave them stamps, they'll give him fame,
They'll build him Buchtel College."
pERDINAND SCHUMACHER,
born in Celle, Hanover, March
30, 1822 ; served 13 years (from 15 to 28),
as clerk in grocery and sugar refin-
ery; in 1850 emigrated to United
States, settling- on a farm in Euclid,
near Cleveland; in 1851 engaged
in fancy goods trade in Akron;
in 1852 embarked in grocery trade
which he successfully followed
ten years; in 1856 engaged in
the manufacture of oat meal, pearl
barley and other cereal products,
enlarging and increasing his mills,
until now, notwithstan d i n g his
heavy losses by tire, as detailed
elsewhere, his works are the most
extensive and successful of their
kind in the world. Besides his mill-
ing interests Mr. Schumacher is
.pecuniarily and officially connected
with many other manufacturing
enterprises. Liberal in his religious
views, he is a generous contributor
to all church organizations, the Uni-
versalists being under especial obli-
gations to him for their , present
church lot and fine house of worship.
A pronounced Prohibitionist, he is
one of the most zealous Temperance
promoters in Ohio. Mr. Schumacher
was married at Cleveland, October 7,
1851, to his cousin. Miss Hermine
Schumacher, of Bevern, Brunswick,
FERDINAND SCHUMACHER.
Germany. Seven children have been
born to them, five of whom are
deceased, the two survivors, Louis
and F. Adolph, ably assisting their
enterprising father in conducting
the immense business of which he is
the founder the former as vice
president and the latter as secretary
of the F. Schumacher Milling Co.
HON. HORACE GREELEY'S ADDRESS.
After a few preliminary remarks, Mr. Greeeley, continuing,,
said: "Allow me now to say a few words in reference to the edu-
cation inculcated by our colleges at large. It is too superficial for
the age. People do not grudge money for education, provided
they know that they secure what they pay for, yet they fear that
they are not now receiving in proportion to the expenditure. My
objection to college courses is, that while there has been advance-
ment of the world, in every department of human industry, there
has not been a corresponding stride in the curriculum of college
studies. I insist that our average course tends directly to drive
156
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
men into three pursuits or professions, -which, however honorable,
do not comprise the great professions which labor for the general
good of mankind; and I hope to see the day when there will be a
reform; when this college shall graduate a great and glorious
bod3 r of young and earnest men in engineering, science, and a
hundred different pursuits \vhere knowledge is of great benefit to
human kind. I -want the young men to be leaders in these hundred
branches of industry, and would like to see it different from the
present day, when the richest metal of the mind is sent abroad to
be moulded and formed into shape to be practically applied to the
science of the age."
JOY H. PENDLETON, born in
Litchfield County, Conn., Febru-
ary 1, 1810 ; removing 1 with parents to
Ohio in 1819, settling in Stow; reared
to farm life, with limited educational
opportunities ; at 20 entered store of
Stow & Wetmores, at Cuyahoga Falls,
as clerk, remaining with them about
five years, part of the time traveling
through Ohio selling their papers
and other goods ; in 1835, in company
with brother, opened a general store
in Brunswick, Medina County, a year
later removing the business to
Franklin Mills (now Kent), about 1840,
engaging with B. F. Hopkins, in
conducting flouring mill, saw mill,
and woolen factory, under the title
of " Center Manufacturing Company,"
also carding on a general merchan-
dise store, continuing therein until
about 1847. From 1850 to 1860 Mr. P.
was engaged in railroad construc-
tion, with headquarters at Dayton
and Cincinnati. Removing to Akron
in 1866, aided in organizing' the Sec-
ond National Bank of Akron, becom-
ing its vice-president, which position
he retained until the death of presi-
dent George D. Bates, July 25, 1887,
when he was elected to the presi-
dency of the bank, which position,
yet hale and vigorous, in the 82d year
JOY H. PENDLETON.
of his age, he still retains. Mr Pen-
dleton has been three times married:
in 1832 to Miss Julia Corp, who died
July 5, 1833; in November, 1834, to
Miss Sybil Fletcher, who died May 29,
1841; September 13, 1842 to Miss
Kunice M. Post, a native of Summit
County, who still survives. -They
have one child, Nellie A.
Mr. Greeley then spoke at length on "Human Conceptions of
God as they affect the Moral Education of our Race" We
cannot here give the full text of the address, and no mere synopsis
would do it justice. A few brief sample excerpts, therefore, must
suffice: "There are those," said Mr. Greeley, "who talk sonorously,
stridently, of Law of the Law of Development or Progress as
though they had found in a word a key which unlocks all the
mysteries of creation. But I am not silenced by a word; I demand
its meaning, and then seek to determine how far that meaning
bridges the gulf which the word was intended to over-leap. To
my apprehension. Law is the dictate of an intelligent will, or it is
nothing. * * * What we affirm is that God is mo.re than a
blind, creative Knergy, an inexorable Fate, a vitalizing, fructifying
Principle. He is the conscious, loving Author and Governor of
things. * * * Hence the higher education of our day most
EVENING RECEPTION TO MR. GREELEY.
157
wisely in purpose, not always in method essays to base its insti-
tutes and processes on religion, and to ground the character it
seeks to form on the firm foundations of Christian Faith and Love,
* * * This, then, I apprehend, is the proper work of the college:
To appreciate and measure, and undistrustfully accept and
commend the gigantic strides which physical science is making in
our day, yet not be swept away by them; to welcome all that is
true arid beneficent in the impetuous currents of modern thought r
but not to exaggerate their breadth and depth, nor accept their
direction as authoritative or final; to proffer a genial and gracious
hospitality to whatever is nobly new, yet hold fast, and from time
to time assert, that no discovery in science, no advances in human
knowledge, can ever invalidate or belittle the Golden Rule, and no
conclusion of philosophy ever equal in importance that simple
affirmation of the untaught Judean peasant, who long ago per-
ceived and proclaimed that 'GoD is LOVE.'"
pOL. GEORGE TOD PERKINS,
\J son of Col. Simon and Grace
Ingersoll (Tod) Perkins, was born in
Akron, May 5, 1836 ; educated in
Akron schools and at Marietta Col-
lege ; April, 1861, enlisted as private
in Nineteenth Reel. O. V. I. (three
months), and as Second Lieutenant
of Co. B., participating in the West
Virginia campaign ; in August, 1862,
re-enlisted in the 105th O. V. I., becom-
ing its major ; commanded part of
regiment in the sanguinary battle of
Perrysville, Ky., October 8, 1862, two
of his captains being killed, four
other officers wounded, 47 men killed
and 212 wounded ; participated in
the battles of Hoover's Gap, Chicka-
mauga, Chattanooga, Mission Ridge,
Kenesaw Mountain and the siege of
Atlanta ; marched with Sherman
from " Atlanta to the Sea; " promoted
to Lieutenant Colonel July 16, 1863,
to Colonel, February 18, 1864, and
mustered out with regiment at Wash-
ington, June 3, 1865 ; secretar}^ of Tap-
lin, Rice & Co. from 1867 to 1870 ; presi-
dent of Bank of Akron, 1870 to 1876 ;
cashier of same till consolidation
with Second National Bank, in March,
1888, and still acting in that capacity ;
president of the B. F. Goodrich Com-
COL. GEORGE TOD PERKINS.
panj' and the Goodrich Hard Rubber
Company ; Married to Miss Mary F.
Rawson, "October 6, 1865 ; three chil-
dren, one of whom, onlj~, is is now
living Mary, married to Charles B.
Raymond, of Akron, May 21, 1890.
At the close of Mr. Greeley's address, Hon. John R. Buchtel
was loudly called for, who responded in one his off-hand unreport-
able speeches. Mr. Buchtel closed his remarks by feelingly
thanking those who had contributed to the Institution, and said
that he hoped, and trusted, and prayed, that those having children
would educate them here, and pledged himself that the College
should be an honor and pride to Akron and the State first-class
in every respect. "We don't intend," said Mr. Buchtel, "to pull a
shingle from off a single church, but will unite in suppressing
evil, and in building up the morals and character of the city."
In the evening an immense reception was given to Mr.
Greeley, at Mr. Buchtel's residence; corner of Bast Market and
158
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
Union streets. The trustees of the College were present in a body
in behalf of whom, Edwin P. Green, Esq., thanked Mr. Greeley for
his address and kindly interest in their enterprise. During the
evening there were toasts and speeches as follows: "The City of
Akron:" Response by Nathaniel W. Goodhue, Esq.; "The Common
Schools of Akron:" Response by Newell D. Tibbals, Esq.; "The
Centenary of Universalism in America:" Responded to by Mr.
Greeley, at considerable length, denning the religious doctrines of
the denomination, and his own reasons for adhering thereto,
closing by bidding all to hope that, in the time to come, would
acts be done in Love and Faith, as they were done when John
Murray first commenced to preach that faith in America in 1770.
Other toasts: The "Bands of Akron:" Response, by J. Park
Alexander; "Buchtel College:" Response by H. D. Persons, of
Cambridge, Pa.; "The Relation of Common Schools to Higher
Institutions of Learning:" Response by Dr. N. S. Townshend, of
Elyria.
OULLIVAN H. McCOLLESTER, D.
*J D., of Scotch descent, was born
in Marlboro, N. H., December 18,
1826 ; graduated as A. B. from Nor-
wich University in 1851 ; taking- div-
inity course at Harvard Univer-
sity, was ordained to the Chris-
tian ministry in 1854; was prin-
cipal of Walpole Academy two years;
Mount Caesar Seminary five }^ears ;
Westmoreland Valley Seminary
three years ; Westbrook Seminary
and Female College eight years ;
commissioner of New Hampshire
public schools and president Board
of Education three years, during this
time preaching Sundays, organizing
a church and causing a house of
worship to be erected at Swaiizey, N.
H., and also one on the grounds of
the Westbrook (Maine) Seminary.
After a remarkably successful pas-
torate over the Universalist Church,
at Nashua, N. H., was in 1872 called
to Akron as the first president of
Buchtel College, which position he
ably filled six years ; also organizing
the Universalist Church in Akron
and acceptably filling its pulpit two
years. After leaving the college he
organized a strong church at Bellows
Falls, Vt., and three years later one
at Dover, N. H., securing the build-
ing of a fine edifice for each. Mr.
McCollester with his family has five
times made the tour of Europe in
1866, '69, '78, '86 and '89 visiting Italy,
Greece, Palestine, Asia Minor, and
many other countries, his last trip
extending entirely around the world.
He received his A. M. in course and
REV.. S. H. M COLLESTER, D. D.
his D. D. from St. Lawrence Univer-
sity ; is now domiciled at " Maple-
side, " in his native town, preaching
Sundays, lecturing winters, and gen-
erally engaged in literary work,
being the author of "After Thoughts
in Foreign Lands and Capital
Cities, " " Round the World in Old
and New Paths, " and other popular
\vorks, having also represented his
native town in the Legislature two
years. Mr. McCollester was married
to Miss Sophia F. Knight at Dum-
merston, Vt., in 1853. Of the four
children born to them only one sur-
vives Rev. Lee S. McCollester, now
pastor of the Universalist Church in
Detroit, Mich.
In response to loud and long repeated calls, Mr. Buchtel made
a brief speech, thanking his friends and neighbors for their kind
expressions for both himself and the College bearing his name.
IN SUCCESSFUL OPERATION.
159
The institution was to be in no sense sectarian, and he was proud
to think that it would not graduate Methodists, nor Baptists, nor
Congregationalists, nor Universalists, but men and women too;
and he was willing to sacrifice all he possessed even his very life
for the success of the College. One end of the College was for
gentlemen and the other end, just exactly like it, for ladies. He
believed in educating all, without regard to sex or color.
THE COLLEGE IN OPERATION.
The building was so rapidly proceeded with that it was first
occupied in September, 1872, but little more than a year after the
laying of the corner-stone, and within about three years from the
first inception of the project.
The services of Rev. Sullivan H. McCollester, of New Hamp-
shire, were secured as president of the College, with the following
Faculty: Rev. S. H. McCollester, A. M., Professor of Mental and
Moral Philosophy ; Nehemiah White, Professor of Languages ; S.
F. Peckham, A. M., Professor of Natural Science; Carl F. Kolbe,
A. M., Professor of Modern Languages ; Miss Hattie F. Spaulding,
L. A. ,Professor of Rhetoric and Knglish Literature; Alfred Welsh,
A. B., Professor of Mathematics ; H. D. Persons, Professor in Nor-
mal Department ; Gustav. Sigel, Professor of Music ; Miss Hattie
L. Lowdeii, Teacher in English. One member of the original
faculty, only, Professor Kolbe, is now officially connected with the
College.
L. REXFORD, D. D.,
*-* born in Harmony, Chautauqua
County, N. Y., April 24, 1842, his
father being- a Baptist minister ;
educated in Jamestown Academy
and St. Lawrence Universit}", at Can-
ton, N. Y., graduating- from the latter.
in 1865 ; commenced his ministry in
the First Universalist Church in
Cincinnati in September, 1865, con-
tinuing- three j*ears ; was then pastor
of the Columbus Universalist
Church five years ; in 1874, after three
months' trial (during which the
Columbus pulpit was held open for
his return, should he elect to do so),
he assumed the pastorate of the
Uni verbalist Church in San Fran-
cisco, Cal., where he remained until
called to the presidency of Buchtel
College in 1878, which responsible
position he ably filled two years, also
officiating as pastor of the First
Universalist Church of Akron, both
of which positions he resigned to
accept the pastorate of the newly
formed Universalist Church of
Detroit, Mich., where he remained
eight years, resigning to become the
Bustor of a Universalist society in
oston, Mass., where he still remains.
The honorary degree of D. D. was
REV. EVERETT L. REXFORD, D. D.
conferred upon him by Buchtel Col-
lege in 1874. October 5, 1865, Mr. Rex-
ford was married to Miss Julia
George, daughter of the late Isaac
George, of Dunkirk, N. Y., who bore
him one daughter, Mary Elizabeth,
his second marriage being with Miss
Amanda Pleasant, daughter of
Daniel G. Pleasant, of Bowling
Green, Ky.
During the first year there were seven students in the classical
course six of whom were designated as Freshmen and one Jun-
ior, all entering for the regular course of four years. For the
160
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
Philosophical course of two years there were 39 students, and for
the Academical course, 171 total 217, of whom 98 were ladies, 119
were gentlemen. It will thus be seen that from the start the sexes
fairly balanced each other in the race for knowledge, which con-
dition has been substantially maintained to the present time, the
catalogue for 1890-9-1 listing 130 gentlemen and 143 ladies 273
students in all, and experience has demonstrated that the founders
of the College acted wisely in providing for the co-education of the
sexes on equal terms.
Dr. McCollester tendered his resignation as president in June,
1877, but its acceptance was declined by the Board of Trustees
until June, 1878, when he was succeeded by Dr. Kverett L. Rex-
ford, a graduate of the Theological School of St. Lawrence Univer-
sity, at Canton, New York, and a preacher of considerable emi-
nence. Dr. Rexford, besides ably filling the presidential chair of
the College for two years, also officiated as pastor of the Univer-
salist Church of Akron, resigning both positions, in 1880, to assume
the pastorate of a new Universalist parish in Detroit, Mich., being
now pastor of a Universalist Church in Boston, Mass.
Dr. Rexford's successor was Rev. Orello Cone, A. M., D. D., for
fifteen years Professor of Bibilical Languages and Literature of
St. Lawrence University, at Canton, N. Y., who assumed the presi-
dency of the College in 1880, his administration, during his eleven
years incumbency, having been deservedly popular and successful.
REV. ORELLO CONE, D. D.,
born in Lincklaen, Chenango
County, N. Y., November 16, 1835 ;
taught in public schools, securing
an education by his own exertions
and earnings ; in 1858 engaged as
teacher in St. Paul's Episcopal Col-
lege, at Palmyra, Mo., remaining
three years ; soon after entered the
Universalist ministry, preaching two
years in Little Falls, N. Y. ; in 18&5
was elected to the Chair of Biblical
Languages and Literature in the
Theological School at Canton, N. Y.,
where he remained until called to the
presidency of Buchtel College in
Akron in 1880, which position, after
eleven years of eminently satisfac-
tory service, he still occupies. In
addition to his college duties, Dr.
Cone has done considerable literary
work, having written many articles
for reviews, a volume on " Salva-
tion, " published in 1889, his latest
and most important work being
" Gospel Criticism and Historical
Christianity, " issued from the press
of G. P. Putnam's Sons, New York, in
April, 1891. Dr. Cone was married to
Miss Mariarnne N. Pepper, at Little
Falls, N. Y., October 3, 1864, who has
REV. ORELIAD CONE, D. D.
borne him two children Edwin F.,
born October 4, 1867, now studying
chemistry in Case School, Cleveland,
after being graduated from Buchtel
College, and Wm. Channing, who
died in childhood.
COLLEGE FACULTY, INSTRUCTORS, ETC.
We have not the space to name all of the professors and
teachers who have officiated inthe several departments and classes
of the College during the nineteen years of its existence, but it
OFFICIAL ROSTER FOR 1891-'92. 161
may be said, generally, that each and all have done well. The
present roster, for 1891-92, is as follows:
Rev. Orello Cone, D. D., President, Messenger-Professor of
Mental and Moral Philosophy ; Charles M. Knight, A. M., Buchtel-
Professor of Physics and Chemistry; Carl F. Kolbe, A. M., Ph.
D., Hilton-Professor of Modern Languages ; William D. Shipman,
A. M., Professor of Greek Language and Literature and Philolog-
ical Science ; Charles C. Bates, A. M., Professor of Latin Lan-
guage and Literature and Secretary of Faculty ; Bdward W. Clay-
pole, B. A., D. Sc. (Lond.), F. G. S. S. L. & A., Professor of Natural
Science ; Mary B. Jewett, A. B., Pierce-Professor of English Lit-
erature and Logic ; Hermas V. Egbert, A. M., Ainsworth-Pro-
fessor of Mathematics and Astronomy ; Willard H. Van Orman,
Adjunct-Professor of Mathematics; Judge Charles R. Grant,
Instructor in Law ; Dr. A. L. Butterfield, Ryder-Professor of
Elocution and Rhetoric ; Jennie Gifford, A. M., Principal of Pre-
paratory Department and Teacher of Science and School Manage-
ment ; Dora E. Merrill, Instructor in English History and Teacher
in Normal Work ; Mary E. Stockman, L. A., Teacher in English
and Latin ; Martha A. Bortle, Teacher in English and Rhetorical
W T ork ; Edwin L. Findley, A. B., Teacher in Greek and Latin ;
Ernest Danglade, B. S., Assistant in Chemistry ; Mattie Fiery,
Teacher of Piano and Theory ; Louise Von Feilitzsch, Teacher of
Vocal Music ; Gustav Sigel, Teacher of Violin, 'Cello and Zither ;.
Miss Minnie Fuller, Teacher of Painting and Drawing. GYMNA-
SIUM OFFICERS: Albert A. Kohler, A.B. M. D., Director and Exam-
iner for Men; Katharine Kurt, M. D., Examiner for Women; Agnes
Claypole, Instructor for Women; Albert Hoover, M. D., Oculist.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES: Hon. John R. Buchtel, Akron; Judge
Edwin P. Green, Akron; Col. George T. Perkins, Akron; Albert B,
Tinker, Akron; Jonas J. Pierce, Sharpsville, Pa.; Hon. Sanford M,
Burnham, Akron; Judge Alvin C. Voris, Akron; William H. Slade,
Columbus; Joy H. Pendleton, Akron; Arthur A. Stearns, A. M. r
Cleveland; John F. Eddy, Bay City, Mich.; Hon. Geo. W. Crouse r
Akron; Rev. J. F. Rice, Coe Ridge; Judge Newell D. Tibbals r
Akron; Ferdinand Schumacher, Akron; Rev. Andrew Willson f
Ravenna: Joseph Hidy, Jr., Ph. B., Washington C. H.; Dayton A.
Doyle, A. B., LL. B., Akron.
OFFICERS OF THE BOARD: Hon. John R. Buchtel, President;
Charles R. Olin, Secretary; Joy H. Pendleton, Treasurer. EXECU-
TIVE COMMITTEE: Hon. John R. Buchtel, Col. George T. Perkins,
Albert B. Tinker, Ferd. Schumacher and Joy H. Pendleton. COM-
MITTEE ON INSTRUCTION: Judge Newell D. Tibbals, Judge Alvin C,
Voris, Hon. S. M. Burnham.
COURSES OF STUDY.
At the opening of the College, two courses of stud}^ were
established philosophical and classical. To these has since been
added a scientific course, and the College now gives instruction in
three courses of four years each a classical course leading to the
degree of Bachelor of Arts; a philosophical course to Bachelor of
Philosophy, and a scientific course to Bachelor of Science.
In connection with the College there has been established and
maintained a preparatory school, having courses of study arranged
11
162 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
with particular reference to the preparation of sludents for enter-
ing this college, but at the same time so general that students
completing a course in the preparatory school may enter other col-
leges, should they prefer to do so.
OTHER VALUABLE FEATURES.
The Department of Music affords superior advantages for the
study of both vocal and instrumental music; the Department of
Art gives to students every advantage found in the larger Art
Schools of the country; Mathematical Instruments, Philosophical
and Chemical apparatus, Astronomical appliances, etc., are of the
very best; while the College museum contains a fair collection of
animal and mineral specimens and curios, and the College Library
and Reading Room, a well-selected collection of books, and a large
variety of the current periodicals of the day.
Grouse Gymnasium named in honor of principal contrib-
ing fund Hon. Geor
Akron Erected in 18
utor to building fund Hon. George \V. C rouse, of
1888.
THE GROUSE GYMNASIUM.
Largely through the liberality of Hon. Geo. W. Crouse, a fine
structure, 53x100 feet in size, and of elegant design, has been
placed upon tne college grounds, a short distance westerly from
the main building, at a cost of $22,000, In the basement is a
bowling-alley, with bathing rooms, dressing rooms, etc., and on the
main floor, besides rooms for the instructors, is a hall 48x84 feet,
with a gallery 11 feet above the floor for the accommodation of
such visitors as are, in the discretion of the instructor, permitted
to witness the exercises, the gymnasium, with its thorough equip-
ment, affording abundant means for the healthful exercise and
muscular development of the students.
The two buildings, including the rooms of the students, are
heated by steam and lighted by gas generated upon the premises,
and the College has a well-equipped kitchen and dining hall for
ENDOWED PROFESSORSHIPS, ETC.
163
those who desire to board upon the premises, besides furnishing
facilities for the organization of boarding clubs for the conven-
ience of such students as -wish to avail themselves of that
comparatively inexpensive mode of subsistence.
QANFORD M. BURNHAM, bom
>-J in Genessee County, N. Y., Janu-
ary 23, 1824; common school and
academic education; in 1844 taught
school in Madison, Lake County,
Ohio; then took a course of commer-
-cial studj^ in Buffalo, afterwards, for
a time, teaching penmanship; in 1848
settled in Akron, clerking in ware-
house of Rattle & Tappan on Ohio
Canal, and in iron store of Mr. Tap-
pan and his successor until 1855;
then engaged with Austin Powder
Company as book-keeper for two
years, also for a time a book-keeper
at Franklin Mills (now Kent); in 1858,
engaged as Deputy Auditor, for
Auditor George W. Grouse, also
deputy for Treasurer S. S. Wilson,
serving in both nearly four years; in
February 1863 was appointed Audi-
tor to fill vacancy, two weeks later
becoming Auditor in fact by virtue
of his election thereto the previous
October. After nearly nine years
continuous service four terms and
a fraction as Auditor, in 1872 Mr.
B. was elected as Representative to
the State Legislature, ably serving
one full term of two years; on his
return was made secretary and a'
member of the Board of Trustees of
Huchtel College; in 1873 was elected
a director and secretary of the Web-
ster, Camp & Lane Machine Coin-
SANFORD M. BURNHAM.
pany, holding the position 14 years,
and is now engaged in the insur-
ance business. Mr. B. was married
November 5, 1848, to Miss Anna M.
Row, of Medina County, who has
borne him six children, three only of
whom are living Lillie M. (now Mrs.
A. T. Saundera); Charles S. and Clif-
ford D, the latter now residing in
Grand Rapids, Michigan.
PROFESSORSHIPS, SCHOLARSHIPS, ETC.
By means of its fifty endowed scholarships, of $1,000 each, the
college is enabled to extend its advantages to such worthy students
as are in need of financial aid, in securing a liberal education; has
five endowed professorships; an endowed fund of $5,385, the
income from which is annually distributed for prizes for excel-
lence in reading, recitation, etc., and an alumni prize fund for the
payment of tuition fees for the student making the highest
average record in the Senior, Preparatory and Freshman classes.
The endowed professorships are as follows: The Messenger
Professorship of Mental and Moral Philosophy, by Mrs. L/ydia A.
K. Messenger, of Akron, in honor of her deceased husband, Rev.
George Messenger, $25,000; The Hilton Professorship of Modern
Languages, by John Hilton, of Akron, $25,000; The Pierce Profess-
orship of Rhetoric and English Literature, by Mrs. Chloe Pierce,
of Sharpsville, Pa., $20,000; The Buchtel Professorship of Physics
and Chemistry, by Mrs. Elizabeth Buchtel, of Akron, $20,000; The
Ainsworth Professorship of Mathematics and Astronomy, by
Henry Ainsworth, of Lodi, $30,000; The Ryder Professorship of
Elocution and Rhetoric, by William H. Ryder, of Chicago, $35,385;
164
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
The Messenger Fund of $30,000, by Mrs. L/ydia A. E. Messenger, of
Akron; The Isaac and Lovina Kelly Fund of $35,788, by Isaac
Kelley, of Mill Village, Pa. A Theological Department is also in
contemplation towards the endowment of which the sum of
$10,000 has already been contributed.
HON. NEWELL D. TIBBALS,
born in Deerfield, For tag- e
County, September 18, 1833; grad-
uated from McLain Acaderry, at
Salem, in 1853; read law in office of
Otis & Wolcott, in Akron; admitted
to bar September 1855, at once open-
ing 1 an office in Akron; in 1860 elected
Prosecuting- Attorney and re-elected
in 1862; in 1865 elected Akron's first
City Solicitor, serving- two terms;
State Senator for Summit and Por-
tage Counties 1865 to 1867; in 1870,
aided in organizing Buchtel College,
since continuously serving on its
Board of Trustees; in 187o, elected
Judge of Court of Common Pleas,
second subdivision, Fourth Judicial
District, re-elected in 1880, but
resigned May 1, 1883, and resumed
his law practice. In 1864, Judge Tib-
bals served 117 days in front of
Washington as fourth sergeant of
Co. F., 164th, O. V. I.; on return from
Washington, was elected Major of
54th Battalion, O. N. G., and com-
missioned by Gov. John Brough; in
1886 was appointed Judge Advocate,
Department of Ohio, G. A. R., by
Commander A. L. Conger, and in
1890 Aide-de-Camp to Commander-in-
Chief Gen. Russell A. Alger. Octo-
ber 22, 1856, Judge Tibbals was mar-
HON. NEWELL IX TIBBALS.
ried to Miss Lucy A. Morse, of
Akron, who has borne him seven
children, five of whom tire now liv-
ing, Martha A. (now Mrs. Wilson M.
Day of Cleveland), Jessie A. (Mrs. Dr.
Albert Hoover, of Akron), Newell L..
Gertrude A., and Ralph Waldo.
Besides his original munificent gift of $31,000, heretofore noted,
Hon. John R. Buchtel has from time to time largely added to his
benefactions, his last gift, at the annual commencement in June,
1887, being $174,400, swelling the total amount of his donations to
fully half a million dollars. Other benefactors have given liber-
ally in sums ranging from $70,000 down, all of whom will receive
from the past and future beneficiaries of the college their due meed
of praise and gratitude.
The college has graduated 162 students, many of whom are
now actively interested in the welfare and prosperity of their alma
mater. More than half the alumni are residents of Ohio, and are
a very great help to the college; three of the graduates being now
members of the faculty, and four others members of the board of
trustees. The catalogue for 1890-91 embraces 273 students exclu-
sive of art and music.
The College is on a good financial basis, as shown by the sec-
retary's report for 1891, as follows:
Total Resources $810,700.11
Total Liabilities.. ..217,018.32
Net Resources $593,681 . 79-
A CONTEMPLATED NEW FEATURE.
165
The present healthy condition of the college, financially and
otherwise, and its promise for the future, is highly gratifying to
its friends and patrons generally, and most of all to him who gave
all he had to its establishment and maintenance, the large-hearted
John Richards Buchtel, whose name it so proudly bears.
PROF. ALBERT B. TINKER,-son
of Horace and Sophronia (Skin-
iier) Tinker, was born in Mantua,
Portage County, January 28, 1852 ;
raised on farm, attending common
school till 18, in 1870 entering Hiram
College, teaching winters; in fall of
1873 entered Buchtel College, gradu-
ating in June, 1876; taught school
and worked on farm until November,
1878, when he entered the law office
of Green & Marvin, in Akron, gradu-
ating from the Cincinnati Law
School and admitted to the bar in
June, 1883. In November, 1879, was
elected Financial Secretary of Buch-
tel College, which position, together
with that of Law Instructor, as M. S.
and LL. B., he held until his resig-
nation in June, 1891, being also a
member of the Board of Trustees and
of the Executive Committee, in addi-
tion to his College duties continuing
his law practice at his office in the
Arcade; also efficiently serving as a
member of the Akron Board of
Health from 1885 to 1891, six years.
December 25, 1876, Prof. Tinker was
married to Miss Georgie Olin, of
Windsor, Ashtabula County, O., who
has borne him seven children Olin
Dale, born February 19, 1878; Ger-
PKOF. ALBERT B. TINKER.
trude Ella, born March 20, 1879; Frank
Burke, born August 20, 1880; Soph-
ronia Mary, born June 29, 1882 ; Ruby
Georgia, born September 25, 1886,
died November 11, 1886 ; Abby, born
June 8, 1888, and Donna Alberta, born
June 6, 1890.
SCIENCE BUILDING.
The management of the College have in contemplation the
addition of a science department, and the erection of a new and
commodious building, to be fitted with the most approved appa-
ratus and appliances, at a cost of from $49,000 to $50,000, but the
plans are not, at the closing of this chapter (August, 1891), suffi-
ciently matured to give them in detail here. It may, however, be
properly said that one donation to the project in the sum of $10,000
has already been secured, and one or two similar offers condition-
ally made, so that it is confidently believed by the Board of Trustees
and officers, that in the near future the full fruition of the project
will be realized.
FRIGHTFULLY FATAL DISASTER.
As the Fall term was drawing to a close, on the approach of
the holiday season for 1890-91, a terrible disaster came upon the
College, bringing an appalling death to two of its most promising
students, and terrible suffering and life-long injury to several oth-
ers. The term had been highly successful, and all the students
were happy in anticipation of its auspicious close, and of the holi-
day pleasures in store for them at their respective homes.
166 AKROX AXD SUMMIT COUNTY.
About a dofcen of the young ladies whose birth-days, respect-
ively, occurred between the first of September and the first of
December, resolved upon*a joint celebration, and, by consent of the
matron, the festivities were being held in Gary Hall, on the even-
ing of Saturday, December 13, 1890, several ladies connected with
the building, and a number of the other lady students being' pres-
ent. The young ladies in whose honor the party was being held
were fantastically arrayed in their night costumes, garlanded -with
^leecy \vhite cotton, with tall paper caps also trimmed with cotton,
surmounted by a tassel, upon their heads.
Thus arrayed, with one of their number at the piano, the other
eleven were merrily dancing around a pan of pop-corn, when the tas-
sel upon the head-dress of Miss Aurelia Wirick, of Storm Lake, Iowa r
came in contact with a burning gas jet, instantly igniting the highl}^
inflammable cotton, and enveloping her person in flames. Before
realizing what had happened, the other girls waltzing past her
\vere also ablaze.
Without attempting to describe the terrible panic which
ensued, and the frantic efforts of the young ladies and their friends
to relieve them from their frightful peril, suffice it to say, that of
the thirteen persons finally involved in the fearful holocaust, Miss
May Emma Steves, of Clifton Springs, N. Y., after four hours of
untold agony, found merciful relief in death, a little after midnight,
while Miss Lulu Myrtle Steigmeyer, of Attica, Ohio, lingered until
quarter past five o'clock Sunday morning, when she, too, passed
away.
The surviving sufferers were: Mary Klizabeth Baker, of
Johnson's Creek, N. Y.; Myrtle Barker, of Peru, Ohio; Eva Ellen
Dean, of Storm Lake, Iowa; Aurelia Blair Wirick, of Storm Lake r
Iowa; Dian May Haynes, of Clifton, Kansas; Addie Marion
Buchtel, of Columbus, Kansas; Almira Reed Van Dusen, of Fair-
pla} 7 , Colorado; Dora E Merrill, Professor of English History, of
Williamsport, Pa.; Mary Zuba West, of Marietta, Ohio; Estella
Frances Musson, of Mogadore, and Wilbur Walter Ackley, Haga r
Ohio. The lives of several of these hung in the balance for several
days, but they gradually recovered, though a number will bear
marks of the disaster upon their persons through life.
This appalling calamity not only brought deep sorrow to the
friends of the sufferers, eliciting the depest sympathy from the
entire community, but was especially painful to the College
authorities, lest they should be charged with lack of discipline and
a proper oversight of the young people entrusted to their care.
There is, however, no room for censure of the authorities in con-
nection \vith this sad affair. The College is not in any sense, a
prison, and innocent pastimes, by either sex, among themselves,,
may properly, on occasion, be permitted, and it is gratifying to
know that while the melancholy event is still sadly remembered,
by the friends of the institution, confidence in the administration
of its affairs has remained unbroken, and its pupilage and influ-
ence is increasing year by year.
The writer has, in the preparation of this chapter, drawn
largely upon the late Judge Bryan's sketch of the Akron schools r
prepared for the Board of Education, in 1876, and is under special
obligations to Superintendent Fraunfelter, ex-Superintendent
Samuel Findley, President Orello Cone, ex-Secretary Albert B,
CONCLUSION OF AKRON S SCHOOL HISTORY.
167
Tinker, arid Secretary Charles R. Olin, for data furnished there-
for, and in conclusion would say, that while the chapter itself is of
considerable length, it is scarcely more than an outline' of Akron's
educational history during the sixty-six 3 r ears of its existence,
though enough has been said to show, that in point of progress,
Akron, for many years, took the lead, and is not now outranked
by any city, large or small, in Ohio or elsewhere.
DAYTON A. DOYLE, son of Wil-
liam B. and Harriet (Sage)
Doyle, was born at Akron, Ohio, Sep-
tember 27, 1856; educated in public
schools of Summit County, graduat-
ing 1 from Akron High School June
26, 1874, and from Buchtel College,
with the degree of A. B., -June 26,
1878. He then read law in the office
of Attorney-General Jacob A. Kohler
one year, afterwards attending lect-
ures at Cincinnati Law School, from
which he was graduated May 26,188(1,
with the degree of LL. B. ; \vas
admitted to the Bar in the Supreme
Court of Ohio, at Columbus, May 27,
1880, and to practice in the United
States Courts, at Cleveland, May 26,
1882. On admission to the bar Mr.
Doyle opened a law office in Akron,
in 1885 forming a partnership with
Frederick C. Bryan, Esq., which still
continues. In April, 1885, Mr. Doyle
was elected City Solicitor for Akron,
and re-elected in April, 1887, ably fill-
ing that important office four years.
April 23, 1884, Mr. Doyle was married
to Miss Ida M. Westfall, of Akron.
DAYTON A. DOYLE.
N
They have two children- -Day ton A.,
Jr., and Julia M.
CHAPTER IX.
AKRON'S LITERARY ACHIEVEMENTS EARLY DEBATING SOCIETIES " LYCEUM
AND LIBRARY ASSOCIATION" CHARTERED IN 1834 SHAPING THE DESTI-
NIES OF THE NATION THE "AKRON PHILO LEXION SOCIETY " BRIEF BUT
BRILLIANT THE "AKRON LITERARY ASSOCIATION" "THERE WERE
GIANTS IN THOSE DAYS" THE MECHANICS' AND SCHOOL LIBRARIES THE
"AKRON LECTURE ASSOCIATION "ITS SUCCESS AND BENEFICENT OUT-
COMETHE "AKRON LIBRARY ASSOCIATION," CHARTERED IN 1866 PHENOM-
ENAL ENTERPRISE AND PROSPERITY AKRON'S FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY,
ONE OF THE BEST IN THE STATE THE YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCI-
ATION'S READING ROOM, GYMNASIUM AND WONDERFULLY SUCCESSFUL
CHEAP POPULAR LECTURES, ETC.
AKRON'S ANCIENT LITERARY OPERATIONS.
From Akron's very beginning, her people, as evidenced by her
splendid educational record already fully set forth, have always
given special encouragement to literary and scientific enterprises.
As early as 1834, the Legislature granted a charter to the
" Akron Lyceum and Library Association," as folio ws:
An Act to incorporate the Akron Lyceum and Library Association
Company, in Akron, Portage County.
SECTION I. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio,
that Seth Iredell, Justus Gale, Hiram Payne, William B. Mitchell, William
E. Wright, Charles W. Howard, Lyman Green, William M. Dodge, Woolsey
W 6,11s, Erastus Torrey, David Allen, Reuben McMillen, Eliakim Crosby and
James W. Phillips, and their associates, together with such others as may
be hereafter associated with them, be and are hereby constituted a body
politic and corporate with perpetual succession, by the name and style of
' The Akron Lyceum and Library Association Company,' and by their cor-
porate name ma)' contract and be contracted with, sue and be sued, plead
and be impleaded, in all the courts of law and equity in this State, or elsewhere;
may have a common seal and alter the same at pleasure ; shall be capable
of holding- personal and real estate, by purchase, gift or devise, and may
sell, dispose of and convey the same, provided the annual income shall not
exceed five hundred dollars ; they shall have power to form and ratif} r a
constitution and adopt by-laws for the g-overnment of such Association, the
arrangement and regulation of its fiscal affairs, the admission of its mem-
bers and the appointment of its officers, together with all other powers
necessary for its corporate existence, and the proper and efficient manage-
ment of its concerns ; provided said constitution and bj r -laws be not incon-
sistent with the laws of this State and of the United States; and provided,
also, that the funds of said Association shall not be applied to any other
purpose than the support of the above named Lyceum and library
Association.
SECTION II. That any future Legislature may alter, amend or repeal
this Act.
JOHN H. KEITH,
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
DAVID T. DISNEY,
Passed February 21, 1834. Speaker of the Senate.
Besides those named in the charter, such other early citizens as
Capt. Richard Howe, Alvin Austin, Samuel A. Wheeler, Philo
Chamberlin, Jedediah D. Commins, Nathan B. Dodge, Dr. Joseph
Cole, Eber Blod^ett, Jonathan Myers, Ansel Miller, Robert K.
ANCIENT DEBATING SOCIETIES.
169
DuBois, Gibbons J. Ackley, Alfred R. Townsend, John H. Cleveland,
Ithiel Mills, Paris Tallman, Arad Kent, Horace K. Smith, and
others, became members of the Association by the purchase of
stock, which was fixed at $25 per share, quite a respectable library
of books, by donation and purchase, being collected.
During the long Winter evenings, weekly meetings were held
for the purpose of listening to addresses from members and others,
and of discussing the "burning" questions of the day: "Is the
human mind capable of improvement?" "Ought a Representa-
tive to be bound by the instructions of a majority of his constitu-
ents?" "Ought females to be permitted to vote at elections?"
41 Ought capital punishment to be abolished ?" etc.
ALLEN HIBBARD, born in
*"* Aniherst, Mass., September 17,
1813; came to Akron from Rome, N.
Y., in 1834, with Mr. William E.
Wright, one of the pioneer merchants
of North Akron, a few years later
clerking- for Ackley & Austin, and
still later in partnership with Gib-
bons J. Ackley, and Joseph E. Wese-
ner, under the firm name of A. Hib-
bard & Co., doing an extensive gen-
eral merchandising business, in the
well remembered "Old Green Store"
on Howard street. On closing his
mercantile operations, Mr. Hibbard
was for several years book-keeper of
the Webster, Camp & Lane Machine
Company, and later, for nearly 20
3*ears, and until his death, collector
for the Akron Gas Company. Au-
gust 22, 1841, he was married to Miss
Lucy Ann Ackley, of Akron, who
bore him one son Dwight A. Hib-
bard, of the jewelry firm of J. B.
Storer & Co. Mrs. Hibbard dying
October 11. 1843. Mr. Hibbard was
again married, November 4, 1844, to
Miss Nancy J. Ackley, sister of the
first Mrs. H., who bore him four
children Frank Jewett and Thomas
Allen, deceased; William Grant, now
a farmer in Kansas, and Charles M.,
now a jeweler in Akron. Mr. Hib-
bard was a life-long consistent mem-
ALLEN HIliUAKl).
ber of the Congregational Church;
member of Village Council 1846, '47
and 1864, and Recorder for 1859. He
died March 6, 1889, aged 7o years, 5
months and 19 days. The last Mrs.
H. still survives.
These discussions were spirited, and considerable tact and tal-
ent displayed, not only by the regularly appointed disputants, but
by others, while the essays arid addresses, by home talent, were
often able and instructive. This Association maintained a fairly
prosperous existence for about ten years, when, by reason of deaths,
removals and the advent of other sources of amusement and
social pastime, it was disbanded, 'its books being sold at auction in
November, 1844, and the proceeds distributed pro rata, among the
stockholders.
"AKRON PH1LO LEXION SOCIETY."
In the Winter of 1836-'37, the younger business men of Akron
established a literary and oratorical society, under the above rather
stilted title, suggested by some one who had perhaps officiated as
170
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
janitor in some eastern college. In addition to its rhetorical and
declamatory exploits, and its profound disquisitions and essays
upon political, scientific and metaphysical topics, the society dur-
ing the Winter months, maintained a literary weekly (manuscript)
periodical, entitled the "Akron Mirror," spicy contributions to
which, from both male and female members, together with edi-
torial comments, were read by the editor for the time being
elected monthly the honors of which position were about equally
divided between the writer and the late Hiram Bowen, founder of
the BEACON.
TAMES B. TAPLIN , born in Clare-
J mont, N. H., August 12, 1812; at
5 years of age moved with parents to
New Haven, Vermont, and three
years later to Franklin County, N.
Y.; in boyhood worked on farm and
attended school, the last six months
at Franklin Academy, in Malone, N.
Y.; at 20 learned trade of carpenter
and millwright; in fall of 1834 came
to Akron, Ohio, by canal and on foot,
following carpentering and mill-
wrighting until 1848, when in com-
pany with Geo. D. Bates and Charles
Webster he started the Globe
Foundry and Machine shop, under
the firm name of G. D. Bates & Co.
Mr. Bates retiring two or three years
later, business was continued by
Webster & Taplin, with some slight
changes, until the works were
destroyed by fire in 1860, when Mr.
Taplin retired and in connection
with Alviti Rice and Hobart Ford,
under the firm name of Taplin, Rice
6 Co., established new works on
South Broadway, a stock company,
under the same title, being organ-
ized in 1867, with Mr. Taplin as presi-
dent and manager, which position
he still holds. In October, 1839, Mr.
Taplin was married to Miss Rachel
Grandy, of Port Byron, N. Y., who
had for some time been a teacher in
Akron schools. Six children were
born to them, two dying in infancy,
one, James F., at seven years of age;
the survivors being John L., for
JAMES B. TAPLIX.
many years superintendent of
machine works of Taplin, Rice & Co.,
now superintendent of Circleville
branch of the Portage Strawboarcl
Works; Charles G., book-keeper for
Standard Oil Company, of Cleveland;
and Ella G., who is still at home. In
religion Mr. Taplin is a Cong - rega-
tionalist; in politics a Republican,
being elected Councilman of the
Incorporated Village of Akron in
April, 1855, but resigning the posi-
tion before entering upon its duties.
Besides the writer and Mr. Bowen, members of the organiza-
tion are recalled as follows: Allen Hibbard, Dr. James R. Miltimore,
James B. Taplin, William H. Dewey, Henry Clay Crosby, Russell
Gale, Grove N. Abbey, Henry Converse, Solomon Coloriey, Francis
Dexter, Nahum Fay, William Pitt Carpender, John Tooker, Milo
Fuller, Samuel Manning, etc.
The " Philo Lexion Society," had an existence, under that dis-
tinctive appellation, of only four or five years, though in some
form, debating and literary societies, maintained by home talent,
long continued in vogue during the Winter months often eliciting
intense interest, and attracting large audiences, in Militar} r Hall,
Tappan Hall, Trussell Hall, etc., one of the most successful of
which, from 1855 to 1861, was
MECHANICS AND LITERATURE.
171
HON. NATHANIEL W. GOOD-
HUE, born in Lincoln County,
Me., December 20, 1818; from 3 to 17
years lived with parents in Lower
Canada ; in 1887 removed to Wayne
County, Ohio, teaching- school Win-
ters and peddling 1 Summers ; in
Summer of 1840 taught in Greens-
burg, Summit Count}% and the next
Winter in Greentown, Stark County,
Hon. Lewis Miller being one of his
pupils ; in 1841 clerked for Johnston
& Irvin, in Middlebury, and after-
wards for Kent & Co.; taught school
in Midcllebury, in Winter of 1845, '46,
studying law in office of Hand &
Nash ; was engrossing clerk of House
of Representatives at Columbus in
Winter of 1846, '47 ; admitted to bar in
1847; elected County Auditor in 1848
and re-elected in 1850, holding the
office four years ; was canal collector
from 1856 to 1858 ; collector of inter-
nal revenue for Summit County from
September 1862 to September 1866 ;
State Senator for Summit and Port-
age district, 1873-75 ; Republican
elector for 18th congressional dis-
trict in 1880 and president of OI::o
Electoral College ; was elected Pro-
bate Judge of Summit County in
October, 1881, ably filling that posi-
tion until his death, September 12,
1883, aged 64 years, 8 months and 22
days. Judge Goodhue was married
to Miss Nancy Johnston, of Green
HON. NATHANIEL W. GOODHUE.
township, December 20, 1841, who
bore him four children James P.,
died in infancy ; Allan J., a member
of the 104th O. V. I. during the late
war, now residing in Cleveland ;
Mary H., wife of Rev. Samuel Max-
well, of the Protestant Episcopal
church, and Nathaniel P., from 1882
to 1891 Deputy Clerk in office of
Probate Judge and now Clerk of
Courts for Summit County,
"THE AKRON LITERARY ASSOCIATION."
This society was composed of such men as Nathaniel W.
Goodhue, Charles B. Bernard, Newell D. Tibbals, Dudley C. Carr r
Daniel B. Hadley, Edward Oviatt, Edwin P. Green, William H.
Upson, David L. King, Wilbur F. Sanders, Henry Ward Irigersoll,
Samuel C. Williamson, Arthur F. Bartges, John J. Hall, Augustus
N. Bernard, Geo. W. Grouse, Dudley Seward, Dr. Daniel A. Scott,
Dr. Elias W. Howard, Dr. William Bowen, Dr. Thomas Earl, Alvin
C. Voris, Jacob A. Kohler, Joseph E. Wesener, Henry W. Howe, J.
Park Alexander, Homer C. Ayres, Thomas Browiiless, Israel P,
Hole, S. A. Lane, etc.
The war coming on absorbed the public attention for the next
four or five years, amid the dread realities of which rhetoricals
were suspended, since which they have largely been superseded
by the innumerable civic, social and beneficial associations that
have come into existence in later years, though it is questionable
whether a well-conducted debating society, with original essays
and lectures, by members, and other home talent, would not be
more profitable mentally, morally and financially than some of
the devices now in vogue for social pastime and recreation.
MECHANICS' LIBRARY.
Allusion has been made, elsewhere, to the Mechanics' Associa-
tion of Akron, organized in 1846, and of the liberal contributions
made by Judge James R. Ford and Col. Simon Perki/is, ($7)0 each),
172
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
and others, for the purchase of books and periodicals for the
benefit of the association and their families, which, under the
fostering care of Messrs. James M. Hale, David G. Sanford, Joshua
C. Berry, James Holmes, and other active members of the associa-
tion, was successfully maintained for some ten or twelve years.
HON. WILLIAM H. UPSON , born
at Wo r th i n gton, Franklin
County, Ohio, January 11, 1823;
moved \vith parents to Tallmadge, in
1882 ; graduated from Western
Reserve College in 1842 ; read law
with Judge Reuben Hitchcock, in
Painesville, followed by one year's
study in law department of Yale
College ; admitted to bar September,
1845 ; opened law office in Akron,
January, 1846, in partnership, suc-
cessively, for man}- years, with Hons.
Sidney Edgerton and Christopher P.
Wolcott; Prosecuting Attorney for
Summit County, 1848 to 1850; State
Senator, 1853 to 1855 ; member of
Congress, 18th district, 1869 to 1873;
delegate to Republican National
C o n v e n t i on, which renominated
Abraham Lincoln in 1864 ; delegate
at large to the convention which
nominated Rutherford B. Haj^es, in
1876 ; many years trustee of Western
Reserve College, Oberlin College
and Lake Erie Female Seininary ;
first president Summit County Bar
Association and member State Bar
Association Executive Committee ;
from March to December, 1883, by
appointment of Gov. Foster, Judge
of Supreme Court of Ohio ; in 1884
elected Judge of Circuit Court, draw-
ing two years' term, and re-elected
HON. WILLIAM H. UPSON.
in 1886, for full term of six years.
May 20, 1856, was married to Miss
Julia A. Ford, of Akron, four child-
ren having been born to them
William Ford Upson, now practicing
law in New York City ; Henry Swift
Upson, now practicing medicine in
Cleveland ; Anna Perkins, now wife
of Lieut. G. J. Fiebeger, U. S. Corps
Engineers; and Julia Ford Upson.
THE AKRON SCHOOL LIBRARY.
In the meantime, in 1853, the State of Ohio had adopted a
public school library system, by which all the school districts of
the State, through general taxation, were supplied with choicely
selected libraries proportioned to size of school, "Ohio School
Library," being embossed, in plain letters, upon both covers
of each of the substantial leather-bound books thus provided.
The superintendent of the Akron Public Schools was constituted
librarian, as well as custodian of the astronomical, chemical and
other apparatus provided by the State, the library being kept in a
small room, between the two stairways on the upper floor of the
old High (now Jennings) school building.
After the establishment of this library, which, by the terms of
the law, was accessible to every family in the district, whether having
children in the schools or not, the Mechanics' Association gener-
ously donated their books to the Board of Education to be added
thereto, though the association maintained its reading and club
room for several years thereafter.
SUCCESSFUL LITERARY VEN 7 TURE.
173
pHARLES B. BERNARD, son of
*ZJ Rev. David Bernard, a former
Baptist clergyman in Akron; born
in Western New York ; came to Ohio
in 1845 and to Akron in 1846 ; taught
school four winters, last two in Mid-
dleburj-, working on farm in Sum-
mer ; March, 1849, entered Auditor's
office as deputy, serving- six years-
four under N. W. Goodhue, and two
under Henry Newberry ; elected
Auditor, October, 1854, and re-elected
in 1856, serving four years ; first rail-
road ticket agent in Akron ; entered
law office of Wolcott & Upson in 1859 ;
admitted to bar and to partnership
with W. & U.in 1861 afterwards with
Mr. Upson ; City Solicitor in 1862-
1863; member of Board of Education
president, secretary, treasurer, etc.,
some seven years ; treasurer Akron
and Portage township Soldiers'
Bounty Fund during the war ; in
1864, served 100 days in front of Wash-
ington, as adjutant of 164th regiment,
O. N. G., and A. A. A. General ; in
April, 1861, moved to Cleveland sec-
retary Cleveland Stove Co. 20 years
(actively about two years); chief clerk
Internal Revenue two j r ears ; first
appraiser of merchandise at port
of Cleveland two years; member of
City Council two years ; member of
Board of Education two years ;
since resigning appraisership has
practiced his profession, in a case
CHARLES B. BERNARD.
referred to him, writing out an orig-
inal opinion as to the liabilitj r of
stockholders under the Ohio law,
which the Ohio Supreme Court, in
another case, sustained in every par-
ticular, and is. now the law. October
27, 1858, Mr. B. was married in Akron,
to Miss Mary E. Gardiner. They
have two daughters Grace and Bell,
still with their parents.
AKRON LECTURE ASSOCIATION.
As time sped on, Akron outgrew the school library system, as
liberal as had been its provisions, and in the latter part of 1865, a
number of gentlemen effected an organization, under the name of
the "Akron Lecture Association," for the purpose of establishing a
reading room, together with a series of popular lectures upon
literary and scientific subjects.
The first course of eleven lectures (one more than promised),
in the Winter of 1865-6, were by William Lloyd Garrison, George
Alfred Townsend, R. J. De Cordova, New York humorist; Prof.
Anson J. Upson, of Hamilton College, N. Y.; Prof. E. L. Youmans,
of New York City, on the "Dynamics of Life;" James E. Murdoch,
dramatic readings; Rev. W. H. Milburn, the eloquent blind
preacher; Hon. George Thompson, of England; Rev. A. A. Willitts,
of Brooklyn, N. Y.; John B. Gough, and C. Oscanyun, Turk. The
terms for the course: Gentleman and lady, $5.00; gentleman
without lady, $3.00; lady alone, $2.00; single admission, 50 cents.
In the Spring the lecture committee reported receipts from season
tickets. $867.50, at door $917.10 total, $1,784.60; paid lecturers
$1,225.00, incidentals $310. 35 total, $1,535.35; balance in treasury,
$249.25. Lecture committee: William H. Upson, chairman;
William H. Huntington, corresponding secretary; George W.
Crouse, treasurer; Israel P. Hole, Charles B. Bernard, James H.
Peterson.
174
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
DR. ELIAS W. HOWARD, born
in Aiidover, Vt., April 14, 1816;
raised on farm ; common school edu-
cation, with *one term in Chester
Academy ; in 1835 began study of
medicine with cousin, Prof. R. L.
Howard, at El3 r ria, Ohio ; afterwards
attending- lectures at Berkshire Col-
lege, Pittsfield, Mass., completing his
studies with Dr. L. G. Whiting, in
Windsor Co., Vt., and graduating
from Berkshire College in 1838 ; same
year began practice with cousin, in
Elyria, Q., a year later, 1839, removing
to Akron, where he was in continu-
ous practice over half a century; after
battle of Antietam was sent by Gov.
Tod to assist in caring for \vounded
Union soldiers, serving in hospital
at Frederick City, one month ; the
Winter following devoting several
months to hospital duty at Nashville,
Tenn. Dr. Howard served several
years on Board of Education, and
four years in City Council 1871, '72,
'74, '75, the last year as president pro
tem.\ member and president of
Board of Health ; helped to organize
the Summit County Medical Society
and several years its president ; was
member of Union Medical Associa-
tion of Northeastern Ohio, two terms
its president ; member of Ohio State
Medical Association and of American
Medical Association, being a dele-
gate to the International Medical
DR. ELIAS \V. HOWARD.
Congress in 1876. June 16, 1840, Dr.
Howard was married to Miss Eliza-
beth Chittenden, of Middlebury, who
bore him two sons Dr. Henr3^ C.,
who died April 23, 1887, aged 44 years,
10 months and 14 da3 r s, Frank D.,
manufacturer of agricultural imple-
ments, still residing with his mother.
Dr. Howard died August 9, 1890, aged
74 years, 3 months, and 25 days.
THE "AKRON LIBRARY ASSOCIATION."
So successful was this initial course of popular lectures
evincing that the people would relish more of the same sort that
at a meeting of the association, held March 3, 1866, a resolution was
passed, formally adopting the title of the "Akron Library Associa-
tion," arid instructing the secretary to duly prepare and have
recorded the necessary papers of incorporation, which was accord-
ingly done.
In addition to the quite extensive reading room already
established, in the room now occupied by Newton Chalker, Esq., a
circulating library was now determined upon, and a committee,
consisting of David L. King, Stephen H. Pitkin, William H. Upson,
Charles B. Bernard, James H. Peterson, Julius S. Lane and George
W. Grouse, was appointed to prepare a constitution and by-laws,
which were duly reported and adopted on the evening of June 11,
1866, the first section thereof being as follows:
" SEC. I. The Association shall be known as the 'Akron Library Associa-
tion,' having for its object the diffusion of useful knowledge and the
acquirement of the arts and sciences, by the estsblishment of a library of
scientific and miscellaneous books, for general circulation, and a reading
room, cabinet, lectures and such other measures as may be deemed
expedient."
The annual membership fee was fixed at $2.00, the following
eight persons paying $2.00 each, and subscribing their names to
the constitution, on the night of its adoption: Julian H. Pitkin,
UNSTINTED LIBERALITY.
175
David L. King, Stephen H. Pitkin, William H. Upson, Charles B.
Bernard, James H. Peterson, Julius S. Lane, Samuel A. Lane,
George W. Grouse.
CHARLES A. COLLINS, born in
\J. Richmond, Berkshire County,
Mass., July 26, 1816; father dying
August 4, 1817, removed with
mother to Tioga County, N. Y., in
1827 ; in both Massachusetts and New
York, working on farm summers
and attending district school
winters. In 1830 removed with mother
to Ohio, settling in Talltnadge, where
he served an apprenticeship with his
brother-in-law, Mr. Amos Avery, at
carriage making; in 1838, in partner-
ship with Mr. James M. Hale, under
the firm name of Collins & Hale,
established a carriage manufactory
iti Middlebury, now Akron, Sixth
Ward. Mr. Hale retiring in 1841, Mr.
Collins continued until the burning
of the shops in 1860, when, in com-
pany with Mr. John E. Bell, works
were established in May's Block
(now Clarendon Hotel), corner South
Main and Exchange streets. In Feb-
ruary, 1870, C. A. Collins & Son'
erected shops corner Main and
Church streets, where the business is
still carried on by the Collins Buggy
Company, of which Mr. Charles A.
Collins is president and Mr. George
A. Collins manager. January 16, 1839,
Mr. Collins was married to Miss
Louisa Hine, of Tallmadge. who has
borne him seven children, four only
now living Georg'e A., of Akron ;
Mrs. Josephine A. Kent, of Kent ;
Charles E., of Cleveland; and Nettie
E.. now Mrs. C. D. Hatch,of Cleveland.
CHARLES A. COLLINS.
While a resident of Middlebury Mr.
Collins served for many years as
member of Village Council and on
Board of Education ; was also Mayor
of Akron in 1862 and 1863 and mem-
ber of City Council 1877-1879, the first
year as president pro tern.
Subsequently the annual membership fee was increased to
$3.00, entitling the member and his family to the privileges of the
library and reading room during the time for which he had thus
paid, and an amendment adopted by which the payment of $50.00,
at one time, constituted the person thus paying, a life member,
entitled to such privileges in perpetuity, -without further payment,
and in case of the decease of such life member, the privilege to
descend to the survivor, husband or wife, and minor children, such
privilege, as to such minors, to cease on attaining their majority.
The first officers of the Association, under the charter, were:
William H. Upson, president; Stephen H. Pitkin, vice president;
Charles. B. Bernard, corresponding secretary; James H. Peterson,
recording secretary; George W. Grouse, treasurer; David L. King,
Julius S. Lane, Julian H. Pitkin and Israel P. Hole, directors.
As an indication of the popular feeling in regard to the project,
on being made known to the public that a considerable sum of
money was immediately desirable for the purchase of a library
commensurate to the public needs, life memberships, at fifty
170
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
dollars each, were taken to the number of at least one hundred
within the first three or four years, besides the large list of yearh-
memberships at three dollars each.
The funds thus raised, together with the surplus, (when there
was a surplus), from the annual lecture courses, enabled the
Association to at once establish a highly creditable circulating
library, and one in which all the people of Akron, during the inter-
vening quarter of a century, have ever justty been proud.
JUDGE STEPHEN H. PITKIN,
J born in Old Milford, Conn.,
October 5, 1810. At 7 3 r ears of age
came with parents to Ohio, settling- in
Charlestown, Portage County, remov-
ing- to Hudson in 1827, his father, Rev.
Caleb Pitkin, being one of the found-
ers of Western Reserve College,
Stephen being one of its earliest
students, graduating in June, 1834,
the following October going to
Fulton County, 111., teaching and
stud3 T ing law, being admitted to the
bar in 1836 ; was elected County Sur-
veyor and in 1838 elected Probate
Judge, holding the office four years ;
in 1852 returned to Hudson, taking
charge of home farm and the care of
his aged parents ; in 1861 was elected
Probate Judge of Summit Count3 r ,
serving eight years ; member of Vil-
lage Council in 1864 ; served on
Akron School Board several years ;
was secretary of Summit County
Agricultural Society from 1871 to
1880 and president for 1880; was
presidential -elector for the Eigh-
teenth Congressional District in 1868,
voting in the Electoral College for
Ulysses S. Grant for President and
Schuyler Colfax for Vice-President.
He was married in October, 1834, to
Miss Julia Lusk, of Hudson, a sister
of the first wife of John Brown, of
Harper's Ferry fame. Mrs. Pitkin
died October 7, 1873, two of their five
JUDGE STEPHEN H. PITKIN.
children only surviving Julian H.,
now living in Chicag'O, and Mary A.,
wife of Mr. Abner L. Caldwell, of
Portage township. September 24,
1879, Judge Pitkin was again married,
to Miss Helen B. Bill, of Cuyahoga
Falls, who still survives, the Judge
himself dying February 25, 1882, at
the age of 71 years, 4 months and 20
days.
SURPLUS SOLDIERS' BOUNTY FUND.
In later years, as money was needed to replenish and increase
the books and periodicals, it was from time to time liberally con-
tributed by our citizens, besides which, on the recurrence of the
question as to what should be done with the surplus soldiers'
bounty fund in the hands of Treasurer Charles B. Bernard at the
close of the war, it was, by general consent, turned over 'to the
Association, in December, 1869, on the adoption of the following
resolution, and the execution of the accompaning bond oi
indemnity to the custodians of said fund:
"Rcsolred, by the directors of , the Akron Library Association, that the
president and secretary of said Association be and are hereby authorized to
sign a document presented to them by a committee consisting of John R.
Buchtel, J. Park Alexander, George W. Grouse and Charles B. Bernard,
which document is in the following words, to-wit:
AKRON LIBRARY ASSOCIATION.
177
WILLIAM T. ALLEN, born in
Montreal, Canada, September
16, 1814; at 8 or 9 removed with par-
ents to Hudson, N. Y.; on death of
father, at 14, removed with mother to
Albany; common school education;
read law and admitted to the bar in
Albany, but did not enter into prac-
tice; engaged with Ralph P. Myers
in the dry goods trade in Albany,
the firm of Allen & Myers removing
to Akron in 1844; a year or two later
changing to the stove business, soon
afterwards, with others, establishing
the Akron Stove Company, which,
after a successful career in Akron,
for many years, removed to Cleve-
land, under the corporate name of
the Cleveland Stove Company. In
addition to holding a continuous
directorship in the companies
named, Mr. Allen conducted a stove
store upon his own account, in Fort
Wayne, Ind., from 1857 to 1864; also
for a time, in connection with Mr.
James M. Hale, under the firm name
of Allen & Hale, carried on a
machine shop at Lock Seven;
later becoming a stockholder,
director and treasurer in the Web-
ster, Camp & Lane Machine Com-
pany, and a stockholder and director
in the First National Bank, of Akron.
Mr. Allen was a member of Village
Council in 1853; Mayor in 1854; mem-
WILLIAM T. ALLEN.
ber of City Council, 1870, '71, '72, '73,
'74, '75, '81, '82, '83 and '84 and several
years Chairman of its Finance Com-
mittee. July 31, 1852, at Milwaukee,
Wis., Mr. Allen was married to Miss
Laura McCartey, a native of Romu-
lus, N. Y.. then teaching music in
Akron, Mr. Allen dying November
13, 1886, aged 72 years, 1 month and
27 days.
DR. JAMES H. PETERSON.
"T)R. JAMES H. PETERSON, was
*^ born at St. Johns, New Bruns-
wick, July 9, 1830; removing in early
life with his parents to Buffalo, N. Y.,
and afterwards to Portage County,
12
Ohio. Here, on entering his major-
ity, with such education as the
schools of the vicinity afforded, he
began the study of medicine, finally
changing to dentistry, completing
his course of study with Dr. B. T.
Spelman, of Ravenna. Practicing one
year in Cleveland, in 1854, he came to
Akron, where he has been in contin-
uous and successful practice ever
since, at the same time devoting
much time to other matters busi-
ness, political, social, etc., officiating
as secretary of the Republican
Union Central Committee of Summit
County during the war; is a member
of Akron Lodge No. 83 and Wash-
ington Chapter No. 25 of A. F. and
A. M., and of the Masonic Relief
Association. November 29, 1855, Dr.
Peterson was married to Miss Caro-
line Van Evra, of Akron, a native of
Cherry Valley, N. Y., who has borne
him three children Carrie M., now
wife of Charles W. F. Dick, present
Auditor of Summit County; John
Edward, now a member of the pro-
duce firm of Dick & Peterson, and
Grace C., student in Conservatory of
of Music at Oberlin College.
178 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
" Whereas, there remains in the hands of Charles B. Bernard, as Treas-
urer of a committee consisting" of John R. Buchtel, George W. Grouse, J.
Park Alexander and the said Charles B. Bernard, styled ' Portage Township
Recruiting Committee,' a balance of money contributed by citizens of
Portage township to fill the quota of said township, at the last call of the
President of the United States; and
" Whereas, a large number of the subscribers to said fund have requested
and directed said Bernard, acting as treasurer of said committee, to pay
over said balance remaining in his hands to the directors of the Akron
Library Association, an association having for its object the improvement
and general good of the citizens of Akron ; and
" Whereas, the balance of said committee, consisting of John R. Buchtel,
George W. Grouse and J. Park Alexander, have requested and directed, in
writing, the said treasurer to pay over said balance, now amounting- to over
three thousand dollars [exact amount $3,211.26] to said Akron Library Associ-
ation,
" Now, Therefore, Know All Men by these Presents, that the Akron
Library Association, of the City of Akron, Summit County and State of Ohio,
an Association incorporated under the laws of said State, in consideration
of the donation to said Association of said sum of money, do hereby obligate
and promise to use said money for the purchase of books for said Associ-
ation, and for such purposes as will carry out the objects of said Associa-
tion, and said Association further binds itself to pay to any subscriber to
said fund his pro rata share of said balance remaining in said treasurer's
hands and paid over to said Association, and to save harmless from all costs
damages and claims, said Committee and said Bernard as treasurer of said
Committee, by virtue of any claim which may be set up by any subscriber
to the fund aforesaid.
"In witness whereof said Akron Library Association has caused these
presents to be signed by its president arid secretary, by a resolution of the
directors passed December 11, 1869.
[Sig-ned] GEO. P. ASHMUN, President.
A. L. CONGER, Secretary."
Down to this time, 1870, the Association had occupied the
room now occupied by Newton Chalker, Esq., on the west side of
Howard street, which was now found to be altogether too small
for the uses of the Association, and a committee was appointed to
secure more commodious quarters. At this time two large new
buildings were approaching completion the Academy of Music,
on East Market street, by John F. Seiberling, Esq., and Masonic
Temple, corner Howard and Mill streets, by Capt. Aaron P.
Baldwin, both of which localities found spirited advocates among
the life members of the Association.
L/iberal propositions were made by both parties, and the
rivalry waxed warm and somewhat bitter, but was finally termi-
nated by the friends of that locality purchasing from Capt.
Baldwin, for the sum of $3,500, the rooms under consideration in
the second story of the Masonic Temple building, and making a
free gift of the same, by deed, to the Association an arrangement
which, in view of the subsequent tendency of business in that
direction, and of the location of the postoffice in the same building
about the same time, has been generally very satisfactory indeed.
FREE CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY.
In the meantime, in 1869, cities of the grade of Akron had been
empowered to establish and, by taxation, maintain free libraries
and reading rooms, and on April 14, 1873, a committee consisting
of Edwin P. Green, Sidney Edgerton and John R. Buchtel, was
appointed to confer with the City Council on the subject, and after
FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
179
DR. DANIEL ARNOLD SCOTT,
eldest son of James and Harriet
Pennington (Arnold) Scott, was born
.at Cadiz, Harrison County, May 4,
1821; educated at Cadiz schools,
being- at one time a pupil of the late
Bishop Simpson ; read medicine with
Dr. William F. Poole.and was a grad-
uate of both the Eclectic and the Allo-
pathic schools of medicine. June 15,
1842, was married to Miss Mary
Burnett Phipps, of Smithfield, Jeffer-
son County, who bore him three
daughters Harriet Rebecca, Emma
Virginia, and Mary Bell. In 1848, Dr.
Scott came to Akron, successfully
practicing his profession here till his
sudden death from heart failure, Janu-
ary 23, 1890, in several instances minis-
tering to five generations in the same
family. Though repeatedly declin-
ing political preferment, Dr. Scott
was an efficient and conscientious
member of the Akron Board of
Health from 1886 until his death. He
was a prominent member of the
Masonic Order, holding- the office of
Grand High Priest of the Grand
Chapter of Ohio for two terms,
High Priest of Washington Chapter,
No. 25, R. A. M. for 14 consecutive
years, was a member of the Grand
Chapter of the United States, and a
member of Akron Commandery, No.
25, Knights Templar, from its organ-
ization. As husband and father,
DR. DANIEL ARNOLD SCOTT.
tenderly affectionate ; as a citizen,
modest, warm-hearted and sincere ;
as a physician, honest, faithful and
sympathetic, Dr. Scott was truly
beloved by all who knew him. He
died at the age of 68 years, 8 months
and 19 days.
DR. BYRON S. CHASE.
~P\R. BYRON S. CHASE born in
Jamaica, Vt., January 9, 1834;
raised on farm ; educated in common
schools and Chester Academy ; at
21 engaged in sale of maps, in Michi-
gan ; later studying medicine with
his uncle, Dr. E. W. Howard, in Akron,
graduating at Ann Arbor, Mich.,
beginning practice with Dr. Howard
in Akron ; in 1862, entered the army
as assistant surgeon of 16th Regt.
O. V. I.; in June, 1863, was transferred
to 53rd Mississippi (colored) Regt. as
surgeon, serving till close of the war,
acting on operating board at Chicka-
saw Bayou and during the siege of
Vicksburg. At close of the war
resumed practice in Akron, continu-
ing with marked success until his
death, February 23, 1878, at the age of
44 years, 1 month and 14 days. Janu-
ary 26, 1863, Dr. Chase was married
to Miss Henrietta Sabin, daughter of
the late Joseph W. and Prudence
(Brown) Sabin, born in Akron Decem-
ber 17, 1842, who bore him four chil-
dren William Sabin, born December
9, 1866, now city editor Akron Daily
Beacon and Republican ; Charles
Hibbard, born June 2, 1869, now clerk
for the E. H. Merrill Stoneware Com-
pany ; Martha, born November 25,
1874, and Byron Samuel, born Octo-
ber 12, 1877 ; Doctor and Mrs Chase
also having adopted and raised a
nephew, Sabin Ford, son of Hobart
and Martha (8abin) Ford, now in the
employ of The Diamond Match Com-
pany, at Ontonagon, Mich.
180
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
several interviews with a corresponding committee from the
Council, consisting of Councilmen Milton W. Henry and William
T. Allen and City Solicitor Edward W. Stuart, on December 30,
1873, the committee reported that they had tendered to the Council
all the books and property of the Association, with a perpetual
lease of its rooms, on condition that the city would establish a
Public Library, for the free use of all its citizens who might
choose to avail themselves of its privileges, which proposition had.
been accepted.
HON. SIDNEY EDGERTON, -
born in Cazenovia, N. Y.,
August 17, 1819; thrown upon his
own resources at eight years of age,
he managed to secure a fair common
school education ; at 17 began teach-
ing ; at 18 entered Wesley Seminary
at Lima, N. Y., where, after spending
two terms, he was employed as
teacher ; in April, 1844, came to Ak-
ron, a stranger with but $3.00 in his
pocket ; entering the office of Judge
Rufus P. Spalding as a law student,
in the Winter season teaching in
Tallmadge Academy ; in 1846 gradu-
ated from Cincinnati Law School,
and admitted to the bar in that city,
opening a law office in Akron ; in
1852 elected Prosecuting Attorney,
serving four years ; in 1858 elected to
Congress and re-elected in 1860, serv-
ing four years ; in 1863 was appointed
by President Lincoln Chief Justice
of Idaho, transporting his family
and effects from Omaha to Bannock
City in wagons ; in 1864, traveled on
horseback to Salt Lake City (sleep-
ing on the ground), thence by stage
to the Mississippi, en route to Wash-
ington, where, by a bill prepared by
himself, he secured the organization
of Montana, of which he was made
Governor by President Lincoln.
Getting the territorial machinery into
running order, he tendered his
HON. SIDNEY EDGERTOX.
resignation February 23, 1865, which 1
was accepted in July. Returned
with family to Akron in January,
1866 and resumed the practice of
law. Mr. Edgerton was married to>
Miss Mary Wright, of Tallmadge,.
May 18, 1849, who bore him nine
children four sons and five daugh-
ters, seven of whom are still living.
Mrs. Edgerton dying August 3, 1883-
This action was approved and the committee authorized to
execute the lease, on the part of the Association, the proposition
being formally accepted by the Council, by resolution adopted
January 5, and by ordinance passed January 26, 1874. The lease
was conditioned upon the payment of the then existing indebted-
ness of the Association; that said library should be free to all the
citizens of Akron; that the Boardof Control should consist of two
members of the Association, one member of the Board of Educa-
tion, and two members of the Council, the lease to run three years,
with a stipulation that "at the expiration of the term of said lease,
said Library Association agrees to convey said property to said
city, by perpetual lease, provided said city shall have complied
with the conditions herein expressed, on its part, and provided,
further, that said city shall faithfully care for said library, under
said perpetual lease, and maintain the library for the free use of
the inhabitants of said city and the members of this Association.""
FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
181
JULIUS SHERMAN LANE, eld-
J est son of Samuel Alanson and
Paulina (Potter) Lane, was born in
Akron, November 19, 1841 ; educated
in Akron public schools ; learned
the machinist's trade at the Newark
Machine Works and with Webster,
Camp & Co., in Akron ; in 1866 was
elected chief engineer of the Akron
Fire Department, in charge of its
first steamer, " City of Akron, No. 1."
In 1867, occupied the position of chief
engineer of the Lake Superior Com-
pany's iron mines, at Ishpeming,
Mich.; in 1868, returned to Akron, as
superintendent of the newly organiz-
ed Webster, Camp & Lane Machine
Company, which position he success-
fully filled for 17 years, having mean-
time invented " Lane's Band Fric-
tion Hoist" and other valuable
mining devices, now so largely in
vogue in the mining districts of the
United States, Mexico, and Central
and South America. Since 1885 Mr.
Lane has been the general superin-
tendent of the M. C. Bullock Manufac-
turing Company, of Chicago, mining
machinery, including the celebrated
Bullock Diamond Drill, being a
specialty. August 21, 1867, he was
married to Miss Julia E. Pitkin,
daughter of the late Rev. Caleb
Johnson Pitkin, at Cerro Gordo, 111.
JULIUS SHERMAN LANE.
They have six children Henry
Marquette Lane, born at Ishpeming,
Mich., May 14, 1868; Pauline Eliza-
beth, born at Akron, November 20,
1869; Frank Pitkin, August 19, 1871;
Albert Alanson, September 22, 1873;
Florence Maria, Decembers, 1876; and
George Comfort, October 28, 1882.
JOHN WOLF.
TOHN WOLF, born in Selb, Bav.
J aria, Germany, January 25, 1837,
attended German schools till 14
years of age ; in 1851 came to United
States, clerking in store in Aurora,
Ind., until September, 1853, when he
came to Akron ; here he clerked two
years for George T. McCurdy and
seven years for Milton W. Henry,
when, in 1862, he became a member of
the firm of M. W. Henry & Co, con-
tinuing there until 1869, seven years.
In Spring of 1870 formed a partner-
ship with his half-brother, J. Martin
Beck, and Mr. Harry J. Church, under
the firm name of Wolf, Church &
Beck, establishing a dry goods store
in the Academy of Music building,
remaining there five years, when
they removed to the southeast corner
of Main and Market streets, where
Mr. Wolf still remains. Mr. Beck
withdrawing in 1878 and Mr. Church
in 1886, Mr. Wolf is now sole pro-
prietor and one of the leading and
most prosperous of Akron's many
enterprising and successful mer-
chants. October 25, 1864, Mr. Wolf
was married to Miss Mary Anna
Howe, daughter of Captain Richard
Howe, one of Akron's pioneer set-
tlers. They have two children
Charles R., born November 2, 1869,
and Harry H.,born May 28, 1874. Mr.
W. was one of the founders and is
still a stockholder and director of the
Citizens' Savings and Loan Associa-
tion, and also a stockholder and
director of the incorporated firm of
Taplin, Rice & Co.
182
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
The Library ordinance, as revised and codified July 1, 1886, is-
as follows:
SEC. 279. The City of Akron shall maintain, at the public expense, the
library deeded and conveyed to said city by deed from the Akron Library
Association, of the date of January 15, 1877.
SEC. 280. In accordance with the terms of said deed a Board of Control
for said library shall be and is hereby provided, to be constituted in the fol-
lowing manner: It shall consist of six members resident electors of said
city.
SEC. 281. The members of said board shall be chosen by ballot, by a
majority of all the members of the City Council, who shall annually at the
first meeting in May, choose two members of said board for the term of three
years. All members shall serve for said term and until their successors are
duly chosen.
SEC. 282. Said Board of Control shall make its own by-laws, and hold its
meetings at such times as they may decide upon, and shall have the power to-
make such rules and regulations for the care of said library as they deem
necessary faithfully to carry out the terms of said deed. That the board
shall have power to appoint a librarian and such other officers as they
may require for the proper care of the library, and shall report semi-
annually to the Council the condition of said library.
SEC. 283. All moneys used by said board for library purposes shall first
be appropriated for such use by said City Council, and no expenses shall be
incurred, chargeable to the city, other than as covered by appropriations
made therefor by the City Council.
SEC. 284. The use of said library shall be free of all charge to the inhab-
itants of said city, the life members of the Akron Library Association arid
their families, except such fines as 11133- be imposed for the infractions of the
rules regulating the use of the same:
DR. WILLIAM C. JACOBS, born
at Lima, Ohio, February 26, 1840;
educated in Lima public schools ; at
16 was appointed to National Naval
School, at Annapolis, Md., but
resigned in 1859, and began the study
of medicine with Dr. William Carson,
of Cincinnati, graduating from the
Ohio Medical College, in that city, in
1862. In April, 1862, was appointed
assistant surgeon of the 4th O. V. C.,
serving with that regiment until
December, 1862, when he was pro-
moted to surgeon and assigned to
the 81st O. V. I., with which he served
till close of war; during the Atlanta
campaign serving on the Operating
Board of Second Division of Six-
teenth Army Corps. In October, 1865,
Dr. Jacobs located in Akron, where
he has since been in continuous
practice, from 1870 to 1873 with the
late Dr. William Bowen, and after-
wards with Dr. Albert C. Belden. Dr.
Jacobs is a member of Summit
County Medical Society, Union Medi-
cal Association of North Eastern
Ohio, State Medical Society, and
American Medical Association ; was
the first secretary of the second
named society, and has held official
DR. WILLIAM C. JACOBS.
positions in others. September 10 r
1863, Dr. Jacobs was married to Miss
Huldah M. Hill, a native of Kriox
County, O. They have one child,
Harold H., born February 10, 1866,
now practicing medicine incompati3 r
with his father.
The officers and directors of the Akron Library Association, in
its corporate capacity, were as follows: Presidents: William H.
Upson, 1866, '67, '68; George P. Ashmun, 1869; Lewis Miller, 1870;
FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
183
JOHN W. BAKER, born in
Auburn, Cayuga County, N. Y.,
January 27, 1827, common school
education; in 1843, came with parents
to Akron; a year later went to Col-
umbus to learn cabinet making-,
serving three years, worked at trade
in Akron till 1850, when he went over-
land to California and engaged in
mining, remaining two years;
returning home, via Panama and
New York, worked for a musical
instrument firm until 1857, when he
became a member of the Akroti
Melopean Company, continuing ten
years; then engaged in the manufac-
ture of cigar boxes, gradually adding
wood-turning and japanning, about
1870 forming a partnership with Mr.
John C. McMillen, a few years later
Mr. John P. Teeple being added,
under the firm name of Baker,
McMillen & Co., which in the spring
of 1890 was organized into a stock
company, with Mr. McMillen as
president, Mr. Baker as superintend-
ent and Mr. Teeple as secretary and
treasurer, and is one of the most
prosperous industries in the city.
Politically a stanch Democrat, in
1876 and 1877 Mr. Baker represented
JOHN \V. BAKER.
the Second Ward in the City Council.
May 6, 1853, he was married to Miss
Caroline M. Thayer, a native of New-
York, who has borne him three
children, two of whom are now liv-
ing Frank E. and Alice., both still
at home.
CARL WILHELM BON3TEDT.
WILHELM BONSTEDT,
son of Carl Frederic and
Augusta Wilhelmina (Peschau) Bon-
etedt, was born at Clausthal, on the
Hartz, Kingdom of Hanover, Ger-
many, January 11, 1825; common
school education; at 14 apprenticed
to grocery trade, serving' four years;
then superintendent of the large
cigar factory of Landsmith & Co.,
at Engter, near Osnabruck, for several
years, when he came to America,
having charge of a large tobacco
business in Baltimore, Md., until
1855, when he came to Akron, as clerk
in the grocery store of Ferdinand
Schumacher, later being promoted
to book-keeper; in 1863 bought out
Mr. S., continuing the business till
1875, when he sold out to his book-
keeper, Mr. John Terrass. After a
short engagement in the limestone
business, near Sanduskj^, again
embarked in the grocery trade in
Akron, with Mr. John Kreuder, at 210
East Market Street, the partnership
continuing six years, on the with-
drawal of Mr. K., Mr. B. continuing-
on his own account, until his death,
October 19, 1890, the business being
still carried on by his sons. Mr.
Bonstedt was one of the organizers
and most active members of the
Akron Liedertafel; was first president
of Retail Grocers' Association, mem-
ber of Akron Mercantile Associa-
tion, Board of Trade, and of City
Council 1864-65. March 15, 1857, Mr.
Bonstedt was married, in Akron, to
Miss Augusta F. Beyer, a native of
Germany, who bore him eight sons
and one daughter -Charles W., of
Greentown; Adolph; Victor E.;
Ferdinand, of Lincoln, Neb.; Her-
man; William H.; Frank; Louis, and
Augusta F\ Mrs Bonstedt still sur-
vives.
184
AKROX AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
David L. King, 1871, '72; Edwin P. Green, 1873. Vice Presidents:
Stephen H. Pitkin, 1866; Lewis Miller, 1867, '68; John J. Wagoner,
1869, '70, '71, '72; Thomas Rhodes, 1873. Corresponding Secre-
taries: Charles B. Bernard, 1866; Stephen H. Pitkin, 1867, '68, '69,
'70, '71; George W. Crouse, 1872; Byron S. Chase, 1873. Recording
Secretaries: James H. Peterson, 1866; John E. Miller, 1867, '68;
Arthur L. Conger, 1869, '70; William T. Allen, 1871, '72, '73. Treas-
urers: George W. Crouse, 1866, '67, '68, '69, '70; John H.Christy,
1871; William B. Raymond, 1872, '73. Directors: 1866, David L.
King, Julius S. Lane, Julian H. Pitkin, Israel P. Hole; 1867, George
P. Ashmun, George T. Perkins, Newell D. Tibbals, Edwin P.
Green; 1868, Ferdinand Schumacher, David L. King, George
T. Perkins, Edwin P. Green; 1869, Edwin P. Green, James H.
Peterson. Thomas Rhodes, Robert L. Collett; 1870, Jeremiah A.
Long, Byron S. Chase, Edwin P. Green, Ferdinand Schumacher;
1871, Sidney Edgerton, James H. Peterson, John Wolf, John H.
Hower; 1872, Sidney Edgerton, John H. Hower, George T. Perkins,
William C. Jacobs; 1873, John R. Buchtel, John H. Hower, George
T. Perkins, William C. Jacobs.
DR. MASON CHAPMAN son of
Lucius and Sally B. (Mason)
Chapman, was born in Copley, June
28, 1838 ; in 1857 went with parents to
Wisconsin, and later to Iowa, work-
ing- on father's farm, except for a time
clerking; in grocery and boot and
shoe store, while living in Wiscon-
sin, till December, 1864 ; meantime
having attended Cornell Colleg-e at
Mt. Vernon, Iowa, two years ; taught
school two terms and studied den-
tistry two years with Dr. Matson, of
Anamosa, Iowa. After a short visit
to the State of New York, in the
Spring of 1865, came to Akron and
engaged in the practice of his pro-
fession with Dr. C. H. Bolles, later
buying him out, and continuing the
business with phenomenal success to
the present time, having fitted up in
his own new building, erected in 1887,
corner Broadway and Mill, the finest
suite of dental parlors in the city.
An earnest Republican, though not
an office-seeker, Dr. Chapman ably
represented the Third Ward in the
City Council from April, 1878, to
April, 1880. November 3, 1867, Dr.
DR. MASON CHAPMAN.
Chapman was married to Miss Alice
L. Randall, a native of Copley town-
ship. They have one son, Cloj'd M.
Chapman, born November 5, 1874,
now a student in Akron High School.
At a meeting of the life members of the Library Association,
January 9, 1877, David L. King, Edwin P. Green, John R. Buchtel
and Sidney Edgerton were constituted a committee to convey, by
deed, with proper stipulation for its perpetual care, the library and
property of the Association to the city, concluding its labors by the
adoption of the following resolution:
Resolved, That the members of the Akron Library Association
are extremely gratified by the success of the movement to transfer
their library to the City of Akron, and have full faith that the true
interests of the Library Association will be promoted by such
transfer.
FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
185
A NDREW H. NOAH, son of Elmer
** and Esther Noah, was born in
Bath, February 15, 1858, his father
dying in the war when he was quite
small ; was raised in Peninsula, edu-
cated at Oberlin College ; taught
school four years at Steele's Corners,
Boston Village and Chittenden's Cor-
ners ; worked for the Da} r ton (Ohio),
Hedge Company five years, in the
capacity of general agent, traveling
through Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Ken-
tucky and Tennessee; December 29,
1880, was married to Miss Kittie B.
McGill, youngest daughter of James
and Susan McGill, of Urbana, Ohio ;
they have no children ; August 1, 1885,
bought half interest in real estate
business with Frank A. Wilcox ; May,
1888 was elected member of Board of
Control of Akron Public Library, and
made secretary of the board, serving
two years and declining a re-election;
charter member of The Akron Build-
ing and Loan Association, on organ-
ization, in 1888, being elected secre-
tary, which position he still holds ;
Past Grand of Akron Lodge, No. 547,
JOSEPH ALVPN BEEBE.
JOSEPH ALVIN BEEBE, born in
J New London, Conn., September
18, 1810 ; removed with parents, in
infancy, to Middletown, Conn.; com-
mon school education ; from 14 to 21
clerk in postoffice, under Postmaster
Joshua Stow ; in 1832 came to Cuya-
hpga Falls, and engaged in book-
binding with his brother, the late
Oliver B. Beebe ; in 1838 established
Akron's pioneer book store, on pres-
ent site of Houghton's grocery store
ANDREW H. NOAH.
I. O. O. F.; member of Akron Encamp-
ment and one of the five directors
of the Akron Underwriters' Asso-
ciation.
on East Market street ; in 1839 with Mr.
William E. Wright established the
Center Mill, near the present site of
the Allen Mill, continuing two or
three years ; in 1841, in partnership
with Dr. Perkins Wallace, added
drugs to book trade in the old stone
block, later having Dr. Dana D.
Evans for a partner, and still later
(1848) Mr. Richard S. Elkins, after-
wards adding to their business the
publication of the SUMMIT COUNTY
BEACON, the firm of Beebe & Elkins
continuing until 1879, over 30 years.
October, 1880, Mr. Beebe was elected
a director of County Infirmary and
re-elected in 1883, serving six years,
most of the time clerk of the board ;
also occupied the position of City
Librarian seven years, from 1882 to
1889. May 19, 1840, Mr. Beebe was
married, at Edinburg, Portage
County, to Miss Cornelia E. Wads-
worth (daughter of the late Frederick
Wadsworth), who bore him three
children Helen, born August 16,
1841, now Mrs. William B. Raymond ;
Frederick Wadsworth, now of Paige
Brothers &'Co.'s hardware corpora-
tion, Akron; and Charles Joseph,
now of Philadelphia. Mrs. Beebe
died December 21, 1884, aged 65 years,
10 months and 2 days, Mr. Beebe
dying May 16, 1891, aged 80 years, 7
months, 28 days.
The Board of Control consists of six members elected by the
Council, two each year, to serve three years, the Board maintaining
its own separate organization for the management of the affairs of
186
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
the library, subject only to the control of the Council in the matter
of its money expenditures, the authorized tax levy for its support
being limited by law to half a mill on the dollar, three-tenths of a
mill being about the average yearly levy for library purposes, the
expenditures for the year ending March 12, 1887, being $2,023.36,
and for the years ending March 15, 1888, $2,325.82; 1889, $2,500; 1890,
$3,700; 1891, $1,600, the library at the present time (1891) containing
about 12,000 volumes.
Members of the Board of Control, since the organization of the
Akron Public Library, have been: John R. Buchtel, J. Park Alex-
ander,Milton W.Henry, Edwin P. Green, George Tod Ford, William
T. Allen, William C. Allen, John W. Baker, Paul E. Werner, David
L. King, Charles A. Collins, Adams Emerson, Mason Chapman,.
Noah A. Carter, Lewis Miller, Thomas E. Monroe, Frank M. Atter-
holt, Charles W. Bonstedt, C. P. Humphrey, Olin L. Sadler, Ralph
P. Burnett, Charles R. Grant, Elias Fraunfelter, Andrew H. Xoah r
Louis Seybold, Louis D. Seward, Charles S. Hart.
JUDGE CHARLES R. GRANT, -
born October 23, 1846, in Orange,
New Haven County, Conn.; at 15
enlisted in 12th Connecticut V. 1., and
held the extremely perilous position
of dispatch bearer on Gen. Butler's
Staff, in the Department of the Gulf,
and continued on the staff of Gen.
Banks until October, 1863, when he
was discharg-ed. In April, 1864, locat-
ed at Cuyahoga Falls, where he was
engaged in farming and study until
September, 1868, when he entered
.the freshman class at Western
Reserve College, graduating in 1872
as valedictorian of his class of eigh-
teen students. After a year spent in
Colorado, recruiting his health, he
entered the office of Judge N. D.
Tibbals as a law student, being
admitted to the bar, at Akron, in
September, 1874. Health again fail-
ing, he engaged in farming until
January, 1876, when he formed a
partnership with H. B. Foster, Esq.,
of Hudson, in November of that year
locating in Akron, as a member of
the law firm of Foster, Marvin &
Grant, which arrangement continued
until his appointment by Gov.
Foster, September 16, 1883, Probate
Judge of Summit Countj^, on the
death of Judge Goodhue, being
elected to the office in 1884, and
again in 1887, giving to the office
over seven years of able and faithful
JUDGE CHARLES R. GRANT.
service. October, 9, 1873, Judge
Grant was married to Miss Frances
J. Wadhams, of Boston township,
who died September 14, 1874. Nov-
ember 9, 1876, he was again married,
to Miss Lucy J. Alexander, of Akron,
who died June 8, 1880, leaving one
child Frances Virginia, born Sep-
tember 24, 1877. August, 19, 1891, was
again niarried to Miss Ida Shick, of
Akron.
Presidents of the Board have been as follows: Hon. John R,
Buchtel, 1874-77; Milton W. Henry, 1877-79; Edwin P. Green,
1879-82; Rev. Thomas E. Monroe, 1882, '83; Noah A. Carter, 1883, '84 ;
C. P. Humphrey, 1884-86; Frank M. Atterholt, 1886, '87; Charles R.
Grant, 1887/88; "Olin L. Sadler, 1888, '89; Charles R. Grant, 1890, '91.
POPULAR ENTERTAINMENTS. 187
Secretaries: George Tod Ford, 1874, '75; William T. Allen, 1875,
'76; William C. Allen, 1876, '77; Paul E.Werner, 1877-82; Dr. Mason
Chapman, 1882-84; Paul E.Werner, 1884, '85; Olin L. Sadler, 1885/89.
Louis D. Seward, 1890, '91.
Treasurers: Previous to 1882, the Secretary also officiated as
Treasurer of the Board, since which time the treasurers have been:
Frank M. Atterholt, 1882-85; Ralph P. Burnett, 1885 to present time.
Librarians: Theron A. Noble, from beginning to 1875; Horton
Wright, 1875-82; Joseph A. Beebe, 1882-89; Mary Pauline Edgerton,
1889 to present time.
Assistant Librarians: Mary Vosburg and Anna M. Kummer,
to December, 1875; Bessie Willis, 1875-85; Mary Pauline Edgerton,
1885-89; Mrs. Jennie M. Proehl, 1889 to present time.
Akronians are justly proud of Akron's Free Public Library,
which it is conceded is not only one of the very best equipped, in
point of the extent and arrangement of its alcoves, and the judi-
cious selection of its books arid periodicals, but also one of the best
managed institutions of its class in the State.
CHEAP POPULAR ENTERTAINMENTS.
Besides the frequently recurring popular lectures and other
entertainments literary and scientific given under the auspices
of Buchtel College, the Grand Army of the Republic, and the
various church and other organizations of the city, the Young
Men's Christian Association, has, during two decades, not only
maintained a well supplied reading room, to which has recently
been added an extensive gymnasium, but for several years past
has given to the public, during the winter season, courses of ten
lectures and musical entertainments by the very best talent of the
country, at the extremely low figure of one dollar per course, their
popularity not only rendering them self-sustaining, but affording a
handsome surplus for the carrying forward of the other branches
of the beneficent work of the association.
Long may Akron continue to cherish and liberally sustain her
magnificent educational, literary, benevolent and Christian
institutions.
CHAPTER X.
AKRON CHURCHES FULLY ABRAST WITH HER BUSINESS ENTERPRISES,
SCHOOLS, ETC. PIONEER RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS STRIVINGS, STRUG-
GLINGS, ADVANCES, REVERSES, ETC. THE SECTS VERY LARGELY REPRE-
SENTED HARMONIOUSLY WORKING TOGETHER FOR THE GENERAL GOOD
MODERN CHURCH STRUCTURES, SOME OF THE FINEST IN THE COUNTRY
PRESENT STATUS OF ALL THE CHURCHES MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION,
ETC.
AKRON CHURCHES.
'"PHIS chapter, giving an epitome of Akron's church history, is
-^ largely compiled from the more elaborate sketches furnished
by pastors or prominent members of the several societies, with
such emendations as the personal recollections of the writer furnish,
and such statistical information obtained from official sources as
to bring the matters written of down to the present date.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
This society, whose present church edifice is located on Kent
street, near Arlington, in the Sixth Ward, is undoubtedly the oldest
church organization in what is now the city of Akron. It was
organized on the 15th day of December, 1831; by Revs. Benson C.
Baldwin and John Hughes, with twenty-six members, one of whom,
only, Mr. Kdgar T. Chapman, now survives, though not now a
member of the congregation; but we are without definite data as
to when their house of worship was erected. Successive pastors
for twenty- four years were: Rev. Benson C. Baldwin, December
1831 to September 1838; Rev. Abraham Sanders, October 1838 to
October 1839; Rev. H. A. Sackett, July 1840 to June 1841; Rev. James
Shaw, 1841 to 1845.
About this time, by reason of differences growing out of the
slavery question, quite a number withdrew from the society, and
organized the Congregational Church of Middlebury, the parent
church being ministered to by Rev. William Hanford in 1846; Rev.
Horace Foote in 1847; Rev. Elroy Curtis, 1848 to 1854. Having
harmonized their differences on the slavery question, the two
societies re-united, as an independent church, in 1860, under Rev.
William Dempsey, who continued to officiate as pastor until 1863,
followed by Rev. Mr. Hicks for three years; Rev. G. Hall, three
years; and Rev. Henry Avery three years.
In 1874, largely through the influence of the late Ambrose L.
Cotter, one of the original members, the society returned to the
fold of the Presbytery, under whose auspices it has since remained.
Late pastors: Rev. C. Barnes, 1874 to 1877; Rev. J. H. Jones, 1877 to
1881; Rev. D wight L. Chapin, September 1883 to 1889; Rev. Edward
Layport, May 1, 1889, to present time. Membership in 1883, thirty-
five; present membership of 145; number scholars in Sunday
School, 150. About 1885 the present fine brick church, with hand-
somely decorated interior, Sunday School rooms in basement, etc.,
was .erected, at a cost, for house and lot, of some $10,000; the old
AKRON'S CHURCH HISTORY.
189-
well-known and well-worn brick church, south of the present fire
station, after half a century's faithful public service, for religious
meetings, political meetings, temperance meetings, lectures, con-
certs, festivals, etc., having been razed to the ground.
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
In the earlier years of its-
existence, the few Presby-
terians and Congregational-
ists of the new village of
Akron, used to meet from
week to week for conference,,
prayer and praise at private
residences, school houses, etc.
In 1834 a Congregational
church, amenable to Pres-
bytery, was organized by
Rev. John Pettit, and in 1835
a small house of worship, a
cut of which is here given, was erected on the -present Court
House grounds, but, on the location of the Court House at that
point, in 1840, was removed to the corner of Quarry and High
streets, and, after doing service for several churches, as elsewhere
detailed until 1877, was removed to the rear of the present German
Lutheran Church and used for the parochial school of that
Society until 1889, when it was torn down to make room for the
nice brick house now standing there.
The pulpit was supplied by Mr. Pettit, members of Western
Reserve College and others, until 1836, when Rev. James B.
Walker, a theological graduate from the college named, was called
to the pastorate, erecting for himself a dwelling house in the
woods, which house for many years was owned and occupied by
Richard S. Klkins, Esq., late of Ravenna, and is still standing
immediately north of the Windsor Hotel. In 1839, Mr. Walker
resigned and was succeeded by Rev. James D. Pickands, who,
unfortunately, embraced and preached the Second Advent doc-
trines which so greatly agitated the religious world from 1840 to
1846, as fully detailed in another chapter.
In consequence of these heresies, 22 members withdrew from
the church in the Spring of 1842, and on the 2nd day of January,.
1843, were formally organized, by a council convened for that
purpose, consisting of Rev. Seagrove Magill, of Tallmadge, Rev.
Joseph Merriam, of Randolph, Rev. Mason Grosvenor, of Hudson,
and Rev. William Clark, of Cuyahoga Falls, under the title of the
"Second Congregational Church of Akron/'
July 3, 1843, nine others from the old, joined the new church,
and the 31 members proceeded to organize by the appointment of
Mr. Harvey B. Spelman, as Deacon, and Mr. Allen Hibbard, as
Clerk.
Meantime, the embryo society, holding regular services in
what was then known as the "Court Room," in the third story of
the large stone block on the southeast corner of Howard and
Market streets, had been ministered to by a young eastern theo-
logian by the name of Isaac Jennings, who was ordained as the
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
first pastor of the new church, on the 14th day of June, 1843.
Measures were soon afterwards taken for the erection of a church
edifice, which was accordingly built at the corner of North Main
and Tallmadge streets, at a cost of $1,800, which was dedicated in
June, 1845. [This building in more recent years was purchased by
Mr. George Wulle, and used as a livery stable until destroyed by
fire in 1887.]
The pastorate of Mr. Jennings ceased in February, 1847, by
resignation, being followed by Rev. W. R. Stevens, as stated
supply, from November, 1847, until May, 1849, when Rev.
Nathaniel P. Bailey, now of Massilloti, assumed the pastorate,
being ordained October 7, 1849. Mr. Bailey served until May 3,
1856, and was followed by Rev. A. Duncasson, from February, 1857,
to November, 1858; Rev. Abraham E. Baldwin, from 1858 to 1861
(ordained in February, 1860); Rev. Carlos Smith, December 30, 1861,
till the Winter of 1873; Rev. Thomas E. Monroe 1873 to the
present time.
By reason of the Second Advent delusions, the original First
Congregational Church had gone to pieces, and its house of
\vorship sold to the Disciples, so that the Second naturally became
the First, by which title it is now known.
REV. CARLOS SMITH, D. D.,
born in Hopkinton, N. H., July
17, 1801 ; married to Miss Susan
Saxton, of Hanover, N. H., February
20, 1827 ; inducted into the ministry
at Utica, N. Y., by the Oneida Pres-
tery in 1832; was pastor at Manlius,
N. Y., four years ; Painesville, Ohio,
eight years ; Massillon, three years ;
Tallmadge, 14 years ; and of First
Congregational Church in Akron 12
years 1861 to 1873. " Father Smith, "
was a general favorite with all
classes genial in his manner, and
earnest in his pietj^, but remarkably
liberal and tolerant of the views and
feelings of others. Mr. and Mrs.
Smith \vere the parents of twelve
children, four of whom died in
infancy and one Eliza Mygatt
dying at 16 years of age in Tallmadge,
the seven survivors being: Louisa
J., now Mrs. George Carter, of Jack-
sonville, 111.; Charles Edward, a phy-
sician in Palmyra, 111. ; Sarah Porter,
now Mrs. Leavitt Bissell, of New
York City ; Harriet Sanford, at home,
in Akron ; Mary Clark, now Mrs.
Robert McKee, of Waverly, 111.;
Ellen Chase, at home ; and Ethan
Sanford, attorney in Minnesota. Mr.
REV. CARLOS SMITH, D. D.
and Mrs. Smith celebrated their
golden wedding anniversary, Feb-
ruary 20, 1877, Mr. S. dying April 22,
1877, aged 75 years, 9 months and 5
days, and Mrs. S. December 21, 1889,
aged 84 years, 3 months and 24 days.
At the beginning of Mr. Smith's pastorate there was a mem-
bership of about 60, at its close 268, during which time a new
house of worship, a fine brick structure, on High street, had been
erected at a cost of some $40,000.
Soon after Mr. Monroe's accession, a gallery was added to the
seating capacity of the auditorium, and additional Sunday School
facilities provided in the basement, at a cost of $5,000. The house
AKRONS CHURCH HISTORY.
191
being partially destroyed by fire, on February 2, 1881, additions
and repairs were made to the extent of about $10,000, with a large
new organ, there being a fine-toned bell in the tower, and a first-
class clock, donated by one of Akron's best-known business men
for nearly half a century, Mr. Joseph E. Wesener.
REV. THOMAS E. MONROE,
son of Job and Phoebe (Collins)
Monroe, of Scotch descent, was born
at Plainfield, Conn., April 28, 1829;
raised 011 farm with common school
and academical education ; at 17
began teaching in Rhode Island,
continuitigthree years ; then entered
a preparatory school in Providence,
the j-ear following entering Oberlin
College, graduating from the clas-
sical course in 1856 and from the
theological course in 1858 ; ordained
as a minister of the Gospel in 1859 by
the Cleveland Conference. Preaching
one year in Aniherst, Lorain County,
in 1860 Mr. Monroe became the pastor
of the First Congregational Church
in Mount Vernon, the church mem-
bership increasing during his
thirteen years pastorate from 150 to
457 and the society building a new
church edifice at a cost of $38,000.
April 1, 1873, Mr. Monroe became the
pastor of the First Congregational
Church of Akron, which position he REV> THOMAS E. MONKOE.
still retains; the society in the inter-
vening 18 years,besides making-exten-
sive improvements on its house of ized in 1888. June 3, 1859, Mr. Monroe
worship, having increased its mem- was married to Miss Hannah Mary
bership from 268 to 903, besides con- Bernard, of Philadelphia, who has
tributing 100 of its members to the borne him one child Pauline, now a
West Congregational Church, organ- teacher in the city of Philadelphia.
The church has now nearly
1,000 sittings, a roll of 903 mem-
bers, 746 of whom are residing
here at this time, besides having
recently transferred 65 members,
and a corresponding number from
the Sunday School, to the West
Congregational Church, spoken
of elsewhere. Members of Sun-
day School, officers, teachers and
scholars in 1887, before division,
600; after division, 510; now, 1891,
572.
FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL
CHURCH.
Perhaps as early as 1830, a
small M. E. class was organized
in South Akron, and meetings
held with such occasional mini-
. strations as could be secured,
irst Congregational Church, South High -r^ T , T ,, ~ T . ,'
street. Rev. John Janes, of the North
192
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
Ohio Conference, among the number. Just when a church organ-
ization "was effected is not- now ascertainable, though it was some-
time previous to the arrival of the writer in the village, in the
Summer of 1835, its meetings being then held in the school house,,
corner of South Broadway and Middlebury streets.
In 1836 the erection of a house of worship, 40x50 feet in size,
was commenced immediately east of the present brick structure,
corner of Church street and Broadway, which was completed and
occupied the latter part of the following year. In the latter part of
the Winter of 1840-41 a protracted meeting of several weeks'
duration, was held, during which, on the morning of March 17 r
1841, the house was destroyed by fire, presumably from a defective
flue, or from ignition of some portion of the woodwork, from the
superheated stoves, the weather of the night before, while the ser-
vices were in progress, having been intensely cold, though it was
uncharitably and unchristianly insinuated by each of the two
factions who -were at loggerheads on questions connected with the
building of the church, that the house had been purposely fired by
the other faction.
REV. WILLIAM FARNHAM DAY,
D. D., son of Rev. David Day,
was born in West Springfield, Mass.,
November 11, 1821, when a boy re-
moving with parents to Franklin
Mills (now Kent), Ohio; educated in
part at home, in part independently
and in part under a tutor, but never
attended college though later in life
honored by Allegheny College in
1865 with the degree of Master of
Arts, and by Baldwin University in
1869, with the degree of Doctor of
Divinitjr. He was a man of deep
learning, a thorough master of
Greek, a devoted student of histor3 T
and a great lover of scientific
research, his large library embracing
the whole range of literature, with
every department of which he was
thoroughly familiar. He was
licensed to exhort in 1843, and to
preach in 1845, receiving elders' orders
in 1849. Among the nearly two score
appointments filled during a min-
istry of nearly forty years, he
was twice stationed in Akron as
pastor of the First M. E. Church,
1855, '56 and 1868-'70, in all, five years,
his last charge being Titusville, Pa.,
where he died October 23, 1882, his
remains being interred in Akron
Rural Cemetery. Dr. Day was for
27 years Secretary of the Erie Con-
ference, and was twice honored with
REV. WILLIAM FARNHAM DAY, D. D.
an election to the General Confer-
ence 1863 and 1872, his fidelity to his
own Conference, however, leading
him to decline many tempting calls
to prominent localities in other Con-
ferences. Dr. Day was married in
1847 to Miss Ann Delia Grover, of
Poland, O.; of their four children two
only survive Wilson M, now Presi-
dent of Cleveland Printing and Pub-
lishing Co., and Harriet, now Mrs.
John H. Auble, of Akron.
The house was soon afterwards rebuilt, upon the same founda-
tion, facing west, as before, but in 1861, under the pastorate of
Rev. J. D. Norton, the house was enlarged and remodeled, and
made to front on Broadway, at a cost of $3,500. During the Cen-
tennial year of Methodism in America, 1866, the sum of $30,000 was
contributed towards the erection of a new house of worship that
AKRON S CHURCH HISTORY.
193
should be commensurate with the rapidly increasing needs of the
society, and a fitting memorial to the beneficent aims and objects
of the denomination and a credit to the city.
The new structure was commenced in the Spring of 1867,
immediately west of the old, the Sunday School room, lecture
room, etc., being dedicated on the 15th day of April, 1875, the old
building being at this time sold to Mr. Ferd. Schumacher, who,
moving it to the corner of Mill and Summit streets, fitted it up into
a hotel called the " Cascade House," subsequently removing it to
the corner of Mill and Broadway, where it is still doing duty as a
part of the " Windsor Hotel, " though so disguised by its brick
veneering as to be altogether unrecognizable by the former wor-
shippers therein.
The auditorium of the new
structure was completed in the
Autumn of 1871, and dedicated in
January, 1872, at which time over
$32,000 was subscribed to clear
the church from debt, the total
cost of the new structure, fur-
nishing, etc., being about $128,-
000. It is a fine building, both
externally and internally, and its
Sunday School rooms, planned by
Messrs. Lewis Miller and Jacob
Snyder, pronounced at the time
to be the best in the world, though
many others have since been
modeled therefrom, both in the
cities of the United States and
Europe.
Successive ministers to the
church have been as follows:
1836, Thomas Carr and John F.
Holmes; 1837, Daniel M. Stearns
and Thomas Graham; 1838, Hor-
atio N. Stearns; 1839, John Rob-
inson and Caleb Brown; 1840,
John Robinson and Benjamin K. Maltby ; 1841, Ira Eddy and James
O. Wood; 1842, Dr. Timothy Goodwin; 1843, William H. Hunter;
1844-45, Edwin J. Kinney; 1846, Samuel Gregg; 1847, James R.
Locke; 1848, Martin C. Briggs: 1849, Reuben J. Edwards; 1850-51,
Ezra Jones; 1852-53, John Tribby; 1854, Gaylord B. Hawkins;
1855-56, William F. Day; 1857-58, George W. Clarke; 1859, Thomas
Stubbs; 1860-61, John D. Norton; 1862-63, John Peate; 1864, E. A.
Johnson; 1865, '66, '67, D. C. Osborne; 1868, '69, '70, and till August,
1871, Dr. William F. Day; 1871 to 1874, W. W. Ramsay; 1874 to 1877,
Henry Baker; 1877, I. A. Pierce; 1878 to 1881, W. W. Case; 1881 to
1884, W. H. Pearce; 1884 to 1887, E. K. Young; 1887 to 1889, B. T.
Vincent; 1889 to present time, Dr. Gilbert De La Matyr.
Present membership, 1149; scholars in Sunday School, 1069;
Lewis Miller, Superintendent. Without disparagement to other
faithful workers and liberal givers in this church, it may justly be
said, that to the munificence of Mr. Miller is the society very
largely indebted for its present handsome church edifice, and, to-
13
First Methodist Episcopal Church, cor-
ner South Broadway and Church
Streets.
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
his wise management, for the unprecedented success and pros-
perity of its model Sunday School.
THE BAPTIST CHURCH OF AKRON.
April 19, 183i, at the school house, corner of South Broadway
and Middlebury streets, was organized the "Akron and Middlebury
Baptist Church," Elder Caleb Green officiating as Moderator and
Klder Amasa Clark as Scribe, the members of the new organiza-
tion being: Horace Barton, Daniel B. Stewart, Henry H. Smoke,
Mrs. Thirza J. Smoke, Miss C. Barton, Mrs. Elizabeth Burton, Mrs.
Sally Smith, Miss Amanda Smith, Miss Elizabeth Stewart. March
5, 1836, an act was passed by the Legislature, authorizing the
incorporation of religious societies, this church being among the
very earliest to avail themselves of its provisions, as will be seen
by the following notice published in Akron's first newspaper, the
Weekly Post, June 10, 1836: "To ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN. A
meeting of the members of the Akron and Middlebury Baptist
Church and Society will be held at the School House in South
Akron, on Wednesday, the 16th itist., at 4 o'clock P. M., for the
purpose of organizing under their charter."
Arrangements were immedi-
ately made for the erection of a
house of worship, corner of South
Broadway and Center streets, a
cut of which is here given.
Elder Eber Crane was regularly
installed as pastor, and the house
was built under his management,
as the, agent of the trustees;
though considerable ill-feeling
was engendered, by the trustees
facing the building south,
instead of west, as the other
churches had been, and by alleged
mismanagement on the part of
Elder Crane and the building
committee, resulting in a heated
newspaper controversy, covering
six or seven columns in the
American Balance, and the
holding of a church council, with
Elder Levi Tucker, of Cleveland,
as Moderator, on the 6th day of
October, 1837. Though the dis-
sensions alluded to were not
entirely cured by the action of
the council, the church was dedi-
cated on the 26th day of October,
1837, Elder Tucker preaching the dedicatory sermon.
In 1853 the society sold its original church structure to the
German Reformed Society and purchased the original Universalist
stone church, on North High street, which was dedicated to the
uses of its new owners June 17, 1853, where they continuously
worshipped for over a third of a century.
Original Baptist, late German Re-
formed Church, corner of South
Broadway and Center Streets.
Erected in 1836-37. Torn
down in 1890
AKRON'S CHURCH HISTORY.
195
-p EV. NATHAN S. BURTON, D. D.,
* born in Manlius, N. Y., Feb-
ruary 5, 1821, in infancy removing
with parents to Elbridge, N. Y., and
in 1831, to Middle bury, Ohio;
attended Village School winters and
worked in father's sash factory stim-
niers; taug-ht Southwest "Six Cor-
ners" school, in Tallmadge, two
winters; in 1841 entered Western
Reserve College, graduating- in 1846,
delivering the valedictory oration;
taught one year in Norwalk (O.) Insti-
tute; in 1847 entered Theological
department W. R. College, also
acting as assistant editor of "Ohio
Observer;" in 1848 attended Newton
(Mass.) Theological Institute; in
1849 returned to Hudson to com-
plete studies and fill the chair
of Latin and Greek in College;
011 graduating, in 1850, became pas-
tor of Elyria Baptist Church; in
1853 first pastor of the Third Baptist
Church in Cleveland; in 1854 pastor
of the Granville Baptist Church, dur-
ing his eight years pastorate there
establishing a Young Ladies' School
now Shepardson College, its princi-
pal building being named "Burton
Hall"; in 1862 became pastor of the
First Baptist Church in Akron; dur-
ing the rebellion serving for a time
on the Christian Commission at
Grant's Headquarters, City Point,
Va.; in 1866 pastor of Ann Arbor
(Mich.) Baptist Church; in 1871 pastor
of Calvary Baptist Church, Daven-
port, Iowa; in 1877 accepted Chair of
Philosophy in Kalamazoo (Mich.)
College; in 1877 resumed the pastor-
ate of the Church in Akron, remain-
ing ten years, during that time
officiating' six months as President
REV. NATHAN S. BURTON, D. D.
of Dennison University at Granville;
in 1887 visited Europe, and on his
return became pastor of the Need-
ham (Mass.) Baptist Church, where
he still continues. October 14, 1850,
was married to Miss Sarah J. Fair-
field, of Spring Arbor, Mich. They
have five children Hemy F., Pro-
fessor of Latin in the University of
Rochester; Charles S., lawyer in
Chicago; Nellie, wife of Prof. W. W.
Beman, University of Mich.; Ernest
D., Prof, of Greek, Newton Theologi-
cal Institute, and Edward F., lawyer
in Chicago.
Successive Pastors, previous to
first removal: Revs. Bber Crane,
Henry Carr, Stephen Van Voris,
C. A. Clark, J. Hall, David Beiv
nard, L/ewis Ransted, J. M. Greg-
ory, J. C. Courtney, A. Joy. Since
removal: Mr. Joy continued until
1855, followed by Rev. J. W. Ham-
mond, one year; in 1856, by Samuel
Williams, five years; in 1862, by
Nathan S. Burton, four years; in
1866, by Frank Adkins, two years;
in 1869, by C. T. Chaffee, three
years; 1872, by J. P. Agenbroad,
one year; 1873, by Charles A.
Hayden, three years; 1877, by Dr.
First Baptist Church, South Broad- TV 1.1 o r> .1. J
way. Erected in 1889-90. Nathan b. Burton, ten years; in
1887, by Rev. A. M. Waxman,
whose pastorate terminated by voluntary resignation June 14, 1891.
196 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
At length, feeling the need of a more commodious house of
worship in a more convenient locality, in 1888 the society pur-
chased a handsome site on South Broadway, between Market and
Mill streets, and in 1889 erected thereon a fine brick edifice with
auditorium and Sunday School room on the same floor, and a light,,
airy basement for social meetings and other church purposes.
The building is 76x106 in size and of handsome design, as will be
seen by the fine engraving given herewith, the entire cost of lot,
building and furnishing being about $40,000.
Present membership of church 290. Present number of
scholars in Sunday School, 250.
THE UNIVERSALIST CHURCH.
Sundry Universalist ministers held religious services in
Akron, from time to time, during the years 1835 and 1836, and
during the early Summer of 1837 Rev. Freeman Loring organized
a society of believers in that faith, holding his meetings in the
third story of a building erected by Mr. Benjamin \V. Stephens,
corner of Main and State streets, present site of Merrill's pottery.
Among the members of that congregation were Dr. Eliakim
Crosby and family, Major Miner Spicer and family, Henry
Chittenden and family, Watrous Mather and family, Jesse and
Jacob Allen, and quite a number of other prominent business
men of Akron and Middlebury; the choir, composed largely of the
sons and daughters of the families above named, being one of the
most attractive of any of the church choirs of the town or vicinity.
Steps were immediately taken for the erection of a suitable
church edifice, Dr. Crosby furnishing a lot on North High street,
and very largely defraying the cost of the building, the writer
doing the glazing and general painting, to the extent of some $200,
in part payment for two acres of ground on West -Market street;
our venerable fellow citizen, Mr. Curtis C. Wilcox, of 216 South
Union street, then living in Middlebury, gilding and varnishing
the balusters of the gallery, settees, etc., this being the first
church in Akron to have anything but stiff board pews and slips
for the seating of its worshippers.
The church was built of stone, and was then one of the hand-
somest structures of the kind in Ohio. The belfry was sur-
mounted by a tall spire on the top of which, above 100 feet from
the ground, was a gilded ball, two and a half feet in diameter, in
the center of which were deposited such articles as are usually
placed in the corner stones of similar edifices church history,,
newspapers, coins, etc.
Some thirty years later the belfry timbers had become so
decayed that, on Sunday, August 5, 1868, the steeple being likely
to fall, to prevent possible serious accident, by attaching ropes to
the lightning-rod connected therewith, it was pulled down, and in
falling the ball was broken to pieces. Such of the contents as
were found were in a fair state preservation, the copy of the
Akron BUZZARD encased by the writer in a sealed quinine bottle,
being as clean and legible as when first printed, thirty-one years
before.
AKRON S CHURCH HISTORY.
197
Surmounting the ball was an
immense sheet-iron weather vane
in the shape of an angel, with
soaring \vings, proclaiming to
the whole world through a golden
trumpet, the Glad Tidings of Uni-
versal Salvation; the entire cost
of the structure being about
$8,000. A fine-toned bell, pro-
cured by subscription of citizens,
was placed in the tower, and also,
a year or two later a clock, man-
ufactured, and for many years
kept in repair, by the late Henry
S. Abbey. The society was also
presented with a most excellent
organ, by the late Jesse Allen
probably the pioneer church
organ of Summit County.
The society was incorporated
by Act of the Legislature, Feb-
ruary 4, 1839, the incorporators
being Kliakim Crosby, Miner Spicer, Watrous Mather, Henry
Chittenden and Jesse Allen. The house was dedicated in Novem-
ber, 1839, the installation of Mr. Loring, as pastor, being included
in the dedicatory services; the membership at this time being about
one hundred persons. Though
Mr. Loring had taken almost
entire charge of the building of
the church, laboring incessantly
with his own hands, his pastor-
ate, after its dedication, was of
short duration, a feeling prevail-
ing that though sound in doc-
trine, and earnest in its promul-
gation, he was not sufficiently
cultured for so "metropolitan" a
position, realizing which he tend-
ered his resignation and removed
to Suffield, Portage County, where,
after serving the church there for
a number of years, he finally
died.
Mr. Loring was succeeded by
Rev. Nelson Doolittle, for several
years, followed by Rev. J. G.
Foreman, the latter part of 1845,
and in 1849 by Rev. Z. Baker.
This latter gentleman leaning
strongly towards the Spiritual-
ist icfaith, which was then a prev-
alent belief with many, alienated
several members of the society
First universaiist church, corner of from the true faith, begetting an
South Broadway and Mill streets. indifference which, coupled with
198
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
the serious financial embarrassment of its principal promoter,
Dr. Crosby, caused the society to go to pieces,, and in 1853 its house
of worship was sold to the Baptists, as elsewhere stated.
After an interregnum of nearly thirty years, a new organization
was effected in November, 1872, with twenty members, Hon. John
R. Buchtel, Moderator; Sanford M. Burnham, Clerk; Avery Spicer
and Talmon Beardsley, Deacons. Rev. G. S. Weaver was chosen
pastor, in April, 1873, the meetings of the society being held in
the chapel of Buchtel College, then just completed. Mr. Weaver
was succeeded by Rev. Henry L. Canfield, in 1876, followed by
Rev. Kverett L. Rexford, president of College, in 1878, and in Sep-
tember, 1880, by Rev. Richard Eddy until July, 1881, and again by
Rev. Dr. G. S. Weaver, from December, 1881, to December, 1883,
followed by Rev. C. Ellwood Nash, from May 1, 1884 to May 1,
1891, succeeded June 7, 1891, by Rev. J. F. Thompson, of Jersev
City, N. J.
REV. C. ELLWOOD NASH,D. D.,
son of Rev. C. P. Nash, Univer-
salist clergyman at Conneautville,
Pa., was born in Warren County, N. J.,
March 31, 1855 ; removed to Michigan
in 1856, and to Iowa in 1870 ; prepared
for college at Prof. W. W. Curry's
private school, Newton, Iowa;
entered Lombard University, Gales-
burg, 111., as a sophomore, in 1872,
graduating as A. B. in 1875, in college
belonging to the Phi Delta Theta
fraternity; in September, 1875,
entered Tuft's Divinity School, Tuft's
College, Mass., graduating as B. D.
in 1878; delivered Master's Oration
and received honorary degree of A.
M. at Lombard University, in June,
1878 ; was engaged as pastor at
Abington, Mass., during divinity
course, from March, 1877, to March,
1878 ; called to and accepted pastor-
ate of church at Stamford, Conn.,
December, 1878, assuming pastorate
there in July, 1878; was married to
Miss Clara M. Sawtelle, of Auburn,
Me., December 31, 1878 ; went to New-
ton, Mass, as pastor in June, 1881,
and came to Akron as pastor of the
First Universalist Church, May 1,
1884, continuing until May 1, 1891, his
seven years pastorate here being
REV. C. ELLWOOD NASH, D. D.
highly satisfactory to the members
of that society, resigning to accept
the pastorate of the Church of Our
Father, Brooklyn, N. Y. Mr. and
Mrs. Nash are parents of four
daughters.
During Mr. Rexford's pastorate, the rapidly growing congre-
gation rendering such a step absolutely necessary, the fine new
house of worship, corner of Mill and Broadway, was erected at a
cost of about $40,000, Mr. Ferd. Schumacher generously donating
the lot, besides liberally contributing to the building and fur-
nishing fund, Hon. John R. Buchtel also subscribing liberally to
the various funds of the society. The present membership of the
church is about 350; scholars in Sunday School 325; teachers, 24..
ST. PAUL'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Though an occasional Episcopal family resided in the neigh-
borhood, and though occasional services were earlier held, both
AKRON'S CHURCH HISTORY.
199
St. Paul's Episcopal Chapel, corner East
Market and South Forye Streets.
in Middlebury and Akron, it was not until 1836 that a parish of that
denomination was organized 'in Akron, under the auspices of
Rev. William H. Newman, rector of St. John's Church, at Cuyahoga
Falls, (originally organized in Stow in 1830), Rev. T. J. Davis
assuming charge of the new church in 1838. The meetings of
St. Haul's Church and society, like those of the other early
churches named, were at first held in private houses and school
houses, or, by courtesy, in the
other churches of the village, and
afterwards for some three or four
years, in the second story of the
"Old Stone Block" so often
referred to in this .work, on the
southeast corner of Howard and
Market streets.
This building was rather shab-
bil} r constructed, and one Sunday,
in the latter part of 1840, when
services were in progress, a sud-
den storm, accompanied by high
wind, toppled over one of the
huge stone chimneys, with a por-
tion of the heavy battlement,
which went crashing through the
roof and the third, second and
first floors to the cellar. The
congregation, fortunately, were
not within the direct range of the falling mass, but, by the tilting
of the floor a number of seats, with their occupants, were precip-
itated into the cellar, and Mrs. Stephen Willard Powers and her
mother, Mrs. Bush, Mr. George T. Ray, a young man named Morris
Lyon, then working for the writer, and perhaps one or two others,
were somewhat bruised, but none of them were seriously injured.
At this time the erection of a house of worship was under-
taken, donations for the purpose, to the extent of $900, being made
by friends of the church in Philadelphia, the balance of the cost
of the structure to be raised by local subscriptions, principally of
materials and labor money being decidedly a cash article in Ohio
in those days. The "chuckery" project, elsewhere alluded to, was
then on the boom, several of its promoters being zealous Episco-
palians, notably Dr. E. W. Crittenden, and with the expectation
that a fair proportion of the prospective inhabitants of "Sum-
mit City," would be of that faith, it was resolved to locate the new
church so as to acommodate both said "city" and the "village" of
Akron. Consequently the house was erected on North Maple street,
below Hickory street, overlooking the Ohio Canal, facing North.
Before this house was fully completed a contract was made
with Mr. Lyman Cobb, then an enterprising business man of
Akron, for the erection of a church edifice on South High street,
Mr. Cobb taking the first named house and lot in part payment,
which was at once converted into a tenement house, ever since,
until recently torn down, well, and sometimes notoriously, known
as the "Cobb House." Besides the turning in of this property, and
quite liberal contributions from citizens, the sum of $1,770 was
contributed by outside parties.
200
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
This new house, 40x60 feet in size, was dedicated June 27, 1844,
the parish then numbering sixty communicants. In 1870 the house
was greatly enlarged and a new organ provided, and also a hand-
some parsonage erected on North Summit street. In 1872, '73, new
Sunday School rooms were added, at a cost of $4,000. Finding
that this structure was inadequate to the rapidly growing ifeeds
of the society, a commodious triangular lot, bounded on East Mar-
ket, Forge and Fir streets, was purchased, in 1884, at a cost of
$10,000, on which was erected a fine stone parish and Sunday
School house, 72x88 feet, at a cost of $35,000, which was dedicated
on the "Feast of Epiphany," January 6, 1885, the High street edi-
fice being sold to the Hebrews, in 1885, for a synagogue, as else-
where stated.
It is the intention of the parish to erect, at an early day, an
elegant and commodious church structure, and eventually a
handsome rectory upon the same lot. Successive rectors of St.
Paul's during the 52 vears of its existence, have been as follows:
1836, '37, Rev. Mr. Barrow; 1838-40, Rev. T. J. Davis; 1841-44,
Rev. Lyman Freeman; 1844-47, Rev. Robert G. Cox; 1847, Rev.
Mr. McElhinney; 1848, Rev. J. K. Stuart; 1850, Rev. E. H. Cum-
ming; followed a year or two later, by Rev. R. S. Nash, and in 1854,
by Rev. D. C. Maybin; 1855 to 1859, Rev. Edward Meyer; 1860, Rev.
Henry Adams; 1863, Rev. Samuel Maxwell; 1866, Rev. W. T. Fitch;
1869, Rev. Henry Gregory; 1870, the present incumbent, Rev. Dr.
R. L/. Ganter, twenty-one full years, and still popular and efficient.
TPEV. RICHARD L. GANTER, D.
*> D., born in Allegheny, Pa.,
July 23, 1835; primary education in
Catholic schools of Pittsburg- ;
entered Kenyon Grammar School,
Gambler, Ohio, in Spring- of 1851;
graduated from Kenyon College
Classical Course, July, 1856, and from
Bexley Hall Theological Seminary
in 1859 ; ordained deacon of Episco-
pal Church the same year ; Presbyter
in 1860, then in charge of Grace
Church, Mansfield, O.; entered army
as private in 1861, and elected Chap-
lin of 15th O. V. I.; in 1863 took charge
of Trinity Church, Michigan City,
Ind.; in 1865 called and accepted
pastorate of Trinity Church, Iowa
City, Iowa; 1867 to 1870 superinten-
dent of Johnson County (Iowa) public
schools ; in October, 1870, on call,
accepted Rectorship of St. Paul's
Church, in Akron, which position he
still holds, being now, in point of
incumbency, the oldest minister in
Akron. During his pastorate the
Parish has grown from 80 communi-
cants to 370, with four distinct eras of
church improvement and building
during that time, the last being the
fine stone chapel, at intersection of
East Market and Forge streets, a
handsome engraving of which Ls
herewith given. September 27, 1865,
Dr. Ganter was married to Miss
Henrietta D. Sanford, at Painesville,
REV. RICHARD L. GANTER, D. IX
Ohio. They have four children liv-
ing Anna S.; Leo S., at Warren, O.,
Charles R. and Maxwell. The Doc-
tor is at present a trustee of his Alma
Mater, and President of the Diocese
of Ohio.
AKRON'S CHURCH HISTORY. 201
Membership: 1836, five communicants; 1837, nine; 1839,
fifteen; 1844, sixty; 1888, 250 families, 370 communicants, 300 Sun-
day School scholars, 36 teachers.
HIGH STREET CHURCH OF CHRIST.
The Disciples of Christ, or as they were then popularly, or per-
haps derisively, called, "Campbellites," from the founder of the
sect, Rev. Alexander Campbell, as early as 1830 began to teach
their peculiar doctrines in this vicinity, and in 1339, organized a
church in Akron, the meetings at first being held in private houses,
school houses, halls, etc., the earlier preachers of the sect now
recalled by the writer being Klders William Hayden, E. B. Hub-
bard, O. Newcomb, M. S. Wilcox, A. S. Hayden, Almon B. Green,
R. Moffat, J. H. Jones Benjamin Franklin, Jasper J. Moss, etc.
At the organization of the society, by Klders Bently and
Bosworth, in 1839, there were thirty-two members, Levi Allen and
Samuel C. Bangs being elected elders, and Webster B. Storer and
Jonah Allen deacons. In 1843, a protracted meeting, conducted by
Elders John Cochrane and John Henry, resulted in 49 accessions
to the church. About 1845, the church property originally belong-
ing to the Congregational society, corner of Quarry and -High
streets, was purchased, which was occupied until 1857, when it
was sold to the German Lutheran society, who later removed the
house to the rear of the lot for school purposes, erecting in its place
their present handsome brick structure.
Tappan Hall, on East Market street, was now used for church
purposes for about six years. In 1863 the present site, on South
High street, was purchased and a handsome frame edifice was
erected thereon, at a cost of $6,000, to which quite extensive and
expensive improvements, from time to time, have since been
made.
Officiating pastors since 1845: Dr. William F. Pool, M. J.
Streator, W. S. Gray, Warren Belding, J. Carroll Stark, J. G.
Encell, J. O. Beardsley, L. R. Norton, R. L. Howe, Lathrop Cooley,
John L. Rowe, R. G. White, Frank M. Green, C. C. Smith and Levi
Marshall, the pastorate of the latter commencing October 29, 1885;
F. A. Morgan, February 1, 1890 to December 1, 1890; E. A. Bosworth,
April 1, 1891 to present time.
In 1875, 80 members of the church, residing in that vicinity,
withdrew from the society for the purpose of establishing a mis-
sion in the Sixth Ward, which was later organized into the Sixth
Ward Church of Christ, as elsewhere noted. Present membership
of High street Church of Christ, about 500; scholars in Sunday
School, 330; teachers, 29.
GRACE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The original of the church now organized under the above
title, was one of the earliest church organizations of this vicinity
the Old Middlebury Methodist Church and part of the ancient
circuit, composed of Tallmadge, Brimfield, Mogadore, Pleasant
Valley and Middlebury. It was made a separate charge in 1870,
and in 1878 the old church edifice, corner Arlington and Exchange
streets, was neatly remodeled, under the superintendence of Archi-
tect Jacob Snyder, at a cost of $3,000. Among the earliest preachers
202
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
in this church were Revs. Mr. Motick, and the present venerable
Dr. George W. Clarke. Since, and including, 1869, the pastors of the
church have been as follows: M. Williams, George Elliott, W.
W. Painter, James Greer, J. H. Merchant, W. H. Wilson, J. B.
Cory, R. F. Randolph, A. W. Arundel, W. L. Slutz, R. M. Fresh-
water, M. W. Dallas, Rev. J. H. Conkle, September 1887 to Septem-
ber, 1890; Rev. J. K. Rader, September, 1890, to the present time.
The present membership of the church is 150; Sunday School
scholars 250. The society has recently constructed a comfortable
parsonage, at 1016 Kast Market street.
FIRST GERMAN REFORMED CHURCH.
About 1842, the German Evangelical Protestant Congregation
was organized, erecting a small house of worship, of stone, on the
side of the hill north of Doctor Scott's residence, on North High
street, which building, devoted to secular purposes, is still stand-
ing. In 1852, the Lutheran element withdrew and organized a
separate congregation, arid in 1855, the German Reformed element
consolidated with the German Reformed Church, the latter having
previously purchased the original Baptist Church structure,
northwest corner of South Broadway and East Center streets, the
two branches mutually working for the cancellation of the debt
against the church property.
REV. JACOB DAHLMAN, D. D,
born at Barmen, Rhenish Prus-
sia, April 11, 1831 ; in Spring- of 1846
entered counting- house in Elberfield,
two years later emigrating with par-
ents -to Wooster, Ohio ; here he served
a three years' apprenticeship to trade
of tanner and currier, at which he
worked several years as journeyman
in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and
Michigan; in 1855, entered Marshall
College, at Lancaster, Pa., graduating
in 1860 ; then for two years attended
the thelog-ical seminary at Mercers-
burg-, Pa., graduating therefrom in
1862 ; ordained to the ministry by the
Philadelphia Classis of the Reformed
Church June 15, 1862, immediatel}-
organized a congregation in West
Philadelphia, known as the German
Evangelical Reformed Emanuel's
Church, building a fine house of
worship and parsonage, with a mem-
bership of 245 communicants ; also
officiating as stated clerk of Philadel-
phia Classis 10 years, clerk of Synod,
etc., receiving the degree of D. D. from
Ursinus College, Collegeville, Pa., in
1880. November, 1880, Dr. Dahlman
was called to the pastorate of the
First German Reformed Church in
Akron, which, as will be seen else-
where, he has served with eminent
REV. JACOB DAHLMAN, D. D.
success to the present time, replacing
the original frame church structure,
erected in 1836, '37, with a fine brick
edifice in 1890, '91. September 23, 1862,
Mr. Dahlman was married to Miss
Catharine M. Kopp, of Lancaster, Pa.,
who still survives. They have no
children.
Services were held on alternate Sundays in German and
English, by their talented young minister, Rev. L/. C. Edmunds,
but after his resignation, services in the German language, only,
AKRON'S CHURCH HISTORY.
203
were maintained, with Rev. John F. Engelbach, as pastor. April
27, 1857, articles of incorporation were filed under the name of the
"First German Reformed Church of Akron, Summit County,
Ohio." In the Fall of 1858, the German portion of the congrega-
tion, bought the interest of the English portion in the church
property, and are now the sole owners thereof.
Mr. Engelbach resigned as pastor in 1860, followed by Rev.
Robert Koehler, in 1861; Rev. J. D. Leeman, in 1864; Rev. John
Baumgartner, in 1866; Rev. Christoph Schiller, in 1870; Rev. Julius
Herold, in 1876; and Rev. Jacob Dahlman, D. D., the present
incumbent, in 1880.
In the tower of. the church was a fine-toned 1200 pound bell,
purchased by the citizens of Akron, in 1837, on condition that the
then owners, the Baptists, should permit the "Town Council of
Akron, and their successors in office, or their agents, thereunto
lawfully authorized, to go in and out of the Baptist Church in
Akron, free and unmolested forever, for the purpose of using said
bell," said arrangement being ratified by the trustees of the church,
Smith Burton, J. Rockwell, Robert K. DuBois, Richard Howe and
Joseph Cole, November 15, 1837, and by the Town Council of
Akron, November 23, 1837; and for many years this bell was rung
morning, noon and night, at stated hours, in sounding fire alarms,
announcing public meetings, times of holding court, etc.
The society finally feeling the
need of more room, in 1890, '91
replaced the old frame structure
with an elegant brick edifice, of
which a finely executed engrav-
ing is here given, the old "Town
Bell" ringing as clearly from its
lofty tower, as it did from the
belfry of the ohfl house when first
suspended therein 54 years ago.
The cost of the new building,
with fixtures, organ and furniture
complete, being $27,000. Dedi-
cated May 3, 1891.
The present membership of the
church is 575; Sunday School
scholars, 200; teachers 25. The
society formerly, for several years,
sustained a separate parochial
school, but at present only main-
tains said school during the
vacation of the public schools,
teachers being paid by tuition
fees from the pupils in attend-
ance. Church services are in the
German language, though the
pastor conducts missionary ser-
vices every month in English.
This society has fine cemetery
grounds (seven acres) of its own, "Mount Peace," on Aqueduct
street, north of West Market street, one of the finest locations for
burial purposes in the vicinity.
New German Reformed Church corner
South Broadway and East Center
Streets 1891.
204
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
GRACE REFORMED CHURCH.
This society was organized in the original Universalist Church,
March 5, 1853, by Rev. N. Gher. In 1863 its first house of worship
was established, by the purchase of the Congregational Church,
of Middlebury, and removing it to a lot purchased for that pur-
pose on South Broadway, south of Mill street. This building,
comfortably fitted up, served the purposes of the society until 1881,
when the present fine brick structure, 52x80 feet in size, was
erected on the same site at a cost of $15,000. Successive pastors
from one to three years each: Revs. N. Gher, P. J. Spangler, L/.
Edmunds, J. Schlosser, J. F. Helm, William McCaughey, W. H.
H. Snyder, S. S. Miller, J. M. Mickley, and I. E. Graff. In 1868 Rev.
Edward Herbruck assumed the pastorate, remaining four years,
followed by Rev. M. L/aucks, about two years, and by Rev. Emil P.
Herbruck from April 1876, to September, 1886, Rev. J. B. Shontz
succeeding January 1, 1887, to May 1, 1888 succeeded in turn, Octo-
ber 1, 1888, by Rev. R. C. Zartman, to April 12, 1891, succeeded by
Rev. E. R. Williard, from Tiffin, July 1, 1891. Present member-
ship 640; Sunday School scholars and teachers 600.
GERMAN ZION'S LUTHERAN CHURCH.
REV. WILLIAM H. LOTHMAN
eldest son of Ernest and Clara
Elizabeth Lothman, was born in the
villag-e of Buer, Kingdom of Han-
over, January 31, 1845, at two and a
half 3 r ears of age removing with par-
ents to Cleveland, Ohio ; attended
Cleveland parochial schools until
confirmed, in 1858, when he entered
Concordia College, at Fort Wayne,
Ind., graduating therefrom in 1862 ;
then entered Concordia Univer-
sity, at St. Louis, Mo., from which
he was graduated in June, 1866 ;
August 19, of that year, ordained into
the ministry, preaching in the Ger-
man Lutheran Church, of Elyria,
Lorain County, and Liverpool,
Medina County, on alternate Sab-
baths, six years ; in August, 1872,
became pastor of Zion's Lutheran
Church, in Akron, a fine new church
edifice, and a commodious parish
school building having been erected
by the society during his pastorate.
The sketch of the church here given
will show the success of his nearly
twenty years' pastorate in Akron.
June 20, 1867, he was married to
Miss Betty Husmann, daughter of
Rev. F. W. Husmann, of Euclid, Ohio,
who has borne him six children
Emma, Lydia, Ida, Edwin, Gertrude,
KEV. WILLIAM H. LOTHMAN.
and Clara, all still living at home.
August 19, 1891, the silver anniver-
sary of Mr. Lothman's ministry was
duly celebrated by his parishoners,
a number of his brother ministers
from Cleveland and other points
participating.
This society was organized August 6, 1854, by Rev. P. J. Buehl.
In 1855 the society purchased from the Disciples, the house and
lot formerly belonging to the Congregationalists, corner South
AKRON S CHURCH HISTORY.
205
High and Quarry streets. Rev. G. Th. Gotsch succeeded Mr.
Buehl, in 1864, the present incumbent, Rev. H. W. Lothman assum-
ing the pastorate in 1872. The
rapidly increasing membership
making more room absolutely nec-
essary, a fine new brick church r
50x100 feet in size, with a 150 feet
spire, was erected on the site
named, the old house being re-
moved to the rear of the lot and
relegated to the purposes of a Par-
ish School.
The cost of the new edifice was
$16,000. The house was dedicated
on the 16th day of September,
1877, with impressive ceremonies.
The society is composed of 250
families and about 700 com-
muni cants. Sunday afternoons
the pastor gives catechetical
instruction to young and old.
Society maintains a parish week
day school, which children of
members attend until confirmed,,
at the age of 13 or 14 years, when
they are sent to the public schools.
A new parish school house, a
handsome two story brick build-
ing, was erected in 1889, the old frame house after continuous
service for church and school purposes for 54 years, being razed
to the ground.
THE SIXTH WARD CHURCH OF CHRIST.
This society is an off-shoot from the High street Church of
Christ, as elsewhere intimated. At a meeting held at Mershon's
Hall, March 30, 1875, a letter of dismissal from the parent church
was asked for, in which the memorialists said: "We are moved to
take this step by one motive, viz., for the greater usefulness in the
cause of our Lord and Master. With many of us this is a painful
duty, but a duty we think we owe to the community in which we
reside, in order to a proper upholding and advancement of that
cause we all profess to desire to see prosper."
The letter was granted, and the new church was duly organ-
ized, to be known as the "Church of Christ in Middlebury," with
80 members, and the following officers: H. T. White, Mendal
Jewett and Almon Brown, elders; Geo. F. Kent, and Thaddeus H.
Botsford, deacons; F. W. Inman, C. H. Palmer, and R. Whitmore r
financial committee; S. C. Inman, clerk; A. Thompson and William
Youmans, ushers; F. W. Inman, Geo. F. Kent, R. Whitmore, M.
Jewett and T. H. Botsford, trustees.
In 1878 and 1879, a handsome brick church edifice was erected
on Broad street at a cost of $6,000. Successive pastors of the
church have been as follows: Elder H. J. White, two years; Elder
Frank M. Green, half time from July, 1877, to April, 1888; Elder J.
German Lutheran Church, corner
South High and Quarry Streets.
206
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
W. James, April, 1878, one year; Elder W. H. Rogers, November,
1879, six month; Elder T. D. Butler, one year; Elder Jasper J. Moss,
three months; Elder S. A. Wurts, six months, ending September
20, 1882; Elder A. B. Williams, April 1, 1883, to April 1, 1887; Elder
J. J. Moss, three months; Elder Frank W. Norton, July 1, 1887, to
February 1, 1890; S. C. Humphrey, June 1, 1890, to present time.
The society was duly incorporated as the " Second Church of
Christ, Akron, Ohio," September 1, 1887. Present officers: Elder,
Charles T. Inman; clerk, Edwin Corl; deacons: John Harrison,
Sidney C. Inman, John B. DeHaven, George Viall, John Roberts,
George F. Kent. Present membership, 150; scholars in Sunday
School, 90; teachers, 10.
TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH.
The English Evangelical Luth-
eran Church of the Holy Trinity
was organized in the Spring of
1870, through the efforts of Rev.
W. A. Passavant, D. D., of Pitts-
burg, and Rev. S. Laird, with
about thirty members. The first
regular pastor was Rev. U. P.
Ruthrauff, daring whose pastor-
ate the beautiful gothic brick
church edifice, on Prospect street,
was erected, at a cost, including
parsonage, of $45,000. The
church was dedicated in June,
1872, soon after which Mr. Ruth-
rauff resigned, and was suc-
ceeded by Rev. J. F. Fahs, Octo-
ber 2, 1872. After a service of
nearly ten years, Mr. Fahs was
succeeded by Rev. Dr. J. B. Hel-
wig, four years, the present
incumbent, Rev. M. J. Fiery,
commencing his pastorate
December 1, 1886.
The present membership of the Church is 425; scholars in
Sunday School, 450; teachers, 25.
GERMAN METHODIST CHURCH.
This society was organized in 1887, by Rev. A. J. Bucher, a
small but neat and convenient house of worship having previously
been erected on the corner of East Exchange and Pearl streets
which was dedicated December 12, 1886, Rev. J. C. Gerlach, the
present Pastor, succeeding Mr. Bucher, October 6, 1888. Present
membership, 55; Sunday School scholars, 60; teachers, 12. All
services in German.
THE UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH.
This society was organized in October, 1882, by Rev. J. Excell,
with 12 members and one Sunday School scholar. A snug little
house of worship, 30x45 feet in size, was built on the corner of Hill
Trinity Lutheran Church and Parson-
sonage Prospect Street.
AKRON'S CHURCH HISTORY. 207
and James streets in 1884, at a cost for lot and building, of $8,200.
Successive Pastors : J. Excell, one 3 7 ear; S Castorline, two years ;
H. J. Becker, one year ; C. Whitney, two years : C. N. Queen 1888,
1889; Rev. Vernon L. Fry, September 1889 to September 1890; Rev.
J. F. Shepard, September 1890 to present time. Present member-
ship, 230; Sunday School scholars, 150; teachers and officers 14.
CALVARY EVANGELICAL CHURCH.
This society -was organized in 1866, by Rev. H. F. S. Sichley,
with 14 members, Benjamin Stahl, leader. In 1867 it was made a
Mission, by Conference, under charge of Mr. Sichley. A church
edifice was commenced the same year, and the basement com-
pleted and dedicated October 6, 1867, by* Presiding Elder, Rev.
John Stull, the main audience room being dedicated May 3, 1868,
by Bishop Joseph Long; the structure, outside of considerable
\vork and material contributed by individual members, costing
about $4,000.
This house though considerably enlarged and improved, being
still inadequate to the rapidly growing needs of the society, an
entirely new church edifice was erected in 1888-'89 on the front end
of the lot, corner of Bartges and Coburn streets. Size of building
(frame) 54x100 feet, its cost being $12,340; seating capacity 1,000.
Successive Pastors since organization: Revs. Jesse L/erch, A.
Swartz, H. E. Strauch, A. E. Driesbach, S. S. Condo, A. Vander-
soll, Li. W. Hankey, J. B. Kanaga, S. S. Condo, D. C. Eckerman, J.
A. Hensel, and E. M. Spreng, the latter assuming the pastorate in
September 1890. Present members of Church, 390; teachers and
scholars in Sunday School, 500,
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL'S CHURCH.
At quite an early day, the construction of the Public Works of
Ohio centering a large Catholic element at this point, Catholic
services were occasionally held in the private houses of the mem-
bers of that faith. Father Henni, afterwards Archbishop of Mil-
waukee, 1835, coming on horseback from Cincinnati and saying
mass in the cabin of the late James McAllister, then living in the
village of Akron; Rev. J. B. Purcell, afterwards Archbishop of
Cincinnati, Rev. L/ouis De Groesbriand, Father McL/aughlin,
Father Basil Short and others, holding services from time to time,
the latter attending to the baptising of children, etc., from 1837
to 1842.
A small frame house was commenced on Green street, in 1843,
by Father M. Howard, who retained charge of the congregation to
1844. Father Cornelius Daly in charge from 1845 to 1848, enlarged
and finished the house begun by Father Howard, Father Daly
being the first resident pastor. Succceeding pastors have been
Rev. Cassina Moavet, October 1848 to June 1850; Father Goodwin,
June to December, 1850; Rev. Francis McGann, December, 1850 to
August 1855; Rev. L,. Molon, January, 1856, followed by Rev.
Thomas Walsh and Rev. W. O'Connor for about three years; Rev.
M. A. Scanlon from July, 1859 to November, 1873; Rev.
Timothy Mahoney from November, 1873, to August 1, 1880, at
which time the present incumbent, Rev. T. F. Mahar, assumed the
pastorate of the congregation.
208
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
REV. THOMAS F. MAHAR, D. D.,
son of Thomas and Ann
(Hart) Mahar, both natives of the
United States, was born at Scranton,
Pa., September 28, 1851, in 1862 entered
St. Mary's College, in Cleveland,
where he remained four years, then
attended St. Louis College, at Louis-
ville, Stark County, three years. In
1869 he went to Rome, Italy, where
he pursued his ecclesiastical studies
six years, there receiving the degrees
of Ph. D. and D. D. In 1875 came to
Cleveland, where he was made
Assistant Pastor in St. John's Cathe-
dral, serving in that capacity five
years. August 1, 1880, by appoint-
ment of Bishop Gilmour, Father
Mahar became the Pastor of St.
Vincent de Paul's Church, of Akron,
his ministrations having been
attended with signal success to the
present time, as will be seen by the
history of the church, given else-
where, not only having charge of St.
Vincent de Paul's Church proper,
on West Market Street, with a mem-
bership of 275 families, but of St.
Mary's division, on South Main
Street, with a membership of nearly
REV. THOMAS F.' MAHAR.
100'families, (soon to be erected into
an independent parish), with his
brother, Rev. William G. Mahar, as
his assistant.
On St. Patrick's Day, 1864, the present imposing stone church
edifice, 50x100 feet in size, corner of West Market and Maple streets
was begun, the exact date of its dedication not being remembered
by the -writer. The architecture is of the Roman order,, the
interior being handsomely stuccoed, and its twelve large windows
being of elaborately stained glass, emblematical of sacred Bible
characters and scenes, the keystone of each window arch, upon
the outside, being the finely carved head of some of the more
prominent Saints of the Roman Calendar. The tower, and the
furnishing have not yet been fully completed, though the tower
now contains a large, fine-toned bell, placed there by the congrega-
tion, and a first-class clock, procured by general contributions of
citizens. The estimated cost of building, when complete is $50,000.
This society has a handsomely laid-out cemetery, fronting on
West Market street, opposite Portage road, consisting of about
seven acres of ground, the original cost of which was not far from
$2,500.
The society also in 1887 erected, immediately east of the
church, an elegant brick parsonage, at a cost of $5,000. The con-
gregation consists of 275 families, or 1,500 souls.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL'S CHAPEL OF EASE.
To accommodate the rapidly increasing "South End" member-
ship of the above named society, St. Mary's Division was organ-
ized and a fine brick building, 36x62 feet in size, two stories high,
was erected in 1887, on South Main Street, opposite McCoy Street,
in which, besides being used for a parish school, as elsewhere
stated, Father Mahar has hitherto held regular services every
Sunday afternoon, but is now assisted in his ministrations to that
AKRON S CHURCH HISTORY.
209
branch of the Church, by his brother, Rev. William G. Mahar.
There are at present connected with this division 100 families, or
about 500 souls. It is the intention to erect a commodious brick
church edifice upon the same lot at an early day.
ST. BERNARD'S CHURCH.
Originally all of the different nationalities subscribing to the
Roman Catholic faith, residing here, were embodied in the one
church organization of St. Vincent de Paul. Owing to the rapidly
increasing German element in that denomination, an amicable
separation was effected in 1861, twenty-three families, of the Ger-
man-speaking portion, at that time forming a new society, under
the title of " St. Bernard's Catholic Church. " The new society was
placed in charge of Rev. Father Loure, of St. Peter's Church,
Cleveland, by whom the corner-stone of a new church, northeast
corner of South Broadway and Center streets, was laid in 1862.
The new church was completed and occupied in January, 1863.
REV. JOHN B. BROUN, D. D.,
born in Rening, France, March
2, 1834, moving with parents to Mon-
roe, Mich., in 1847; at 20 entered
Assumption College, at feandwich,
Ontario, remaining there three years;
then entered St. Thomas College,
near Bardstown, Ky., from which he
graduated in 1859; then spent one
year in St. Mary's College, Cleveland,
studied Theology at Assumption
College three } r ears, ordained priest
in 1863, and located at Eagle Harbor,
Mich., with a territory 55 miles in
length, embracing three churches,
sixteen missions and over 1,000
families, in making his semi-
monthly visits to the churches and
monthly visits to the missions often
traveling long distances on foot. In
1866, Father Broun assumed the pas-
torate of St. Bernard's Church, in
Akron, in whose spiritual and tem-
poral interests, for over a quarter of
a century, with the exception of two
brief visits to Europe, in 1873 and 1890,
he has labored" with phenomenal
REV. JOHN B. BROUN, DD.
success, as fully set forth in the his-
tory of that church, elsewhere given.
First cost of structure not remembered, but accessions and
improvements to the church property have since been made as
follows: 1865, residence of pastor, $2,200; 1866, cemetery, 4y 2 acres,
$2,500; 1867, school house, $1,400; 1868, renovation of church, $1,150;
1870, two bells, $1,350; 1874, necessary improvements, $1,200; 1877,
bell tower, $2,600 ; frescoing church, $400 ; large bell, $946 ;
other improvements, $200; 1880, addition to the church, $12,000;
enlargement, heating, etc., of parsonage, $4,000; interior of church
altars, statues, candelabra, etc., $3,000. As will be seen by an item
in a preceding. chapter, the society has recently purchased two
large lots abutting on South Broad-way, Center and State streets,
at a cost of $9,000, on which it has erected a parish school building
14
210 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
costing $35,000, and on the south part of which it is the intention
of the society to build an imposing church edifice, or cathedral, in
the near future.
Pastors of church since Father Loure: 1862, Rev. Louis Shiele,
the first regular pastor; 1863, Rev. Peter Donnerhoffe; 1866, the
present incumbent, Rev. John Broun. Present membership
between 400 and 500 families or nearly 2000 souls. Children in
schools about 500.
AKRON HEBREW CONGREGATION.
Though a number of Hebrew merchants commenced doing
business in Akron as early as 1845, and that class of our population
increased from year to year, no steps were taken towards the
organization of a congregation of that faith until 1865. April 2, of
that year, a legal organization was effected, with Michael Joseph,
Theo. Rice, J. L.Joseph, S. B. Hopf man, Simon Joseph, H. W. Moss,
Isaac Levi, S. M. Ziesel, Moses Joseph, Herman F. Hahn, J. N.
Leopold, D. Leopold, Louis Calish, Caufman Koch and Jacob
Koch, as charter members. Being reluctant to call upon other
denominations, or the public generally, in providing for them-
selves a house of worship, for four years after its organization the
association had no fixed place for holding its meetings, but in 1869
fitted up a room in the third story of Allen's block for synagogue
and school purposes. This was occupied until 1874, when new
rooms were fitted up in Clark's block, on the opposite side of
Howard street, which, in turn, gave place to still more commo-
dious quarters in the third story of the new Barber block, cor-
ner, of Howard and Cherry streets, in 1880, over $1,000 being
expended in fitting up the latter, nearly as much more, probably,
being expended upon the two former.
In 1885 the former house of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, on
South High street, was purchased for the sum of $4,500, and refitted
for a Jewish Temple, at an additional cost of $2,000. In this pur-
chase and improvement, outside aid to the extent of $2,500 was
accepted from citizens generally, the members of this societ}^ ever
doing their full share in the business and benevolent enterprises
of the day. The congregation some time ago purchased land for
burial purposes, adjoining the Akron Rural Cemetery, on the west,
but afterwards transferred the same to the Cemetery Association,
in exchange for a section of the southeast corner of the cemetery
grounds, paying the association $1,000 additional in money.
The Jewish population in Akron is probably about 300 souls,
175 of whom are adherents of this branch of the church, the
remainder, composed mostly of other nationalities than the Ger-
man, being known as "Orthodox Jews," which has no Rabinical
head at the present time.
The number of paying members heads of families of the
High Street Society is about 125, with about 40 Sabbath School
scholars, the children attending the public schools during the
week, the Rabbi giving them lessons in German and Hebrew four
times a week, the regular religious services of the congregation
being held on Friday evening of each week. Successive ministers
to the congregation have been: Revs. N. Hirsch, N. L. Holstein,
AKRON S CHURCH HISTORY.
211
J. Jesselson, A. Suhler, A. Schreier, A. Burgheim, S. M. Fleisch-
mari, B. Rabbino and Rabbi Joseph Wasserman, the present
incumbent.
WEST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
About 1885, owing to the rapid increase of the protestant
population in the west part of the city, and especially in view of
the somewhat plethoric status of the Kirst Congregational Society
\vorshipping on South High
street, a new society upon the
West Side began to be talked of,
when Mr. Lorenzo Hall gener-
ously proposed to donate a lot
for the proposed new church, on
the northwest corner of West
Market and North Balch streets.
The proposition was accepted,
and a tasty frame structure,
50x50 feet in size, with light and
airy Sunday School rooms in
basement, -was completed i n
December, 1887, at a cost of $6,300.
The church was duly organ-
ized April 12, 1888, with 65 mem-
bers from the parent society, and
others, the present membership
of the new society (August, 1891),
being 225; Sunday School teach-
ers and scholars, 400.
\\est Congregational Church, corner ,, -.000 T-> T-K i
West Market and North Balch May 13, 1888, Rev. David T.
Thomas, a graduate of Lane
REV. DAVID T. THOMAS, second
son of Thomas E. and Margaret
Thomas, was born in Penycae, Mon-
mouthshire, South Wales, July 20,
1857, emigrating with parents to Min-
'<jral Ridge, Mahoning County, Ohio,
in 1864, three years later moving to
Brookfield, Trumbull County, work-
ing at coal mining; in 1876 worked on
farm near West Farmiiigton ; in 1877
attended commercial college in
Youngstown ; then clerked in grocery
store in Sharon, Pa., fifteen months ;
in 1879 entered preparatory depart-
ment of Western Reserve College, at
Hudson, going to Cleveland on
removal of college thither, and gradu-
ating from Adelbert University in
June, 1885. In Fall of that year
entered Lane Theological Seminary,
at Cincinnati, graduating therefrom
in May, 1888, previous to graduation
accepting call to the pastorate of the
West Congregational Church of
Akron, entering upon his ministerial
labors May 13, 1888, and continuing to
the present time. January 5, 1889, REV D AVID T. THOMAS.
Mr. Thomas was married to Miss
Millie H. Alexander, daughter of the ander. They have one child Ruth
late David S. and Sarah (Hale) Alex- born June 19, 1891.
212 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
Theological Seminary, at Cincinnati, became the pastor of the new
church (his first regular charge,) though not as yet regularly
installed. Taken all in all, the West Congregational Church is
one of the most prosperous of the younger religious societies in
the city.
AFRICAN M. E. ZION CHURCH.
For a number of years the colored people of Akron have main-
tained, -with more or less vigor, distinct religious organizations,
the present society known as the African Methodist Episcopal Zion
Church, having been in existence some twelve or fifteen years.-
At first meetings were held in private houses and halls, but after
the erection of the present Perkins School building, the old frame
school house was purchased and removed to the present site of
Andrew Jackson's lumber office, on Exchange street, east of Ohio
Canal. This point being needed for business purposes, about 1882,
through the aid and under the auspices of the Ladies' Home Mis-
sionary Society, a lot was purchased on South High street, between
Cedar and Chestnut streets, and the house in question removed
thereto and duly fitted up and furnished. For some time church
and Sunday School services were conducted under the auspices of
the white ladies of the Missionary Society, but now wholly by the
colored people themselves regular morning and evening services
every Sunday, with Sunday School in the afternoon. Among the
pastors of this church have been Rev. P. R. Anderson, five years;
Rev. Charles H. Docket, one year; Rev. A. B. Mathews, two years;
Rev. P. R. Anderson (second time), one year; Rev. J. H. McMullen,
one year, and present incumbent, Rev. George Cliff. Present
trustees (1891): Isham Smith, Milton Taylor, Richard Jones,
James Morrison, Wilson Gross. Present membership, 25; Sunday
School scholars, 25; teachers, 5.
SHILOH BAPTIST CHURCH (COLORED).
This society has been organized about 10 years, but having no
house of worship of its own, meetings are at present held in a
hall on Howard street, Rev. Cheatham, of Cleveland, officiating
every other Sunday. Membership, 25; Sunday School scholars
and teachers, 40.
TRINITY REFORMED CHURCH.
The rapidly increasing population of the region known as
"North Hill," rendering better church and Sunday School facili-
ties an imperative necessity, a Union Sabbath School was organ-
ized, and a suitable building for general religious services erected
on North Howard street extension in 1889. The interest manifested
in this enterprise by the people of that vicinity, soon created a
demand for distinctive church privileges, and on October 1, 1890,
Rev. E. D. Wettach organized Trinity Reformed Church, with a
present membership of 150, and a Sunday School of 270 scholars and
teachers, a Sunday School building, with seating capacity for 350,
having been erected at a cost of $3,800 with the intention of adding
thereto a more commodious church structure at an early day.
NORTH HILL M. E. CHURCH.
February 1, 1891, Rev. O. A. Curry organized, in the Union
Sunday School House, a new M. E. Church, under the above title,
AKRON'S CHURCH HISTORY. 213
the present pastor being Rev. Mark G. McCaslin, of Kent.
Present membership, 60: Sunday School scholars (union) 75 to 100.
This new society have secured a lot at corner of North Howard
street and Tallmadge avenue and have already (July, 1891) a fund
of $3,000 towards the erection of a house of worship. Trustees:
Wilson Treash, George Iv. Hanks, George Rittenhouse, Henry
Zink, Robert Turner, Andrew Jackson and B. C. Herrick Treash
and Zink, leaders.
WABASH AVENUE CHURCH OF CHRIST.
The young people of the High Street Church of Christ, feeling
the necessity of Missionary work in the southwestern portion of
the city, in June, 1889, organized a Mission Sunday School in that
locality, with such marked success that on Sunday, July 12, 1891,
a handsome chapel, corner of Wabash and Euclid avenues, costing
$2,400, was dedicated. The Sunday School membership is now
(July, 1891) 140 with 12 teachers and officers. Church organiza-
tion, proper, not yet perfected.
SOUTH MAIN STREET CHURCH OF CHRIST.
This is also a Mission enterprise, organized in March, 1891,
tinder the auspices of the High Street Church of Christ, services
thus far having been held in the Falor school house, though the
erection of a house of worship at an early day is in contemplation.
Present membership (July, 1891) 58; Sunday School scholars
.(union) 91; teachers and officers, 15.
SHERBONDY HILL CHURCH OF CHRIST.
Organized February 1, 1891; present place of worship
Sherbondy Hill school house, Rev. Wellington Besaw; present
membership (July, 1891), 21; Sunday School scholars, 100.
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.
Organized under the auspices of the Evangelical Lutheran
Synod, by Rev. E. M. Engers, of Defiance, in Germania Hall, on
Sunday, July 12, 1891, with a membership of 14. Temporary
officers; Frank Werner, president; Fred Albright, secretary;
Christian Reinhard, treasurer.
O.LD FORGE SUNDAY SCHOOL.
Under the auspices of the First Congregational Church, in
which a union Sunday School is maintained with about 180
scholars, and regular preaching by Rev. Clinton W. Wilson.
CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH.
Organized May, 1890, in hall, 200 East Market street; Rev.
Oeorge E. Burnell, pastor; Trustees: Herbert P. Hitchcock, chair-
man, Charles M. Huntley, Earl D. Shepard; membership 50;
Sunday School 50.
214 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
SWEDISH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN BETHANY CHURCH.
Organized January 29, 1889: Services every other Sunda3^ by
Rev. G. M. Nilseneus, of Cleveland; deacons, John Petterson, Nels
Nelson, Nels Bengtson; trustees, Gustof Carlson, Gustof Johnson,
John Olson; church edifice on Roswell street, 28x45, two stories
and basement, erected in 1891; membership 75; Sunday School 78,
CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
At a special meeting of the Cleveland Presbytery, in 1891, a
committee, consisting of Revs. Kd ward Lay port, A. J. Hall, Charles
S. Pomeroy and John C. Klliott, were appointed to look over the
ground, -with the view of organizing a new Presbyterian 1 Church in
the central portion of the city. It is understood that the com-
mittee is meeting with such encouragement, in the way of pledges,
that an organization will soon be effected, and a commodious
house of worship erected, though the exact location has not yet
been definitely decided upon.
AKRON MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION.
This Association has been in existence several years, its aim
and object tersely stated in article 2, of its Constitution, as fol-
lows: "To cultivate mutual acquaintance and the social element;
to discuss local and social problems, and to secure, as far as possi-
ble, harmony and united action on questions of public expediency."
At first the constitution provided that all resident ministers,
in good and regular standing in their respective denominations,
might become members by invitation of the Association, through
its Secretary, but an amendment, passed September 8, 1885,
extended the privileges of the Association to all clergymen resi-
dent in Summit County.
The officers are: president, vice president and secretary,
elected annually. Regular meetings are held every two weeks,
except during the months of July and August, with such special
meeting as the best interests of the Association may seem to
demand.
The meetings of the Association are open to all, and its pro-
ceedings are participated in by the ministers of the religious
denominations of the city and county, and is a very useful organi-
zation, not only in a social and fraternal point of view, but in
securing unity of action in regard to the promotion of the relig-
ious and moral questions and reforms of the day.
CHAPTER XL
AKRON'S NEWSPAPERS A TRULY LITERARY CENTERANCIENT MIDDLEBURY
THE PIONEER, IN 1825 THE "PORTAGE JOURNAL" HUDSON AND CUYAHOGA
FALLS SOON FOLLOW AKRON ALSO EARLY ON THE TAPIS THE "AKRON
POST," ESTABLISHED IN 1836 THE "AKRON JOURNAL" THE "AMERICAN
BALANCE" THE CELEBRATED "AKRON BUZZARD" THE "SUMMIT BEACON,"
ITS STRUGGLES, REVERSES AND . SUCCESSES FOR HALF A CENTURY THE
"AMERICAN DEMOCRAT" AND ITS NUMEROUS PROGENY THE "CASCADE
ROARER" THE "SUMMIT COUNTY JOURNAL "THE "AKRON CITY TIMES,"
AND SCORES OF OTHER NEWSPAPER VENTURES, BOTH SUCCESSFUL AND
UNSUCCESSFUL AN ENTERTAINING AND INSTRUCTIVE CHAPTER.
SUMMIT COUNTY'S NEWSPAPERS.
THE first newspaper venture in what is now Summit County,
was in the village of Middlebury, now the flourishing Sixth
Ward of Akron, in 1825. The Ohio Canal project was then
agitating the local public mind, it being thought that if that great
water highway from Lake Erie to the Ohio River, could be brought
through, or within a mile and a half of, that ancient emporium,
fortunes for its inhabitants would speedily be made.
Hence an active and intelligent young printer from Ravenna,
by the name of Laurin Dewey, proposed to boom the project by
the publication of the Ohio Canal Advocate, if the people of the
village would aid him in procuring the necessary outfit. Accord-
ingly, a subscription paper was started, worded as follows: "We,
the subscribers, being anxious for the prosperity of this section of
the country, and for the dissemination of useful information gen-
erally, do severally agree to pay the sums set opposite our respec-
tive names, for the purchase of a printing press, types, etc., and
the erection of a printing establishment in the village of
Middlebury, under the direction of Mr. Laurin Dewey, who will
edit a weekly paper devoted to the general interests of the country,
advertising, etc., the columns to be enriched by foreign and
domestic news, religious intelligence, poetry, etc; the sums so paid
by us to be considered in the light of a loan, to be repaid whenever
the editor shall consider himself able to do so."
Signatures to above, and amounts paid by each are as follows:
Charles Sumner, $10; Erastus Torrey, $10; Henry Chittenden, $5;
Nathan Gillett, Jr., $5; Rufus Hart, $3; Edward Sumner, $10;
Samuel Newton, $10; Charles W. Brown, 5; Benajah A. Allen, $3;
Phineas Pettis, 5; Elijah Mason, $5; John McMillen, Jr., $10;
Spencer & Morgan, $15; Alexander C. Lawson, $2; William
McGallard, $2; D. W. Williams, $5; Thomas C. Viall, $2; Jacob
Kaufman, $5; Jesse Allen, $4; Ithiel Mills, $3; Amos Spicer, $4
William Bell, $3; Roswell, Kent & Co., $5; Henry Squires, $5;
Elisha Farnam, $5; Joseph W. Brown, $5; Horatio Howard, $5;
Ambrose Cotter, $5; Henry Rhodes, $3; William Phelps, $2;
William J. Hart, $3; R. and S. McClure, $5; Theophilus Potter, $2;
Joshua Richards, $2; Bagley & Humphrey, $10; Leonard Chatfield,
$2; David Jones, $2; Julius A. Sumner, $3; Miner Spicer, $4;
Alpheus Hart, $1; Paul Williams $2; Guerdon Geer,$5. Total #204.
216 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
With this fund an old style Ramage press, and a quantity of
second-hand materials were purchased from the Cleveland Herald,
the entire outfit being transported overland in a couple of two-
horse \vagons.
In the meantime Mr. Ozias Bowen, (uncle of the late Hiram
Bowen, founder of the BEACON, as hereinafter detailed), for many
years Common Pleas Judge of Marion County, became associated
with Mr. Dewey in the enterprise; and the canal question having
already been settled, the name of the projected paper -was changed
to the Portage Journal.
The first number was issued September 28, 1825, Mr. Dewey
having meantime transferred his interest to Klijah Mason. The
size of the Journal was 19x24, an inch less each way than one-half
the size of the DAILY BEACON. The price was "two dollars per
annum, (exclusive of postage) if payment be made within a year,
or two dollars and fifty cents if payment be delayed until the year
expires. No paper will be discon tin ued un til all arrearages are
paid."
In politics the Journal was independent, with strong anti-
Jackson proclivities. October 27, 1826, Mr. Bowen transferred
his interest to Mr. John McMillen, Jr., the new firm of McMillen
& Mason changing the name of the paper to the Portage Journal
and Weekly Advertiser.
This was a pretty long name for so small a paper. A year
later, with number 109, Mr. Mason transferred his interest to
Alvah Hand, Esq., then practicing law in Middlebury. McMillen
& Hand continued the paper until January or February, 1829, when,
finding that it could not be made self-supporting, it was discon-
tinued, the materials being sold to parties in Massillon.
In subsequent chapters upon Hudson and Cuyahoga Falls, will
be found brief histories of the Western Intelligencer (1827); the
Ohio Observer (1832); the Family Visitor (1850); Hudson Gazette
(1857); College City Venture (1866); Hudson Enterprise (1875);
and at Cuyahoga Falls, of the Ohio Review (1833); True American
(1840); the Cuyahoga Falls Reporter (1870); Weekly Journal
(1881); Hudson Express (1888), etc., which need not be further
alluded to here.
Previous to its incorporation, in March, 1836, Akron was
entirely destitute of local newspaper facilities, being entirely
dependent upon the papers of Ravenna, Hudson and Cuyahoga
Falls, for such legal or business notices as were required to be
published. The act of incorporation was passed March 12, 1836,
and immediately thereafter a practical printer from Medina, Mr.
Madison H. White, removed his Ramage press and types to Akron,
and on March 23 issued the first number of the Akron Post.
The Post was a five column weekly, Democratic in politics,
and, considering that its proprietor was editor, compositor,
reporter, pressman, job printer and " devil," it was a very fair expo-
nent of the business and local interests of the village at that time.
But as all official advertising had to be done in the papers at
the county seat, the local paper did not receive the support antici-
pated; and the Post was suspended November 15, 1836.
The Akron Journal. Deeming the continuance of a Demo-
cratic paper essential to the interests of the Democratic party, the
late Judge Constant Bryan, then an ambitious young lawyer, and,
AKRON'S NEWSPAPERS. 217
like the writer, a somewhat active Democratic politician, bought
the out-fit of the defunct Post, and on the 1st day of December,
1836, revived the paper under the name of the Akron Journal.
While of the same general make-up as the Post, the Journal
"was far more ably conducted, but the proper business and pecun-
iary support was not forthcoming, and the Journal, too, after an
existence of about six months, was discontinued June 15, 1837.
The American Balance. In so stirring and promising,
and withal so strongly Whig a town as Akron, it would, of course,
never do to let the Democrats enjoy a monopoly of the newspaper
business, and so Horace K. Smith, an educated business man of
Akron, and Gideon G. Galloway, of Northampton, a practical
printer, procured a second-hand out-fit in Cleveland, purchased
and repaired the crippled Ohio Observer press, alluded to in the
chapter on Hudson, and issued the first number of the American
Balance on the 19th day of August, 1837.
In February, Mr. Hiram Bowen, a vigorous writer, and a
practical printer, purchased Mr. Galloway's interest in the paper.
Messrs. Smith & Bowen made the Balance a paper that ought to
have succeeded, but it, too, soon met an adverse fate, owing
doubtless to the monetary panic then on, and the failure-inviting
custom then in vogue among newspaper men, of giving universal
credit for both subscriptions and advertising, and the Balance
was suspended at the end of the first year, August 9, 1838.
The Akron Buzzard. The history of this curiously named
and, in its day, quite notorious little paper is thus briefly stated:
A young Connecticut Yankee, by the name of Samuel Alanson
Lane, then a recent comer to Akron, seeing the great amount of
crookedness so prevalent along the line of the canal, at that early
day, and especially in and about Akron, conceived the idea that a
paper devoted especially to that end would greatly aid the
authorities in ridding the town and county from the hordes of
blacklegs, counterfeiters and thieves infesting and disgracing the
community.
Though following the business of a sign and ornamental
painter, Mr. Lane had previously acquired a smattering of the art
of printing, and obtaining from the late Judge Bryan permission
to use the press and types of the defunct Journal, on the 7th day
of September, 1837, issued, as a feeler, the first number of the
Akron Buzzard.
It was a three column folio, 12x17 inches, published every two
weeks at 75 cents per year, doubled in size arid price raised to one
dollar at the beginning of the second year. The editorial nom de
plume was "Jedediah Brownbread, Ksq.," its orthography being
of the Yankee dialect order, of which the abominable styles of
"Artemas Ward," "Josh Billings," "Petroleum V. Nasby," "Judge
Waxem," etc., are fairly good imitations, and to this day Mr. Lane
is more frequently saluted as "Jedediah," by his old-time asso-
ciates, than by his own proper cognomen.
The Buzzard's Platform. Translated into ordinary lan-
guage, the following extract from its salutatory fully sets forth
the aims and objects of the paper: "The Buzzard will be a real
jolly, nothing- to-do- with-politics, anti-blackleg paper, devoted to
news, popular tales, miscellany, anecdotes, satire, poetry, humor,
the correction of public morals, etc. It will strike at the vices of
218 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
mankind with an occasional brush at its follies. It will expose
crime whether committed by the great or small, and applaud vir-
tuous and noble actions whether performed by the rich or poor,
It will encourage the honest man in well-doing and make a trans-
parency of the breast of the hypocrite. In short, it will be to
society what the common buzzard is to our Southern cities, viz.: It
will pounce upon, and by its influence endeavor to reform, or
remove, such loafers as are nuisances in the community, b} r hold-
ing them up to the gaze of a virtuous public."
The Buzzard made things lively for the "b'hoys" and the
"b'hoys" sometimes made things pretty lively for the Buzzard
or rather its editor visiting him with threatenings dire, vindic- '
tive lyings-in-wait and frequent assaults. But though literally
carrying his life in his hand, in his editorial onslaught upon crime
and vice, "Jedediah" pursued the even tenor of his way from day
to day, and from month to month, for a year and a half, when r
having accomplished the object of its mission, the Buzzard was
discontinued on the 25th day of Februarj^, 1839 not for want of
patronage, for it was self-sustaining from the start its subscrip-
tion list being transferred to Hiram Boweri, Ksq., who was thus
able to resuscitate his own paper, under the title of the Summit
Beacon, a full history of which \vill be found further on.
The Pestalozzian. From the start, Akron was well sup-
plied with enthusiastic educators, among them being our vener-
able fellow citizen, Nahum Fay, Esq., the late Horace K. Smith,
and a very proficent teacher by the name of S. L. Sawtell. For
the purpose of enthusing the people with their own advanced
ideas upon the subject of education, and of systematizing the
methods of imparting knowledge and conducting public schools,
the two latter gentlemen, on the 14th day of April, 1838, commenced
the publication of a neat monthly quarto under the above title.
Though ably edited, being in advance of the times, and by reason
of the monetary stringency then on, it failed to secure a paying
circulation, and was discontinued with the issue of its sixth num-
ber; September 30, 1838.
The Ohian and New Era. The question of finance and
banking was one of the absorbing subjects of discussion and
legislative tinkering of 50 years ago. To ventilate his own pecu-
liar views upon the subject, and doubtless with an honest desire
to ameliorate the financial embarassments of the people, the late
Jonathan F. Fenn, an early business man of Akron, (who died of
cholera at Sacramento, Cal., in the fall of 1850), for a short time
in 1838, published a small semi-monthly paper in Akron, under the
above title, devoted to Free Banking, but though ably (from its
standpoint) handling the financial questions of the day, it failed of
financial success, and quietly expired.
Glad Tidings and Ladies' Universalist Magazine. -- This
was a sprightly semi-monthly quarto, published in Akron, in the
interest of the Universalist faith, during the years 1838, 1839 and
1840. It was ably edited by S. A. Davis, N. Doolittle and J. Whit-
ney, and besides being a vigorous and aggressive exponent of the
doctrine of universal salvation, was a most excellent literar} 7 and
general local newspaper. At the close of 1840, the paper was
transferred to Cincinnati and its name changed to "The Star in
the West," where it continued to shine, in the interest of that
AKRONS NEWSPAPERS.
219
denomination, until about the year 1881,
unknown to the writer, it was discontinued.
when, for reasons
HON. HIRAM BOWEN, born in
Strobridge, Mass., April 29, 1815,
removing with parents to Ohio, when
young-, settling at "Old Forge;" in
1825, entered the printing office of
his uncle, Judge Ozias Bowen, pub-
lisher of Middlebury's pipneeer
paper, the Portage Journal, herein
alluded to, as an apprentice. In 1838,
in company with Horace K. Smith,
published the American Balance in
Akron, and in April 1839, on his own
account, established the Summit
Beacon, which he ably conducted
nntil its sale to other parties, in 1845,
though continuing' to officiate as its
editor one or two years longer. Mr.
Bowen represented Summit Count}'
in the Ohio Legislature during the
session of 1845, '46. In 1849 Mr. Bowen
removed to Janesville, Wisconsin,
where he edited the Janesville
Gazette for several years, afterwards
becoming manager of extensive
Agricultural Works in that city.
His health becoming seriously
impaired Mr. Bowen finally retired to
a large farm in South Dakota. Early
in 1886, he went to Los Angeles, Cal.,
to visit his son, Mr. W. P. Bowen, a
postal clerk on the Southern Pacific
R. R., where he died March 20, 1886, at
the age of 70 years and 11 months.
Another son, W. S. Bowen, is one of
the proprietors of the Daily Press
and Dakotian, at Yankton, Dakota.
HON. HIRAM BOWEN.
The Summit Beacon. This paper, the direct and legiti-
mate successor of the American Balance, was started on the 15th
day of April, 1839, on a pledge of adequate support from the busi-
ness men of Akron, and the leaders of the Whig party within the
limits of the prospective new county of Summit, for the erection
of which it at once became a vigorous and successful advocate.
But notwithstanding the pledges of support, and of official
patronage, after the organization of the new county, the Beacon
in common with the newspapers of the county, generally, had a
hard struggle for existence for several years, yet though three
times totally destroyed by fire, and hampered with pecuniary
embarassments, the Reliable Old Weekly Beacon, has never
missed an issue during the fifty-two years of its existence, though
slightly diminished in dimensions, while recovering from its disas-
ters, and is to-day at the very head of the weekly papers in Ohio.
In May, 1844, Mr. Bowen sold the BEACON to Mr. Richards S.
Klkins, previously connected with the Ohio Star, at Ravenna.
Mr. Bowen continued to act as editor, until April, 1845, when he
was succeded by Laurin Dewey, Esq., a brother-in-law o,f Mr.
Elkins, who also purchased a half interest in the concern. Mr.
Dewey, it will be recollected, was the originator of Middlebury's
220
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
first newspaper scheme, as above set forth; having in the mean-
time been connected with the Ohio Star, as proprietor and editor,
and also served two terms as sheriff of Portage County.
April 2, 1846, Mr. Dewey was elected warden of the Ohio
penitentiary, but retained his interest in the BEACON until its
recovery from the fire of June 9, 1848, when the establishment was
sold by Messrs. Dewey & Elkins to John Teesdale, Esq., former
editor of the Ohio State Journal, at Columbus, Mr. Dewey remov-
ing to Iowa, (where he died September 10, 1868), and Mr. Elkins
forming a partnership with Mr. Joseph A. Beebe in the book and
drug business.
Under the able management of Mr. Teesdale the BEACON
became the organ of the newly formed Republican party, in 1855,
a partnership having in the meantime been formed between Mr.
Teesdale and Beebe & Elkins, the new book, drug and printing
firm being Elkins, Teesdale & Co. February 27, 1856, Mr. Teesdale
sold his interest to his co-partners, Beebe & Elkins, but continued
to act as editor until his removal to Des Moines, Iowa, where he
was elected State printer, postmaster, etc., May 1, 1856, and was
succeeded in the editorial chair by Hon. James Carpenter until his
accession to the Common Pleas Judgship, October, 1856, when
ex-Senator Ashel H. Lewis, of Ravenna, assumed* the position
which he ably filled, with Mr. R. S. Elkins as associate editor,
about four years.
HON. ASAHEL HOOKER LEWIS,
a native of Farmington, Conn.,
and a graduate of Yale College, soon
after graduating coming to Ohio ;
for a time associated with J. A.
Harris in the editorial management
of the Cleveland Herald, and later
editing the Ohio Star at Ravenna.
Mr. Lewis was also a lawyer of con-
siderable ability, for a time practic-
ing in Cincinnati. While a resident
of Ravenna, in October, 1846, Mr.-
Lewis was elected State Senator for
Portage and Summit Counties, serv-
ing two years. In 1856, he removed
to Akron, and became the editor-in-
chief of the SUMMIT COUNTY BEACON,
then published by Joseph A. Beebe
and Richard S. Elkins, holding the
positon until 1861. In July, 1861, he
was appointed, by Gov. William
Dennison, Probate Judge of Summit
County, to fill the vacancy occasion-
ed by the death of Judge William M.
Dodge, holding the position until
the following October. Mr. Lewis
then removed to St. Louis, where he
was given a prominent position
upon the editorial staff of the St.
HON. ASAHEL HOOKER LEWIS.
Louis Democrat, then the only
Republican paper in the South, ably
sustaining the government against
the slave-holders' rebellion, until his
death in September, 1862.
On retiring from the office of sheriff, in January, 1861, Mr.
Samuel A. Lane, superseded Mr. Lewis as editor of the BEACON.
Mr. Lane, by giving more attention to local matters than his pre-
decessors had done, and by the large amount of space devoted to
the writings and doings of Summit County's "boys in blue,"
AKRON'S NEWSPAPERS.
221
during the war, increased the circulation of the paper from 1,300 to-
2,500 copies weekly, the first two years.
In January, 1865, Mr. Lane and Mr. Horace G. Canfield each
bought a one-third interest from Messrs. Beebe & Elkins, the
name of the firm being Elkins, Lane & Co. In January, 1867,
Albertis L. Paine and Denis J. Long, two former BEACON boys,
-who, on being mustered out of the army, had established the
Summit County Journal, as elsewhere noted, bought the remain-
ing one-third interest in the BEACON from Messrs. Beebe & Elkins,
the firm now being changed to Lane, Canfield & Co.
In the Winter of 1868, Thomas C. Raynolds, then just gradu-
ated from the Michigan University, was employed as assistant
editor, and with the exception of a brief interruption, from 1870 to
1872, has been connected with the establishment ever since.
The Akron Daily Beacon. In the meantime Akron had
increased from a village of 5,500 inhabitants to a city of 10,000 in
1869, with manufacturing and commercial activities to match.
Something faster than a weekly local paper was demanded, and
on the 6th day of December 1869, the first number of the AKRON
DAILY BEACON was issued by Messrs. Lane, Canfield & Co., with
Mr. Lane as editor-in-chief, Mr. Raynolds as assistant editor, Mr,
Canfield as business manager, and superintendent of machinery,
and Messrs. Long and Paine, superintendents of job departments-
respectively.
DENIS J. LONG,-born in Albany,
N. Y., November 28, 1844 ; at 15,
came to Akron with his brother, J. A.
Long ; in 1859, entered BEACON office,
as an apprentice, serving between
three and four years ; in August, 1862,
enlisted in Co. H., 104th O. V. L, serv-
ing as a private soldier, until Febru-
ary, 1864, when he was appointed to a
clerkship in the office of Gen. Scho-
field, in the Department of the Ohio,
serving till the close of the war,
being mustered out at Greensboro,
N. C., June 28, 1865. On his return to
Akron, in company with Mr. Albertis
L. Paine, started the Summit County
Journal, with Judge James S.
Carpenter as editor. Jannary 1, 1867,
the Journal was discontinued, Mr.
Long and Mr. Paine each buying a
one-sixth interest in the BEACON,
Mr. Long retaining his interest as
partner and stockholder (at its organ-
zation as a stock company, being
elected secretary), until 1875, when he
entered the office of the Akron Iron
Company, as book-keeper, continuing
two years. March 1, 1877, he was
appointed agent of the Union
Express Company, afterwards of the
Union. American and Adams Com-
DENIS J. LONG.
panics, which responsible position
he held until his death, Januarj^ 17,
1883, at the age of 38 years, 1 month
and 20 days. In May, 1870, Mr. Long
was married to Miss Eliza A. Potter,
of Akron, who died May 13, 1891, aged
48 years, 3 months and 9 days.
In December, 1871, the Beacon Publishing Company was
organized with a capital of $25,000, Messrs. Lane and Long retain-
ing their one-third and one-sixth interests, respectively, Messrs.
Canfield and Paine retiring, the balance of the stock being taken
222 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
by a number of prominent business men of the city, with Mr. Lane
as business manager, Mr. Raynolds as editor-in-chief, and Mr.
Wilson M. Day as associate editor
The business of the concern rapidly increassd in all its depart-
ments, but unfortunately, in the very height of its business season,
in the job printing and binding line for the several manufacturing
concerns of the city, on the 27th day of April, 1872, the establish-
ment was totally destroyed by fire, with a loss, over and above
insurance, of fully one-half of its capital.
The burned building was immediately replaced, greatly
enlarged, and filled -with a full complement of first-class machinery
and material, and a large stock of general and fancy stationery.
This rebuilding and refitting of the establishment, on a greatly
enlarged scale, and with far better machinery and material, and
especially with its impaired capital, and several months interrup-
tion to its most profitable departments, while subjected to extra-
ordinary running expenses, piled up an indebtedness, that with
the almost immediately recurring monetary and commercial panic
of 1873, brought the company into very serious pecuniary
embarrassment.
To such an extent did this embarrassment press upon the
stockholders, though still nominally solvent, that it was at length
dee'med advisable to transfer its property, fanchise and good will
to any responsible party that would assume its liabilities. Accord-
ingly, in January, 1875, the entire property was sold to Thomas C.
Raynolds, Frank J. Staral and John H. Auble, on that basis, a
sufficient number of the old stockholders retaining a nominal
interest for the purpose of keeping the corporate organization
intact.
This arrangement continued about two years, when Mr. Auble
withdrew, leaving Messrs. Raynolds and Staral sole owners,
which relation was continued, with signal success, until May 16,
1887, when Mr. Staral sold his interest to Mr. Hermon Bronson,Mr.
Bronson, in turn, transferring his interest to Mr. Raynolds, April
14, 1889, and in its magnificent new home in the handsome six-
story brick block, erected especially for its use, by Hon. George
W. Grouse, corner of Mill and Main streets, the DAILY BEACON
establishment, with its extensive news, job printing, book-binding
and stationery departments, all fully equipped with first-class
machinery and material, being one of the most complete and
prosperous of its class in Ohio, its daily circulation having
increased from 600 in 1869, '70, to a present daily average of 3,500
copies; while the reliable old SUMMIT COUNTY WEEKLY BEACON,
correspondingly improved and prospered, duly celebrated its
golden anniversity on the 15th day of April, 1889.
Beacon and Republican. As hereinafter detailed, the Daily
Telegram and Sunday Gazette, in 1889, passed into the hands of
the newly organized Republican Publishing Company, with Mr.
Kenyon B. Conger as its president, its name being changed to the
Akron Daily Republican, which had a successful run until
January 1, 1891, when a consolidation was effected -with the BEACON.
The name and style of the consolidated organization, with a capi-
tal of $100,000, is The Akron Printing and Publishing Company,
with Hon. George W. Crouse as president, Kenyon B. Conger as
vice president and Thomas C. Raynolds as business manager, the
AKRON'S NEWSPAPERS.
223
several editions of the paper being: The Akron Beacon and
Republican, (daily), The Summit County Beacon, (weekly), and
the Sunday Republican. The American Farm News is now
also owned and published by this company.
'-THOMAS CRAIGHEAD RAY-
-*- N OLDS, -son of George and
Jane L. (Craighead) Raynolds, born
near Canton, Ohio, June 18, 1848 ;
educated in public schools of Canton
and Akron and at Western Reserve
College and Michigan University,
graduating from the classical course
of the latter institution, January 24,
1868, his long vacations being spent
upon the United States survey of the
northwestern lakes, under the super-
intendence of his uncle. Gen. W. F.
Raynolds, of the TJ. S. Engineers ;
July 14, 1868, began journalistic work
as a reporter on Detroit Post, six
months later, in January, 1869, com-
mencing work upon the BEACON, as
its first reporter ; in 1870 became
paragraph editor of Pittsburg Com-
inercial ; in 1871 did editorial work
on an insurance and manufacturing
journal, in Cincinnati ; in November,
1871, on organization of the Beacon
Publishing Company, became editor
of the Daily and Weekly BEACON,
continuing three 3 r ears ; from 1873 to
1875 did editorial work successive^
on Cleveland Sunday Voice, Cleve-
land Leader, and Toledo Commer-
cial ; in January, 1875, on reorganiza-
tion of Company, returned to the
BEACON, as its Editor-in-chief, which
position he maintained until January
1, 1891, when, on consolidation of the
Daily BEACON with the Daily REPUB-
LICAN, he became the Business
THOMAS CRAIGHEAD RAYNOLDS.
Manager of the newly organized
Akron Printing and Publishing
Company, which position he still
holds. January 3, 1873, he married
Miss Lillian Alice Waggoner, of
Akron (only daughter of John H. and
Laura A. Waggoner), who died Octo-
ber 4, 1883, leaving one son, Willie
Waggoner Raynolds. September 14,
1886, Mr. Raynolds was again married,
to Miss Ida B. Foote, only daughter
of Daniel S. and Mary A. Foote, of
Akron.
The American Democrat. August 10, 1842, Mr. Horace Can-
field, who was one of the founders of the Ohio Review, at
Cuyahoga Falls, in 1833, as elsewhere noted, issued in Akron the
first number of the American Democrat. The paper, as its name
indicates, was politically democratic. The Democrat was ably
conducted, as a party organ, until December 14, 1848, when it was
discontinued for reasons thus alluded to in Mr. Canfield's parting
editorial:
'In performing what he has thought a duty, in advocating Democratic
principles, he has too much neglected his duty to himself and family, and
he is often roughly reminded of this neglect by the empty state of the
domestic treasury, when calls on it are only for the simplest necessaries for
family use. It is of no avail that the books shdw a prosperous state of
finances, if the larder and meal bag are filled with emptiness. However pre-
valent the doctrine may be that editors can live on air, we can testify, from
experience, that it is a fallacy, so far as regards the editor's family."
The Akron Eagle. A week later, December 21, 1848, the first
number of an "Independent Miscellaneous Family Newspaper,"
uuder the above head, was issued by Mr. Canfield. This was con-
tinued just six months, the last issue appearing on the 14th day of
224
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
June, 1849, but without any statement as to the cause of its
suspension.
Akron Free Democrat. July 4, 1849, number one, volume
one, of a paper under the above title, with Horace Canfield as pub-
lisher and Sidney Kdgerton as editor, was issued, Mr. Kdgerton, in
his initial editorial saying: "The political character of this paper
is indicated by its title, and, while we stand as its editor, it shall
conform to the title it bears. No party prejudice shall induce u s
to support what we know to be wrong; neither shall party pre-
dilections restrain us from condemning what we believe to be
error. * * * We are firm believers in human progress, and that
belief is founded upon the recorded truths of history, which most
clearly point to 'a good time coming.' * * * Strike the chains
from the bondman wherever the power of the general government
extends, and give us a sure guaranty that slavery shall extend no
further, then we are ready to discuss and act in reference to minor
matters."
HORACE CANFIELD, born in
Middletown, Conn., July 4, 1803 ;
learned the printing business with
his uncle, Pholemon Canfield, in
Hartford, serving- seven years;
March 24, 1824, was married to Miss
Julia Ann Everard ; worked at trade
in Hartford and Cambridge, Mass.,
till 1833, when he came to Cuyahoga
Falls, where he established the Ohio
Review, as eleswhere stated. In the
Fall of 1834, went to Cleveland where
he published the Cleveland Adver-
tiser (Democratic) about four 3 r ears ;
in 1838 going to Medina, where he
published The Watchman (Demo-
cratic) four years, coming to Akron
in August, 1842, and establishing the
American Democrat, which he
published and edited most of the
time till his death, December 28, 1853,
at the age of 50 years, 5 months and
24 days. Mr. Canfield served in
Cleveland City Council, on Akron
Board of Education, and at the time
of his death was Recorder of the
Incorporated Village of Akron ; was
a zealous Mason and a highly honor-
ed citizen. Mr. and Mrs. Canfield
were the parents of six children
Henry E., (now residing in Akron,
and engraver of the accompanying
HOKACE CANFIELIX
potrait of his father); Thomas, who
died in April, 1860 ; Horace G., one
of the best known printers of Akron ;
Julia Ann (now Mrs. I. B. Hargett,
of Alexandria, Ohio), and William
arid Caroline who died young. Mrs.
Canfield died August 9, 1882, aged 80
years and 3 months,
Free Democratic Standard. The Free Democrat continued
until after the October electron of 1849, when the name was changed
as above, with LymanW. Hall, a well-known anti-slavery writer of
Ravenna, as editor and proprietor, the first number of which
appeared November 8, 1849. This arrangement was continued
until March 6, 1851, when the names of H. Canfield and W. O.
Viers appear as publishers, "assisted editorially by an association. ""
In November, 1851, Mr. Canfield resumed entire control, in August,
1852, dropping the "Free," though retaining the motto, "Freedom
and Equality," and continuing to publish the Democratic
AKRON S NEWSPAPERS.
Standard until his death, December 29, 1853, after which it was
published for some time by his two sons, Thomas and Horace G.
In the Spring of 1855 the office was sold to H. P. Abel, and the
Standard re-established, issuing a small daily. The experiment
was not successful, and both the daily and the weekly -were soon
suspended. In the Winter of 1855, '56, Mr. W. D. Bien bought the
office and revived the paper under the name of the Summit
Democrat. In the Winter of 1859, '60 the office passed into the
hands of J. Hays Webb, who, just before the Presidential election
of 1860 removed the materials to Canton, where, under the title of
the True Democrat, it was run until the Spring of 1864, when it
returned to Akron, and, under the title of Summit Union, run
until the close of the Brough-Vallandigham campaign, in 1863,
when the paper was discontinued and the office taken to Ravenna.
The Cascade Roarer. March 15, 1844, while the Washing-
tonian temperance reform movement was at its height, the Buz-
zard was revived as a temperance paper by the writer and Mr.
Isaac Chamberliri, Jr., Mr. Chamberlin a few weeks later trans-
ferring his interest to Mr. William T. Coggeshall, afterwards a
literary writer of considerable repute, State Librarian under Gov-
ernors Chase and Dennison, from 1856 to 1862, and minister to
Ecuador, South America, under President Johnson until his death,
from consumption, in the Summer of 1867.
The name of the paper was changed by Messrs. Lane & Cog-
geshall to the Cascade Roarer, partly because that portion of
Akron in which it was published was still known by its original
name of " Cascade," but more particularly because of its radical
cold water signification. Through the vigorous and incisive
writings of Mr. Coggeshall, and the efforts of Mr. Lane, as a travel-
ing temperance lecturer and solicitor, the Cascade Roarer attained
a weekly circulation of about 2,500 and a considerable general as
well as local repute.
Tee-Total Mechanically 21st, 1846, Mr. Lane sold his
interest in the Cascade Roarer to Mr. James S. Drew, a practical
printer of Massillon, and as there was at that time considerable
agitation among the mechanics of the country for the establish-
ment of 10 hours as a day's labor (instead of the 12 to 14 hour day
day then in vogue), and for cash payments, instead of the order
and "truck and dicker" system described in a former chapter, the
name of the paper was changed as above by Messrs. Drew & Cog-
geshall. The Tee-Total Mechanic was successfully published for
about three months, when it was merged with a larger paper,
similar in character, published in Cleveland, under the name of
the Temperance Artisan, the last issue in Akron being under
date of October 24, 1846.
The Free School Clarion. In 1846, our late well-known
citizen, Dr. William Bowen, then a resident of Massillon, com-
menced the publication of a ringing educational journal in that
village a four column quarto under the above title. The latter
part of 1847, Dr. Bowen was succeeded in the publication of the
Clarion by the well-known educator, Lorin Andrews, of Massillon,
and M. D. Leggett, Akron's first school superintendent, under the
Akron school law, and its publication continued simultaneously
at Massillon and Akron. This arrangement continued a few
months only, Mr. Leggett's connection with the Akron schools
15
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
ceasing some time in 1849, when the conduct of the Clarion was
relegated entirely to Mr. Andrews, at Massillon, its subscription
list being afterwards transferred to the Ohio Journal of Education
at Columbus, now the Ohio Educational Monthly, published by
Dr. S. Findley, in Akron.
7 he Summit County Journal. At the close of the war, two
former BEACON boys, Albertis L. Paine and Denis J. Long, in
September, 1865, established a Republican weekly newspaper
under the above title, with Judge James S. Carpenter as editor.
Ably edited and neatly printed, the Journal was reasonably suc-
cessful, but on the purchase from Messrs. Beebe & Elkins of their
remaining one-third interest in the BEACON, as above stated, in
January, 1867, the Journal was discontinued and its subscription
list, good-will, etc., transferred to the BEACON.
The Akron City Times. January 20, 1867, a nine column
weekly Democratic paper, under the above title was started in
Akron, by Mr. J. C. Loveland, that gentleman being fresh from the
editorial chair of the Clyde, (Ohio) Times, a radical Republican
paper, which he had published during the war. Mr. Loveland,
besides his recent political somersault, had the bad taste to
immediately commence a bitter personal warfare against the
editor of the BEACON, moving his antagonist to obtain the loan
from its then proprietor, of the files of the Clyde Times, during
Mr. Loveland's conduct of that paper, from which copious
extracts were made from week to week, dealing such vigorous
blows upon the heads of his new political backers, that they incon-
tinently threw him overboard, and in August, 1867, the office was
transferred to Mr. George C. Crain.
. April 28, 1868, R. S. Bean & Co., succeeded Mr. Crain, who in
turn transferred the Times to S. L. Everett & Son, in October of
the same year. The father dying some two or three years later,
the son, Sebastian L. Everett, ("Don," as he was familiarly called),
continued the publication with considerable vigor until 1873, when
it was transferred to Mr. Richard H. Knight, with his son Clarence
R. Knight, as editor.
November 23, 1882, Edwin Myers, a practical printer from
Wooster, entered into partnership with the elder Knight, the
younger Knight still in the editorial chair. February 23, 1882,
that veteran editor and publisher, of Wooster, E. B. Eshelman,
Esq., purchased Mr. Knight's remaining interest and assumed edi-
torial control of the Times, March 1, 1885, Mr. O. D. Capron
succeeded Mr. Eshelman to a half interest in the concern, the firm
name of Messrs. Myers & Capron being " The Times Printing
Company," Capt. W. B. Taneyhill being employed as editor, in
which position he was succeeded by Mr. Frank S. Pixley.
February 24, 1886.
July 6, 1887, Mr. Capron sold his interest to Mr. Pixley, and
May 8, 1888, Messrs. Myers & Pixley sold the concern to "The
Akron Publishing Company," of which Mr. J. M. H. Frederick was
president and Mr. M. J. Gilbo secretary and treasurer, Mr. Pixley
officiating as editor until the organization of the Republican Pub-
lishing Company in 1889, when Melville Wright and Frederick G.
Frease became its proprietors, with Mr. Wright as business man-
ager arid William B. Taneyhill as editor. The City Times, besides
vigorously supporting the political party in whose interest it is
AKRON'S NEWSPAPERS. 227
published, is a most excellent family newspaper, and enjoys a
healthy circulation and a liberal advertising patronage.
The Akron Germania. This paper, as its name indicates, is
published in the interest of the German speaking population of
Akron and vicinity. It was founded in the Fall of 1868, by Mr. H.
Gentz, but transferred to Prof. C. F. Kolbe early in the following
year. In September, 1872, it was transferred to the "Akron Paper
and Printing Company," with Stephen Ginther as business man-
ager and Paul K. Werner as editor. In October, 1875, Mr. Louis
Seybold was employed as editor, and in 1880, the " Germania
Printing Company" was formed, with Mr. Paul E. Werner as bus-
iness manager. In November, 1881, the paper was again trans-
ferred to Prof. Kolbe, and in April, 1882, leased by Prof. K. to Louis
Seybold, who conducted it till January 1, 1884, when it was sold to
Hans Otto Beck and George Billow. In July, 1887, the " Germania
Publishing Company" was incorporoted with a capital of $15,000.
which company was reorganized September 27, 1887, with Paul E.
Werner as president; Louis Seybold, secretary; Hans Otto Beck,
business manager and treasurer.
The Freie Presse. A new candidate for popular German and
business favor, was started in December, 1836, by the " Freie
Presse Publishing Company," with Albert Fernitz as president;
Julius Kroffke, secretary and treasurer, and Louis Seybold as
editor. Mr. Seybold vacated the editorial chair in September,
1887, after which time* the Freie Presse was under the editorial
control of Mr. Kroffke, until it was merged in the Germania, May
15, 1889, the present officers of the reorganized Germania Print-
ing Company being: Paul E. Werner, president; Kenyon B.
Conger, treasurer; Louis Seybold, editor; Julius Kroffke, business
manager.
The Akron Daily Argus. bo. March, 1874, the Akron Daily
Argus was started by H. G. Canfield & Co., -with Elder John F.
Rowe as editor, a semi- weekly edition also being issued. It was
.an independent paper and ably edited, securing a fair circulation
and a liberal share of advertisements. The paper passing to the
subsequently formed "Argus Printing Company," by a majority
vote of the stockholders, was, in September, 1874, changed into a
Democratic sheet, with "Don" Everett, formerly of the City Times,
as editor.
March 20, 1875, the Argus passed into the hands of its former
editor, Elder John F. Rowe and his brother, Frank M. Rowe, a
practical printer, who, under the firm name of Rowe Brothers,
again changed its character from a political to an independent
paper. This arrangement continued until December 25, 1876, when
the concern was purchased by Mr. Carson Lake, by whom it was
again given a Democratic bias, thus continuing under Mr. Lake's
lively management, until July 1, 1879, when the office and fixtures
were purchased by Messrs. Paul E. Werner and B. F. Nelson, by
whom the Argus was discontinued.
The Sunday Gazette. This was a six-column quarto, devoted
to general and local news, literature, miscellany, religious intelli-
gence, society matters, etc. It was started in December, 1878, by
Mr. Paul E. Werner, as publisher and proprietor, Carl F. Kolbe, as
editor. July 26, 1879, it was consolidated with the daily and
weekly Tribune established at that time by Werner & Nelson, as
228 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
stated below, and the name changed to the Sunday Tribune, but
after two or three issues again changed to the Sunday Gazette.
After the dissolution of the firm of Werner & Nelson, and the dis-
continuance of the Tribune, February 2, 1880, the Gazette was
continued by Mr. Werner, in connection with the Gerniania until
September 25, 1880, when it was purchased by Mr. Carson Lake.
January 8, 1883, the paper was transferred to Fred C. and Isaac
Jennings Bryan, who, under the name and style of the " Sunday
Gazette Company," successfully edited and published the same
until May 10, 1885, when I. J. Bryan became its sole proprietor,
under whose editorial control it was equally successful. June 23,
1887, Mr. Bryan sold the Gazette to Mr. Frank S. Pixley, and on the
7th of July, 1887, it was transferred by Mr. Pixley to the Times
Printing Company of which he was then a member. May 8, 1888,
the Gazette passed into the hands of the "Akron Publishing
Company," with the Akron City Times, as above set forth, the
name being changed by the new proprietors to the Sunday
Telegram, and subsequently to the Sunday Republican, which
title, under the proprietorship of The Akron Printing and Pub-
lishing Company it still, bears.
Daily Telegram-Daily Republican. The Akron Publish-
ing Company, then proprietors of the Akron City Times, and the
Sunday Telegram, as above stated, in 1889, commenced the pub-
lication of the Daily Telegram, later the same year, changing it
to the Daily Republican, by the newly organized Republican
Printing Company, of which Mr. Kenyon B. Conger was president,
later being consolidated with the Beacon Publishing Company, as
already stated, under the corporate name of The Akron Printing
and Publishing Company.
The Akron Commercial. This was a nine column folio
monthly, commenced in the Spring of 1874, by Capt. J. J. Wright,
formerly, for several years Akron's efficient Marshal, as well as a
plucky and faithful soldier during the entire war 1861-65. The
Commercial, as indicated by its name, was principally devoted to
advertising and commercial matters, though giving with each
issue a large amount of interesting miscellaneous and local read-
ing matter. With the intention of removing to Dakota, about 1884,
Mr. Wright disposed of his printing material, and the paper was
discontinued.
The People's Monthly. This was a five column quarto
monthly. It was started in May, 1883, by Robert H. Behan, a
practical printer, as an "Independent Home Journal for Family
Reading." Under Mr. Behan's management it was fast working
its way into popular favor, until failing health compelled its relin-
quishment, the Monthly being transferred to F. C. and I. J. Bryan,
publishers of the Sunday Gazette, by -whom it was continued
until the Spring of 1885, when it was sold to Capt. J. J. Wright, late
publisher of the Commercial (who had, in the meantime, changed
his mind about going to Dakota), by whom it was published until
the Summer of 1889, when, by reason of ill health of the proprietor,
it was discontinued.
The Akron Daily News. This was an independent Republi-
can paper, published by Walter E. and Frank Wellman, from about
1881 to 1883. It was an ably conducted and spicy sheet, and will
chiefly be remembered for the part it took in the Congressional
AKRON'S NEWSPAPERS. 229
ca:npaign of 1882, in which it opposed the election of the regularly
nominated Republican candidate, Hon. A. S. McClure, and sup-
ported the Democratic candidate, Hon. David R. Paige, who was
elected. Though securing quite a large advertising patronage and
circulation, it fell into financial embarrassment, and after one or
t\vo changes of proprietors, was discontinued.
South End News. In September, 1884, John M. Sauder & Co.
commenced the publication of a six column monthly folio, under
the above title, with Mr. P. P. Cherry as editor. It was non-
political, especially devoted to the interests of the "South End,"
and attained a circulation of 2,000 copies, at 25 cents per year, and
though self-sustaining, other duties claiming the attention of the
proprietors, the paper was discontinued in April, 1886, and the
material sold to Cleveland parties, and removed thither.
Trade and Labor Journal. About 1884, Frank R. Newell and
Irving C. Tomlinson, practical printers, opened a book and job
office, at 112 Howard street, (second floor), from which office there
was published, for the period of about one year, a spirited labor
paper, which attained quite a large circulation, but riot proving
remunerative to its publishers was discontinued, and the materials
transferred to other parties.
The Issue. During the political campaign of 1885, L. B. Logan
published a small Prohibition paper under the title of "The Cam-
paigner," which, after the election, was continued as the organ of
the Prohibition party, under the name of "The Issue," one year
and two months, when it was suspended, but afterwards resumed
for a short time in Youngstown.
Daily Star-Itemizer, etc. In the Spring of 1888, George W.
Orames commenced the publication, in Akron, of a small Demo-
cratic daily, under the name of the Daily Star, which continued
to scintillate with considerable brilliancy for a month or so, when
its name was changed to the Itemizer, but though conducted
with fair ability, the principal "item " necessary to its permanence
cash was lacking, and it, too, departed hence, "to be with us
no more forever."
Daily Illuminator During the political campaign of 1886, a
small daily paper, bearing the above title, with Mr. William Cub-
bison as editor, was published in the interest of certain of the labor
organizations of Akron, but after the close of the campaign, it was
found to be both politically and financially non-profitable, and its
"luminosity" suddenly ceased.
Ohio Educational Monthly. In January, 1852, The Ohio
Journal of Education was inaugurated by the Ohio Teachers'
Association, with a committee of six of the well-known Ohio
teachers as editors, Dr. A. D. Lord, of Columbus, being the local
manager. The journal was a 32-page monthly, quarto in form,
price one dollar per year, and became the official organ of the State
School Commissioner on the creation of that office in 1853. In 1855
Rev. Anson Smyth became the manager and editor in chief, suc-
ceeded, on his election to the commissioiiership, a year later, by
Mr. J. D. Caldwell. In 1858 the late William T. Coggeshall (form-
erly of Akron), then State Librarian, was appointed editor, with
Mr. John Ogden as canvassing agent, Hon. E. E. White succeeding
Mr. Coggeshall, as editor, in 1861. Though ably edited and acquir-
ing quite a large circulation, the losses from credits on subscriptions
230 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
and advertising, and the expense of canvassing and collecting,
rendering the management by the association undesirable, the
Journal was transferred to Dr. D. W. Henkle, the name having
previously been changed to the Ohio Educational Monthly and
the price advanced to $1 . 50.
Dr. Henkel removed the Monthly from Columbus to Salem,
Columbiana Coun-ty, and at his death it was bought by Dr. Samuel
Findley, late superintendent of Akron Public Schools, and, com-
mencing with the February number, 1882, the office of publication
has since been in Akron.
Dr. Findley at once so popularized the Monthly that its circu-
lation doubled in a year and a half, moving the Doctor to increase
its size from 32 to 48 pages, and the Ohio Educational Monthly,
now on a sound financial basis, is not only the oldest, but probably
the best educational journal in America.
American Farm News. This, "A Journal Devoted to Farm-
ing and Manufacturing," is a four column 16 page monthly, richly
illustrated and handsomely printed, started by the American
Farm News Company, with Solon L. Goode as manager and W. A,
Connor as advertising manager. The Farm News was com-
menced in January, 1888, and, at the extraordinary low price of 25
cents per year, it has already (July, 1891) attained to a circulation
of about 100,000 copies, monthly, with a very liberal share of live
and profitable advertising. The Farm News is now owned and
published by The Akron Printing and Publishing Company.
The Advance. June 7, 1877, Robert Shilling commenced the
publication, in Cleveland, of a small daily, with a five-column
weekly edition, under the above title, as an organ of the National
Greenback Labor Party. In May, 1880, the daily edition was sus-
pended, the weekly being transferred to Salem, Columbiana
County. An Akron edition was also printed at the Salem office.
In August, 1880, Mr. John P. Burns became its editor and pro-
prietor, and in January, 1881, removed the Advance to Akron,
where it was published for a year, and finally discontinued.
OTHER LITERARY VENTURES.
Almost innumerable other newspaper experiments have been
tried in Akron, with greater or less literary and pecuniary success,
during the past half century, which we cannot here notice, in
detail, even could we remember them all; but as showing their
variety, and general character, we briefly mention the following;
Rose of the Valley, by Abraham Allison and Asa S. Marriner^
Akron Offering, by Miss Calista Cummings; The True Kindred t
devoted to Science and Reform, by Mrs. Rebecca M. M. Sanford;
Flower of the West, by Allison & Rumrix; The Flail, a Demo-
cratic campaigner, in 1840, by Leander L. Howard; the Free-Soil
Platform, in 1848, by Hiram Bowen; the Sentinel of Liberty
1855, printed by H. G. Canfield for an association of young Repub-
licans; the Wide- Awake, Republican campaigner, 1860, by D. C.
Carr, S. A. Lane and others; the Summitonian. literary monthly,
1873, by H. G. Canfield; Beacon Magazine, premium for Weekly
Beacon, 1873; the Independent, Greenback-Democratic cam-
paigner, 1878, by H. G. Canfield, and others remembered by name
only, the Whip, the Sockdolager, the Casket, the Sunny Side, the
AKRON'S NEWSPAPERS.
231
School Mistress, the Church Journal, the Fair Organ, the Buchtel
College Record, the Buchtelite, the Akron Herald, etc.
THE GRAND "ROUND-UP."
It will thus be seen, by the returns now in, that if not the
exact center of the newspaper -world, Summit County has been
untiring in her efforts to become such. While some of the pub-
lications named were, perhaps, of doubtful utility or propriety, the
projectors thereof were unquestionably fully impressed with their
importance arid necessity. Though scarcely a man, or woman,
connected with the periodicals named, has directly made any
money out of the publication thereof, while many were consider-
ably out of pocket thereby, their generaj influence for good upon
the community admits of not a question. But for its newspapers,
where would Akron and Summit County have been to-daj 7 ? The
liberal use of printers' ink, in advertising to the world our manifold
advantages, in advocacy of canals, railroads and other public
improvements, in encouragement to trade and manufactures, in
the promotion of the cause of education and morality, has hitherto
been, and will continue to be, a most potent factor in the advance-
ment arid prosperity of the community at large and of the indi-
vidual citizen.
View of Akron, Sixth Ward, from Tallmadge Road, 1891.
From photo by George E. Hitchcock.
CHAPTER XII.
AKRON'S BURIAL PLACES THE OLD SIXTH WARD CEMETERY, DEDICATED IN
1808 SPICER HILL CEMETERY IN 1813 " DUBLIN " CEMETERY, IN 1825
AKRON PUBLIC BURYING GROUND IN 1838 AKRON RURAL CEMETERY
ASSOCIATION CHARTERED* IN 1839 NEW SIXTH WARD CEMETERY IN 1853
REMOVAL OF SPICER CEMETERY, TO GIVE PLACE TO BUCHTEL COLLEGE
IN 1871 REMARKABLE PRESERVATION OF MAJOR SPICER'S BODY NATURAL
AS LIFE AFTER SIXTEEN YEARS' INTERMENT PURCHASE OF ADDITIONAL
LANDS EXTENSIVE AND COSTLY IMPROVEMENTS LIBERALITY OF THE
PEOPLE LADIES' CEMET^ERY ASSOCIATION AND THEIR WONDERFUL
ACHIEVEMENTS SUPERINTENDENT'S LODGE AND OTHER SIMILAR PRO-
JECTS MEMORIAL CHAPEL, THE MOST SUPERB TRIBUTE TO BRAVERY AND
PATRIOTISM IN THE UNITED STATES " GLENDALE " (SO CALLED BY COMMON
CONSENT) TRULY A " THING OF BEAUTY AND A JOY FOREVER ! "AKRON'S
PUBLIC PARKS, ETC.
AKRON'S BURIAL PLACES.
nPHE first public burial ground within the present limits of the
J- city of Akron, was what is now known as the "Old Cemetery,"
in the eastern portion of the Sixth ward, the land for which, about
half an acre, in about 1808, was donated by Deacon Titus
Chapman, the grandfather of the present venerable Edgar T.
Chapman of the Sixth ward, the donor himself, who died
November' 18, 1808, being probably the first person buried therein.
The use of this cemetery was superseded in 1853 by the purchase
of some three acres of ground on East Market street, by a number
of the public spirited citizens of Middlebury, under the corporate
name of the " Middlebury Cemetery Association," by whom the
grounds were surrouuded by a substantial fence, planted to ever-
greens, and tastefully laid out into driveways, avenues and lots
18x21 feet in size, which are sold at from $25 to $50, according to
location, the Association also keeping in order, and caring for,
the "Old Cemetery" above spoken of.
THE SPICER CEMETERY.
Akron's second burial place was what -was known as " Spicer
Cemetery," on the site now occupied by Akron ( s educational
glory and pride, Buchtel College, the land for which, fronting on
Middlebury street, about one acre, was jointly dedicated to the
purpose by Akron's first pioneer settlers, Messrs. Miner Spicer and
Paul Williams, probably about 1813,
This ground was used for such occasional burials as occurred
in the neighborhood from year to year, during the early settlement
of Portage township, and after the building of the Ohio Canal and
laying out of the new village of Akron, in 1825, by the people of
the village, also, for the burial of its dead, until the establishment
of the Akron Rural Cemetery, as hereinafter set forth, in 1838.
To this ground was added, by donation from Mr. Spicer, and
the purchase from Mr. Nathan B. Dodge, of 88-100th of an acre, in
AKROX'S BURIAL PLACES. 233
1854, at a cost of $200, making a total of two 67-100th acres, both
increasing the grounds in width and extending them through to
Carroll street, under the auspices of the " Spicer Hill Burial Place
Association/' who neatly enclosed, laid out and beautified the
grounds for the benefit of those -who already had friends buried
there, and such others as chose to purchase lots therein.
The site of Spicer Hill Burial Place was one of the most com-
manding in the city of Akron, and when it was decided to locate
that splendid educational institution now known as Buchtel
College, here, an arrangement was made by which the graves were
removed to the Akron Rural Cemetery, and, in March, 1871, for the
consideration of one dollar, Messrs. Charles W. Brown, Avery
Spicer, Talmon Beardsley, Hiram J. Spicer, and Levi Allen, as
trustees of the Spicer Hill Burial Place Association, together with
the several heirs of Miner Spicer, deeded the lands in question to
the trustees of Buchtel College.
The sub-soil of the Spicer burial gfound was a species of rock,
similar to what is known as sewer-pipe clay, excavations having
to be made almost wholly with the pick, so that surface water,
percolating through the loose earth above the coffin, would be
largely retained in the substantially water-tight grave. Major
Miner Spicer, the original donor of the ground, died in 1855, being
buried in a metallic coffin. On the transfer of his remains to the
Akron Rural Cemetery, in 1871, on removing the slide from over
the glass at the head of the casket, the friends were greeted with a
view of the features of the old Major, in a perfect state of preser-
vation, and looking as natural as when deposited in the grave
nearly 16 years before.
During the building of the Ohio Canal, the territory north of
Tallmadge street, and east of Main street, was largely covered by
the cabins of the Irish laborers upon the canal, giving to the
locality the name of "Dublin," -which it retained for many years,
and by which it is still called by many of the older residents of the
city. To meet the mortuary necessities of those early days, the
plateau north of Furnace street, and west of North High, on the
bluff overlooking the Little Cuyahoga river, was appropriated for
burial purposes, which was used by the people of North Akron
from its commencement, in 1832, until the establishment of the
Akron Rural Cemetery in 1838. A portion, only, of the remains
buried at the point named \vere removed to the new grounds, the
others remaining undisturbed, where they were originally buried,
until they were unearthed by the cutting away of the bluff in
question, in grading for the Valley Railway, in 1873, to the great
surprise of those who were not aware of the sacred nature of the
ground they were plowing through; it even being reported that a
pretty well preserved skull thus brought to light was the missing
head of William Beatson, the Englishman murdered at Cuyahoga
Falls, in 1853, it being known that James Parks, the murderer,
must have passed near the place in his flight westward, after
leaving the canal boat near the Old Forge, on the night of the
murder, as elsewhere detailed.
The Spicer burial ground being private property, and the North
Akron ground having been hitherto used by mere sufferance, soon
after the incorporation of the village, the question of establishing
a public burying ground began to be agitated. No official action
234 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
was had however, until June 17, 1837, when a committee was
appointed by the Council to confer with Gen. Simon Perkins, of
Warren, about the purchase of land for the purpose named, on
what was then known as the "Oak Openings," west of the Lower
Village, the ground in question being densely covered with a
thick growth of oak bushes, interspersed with an occasional good
sized oak tree.
Gen. Perkins, when interviewed, proposed to sell to the village
four acres of ground at one hundred dollars per acre, and to
donate one acre additional, or to give the one acre whether the
four acres were purchased or not. November 7, the Council
resolved to accept the General's proposition, provided he \vould
divide the purchase money into six annual payments of $6(166$
each, which terms being acceded to, on November 13, 1837, the
committee -was authorized to make contract, plat, etc., but for
reasons which do not appear, only three 42-100th acres \vere pur-
chased and platted. October 27, 1838, the Council purchased from
Judge Leicester King three acres additional upon the west side of
the plat described, for the consideration of $250, -which was soon
afterwards platted and made a part of the cemetery grounds.
The grounds were laid out into four blocks, 1, 2, 3 and 4,
with central latitudinal and longitudinal driveways, 20 feet in
width, with entrance on South Maple street, the lots being of uni-
form size, 10 by 15 feet, with intersecting five and six foot ave-
nues between, the price of lots at first being $3, or at the rate of
two cents per square foot. For many years the grounds remained
unfenced and unimproved, except the staking out of the lots and
the grubbing out of a part of the bushes, and, -without superin-
tendent or special care-taker, from its isolated location, extremely
favorable to the nocturnal operations of both prolessional and
non-professional "resurrectionists", though in one instance at
least, they failed to get away with their booty the body of Benja-
min Tuells, a somewhat dissipated jeweler, weighing 225 pounds,
being found on the margin of his grave a morning or two after his
original interment, in December, 1847.
For many years the persons who officiated as sextons were,
successively, Alexander Williams, John Taplin, C. S. W. Brown,
Arza Kellogg, etc., for the North Village and Peter Hendrick
Centaurus for the South Village, to one of whom application for
burial had to be made, the applicant usually being required to
produce a certificate of payment for lot, from the Village Recorder,
before interment could be legally made, though in the general
stringency of the times, and the consequent poverty of the people,
this rule was not always strictly enforced, the delinquencies
resulting therefrom causing the authorities much trouble, and in
many instances necessitating the removal of graves to the
pottersfield, and the sale of lots to other parties.
There were no "undertakers" nor professional "funeral direc-
tors" in those days, the village cabinet-maker, from measurement
of the subject, making the coffin to order, of whitewood, pine,
cherry, black walnut, etc., stained or varnished, -without name-
plate or ornament, at a total cost of from $2.00 to $3.00; the sexton's
fee, including conveyance of remains by wagon, (there -was no
hearse until 1840), being from $1.50 to $2.00; the total expense of
burying a deceased friend, including lot, being less than $10.00;
AKRON RURAL CEMETERY.
235
many times, indeed, the coffin was borne upon the bier, by hands
of sympathetic neighbors, followed by relatives and friends from
the house of mourning to the burial place on foot.
DR. JEDEDIAH D. COMMINS,
born in Charlotte, Vt., July 9,
1790 ; academic education ; married
to Miss Sophia Field, of Wethersfield,
Vt., soon removing- to western New
York, and from thence to Akron, in
1832 opening- the first drug store in
the village, his original store and
dwelling both still standing on
South Main street. Dr. Commins
was not only a careful and succesful
merchant, but was largely instru-
mental in securing the erection of
the new county of Summit and the
location of the seat of justice at
Akron, and in many other ways
advancing the interests of the town
and county, and to him is especially
due the credit of inaugurating
Akron's beautiful Rural Cemetery,
as elsewhere fully described in these
pages. Dr. Commins waswell versed
in literature and the sciences, in
which, as well as on political topics,
he was a fluent debater and a ready
writer. In politics he was a stanch
Democrat and highly influential in
the councils of his party, both
county, state and national. He was
the father of two sons the youngest,
Augustus J. dying October 27, 1837,
at the ag-e of 20; the eldest,
DR. JEDEDIAH D. COMMINS.
Alexander Hamilton, surviving- his
father some 13 years, as elsewhere
stated. Mrs. Commins died Febru-
ary 11, 1865, aged 78 years, 9 months,
the doctor himself dying-, universally
respected, November 4, 1867, aged 77
years, 3 months and 25 days.
AKRON RURAL CEMETERY.
At an early day, however, there were those among our citizens
who had a fine sense of appreciation of what was due from the
living to the dead, as well as to the better nature of the survivors
themselves.
In the archives of the present Cemetery Association, is the
following pencil memorandum, in the hand "writing of the late Dr.
Jedediah D. Commins, written over forty years ago, which not
only explains itself, but much that follows:
" PRELIMINARY REMARKS."
"If the Akron Rural Cemetery should succeed and become
what its founders hope, trifling incidents relating to its origin and
establishment may be sought for with avidity, in after ages, by
those whose ancestors have long been entombed in this cemetery,
and it is with a view to gratify this desire that the following
remarks are made:
"During the year 1837, Akron, although at the time an incor-
porated town, had no public burying ground, and the one thereto-
fore occupied was unsuited to the purpose, on account of its being
wet land, the water frequently standing in the graves to the depth
of six inches before the body was deposited, and, besides, the
ground was private property.
236 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
"In this state of things one of our citizens, Mr. C. [Mr.
Commins, himself], had the misfortune to lose a son of much
promise, justentering the threshold of manhood. Mr. C. could not
endure the thought of making this a last resting place for the
remains of one who had been so dear to him, and as there was no
other, he caused the remains of his deceased son to be inclosed in
spirit, and kept them in his own dwelling for more than a year.
"In the course of the Summer of 1838, he visited the cemetery
of Mount Auburn, near Boston, originally with the view of fixing
on the form of a tomb; but while viewing the beauties of that rural
cemetery, it occurred to him that a similar establishment might be
founded at Akron, and with that view possessed himself with such
information as was within his reach, and on his return having
visited a similar establishment at Rochester, on the way laid the
matter before such of the citizens of Akron as he supposed would
take an interestin the subject, and was gratified to find their feel-
ings harmonizing with his own. Afterwards it became a subject
of frequent conversation. It was at once perceived that we had
localities every way suited to this interesting object, and it was
considered most proper to ask the Legislature for an act of incor-
poration and therefore,
"At an informal meeting of a few citizens of Akron, in the
Autumn of 1838, J. D. Commins was appointed to draw up a
charter for the purpose of incorporating a company for the pur-
pose of establishing a rural cemetery at Akron, and also a me-
morial to accompany it to the Legislature. Whereupon the following
petition and charter were drawn up, and being approved, were
forwarded to the General Assembly, by Gregory Powers, Esq.,
member of the Senate, and the charter being sanctioned by both
Houses, became the law of the State."
The petition, as drawn by Mr. Commins, arid duly presented
to the Legislature by Senator Powers, January 10, 1839, was signed
by Jedediah D. Commins, Krastus Torrey, Ithiel Mills, Joseph Cole,
George Babcock, Ebenezer Martin. David K. Cartter, Richard
Howe, Dana D. Evans, Philo Chamberlin and Miner Spieer, the
petition containing, among others equal cogent, these paragraphs:
" The interment of the dead is a subject of great and growing import-
ance, and one deeply interesting to every well regulated community, and
can not too early engage their serious consideration.
" In our eastern cities corporations have been authorized to establish
rural cemeteries on a scale commensurate with the wants of many genera-
tions, combining the objects of beauty and health, which, instead of being-
shunned in consequence of their melancholy associations, have become the
most desirable promenades, where, retiring from the busy scenes of life,
they can at the same time enjoy the beauties of the garden and rural scenery,
inhaling the pure air of the country, and, as it were, commune with those
who had once been dear to them, in these cities of the dead.
"The situation of our village and neighborhood now admits of a
selection of ground sufficiently extensive and beautifully romantic, which a
few years will render it difficult, and perhaps impossible, to obtain.
" We do therefore pray, etc."
THE CHARTER GRANTED.
On March 18, 1839, an Act -was passed, containing thirteen
sections, which we condense as follows:
SECTION I. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of
Ohio, That Simon Perkins, Jr., Samuel A. Wheeler, Erastus Torre}-, Ithiel
Mills, Joseph Cole, Richard Howe and Jedediah D Commins, and such other
AKRON RURAL CEMETERY. 237
persons as may hereafter be associated with them, their successors and
assigns, be and they hereby are created a body politic and corporate, by the
name of " The Proprietors of the Akron Rural Cemetery," etc.
SEC. II. The capital stock of this company shall be twenty thousand
dollars, which shall be divided into shares of twenty dollars each, ten per
cent, of which shall be paid at the time of subscribing-, and the residue
thereof in such installments as the directors of said corporation shall judge
necessary, etc.
SEC. III. Provided for the election, annually, of seven directors, all
stockholders, four of whom shall be residents of the town of Akron, each
stockholder to have one vote for each share of stock owned, and every lot
owner to have one vote, in the choice of said directors, the directors, until the
first election, to be Samuel A. Wheeler, Erastus Torrey, Ithiel Mills, Richard
Howe, Simon Perkins, Jr., Joseph Cole, and Jedediah D. Commins ; also giv-
ing 1 the directors power " to purchase and hold such quantity of land as they
may deem proper for the purpose of a rural cemetery, not exceeding' fift)~
acres, and to dispose of the same in such manner as they shall judge proper,
having regard to the full objects of said charter," a subsequent section
empowering the directors to purchase lands on a credit not to exceed ten
years, and to mortgage the same to secure the purchase money, with inter-
est, but for no other purpose ; said lands being declared exempt from all
public taxes so long as they shall remain dedicated to cemetery purposes.
SEC. VI. Provides that the money arising from the sale of lots, after
reimbursing the stockholders, both principal and interest for money
expended in the purchase of land and improvements, " shall be laid out in,
and forever devoted to, the preservation, improvement, planting and embel-
lishing said cemetery, in such a manner as may be deemed most expedi-
ent by the directors, and for the incidental expenses of said cemetery, but
for no other purpose whatever," and that " after the stockholders shall have
been reimbursed as aforesaid, their stock shall be canceled, and none of said
stockholders shall be members of said corporation except such as own lots
in said cemetery and have paid for the same."
SEC. IX. Authorizes the corporation to receive and hold "any grant,
donation or bequest of propery upon trust, and to apply the income thereof
for the improvement of said cemetery, or of any buildings, fences or struct-
ures erected or to be erected upon the lands of said corporation, or of any
individual proprietor of a lot in said cemetery, or for the repair, preservation,
or renewal of any tomb, monument, gravestone, fence or railing, or other
erection in or around any cemetery lot, or for the planting and cultivation
of trees, shrubs, flowers or plants in or around any cemetery lot, according
to the terms of such grant, donation or bequest."
ORGANIZATION OF ASSOCIATION.
The original stockholders were: Simon Perkins, Jr., Joseph
Cole, Jedediah D. Commins, Erastus Torrey, Philo Chamberlin,.
Ithiel Mills, Richard Howe, Miner Spicer, James R. Ford, Samuel
A. Wheeler, William T. Mather, Lucian Swift, five shares each;
Frank Adams, four shares; Alvah Hand, Warren Clark, David L.
King, Henry W. King, three shares each; David K. Cartter, George
Howe, Dana D. Evans, Warren H, Smith, Lucius V. Bierce, Arad
Kent, Nathaniel Finch, Rufus P. Spalding, Philander D. Hall,
Henry S. Abbey, two shares each; William M. Dodge, Henry Howe,
Heman A. Bradley, Ansel Miller, Gibbons J. Ackley, Milton W.
Henry, James M. Hale, Hiram Viele, Ezra Leonard, James Sawyer,
Harvey B. Spelman, James M. Edson, John H. Chamberlin, Myers,
Coburn & Co., Beebe & Elkins, Henry H. Wheeler, Edwin Angel,
Lucius S. Peck, one share each. Of the forty-seven subscribers
to the stock of the association only five are believed to be now liv-
ing, (September 1, 1891).
238
AKKON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
pOL. SIMON PERKINS born at
^ Warren, February 6, 1815;
September, 1832, married Miss Grace
I. Tod, daughter of Judge George
Tod, and sister of the late Governor
David Tod ; removed to Akron in
1835, engaging in farming and grow-
ing fine stock ; State Senator for
Portage County, 1839, '40, and largely
instrumental in securing the erec-
tion of the new county of Summit ;
Representative from Summit 1841, '42,
securing passage of bill submitting 1
question of location of county seat to
popular vote ; trustee of Portage
township ten years between 1839 and
1877 ; charter member of Akron
Rural Cemetery Association, and its
president and most active promoter
from April, 1839, until his voluntary
resignation, April, 188041 years ;
president of Akron's pioneer railroad
the Cleveland, Zanesville & Cin-
cinnati (now Cleveland, Akron &
Columbus) from March 11, 1851, t-
Novembers, 1864, and general super-
intendent till November 4, 1869,
sacrificing nearly his entire private
fortune in its promotion ; a liberal
contributor of lands for parks and
public purposes, and of money for all
industrial, educational and benevo-
lent enterprises, his death, at the
age of 82 years, 5 months and 15 days,
COL. SIMON PERKINS.
July 21, 1887, was universally
lamented, Mrs. Perkins having died
April 6, 1867, aged 56 years and 6
days, seven of their eleven children
surviving them.
At a meeting of the directors named in the charter, April 9,
1839, Simon Perkins, Jr., was eleced president; Jedediah D. Com-
mins, secretay, and Samuel A. Wheeler, treasurer. October 17,
1839, a code of by-laws to regulate elections was adopted, and
Messrs. Perkins and Commins \vere empowered to purchase
twenty acres of land from Geti. Perkins and Judge King, and to
negotiate with the Council for a portion of the grounds belonging
to the town of Akron.
November 13, 1830, council committee on burying ground
reported adversely to the application of the association for part of
its grounds, which was adopted. Thus matters stood the council
continuing to manage its grounds as named, with perhaps some
slight additions, and the association, besides purchasing lands,
doing little more than to keep its organization intact, until the
beginning of 1850, when the negotiations were renewed, resulting
in a proposition to transfer the grounds to the association on con-
sideration that the association assume the liabilities of the town
for lands and improvements, make good its obligations to lot hold-
ers, pay $60 for its hearse, and transfer to the town stock of the
association to the amount of $200, reimbursable as other stock in
said company, the transfer being made by Mayor Lucius V. Bierce,
February 16, 1850.
SUBSEQUENT HISTORY, GROWTH, ETC.
We cannot minutely trace, step by by step, the progress which,
in the intervening f orty-two years, nearly, has been made by the asso-
ciation, now pleasurably visible to all. From its first organization
AKRON RURAL CEMETERY.
239
iii April, 1839, until his greatly regretted final resignation in
April, 1880, 41 years Col. Simon Perkins was the president of the
association, the secretary from the beginning, until his death, in
1867 26 years being the late Dr. Jedediah D. Commins, both of
the gentlemen named being unwearied in their efforts to make the
Akron Rural Cemetery truly "a thing of beauty and a joy forever."
Lands have been added from time to time, until now, (1891) at
the total original cost of $18,940.16, the grounds cover an area of
57 25-100 acres, beautifully laid out into romantic drives and walks,
with nicely graded lots of diversified shapes and sizes, the whole
centrally bi-sected by meandering and sparkling Willow Brook,
with its cascades, ponds, bridges, etc. Tastefully arranged shrub-
bery ornaments nearly every portion of the grounds, while upon
private lots are attractive monuments and tablets erected by lov-
ing hands in memory of the dear ones there reposing. Approach-
ing the grounds from the city, through Glendale Avenue, following
the tortuous course of Willow Brook, with high bluffs and over-
hanging trees on either side, with the superintendent's handsome
stone lodge upon the right, the high stone bell- tower on the 'left
and Akron's splendid Memorial Chapel, in honor of her deceased
soldiers, in front, nothing can be more sublimely beautiful than
the entrance to this truly magnificent city of the dead, with fresh
surprises at almost every turn while driving or \valking through
the grounds.
HpHOMAS WILLS, born at North-
J- ampton, England, April 23, 1822;
learned the trade of florist; at 21 was
married to Miss Eliza Martin, and in
1851 they came to America, settling
at Cuyahoga Falls, where he worked
12 years as florist and landscape
gardener for the late Hon. Elisha N.
Sill. During the war Mr. Wills held an
appointment under the Government
as sanitary gardener at Chattanooga,
remaining there until May 19, 1868,
when he was appointed superinten-
dent of the Akron Rural Cemetery,
which position he ably, filled until
October 27, 1879, when he resigned to
devote his whole attention to his
Park Place green house, which he
had meantime established, the
Board of Trustees unanimously
passing a highly laudatory resolu-
tion on his retirement from the posi-
tion. He did an extensive and suc-
cessful business, until his death, from
cancer of the stomach, August 14,
1886. Mr. and Mrs. Wills were the
parents of seven children, four of
whom survived him Alice Amelia,
wife of Mr. Hugo Schumacher, treas-
urer of the Schumacher Milling
Company; Bert T., successor to
father in Park Place greenhouse;
THOMAS WILLS.
Hannah May, stenographer with
Schumacher Milling Co., and Arthur
J., clerk in office of The B. F. Good-
rich Company. Mrs. Wills is still
living.
THE SUPERINTENDENCY.
On first assuming control, Mr. John M. Martin (father of our
present citizen, Henry O. Martin, of 415 West Center street),
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
Akron's pioneer tombstone manufacturer, was appointed superin-
tendent, being succeeded, in 1857, by Akron's pioneer cabinet-
maker, the late Mr. David G. Sanford. These early superin-
tendents gave but little, if any, attention to improving the
grounds, which matters were looked after chiefly by President
Perkins and Secretary Commins, the superintendents aiding pur-
chasers in the selection of lots, overlooking burials, etc.
The first regularly salaried superintendent, to devote his whole
time to the interests of the association, and the beautifying of its
grounds, was Mr. Thomas Wills, theretofore for several years a
resident of Cuyahoga Falls, and a thoroughly trained gardener and
florist, appointed May 19, 1868, at a salary of $1,000 per year.
The value of Mr. Wills' services to the association and the
community, is evinced by the action of the board in accepting his
resignation, October 27, 1879, after an incumbency of over eleven
years, in the unanimous adoption of the following resolution:
" Resolved, That in thus terminating the connection of Mr. Wills with
our cemetery, we desire to express our high regard for him and our warm
appreciation of the uniform courtesy and zeal with which he has, during the
long period of his superintendency, discharged the duties of his position."
At the same meeting, October 27,1879, the superintendency was
tendered to Mr. Albert H. Sargent, of Rochester, N. Y., at the same
salary which had been paid to Mr. Wills, $1,000 per year, and the
use of the lodge as a family residence, free of rent. Mr. Sargent
accepted, arid on February 1, 1870, entered upon the duties of the
position, \vhich have been so faithfully and efficiently discharged,
that at the annual meeting, July 7, 1884, his salary was voluntarily
and unanimously increased, by the directors, to $1,250 per annum.
TESTIMONIAL TO COL. SIMON PERKINS.
After the peremptory resignation of Col. Perkins, as president,
as above stated, the Board, on reluctantly accepting the resigna-
tion, April 17, 1880, unanimously adopted the following testimonial:
"Sincerely regretting the action of our late President, Col. Simon
Perkins, in severing his connection \vith the association, as an expression of
the views of the board, be it
" Resolved, That to the devoted attention and unwearied care of Col.
Simon Perkins, Akron is greatly indebted for our beautiful cemetery, the
source of so much pride and pleasure to all our citizens."
A cordial invitation was also extended to Col. Perkins to still
aid the superintendent in carrying out the plans and designs he
had originated, and also to attend the meetings of the board and
favor the members with his advice, at a later meeting July 6,
1880, the Colonel being elected an honorary member of the board,
-with an urgent request to attend its meetings.
David L. King, Esq., was elected as Col. Perkins' successor to
the presidency, April 17, 1880, which position he continuously
filled, with eminent zeal and fidelity, till July, 1891, when he was
succeeded by Mr. Ferd. Schumacher.
Board of Directors, elected July 6, 1891: Ferd. Schumacher,
John R. Buchtel, Jeremiah A. Long, Alvin C. Voris, Edwin P.
Green, John Wolf.
After the death of the original secretary, Dr. Jerediah D. Com-
mins, November 4, 1867, Charles R. Howe was elected as his
AKRON RURAL CEMETERY.
successor in July, 1868, not only giving to the position the most
faithful attention during his life-time, but also on his death,
December 7, 1875, bequeathing to the association the sum of $5,000
to be held in trust, on interest, the income from which was to be
devoted to the perpetual care of his own lot and other portions
of the cemetery grounds.
DAVID L. KING, son of Judge
Leicester King-, born at Warren,
December 24, 1825 ; graduated at Har-
vard 1846 ; read law with King &
Tayler in Akron; 1849 with his
brother, Henry W., formed law firm
of King & King ; May 1, 1849, married
to Miss Bettie Washington Steele,
(grand - niece of President George
Washington), who has borne him
five children, three of whom survive ;
1851 located in Cleveland, but returned
to Akron in 1855, in addition to his
law practice, as executor managing
his deceased father's large landed
estate; abandoning the law in 1867,
took an interest in, and the secretary-
ship of, the Akron Sewer Pipe Com-
pany, retaining his connection there-
with ten or twelve years ; 1882-88
president King Varnish Company,
an enterprise resulting in pecuniary
disaster ; active in all public enter-
prises, his energy and liberality have
largely inured to the benefit of the
city of Akron, the Valley Railway
especially being a substantial monu-
ment of his indomitable persever-
ance, while our public schools, our
free library, our benevolent associa-
DAVID L. KING.
tions and our beautiful Glendale
Cemetery have all received his foster-
ing care, Mr. King having served as
president of the last named organiza-
tion after the resignation of Presi-
dent Perkins, in 1880, until July, 1891.
Albert J. McNeil followed Mr. Howe, as secretary, July 3, 1876 r
being superseded by Albert B. Tinker in July, 1879, followed, in
1880, by Edwin P. Green, with A. H. Sargent as assistant. Mr.
Sargent succeeded to the secretaryship in July, 1884, which posi-
tion, in addition to the superintendency, he has ably filled to the
present time.
The treasurers of the association, from the beginning, have
been Samuel A. Wheeler, 1839-50; Arad Kent, 1850-55; George D.
Bates, 1855-76; William B.Raymond, 1876-88; Erhard Steinbacher r
1888 to present time.
THE LADIES' CEMETERY ASSOCIATION.
Soon after the close of the war, in which the ladies, every-
where, had borne so conspicuous a part, by their incessant and
self-sacrificing labors for the care and comfort of our sick and
wounded soldiers, as detailed in another chapter of this work,
ladies of Akron, feeling that the home resting place of their loved
ones needed better care and protection, devised the scheme of
aiding the cemetery authorities in the employment of a competent
person to devote his whole time to the care and improvement of
the grounds, and the erection of a suitable home upon the grounds-
for the use of the person so employed.
242
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
MRS. MARY INGERSOLL TOD
EVANS, -daughter of Judge
Georg-e Tod, of Youngstowti,was born
December 8, 1802; was married to
John L. McCurdy, of Warren, Decem-
ber 25, 1822, who died at Nashville,
Tenn., in 1830, leaving- three children
William, still living inYoungstown,
George Tod, late of Akron, deceased,
and Sarah, afterwards Mrs. Parks;
also deceased. In 1836, Mrs. McCurdy
was married to Dr. Dana D. Evans,
of Akron, bearing him three children
all deceased, Dr. Evans dying
from blood poisoning in December
1849, in the 39th year of his age.
Mrs. Evans was active in all public
and private benevolent enterprises, a
leading member of the Soldiers' Aid
Society during the war, and after
several years of highly acceptable
service as matron of the Northern
Ohio Hospital for the Insane, at
Newburg, she organized the Akron
Ladies' Cemetery Association, and
bent all her energies towards the
erection of the Superintendent's
Lodge, at the entrance to Glendale
Cemetery, which . was nearing com-
MRS. MARY INGERSOLL TOD EVANS.
pletioii at the time of her death, Feb-
ruary 2, 1869, at the age of 66 years, 2
months and 6 days. Mrs. Evans was
a sister of the late Mrs. Judge Jaijies
R. Ford, Mrs. Col. Simon Perkins and
ex-Governor David Tod.
To the late Mrs. Mary I. T. Evans, is undoubtedly due the
credit of originating the plan whose munificent and beneficent
results we are about to trace. In the BEACON of July 12, 1866, is a
note from Mrs. Evans, invoking the aid of the writer, as editor of
the paper, in favor of the project. Mrs. Evans said:
" Some of us, whose friends sleep their last sleep in those
beautifully situated grounds, caqnot afford costly monuments to
mark the spot; but none are too poor to pla.nt flowers and shrubs,
and we must have these trifling proofs of undying love guarded
and protected from the rude hand of the careless passer-by, or the
determined one of some who delight in \vanton destruction of
everything offering pleasure to the eye.
"The Akron Rural Cemetery Company are expending all their
present means in constructing bridges, improving avenues, etc.,
and it will probably require all the revenue they may have from
the sale of lots for some time to come. Shall we not give them a
little help?
"It is proposed to offer to the public a series of weekly enter-
tainments, such as promise pleasure to those who are willing to
patronize us. The first will be a musical entertainment on Tuesday
evening next. Mr. Cutter, Mr. Ingersoll and Miss Ashmun have
kindly consented to use their best efforts in getting up a musical
treat on said evening, and some of our best singers have promised
their valuable aid.
" We have musical talent of a high order in our city, and I have
no doubt that a succession of concerts, varied in character, and
interspersed with other pleasing performances, will call out a little
money from the plethoric pockets of our favored citizens, and also
awake in all a sense of the worthiness of the object sought.
"In the absence of the gentlemen who have promised their
hearty co-operation, it seems to devolve on me, as the 'oldest
AKRON RURAL CEMETERY.
243
inhabitant/ to present this subject to you. Will you have the
kindness to give such a notice in the BEACON this week as will
serve to call attention to this subject and elicit a hearty response?"
Akron Rural Cemetery Superintendent's Lodge, 1891. From photo by
George E. Hitchcock.
At first Mrs. Kvans met with much discouraging opposition
let the sexton build or hire his own house as other people did
a burying ground was not a proper place in which to erect a resi-
dence for the living raising money by such worldly and
amusement-seeking means for so sacred a purpose 'was out of
character, any way, if not absolutely sacrilegious let the Cemetery
Association make their own improvements, etc. But her plans
were heartily approved and ably seconded by her two sisters, Mrs.
Orace T. Perkins and Mrs. Julia Ford, and such other public-
spirited ladies as Mrs. Sarah Gale, Mrs. S. H. Coburn, Mrs. J. T.
Balch, Mrs. David L. King, Mrs. Sarah T. Peck, Mrs. William H.
Payne, Miss Anna Perkins, Miss Emma G. Townsend, Mrs. George
Raynolds, Mrs. N. D. Tibbals, Mrs. G. T. McCurdy, Mrs. George T.
Perkins, Mrs. Henry H. Brown, Mrs. Henry Gale, Mrs. Charles
Rawson, Mrs. Hiram G. Fuller, Mrs. Henry S. Abbey, Mrs. Dr. E.
Angel, Mrs. L. K. Miles, Mrs. Alden Gage, Miss Grace Perkins,
Miss Abby Sloat, Miss Laura Balch, Miss Abby Carpenter, Miss
Nellie Smith, Mrs. James Christy, Mrs. John H. Christy, Mrs.
D. E. Hill, Mrs. Frank Adams, Mrs. A. H. Commins, Mrs.
Philip P. Bock, Mrs. F. Schumacher, Mrs. J. H. Chamberlin, Mrs.
E. Steinbacher, Mrs. O. C. Barber, Mrs. Thomas Wills, Mrs. W. B.
Raymond, Mrs. Edward Buckingham, Miss Elma C. Bowen and
many others not now recalled, the earlier records of the associa-
tion not now being accessible. The officers elected March 25, 1871,
were: Mrs. Henry H. Brown, president; Mrs. George T. McCurdy,
vice president: Mrs. Alden Gage, secretary arid treasurer.
241
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
So enthusiastically did the ladies enter into the good work
that the movement soon became immensely popular and their
entertainments triumphant .successes. The concert, by volunteer
home talent, above alluded to, yielded $159.35; a picnic excursion
to Gaylord's Grove, a week later, $149.76; concert, Augusts, $247.81 ;
repetition next night, $84.30; " Woodland Fete," on fair grounds,
including promenade concert, (which the opposition designated as
a dance), August 23, $312.40; tableaux, September 18 and 20,
$126.50; dinners during fair, $357.23; amateur minstrel perform-
ance, by Henry K. Abbey and other theatrically inclined young
men, $200.19; total gross receipts, $1,631.54; expenses, $344.52; net
proceeds, reported by Mrs. Kvans, as president, and Emma G.
Townsend, as secretary, October 25, 1866, during the first three
months, being $1,287. 02 r which was duly turned over to Col. Simon
Perkins, president of the Akron Rural Cemetery, to be used for the
purpose designated.
pHARLES R. HOWE, son of
^ Richard and Roxana (Jones)
Howe, was born in Akron January 7,
1831 ; educated in Akron public
schools ; in 1856 engaged in shoe
trade in partnership with Morrill T.
Cutter, the latter retiring- in 1872 and
Mr. Howe in 1874. Mr. Howe was
a liberal, enterprising and patriotic
citizen ; was first lieutenant of Capt.
Storer's company of " Squirrel Hunt-
ers" in 1862 ; first lieutenant of Co. A,
54th Battalion, O. N. G., Co. F, 164th
Regiment O. V. I., in the hundred
days' service before Washington in
1864 ; foreman of Eagle Hose Com-
pany; member of City Council 1869-71 ;
Park Commissioner from organiza-
zation of board until his death ;
secretary of Cemetery Association
from 1869 until his death, in his will
bequeathing $5,000 to the Perpetual
Care Fund of the association ; mem-
ber of Summit Lodge, No. 50, I. O. O.
F.; its secretary 1855 ; presiding officer
1857; representative to Grand Lodge
two years ; District Deputy Grand
Master two years ; member of
Encampment and Chief Patriarch in
1861, and at time of his death repre-
sentative to Grand Encampment.
August 30, 1850, Mr. Howe was mar-
ried to Miss Mary C. Webster,
CHARLES R. HOWE.
daughter of the late Charles Web-
ster, who died March 14, 1865, aged 30'
years, 5 months and 5 days, Mr. Howe
dying December 7, 1875, aged 44 years,
10 months and 11 days, leaving one
child Annabel, who died August 27,
1876, aged 17 years, 1 month and 2'
days.
By similar means the fund was gradually augmented, a Bazar,
held in April, 1868, netting over $2,000, Aultman, Miller & Co. con-
tributing a Buckeye Mower, J. F. Seiberling & Co. an Excelsior
Reaper, to be sold on the ticket plan; and Herri ck & Cannon a silver
pitcher, to be presented to the handsomest man, on the voting
plan John R. Buchtel receiving 700 votes, Joy H. Pendleton 200
and the writer one!
The total fund at this time, April, 1868, was nearly $4,000, suf-
ficient to warrant the Cemetery Association in proceeding with
the work, resulting in the completion, in fall of 1869, of the hand-
some stone cottage, near the entrance to the grounds, since known
AKRON RURAL CEMETERY.
245
as the Cemetery Lodge, though two of its most earnest promoters
did not live to witness the fruition of their unselfish labors Mrs.
Grace T. Perkins dying April 6, 1867, and Mrs. Mary I. T. Evans,
February 2, 1869.
To add to their resources, the ladies established, and for sev-
eral years maintained, under the care of Superintendent Thomas
Wills, an extensive greenhouse for the purpose of supplying plants
and flowers to such as desired them for the decoration of the
graves of their deceased friend* or the ornamentation of their
homes. We have not space for a detailed report of the operations
of the Ladies' Cemetery Association, during the intervening 23
years, during all of which time it has maintained not only an
active but a progressive existence, its truly gigantic labors being
represented by the following figures: Original cost of Lodge
$12,000; subsequent addition of kitchen, etc., $1,400; heating
apparatus, $300; bridge near lodge, $500; gate posts, $150; Win-
dow in Memorial Chapel, $500; furniture for Chapel, $210; improv-
ing old portion of Cemetery grounds, $1,000; head-stone to grave of
Mrs. Evans, $50; bell tower, $1,000; making a grand total of $17,150,
besides many incidentals for repairs of the Lodge, etc., that would
doubtless swell the amount to very near, if not quite, $20,000.
Present officers of the Association: Mrs. David E. Hill,
president; Mrs. Dr. William C. Jacobs, vice president; Miss Hattie
S. Phillips, secretary; Mrs. William B. Raymond, treasurer.
ALBERT H. SARGENT, son of
George A. and Lydia (Blount)
Sargent, born in Prince Edward
County, Ontario, Canada, October 31,
1845; raised on farm; educated in
common schools and at Montreal
College, teaching- two years before
entering college; removed to Roches-
ter, N. Y., in 1867; studied law four
years with his uncle, Henry Sargent,
Esq.; was then for ten years book-
keeper for the celebrated seedsman,
James Vick; then studied landscape
engineering under Charles W.
Seelye, of Rochester; and was en-
g-aged upon the parks of that city
until called to the superintendency
of the Akron Rural Cemetery, Feb-
ruary 1, 1880, which responsible posi-
tion he is still ably filling; in 1882
was appointed by Council on com-
mittee to organize the Akron Board
of Health, officiating as clerk of that
body three years; was elected mem-
ber of Board of Education from the
Third ward in spring of 1885, hold-
ing the office six years, the last two
years as president of the board; in
1886 was elected coroner of Summit
county, and re-elected in 1888. serv-,
ing four years. June 20, 1873, Mr.
Sargent was married to MLss Sue S.
ALBEKT H. SARGENT.
Sargent, daug'hter of John and Lucy
(Seelye) Sargent, of Jefferson county,
N. Y., two children having been born
to them Albert H., born March 4,
1877, d3 r ing in infancy, and Jennie L.,
born March 3, 1878.
MEMORIAL CHAPEL.
* But the crowning glory of Akron's beautiful Rural Cemetery,
is Memorial Chapel, near the Glendale entrance, on the left, at the
246
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
foot of "Ordnance hill," and overlooking Willow brook on the
north.
Soon after the close of the war of the rebellion, the subject of
erecting, upon the court house grounds, a suitable monument ta
the memory of such of Summit county's gallant sons as had laid
down their lives in defense of the Union, during that fearful con-
flict, began to be agitated, but with no definite result until several
of the townships of the county had erected similar monuments in
their respective local cemeteries and public parks.
View in Glendale Avenue, looking towards Akron Rural Cemetery Lodge.
From photo by E. J. How-ard.
Soon after the organization of Buckley Post, Grand Army of
the Republic, in March, 1867, that patriotic body took hold of the
project of erecting a suitable monument to the memory of the
deceased soldiers of Portage township and the City of Akron. By
a series of dramatic and other entertainments, considerable sums
of money were realized, aggregating something over three thous-
and dollars in the course of three or four years, which was placed
on interest.
In the latter part of 1871, the Akron Rural Cemetery Associa-
tion tendered to Buckley Post, a suitable site on which to erect
the contemplated monument, which proposition was formally
accepted by the Post December 7, 1871, and on December 11, 1871,
a board of nine trustees, consisting of three members of the Post
and six citizens, was appointed by the Post as follows: Col.
Simon Perkins, Lewis Miller, John F. Seiberling, David L. King,
George W. Crouse, George D. Bates, Alvin C. Voris, Arthur L.
Conger and David W. Thomas.
The board by resolution of the Post, was to take charge of the
funds already raised, receive donations, procure plans, and pro-
ceed to erect a monument at a cost of not less than Ten Thousand
Dollars. The board was organized December 30, 1871, as follows:
Col. Simon Perkins, president; Arthur L. Conger, secretary;,
George W. Crouse, treasurer; finance committee, John F. Seiber-*
ling, George D. Bates, David W. Thomas, Thomas W. Cornell;
AKRON RURAL CEMETERY.
247
committee on design, David L. King, Alvin C. Voris, Col. Simon
Perkins; statistician, George W. Grouse.
Small additions to the fund were made from time to time, in
various ways, but no active steps were taken for the, erection of
the monument until the beginning of 1874, \vheri it was resolved,
by the board, after consultation with other prominent citizens,
and the cemetery authorities, to build, instead of a monument, a
Memorial Chapel, with a receiving vault, and to raise for that
purpose $25,000 by subscription, payable in six, twelve and eigh-
teen months.
View in Akron Rural Cemetery, looking out, 1874, before Memorial Chapel and
Stone Arch over Willow Brook were constructed.
This plan proved to be immensly popular with all classes, and
at a concert held at the Academy of Music, February 14, 1874, for
the benefit of the Chapel Fund, in addition to the receipts for
admission to the concert, after an explanation of the plans of the
board, by Col. Perkins, and stirring speeches by David L. King,
George W. Grouse, John R. Buchtel, Rev. Richard L. Ganter and
others, subscriptions were promptly made aggregating over
$10,000, and on the following fourth day of July the committee
reported $20,000 in the fund and subscribed, with a good prospect
for speedily securing the balance.
Pursuant to invitation several plans were submitted by well-
known competent architects, that of Frank O. Weary being unani-
mously adopted by the committee on designs, and duly approved
by Buckley Post. Col. Simon Perkins, George W. Grouse, Lewis
Miller and David W. Thomas, were constituted a building com-
mittee and empowered to proceed at once to erect the building in
accordance with the design adopted, arid a contract was entered
into with Messrs. George Wohlwend arid Frank Lukesh for the
erection of the entire structure, exclusive of windows, for the sum
of $22,300, other necessary expenditures bringing the entire cost of
the completed structure up to a little over $25,000.
248
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
View in Akron Rural Cemetery from near Robinson and Howard Monuments,
looking West. From photo by George E. Hitchcock, 1891.
Saturday, May 29, 1875 being Memorial Day for that year
was thought to be a fitting occasion for the breaking of the
ground for an edifice which was to be erected to the memory and
valor of deceased soldiers, and arrangements to that end were
made accordingly, the programme adopted being briefly as follows:
? **VAt 2:30 P. M. the procession formed on Howard street, under
the direction of Major Thomas McEbright, assisted by Kmanuel
P. Holloway, Capt. William C. Jacobs, Henry Young, Hugo Schu-
macher and George M. Wright, in the following order: Babcock's
band, 15 men; Buckley Post, 50 men; Marble's band, 18 men;
Akron Liedertafel, 40 men; St. -Vincent de Paul's band, 18 men;
AKRON RURAL CEMETERY. 249
soldiers of 1812, in carriages, 5; Mayor L/evi S. Herrold and Acting
Mayor Richard P. Marvin, Jr.; members of City Council; poet,
orator, citizens, etc.; Col. Simon Perkins officiating as president of
the day.
The exercises opened with a solemn dirge, by Marble's band,
followed by an earnest and pathetic prayer by Rev. G. S. Weaver,
of the Universalist Church, after which a male quartette, com-
posed of Messrs. Byrori S. Chase, Amasa F. Chandler, Harvey F.
Miller and \V. Milton Clarke, sang an appropriate son-g. Messrs.
George H. Payne and Albert A. Bartlett, two one-armed veterans
of the late war, with pick and shovel, then formally broke ground
for the foundation of the contemplated new structure.
Gen. Alvin C. Voris, of Akron, delivered the oration, written
in his own terse but fervid style, and spoken in his own earnest
and impressive manner, closing with this eloquent paragraph:
"May this monument be fruitful of instruction to those who come after
us, as well as an honored memorial to our departed heroes, giving evidence
that this generation possesses the spirit of our ancestors in sufficient degree
to defend the institutions they transmitted to us. All praise to the liberality
iind good taste of the citizens of Akron who thus honor the memory of our
heroes. May we go hence resolutely determined to make, preserve and
transmit to the future the best human institutions that ever mankind
devised, and blessed will be our memory."
After the rendition of an appropriate song, in German, by the
Akron Liedertafel, Mr. Will. M. Carleton, of Hillsdale, Mich., recited
an original poem, composed for the occasion, too lengthy to be
reproduced here, but which, after portraying the patriotic upris-
ing in defense of the Union, the sacrifices and sufferings of the
soldiers on battle fields arid in prison pens, the tearful and prayer-
ful anxieties and sorrows of the dear ones at home, in allusion to
the annual Decoration Day observances, and the memorial structure
iibout to be erected, said:
" And so once more we gather here, to-day,
To honor those who save their lives away;
And so, with offering heart-felt and sincere,
We speak the tender words and drop a tear.
When the sweet air holds out the touch of health,
And silvery blossoms promise golden wealth,
A fair and goodly portion here we save,
To mark the memory of the fallen brave.
And when this structure rises through the air,
And mingles with its memories words of prayer,
So let our hearts ring out the prayerful strain,
That those who sleep here slumber not in vain."
A patriotic selection by Babcock's band, and the benediction
by Rev. Henry Baker, of the first M. E. Church, closed the exer-
cises of the day, the strewing of flowers upon the graves of their
fallen comrades having been performed earlier in the day by the
members of Buckley Post.
The work was prosecuted with such vigor that the foundation
was ready for the superstructure early in July, and on Sunday,
July 11, 1875, under the auspices of Buckley Post, the pleasant but
solemn ceremony of laying the corner-stone was performed at 5
o'clock p. M. Prayer was offered by Rev. Carlos Smith, of the Con-
gregational Church. Gen. Alvin C. Voris deposited in the cavity
of the stone resolutions of Buckley Post leading to erection of
Chapel and of building committee in regard to design of structure;
roster of Buckley Post; names of building committee; copies of
250
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
DAILY BEACON, containing account of breaking ground and other
matters pertaining to Chapel; a confederate bank-note; a Ten-
nessee ten-cent bank-note; various coins and pieces of United
States currency, and the Roll of Honor, containing the names of
soldiers buried in the several cemeteries of the city.
View in Akron Rural Cemetery, from head of Upper Duck Pond,
looking East.- -From photo by George E. Hitchcock, 1891.
Appropriate addresses were made by Rev. G. S. Weaver, and
Newell D. Tibbals, the latter, after alluding to the patriotic going
forth to do battle for the Union, sadness of parting, the sacrifice
of life and treasure, and the triumphant and glorious ending of the
most gigantic struggle in the world's history, closing as follows:
"And what was the lesson taught? It was that this great nation was
more precious than the lives of its citizens ; that the rights of the people
must be protected ; that the unity of our country be maintained, and that
henceforth our glorious flag, the emblem of our national greatness, shall
float at the masthead of our vessels, on every sea, in every harbor of every
civilized nation.
"Then, with feelings of gratitude to the noble dead, assembled here in
the eventide of the first century of our glorious national life, in the harvest
time of the year, in this beautiful home of the dead, and with the going down
of the sun of this quiet, lovely Sabbath day, let us lay the corner-stone of this
splendid structure, in memory of the loved ones who died for such a
noble cause. Let us inscribe with their names, as the sentiment of the prin-
ciple for which they fought and gave their lives 'Union and Libert}-, now
and forever, one and inseparable ! ' "
The chapel is built on the cruciform plan, the nave being
30x48 feet, the "width of the transepts 42 feet, giving a ground area
of 1,800 square feet. The entrance is at the east end, by five stone
steps at either end of the broad porch, the entrance to the receiving
vault, in the basement, being at the west end and on a level with
the surface of the ground in the rear of the chapel.
The entire structure is of fine sandstone, constructed in the
most substantial manner, the roof covered with slate, floor of the
chapel with tile, and roof of the receiving vault with stone and
AKRON RURAL CEMETERY.
251
cement, with iron joists, copper roof protections, etc.; the interior
finish of chapel, from floor to ridge of roof, being both substantial
and handsome.
Soldiers' Memorial Chapel in Akron Rural Cemetery, erected in 1875-6.
From a photo by George E. Hitchcock, 1891.
The most interesting features of the chapel are its memorial
windows, the glass for which was imported from Scotland. The
large chancel window at the west end, 10x25 feet, contains a full
length representation of Col. Lewis P. Buckley, contributed by the
members of the 29th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with a
brief history of that regiment during the war. The large three-
panel transept window on the north side represents the labors of
the Sanitary Commission and Soldiers' Aid Society the heroic
sacrifice and suffering of the loyal women of America, both at
home, on the field of battle and in the hospital contributed by the
Ladies' Cemetery Association, as elsewhere stated.
252 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
The three-panel transept window on the south side, placed by
the Board of Memorial Trustees, on the Centennial Anniversary of
American Independence, is a fitting conclusion of their unselfish
and patriotic labors; the center panel contains a full length repre-
sentation of Washington, with the legend: "Observe good faith
and justice with all nations;" the easterly panel, the figure of the
hero of Lake Brie in the war of 1812, Commodore Oliver Hazzard
Perry, and his triumphant message to Gen. Harrison, September
10, 1813: "We have met the enemy and they are ours;" the west-
erly panel, the martyred Lincoln, with his immortal utterance in
closing his second brief inaugural address, March 4, 1865: "With
malice toward none, and with charity for all."
Smaller windows, with appropriate designs and mottoes were
contributed by individual citizens as follows: Gen. A. C. Voris, in
memory of his three brothers who died in the service; Judge
Samuel C. Williamson, in memory of his brother, William Palmer
Williamson, the first soldier killed in battle from Summit county;
Frank O. Weary, in memory of his two young friends, Henry H.
and Eugene D. Smith; friends, to the memory of Capt. Walter B.
Scott; Gen. Thomas F. Wildes to the memory of his brother, John
C. Wildes; Theodore Robinson and other members of the family to
the memory of Virgil J.Robinson and his brother-in-law, Benjamin
F. Weary, the latter being the first to enlist in Akron, and the last
from Summit county killed, in the battle Appomattox, after the
surrender of Gen. Lee, April 9, 1865; the east window being placed
by members of the "Sixth Battery in memory of our fallen com-
rades" the two Louvre windows, representing a piece of field
artillery and a Sibley tent, and the large ornamental rose window
in front being contributed by architect Frank O. Weary.
.There are fourteen marble slabs, eight feet in height by three
feet in width, upon which were inscribed, previous to dedication,
the names of all of Akron and Portage township's soldiers killed
in battle, or who had died, either during or after the close of the
war, regardless of the place of their decease, or burial, and of all
other known ex-soldiers from other localities who had died in
Akron, to which has since been, and will continue to be, added those
who are constantly being transferred from the ranks of Life to the
grand and ever augmenting Army of the Dead.
Two twelve-pound brass cannon, donated to Buckley Post by
the War Department, for monumental purposes, properly mounted
on carriages are stationed in close proximity to the chapel one on
"Ordnance Hill, "upon the south, and the other on a slight mound
upon the west.
DEDICATION OF CHAPEL.
The chapel, complete in all its appointments, was duly dedi-
cated on Decoration Day, Tuesday, Ma} 7 " 30, 1876, with imposing
ceremonies, briefly as follows:
Besides the usual decoration services earlier in the day, a
large procession of soldiers, ex-soldiers, citizens, civic societies,
bands of music, etc., forming on Howard street, reached the chapel
at 2 o'clock p. m. After the usual preliminary exercises of prayer,
music, etc., Mr. Lewis Miller, on behalf of the Building Committee,
presented the structure to Buckley Post in a brief but exceedingly
appropriate address, which was received on behalf of the Post, in
AKRON RURAL CEMETERY. 253
eloquent and fitting words by Capt. Samuel C. Williamson, who, in
turn, in behalf of the Post, transferred the building to the care and
custody of the Trustees of the Akron Rural Cemetery Association,
in closing addressing Col. Simon Perkins, president of the associa-
tion, as follows:
" To your hands, then, O, venerable patriarch of the past the representa-
tive of the earlier, and perhaps better, days of the Republic in the presence
of these white-haired veterans of 1812, in whom, to-day, we span the chasm of
a century, and shake hands with the heroes of the Revolution who fell at
Lexington and Bunker Hill, and in their names, the founders of our govern-
ment, and in the names of those who died to preserve it, we now confide to
.you these keys, the symbol of possession, in token of the transfer which is
hereby made."
COL. PERKINS' RESPONSE.
On receiving the keys of the chapel from Judge Williamson,
Col. Perkins said:
"Sir: In behalf of the Akron Rural Cemetery, we accept the beautiful
and sacred trust, through you confided to us by the members of Buckley
Post, Grand Army of the Republic, of this fitting memorial erected to the
memory of loved ones who were offered as a sacrifice on the altar of our
country, that those who survive may transmit the legacy confided to us, by
our patriotic fathers, in spotless purity for generations to come.
" The Cemetery Association will treasure the invaluable trust you now
confide to us, and will preserve it as a sacred and loving tribute to our sons,
whose sacrifice was made for us and for our children after us. Allow me, in
the name of the Akron Rural Cemetery Association to tender, through you*
to Buckley Post, our grateful thanks for the confidence and honor reposed in
us, and give them our assurance that the trust shall be preserved and pro-
tected in love and brotherly regard for our sons."
Ex-Governor Edward F. Noyes, the orator of the day, delivered
one of the most eloquently impressive addresses ever listened to in
Akron, but its length precludes its repetition here. A few brief
excerpts must suffice:
"The occasion which calls us together to-day," said the Governor,
"obliterates all distinctions of creed and platform, all inequalities of fortune
and of social life. We come, indulging in a common sorrow for our beloved
dead, to dedicate to the memory of departed heroes this Memorial Chapel-
the work of willing hands, the offering of grateful and patriotic hearts. * *
* There is something in the death of a patriot soldier which makes it more
touching and honorable than any other. * * * We realize that thej^ have
died for us and for that which is dear to us ; that their immeasurable sacri-
fice has made life, happiness and prosperity possible for us and for our chil-
dren. * * * As a token of our appreciation and grateful remembrance,
this beautiful edifice has been erected an honor alike to the living and the
dead. * * * A hundred years have passed since the Declaration of
American Independence. What the coming century may have in store
for us will depend upon our own deserts. A glorious future can only be
secured to the people whose intelligence, virtue and patriotism makes them
worthy to enjoy it. * * * Looking forward, then, over the hundred years
before us, to the time when our nation shall number 300,000,000 souls when
the prairies shall be changed into gardens, and the hills shall be fragrant
with orchards and vineyards when the waste places shall give way to 10,000
cities, throbbing with active life when our commerce shall whiten every
sea, and bear to distant lands the varied products of our ingenuity and skill,
of labor and of thought, shall we not be incited to nobler aims and efforts
than we have yet attained? So best shall we honor those whose virtues we
commemorate to-day."
"THIS IS YOUR TEMPLE TO-DAY."
At the conclusion of Gov. Noyes' address, after a song by the
Akron L/iedertafel,Will M. Carleton recited an appropriate original
poem, under the above title, the exercises closing with a song by
254
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
the Apollo Club, the benediction by Rev. G. S. Weaver, and music
by Akron Junior Band; and Memorial Chapel has for the past
decade and a half been, as it must long continue to be, an honor to
Akron's soldiery, living as well as dead, an inestimable public con-
venience, an ornament to our beautiful Rural Cemeter}^, and a
source of perpetual pride to all our people.
Lewis Miller's Duck Pond, looking East from Akron Rural Cemetery, previous
to the Extension of Park Place to Glendale Avenue.
On finally closing up his accounts, it was found that in conse-
quence of the panic of 1873, and the financial reverses resulting
therefrom, a portion of the subscriptions were non-collectable, and
that in settling with the contractors, and the liquidation of other
claims, Treasurer Grouse, in addition to his own liberal contribu-
tion, was out of pocket just $3,500,. for which sum, by special act of
the Legislature, the Council was authorized to issue the city's
bonds on which to raise the money for his reimbursement, which
was accordingly done; the entire cost of the structure, outside of
individual contributions of memorial windows, being $25,294.64.
Aside from its preciousness, as the hallowed resting place of
Akron's departed loved ones of the past half century, in a money
point of view, besides the nearly $20,000 paid for the land; the $20,-
000 raised and expended by the ladies for the lodge and other
improvements made by them; the $25,000 and over expended by our
patriotic soldiers and liberal-handed citizens in the erection of
Memorial Chapel, there has been expended by the association, at a
low estimate, in improvements and care of grounds, $125,000, while
private expenditures, for lots and ornamentation, head-stones,
monuments, etc., -will undoubtedly aggregate fully $300,000 more,
making a grand total of money expended to the present time of
nearly, if not fully, half a million of dollars, one of the most notable
family monuments on the grounds, being the life-like statue of
Hon. John R. Buchtel, erected under his own supervision, after
becoming an invalid, as elsewhere stated.
AKRON'S PUBLIC PARKS.
255
Bell Tower, Akron Rural Cemetery.
Lots are now held at fifty cents
per square foot, in' sizes to suit
purchasers, in the newer portion
of the grounds, in which portion
an additional payment of twenty-
five cents per foot is required, as
a contribution to the Perpetual
Care Fund, for the purpose of for-
ever, by accruing interest, keep-
ing said lots in order. As the
object of this fund becomes better
known, it grows in favor, many
owners of lots in the older portion
of the grounds, either contribu-
ting outright thereto, or provid-
ing by will for that purpose, the
fund at the present time (Sep-
tember, 1891), amounting to nearly $10,000.
This fund should be rapidly augmented, so that, in the not
very distant future, when the income from the sale of lots shall
comparatively cease, and other and more distant grounds have to
be resorted to, the care and beauty of our present attractive City
of the Dead, by common consent called "Glendale Cemetery," may
be forever assured, -without a contingency or peradventure.
AKRON'S PUBLIC PARKS.
In addition to Akron's beautiful Rural Cemetery, of fifty-seven
acres, artistically laid out into romantic drives and walks, and
always open to the public, court house square, donated by Gen.
Simon Perkins to Summit county, for public purposes, in 1840, and
now covered with umbrageous trees, and traversed by substantial
walks, and Fountain Park, of some 50 acres, the present attractive
fair grounds of the Summit County Agricultural Society, also
constantly available to the public as a pleasure resort, the city
itself is the owner of quite a number of -not very extensive but
extremely pleasant, "breathing places" in the way of public parks,
as follows:
SOUTH AKRON OR PERKINS PARK.
The original proprietor of the land, Gen. Simon Perkins, of
Warren, in platting his new village of Akron, in 1825, laid out a
" public square," 011 the western part of his plat, embracing what
is now known as Perkins Park, bounded by West Exchange street
on the south, Middlebury street on the north, Bowery street on
the east and Locust street on the west, and also including the
capacious grounds on \vhich the Perkins school building now
stands, on the south side of Exchange street, the whole containing
about five acres of ground. The larger portion, north of Exchange
street, is surrounded by a substantial fence, thoroughly sodded,
planted to thrifty shade trees, evergreens, etc., and tastefully laid
out into walks, with seats, etc., and is greatly enjoyed by the
inhabitants of that portion of the city.
GRACE AND UNION PARKS.
June 20, 1846, in Council proceedings, it is recorded that a
motion was unanimously adopted authorizing the Mayor "to
256 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
receive any donation that Mr. Simon Perkins might make to the
Town of Akron, and give the necessary assurance that his views
and directions would be appreciated and carried out," and, on.
August 25, 1847, the Committee on Public Grounds were "author-
ized to take charge of that part of the same lying northeast of
Doctor Evans's, being a lot of about eight acres given to the town
by Mr. Simon Perkins, as he will deed the same soon."
March 11, 1848, a deed was executed by Simon Perkins, his wife,.
Grace T. Perkins, Joseph Perkins, his wife, Martha E. Perkins,.
Jacob Perkins and Henry B. Perkins, "in consideration of our
desire to provide for the health and convenience of the inhabitants
of the Town of Akron," conveying to the Town Council of said
town, "the whole of Block number thirty, (30), containing seven
and seven one-hundredths of an acre of land, and the whole of
Block number six (6) in Perkins' Addition, containing one and
eighty-five one-hundredths of an acre of land, "for the purpose of
public squares, or grounds, and for no other purpose whatsoever,
and subject to these further limitations; that good and sufficient
fences around the same shall be erected within nine months from
this date, and forever maintained at the proper cost of the Town of
Akron; and that no buildings or structures of any kind shall be
erected on the same, and on failure of said Council to erect said
fences, or, after their erection, to keep them in repair, or on the
erection of any building or structure theron, by said Council or
their successors in office, or by any other person or persons, then,
and in either of these cases, or coritingences, all of said lands, shall
revert and revest in the said grantors, their heirs or assigns, as
fully as if this deed had not been made, and the said grantors,
their heirs or assigns may re-enter and take possession of the
same, and enjoy it -in as full and ample a manner as if this con-
veyance had never been made."
The larger of the two parcels of ground thus conve} T ed,
bounded by Prospect street on the west, Park street on the south,
Perkins street on the north and Elm street on the east, was, by
common consent, named "Grace Park," in honor of Mrs. Grace T.
Perkins, the amiable wife of the donor of the land in question, for
though his three brothers, Joseph, Jacob and Henry B., joined in
making the conveyance, it was understood that Col. Simon
Perkins "was alone the giver.
Grace Park was fenced within the time specified, in December
1848, with lumber at $8.00 per thousand feet and labor at thirty-one
cents per rod, or a grand total cost of $189.02. Subsequently in
1875, the city purchased from Joseph Perkins for $2,000 the strip of
land lying between Elm (now North College) street and the rail-
roads, east and west, and Perkins and Park streets, north and
south, a portion of which, including that portion of College street
lying between the two parcels, has recently been added to the
main park, and the whole, nearly ten acres, surrounded by a hand-
some and substantial iron fence, leaving a narrow driveway
between the park and the railway embankment, on the east side.
This park, with a large number of the original forest trees grand
old oaks still standing thereon, interspersed with evergreens and
ornamental shrubs, surrounded by rows of thrifty young maples,
with its -well-kept walks and comfortable lawn settees, is a con-
stant reminder to our people of the generosity and foresight of the
AKRON'S PUBLIC PARKS. 257
donor, and of his expressed desire, as above quoted, " to promote
the health and convenience of the inhabitants of the Town of
Akron."
That region of the town east of the railroads, and between
East Market and Middlebury streets, was for many years an open
common, or public cow-pasture, and the triangular block now
known as "Union Park," included in the above named donation,
remained unfenced and unimproved until a comparatively recent
period. Indeed, both parcels were many times forfeited by the
carelessness and neglect of the town officials, had the generous-
hearted donor seen fit to enforce the stipulations of the deed as
above given, Edward Oviatt, Esq., attorney for the town, in a
report submitted by him February 21, 1858, admonishing the
Council that "a failure to keep up the fences, or to permit any
permanent structure to be erected on Grace or Flat-iron Parks
would work a forfeiture of title and a reversion of the same to the
original grantors, or their heirs."
This triangular ground, designated as "Union Park," is now
flanked on the west and north by handsome private residences,
and on the southeasterly side by like structures, with Akron's
magnificent high school building about midway. Like Grace
Park, it is inclosed by a handsome iron post and rail fence, nicely
graded and sodded and planted to shade trees, both inside and out,
and most highly appreciated by both teachers, scholars and
people.
"Pleasant Park" is in the extreme south end of the city,
east of the railroads, bounded north by Thornton street, east by
Grant street, south by Eagle street, and west by Washington street,
and contains about five acres of land. It was dedicated to the
public use by the late Samuel Thornton, as a part of Thornton's
addition to the City of Akron, and with the care that is being
bestowed upon it by the park commissioners, being fenced, graded
arid liberally provided with trees, walks, etc., is in reality a very
great boon to the rapidly increasing population of that portion of
the city.
At the junction of West Market and North streets, and
bounded on the east by Valley street, is a triangular park contain-
ing about three-fourths of at acre, the eastern portion of which,
lots five and six, or Wolf's sub-division, being purchased by the
city, July 19, 1880, from the Lock Slate Company, of Philadelphia,
for the consideration of $475, and the apex, 30-100 of an acre, from
George Flower, executor of George Treen, January 6, 1881, for the
consideration of $800. The lot has been properly graded and
improved, and in the center a donation from Hon. J. Park
Alexander is a commodious fountain, whose sparkling waters
gladden and refresh not only the inhabitants of the neighborhood,
but the hundreds of daily passers-by.
By an arrangement with the Cemetery Association, in the
laying out of Glendale avenue, the triangle formed by the junction
of the avenue with West Market and Cherry streets, containing
about one-eighth of an acre was dedicated to the public, and a
fountain erected thereon by the city, run at first by the waters of a
large spring, or well, at the corner of West Market and Bates
street, but in more recent years by those of the Akron City Water
Works. By a subsequent adjustment of street and lot lines,.
17
*
258 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
between the city and Col. D. W. Thomas, this little park will
finally become nearly, if not quite obliterated, though for the
present it is being cared for by the commissioners, as are the
other parks of the city. It is called the "Oasis."
The handsome and conveniently located lot, on northeast
corner of East Market and High streets, is the original lot upon
which the late Gen. Lucius V. Bierce erected, in 1835, '36, what was
then the finest family residence in the new village of North Akron.
On the 13th day of September, 1875, the Gen. and Mrs. Bierce con-
veyed their property to the city, on the consideration that,
commencing on the 15th day of March, 1876, the city should pay to
them the sum of $1,500 per annum during their joint lives, and on
the death of either, the sum of $1000 per year to the survivor during
his or her life, with the stipulation that the city should allow them
to occupy said house or provide them with rooms in the new
building that might be erected thereon, and provided further, " tha't
the lot conveyed shall be forever known as 'Bierce Park.'"
Not being ready to erect a city hall, or other public building
on said lot, the grantors were permitted to occupy the premises
until their respective deaths the General, November 11, 1876, and
Mrs. Bierce, April 24, 1882.
The cost to the city for the property in question was about
$6,000. For a time after the death of Mrs. Bierce, the house was
rented to various parties, for domestic purposes, but as that usage
was both annoying and profitless, besides jeopardizing the title,
the building was sold to Mr. L/eroy Munson, and by him removed
to Furnace street, where it is now doing duty as a tenement house,
and the most substantial house on that street.
" Bierce Park" has been graded, sodded and fenced, and will
thus be kept as a public park until such time as the city may
desire to use the lot for the erection of such a public building
city hall, or otherwise as its convenient and commanding loca-
tion is worthy of.
From its earliest history Middlebury has had quite an exten-
sive public square, contributed by Roswell Kent, and other
public-spirited citizens, on the southerly side of what is now East
Market street, and on which the original school house of the
village was located, and in later years the high school building of
Middlebury township. Since the annexation of that township to
the cit}^, and the erection of the splendid new Sixth Ward school
building, on South Arlington street, the old school building has
been converted into Fire Station Number Two, and the old
Middlebury public square, with its nicely graveled walks, its well-
kept lawn, its sparkling fountain, its thrifty shade trees, shrubbery,
etc., is now, under the management of the fire laddies, one of the
very pleasantest parks in the city.
In addition, and nearly opposite, in the acute angle formed by
the junction of East Market and Broad streets, also a contribution
from early residents, is a shady lawn, or park, of perhaps one-fourth
of an acre, -which is both a great convenience and a source of
pleasure to the inhabitants of that portion of our goodly city.
The parks of the city are under the care and control of a board
of three park commissioners, at present consisting of Christian
Vogt, John Kreuder and David Rittersbach, all of whom, without
compensation, yearly devote much time and attention to their
AKRON S PUBLIC PARKS.
259
improvement, the annual expenses for fencing, grading and plant-
ing, trimming, mowing, seating, etc., averaging about $2,700, for
the past five or six years, the expenditures for the past five years,
as shown by city clerk's annual report to City Council being,
respectively, $1,963.08; $2,369.40; $2,491.19; $2,655.39; $3,153.03; the
cost of fencing Grace and Union Parks alone being respectively
about $3,000 and $1,350; the fences, however, being of such a per-
manent nature that no further expense than an occasional coat of
paint will be required for many years to come.
View on Ohio Canal, below Stone Mill,
looking South.
CHAPTER XIII.
AKRON AND PORTAGE TOWNSHIP CIVIL SERVICE TOWN, VILLAGE, CITY AND
TOWNSHIP LOCAL AND GENERAL PUBLIC OFFICERS FOR FIFTY-FIVE YEARS
A HIGHLY HONORABLE RECORD HUNDREDS OF FAITHFUL OFFICIALS
NOT A SINGLE CASE OF MALFEASANCE KNOWN A VALUABLE LIST FOR
FUTURE REFERENCE.
AKRON'S CIVIL SERVICE RECORD.
AS in subsequent chapters, under their respective heads, the civil
service status of the several townships, in the county, state
and nation, will be given, it is here in order to show how
far the citizens of the shire town have been honored with
positions of public trust, by the people of the town, village, county,
and state, and the fidelity with which each and all have discharged
the arduous and responsible duties thus devolved upon them, and
it may here be parenthetically observed, that, in the long list of
names which follows, not a single instance of malfeasance in office
has been reported or suspected.
As elsewhere stated Akron was incoporated as a "Town," by
act of the Legislature, passed March 13, 1836, the municipal officers
provided by the act, to be elected on the second Tuesday of the
ensuing June, by the "white male inhabitants who have resided
within the aforesaid limits of said town for the space of six months
next preceding said election," being "one Mayor, one Recorder and
five Trustees who together shall constitute a Town Council," etc.;
subsequent elections to be held on the first Tuesday of June in
each year, thus involving the necessity of holding three elections
each year township, municipal and state, with an additional elec-
tion for President every four years.
On the adoption of the new State Constitution of 1851, the legal
title of Akron, by virtue of its provisions, became "The Incorpo-
rated Village of Akron," which title was retained until its advance-
ment to a city of the second-class in January, 1865, as heretofore
stated.
The initial election of town officers was fully described in the
second chapter of this work and need not be repeated here, the
entire roster of town, village, city and township officers, during the
intervening 55 years, being as follows:
TOWN AND VILLAGE TRUSTEES. For 1836, Erastus Torrey,
Jedediah D. Commins, William B. Mitchell, William E. Wright,
Noah M. Green; Mr. Mitchell declining to serve, Col. Justus Gale
was appointed by Council to fill the vacancy. In 1837, William K.
May, William T. Mather, Dana D. Evans, Jesse Allen, Eber
Blodgett; Mr. May removing from town in September 1837, Wil-
liam Patterson was appointed in his place. In 1838, Jesse Allen,
Ebenezer Martin, Justus Gale, James W. Phillips, Ansel Miller;
1839, Samuel Manning, Seth Iredell, James W. Phillips, Lewis P.
Buckley, Ebenezer Martin; Mr. Martin declining to serve, Ansel
Miller was appointed in his place and Mr. Phillips resigning in July,
Mr. Ithiel Mills was appointed to fill the vacancy. 1840, Seth Ire-
dell, Samuel Manning, Ithiel Mills, Samuel A. Wheeler, William E.
AKRON'S CIVIL SERVICE RECORD.
261
WILLIAM L. CLARKE, son of
Judge George Clarke, was born
in Lewisburg, Pa., March 19, 1796;
came with parents to Stark County,
in 1810, and to Springfield in 1814 ;
common school education, receiving'
additional instruction from father
in mathematics and surveying;
raised a farmer, early manhood
divided between farming and teach-
ing, in 1833 removing to Middlebur}' ;
in 1848, was elected Sheriff of Summit
county, and re-elected in 1850, ablj r
filling that responsible position four
years, meantime moving to Akron ;
was elected justice of the peace for
Portage township, in 1857, and re-
elected in 1861, '64 and '67, faithfully
seving twelve years. April 9, 1818,
he was married to Miss Sarah De
Haven, of Springfield, who bore him
five daughters and one son Martha,
born January 28, 1819, married to Mr.
James Irvin, November 2, 1842, who
died September 4, 1863, Mrs. Irvin
still surviving; Nancy Cynthia,
born March 25, 1821, married to Perry
C. Caruthers, of Tallmadge, October
22, 1840, both now living ; Sarah Lois,
born July 2, 1823, married to Dudley
Seward, whose portrait and bio-
graphy appear elsewhere; Maria
Jane, born January 7, 1826, married
to N. D. Furry, November 12, 1845,
NELSON B. STONE.
NELSON B. STONE, son of Milo
and Sarah (Beardsley) Stone,
was born September 18, 1816, in Ma-
honing County, Ohio, the family a
j'ear later settling in Tallmadge ;
educated in district schools and at
Tallmadge Academy ; after several
years spent in West Bloomfield, N.
Y., Ravenna and Chardon, O., and
Wheeling, W. Va., as clerk and book-
keeper, in December, 1840, Mr. Stone
] <^W
WILLIAM L. CLARKE.
died December, 1865 ; Mary H., born
August 13, 1830, married to Nelson B.
Stone, May 19, 1852, died April 6, 1853 ;
William Milton, born March 7, 1834,
died January 22, 1878. Mr. Clarke
died August 9, 1876, and Mrs. Clarke
April 12, 1881.
came to Akron, clerking in store for
a few months, when he accepted the
position of deputy, under county
clerk, Lucian Swift, serving under
Clerk Swift and Clerk Lucius S. Peck,
until October, 1851, when he was
elected Clerk (the first under the new
constitution, clerks theretofore hav-
ing been appointed by the court),
which position he held three years.
Then, though still residing in Akron,
he was for a time deputy clerk*of
Cuyahoga County ; then after a short
engagement with Aultman, Miller &
Co., in 1865, became the secretary and
treasurer of the Weary, Snyder &
Wilcox Manufacturing Co., which
position he held 18 years, having
since retired from active business.
Mr. S. has been an efficient and
official member of the First M. E.
church, and a zealous worker, teacher,
secretary, etc., in the Sunday school,
since its organization. May 19, 1852,
Mr. Stone was married to Miss Mary
H. Clarke, of Akron, who died April
6,1853, leaving one son Nelson C.,
now cashier in City National Bank
of Akron. August 23, 1854, Mr. Stone
was again married, to Miss Elizabeth
H. Beardsley, of Akron, who has
borne him two children -Philip C.,
who died March 24, 1872, and Dwight
M., living at home.
262
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
PHILIP P. BOCK, born in Mich-
t enbach, Hessian Hamburg,Prus-
sia, February 10, 1830; at ten years of
age came with parents to America,
settling- in Akron; educated at Akron
High School ; clerked for various
firms in Akron several years ; was
employed by County Commissioners
to compile complete index of county
records ; in 1858, was elected County
Recorder, and re-elected in 1861, ably
filling that important position six
years, and, being a firm advocate of
the doctrine of " rotation in office,"
declining an assured nomination
for a third term. On retiring from
office, for a short time was in the lum-
ber trade, after which he embarked in
the insurance business, later estab-
lishing a real estate and loan agencj-,
which has been phenomenally suc-
cessful, being the pioneer in that
line of business in the city. Mr.
Bock is emphatically self-made, an
earnest Republican, a stanch tem-
perance man and a good citizen. He
was married July 31, 1860, to Miss
Ellen Shultes, of Buffalo, N. Y. Five
children have been born to them
PHILIP P. BOCK.
three daughters, Ada, Mae C., and
Annie, and two sons, Philip Paul, Jr.,
who died young, and Charles S., a
bright, promising young man, who-
died suddenly, September 28, 1888, at
the age of 25 } r ears, 1 month and 11
days.
Wright; 1841, Seth Iredell, Webster B. Storer, Jacob Allen, Ansel
Miller, Leverett J. Ives; 1842, Ansel Miller, Seth Iredell, David
Allen, George T. Ray, Horace May; Mr. Allen dying in January,
1843, James Mathews was appointed to fill the vacancy; 1843, Seth
Iredell James Mathews, George T. Ray, Horace May, Ansel Miller;
1844^ -William M. Dodge, Robert K. DuBois, Nahum Fay, Jesse
Allen, Samuel A. Wheeler; Mr. Jesse Allen, resigning in September,
his brother, Mr. Jacob Allen, was appointed to the vacancy. 1845 r
Robert K. DuBois, Justus Gale, Lucius V. Bierce, William M,
Dodge, John H. Crawford; Col. Gale declining to serve, Samuel A.
Wheeler was appointed for the term, and Judge DuBois dying
in November, Horace Canfield was appointed for remainder of
term; 1846, Horace Canfield, Samuel A. Wheeler, Allen Hibbard r
Nicholas Emmons Varisickle, Lucius V. Bierce; 1847, Allen Hib-
bard, Lucian Swift, Samuel A. Wheeler, Joseph A. Beebe, Ansel
Miller; 1848, Ansel Miller, Nathaniel Finch, Benjamin McNaugh-
ton, John M. Cutler, George W. Bloom; 1849, Nathaniel Finch,
Ansel Miller, Charles Webster, George W. Bloom, Milton W. Henry;
Mr. Finch resigning in October, John M. Cutler was appointed to
the vacancy; 1850, Thomas H. Goodwin, John Howe, Hiram Viele,
Robert Jackson, Lemuel C. Parker; Mr. Howe removing from the
town in October, William M. Dodge was appointed in his place;
1851, James M. Hale, Benjamin McNaughton, William O. Sanford,
Milton W. Henry, David T. Bruner; 1852, James M. Hale, William
O. Sanford, Ralph P. Myers, Peter Osborn, Ansel Miller; 1853,
William T. Allen, Richard S. Elkins, David A. Scott, George
Thomas, Daniel H. Wheeler; Mr. Elkins having been appointed
Recorder., in January, 1854, in place of Recorder Horace Canfield,
deceased as elsewhere stated, Samuel A. Lane was appointed to serve
the balance of Mr. Elkins's term as trustee; 1854, James B. Taplin,
Thomas H. Goodwin, Richard Howe, David Hanscom, James M.
AKRON S CIVIL SERVICE RECORD.
263
Hale; 1855, Richard Howe, Ansel Miller, James B. Taplin, Cornelius
Johnston, David A. Scott; Mr. Taplin resigning April 18, Richard
S. Elkins was appointed to fill the vacancy; 1856, Henry Purdy,
David A. Scott, Thomas H. Goodwin, Henry S. Abbey, Joseph
Milligan; 1857, George Thomas, Henry Fisher, Jr., Henry S. Abbey,
Henry Purdy, Charles Cranz; 1858, Charles Cranz, Richard B.
Walker, John Cook, Joseph Milligan, Job Pierce; 1859, William L.
Everett, Job Pierce, Richard B. Walker, Thomas H. Goodwin,
Joseph Milligan; Mr. Pierce resigning in October, George W.
McNeil was appointed in his place; 1860, Richard Howe, Ferdinand
Schumacher, Robert L/. Moffatt, James Christy, William S. Painton,
1861, Robert L. Moffatt, Ferdinand Schumacher, George Buel, John
Douglas, Henry Fisher; 1862, Charles Webster, John E. Bell, John
Douglas, Isaac Harter, George Buel; 1863, Arad Kent, John E. Bell,
John H. Waggoner; 1864, Allen Hibbard, Stephen H. Pitkin, William
H. Lapeus, Charles W. Bonstedt James Christy.
TOWN AND VILLAGE MAYORS. The mayors of the incorporatd
town and village of Akron, like its trustees, were elected for the
term of one year only, and were successively as follows: 1836, Seth
Iredell, (father of Charles and Robert S. Iredell, now both residents
of Akron); 1837, '38, John Curtis Singletary, (now living in Streets-
boro, Portage county); 1839, '41, '44, '49, Lucius Verus Bierce; 1840,
Arad Kent; 1842, '43, Harvey H.Johnson; 1845, '46, '47, Philo Cham-
berlin; 1848, Israel E. Carter; 1850, George Bliss; 1851, Charles G.
L/add, (father of the present Mrs. A. C. Voris); 1852, Frederick
Wadsworth; 1853, Philip N. Schuyler; 1854, William T. Allen, 1855,
HON. JOHN JOHNSTON, born in
Center County, Pa., February
11, 1813; when a year old came with
parents to Ohio, settling- in Green
Township ; common school educa-
tion ; worked on father's farm till 18,
when he entered store of Hart,
DuBois & Co., in Middlebury as
clerk ; about 1838 commenced busi-
ness for himself in partnership with
Mr. James Irvin, continuing- till 184f> ;
then engaged in real estate busi-
ness, loaning money, etc.; 1864 (SO
member of banking firm of D. P.
Eberman & Co.; 1866-72, member of
building and lumber firm of W. B.
Doyle & Co. Mr. Johnston was an
active Republican ; elected Repre-
sentative to State Legislature in 1861,
and re-elected in 1863, ably filling the
Speaker's chair in adjourned session
of 1865 ; a warm friend of Horace
Greeley, supported him for Presi-
dent in 1872, but soon became dis-
gusted with that movement and
returned to Republican ranks, as
chairman of Republican Central
Committee ; for several years justice
of the peace for Middlebury town-
ship; and for 28 consecutive years,
save one, a member of Middlebury
school board. February 4, 1840, Mr.
Johnston was married to Miss
Elizabeth R. Newton, of Middlebury,
who still survives, Mr. Johnston
HOX. JOHN JOHNSTON.
dying suddenly, of apoplexy, Jan-
uary 26, 1879. Of the ten children
born to them, eight are now living
Frances P. (now Mrs. Edward Buck-
ingham, of Akron) ; Charles N.; Park
B., (Deputy Auditor of Sumirit Co.);
Clara, (Mrs. E. T. Hall, of Titusville,
Pa.) ; William E., of Akron ; John Jr.,
(lawyer in Chicago) ; Lizzie J., (now
Mrs. Robert Watt, of Akron); and
Samuel Newton, of Akron.
264
AKROX AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
DR. MENDAL JEWETT, of Eng-
lish descent, was born in Green-
wich, Mass., September 4, 1815; com-
mon school education ; at "18 went to
Boston, working in foundrj^ some
two years ; then visited the South,
\vhere personal observation gave
him his subsequent well-known deep
aversion to human slavery; in the
Spring- of 1836 joined an older brother
in Aurora, Portage County, soon
afterwards entering upon the study
of medicine in the office of Drs. Noble
& Town, in Hudson, graduating from
Western Reserve Medical College in
1839, locating and commencing prac-
tice in Mogadore the same year; in
1850 made the tedious and perilous
overland journey to California,
remaining there two years ; repre-
sented Summit County in the State
Legislature during the sessions of
1855, '56 and 1856, '57. exerting a marked
influence in that body on the subject
of human rights, temperance and
morality. In 1858 Dr. Jewett removed
to Middlebury, where he spent the
remainder of his life in the successful
practice of his profession; in practical
scientific pursuits, of which he was
devotedly fond ; in improved horti-
cultural operations and in the pro-
motion of the cause of education and
the general welfare. June 14, 1839,
Dr. Jewett was married to Miss
DR. MENDAL JEWETT.
Cordelia H. Kent, of Aurora, who
bore him 10 children, 4 dying in
infancy : Noble Mendal, now in
Akron ; Florence Emily, now wife of
Dr. Fred. W. Inman, Whitehaven,
Florida ; Eva L., now Mrs. John
DeHaven, of Akron ; Ford E., now of
Canon City, Colorado; Mary B., pro-
fessor in Buchtel College ; Lillie
May, now Mrs. Charles T. Inman, of
Akron.
JOHN PARK ALEXANDER.
JOHN PARK ALEXANDER, -son
J of John and Mary (Scott) Alex-
ander, born in Bath, Axigust 1, 1834;
educated in district schools, Rich-
field Academy and Marlboro Normal
School, in latter taking a course in
civil engineering under Prof. Hoi-
brook ; was principal of Akron Gram-
mar School from April, 1855, to July,
1857 ; in 1866 purchased site of present
fire brick works and engaged in the
manufacture of stoneware; also con-
tracting for product of 12 or 15 other
potteries, with warehouses in Akron,
Detroit and Chicago; in 1867 estab-
lished his present extensive fire
brick works, on Canal street ; from
1872 for five years proprietor of two
oil refineries, till 1891 dealing exten-
sively in illuminating and lubri-
cating oils ; was secretary of Summit
County Agricultural Society five
years, from 1858, and its president
seven years thereafter ; treasurer
State Board of Agriculture in 1872 ;
member of Akron City Council 15
years between 1865 and 1888, and
eight years its president ; representa-
tive to State Legislature 1882, '83;
State Senator for Summit, Portage,
Geauga, Lake and Ashtabula coun-
ties 1888-92. September 4, 1860, Mr.
Alexander was married to Miss
Martha D. Wright, of Tallmadge,
who has borne him eight children
Clara W. (married to Prof. Charles
B. Wright, of Middlebury, Vt., Col-
lege); Helen B. (now Mrs. Henry B.
Sperry, of Huntingdon, Pa.,); George
Bates (deceased), Grace F., Mattie D.,
Bessie H., John Park, Jr., and Alice B.
AKRON'S CIVIL SERVICE RECORD.
265
'56, Nathaniel Finch; 1857, '58, Frederick A. Nash; 1859, George W.
McNeil; 1860, '61, Henry Purdy; 1862, '63, Charles A. Collins; 1864,
George D. Bates.
TOWN AND VILLAGE RECORDERS. Recorders elected by the peo-
ple each year: 1836, Constant Bryan; 1837, '38, William E. Wright;
1839, '40, '41, Robert K. DuBois; 1842, '43, '47, Nahum Fay; 1844, '45,
1 46, William Harrison Dewey; 1848, '49, '50, '51, Edward W. Perrin;
1852, '53, Horace Canfield; Mr. Canfield dying in December, 1853,
Richard S. Elkins was appointed by Council for balance of term,
and elected for 1854; followed in 1855, '56 by Joseph E. Wesener;
1857, '58 by Ralph P. Waterbury; 1859, Allen Hibbard; 1860, 62, '63
Alvin Rice; 1861, James Holmes; 1864, Henry Ward Ingersoll.
DR. ISRAEL E. CARTER , born in
Concord, N. H., April 8, 1810;
graduated from Vermont Medical
College, at Woodstock, in June, 1835;
by reason of impaired health, ex-
changed practice of medicine for
dentistry, opening an office in
Ravenna, Ohio, in 1836, where he suc-
cessfully practiced until 1843, when
he removed to Akron, and was for
many years the leading dentist of
the town and county. In 1862, Dr.
Carter was elected to the office of
County Treasurer, and re-elected in
1864, ably filling the office two full
terms of two years each, having
previously held the office of Mayor
of the incorporated village of Akron
during the years 1848, '49, and mem-
ber of School Board two terms. Dr.
Carter was married to Miss Mary
L. Williamson, of Ravenna, July 4,
1840, who bore him four children
Frances L., wife of Capt. T. D. McGil-
licuddy, of Akron; William H., book-
keeper for J. F. Seiberling Company;
Mary Alice died in her fourth year,
in 1853, and Charles E., jeweler, late
of Doylestown, Wayne Co., Ohio, now
living in Akron. Mrs. Carter dying
June 19. 1862, in her 43d year, Dr. Car-
ter was again married, to Mrs.
DR. ISRAEL E. CARTER.
Eunice R. Sherman, in 1863. Dr. Car-
ter was a charter member of Summit
Lodge, I. O. O. F., organized in 1845,
active and prominent in its councils,
and Deputy Grand Master one term.
Dr. Carter died July 27, 1885, aged 75
years, 3 months and 19 days.
TOWN AND VILLAGE MARSHALS. This officer was, under the old
constitution, an appointee of the Council, for one year, successive
incumbents, under that arrangement, being as follows: 1836,
Ithiel Mills; 1837, Moses Cleveland; 1838, '39, Alfred R. Townsend;
1840, '41, Caleb G. Gillett; 1842, Alfred R. Townsend; 1843, Caleb G.
Gillett; 1844, '45, Charles G. Ladd; 1846, '47, Cyrus S. Van Orman;
1848, '49, Merrick Burton; 1850, Jeremiah Crissman; 1851, Jacob
Rice. Mr. Rice resigning March 14, 1852, David Croy was
appointed to fill the vacancy. 1852, '53, '54 (elected by the people)
Josiah J. Wright, Hiram S. Falor, assistant; 1855, Josiah J. Wright;
1856, George W. Marriiier; 1857, Josiah J. Wright, William Fisher,
assistant; 1858, Josiah J. Wright, Philip A. Bierwirth, assistant;
1 3 59, Josiah J. Wright, George W. Smetts, assistant; 1860, Josiah J.
Wright, Dudley Seward, assistant; 1861, Joseph Milligan, William
AKRON AND SJJMMIT COUNTY.
Ward, assistant; 1862, George W. Marriner, William Ward, assist-
ant; 1863, Josiah J. Wright, David A. Scott, assistant; 1864, David
A. Scott, William Ward, assistant.
EDWARD OVIATT , born in Hud-
son, May 19, 1822, the family
later removing to Richfield; raised
on farm; educated at Richfield
Academy, Granville Institute and
Western Reserve College; in May,
1842, came to Akron and entered the
office of the late Chief Justice David
K. Cartter, of Washington, D. C., then
practicing law in Akron; in Septem-
ber, 1844, at Medina, admitted to prac-
tice in State Courts, and in Novem-
ber 1846, at Cleveland, to practice in
United States Courts; practiced in
partnership with Hon. S. W. McClure
from 1865 to 1870, and from 1876 to
1891 with his son-in-law. George G.
Allen, Esq., under the firm name of
Oviatt & Allen, the firm now, with
Mr. Charles S. Cobbs added thereto,
being Oviatt, Allen & Cobbs. Mr.
Oviatt was a member of the Akron
Board of Education for several years,
City Attorney from 1853 to 1862, and
Prosecuting Attorney of Summit
County from 1865 to 1869. In 1864,
served 100 days at Arlington Heights,
Va., as a member of the 164th Regi-
ment, O. N. G., under Col. John C.
Lee, being appointed Color Bearer of
the regiment, on its organization in
Cleveland. September 8, 1847, Mr.
Oviatt was married to Miss Anna M.
Wadsworth, of Akron, who died
August 9, 1854, leaving one child,
EDWARD OVIATT.
Emma, now wife of Calvin Edgerton r
a lawyer in Los Angeles, Cal.
December 5, 1855, was married to
Miss Frances A. Lansing, of Sara-
toga county, N. Y., who died August
13, 1881, leaving two children Olivia
F., wife of George G. Allen, Esq., and
Edward Ailing, book-keeper in the
City National Bank of Akron.
DR. LEOXIDAS S. EBRIGHT.
DR. LEONIDAS S. EBRIGHT,
son of George and Rachel
(Hathaway) Ebright, born in Fairfield
County, Ohio, September 26, 1844;
common school education ; in Ma}-,
1862, enlisted in 85th Regt., O. V. I.; dis-
charged with regiment in July, 1865,
In February, 1866, came to Akron,
studying medicine with Drs. William
Bowen and Thomas McEbrig^ht,
graduating at Charity Hospital Med-
ical College in February, 1869. After-
wards spent 13 months in Germany,
then settled down to the practice of
his profession in Akron. An ardent
Republican in politics. Dr. F/brig-ht
was elected to the State Legislature,
in 1880, abl} T serving his constituents
in that body two years. He is an
active member of the various med-
ical associations of the County, State
and Nation, has served four years as-
health officer of the City of Akron,
and was president of the decennial
real estate board of equalization of
the city for 1890. November 15, 1883,
Dr. Ebright was married to Miss
Julia A. Bissell of Sharon, Medina
County, O. They have two children
Ruth Bissell, born September 24, 1884,
and Mary Rachel, born June 21,1889.
AKRONS CIVIL SERVICE RECORD.
267
TOWN AND VILLAGE TREASURERS. Appointed yearly by Coun-
cil: 1836, Samuel A. Wheeler; 1837, '38, Horace K. Smith: 1839,
Russell Abbey; 1840, '41, '42, '43, '44, '45, Gibbons J. Ackley; 1846, '47,
'48, '49, Grove N. Abbey; 1850, '51, '52, '53, '54, Milton \V. Henry.
Elected by the people: 1855, '56, '57, Milton W. Henry; 1858, John
T. Good; 1859, '60, John H. Chamberlin; 1861, '62, '63, '64, Charles
Cranz. Since advanced to second class city, in 1865, the County
Treasurer has, under the law, been ex-officio City Treasurer.
TOWN AND VILLAGE ATTORNEYS. Previous to 1851 no regular
corporation attorney was appointed by council, though L. V.
Bierce, Constant Bryan and others were employed as occasion
required, to look after the legal interests of the village. In 1851
Roland O. Hammond was regularly designated, by Council, as
Corporation Attorney, followed in 1852 and a part of 1853 by Wil-
liam H. Upson, the balance of 1853 by Edward Oviatt; 1854, Philip
N. Schuyler; 1855, '56, '57, '58, '59, '60, Edward Oviatt; 1861, Henry
Ward Ingersoll; 1862, '63, Charles B. Bernard; 1864, Henry Ward
Ingersoll.
HON. JACOB ADAMS KOHLER,
son of Henry and Mary
(Slanker) Kohler, was born near Read-
ing", Pa., August 15, 1835, when four
months old removing with parents to
Franklin township, this county; edu-
cated in district schools, and Lpdi
Academy; in 1853, apprenticed him-
self to Mr. D. G. Sanford, cabinet
maker, in Akron, later reading- law
with N. W. Goodhue, Esq., and admit-
ted to bar in 1859; Prosecuting Attor-
ney two terms 1868-72; law partner
of Hon. Sidney Edgerton several
years, later with Rolin W. Sadler,
Esq., and now with Harvey Musser,
Esq. Mr. Kohler represented Sum-
mit County in the State Legislature,
1880 to 1885, and served as Attorney
General of Ohio, 1886 to 1888; was
married May 16, 1860, to Miss Frances
H. Coburn, only child of the late Dr.
Stephen H. Coburn, who has borne
him two sons Hurlbut Stephen, born
July 20, 1868, and George Coburn,
born November 17, 1870, both grad-
uates of Yale College. In connection
with Gov. Russell A. Alger, o f
Detroit, Mich., (a former Akron boy),
Mr. Kohler in 1882 erected Arcade
block, a five-story brick building, on
Howard street, one of the largest and
handsomest business blocks in the
HON. JACOB ADAMS KOHLER.
city ; and besides his fine residence
on East Market street, as the manag-er
of the Coburn estate, has large land-
ed interests in various portions of
the city, being- also one of the incor-
porators, and president of the Peo-
ples Savings Bank on South Main
street.
CITY MUNICIPAL OFFICERS.
The incorporated village of Akron having been advanced to a
city of the second class, January 21, 1865, in the manner heretofore
described, the tenure of municipal office was changed from one
to two years, though for several years, under a misapprehension
of the law, some of the appointive offices were filled from year to
year.
268
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
HON. SAMUEL W. McCLURE,
born at Alstead, Cheshire Co.,
N. H., Novembers, 1812; in 1815 moved
with parents to Worcester county,
Mass., four years later to Western
New York, and in 1828 to Medina
county r , Ohio, meantime having pur-
sued an academical education with
the ministry in view; at 18 taught
school at Medina two } r ears; then
attended Allegheny College three
years, afterwards for a time receiving
private theological instruction from
Rev. Lee, of Medina. In 1837, opened
select school in Medina, at same
time reading law with Messrs. Can-
field & Camp; in 1838 organized Ash-
land Academy, which he successfully
taught about two years while con-
tinuing his law studies in the offices
of Silas Robbins, Esq., and Hon.
Charles S. Sherman, also part of the
time editing the Ashland Phoenix.
In 1840, returned to Medina, and took
editorial charge of the Constitution-
alist, the Whig organ of that county,
which he conducted during the
Harrison campaign with great spirit
and ability; soon afterwards formed
a law partnership with James S.
Carpenter, Esq., then of Medina, and
Grant B. Turner, Esq., of Cuyahoga
Falls; in Jaiiuarj'- 1842, married Miss
Matilda E. Deming, of Ashland, the
next spring moving to Cuyahoga
Falls; was elected Prosecuting
Attorney in 1847, and in 1848 repre-
sentative to the State Legislature,
serving one term only; 18oO to 1864
HON. SAMUEL W. MCCLURE.
was law partner of Hon Henry
McKinney; in 1865 moved to Akron,
as partner of Edward Oviatt, Esq.; in
1871, elected Judge of Court of Com-
mon Pleas, filling the office the full
term of five years, and declining a
re-election, thereafter enjoying an
extensive practice until his death,
June 8, 1883. Two children were
born to Mr. and Mrs. McClure, Julia
E., (afterwards Mrs. Henry G. Math-
ews, now deceased), and Ida M., still
residing with her mother.
MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL. For 1865: First Ward, Charles
W. Bonstedt, George W. Crouse; Second, John E. Bell, Henry W.
Howe; Third, Lewis Miller, J. Park Alexander; 1866: First, George
W. Crouse, John J. Wagoner; Second, Henry W. Howe, Joshua H.
Collins; Third, Lewis Miller, George Sechrist; 1867, First, John J.
Wagoner, George W. Crouse; Second, Joshua H. Collins, William
H. Payne; Third, George Sechrist, Jeremiah A. Long; 1868, First,
George W. Crouse, John W. Holloway; Second, Joshua H. Collins,
William H. Payne; Third, J. Park Alexander, Jeremiah A. Long;
1869, First, Charles R. Howe, John W. Holloway; Second, Joshua
H. Collins, William J. Atwood; Third, Clement J. Kolb, J. Park
Alexander; 1870, First, William T. Allen, Charles R. Howe; Second,
William P. Cassidy, William J. Atwood; Third, J. Park Alexander,
Clement J. Kolb; 1871, First, David R. Paige, Jr., William T. Allen;
Second, John Memmer, William P. Cassidy; Third, Elias W. How-
ard, J. Park Alexander; Fourth, Robert McElhinny, George Burk-
hardt; Fifth, Richard F. Palmer, Clement J. Kolb; 1872, First,
William T. Allen, David R. Paige, Jr.; Second, Ohio C. Barber,
John Memmer; Third, J. Park Alexander, Elias W. Howard;
Fourth, Noah N. Leohner, Robert McElhinney; Fifth, James A.
Metlin, Richard F. Palmer; 1873, First, Milton W. Henry, William
T. Allen; Second, James Christy, Edwin H. Merrill; Third, Henry
L. Carr, J. Park Alexander; Fourth, David Lamparter, Noah N.
AKRON S CIVIL SERVICE RECORD.
269-
Leohner; Fifth; Austin J. Hamlin, James A. Metlin; Sixth, Joseph
A. Baldwin, Thomas Johnson; 1874, First, Milton W. Henry, Wil-
liam T. Allen; Second, James Christy, Edwin H. Merrill; Third r
Henry L/. Carr, Elias W. Howard; Fourth, David Lamparter,
Robert McElhinney; Fifth, Austin J. Hamlin, James A. Metlin,.
[resigned December 4, 1874, and Emanuel P. Holloway appointed
to fill vacancy]; Sixth, Joseph A. Baldwin, Enoch Rowley; 1875,.
First, Milton W. Henry, William T. Allen; Second, Edwin H..
Merrill, Alexander Brewster; Third, Elias W. Howard, Williarn A.
McClellan; Fourth, Robert McElhinney. Joseph H. Derhammer;
Fifth, Emanuel P. Holloway, Simon Hankey; Sixth, Enoch Row-
ley, David E. Hill; 1876, First, Milton W. Henry, William Buchtel;.
Second, Alexander Brewster, John W. Baker; Third, William A.
McClellan, John J. Cook; Fourth, Joseph H. Derhammer, John
Schott; Fifth, Simon Hankey, Christian Vogt; Sixth, David E^
Hill, Enoch Rowley; 1877, First, William Buchtel, Charles A. Col-
lins; Second, John W. Baker, James Christy; Third, John J. Cook,
J. Park Alexander; Fourth, John Schott, David W. Morgan; Fifth,
Christian Vogt, Edward A. Lawton; Sixth, Enoch Rowley, David
E. Hill; 1878, First, Charles A. Collins, Lucien G. Thorp; Second,
James Christy, Warren J. Underwood; Third, J. Park Alexander,
Mason Chapman; Fourth, David W. Morgan, John Schott; Fifth,
Edward A. Lawton, Christian Vogt; Sixth, David E. Hill,
HON. ULYSSES L. MARVIN,
born in Stow, March 14, 1839;
educated in district schools, Twins-
burg Institute, and Franklin Insti-
tute at Kent, interspersed with teach-
ing- from 16 to 19; in 1858 entered law
office of H. B. Foster, in Hudson, the
next year completing his studies
with Hon Sidney Edgerton in Akron;
admitted to the bar May 2, 1860. In
1861, became Principal of Kent
Union Schools; married to Miss
Doreiia Rockwell, of Kent, Novem-
ber 27, 1861. August, 1862, enlisted as
private in 115th, O. V. L; clerk in
office of Judge Advocate at Cincin--
nati till August 1863, when he was
commissioned as First Lieut, of 5th
U. S. Colored Regiment; promoted to
Captain during the Siege of Rich-
mond; wounded at New Market
Heights, September 25, 1864, disabling
him for two months; on return to
duty was assigned as Adjutant on
Gen. Shurtliffs staff, going^ to Fort
Fisher, thence to Raleigh, N. C., and
being present at the surrender; at
close of war was brevetted Major for
gallant service and made Judge
Advocate on staff of General Paine,
serving as such till mustered out in
October, 1865. Returning to Kent,
opened law office, two years later
removing to Akron. In 1869 Mr. M.
was elected Probate Judge, serving
six years; May 1, 1883, was appointed
Common Pleas Judge by Governor
Foster, in place of Judge Tibbals,
HON. ULYSSES L. MARVIN.
resigned, serving till the following-
October; in 1884 was elected Presi-
dential Elector for the 20th Con-
gressional District, casting his vote
in the Electoral College for James
G. Blaine. Mr. and Mrs. Marvin have
four children David Leslie, attorney
in Akron; George Ulysses, city editor
Canton Daily Repository; Charles
Asahel, local editor Canton Weekly
Roller, and Francis Dorena, student
in Akron High School.
270
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
WILLIAM CHANDLER, born in
Preble, Herkimer Co., N. Y.,
April 5, 1814 ; common school educa-
tion ; came to Akron in 1834, and
engaged with his brother John, in
the manufacture of cards for carding
wool, in carding machine works of
Aliens & McMillan, near the present
site of the Allen Mills; October 17,
1839, was married to Miss Sarah Ann
Taplin, sister of Mr. James B. Tapliti,
of Akron ; soon afterwards removing
to Duquesne, 111., where he was
engaged in the manufacture of card-
ing machinery nine years, when he
returned to Akron ; in 1855, was
appointed Superintendent of Summit
Country Infirmary, which responsi-
ble position he ably filled until 1861
six years ; then purchased a farm
in Wood County, where he remained
until 1874, when he again returned
to Akron, and entered the employ of
Taplin, Rice & Co., as ' a stove
mounter, which business he followed
until seized with the illness which
terminated his life, September 11,
1883, at the age of 68 years, 5 months,
and 6 days. Five children were born
to Mr. and Mrs. Chandler Alathea,
now Mrs. Eli Wilson, of Weston, Ohio ;
Lucy A., also "of Weston ;' Fred. W., for
several years past a member of the
WILLIAM CHANDLER.
police force of Akron ; Mattie B., and
James D., the latter a member of the
book and stationerj^ firm of Chandler,
Findley & Co.; in April, 1889, elected
to the City Council from the Second
ward, and re-elected in 1891. Mrs.
Chandler still survives, and resides
with her son, in Akron.
JUDGE CHARLES G. LADD.
JUDGE CHARLES G. LADD
J born in Rutland, Vt., June 22. 1822 ;
in Spring of 1840, came to Akron, his
sister Sophronia, a teacher here, hav-
ing a short time before married the
late Geti. Lucius V. Bierce ; as Dep-
uty U. S. Marshal aided in taking the
census that year, with the means
thus acquired completing his edu-
cation at Western Reserve College ;
then studied law \vith his brother-in-
law, with whom, on being admitted
to the bar, in 1845, he entered into
partnership, under the firm name of
Bierce & Ladd. In 1850, he was
elected Mayor of Akron, serving one
3^ear. In trie Fall of 1851, he was
elected as Summit* County's first
Probate Judge, but by reason of fail-
ing health was unable to give his
personal attention to the duties of
the office, which were performed by
Alvin C. Voris, as deputy clerk, until
the death of Judge Ladd, from con-
sumption, July 30, 1852. July 12, 1845,
was married to Miss Hannah Ermina
Williams, daughter of Barnabas
Williams, one of the pioneer settlers
of Portage township, and step-
daughter of the late Major Miner
Spicer, who died October 3, 1868, leav-
ing three children Walter C., now
of Weeping Water, Neb.; Lizzie, the
present Mrs. Gen. A. C. Voris ; and
Emma E., widow of the late Albert J.
McNeil.
AKRON'S CIVIL, SEKVICE RECORD.
271
ROBERT S. PAUL, son of Hosea
and Ellen (Gamble) Paul, born
at Cuyahoga Falls, O., Octobers, 1842 ;
educated in Cuyahoga Falls union
schools ; meantime teaching in Stow
and New Portage, and learning- civil
engineering with his father ; in 1862
surveyed narrow gauge railway for
Brewster Coal Co.; 1862-65, served on
Topographical Engineer Corps in
the Army of the Cumberland, at close
of war attended Lebanon, O., College
one year ; then followed profession in
oil region a year and a half and in
Cleveland two years ; then spent a
year in Pennsylvania Polytechnic
College ; then came to Akron, and in
June, 1870, was appointed to fill the
vacancy, caused by the death of his
father, as County Surveyor, to which
office he was elected in October, of
that year, by appointment and elec-
tion holding that office over ten
years, Mr. Paul also having served
as president of County Surveyors'
Association and secretary and treas-
urer of Ohio Institute of Mining
Engineers, and as chief engineer of
the Valley Railroad, and of Ohio &
Toledo, now Cleveland & Canton R.
R. July 25, 1872, Mr. Paul was
married to Miss Sarah M. Romig, a
native of Indiana, who has borne
him seven children Ellen, Ada,
ROBERT S. PAUL.
Laura, Martha (deceased), Mary,
Edward, and Rosa, (deceased). Mr.
Paul is a member and P. G. of Akron
Lodge No. 547, I. O. O. F.; member of
Akron Encampment .No. 18 I. O. O.
F.; McPherson Lodge No. 63, K. of P.
and present commander of Castle
Garfield No. 14, Knights of the Golden
Rule.
HON. DAVID R. PAIGE.
HON. DAVID R. PAIGE, born at
Madison, Lake County, April 4,
1844 ; attended Madison high school
till 15, preparatory school at Hudson,
two years, then entered Sophomore
class at Union College, Schenectady,
N. Y., graduating therefrom in 1865 ;
serving two j r ears with William
Bingham & Co., Cleveland, in
December, 1867, embarked in the
hardware business in Akron, being
at present one of the stockholders of
The Paige Brothers Co.; principal
owner of Varnish Works (late King
Varnish Co.); vice president Paige
Tube Co., at Warren ; member of the
contracting firm of Paige, Carey &
Company, with general office in New
York, which firm is now building the
Sodom dam and tunnel, 52 miles in
length, for supplying New York City
with water ; also building double-
track bridge over the Ohio river, at
Wheeling, and three tunnels, at a cost
of $1,250,000; was member of Akron
city council 1871, '72 ; treasurer of
Portage township 1873 ; treasurer of
Summit County two terms, 1874-78 ;
and member of Congress, 20th Dis-
trict, one term, 1882-84 ; married to
Miss Ellen Lewis King, (daughter of
David L. King, Esq.), January 19, 1870,
who died December 20, 1877, leaving
two sons Charles Cutler Paige, born
November 25, 1870, and David King
Paige, born May 20, 1872. December
22, 1884, Mr. Paige was ag'ain married,
to Miss Eva Bell Leek, of Cleveland.
272
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
Enoch Rowley; 1879, First, Lucien G. Thorp, Ulysses L. Marvin;
Second, Warren J. Underwood, Noah A. Carter; Third, Mason
Chapman, J. Park Alexander; Fourth, John Schott, Edwin Estep;
Fifth, Christian Vogt, Edward A. Lawton; Sixth, Enoch Rowley,
Frederick W. Inman; 1880, First, Ulysses L. Marvin, Milton W.
Henry; Second, Noah A. Carter, Henry H. Brown; Third, J. Park
Alexander, Benjamin F. Goodrich; Fourth, Edwin Estep, John
Schott; Fifth, Edward A. Lawton, Charles F. Ingersoll; Sixth,
Frederick W. Inman, Thomas H. Peckham; 1881, First, Milton W.
Henry, David L. King, [Mr. King resigned September 27, 1881 r
William T. Allen appointed to fill the vacancy October 17, 1881;]
Second, Henry H. Brown, Noah A. Carter; Third, Benjamin F.
Goodrich, J. Park Alexander; Fourth, John Schott, Philip Weber;
Fifth, Charles F. Ingersoll, Edward A. Lawton; Sixth, Thomas H.
Peckham, James Housel; 1882, First, William T. Allen, Milton W.
Henry; Second, Noah A. Carter, Henry H. Brown; Third, J. Park
Alexander, Lewis C. Parker; Fourth, Philip Weber, Andrew
Kohler; Fifth, Edward A. Lawton, George L. W. Edam; Sixth.
James Housel, John P. Richardson; 1883, First, Milton W. Henry,
William T. Allen; Second, Henry H. Brown, William H. Miller;
Third, Lewis C. Parker, Henry Young; Fourth, Andrew Kohler,
James M. Laffer; Fifth, George L. W. Edam, John Schott; Sixth,
John C. Richardson, James Housel; 1884, First, William T. Allen,
Thomas H. Peckham; Second, William H. Miller, Henry H.
Brown; Third, Henry Young, Edward C. Simpson; Fourth, James
M. Laffer, Thomas S. Bradford; Fifth, John Schott, Charles 1).
Steese; Sixth, James Housel, John C. Richardson; 1885, First,
JUDGE EDWARD W. STUART,-
born in New Preston, Litchfield
ounty, Conn., May 9, 1840 ; when two
years old removed with family to
Erie County, Ohio ; raised on farm,
attending- district school and Huron
Institute at Milan, till 18 years of age,
entering Western Reserve College in
1858, from which he graduated in
October, 1862, graduation of class
having been postponed because of
enlistment of its members in the ser-
vice, as elsewhere detailed. After
graduation Mr. S. engaged in teach-
ing four years, two years as principal
of Shaw Academy, at Collamer, Ohio,
having meantime studied law ; was
admitted to the bar in 1866, com-
mencing practice in Kent, with Hon.
S. P. Wolcott, continuing there until
May, 1870, when he came to Akron,
forming a partnership with C. P.
Humphrey, Esq. In April, 1871, Mr.
Stewart was elected City Solicitor,
which office he held till January,
1877; in October, 1876, was elected
Prosecuting Attorney for Summit
County, and re-elected in 1878, hold-
ing the office four years, and in 1890
was elected Probate Judge of Sum-
mit County, which responsible office
he is now ably filling. May 11, 1864,
he was married to Miss Harriet E.
JUDGE EDWARD W. STUART.
Whedon, of Hudson, daughter of
Harvey Whedon, Prosecuting Attor-
ney from 1850 to 1852. They have one
son Fred. H.,also an attorne}^ at law,
but now serving as deputy clerk in
office of Probate Judge, under his
father.
AKRON S CIVIL, SERVICE RECORD.
275?
TTQN. HENRY C. SANFORD,
-*- * born in Portland, Me., Septem-
ber 11, 1833 ; his father dying, when
nine years of age, he went to live
with an elder brother in Manchester,
N. H., where, besides attending the
common school and the Kendall
Academy one year, he served as an
apprentice in the Manchester Loco-
motive Works ; at the age of 18 he
came to Ohio and engaged in rail-
roading; from fireman being rapidly
promoted to engineer, running suc-
cessively on the Sandusky, Mansfield
& Newark and the Cleveland and
Toledo Railroads, in 1855 going to
Quincy, 111., and running" upon what
is now the Chicago, Burlington and
(juincy Railroad ; six years later tak-
ing a train at Augusta, 111., on which
road, by a daring act, endangering
his own life, in running into and
crippling another train, which was
nearing Crooked River crossing,
where the bridge had been washed
away, he prevented a fearful sacrifice
of human life. Procuring some law
books Mr. S. improved his spare
moments upon the foot-board, and
elsewhere, in study, and after several
years spent in Pennsylvania and
Ohio, in railroading %and other
employment, located permanentty in
Akron, in 1870, as a successful! a wyer,
having ably filled the offices of Pro-
secuting Attorney two years, 1873, '74;
HOX. HENRY C. SANFORD.
City Solicitor two years, 1879, '80-
Representative to State Legislature
two terms, 1888, '89, '90, '91. Mr. San-
ford was married to Miss Emily J.
Fairchild, of Amherst, Lorain
County, January 19, 1857, who bore
him three children William H., now
practicing law with his father ;
Burton I., grocer, and May F. Mrs.
Sanford died March 6, 1890, aged 52
years.
J
JAMES BURLISON.
AMES BURLISON, of Scotch-
Irish-Welsh descent, was born in
18
Hamburg, Erie County, N. Y., April
7, 1828, coming with his parents to'
Roscoe, Coshocton County, Ohio, in
1837, his father being a stone-mason,
helping to build the locks on the
Walhonding canal ; a few years later
coming to Middlebury, (now Akron
Sixth ward) officiating as constable
and marshal of that township and
village from about 1857 till his elec-
tion as Sheriff of Summit county, in
1865, and both before, and during his
four years incumbency as Sheriff, by
appointment of United States Mar-
shal Earl Bill, of Cleveland, serving
as^ Deputy United States Marshal for
Summit county; also giving especial
attention to detective operations, a
profession which he has since con-
tinuously and successfully followed,
many noted criminals having been
apprehended,convicted and punished
through his skill and vigilance.
August 22, 1848, Mr. Burlison was
married to Matilda B. Manning of
Middlebury. Having no children of
their own, they adopted in childhood
May C. Lohr, now known as May
Burlison.
274
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
/-CHARLES BAIRD, born in Ak-
v^ ron, March 25, 1853; graduated
from Akron High School in 1872; read
law with Upson & Ford; admitted to
practice by Supreme Court, at Colum-
bus, November 2, 1875, forming- part-
nership with Hon. William H. Upson,
on the return of Mr. Ford from
Mexico, the firm name being Upson,
Ford & Baird ; by appointment and
two successive elections, held the
office of Clerk of Portage township
from October, 1875, to April, 1878 ; was
canal collector for the port of Akron
from Februarjr 15, 1879, till January
15, 1881, resigning to take the office of
Prosecuting Attorney for Summit
County, to which he had been elected
in October, 1880 ; re-elected in 1882,
holding the office four years, and is
now enjoying a large and lucrative
law practice, giving special attention
to Corporation Law ; also being
largely interested and a director in
several important industrial enter-
prises in Akron and elsewhere.
February 10, 1882, Mr. Baird was mar-
ried to Miss Lucy Allyn Voris, eldest
daughter of Hon. Alviti C. Voris,
who has borne him five children
CHARLES BAIRD.
Alvin Voris, born December 3, 1882;
Helen Elizabeth, born August 30,
1884 ; Betsey Coe, born June 11, 1886 ;
Charles, born October 15, 1888; and
Katharine, born November 19, 1890.
DAVID R. BUNN.
DAVID R. BUNN, born in Wells
Co., Ind., May 23, 1842; boyhood
devoted to farming and attending
school two miles distant ; at 19 came
to Ohio, working at farming and in
coal mines, near Doylestown in
Wayne Co.; August 20, 18(52, enlisted
in Company G, 120th Regt. O. V. I.,
participating in trans-Mississippi and
Vicksburg campaigns and Red River
expedition ; captured at Snagg Point,
Red River, and imprisoned thirteen
months at Camp Ford, being at one
time sentenced to be shot and taken
out for that purpose, but for some
reason, not made known to him, the
sentence was not carried into execu-
tion ; after such inhuman treatment
as to render him an invalid for five
3'ears, he was paroled in 1865, and
returned to Dojdestown, resuming
work for his old employer, as clerk,
on farm, and in coal bank; was mar-
ried October 11, 1866, to Miss Almira
Springer, of Doylestown, who has
borne him three children two sons
and one daughter; in 1866, embarked
in the grocerj r business and after-
wards in the dry goods trade in
Doylestown ; in 1875 removed to
Akron and opened a boot and shoe
store on South Howard street, con-
tinuing three years; in 1878 was, by
Mayor Scott, placed upon the city
police force, and" was one of the most
efficient members of that body for
six 3'ears ; after four years efficient
service as deputy, under Sheriff
William B.Gamble.was elected Sheriff
of Summit County in October, 1888,
renominated by acclamation and
re-elected in 1890.
AKRON S CIVIL SERVICE KECORD.
275
Thomas H. Peckham, Wilson B. Cannon; Second, Henry H.
Brown, Frank A. Wilcox; Third, Kdward C. Simpson, Albert A.
Bartlett; Fourth, Thomas S. Bradford, Jacob L. Hall;
Fifth, Charles D. Steese, Samuel K. Zwisler; Sixth, James H.
Case, John C. Richardson, [Mr. Richardson dying October
25, 1885, Byron M. Allison was appointed to fill the vacancy
November 16, 1885]; 1886, First, Wilson B. Cannon, Robert
L. Andrew; Second, Frank A. Wilcox, Henry H. Brown; Third,
Albert A. Bartlett, Darius Rowe; Fourth, Jacob L. Hall, Wil-
liam H. McBarnes; Fifth, Samuel K. Zwisler, James W. Stuver;
Sixth, James H. Case, James M. Wills; 1887, First, Robert L.
Andrew, Wilson B. Cannon; Second, Henry H. Brown, Henry M.
Fisher; [.Mr. Brown resigned October 24, 1887, and Erastus R.
Harper was elected to fill the vacancy till 1888] ; Third, Darius
Rowe, J. Park Alexander; Fourth, William H. McBarnes, Conrad
Kckel; Fifth, James W. Stuver, A. Wesley Hawkins; Sixth, James
M. Wills, James H. Case; 1888, First, Wilson B. Cannon, Robert L.
Andrew; Second, Henry M. Fisher, Erastus R. Harper; Third, J.
Park Alexander, William Hardy; Fourth, Conrad Eckel, William
H. McBarnes; Fifth, A. Wesley Hawkins, James W. Stuver; Sixth,
James H. Case, James M. Wills; 1889, First, Robert L,. Andrew,
John Motz; Second, Erastus R. Harper,James D. Chandler; Third,
William Hardy, John Kreuder; Fourth, Conrad Eckel, William
McBarnes; Fifth, James W. Stuver, Cornelius Hallinan; Sixth,
James M. Wills, Henry W. Hart; 1890, First, Aaron Wagoner, John
Motz; Second, James D. Chandler, Erastus R. Harper; Third, John
Kreuder, Curtis C. Sherbondy; Fourth, Conrad Eckel, William F.
OUMNER NASH, born in Bath
^ May 10, 1836; raised on farm;
common school and academic edu-
cation ; at 20 went to Wisconsin,
working- at clearing- way through for-
-est for railroad, driving- stage, clerk-
ing, etc.; in 1858 returned to Ohio,
farming Summers and teaching
Winters; August 6, 1862, enlisted in
115th O. V. I., being successively pro-
moted to rank of First Lieutenant ;
in 1863 commanded military forces at
Dayton during the election ; in 1864
was detailed as Assistant Inspector
of railroad defences under Major
Willet, which position he held till
close of the war. Returning home in
July, 1865, purchased a farm in Liv-
ingston Co., 111.; March 8, 1866, mar-
ried to Miss Rebecca M. Means, of
Northfield, working the Illinois farm
till 1868, when he returned to Summit
Co., Mrs. Nash dying July 18, 1869,
leaving one child Maud M. Spend-
ing two years on his father-in-law's
farm in Northfield, and one season in
Illinois, as agent for a lightning rod
company, in the Winter of 1872, '73
was appointed Deputy County Clerk
by Clerk John A. Means, serving the
balance of the term, and also through
two terms for Clerk George W. Weeks,
being himself elected Clerk in 1878,
SUMXEK NASH.
and holding the office two full terms
of three years each. Mr. Nash is now
secretar}^ and treasurer of the Akron
Belting Company, fully written of
elsewhere. June 23, 1874, Mr. Nash
was again married, to Miss Linnie A.
Cross, of Columbus, Ohio.
276
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
TAMES MADISON POULSON,
J born near Holmesville, Holmes
County, Ohio, March 27, 1842 ; worked
on farm and attended district school
during boyhood ; from 18 to 21
worked on farm summers and taught
school winters; attended private
school of Prof. B. C. Smith, in Fred-
ericksburg, several terms, and one
year 1864, '65 Hayesville Academy ;
in 1865 entered Princeton, N. J., Col-
lege, graduating therefrom in June,
1868, the same year that Dr. McCosh
became its president; in 1868 entered
Columbia College Law School, in
New York, being admitted to bar in
New York City, on examination, May
12, 1869, and graduating from Law
School in May, 1870; came to Akron
August 1, 1870, and through the kind
encouragement of John J. Hall, Esq.,
was induced to locate here, being
admitted to the bar of Summit
county, on examination, September
9, 1870 ; October 1, 1870, formed law
partnership with Mr. Hall, which
continued till January 1, 1877 ; in
October, 1874, was elected Prosecuting
Attorney for Summit county on the
Democratic ticket, which office he
ably filled two years, from January 1,
1875, to January 1, 1877, having since
JAMES MADISON POULSON.
been in general practice on his own
account. September 28, 1875, Mr..
Poulson was married to Miss Helen
F. Smagg, onty daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. William Smagg, of Akron. They
have no children.
HENRY C. VIELE.
HENRY C. VIELE, son of Hiram
and Abbie M. (Me Far land)
Viele, was born in Washington
Covinty, N. Y., October 29, 1841;
removed with parents to Akron in-
Spring of 1842 ; was educated in
Akron public schools ; at 16 beg'an
clerking in stone mill, of which his
father was general manager, con-
tinuing nine j'ears ; then became
agent for the Merchants' Union
Express Company, a year later enter-
ing the employ of the C., Z. & C., now
C., A. & C. railway, serving two or
three years as ticket agent; then
engaged in the flour and feed btisi-
ness in partnership with his father.
In February, 1872, was appointed
County Recorder, by the County
Commissioners, to fill the vacancy
caused by the death of Recorder
Grenville Thorp, serving till the
following October ; then served as
deputy in Treasurer's office till 1878,
when he was elected County Treas-
urer and re-elected in 1880, holding
the office four j r ears; teller in Citi-
zens' Savings and Loan Association
to July, 1887 ; assistant treasurer to
July, 1888, and since, treasurer of the
association. October 16, 1873, Mr.
Viele was married, at Flatbush, Long-
Island, to Miss Libbie F. Mack, a
native of New York. They have one
child only Fanny Mack, born June
2, 1876.
AKRON S CIVIL SERVICE RECORD.
277
ALBERT A. BARTLETT, born in
Mina, Chautauqua County, N. Y.,
June '2,2, 1840; common school educa-
tion ; raised on farm till 17, then
worked in saw-mill, the last two
years on shares, until July, 1861,
when he enlisted in the 49th N. Y. V.
I., for three years or during" the war ;
served in Army of Potomac until
the battle of Antietam, when he was
wounded, occasioning the loss of left
arm. On being- discharged, April 6,
1863, took charge of a small place
which he owned, two years later
engaged as engineer in a steam saw
mill at Corry, Pa., after one year tak-
ing charge of the business ; came to
Akron in Spring of 1867, taking a
position in planing mill of George
Thomas & Son, which, under suc-
cessive firms, he held until 1879, the
last eight years as foreman. In
October, 1878, Mr. Bartlett was elected,
on the Republican ticket, Recorder
of Summit County, ably filling that
important office two full terms ; was
also Third ward member of City
Council in 1885, '86, serving as chair-
man of light and of fire and water
committees. As senior partner of
the firm of A. A. Bartlett & Co., Mr.
B. is now conducting a planing" mill
on West State street. Mr. B. is active
arid enthusiastic in local military
ALBERT A. BARTLETT.
affairs, now holding the position of
Adjutant of the Eighth Regiment O.
N. G.; was married November 29, 1860,
to Miss Imogene Jane Travers, of
Chautauqua County, N. Y.; of the
three children born to them, two only
are living Mary, now Mrs. George J.
Snook, photographer, and Jennie,
now Mrs. Dr. W. B. Conner, of Akron.
CHARLES E. PERKINS.
CHARLES E. PERKINS, - sixth
\~J son of Col. Simon Perkins, was
born at Akron, May 7, 1850 ; edu-
cated in public schools and in pre-
paratory department of Western
Reserve College at Hudson ; in 1868
entered Troy, N. Y., Polytechnic Insti-
tute, taking a three years' course in
civil and mining engineering, and
one year in school of mines in Col-
umbia (New York City) College; in
187H, was elected city engineer of
Akron, for two years, and on change
of ordinance, appointed by Mayor
and confirmed by Council, for the
three successive years 1875, '76, '77,
holding the position in all five years.
In 1878, opened an agricultural ware-
house on Canal street. In October,
18S3, Mr. Perkins was elected County
Surveyor, re-elected in 1886, and
again for the third term in 1889, and
is still ably filling the position.
January 14, 1880, Mr. Perkins was
married to Miss May Adams,
daughter of Mr. Frank Adams, of
Akron, Sixth ward.
278
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
Gayer; Fifth, Cornelius Hallinan, Warren Buckmaster; Sixth r
Henry W. Hart, Charles S. Hart; 1891, First, Aaron Wagoner,
Harvey F. Miller; Second, James D. Chandler, Erastus R. Harper^
Third, Curtis C. Sherbondy, Frank Fiebeger; Fourth, Conrad Eckel,
William F. Gayer; Fifth, Warren Buckmaster, John W. Dunn;
Sixth, Henry W. Hart, Charles S. Hart.
CITY MAYORS. Official term two years: 1865, '66, James
Mathews; 1867, '68, Lucius V. Bierce; 1869, '70 and 1871, '72, John
L. Robertson; 1873, '74, Henry Purdy; 1875, '76, Levi S. Herrold;
1877, '78, James F. Scott; 1879, '80, John M. Fraze; 1881, '82, Samuel
A. Lane; 1883, '84 and 1885, '86, Lorenzo Dow Watters; 1887, '88,
Louis D. Seward; 1889, '90, '91, '92, William H. Miller.
CITY CLERKS. This officer is an appointee of Council, at first,
for one year only, but now for the term of two years: 1865, '66,.
Jeremiah A. Long; 1867, '68, '69, '70, '71, '72 and '76, Mills B. Purely;
1873, '74, '75, John A. Means; 1877, '78, Adams Emerson; 1879, '80,.
'81, '82, Newton Ford; 1883, John M. Fraze; 1884, '85, '86, '87, '88,
'89, Newton Ford; 1891, '92, Edwin Wagner.
CITY MARSHALS. Elected by the people term at first one year r
now two years; 1865, Williams P. Babcock; 1866, George W.Fair-
banks; 1867, John Chitty, Jr.; 1868, James K. Butler; 1869, '70, '71 r
'72, Hart A. Parker; 1873, '74, '75, '76, Socrates W. Pike; 1877, Jacob
Koplin; Mr. Kopliri resigning at end of first year, William H. Ragg
was elected in 1878 to fill vacancy, and on expiration of term
re-elected for the two successive terms covering 1879, '80, '81, '82;
followed by John McCourt two terms, 1883, '84, '85, '86; by Simon
M. Stone in 1887, '88, '89, '90, and Hughlin Harrison, 1891, '92.
pHARLES W. F. DICK, son of
^ Gottleib and Mary M. (Handle)
Dick, was born in Akron, Ohio,
November 3, 1858; educated in Akron
Public schools; clerked in hat store
of Chipman & Barnes two years;
book-keeper for Citizens' Savings
and Loan Association Bank six
3 r ears; book-keeper for Empire
Reaper and Mower Company two
years; in 1881 formed partnership
with Lucius C. Miles, under the firm
name of Dick & Miles, in a general
commission and grain business, J.
Edward Peterson succeeding- Mr.
Miles in February, 1890, the firm
name now being Dick & Peterson.
In November, 1886, Mr. Dick was
elected Auditor of Summit count}
on the Republican ticket, and
re-elected in 1889, which responsible
position he is now ably filling.
Being active in local military circles,
Mr. Dick was, in 1888 elected Major of
the Eighth Regiment Infantry Ohio
National Guard, having previously
served, by regular promotion, as
Captain of Compan}^ B, Akron City
Guard. June 30, 1881, he was married
to Carrie May Peterson, daughter of
Dr. James H. Peterson, of Akron.
CHARLES \V. F. DICK.
infancy; Carl, born October 23, 1887;
James Edward, born November 28,
Four children, all boys, have been 1888, and Lucius Alfred, born Decem-
born to them, the first dying in ber 6, 1890.
AKRON'S CIVIL SERVICE RECORD.
279-
s. OVIATT, bom in
-L-' field, October 20, 1842; educated
in village public schools, working
on farm, after twelve years of age
attending commercial school in
Cleveland winters; at 18, in 1861,
enlisted in the Second O. V. C., serv-
ing in this and the 12th O. V. C.,
nearly three years. On his dis-
charge from the army, he engaged
in the drug business, also serving as
township treasurer and postmaster
at West Richfield until 1872, when he
removed to Akron, soon afterwards
engaging in the carpet business,
with William H. Diehl, under the
firm name of Diehl & Oviatt, con-
tinuing six years; in 1884, entered
the office of O. B. Hardy & Co., deal-
ers and jobbers in mining and sport-
ing powders, continuing one year,
then entered the county teasurer's
office as deputy, under Treasurer A.
M. Cole, continuing through the
administration of Treasurer James
H. Seymour, in November, 1890, being
himself elected treasurer, the full
duties of which responsible office he
assumed September 5, 1891. Mr. Oviatt
is also a director of the City National
Bank and president of the Akron
EMMON S. OVIATT.
Hardware Company. May 10, 18(>4
Mr. Oviatt was married to Miss
Mary A. Waters, of Brecksville,
Cuyahoga count}'. They have no
children.
HEMK'V I RKDEKICK.
HENRY FREDERICK, born in
Wayne County. March 20, 1834 ;
educated in schools of Doylestowri
and Copley ; worked on his father's
farm till 1858; May 20, 18,18, married
to Miss Ellen Viers, of Norton ; Octo-
ber, 1858, rented the John C. Stearns
farm, and three years later the Jona-
than Spafford farm, purchasing same
at the end of 18 months, but later sell-
ing it and in 1865 removed to Norton;
in 1866 returned to Copley, and rented
the 240 acre farm of Peter Weeks; in
1867, in connection with Royal Brock-
way, purchased 546 acres of Rhodes
brothers, on the west line of Portage
township ; a division being made,
other tracts were bought so that Mr.
Frederick's present finely cultivated
farm consists of 283 acres, stock rais-
ing and dairying being specialties.
Republican in politics, Mr. Frederick
served as trustee of Portage town-
ship from 1874 to 1877 ; as Director of
County Infirmary from 1876 to 1882,
being president of the board three
years, and clerk two years ; 1889
elected member Board of County
Comissioiiers for three years. Mr.
and Mrs. Frederick are members of
the First Disciples' Chvirch of Akron.
They are the parents of three chil-
dren Charlotte Eliza,now Mrs. 11 any
N. Sherbondy ; James MeHenry, (now
editor of the American Farm News,
Akron); and Ulysses Grant, secretary
and treasurer of The T h o m a s
Lumber Co.
.280
AKROX AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
-VTATHANIEL PERKINS GOOD-
ll HUE, son of Nathaniel W. and
Nancy (Johnston) Goodhue, was born
in Akron, August 6, 1854; educated in
city public schools ; from September,
1872, to December, 1878, deputy clerk i 11
United States Court at Cleveland ;
from 1878 to 1880, traveling- salesman
for wholesale boot and shoe firm of
Keller & Goodhue of Rochester, N. Y.;
from 1880 to 1882, read law in the office
of his father in Akron ; on the acces-
sion of the latter to the Probate Judge-
ship of Summit count}-, February 9,
1882, entered the office as deput} r
clerk, on the death of Judge Goodhue,
September 12, 1883, continuing
through the incumbency of Judge
Charles R. Grant, to February 9, 1891.
November 4, 1890, Mr. Goodhue was
elected, on the Republican ticket,
Clerk of Courts for Summit county ;
entering upon the responsible duties
of that office, February 9, 1891. April
4, 1883, Mr. Goodhue was married to
Miss Mary Kent McNaughtoii,
daughter of Finley and Ella (Kent)
McNaughton, formerly of Akron,
NATHANIEL PERKINS GOODHUE.
now of Yoimgstown, who was born
in Akron, October 31, 1858. They
have no children.
BEXJAMIX FKAXKLIN CLARK.
T3KNJAM1N FRANKLIN CLARK,
4-J born in New Lisbon, O., Jan-
uary 24, 1841 ; when two years old
moved with parents to Munroe Falls,
and later to Massillon, at 16 graduat-
ing from public schools of that cit} r ;
then read medicine three years with
Dr. Metz; October 6, 1861, enlisted in
Co. H, 16th O. V. I., for three years ;
was severely wounded by a shell at
Chickasaw Bayou, near Vicksburg,
in December, 1862, and discharged
on surgeon's certificate August 7, 1863.
April, 1864, re-enlisted in McLaugh-
lin's cavalry, in John Sherman's
famous brigade, going immediately
into the Atlanta campaign, in every
battle of which he was a participant ;
went with Gen. Stoneman on an ex-
pedition into Georgia for the rescue
of Union prisoners ; was captured
by the Confederates, stripped of his
boots and most of his clothing, and
marched, bare-foot, over fifty miles
to Andersonville, where for nine
long' months he suffered all the
horrors of that infernal prison pen,
on his discharge a mere skeleton
for many months lingering upon the
verge of the grave ; before fairly
recovering he again sought his regi-
ment, being with it on the final
surrender of Gen. Joe Johnston.
After the war Mr. Clark devoted him-
self to newspaper work 16 years on
the Akron Daily Beacon and one
year on the Daily Republican ; in
1890 was elected Count}- Recorder,
which position he is now ably filling.
May 1, 1866, Mr. Clark was married,
to Miss Caroline Foltz, of Wooster,
who has borne him four children
Harry Walter, died in infancy; Cora
A. (now Mrs. Harry S. Brandon);
George K. and Willie F.
AKRON'S CIVIL SERVICE RECORD.
.fVEORGE W. S. IEBER, son of
^J Joseph and Sarah S. (Moyer)
Sieber, was bom ' on a farm near
Freeburg, Snyder county, Pa., Febru-
ary 22, 1858 ; removed with parents to
Akron in 1868 ; educated in Freeburg
and Akron public schools, graduat-
ing- from Akron high school in 1876 ;
attended Buchtel College and Cin-
cinnati law school, graduating 1 from
the latter in 1881, with first honors of
class; admitted to the bar the same
3^ear and entered upon a successful
practice, in 1886 being- elected
Prosecuting- Attorney for Summit
county, on the Republican ticket,
.and re-elected in 1889, ably filling- that
responsible office six years ; April 1,
1891, associated himself with ex-
Judges Edwin P. Green, of the Com-
mon Pleas Court, and Charles R.
Grant, of the Probate Court, under the
firm name of Green, Grant & Sieber,
and besides his law practice, is quite
larg-ely interested in several indus-
trial enterprises in Akron and else-
where. September 1, 1883, Mr. Sieber
was married, to Miss Elsie C. Moatz,
GEORGE W. SIEBER.
of Middleburg-h, Pa., who has borne
him three children Georg-e W., who
died at eleven months of ag-e ; Joseph
Byron and Florence.
RICHARD B. WALKER.
RICHARD B. WALKER, born in
Belchertown, Mass., Aug-ust 11,
1825; common school education,
reared to mercantile life; January 18,
1852, was married to Miss Mary E.
Jenney, of Ware, Mass.; same year
came to Akron, opening- a store for
the sale of agricultural implements
and supplies, the first store of its
class in Akron, later adding- tin and
hardware to his stock in trade. In
1862 he became traveling- salesman
and g-eneral ag-ent for Aultman,
Miller & Co., for the sale of the cele-
brated Buckeye Reapers and Mowers,
conducting- competitive field trials,
etc., which business, with eminent
success to both the company and
himself, he still follows. Politically
Mr. Walker is a steadfast Republican,
and thoug-h not an office seeker,
was honored with a seat in the
Council of the Incorporated Village
of Akron, during- the years 1858, '59,
and in 1859 was elected director of
County Infirmary, which office, most
of the time as clerk of the board
he ably filled till 1868-nine years-
having- charg-e of Akron's poor, and
efficiently aiding- in the erection of
the present commodious Infirmary
building-s. To Mr. and Mrs. Walker
have been born four sons William,
book-keeper for Mack Brothers,
Cleveland; George, lawj^er in Chi-
cago; Charles, deceased; and Arthur
H., also practicing law in Chicago.
282
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
JACOB KOPLIN, was born near
I Doylestown, Wayne county, Ohio,
July 24, 1828, moving- into Norton
township with parents in 1833; edu-
cated in district schools and learned
tailoring- business; in 1862, moved to
Akron, and on Aug-ust 30th of that
year enlisted in Co. D, 29th Regiment
O. V. I., serving- nearly three 3^ears.
being mustered out June 8, 1865; after
close of the war clerked for Barnes
Brothers nearly ten years; in 1875, '76
officiating as jailor and deputy
sheriff under Sheriff Levi J. McMuf-
ray; in 1877 was elected City Marshal
of Akron, serving- one year, when he
resigned and opened a general store
at Johnson's Corners, selling out a
year later and returning- to Akron, as
salesman in the large Clothing
House of J. Koch & Co., which posi-
tion he has since continuously held.
In November, 1889, Mr. Koplin was
elected a member of the Summit
County Infirmary Board for the term
of three years. May 30, 1849, Mr.
Koplin was married to Miss Mar-
g-aret Hile, of Norton, who bore him
six children, three of whom died
young, the three survivors being-;
Jennie M., (now Mrs. S. G. Williams);
Frank L,., now of the shoe firm of
JACOB KOPLIN.
S. E. Phinuey & Co.; and Orin P. r
machinist with Webster, Camp &
Lane. Mrs. Koplin dying 1 April 23.
1889, Mr. Koplin was again married,
to Mrs. Lininie L. Bolich, nee Long-
of Wadsworth, January 1, 1890.
CITY SOLICITORS. Elected by the people term two years:
1865, '66, '67, '68, Newell D. Tibbals; 1869, '70, John McGregor; 1871 r
'72, '73, '74, '75, '76, Edward \V. Stuart; 1877, '78, Henry C. Sanford;
1879, '80, Calvin Pease Humphrey; 1881, '82, '83, '84, Charles S.
Cobbs; 1885, '86, '87, '88, Dayton A. Doyle; 1889, '90, '91, '92, George
M. Anderson.
CITY CIVIL ENGINEERS. Previous to 1869, no regular civil engi-
neer, for either town, village or city, had been permanently
employed, but such surveying, laying of grades, etc., was done 1)}'
old-time local surveyors Joshua Henshaw, Albert G. Mallison,
Capt. Richard Howe, Dwight Newton, Seth Sackett, Hosea Paul,
and others, as necessity required. Under the ordinance of 1869, P,
H. Dudley was elected City Civil Engineer by the people for twa
years, and re-elected in 1871, followed by the election in the same
manner, in 1873, of Charles E. Perkins for two years. In 1875 the
office was made appointive, from j^ear to year, by the Maj 7 or, sub-
ject to confirmation by Council, under -which arrangement Charles
E. Perkins was successively appointed in 1875, '76 and '77, and
Omar N. Gardner in 1878, '79, '80, '81, '82 and '83. The ordinance
being again changed, making the office elective by the Council for
two years, Mr. Gardner was again elected in 1884, followed by
Willis D. Chapman, in 1886, and re-elected in 1888, Mr. Chapman
resigning early in 1889, Assistant Engineer Samuel \V. Parshall
was promoted to the engineership for two years, and is still
serving.
STREET COMMISSIONER. Prior to 1869 work upon the streets
of the village and city was done under the supervision of the
Street Committee, or some person specially appointed for the
AKRON S CIVIL SERVICE RECORD.
283
JOSEPH E. WESENER born in
J Frankfort, Pa., May 7, 1827; moved
with parents to Canton, Ohio, in 1840;
served as clerk in store of H. H.
Myers five years; came to Akron in
1846, clerking- four years, and in part-
nership two years, with the late
Allen Hibbard, in the "Old Green
Store " on Howard street, burned Feb-
ruary 17, 1851. In 1852, Mr. W. started
in business for himself, and indiffer-
ent localities, with several different
partners, (Mr. C. A. Brouse being- as-
sociated with him for about 18 years)
though again entirely burned out,
March 11, 1869. he continued to do a
phenomenally successful mercantile
business in Akron for over a third of
a century, his operations for the last
few years, in addition to the care of
his tine farm adjoining the city, and
his elegant Summer resort, "Monte-
bello," at Newberry, Vt., being con-
fined to agricultural implements,
giant powder, wool, fruit, etc. Mr.
Wesener served as a member and
clerk of the Infirmary board in 1851,
and as village Recorder in 1855, '56.
September 8, 1849, he was married to
Miss Philura Spalding, daughter of
Judge Rufus P. Spalding, who bore
him three children, all of whom died
in infancy. Mrs. W. dying July 6,
JOSEPH E. VVESENEK.
1852, he was again married, to Miss
Anna J. Hopkins, who died January
1, 1876 ; was ag'ain married, September
5, 1876, to Miss Alphonsene D. C'e
Chevrier, who has borne him four
children Joseph E., Mary A., Anna
J. and Henry Hunting-ton.
JAMES F. jJCOTT.
JAMES F. SCOTT born at Cadiz,
Ohio, February 18, 1828; common
school education ; learned the trade
of harness-maker at Scio, Ohio ; June
8. 1848, married Miss Eunice Jolley,
who died February 28, 1849, aged 21
years and 9 months ; in 1850 started
overland for Oregon, going as far as
Iowa, but on account of illness
returned to Ohio, going into the
music business in Cincinnati ; in
Spring of 1852, went to New Lisbon,
and in Fall of same year came to
Akron, engaging with Messrs.
Blodgett & Horton in the manufact-
ure of melopeans ; January 10, 1856,
was married to Miss Bell Carsoii>who
died October 30, the same 3 T ear, aged
24 years. November 25, 1857, was
again married, to Miss Helen Shaw,
who has borne him four children
Daniel H. Scott, born October 25, 1858,
now private secretary to the presi-
dent of The Richard Grant Company r
corner Hudson and Vestry streets,
New York City ; James W. Scott,
born February 22, 1860, now reading-
law in the office of City Solicitor
George M. Anderson ; Charles Brown
Scott, born August 30, 1861, died
March 26, 1864 ; Nellie Brown Scott,
born January 2, 1868, died February 16.
1884. Mr. Scott is a member of the First
Disciples' Church of Akron, and an
ardent Republican, ably filling the
office of Mayor of the City of Akron,
from April 1877 to April 1879; occu-
pation for past 25 years, piano-tuner.
284
AKKON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
purpose by Council. By the ordinance of 1869 the office of Street
Commissioner was created, to be elected by the people for the term
of two years, the successive incumbents of which have been as
follows: 1869, '70, '71, '72, Thomas H. Goodwin; 1873, '74, '75, '76,
'77, '78, Benjamin Frederick; 1879, '80, Joseph D. Ellis; 1881, '82, '83,
'84, James Wildes; 1885, '86, '87, '88, Henry Acker; 1889, Henry Van
Hyiiing. The title of the office having been changed to Supervisor
of Streets, and from an elective to an appointive office, Mr. Van
Hyning is still serving as an appointee of the City Council.
T ORENZO DOW WATTERS, son
4-' of Hiram and Elizabeth (Cron-
inger) Walters, was born in Carroll,
Fail-field county, Ohio, October 4,
1855. At 14 years of age removed
with his parents to Akron, where he
attended the public schools until
1872, when, at its opening, he entered
Buchtel College, remaining 1 three
years. On leaving college, in 1875,
he spent one year with his father in
the construction of a mill. In the
Spring of 1877 entered the office of J.
J. Hall, Esq., as a law student, and on
his admission to the bar, March 17,
1879, entered into partnership with
Mr. Hall, under the firm name of Hall
<fe Watters, which continued until the
election of Mr. Watters to the office
of Mayor of the city of Akron, in the
Spring of 1883, to which office Mr.
Watters was re-elected in 1885, serv-
ing in all four years. On the expira-
tion of his second term, as Mayor, in
the Spring of 1887, Mr. Watters
resumed the practice of the law on
his own account, which calling he is
LORENZO DOW WATTERS.
still successfully pursuing. Decem-
ber 22, 1890, Mr. Watters was married
to Miss Julia E. Lynn, of Akron.
LOUIS DUDLEY SEWARD.
T OUIS DUDLEY SEWARD, son
*-* of Col. Dudley and Lois (Clarke)
Seward, was born in Akron Januarj^
3, 1852 ; educated in Akron public
schools and under the private tute-
lage of Judge James S. Carpenter;
studied law with Messrs. Edg^ertori
& Kohler, and in office of Hon. Henry
C. Sanford; admitted to bar in April,
1876, commencing practice with Olin
L. Sadler, Esq.; in 1886, elected justice
of the peace for Middlebury town-
ship and continued under Akron
township ; in 1887 elected Mayor of
the city of Akron, ably serving two
3 r ears, in Spring of 1884 resuming his
law practice, which he is still suc-
cessfully pursuing. Mr. Seward is
also interested in several of the
industrial enterprises of Akron and
vicinity. December 4, 1890, Mr.
Seward was married in Akron to Miss
Katharine May Johnston, daughter
of County Commissioner Washing-
ton G. and Mrs. Anna (Irvin) John-
ston, of Green township, who was
born March 19, 1870.
AKRON S CIVIL SERVICE RECORD.
V* 7ILLIAM H. MILLER, born in
V Perrj r township, Stark county,
Ohio, April 17, 1843 ; resided on farm
with parents until nearly 21 years of
age ; educated in township district
schools, supplemented by several
terms of instruction in Canton
Union Schools ; in 1862 moved to
Copley township, and in 1864 to
Akron, working 1 at the machinist
trade, in the Buckeye Reaper and
Mower "works, of Aultman, Miller &
Co., for twenty-five years. Demo-
cratic in politics, Mr. Miller rep-
resented the Fourth ward in the
Akron City Council from April, 1883,
to April, 1885 ; April, 1889, Mr. Miller
was elected Mayor of Akron, which
responsible position he still holds.
Mr. Miller was married August 24,
1865, to Miss Harriet E. Manderbach,
daughter of Jacob Manderbach, of
Akron. Three children have been
born to them, two of whom are now
living George H., 25, now a member
of the Akron Shoe Company, and Ada
A., 16, living at home. In society
matters, Mr. Miller has borne a con-
spicuous part ; initiated in Summit
Lodge, No. 50, 1. 0. O. F., October 6, 1873,
became P. G. of Lodge in 1880 ; is now
P. C. P. of Akron Encampment, No. 18 ;
WILLIAM H. MILLER.
commissioned D. D. G. P. of Encamp-
ment, June 8, 1886, by G. P. L. A.
Baldwin, of Findlay, O.; was commis-
sioned Captain and Aide-de-Camp,
Brigade Staff, Patriarchs Militant, by
Gen. Franklin Ellis, Commander
Dep't of Ohio, January 15, 1886.
CHARLES S. COBBS.
pHARLES S. COBBS,- born near
v Alliance, Columbiana county,
Ohio, July 7, 1853; lived on farm
until 18, when he entered Mt. Union
College, from which he graduated
in July, 1877; superintendent of
Malvern Union Schools two years,
meantime studying law ; in May,
1879, entered the office of John J. Hall,
Esq., in Akron, being admitted to
the bar, in May, 1879, at session of
Supreme Court in Columbus, enter-
ing at once into a successful law
practice in Akron ; in April, 1881,
was elected City Solicitor, and re-
elected in 1883, serving two full terms ;
and has since acted as local attorney
for the Valley Railway Company, in
connection with his general law
practice, March 9, 1891, forming a
partnership with Edward Oviatt and
George G. Allen, Esqs., under the
firm name of Oviatt, Allen & Cobbs.
November 2, 1881, Mr. Cobbs was
married, to Miss Margaret S. McCall,
of Malvern, Columbiana Co., Ohio,
who has borne him one child
Charles Walker Cobbs born Feb-
ruary 15, 1889.
286
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
p EORGE McCLUNG ANDERSON,
^J son of Rev. G. W. Anderson,
Methodist minister ; born at Prince-
ton, Wis., June 29, 1857 ; in 1859, came
with parents to Ohio, living in vari-
ous places, and attending- common
schools until Fall of 1876, when he
entered Allegheny College, in part
defraying the expenses of his four
years' course by manual labor, man-
agement of lectures, etc.; in Fall of
1880; came to Krumroy ; October 22,
1880, he wrfs married to Miss Mary E.
Jobes, of Damascus, Columbiana Co.;
remained at Krumroy two years,
teaching- school, working' at painting,
common labor, etc., leisure hours
being devoted* to Blackstone ; in Fall
of 1882, removed to Ann Arbor, Mich.,
and entered the law department of
the Michigan University, working in
in law office during vacations ; on
graduating, in Spring of 1884, was
admitted to the Supreme Court of
Michigan, and to the Courts of Ohio,
June 3, 1884 ; commenced practice in
Akron in August, 1884, and elected
City Solicitor, on the Republican
ticket, in the Spring of 1889, which
responsible position he still fills.
GEORGE MCCLUNG ANDERSON.
Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have had two
children Mary Belle, born at Krum-
roy, October 25, 1881, died at Ann
Arbor in the Fall of 1882 ; Jesse May,
born in Akron, January 21, 1886.
HENRY WARD INGERSOLL.
TTENRY WARD INGERSOLL,
born in Richfield, October 23,
1833, moving with family to Hudson
when two years old ; in 1857, gradu-
ated from Western Reserve College,
studying law with Judge Van R.
Humphrey, in Hudson, and Wolcott
cS: Upson in Akron, being- admitted to
the bar by the Supreine Court, at
Columbus, March 29, 1859, immedi-
ately opening an office in Akron,
where he has been in continuous
practice since, except during his
absence in the army ; in September,
1861, enlisted as member of the
Second Ohio Cavalry Regimental
Band, serving in the division of Gen.
Blount, in the Western campaign.
After discharge of band, by order of
War Department, he was commis-
sioned by Gov. Tod, in 1862, as cap-
tain in the 124th O. V. I., but by
reason of consolidation of compan-
ies, was mustered out on organiza-
tion of regiment; in 1864, at the call
of Gov. Brough, served 100 days in
defense of the National Capitol, as a
member of Companj^ F., 164th (). N.
G. In 1864 Mr. Ingersoll was elected
Recorder of the incorporated village
of Akron, and took the census, pre-
pared the necessary papers, and pro-
cured from the Secretary of State the
charter constituting Akron a city of
the second class. In addition to his
legal acquirements, Mr. Ingersoll is a
fine musician, having been chorister
in the Congregational and other
churches of the cit}^ for many years.
June 6, 1866, he was married to Miss
Sarah A. Boardman, of Newton Falls,
who has borne him two children,
Adelaide B. and Harry.
AKRON'S CIVIL SERVICE RECORD.
287
ATEWTON FORD, son of Marvin
^ and Lydia (Corn well) Ford was
born in Northfield, Ohio, March 24,
1852; raised on farm till 1863; assisted
his father in postoffice at Macedonia
from 1863 to 1868; in 1870, entered
Western Reserve College, at' Hudson,
continuing- until 1873, when he began
teaching in public schools of this
count3 r ; in 1874, began reading law
under Horace B. Foster, Esq., in
Hudson, two years later concluding
his studies in office of Foster, Mar-
vin & Grant, in Akron, being
admitted to the bar, here, August 28,
1876. In April, 1877, located in Akron
for the practice of his profession, in
February, 1878, associating himself
with Hon. Henry C. Sanford, the
partnership continuing about five
years. In April, 1879, Mr. Ford was
elected City Clerk, by the City Coun-
cil, and successively elected for the
years 1880, '81, '82. After an interreg-
num of one year, he was again
elected Clerk, in April, 1884, which
position he continued to hold until
April, 1890, making an aggregate ser-
vice of ten years. November 26, 1879,
he was married to Miss Rosiiie
McKiiiley, of Hudson, who has borne
NEWTON FORD.
him three children Howard C., born
August 14, 1882; twins, boy and girl,
born May 23, 1887 Bernice N., and
Ethel Rosantiah, Bernice dying when
two months and a half old.
PORTAGE TOWNSHIP.
We are unable to secure a full record of the earlier local
officers, but commencing with 1836, the following is a tolerably
full roster of Portage township's successive trustees: 1836, William
B. Mitchell, Miner Spicer, John Sherbondy; 1837, '38, same; 1839,
William B. Mitchell, John Sherbondy, Simon Perkins, Jr.; 1840,
Charles W. Brown, Jesse Allen, John Ayres; 1841, Simon Perkins, Jr.
Jesse Allen, Charles W. Brown; 1842, Simon Perkins, Jr., Eber
Blodgett, Charles W. Brown; 1843, same; 1844, Simon Perkins, Jr.,
Moses Smith, John Sherbondy; 1845, Simon Perkins, Lucius V.
Bierce, Silas W. Wilder; 1846, Silas W. Wilder, Lucius V. Bierce,
Justus Gale; 1847, Lucius V. Bierce, Henry Converse, George
Sherbondy; 1848, Webster B. Storer, David Miller, John Ayres;
1849, David Miller, Nathaniel Finch, George Sherbondy; on the
death of Mr. Miller, in October, George D. Bates was appointed to
fill the vacancy. 1850, Nathaniel Finch, George Sherbondy, Joseph
F. Gilbert; 1851, Joseph F. Gilbert, Ira Hawkins, Robert Jackson;
1852, Elias W. Howard, George Sherbondy, Robert Jackson; 1853,
Joseph F. Gilbert, Robert Jackson, George Sherbondy; 1854, Ira
Hawkins, Klias L. Munger, George Sherbondy; 1855, George W,
McNeil, Elias L. Munger, George Sherbondy; 1856, Benjamin
McNaughton, George W. McNeil, Reuben Sherbondy; 1857, Charles
Merriman, Clement J. Kolb. Webster B. Storer; 1858, George
Miller, Melchiah Sherbondy, Jacob Snyder; 1859, Houston Sisler,
Clement J. Kolb, John R. Buchtel; 1860, same; 1861, Houston
Sisler, John R. Buchtel, Christopher Oberholtz; 1862, same; Mr.
Sisler dying in June, Roland O. Hammond was appointed to fill
the vacancy; 1863, John R. Buchtel, Simon Perkins, G. F. W.
288
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
Fisher; 1864, same; 1865, same; 1866, John R. Buchtel, James F.
Scott, Clement J. Kolb; 1867, John R. Buchtel, Frank T. Husong,
Joseph Babb; 1868, Joseph Babb, Frank T. Husong, Abraham
Sichley; 1869, Frank T. Husong, Joseph Babb, Millard F. Hamlin;
1870, Joseph Babb, Millard F. Hamlin, Nelson C. Hawkins; 1871,
Millard F. Hamlin, Nelson C. Hawkins, Abner L. Caldwell; 1872,
Nelson C. Hawkins, Millard F. Hamlin, Hiram Sherboiidy; 1873,
Hiram Sherbondy, Millard F. Hamlin, Fred Oberholtz; 1874, Abner
L. Caldwell, Abraham Sichley, Henry Frederick; 1875, same; 1876,
same; 1877, Hiram Sherbondy, Simon Perkins, Abraham Sichley;
1878, Stephen H. Pitkin, Avery S. Beardsley, John McCausland;
1879, Stephen H. Pitkin, Albert H. Mallison, Ephraim Erdley; Mr.
Erdley dying in July, Uriah Sherbondy was appointed to fill the
vacancy; 1880, Jacob Carpenter, Albert H. Mallison, Charles \V.
Brown; 1881, Jacob Carpenter, Albert H. Mallison, Millard F.
Hamlin; 1882, Jacob Carpenter, Millard F. Hamlin, \V. E. Waters;.
1883, B. M. Boyer, B. F. Buchtel, T. J. Wise; 1884, Jacob Carpenter,
B. F. Buchtel, W. E. Waters; 1885, B. F. Buchtel, Jacob Carpenter,
M. J. Gilbo. In 1886, the law was changed making the term three
years, one trustee to be elected every three years, since -which
time the successive boards have been as follows: 1886, B. F..
Buchtel, Eli Smith, Charles T. Parks; 1887, same; 1888, Charles T.
Parks, Eli Smith, John L/eib. Mr. Leib having deceased, Henry
ULIMMON H. DUDLEY, born in
A Freedom, Ohio, May 24, 1843;
educated at Hiram College; elected
Akron City Civil Engineer, in 1869,
re-elected in 1871; built Mill Street
conduit, 1870, and West Market Street
arch and bridge, 1871; 1872, served on
commission to inspect the Public
Works of Ohio; same year elected
Chief Engineer of Valley Railway,
locating road, with easy curvature
and down grade, from Summit
County coal fields to Cleveland; 1875,
'76, used his invention, the Dyna-
graph, (power writer), on L. S. & M. S.
Ry., demonstrating that 18 to 20
miles for freight trains was more
economical than the 10 to 12 miles
per hour then in vogue; 1876, '77, '78,
employed as expert, by the Eastern
Railway Association, to test the
comparative merits of locomotive
trucks; 1877, awarded the Elliott Cres-
son Gold Medal, by the Franklin Insti-
tute, of Pennsylvania, (the sixth
in 30 years), for his invention of the
Dynagraph; 1877, invented system by
which each clock on a given railwa3^
line can be set to standard time by
touching electric key in main office;
1878, sent Dynagraph to the Victor-
ian Railways of Australia, and built
for himself a car for his enlarged
Dynagraph; 1880, invented track-
inspecting system, showing the con-
dition of any rail passed over, and
ejecting paint where repairs are
needed; 1883, designed new type of
PLIMMON H. DUDLEY.
rails; 1884, announced plan for pro-
tecting timber from decay; 188o,
elected Fellow of the New York
Academy of Science; 1887, was sent
to inspect the Panama Railroad; 1889,
invented system of trucks for heavy
railway service; 1890, elected presi-
dent New York Microscopical Society.
December 12, 1871, Mr. Dudley was
married to Miss Lucy M., eldest
daughter of the late Hiram V. and
Ruth (Ranney) Bronson, of Penin-
sula, their present residence being*
New York City.
AKRONS CIVIL SERVICE RECORD.
289
Ziiik was appointed to fill the vacancy by Justice Solomon
Koplin. The township being separated from Akron, in the Spring
of 1888, thus making the place of Mr. Parks vacant, Reuben
Sherbondy was appointed to the place by Justice Koplin. Since
its separation from the city, Portage township has been divided
into two election precincts, the territory north of city limits, and
east of canal being designated as the East precinct, and that west
of city and canal as the West precinct. 1889, trustees: Eli Smith,
Reuben Sherbondy, Abner L. Caldwell; 1890, Thomas W. Tngalls,
Reuben Sherbondy, A. L. Caldwell; 1891, same.
OMAR N. GARDNER, son of
James and Elvira C. Gardner,
natives of Genessee county, N. Y., was
born in Akron, December 2, 1854 ;
educated in Akron public schools
and Buchtel College. In 1870 began
work with Mr. P. H. Dudley, Akron's
first city engineer, also assisting Mr.
Dudley on the surveys for the B. & O.
and Valley railways ; in 1878 was
elected City Engineer of Akron, hold-
ing the office until 1886, designing
and superintending the construction
of the larger portion of our compre-
hensive system of public works
sewerage, paving, bridges, viaducts,
conduits, sewer tunnel, etc., involv-
ing an expenditure of over half a
mill ion dollars. In 1887, was employed
as special engineer by Nebraska's
capital city, Lincoln, where h e
designed and superintended the con-
struction of a complete system of
public works some 30 miles of
separate storm and sanitary sewers,
many miles of brick, cedar block
and granite block paving, and an
important extension of the Lincoln
water works system, which ranks
among the finest in the country. Mr.
G. has also designed a Astern of
sewerage for West Bay City, Mich.,
and is now professionally officiating
OMAR N. GARDNER.
as consulting engineer for all
branches of sanitary and h3 r draulic
works. September 4, 1877, Mr. Gardner
was married to Miss Ella J. Bush, of
Jamestown, N. Y.,who has borne him
two children a daughter, Alene,
born March 11, 1879, and a son, James
A., born March 20, 1881.
PORTAGE TOWNSHIP CLERKS. From and including 1836, the
duly elected clerks of Portage township have been as follows:
1836, '37, Franklin C. May; 1838, Horace K. Smith; 1839, Joseph
Cole; 1840, Nahum Fay; 1841, William Harrison Dewey; 1842,
Henry Clay Crosby; 1843, William H. Dewey; 1844, Nahum Fay;
1845, '46, '47, Charles W. Tappan; 1848, '49, Tilman Wagner; 1850,
'51, Edward W. Perrin; 1852, '53, '54, '55, '56, Roland O. Hammond;
1857, Newell D. Tibbals; 1858, '59, Jacob A. Kohler; 1860, '61, '62,
George T. McCurdy; 1863, '64, '65, '66, '67, William C. Allen; 1868,
'69, '70, '71, John McGregor; 1872, '73, '74, '75, George Tod Ford; in
September Mr. Ford resigned and Charles Baird was appointed in
his place; 1876, '77, Charles Baird; 1878, '79, '80, '81, '82, '83, Peter J.
Moersch; 1884, '85, William H. Sanford; 1886, A. K. Fouser; 1887,
Frank G. Treash; 1888, '89, '90, '91, John W. Frank.
19
290
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
WILLIS D. CHAPMAN, son of
Dr. .Bryon and Matilda A.
(Dills) Chapman, was born in Coplej',
October 3, 1848; educated in Copley
schools and Pennsylvania Polytech-
nic College, Philadelphia; was locat-
ing engineer on Lake Shore and Tus-
carawas Valley R. R. in 1871 ; same on
Canada Southern from 1872 to 1876 ;
engaged in general civil engineering,
with headquarters in Toledo, from
1876 to 1878; mining engineer and U.
S. deputy surveyor in Leadville, Col.,
1879 to 1881 ; U. S. deputy surveyor in
Montana, in 1882 ; followed railroad
engineering in Michigan, in 1883 and
1884; Akron city engineer from 1886
until his resignation in 1889, since
which time he has been engaged in
electric street railroad construction
in Akron, Canton and Zanesville,
being now general manager of the
Akron Electrical Manufacturing
Company ; has been a member of the
American Society of Civil Engineers
since 1883, and also of the Ohio
Society of Civil Engineers. February
26, 1873, Mr. Chapman was married to
Miss Ella A. Marriner, born in Akron
May 5, 1849, who has borne him six
children Charles A., born January
WILLIS I). CHAPMAN.
25, 1875 ; Etha May, born February 6,
1877; Willis D., Jr., born October 14,
1878 ; Ella A., born April 27, 1881 ;
George B., born October 12, 1884, and
Fred., born October 5, 1888.
SAMUEL WILSON PARSHALL.
SAMUEL WILSON PARSHALL,
son of James and Henrietta L-
(Shugart) Parshall, was born at
Tidioute, Pa., May 11,1856; educated
in common schools, Cornell Univer-
sity and Buchtel College ; married in
Akron, February 5, 1880, to Miss
Hattie E. Pardee, daughter of the late
Judge William Pardee, a native of
Wadsworth ; followed a variety of
occupations till 27, when, in 1883, he
permanently settled in Akron, in 1884
becoming an assistant in the office
of City Engineer Omar N. Gardner,
and contimiing under Engineer
Willis D. Chapman, until the resig-
nation of the latter, when, on March
18, 1889, he was appointed by the City
Council to fill the vacatiC5 r , and in
May, 1890, was duly elected, by Coun-
cil, City Engineer for the term of two
years, which position he is now ably
filling. Mr. and Mrs. Parshall are
the parents of five children Ina,
born January 19, 1881 ; Gladys, born
October 11, 1882 ; Edward, born July
12, 1884 ; Wallace Dickey, born March
14, 1889; and Samuel Wilson, born
September 1, 1890.
AKRON S CIVIL SERVICE RECORD.
291
PORTAGE TOWNSHIP TREASURERS. From and including 1836,
the successive treasurers of Portage township have been as
follows: 1836, '37, '38, Samuel A. Wheeler; 1839, Lewis P. Buckley;
1840, '41, '42, '43, '44, '45, '46, '47, Samuel A. Wheeler; 1848, '49,
Zebulon Jones; 1850, '51, '52, '53, Benjamin McNaughton; 1854, '55,
"56, Edwin W. Perrin; 1857, Houston Sisler; 1858, John T. Good;
1859, '60, John H. Chamberlin; 1861, '62, '63, '64, '65, '66, '67, '68, '69,
Charles Cranz; 1870, '71, '72, Arthur L. Conger; 1873, David R.
Paige, Jr.; 1874, Jacob H. Wise; 1875, '76, B. F. Buchtel; 1877, '78,
1 79, '80, '81, '82, '83, John McGregor; 1884, Dayton A. Doyle; 1885, '86,
"87, A. J. Williams; 1888, '89, '90, '91, John McCausland.
17 D WIN WAGNER son of Jacob
t-< and Magdalena Wagner, young-
est of a family of ten children, was
born near Hartville, Stark County,
July 23, 1862; raised on farm; edu-
cated in district school, with one year
at Ada (Ohio) Normal School and to
junior year in Buchtel College, teach-
ing- Winters, the Winter of 1885, '86,
and all of the year 1886, '87, in Penin-
sula High School. Mr. Wagner is a
member of Grace Reformed Church ;
in politics a Democrat, and after four
years' service as deputy, under Clerk
Newton Ford, was elected City Clerk
of Akron, in April, 1890, which posi-
tion he is still ably filling. April 30,
1889, Mr. Wagner was married to Miss
Sarah Grosenbach. of Hartville, who
bore him one child Jean Marie,
born April 11, "1890, Mrs. Wagner
dying June 29, 1891, aged 29 years, and
<i (lavs.
EDWIN WAGNER.
WILLFAM 2. MCDONALD.
z. MCDONALD, born
in Wooster, Wayne, county,
Ohio, June 15,1858 ; educated in pub-
lic schools ; learned the machinist
trade, with his father, giving especial
attention to technical mechanical
construction, working successively
in Wooster, Millersburg and Mans-
field, until September, 1884, when he
came to Akron, where he has since
continuously resided ; September 6,
1885, was appointed First District
Inspector of workshops and factories,
to fill an u'nexpired term, and re-ap-
pointed May 8, 1888, discharging the
intricate duties of the position with
such intelligence and fidelity, that
he was promoted to tbe Chief Inspec-
torship of the workshops and
factories of Ohio, by Governor J. B.
Foraker, for four years, from April
29, 1889, which important office he is
still ably filling, the headquarters of
the department being at Columbus.
October 12, 1882, Mr. McDonald was
married to Miss Lillie A. Estill,
daughter of Hon. James A. Estill, of
Millersburg, Ohio. They have two
children living James E. and Helen.
292
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
SIMON M. STONE, born in Lock
Haven, Pa., January 6, 1844;
educated in common schools;
clerked in father's store until July
10, 1861, when, at 17 years of age, he
enlisted in Co. D, 7th P. V. I., serving
two years and a half, when he re-
etilisted for the war ; May 7, 1864, was
captured with his regiment, in the
Battle of the Wilderness, spending
seven months in Anderso nvill e
prison. At the close of the war,
again enlisted in the 4th U. S.
Artillery, in which he served three
years, being discharged as First
Sergeant, at Richmond, Va., May 29,
1870, having given seven full years
to the service of his country. On
returning home, followed the busi-
ness of photographer for two years,
when, in 1872, he came to Akron,
working 'in Akron Rubber Works
nearly 10 years. In 1882, was
appointed on Akron police force by
Mayor Samuel A. Lane, serving until
April, 1887, when he was elected City
Marshal, to which responsible posi-
tion he was re-elected in April, 1889,
serving four full years. October 21,
1873, Marshal Stone was married, to
Miss Laura E. Bittner, of Akron,
SIMON M. STONE.
who has borne him three children -
Fred. Louis, born December 23, 1874 ;
Mabel May, born October 3, 1877, died
February 22, 1879 ; Laura Gertrude,
born December 27, 1881.
ALBERT G. MALLISON.
ALBERT G. MALLISON second
** son of Amos and Clarina (New-
ton) Mallison, born in Groton, Conn.,
June 13, 1797 ; when eleven years old,
moved with his parents to Rich-
mond, Berkshire county, Mass., com-
ing to Akron in 1832, settling on
farm, on what is now known as
Wooster avenue. In addition to a
good district school education, Mr.
Mallison, when young, learned s*ur-
veying, in which capacity he ran the
line between Massachusetts and New
York, and also, after coming' here,was
emploj^ed b}' Perkins, King and
Crosby to survej' and plat the North-
ern portion of the City of Akron, his
name appearing- in most of the deeds
of conveyance in the first, second
and third wards. Mr. Mallison also
taught school for several j-ears in
Massachusetts, New Jersey and Ohio,
the last time in the stone school
house at the southwest six-corners,
in Tallmadge. June 22, 1843, Mr. Mal-
lison was married to Miss Cornelia
G. Washburn, of Akron, who bore
him three children Eveline, (now
Mrs. Horace G. Moon), Albert H,
both now living on Wooster avenue,
and Amos, who died 1886. Mr. Malli-
son died February 26, 1879, at the ag - e
of 81 years, 8 months, 13 daj's, Mrs.
Mallison d} r ing December 8, 187o,
aged 76 years, o months and 6 days.
AKRON S CIVIL SERVICE RECORD.
293
AMOS MALLISON, eldest son of
Amos and Clarina (Newton)
Mallison, was born in Groton, Conn.,
Jul}^ 6, 1795; at 13, moved with his
parents to Richmond, Berkshire
county, Mass., coming' to Ohio in 1833,
settling on the farm now known as
Bartges-Mallison Addition to the
Ci ty of Akron. Mr. Mallison received
a good common school education,
and followed, through life, the calling"
of a farmer. June 6, 1840, Mr. Malli-
oti was married to Mrs. Mary Comp-
ton, a widow with one daughter,
afterward married to Mr. John M.
Seidel, now of Hudson, Mrs. Sei-
del, at her death leaving one son,
Theodore, who was adopted by his
grandparents and is now a success-
ful farmer in Western New York.
After the sale of their farm, here, to
Dr. S. W. Bartges, Mr. and Mrs. Mal-
lison, in the Spring of 1870, removed
to the town of Victor, Ontario county,
N. Y., where Mr. M. died January 25,
1877, aged 81 years, 6 months and 19
days. Mrs. M. still survives.
AMOS MALLISON.
JACOB ALLKN.
JACOB ALLKN, fourth son of
j Jesse and Catherine (Teithrich)
Allen, was born in Lansing, Tomp-
kins county, N. Y., February 11, 1803,
removing' with parents to Coventry,
Ohio, in 1811 ; educated in district
schools ; learned cloth-dressing trade
in Micldlebury ; at 18 went to State of
New York and built woolen mill near
Ithaca ; returned to Ohio in 1835, in
1837 building woolen mill in Ghent ;
in 1S38 another mill in Akron near
Cascade mill ; in 1840 another on the
old city mill site ; in 1842 another,
now a part of the oat meal plant of
The Hower Co., and in 1846, with
others, a satinet factory further south
on Canal street, converted into a
flouring mill in 1856, and now known
as the Allen Mills, of which his son
Frank, of New York, is now one of
the proprietors. Mr. Allen was a
liberal promoter of public improve-
ments, and especially influential
in securing the location of the A.
& G. W. (now N. Y., P. & O.) railroad
through Akron, his latest private
eiiterpise being the erection of the
three-story business block bearing
his name on South Howard street.
Though not an office-seeker, Mr.
Allen was a member of Akron Vil-
lage Council in 1841, '42. February
16, 1830, at Ithaca, N. Y., he was mar-
ried to Miss Catharine Vansickle,
sister of the late N. E. Vansickle and
Mrs. A. M. Barber, who bore him
five children Hiram, deceased ;
Mary Helen, now Mrs. Rufus Wright,
of Akron ; Frank H., now of New
York City ; Elnora, who died in
infancy; and Lizzie, now Mrs. Charles
W. Kellogg, of Chicago. Mr. Allen
died November 25, 1879, aged 76 years,
9 months and 14 days, Mrs. Alien
dying September 20, 1887, aged 73
years, 9 months and 10 days.
294
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
\TICHOLAS EMMONS VAN-
IN SICKLE, born in Germantown,
N. J., November 10, 1816 ; moved with
parents to Tompkins county, N. Y.,
in 1825, and to Bath, Ohio, in 1837 ;
common school education ; during 1
minority worked at farming 1 and
blacksmithing with father ; then
learned to make cloth, following- that
business in connection with his
brother - in - law, Jacob Allen, from
1838 to 1845, being co-proprietor of City
Woolen Factory, afterwards known
as the City Mills, on West Market
street. September 3, 1844, was mar-
ried to Miss Margaret Mathews, of
Akron, who bore him two children
Ella, now Mrs. E. R. Grant, and Dora,
now Mrs. N. H. Bassett, both now
residents of Akron. In 1848 engaged
in hotel keeping in Bedford, later, for
several years,' engaging 1 in railroad
building in Missouri and other local-
ities ; was master of transportation
in the earlier years of the war ; later
employed on public works of Akron,
and in 1871, in connection with Col.
A. L. Conger, building 20 miles of the
Valley Railway. In 1875 established
cigar and tobacco store at 104 East
Market street, following that busi-
ness several years. In 1846 Mr. Van-
sickle served as a member of the
NICHOLAS EMMONS VAXSICKLE.
Town Council, and was for many
years a member of the Board of
Directors of the Summit Couiit3 r
Agricultural Society, and one of its
most active promoters. Mr. Van-
sickle died January 4, 1888, aged 71
years, 1 month and 24 days.
HIRAM VIELE.
TTIRAM VIELE, was born in
Pittstown. Rensselaer county,
N. Y., September 5, 1813 ; educated in
he engaged as clerk in stove store in
Rochester, two }^ears later becoming'
a partner in the business, which con-
tinued five years ; then, after one
3 r ear's residence in Washing'ton
county, in July, 1842, came to Akron,
where he engaged in the Stone Mills,
as book-keeper, afterwards becoming-
manager, continuing, with an inter-
mission of two or three years, until
August 1, 1871, when he opened a
flour and feed store, where the Arcade
block now stands, in which business
he continued until his death, July 25 r
1874. October 17, 1838, Mr. Viele was
married, to Miss Abbie M. McFar-
land, a native of Salem, Washington
county, N. Y. Five children were
born to them, three of whom, with
their mother, are still living Henry
C., now treasurer of the Citizens Sav-
ings and Loan Association, in Akron,
and Mary J. and Fannie G. Mr.
Viele was a prominent member of
Summit Lodge, No. 50, I. O. O. F., and
a charter member and high official
of Akron Encampment, No. 18, and
also acceptably officiated as Deputy
Grand Master of the State, and Grand
> ^ ^r I.VxiJ.J. P^V^A *-Tf J.^-1.^ j \^ V* \A. \^ C4. US_VA i AX V^ M. CAIAV* i A C* O II*. L \_f i. LAJV, WJ i,C* I V^ f C* 1 1 \_* ^ 1 Fl UU
common schools, working on his Representative to the Grand Lodge
father's farm till 20 years old, when of the United States.
AKRON S CIVIL SERVICE RECORD.
295
WILLIAM G. RAYMOND, born
in Adams, Berkshire county,
Mass,, October 4, 1811; common
school education ; learned machin-
ist's trade ; came to Akron in 1834,
working in carding- and spinning-
machine works of Aliens & McMillan,
elsewhere written of; in 1838, with
his brother John, leased the "Ohio
Exchang-e" hotel, where the Woods
block now stands, keeping it about
two years ; in 1840, bought the woolen
factory, corner Canal and Cherry
streets, successfully conducting it
several years; soon, in addition,
established a dry goods store, under
the firm name of J. Ra3'mond & Co.,
on Howard street, which was de-
stroyed by fire on the night of Decem-
ber 27, 1849, also for many years
dealing extensively in wool. May 16,
1840, Mr. Raymond was married, to
Miss Eliza A. Williams, daughter of
Barnabas Williams, and step-daugh-
ter of Major Miner Spicer, pioneer
settlers of Portage township, who
bore him four children William B.,
late treasurer of the Citizens' Savings
and Loan Association of Akron, born
April 5, 1841, died June 10, 1888 ; John
Gilbert, born February 23, 1846, now
treasurer of The Diamond Drill and
Tool Company of Akron ; Charlie,
who died February 7, 1854, aged 3
years and 5 days; and Grace, who
died March 20, 1873, aged 10 years, 9
WILLIAM G. RAYMOND.
months and 23 days. Mrs. Raymond
dying March 6, 1865, Mr. R. was again
married, to Mrs. Martha E. Vosburg,
September 3, 1866. Mr. Raymond
died April 9, 1870, aged 58 years, 6
months and 5 days, the second Mrs.
R. dying October 12, 1890, aged 65
years, 1 month and 7 days.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. In an early day justices of the peace
were appointed by the Governor, and after the office became
elective by the people, to the organization of the new county of
Summit, in 1840, the election returns had to be made to the clerk
of common pleas, at Ravenna, and cannot now be conveniently
traced. Among the earliest, if not the earliest, justices of the
peace in Portage township, was its earliest settler, Major Miner
Spicer. Though perhaps not very well up in legal learning, the
Major "was possessed of good strong common sense, and his
decisions were very seldom reversed by the higher courts. The
Major, also had a decidedly original way of expressing his opin-
ions, as witness the following incident: A dissolute fellow of
the vicinity was brought before His Honor on the charge of
stealing a hog. The witnesses were sworn and examined, but the
evidence being a little obscure, the major, who, when especially in
earnest, had a slight impediment in his speech, ordered the
accused to stand up and in stentorian tones exclaimed: "T-t-there
a-aint q-quite t-tes-testimony e-enough to c-convict you, but I
b-believe y-you're g-guilty as a d-dog g-git out of my house !"
Elijah Mason, Esq., of Middlebury, was also one of the early
justices of the neighborhood. Mr. Wolsey Wells, Akron's first
postmaster and canal collector, also officiated as justice of the
peace in the late twenties and early thirties, while Mr. Jacob
Brown, at the South End, and Mr. John H. Cleveland, in " Cascade,"
296
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
were doing magisterial duty in their respective localities on the
arrival of the \vriter in Akron, in 1835.
Since that time the justices of the peace for Portage township,
elected for the term of three years, have been as follows: 1836-39,
Jacob Brown and Seneca L. Hand; 1837-40, Harvey H. Johnson;
1839-42, Leander L. Howard; 1839-42, Ebenezer Martin; 1840-43,
Harvey H. Johnson; 1842-45, William M. Dodge; 1842-45, Lewis P.
Buckley; 1843-16, Henry Converse and Jacob Brown; 1845-48,
William M. Dodge; 1846^9, George Babcock; 1848-51, Joshua C.
Berry; 1849-52, George Babcock and Noah M. Green; 1851-54, Abel
B. Berry; 1852-55, Daniel B. Hadley and Noah M. Green; 1854-57,
Joseph F. Gilbert; 1855-58, John W. Stephens and Noah M. Green;
1857-60, William L. Clarke; 1858-61, John W. Stephens and John L.
Robertson; 1860, '61, Edward Allen (died in June, 1861); 1861-63John
W T . Stephens (died in March, 1863); 1861-64, John Lugenbeel and
William L. Clarke; 1863-66, Lewis M. Janes (died in July, 1865);
1864-67, William L.Clarke; 1865-68, William M. Cunningham; 1867-
70, William L. Clarke; 1868-71, Henry Purdy and William M.
Cunningham; 1871-74, Henry Purdy and Florence Weber; 1873-76,
Dudley Seward; 1874-77, Thomas "C. Brandon and Thomas H.
Goodwin; 1876-79, Dudley Seward; 1877-80, Henry Purdy and
Thomas C. Brandon; 1879-82, Dudley Seward; 1880-83, Henry
Purdy and Thomas C. Brandon; 1882-85, Peter J. Moersch; 1883-86,
Henry Purdy; 1886-88, Alvin Rice; 1885-88, Peter J. Moersch; 1886-
89, Henry Purdy (resigned February 22, 1888); 1888-91, Solomon
Koplin, -west precinct and Edwin P. Fouse east precinct, 1891-94,
Solomon Koplin west precinct and Joseph M. Byerly east precinct.
GBORGE THOMAS, born in Co-
lumbiana County, O., March 12,
1817 ; common school education ;
learned trade of carpenter and joiner ;
worked in Millersburg', Holmes Co.,
four years, coming- to Akron in 1844 ;
during- the war establishing himself
in the building and lumber business,
on the present site of the Thomas
.Lumber and Building Company's
works, which he successfully carried
on till his death, October 28, 1872, at
the age of 55 years, 7 months, 16 days.
In 1840, Mr. Thomas was married to
Miss Jane Wilson, of Millersburg,
who bore him one son Col. David
W. Thomas, his successor in business
and now president of the above
named company. Mrs. Thomas dying
in 1842, Mr. Thomas was again mar-
ried, September 25, 1845, to Miss Mary
Caldwell, of Akron, who bore him six
children, three dying in infancy; of
the three daughters living to adult
age, Carrie F., the first wife of Mr.
Daniel A. James, dying December 22,
1S76; Eva 1,., married to Mr. William
F. Pictoii ; and Louisa J., the present
Mrs. D. A. James. Mr. Thomas was
active in all public affairs, foremost
among the early firemen of the vil-
lage ; a member of the village Coun-
cil, 1857, '58 ; a member of the First
GEOKGK THOMAS.
Baptist Church of Akron, and of
Akron Lodge No. 83, F. & A. M., the
latter organization adopting appro-
priate memorial resolutions on his
death, and conducting the funeral
services. Mrs. Thomas died Novem-
ber 4, 1883, aged 56 years.
AKRON S CIVIL SERVICE RECORD.
297
TAMES CHRISTY born in Spring-
J field township, February 4, 1820 ;
worked on father's farm during 1
minority; attended district school,
and from 16 to 19, a select school in
Middlebury ; at 20 taught school two
terms ; at 21, in connection with his
brother-in-law, Mr. James Sawyer,
established tannery on North Howard
street, under the firm name of
Christy & Sawyer, together with shoe
manufactory and store, continuing
until 18,51 ; in 1852, formed partner-
ship with his brother, John H., in
1856, erecting more commodious
buildings, the partnership continu-
ing until 1879. Mr. C. then associated
with himself his two sons, James Jr.
and William, under the firm name of
James Christy & Sons, manufactur-
ing leather, and dealing in leather,
hides, furs and findings, making a
speciality of harness leather, now
exclusively buying and selling.
Republican in politics, Mr. Christy
has served five years in City Council
1864, '73, '74, '77, '78. In October,
1849, Mr. Christy was married to Miss
Janette Warner, of Akron, who has
borne him six children four of whom
are now living Alice, (now Mrs.
John E. Metlin) ; James, William and
Nettie, still at home. In 1850, Mr.
Christy performed the overland jour-
ney to California with ox-teams, the
journey from Akron to Sacramento
occupying nearly five months. Re-
JAMES CHRISTY.
maining about one year, part of the
time in the mines, and part of the
time in Sacramento, the home jour-
ney was made via the Isthmus of
Panama, occupying nearly a month.
Forty years later, on his 70th birth-
day, he again visited the Pacific
Coast, leisurely visiting every por-
tion of California, Oregon, Washing-
ton, Montana, Dakota, etc., the entire
journey occupying less than two
months.
Middlebury township: 1863-66, John Johnston and Harvey
Baldwin; 1866, '72, '75, '80, '83, '86-89, Mansfield Sumner; 1867, '70,
r 73, '76, '79, '82, '85, '88, '89, Almon Brown; 1885-88, Louis D. Seward.
Akron township: 1888-91, Alvin Rice; 1888-91, Peter H.
Hoffman; 1889-92, William Anderson; 1890-93, Mansfield Sumner;
1891-94, Ernest C. Housel.
PORTAGE TOWNSHIP ASSESSORS. The duly elected assessors of
the township, since and including 1841, have been as follows: 1841,
Miner Spicer; 1842, '43, '44, Justus Gale; Col. Gale declining to
serve this last year John H. Crawford was appointed in his place.
1845, Albert G. Mallison; 1846, NahumFay; 1847, Joseph F. Gilbert;
1848, John Sherbondy; 1849, Alfred R. Townserid; 1850, Nahum
Fay; 1851, '52, George Howe; 1853, John Sherbondy; 1854, Nahum
Fay; 1855, Nelson C. Hawkins; 1856, Ira Hawkins, with Samuel
A. Lane, appointed by Auditor, as assistant: 1857, Alfred R.
Towiisend; 1858, Frank Adams; 1859, Alfred R. Townsend; 1860,
Xahum Fay; 1861, '62, Jacob H. Wise; 1863, Nahum Fay; 1864,
Charles C. Hanscom; 1865, '66, Edward A. Barber; 1867, Homer C.
Ayres; 1868, Augustus Curtiss; 1869, John G. Goble; 1870, '71,
Aaron Teeple; 1872, Albert H. Mallison; 1873, George Miller; 1874,
Albert H. Mallison; 1875, George Miller; 1876, Hiram Sherbondy;
1877/78, '79, Randall McAllister; 1880, Joseph Schnee; 1881, Hiram
Sherbondy; 1882, T. J. Wise; 1883, '84, George Botzum; 1885, John
W. Frank; 1886, '87, Henry Norton; 1888, Charles T. Parks; 1889,
298
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
east precinct, Joseph Schnee; west precinct, Charles S. Starks;
1890, same; 1891, east precinct, George Botzum; west precinct,
Jason Bunker.
AKRON IN COUNTY OFFICE.
Besides such county officials as have herein been credited
to the several townships from which they originally came, Akron
(including Middlebury and Portage townships) has been repre-
sented in county office as follows:
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. Hiram Weston, December, 1851, to
December, 1854; George Buell, December, 1861, to May, 1864; David
E. Hill, December, 1862, to December, 1868; George D. Bates, May,
1864 to December, 1864; John C. Hill, December, 1886, to December,
1887; Henry Frederick, November, 1889, to present time.
PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS. William M. Dodge, April, 1840 to
October, 1842; William S. C. Otis, 1844, to 1846; Sidney Edgerton,
1852 to 1856; Newell D. Tibbals, 1860 to 1864; Edwin P. Green, ad
interim, while prosecutor Tibbals was in the hundred day service
in the army, in' 1864; Henry C. Sanford, 1872 to 1874; James M.
Poulson, 1874 to 1876; Edward W. Stuart, 1876 to 1880; Charles
Baird, 1880 to 1884; Edwin F. Voris, appointed by court on death
of Prosecutor John C. Means, May, 1886, to October, 1886; George
W. Sieber, 1886 to present time.
COUNTY SHERIFFS. Other than those named in the several
townships, incumbents of the sheriff's office of Summit county
have been as follows: William L. Clarke, 1848 to 1852 ;
Samuel A. Lane, November, 1856, to January, 1861, and January,
1887, to January, 1881; James Burlison, 1865 to 1869; William B.
Gamble, 1885 to 1889; David R. Bunn, 1889 to 1893.
JOHN COOK, born in Bavaria,
J Germany, April 18, 1818; educated
in German schools, learning trade of
stone mason; came to United States
in 1839, settling in Akron, finding
employment in AStna Mill soon
attaining to foremanship of packing
department; in 1850 went overland to
California, engaging in the provision
business, remaining two years, and
returning via the Isthmus of
Panama; in 1855, started a grocery 011
Market street in connection with the
late Jacob Dussell, speedily building-
up an extensive trade; later, on the
retirement of Mr. Dussell, associat-
ing with himself his two sons, John
J., and William H., under the firm
name of J. Cook & Sons, which title
is still retained by the sons, Mr.
Cook having died December 1, 1880.
Mr. Cook and Miss Mary Bills, were
married in Akron, October 17, 1843,
their first-born child, Francis, dying
at two years of age. Mr. Cook was
raised in the Catholic faith and for
several years after its organization
was a trustee and liberal supporter
of St. Vincent de Paul's Church.
Democratic in politics, though not
a seeker after office, Mr. Cook was
JOHN COOK.
elected to Council of the Incorporated
Village of Akron, in 1858, serving one
term, his eldest son, John J. Cook,
filling that position in the City
Council during the years 1876, '77.
Mrs. Cook still survives.
AKRON S CIVIL SERVICE KECOKI).
299
ALVIN RICE, ESQ.,- son of Eras-
tus and Jerusha (Brown) Rice,
was born in Albion, Erie County,
Pa., May 2, 1822; educated in common
schools and at Vienna, Trumbull
County, Ohio, Academy; taught
school three winters, meantime
reading- law with H. H. Budd, Esq.,
in Sharon, Pa., passing examination,
but never admitted to Bar, then
learned trade of moulder; working
for a time in Sharon, Pa., came to
Akron, March 1, 1846, working for
Cobb & Farnam and later for the
Akron Stove Co.; in 1860, in connec-
tion with Messrs. James B. Taplin and
Hobart Ford, established the firm of
Taplin, Rice & Co., one of the pres-
sent prosperous institutions of In-
dustrial Akron. Mr. Rice was mar-
ried, September 3, 1848, to Miss Jane
Mustill, of Akron, who has borne
him seven children Jerusha, de-
ceased; Alvin, Jr., deceased; Lillie,
deceased; Eva, still living at home;
Ella, now wife of James M. Stafford,
merchant tailor of Ann Arbor, Mich.;
Frank, member of Akron Fire
Department at Central Station, and
Alvin, Jr., Shipping Clerk for Taplin,
Rice & Co. Mr. Rice was elected
Recorder of the Incorporated Village
of Akron, for the years 1860, 1862 and
ALVIX RICE, ESQ.
1863; and a member of the Board of
Education for the years 1867 and
1869; was elected justice of the
peace for the Township of Akron, in
1885 and re-elected in 1888, which
responsible position he abl\- filled
until April 21, 1891 six years.
JOHN MEMMER.
JOHN M EM MER, son of David and
J Margaret (Arehart) Memmer,was
born in Sufneld, Portage county,
June 14, 1839, raised on farm ;
educated in township district school
and in public schools and private
school of Prof. Fitzgerald in Cleve-
land; clerked in grocery store three
years, and in confectionery storetwo
years, in Cleveland; March 1, 1861.
came to Akron and established a
confectionery store 137 Howard street,
following that business seven and a
half years; in the first draft, October
1, 1862, was drafted into the arni3 r , but
having no one with whom to leave
his business furnished a substitute
for three years; in 1868 established
an insurance agency in his present
quarters, corner Main and Market
streets, which for nearly a quarter of
a century, he has managed with emi-
nent success. Mr. Memmer served
as member of City Council, from the
Second ward, for the years of 1871, '72
and is now a director in the Akron
Savings Bank. August 22, 1860, he
was married to Miss Louisa Boj r er, of
Cleveland, who has borne him five
children Laura, borri September 14 T
1861, died July 29, 1862; Nellie M, born
February 14, 1863, died September o.
1871 ; Ida May, born May 4, 1867, now
Mrs. Alexander W. Maynes of Akron;
George W., born November 20, 1872,
now engaged in the insurance busi-'
ness in Akron; and Ella Louisa, born
September 19, 1877.
3(X)
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
A LEXANDER BREWSTER, born
in Augusta, Oneida county, N.
Y., September 10, 1808; came with par-
ents to Ohio in 1812, settling in Coven-
try ; education, in early district
schools, limited ; learned carpenter's
trade with father, but mostly follow-
ed farming- until 1848, when he turned
his attention to mining', coal having
been discovered on his land; in 1850
went overland to California, return-
ing home in 1851; has since been
engaged in mining and shipping
coal, a stock company being formed
in 1865, with a capital stock of $100,-
000, of which, under the name of the
Brewster Coal Company, Mr. B. is
president, and his two sons, Alfred
A. and Austin K. are respectively,
general agent, and secretary and
treasurer, the company mining and
handling between 200,000 and 300,000
tons of coal, per year. January 9,
1830, Mr. B. was married to Miss Mar-
garet Ann Kinney, a native of
Ontario county, N. Y., who came to
Springfield in 1813, who bore him five
children, four of whom survive the
two sons above named ; Louisa, now
Mrs. J. F. Meacham, and Mary M.
now Mrs. Russell H. Kent; all living
in Akron. Mrs. B. dying in Novem-
ber, 1854, Mr. B. in December, 1857,
-was again married, to Mrs. Minerva
ALEXANDER BREWSTEK.
A. (Darrow) Brown, a native of Cuya-
hoga county, who died June 27, 1873.
In September, 1877, was again mar-
ried, to Mrs. Lucy jane Chamberlin,
widow of the late John H. Chamber-
berlin, and daughter of Col. Justus
and Mrs. Sarah Gale, who settled in
Akron in 1831.
CAPT. HENRY H. BROWN.
HENRY H. BROWN son
^ of Charles W. Brown, one of
Akron's pioneer settlers, was born in
Middlebury, (now Akron's Sixth ward)
October 23, 1828 ; educated in Akron
public schools, finishing under
Superintendent Leggett, in the Spring
of 1848 ; April 1, 1850, was married to
Miss Elizabeth D. Hickcox, of Akron,
who bore him one son Charles H.
now of Denver, Colorado ; raised a
farmer, in 1855 went to Illinois where
he remained ten years, engaged in
farming; returning to Akron, in the.
Fall of 1865, Mr. Brown entered the
emplo3^ment of the Middlebury Coal
Co., as manager, which position he
held 20 years. Mr. Brown repre-
sented the Second ward in the City
Council for the years 1880, '81, '82, '83,
'84, and '85, resigning his seat on
account of failing health, and g'oing
to Colorado, where, as agent for the
Thomson-Houston Electric Co., he is
still operating with headquarters at
Denver. Capt. Brown for many years
took a great interest in local mili-
tary affairs, having been captain of
Company A. Ninth (now Company
B. Eighth) Regiment Ohio National
Guard, from July 23, 1877 to Decem-
ber 2, 1884, being a thorough disci-
plinarian and in all respects a model
officer. Mrs. Brown died suddenly
of apoplexy, at Denver, April 20, 1891,
aged 63 years.
AKKON S CIVIL SERVICE RECORD.
301
COUNTY AUDITORS. Theron A. Noble, 1842 to 1848; Nathaniel
\V. Goodhue, 1848 to 1852; Charles B. Bernard, 1854 to 1858; Sanford
M. Burnham, 1863 to 1871; Edward Buckingham, 1872 to 1881;
Charles W. F. Dick, the present incumbent, elected in 1886, and
re-elected in 1889.
(CHARLES F. INGERSOLL,
v youngest child of Noah and
Mary (Stickels) Ingersoll, was born
at Albion, Orleans Co., N. Y., October
29, 1833; came to Copley, O., in 1836,
and a few years later to Coventry ;
educated in country district schools ;
at 20 entered the employ of Hiram
Fuller, who kept a dry goods store,
corner of Main and Exchange streets.
November 10, 1859, Mr. Ingersoll was
married to Miss Olive L. Root,
daughter of the late Riley Root, of
Coventry, who has borne him two
children Frank Howard, born Sep-
tember 11, 1860, and Hattie May, born
March 5, 1868. After a short residence
at Kent, Mr. Ingersoll accepted an
appointment from the A. & G. W.
Rail-way Company, as its first Pas-
senger and Freight Agent at New
Portage, acceptably filling the posi-
tion about three years. In 1872, Mr.
Ingersoll removed his family to 116
St. Clair street, Akron, where he still
resides. In politics, an active Repub-
lican, in 1881, '82, Mr. Ingersoll repre-
sented the Fifth ward in the City
Council, serving upon some of its
most important committees. In 1883,
CHARLES F. IXGERSOLL.
he opened a real estate and insur-
ance office in Kaiser's block, South
Main street, in \vhich business he
still continues.
WILSON B. CANNON.
WILSON B. CANNON, born in
Streetsboro, Portage county,
Ohio, March 19, 1839; educated in
common schools and worked on
father's farm till 19, when he entered
a country store at a salary of $450 for
three years' services ; then went to
Indianapolis as cashier in a large
store where he remained until 1868,
when he came to Akron, and with his
brother-in-law, established the well-
known crockery firm of Herrick &
Cannon, with which he was connected
for over 20 years. In January, 1890,
a*ssisted in organizing the Akron
Silver Plate Company, now in suc-
cessful operation, of which he is the
secretary and treasurer. Mr. Cannon
represented the First ward in the City
Council two terms 1885 to 1889 three
years as its presiding officer ; was
charter member, and for a number of
years president, of Summit Count}"
Humane Society ; a prominent mem-
ber of Akron Lodge, No. 547, I. O. O,
F.; of the Akron Board of Trade and
an active promoter of all the benevo-
lent enterprises of the day. October
29, 1865, Mr. Cannon was married to
Miss Emerene Lacey, daug'hter of
Isaac J. Lacey, one of the pioneer
settlers of Aurora, three children
having been born to them, one of
whom Helena May is now living.
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
T7RANCIS A. WILCOX, son of Dr.
* Jeremiah C. Wilcox, born in
Richfield, May 17, 1852 ; raised to farm
life, in boyhood attending district
school and Richfield Academy, 2 l / 2
miles distant, in \vinter only ; at 17
commenced teaching 1 winters, later
entering- Oberlin College, from
whence he graduated in the classical
course in 1878. He then read law
with Hon. T. E. Burton of Cleveland,
until March, 1879, when he became
principal of the Glenville schools,
which position he acceptably filled
four years. In 1881, was elected mem-
ber of Glenville Council and presi-
dent of the Glenville Union Church
Society. In 1882, purchased of W. W.
Warner of Akron, a half interest in
abstract, real estate, loan and insur-
ance business, and in February 1885,
the remaining half-interest, the fol-
lowing August associating with
himself, his present ' partner, Mr.
A. H. Noah. In 1885, was elected
member of City Council, serving one
term and declining a re-election ; is
an active member of the Board of
Trade, and has aided in organizing
the Selle Gear Company, the Akron
Savings Bank, the Akron Wholesale
Grocery Company, the Akron
Building and Loan Association, the
Akron Tool Co., the Loomis Motor
Co., and the Canton and Zanesville
FRANCIS A. WILCOX.
Electric Street Railwa3 T Cos., in the
first four of which he is director and
of the last secretary ; is also pecun-
iarilj r and officially connected with a
large number o the other business
enterprises of Akron and vicinity ; in
religion a Congregationalist ; in
politics a Republican.
JAMES H. CASE.
TAMES H. CASE, born in Middle-
J bury, (now Akron Sixth Ward),
December 23, 1844; educated in Mid-
dlebury public schools, at 17 appren-
ticed himself to the carriage-ironing
trade at Greenville, Penn., but before
completing his apprenticeship re-
turned home and entered the
machine shop of Kent, Baldwin &
Co., in Middlebury. In 1863 enlisted
in the Second Ohio Cavalry, partici-
pating in the battles of the Wilder-
ness, Petersburg, Shenatidoah, Cedar
Creek, Winchester, Five Forks, and
the surrender of Lee. After the
grand review, at Washington, moved
with the regiment to the West,
remaining at Springfield, Mo., until
September, 1865, when the regiment
was mustered out at St. Louis. On
his return home, he completed his
trade at which he worked about
four years, then worked in the Buck-
eye Reaper and Mower Works, until
1876, when he established himself in
the drug business in the Sixth ward,
which he has since successfully car-
ried on, also being chemist for the
Absolute Chemical Company, writ-
ten of elsewhere; served as member of
City Council two terms 1865 to 1869.
January 1, 1872, was married to Miss
Ella S. Farrar, of Akron, who bore
him one son Charles F. Case, now
a student in Buchtel College. April
17, 1890, Mr. Case was again married,
to Mrs. Maggie R. Blocker, of Akron.
AKROX S CIVIL SERVICE RECORD.
303
ROBERT L. ANDREW, -born in
Boston township, Summit Co.,
Ohio, May 24, 1841; in boyhood
attended common school and worked
at the painter's trade with his father,
from 1857 to 1862 clerking- at Penin-
sula and in Hudson; in June, 1862,
enlisted in Both Regiment, O. V. L,
serving four months and participat-
ing in engagements at Prentiss, Miss.,
and Vicksburg; in August, 1864,
re-enlisted in l/7th, O. V. I., serving
to the end of the war, with the rank of
sergeant, participating in the battles
of The Cedars, Shelbyville Pike, and
Town Creek, and being present at
Johnston's surrender. On being
mustered out, clerked in store of E.
H. Cole, at Peninsula, then for E. B.
Thompson & Sons, successively at
lona, Marshall and Ann Arbor,
Mich; October 6, 1869, removed to
Akron and resumed his trade, in
1873, erecting the store at 314 East
Mill street, January 1, 1877, associat-
ing with himself his brother, Angelo,
under the firm name of Andrew
Brothers, which arrangement con-
tinued until September, 1890, when
he sold out to his brother and estab-
lished The Paint and Color Com-
pany, elsewhere alluded to. Sep-
tember 6, 1866, Mr. Andrew was mar-
ried to Miss Emerancy Hall, a native
of Northampton, who died April 3,
ROBERT L. ANDREW.
1879, their two children also being
deceased. Mr. A. was again married,
to Miss Emma Woods, daughter of
Mr. John B. Woods, of Akron, Sept.
27, 1881. Though an earnest and act-
ive Democrat, Mr. Andrew for two
successive terms (1886-90) represented
the usually Republican First ward
in the City Council, the last year as
its President.
COUNTY TREASURERS. William Harrison Dewey, 1848 to 1850;
Frederick Wadsworth, 1850 to 1852; Israel E. Carter, 1862 to 1866;
David R. Paige, Jr., 1874 to 1878; Henry C. Viele, 1878 to 1883;
Emmon S. Oviatt, 1891 to 1893.
COUNTY RECORDERS. Nahum Fay, 1843 to 1849; Philip P. Bock,
1858 to 1864; James Alexander Lantz, 1864 to 1870; Henry C. Viele,
(by appointment), February, 1872, to October, 1872; George H.
Payne, 1872 to 1878; Albert A. Bartlett, 1878 to 1884; Benjamin F.
Clark, 1891 to 1894.
COUNTY SURVEYORS. The incumbents of this office, since the
organization of the county, have nearly all been "outsiders,"
D wight Newton, of Akron, being elected in 1849 for three years;
Robert S. Paul, of Akron, (see also Cuyahoga Falls), by appoint-
ment, filling the vacancy occasioned by the death of his father,
Hosea Paul, from June to October, 1870, and by election for the
ensuing three years; again appointed to fill the vacancy occasioned
by the resignation of Surveyor elect, Jacob Mishler, from February
3, to October, 1884; again successively elected in 1877 and 1880,
giving to the position, in all, about ten years of faithful service.
Charles E. Perkins, of Akron, was elected in October, 1883,
re-elected in 1886, and again elected in 1889.
INFIRMARY DIRECTORS. Lucius V. Bierce, July, 1849, to
October, 1849; Roswell Kent, October, 1849, to October, 1851;
Gibbons J. Ackley, October, 1849, till his decease in August, 1851;
Joseph E. Wesener, to fill vacancy, August to October, 1851;
304
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
George D. Bates, 1851 to 1855; Ira Hawkins, 1851 to 1857; George
Sherbondy, 1853 to 1856; Charles C. Hanscom, 1855 to 1858; David
A. Scott, 1856 to 1859; Richard B. Walker, 1859 to 1868; Alfred R.
Townsend, 1861 to 1867, 1873 to 1876, 1877 till his resignation in 1879;
Webster B. Storer, 1871 to 1874; Levi S. Herrold, 1874 to 1877;
Clement J. Kolb, 1875 to 1881; Henry Frederick, 1876 to 1882;
Joseph A. Beebe, 1881 to 1887; Joseph Moore, 1887 to 1893; Eli
Smith, 1888 to 1891; Jacob Koplin, November, 1889, to present time.
SUPERINTENDENTS OF INFIRMARY. Abraham Sichley, July, 1849,
to March, 1855; William Chandler, March, 1855, to January, 1861;
Frank T. Husong, (also see Copley), January, 1861, to April, 1868;
George W. Glines, April, 1868, till death, March 4, 1879; George
Feichter, April 1, 1878, to March 1, 1879; Julia F. Glines, March 1,
1879, to April 1, 1882; Millard F. Hamlin, April 1, 1882, to April 1,
1887; Sherman B. Stottler, April 1, 1887, to present time.
T7RASTUS R. HARPER, JR., son
- ' of Erastus R. and Amanda
(McArthur) Harper, was born in Oak-
field, Kent county, Mich., July 14,
1857, when three years old removing
with parents to Independence, Cuya-
hoga county, Ohio; educated in Inde-
pendence district schools and Cuya-
hoga Falls high school ; raised on
farm; at 22 went to Atchisoti, Kansas,
as book-keeper for Gushing & McNeil,
coal and grain merchants ; fifteen
months later returned to Ohio and
worked at civil engineering on Lake
Shore, and Pittsburg, Cleveland and
Toledo railroads about one year, then
came to Akron and entered the office
of J. F. Seiberling & Co., later holding
the position of paymaster for Ault-
man, Miller & Co., seven j^ears, when
he accepted the secretaryship of the
Akron Vitrified Pressed Brick Com-
pany, which he still holds ; Novem-
ber, 1877, was elected to fill vacancy
in City Council, in place of Capt. H.
H. Brown, resigned, re-elected in
April, 1888, for full term and again
in 1890. June 21, 1882, Mr. Harper was
married to Miss Alice M. Hitchcock,
ERASTUS R. HARPER, JR.
of Cuyahoga Falls. They have one
child Lena May, born August 31,
1883.
COUNTY CORONERS. Col. John Nash, of Middlebury, October,
1852 to September, 1853; William L. Clarke, 1855 to 1857; Almon
Brown, 1872 to 1882; Dr. B. B. Brashear, 1882 to 1886; Albert H.
Sargent, 1886, and re-elected in 1888 for the second term, holding
the office four years.
COUNTY CLERKS. Previous to the adoption of the present State
Constitution, in 1851, Common Pleas Judges appointed their own
Clerks of Court, the appointment, like that of the Judges them-
selves by the Legislature, being for seven years. On the organi-
zation of Court in the new county of Summit, in April, 1840, Hon.
Rufus P. Spalding, -was appointed Clerk, employing for his deputy,
Mr. L/ucian Swift. In December, 1840, Mr. Spalding resigned
and Mr. Swift was appointed, serving his full term of seven years.
AKRON S CIVIL, SERVICE RECORD.
305
Lucius S. Peck, then of Akron, was appointed as Mr. Swift's
successor, in 1847, serving until the election, under the new con-
stitution, of Nelson B. Stone, Esq., in 1851, as stated in the chapter
on Tallmadge. In 1854, Edwin P. Green, Esq., of Akron, was
elected as Mr. Stone's successor, and re-elected in 1857, serving
two full terms of three years each, with Alden Gage as deputy.
Subsequent incumbents of the office have been: Capt. John A.
Means, of Northfield, now living in Tallmadge; Charles Riiie-
hart, of Franklin, now of Colorado; George W. Weeks, of Copley,
now of Akron; Sumner Nash, of Bath, now of Akron; Othello W.
Hale, formerly of Bath, but at the time of his election a resident of
Akron, reference being had to the several townships named for
particulars as to date of election, tenure of office, etc.; Nathaniel
P. Goodhue, a native Akronian, elected November, 1890, and still
ably serving, with Mr. Frank J. L/ibis, after six years' experience
under Clerk Hale, as his chief deputy.
WILLIAM HARDY son of Nath-
aniel and Rebecca (Reed)
Hardy, was born in Northampton
township, March 11, 1829; educated in
district schools and raised a farmer;
active in all public affairs, Mr. Hardy
served as township trustee for 15 con-
secutive years; was once elected and
qualified as justice of the peace, but
other duties requiring" his attention,
after a few months service he
resigned the office. During the war,
Mr. Hardy, served as recruiting-
agent of 18th Congressional district
for Summit county, and has operated
as general agent for Aultman, Miller
' & Co., in selling- Buckeye reapers
and mowers in Northern Ohio, for a
period of 27 years. Having moved
to Akron, in 1872, Mr. Hardy repre-
sented the Third ward in the City
Council from 1888 to 1890 ; was one of
the originators of the electric street
railway system in Akron and is still
a stockholder in the company, and
besides looking after the manage-
ment of his fine farm in Northampton,
is associated with his son, Orlando B.
Hardy, in the sale of Giant and Jud-
son mining and sporting powders
throughout the United States. Dec-
ember 3, 1847, Mr. Hardy was married
to Miss Marcia Elvira Dales, daughter
WILLIAM HARDY.
of Mr. Stephen Dales, of Copley,
born November 3, 1829, who has
borne him two children Orlando B.,
born September 19,1848, now residing
in Akron, and Clara C., afterwards
Mrs. Daniel W. Brown, and now
deceased.
COMMON PLEAS JUDGES. Robert K. DuBois, of the early blast-
furnace firm of Hart, DuBois & Co, heretofore spoken of, residing
where Mr. William H. Payne now lives, number 200 Water Street,
was appointed by the Legislature one of the first Associate Judges
for the new County of Summit, holding the position from April,
1840, till his death, June 19, 1845. James R. Ford, by appointment
of Gov. Thomas W. Bartley, succeeded Judge DuBois upon the
bench, from 1845 until failing health compelled his resignation in
April, 1849, when Samuel A. Wheeler was appointed by Governor
Seabury Ford, holding the position until his resignation to go to
California, in March, 1850.
20
300
AKRON AND SUiMMIT COUNTY.
On the resignation, by Judge Benjamin J. Wade, of the Presi-
dent Judgeship of the Third Judicial District, under the old con-
stitution, on his election as United States Senator, by the Legis-
lature, in March, 1851, George Bliss, Esq., then a prominent lawyer
of Akron, was appointed Presiding Judge, who held the position
until February, 1852, when he was superseded by Hon. Samuel
Humphreyville, of Medina, the first regularly elected Judge for the
Second Sub-district. Hon. James S. Carpenter, of Akron, was
elected as Judge Humphreyville's successor in 1856, holding the
position the full term of five years, when the office went to Judge
Stephenson Burke, of Klyria. An extra Judgeship being created
in 1870, Hon. Samuel W. McClure was elected to the position in
October of that year, holding the office five years and declining a
re-election. In October, 1875, Hon. Newell D. Tibbals was elected
as Judge McClure's successor, and re-elected in 1880. May 1, 1883,
Judge Tibbals resigned, and ex-Probate Judge Ulysses L. Marvin
was appointed by Gov. Charles Foster, to fill the vacancy, serving
until the accession of Hon. Kdwin P. Green, who was elected in
October, 1883, to fill the unexpired term of Judge Tibbals (two
years), and re-elected for the full term of five years in October,
1885; Gen. Alvin C. Voris, 1891-96.
JOHN KREUDER, son of Henry
J and Mary D. (Lippert) Kreuder,
was born' in Vadenrod, Greis, Als-
feldt, Hesse -Darmstadt, Germanj^,
June 24, 1839 ; came with parents to
America in 1851, settling on farm in
Chatham, Medina county ; six years
schooling- in Germany and three
terms in Ohio ; in 1857 came to Akron
as general utility man in "American
House," kept by the late Florence
Weber. Esq., on North Howard street;
1858 to 1872 (14 years) clerk in store of
Hall Brothers ; then three years with
G. C. Berry & Co.; in 1876 engaged in
the grocery trade with the late
Charles W. Bonstedt, under the firm
name of Bonstedt & Kreuder, con-
tinuing six j^ears ; in 1882 engaged in
grain and produce trade on his own
account, the volume of his business
in 1890 reaching nearly $400,000 ; is
also a stockholder in Schumacher
Milling Co., Jones Wholesale Grocery
Co., Peoples' Savings Bank and
Akron Paving Brick Co.; was Park
Commissioner 17 years 1872-89;
member of City Council 1889-91, the
last year as president ; was married
December 31, 1863, to Miss Lana
Grohe, of Randolph ; children Anna
JOHN KREUDER.
M., born January 14, 1865, died Feb-
ruary 5, 1866 ; Minnnie E., born Nov-
ember 14, 1867 ; Ida L., born January
2, 1870, died July 21, 1881 ; JDora E.,
born November 7, 1871, died January
10, 1877 ; William J., born April 2, 1874.
PROBATE JUDGES. Previous to the adoption of the present
constitution, in 1851, all probate business -was transacted by the
Court of Common Pleas. In October, 1851, Charles G. Ladd, Esq.,
father of the present Mrs. Gen. A. C. Voris, then a promising young
member of the Summit County Bar, was elected to the office of
Probate Judge for three years. Judge Ladd's rapidly failing
health preventing him from giving his personal attention to the
AKRON S CIVIL SERVICE RECORD.
307
duties of the office, the business was organized and ably performed
by his deputy clerk, Alvin C. Voris, Esq., as elsewhere detailed,
until the death of Judge Ladd in August, 1852. Judge Constant
Bryan succeeded Judge Ladd from 1852 to 1854. In 1860 William
M. Dodge, of Akron, was elected, serving until his death, in July,
1861. Samuel A. Lane was commissioned by Governor William
Dennison to fill the vacancy, but declining the honor, Ashael H.
Lewis was appointed to serve until the ensuing October election,
being succeeded by Judge Stephen H. Pitkin, eight years, Ulysses
L. Marvin, six years, and Samuel C. Williamson, six years, as
already detailed in the chapters on Hudson and Stow.
TJENRY W. HART son of Adams
1 and Isabella (Gang'awer) Hart,
was born in Akron September 19,
1852, his father doing- faithful service
in both the Mexican war arid the war
of the rebellion, Mr. Hart was
educated in the Middlebury public
schools ; at 16 apprenticing" himself
to the potter's trade, at which he
worked 17 years, in 1882 embarking in
that business for himself in partner-
ship with Mr. Frank W. Rockwell,
under the firm name of F. W. Rock-
well & Co., the arrang-ement con-
tinuing seven years ; February 19,
1891, became one of the incorporators
of the Akron Paving Brick Company,
elsewhere noticed, of which he is
superintendent and manager. In
1888 Mr. Hart was elected a member
of the Akron City Council from the
Sixth Ward, and re-elected in 1890,
becoming the president of that body
on its reorganization in April, 1891.
June 15,1882, Mr. Hart was married to
Miss Hattie Johnson, daughter of the
late Thomas Johnson, of the Sixth
Ward, who has borne him four chil-
HENKY W. HAKT.
dren, all living Bessie, born January
8, 1884; Flossie, born June 1, 1885;
Isabella, born November 15, 1888, and
Henry Johnson, born December 29,
1890.
In October, 1881, Hon. Nathaniel W. Goodhue was elected
Probate Judge, acceptably filling the position until his sudden
death in September, 1883, his son and deputy clerk, Nathaniel P.
Goodhue, continuing to act in that capacity under his father's suc-
cessor, Judge Charles R. Grant, appointed to fill the vacancy by
Gov. Foster September 16, 1883, elected for three years in 1884 and
re-elected in 1887, serving nearly seven years and five months;
Edward W. Stuart elected November, 1890, and still serving, with
his son, Fred. H. Stuart, as his deputy clerk.
REPRESENTATIVES TO STATE LEGISLATURE. At the time of the
erection of Summit county, in March, 1840, Simon Perkins, Jr., of
Akron, was State Senator, and Rufus P. Spalding, then of
Ravenna, was one of the Representatives for Portage county. Mr.
Spalding immediately thereafter removing to Akron, in 1841
Messrs. Perkins and Spalding were elected as the Representatives
of the new county for the session of 1841, '42; John H. McMillen
(Middlebury) 1842, for one year; Hiram Bowen, Akron, 1845, one
year; Harvey B. Spelman, 1849, one year; Nathaniel Finch, 1850,
one year; Alvin C. Voris, 1859, two years; John Johnston (Middle-
bury), 1861-63, four years; Sanford M. Burnham, 1871, two years;
308
AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
Leonidas S. Ebright, 1879, two years; J. Park Alexander, (see also
Bath) 1881, two years; Jacob A. Kohler (see also Franklin) 1883, two
years; Henry C. Sanford, 1887-91, four years.
AKRON IN STATE SENATE. Simon Perkins, Jr., in office on
erection of Summit county, in 1840, two years; L/ucian Swift, 1848,
two years; William H. Upson, (see also Tallmadge), 1853, two-
years; L/ucius V. Bierce, 1861, two years; Newell D. Tibbals, 1865,
two years; Nathaniel W. Goodhue, 1873, two years; George W,
Grouse, (see also Green), 1885, two years; J. Park Alexander (see
also Bath), 1887-91, four years.
AKRON IN CONGRESS. Hon. George Bliss, 1854 to 1856; Hon.
Sidney Edgerton (see also Tallmadge), 1858 to 1862, four years;
Hon. William H. Upson (see also Tallmadge), 1869 to 1873, four
years; David R. Paige, Jr., 1882 to 1884, two years; Hon. George W.
Grouse (see also Green), 1886 to 1888, two years, declining a
re-election.
TTARVEY F. MILLER, son of
Al Charles and Hannah (Bechtel)
Miller, was born in Norton, Feb. 18,
1850; in boyhood worked on farm
and attended district school ;' in 1867
moved with parents to Akron, com-
pleting his education in the Akron
high school ; in 1872, became a mem-
ber of the lumber and building firm
of Miller, Thomas & Co.; in 1879, with
Charles Miller and Henry D. Miller,
formed the Miller Chain Company,
and in 1883 became one of the incor-
porators of the Miller Match Com
pany, of which he was the secretar}
and treasurer, and on the sale of tin-
works, in 1890, formed a partnership
with Mr. Samuel C. Dyke, under thr
firm name of S. C. Dyke & Co., for the
manufacture of marbles, miniature
jugs and other stoneware novelties,
retiring therefrom, July 30, 1891, on
the organization of the American
Marble and Toy Manufacturing Co.,
elsewhere fully written of; is also
director of Akron Globe Sign Co., of
Akron Novelty Manufacturing Co.,
and president of the Akron White
Sand and Stone Co. Sept. 10, 1873,
Mr. Miller was married to Miss Mary
HARVEY F. MILLER.
Hays, of Medina, who has borne him
two sons Charles Haj^s, born June
5, 1874, now student in Military
Academy, at Gambier, and Edwin
Cloyd, born Aug. 1, 1883.
AKRON'S PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS. In 1868, Hon. Stephen H.
Pitkin, of Akron (see also Hudson), was Presidential Elector for
the Eighteenth Congressional District, composed of Summit,
Cuyahoga and Lake counties, and voted in the electoral college for
Ulysses S. Grant, of Illinois, for President, and Schuyler Colfax,
for Vice President. In 1872, in Eighteenth District, composed of
Summit, Wayne, Medina and L/orain counties, Hon. John R.
Buchtel was Presidential Elector, and voted for Ulysses S. Grant
for President, and Henry Wilson, of Massachusetts, for Vice-
President. In 1880, district same as above, Hon. Nathaniel W.
Goodhue, as Presidential Elector, voted for James A. Garfield, of
Ohio, for President, and Chester A. Arthur, of New York, for Vice
AKRON S CIVIL SERVICE RECORD.
309
President. Ulysses L. Marvin, 1884, Twentieth District, composed
of Summit, Medina, Wayne and Stark, voted for James G. Blaine for
President and John A. Logan for Vice President.
DELEGATES TO CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION. In 1850, William
S. C. Otis, Esq., was Summit county's delegate to the Ohio Consti-
tutional Convention. The convention met at Columbus May 6,
1850, and July 9 adjourned to meet in Cincinnati, closing its labors
in that city March 10, 1851, the new constitution being voted upon
and adopted June 21, 1851, for twenty years; Summit county's vote
standing 2,025 for and 2,013 against, being a majority of twelve,
only, in its favor. Gen. Alvin C. Voris was delegate to the Consti-
tutional Convention of 1873, which convened in the House of
Representatives at Columbus, May 13, 1873, and on August 8,
adjourned to meet in Cincinnati December 2, adjourning sine die
Pebruary 3, 1874. The constitution formulated by this convention,
though regarded by many as a great improvement over that of
1851, was rejected by the people at the special election held August
18, 1874, by a large majority, Summit county's vote standing 2,112
" for " and 2,774 " against," or an adverse majority of 662. In 1883,
what is known as the Judicial Amendment to the Constitution was
adopted, and in 1885 the amendment changing the general election
from October to November; the so-called "Second Amendment,"
prohibiting the sale of intoxicating liquors, submitted in 1883,
being voted down.
West side of Howard Street, looking North from near Cherry Street.
From photo by E. J. Howard, 1873.
CHAPTER XIV.
PUBLIC ILLUMINATION THE OLD-TIME "TALLOW DIP" SPERM OIL, GAS, PETRO-
LEUM AND ELECTRIC LIGHTS LOCAL TRANSPORTATION, HERDICS, HORSE-
CARS, ELECTRIC STREET RAILWAY FUEL GAS, ETC.
AKRON'S ORIGINAL GAS WORKS.
T ~\ 7ITHIN the memory of the writer, the only method of either
* private or public illumination, -was by the use of candles or
sperm oil, for though some experiments had been made with gas,
distilled from coal, as early as 1810 or 1812, its use as an illumina-
tor did not become general in the United States, even in such cities
as Boston, New York and Philadelphia, until about 1825.
TTENRY STEPHEN ABBEY, born
-*-*- in Portland, Middlesex county,
Conn., November 5, 1808 ; at an early
age removed to Glastenbury, and in
1828 to Bristol, where he learned the
clock-making- business. October 30,
1831, was married to Miss Elizabeth
Smith, of Torrington, Conn., immedi-
ately removing to Buffalo, N. Y., and
two years later to Niagara Falls,
finally settling in Akron in 1835.
Here, for two 3 r ears, he was engaged
in cabinet-making in South Akron,
when he embarked in the jewelry
business, in 1841 forming a partner-
ship with Mr. Hiram Payne, and
removing to the Stone Block, corner
of Howard and Market streets, later
establishing himself at 120 Howard
street, where he was continuous^
and successfully in business until
his sudden death, from heart disease,
October 25, 1873, at the age of 64 years,
11 months and 20 days. Mr. Abbey
was a fine musician, organizing and
for many years leading Akron's
pioneer band ; was an intelligent
florist,establishing the pioneer green-
. house of the village, and was a liberal
promoter of all public improvements;
was a member, and president, of
Akron's pioneer gas company, and
served as a member of the Village
Council for the years 1856, '57. Of
HENRY STEPHEN ABBEY.
the several children born to Mr. and"
Mrs. Abbey, Henry E. Abbe} r , now of
New York, only survives, though
their adopted daughter, Ellen G. r
now Mrs. S. E. Phinney, most fuUy
shared their confidence and love.
Mrs. Abbey died July 1, 1874, aged 6G
years, 9 months and 25 daj^s.
Previous to 1855, the streets of Akron were unlighted, except
at private expense, in front of the hotels, and perhaps half a dozen
public lamps at the business corners of the two villages, with
sperm oil at first, and afterwards, lard oil; coal oil not then having
come into vogue, and petroleum, for illuminating purposes, never
dreamed of.
But about the latter date (1855) largely through the proprietary
agency of the late Henry S. Abbey, Thomas H. Goodwin, Esq.,
and others, the Akron Gas Company -was organized, the works
being erected on South Howard street, immediately north of the
PUBLIC ILLUMINATION.
311
W. B. Doyle planing mill. As a matter of supposed economy, vit-
rified stone waterpipe was used for mains, but it was soon found
that while the glazed pipe itself was impervious, the cement joints
were porous, besides their liability to disturbance from settling,
entailing, through leakage, a heavy percentage of loss to the com-
pany, and considerable annoyance to citizens, by the offensive
odor arising therefrom, necessitating, after a year or two, the sub-
stitution of iron mains, at a heavy expense for material and labor.
H. GOODWIN, bom in
-*- Province of New Brunswick,
Canada, Oct. 10,1810; common school
education; worked on farm till 21,
then served three years at carpen-
ter's trade; in August, 1835, came to
United States, working- in Provi-
dence, R. I., and New York City;
came to Akron in October, 1837, work-
ing seven years as pattern maker for
Judge James R. Ford, in old ^Etna
Furnace; in 1847 engaged in manu-
facture of plows and other agricul-
tural implements on South Howard
street; on its organization in 1855,
was secretary and superintendent of
the Akron Gas Company for about
eight years; an original stockholder,
and two years book-keeper of Weary,
Snyder and Wilcox Manufacturing
Co.; original stockholder and direc-
tor in Akron Cold Spring Co.; an
active member of Akron's second
Fire Company, Niagara No. 2, orga-
nized Dec. 1845; member of Akron
Village Council, 1850, '54, '56 and '59;
Akron's first regularly elected City
Street Commissioner, serving from
1869 to 1873; for many years acting as
chorister and filling various official
positions in First M. E. Church, of
Akron, assisting in organizing its
first Sabbath School, and in erecting
three church edifices on the site of
the present structure. June, 1839, was
married at Troy, Miami Co., to Miss
THOMAS H. GOODWIN.
Josephine M. Field (teacher), sister
of the late Mrs. L. J. Ives. Four
children were born to them Alfred
Davison, died at Baltimore, Md., Jan.
18, 1880, aged 40 years; Clara Fidelia,
died Aug. 6, 1883, aged 41 years;
Pomeroy Field, died in infancy; and
Helen Pamela, now Mrs. William
Renwick, of Davenport, Iowa. Mrs.
Goodwin died Oct. 6, 1888, aged 79
years.
THE PRESENT COMPANY.
After quite a number of changes of ownership and manage-
ment, the works in 1865, were purchased by Mr. Thomas W. Cor-
nell and others, with Mr. Cornell as president, and William Mc-
Farlin secretary and treasurer, under a very liberal franchise from
the Council, not only in regard to the use of streets, alleys and
public grounds, but also in regard to the price of gas, by ordi-
nance fixing the maximum at $3.30 per thousand feet, to both the
city and private citizens.
This, it will be remembered, was during the reign of inflated
war values of every description, and though, as other values de-
creased, some concessions were made on the price of gas, the then
members of the Council thought the company did not keep pace
with the general reduction, and not only substituted petroleum
oil for street lighting purposes, but, by ordinance, fixed the maxi-
rr-jm price of gas to the city at $1.25, and to private consumers at
312 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
$1.50 per thousand feet. The company claiming that the city, by
the terms of its ordinance, was under a contract to use its gas, at
least to the extent of the lamps already erected, commenced a suit
for its enforcement, which, after protracted litigation, was decided
in the city's favor. The Gas Company, acting under legal advice,
never acceded to the requirements of the restricting ordinance
alluded to, its bills to consumers, for several years, being made
out at the rate of $2.00 per thousand feet, with a small rebate on
all bills of $5.00 or over per month, later reducing the price to
$1.40; the city, as above intimated, entirely discontinuing its use.
The company, meantime had removed its works to the north part
of the city, and greatly enlarged its facilities, and is still one of the
substantial institutions of the city, the plant being sold to other
parties, August 1, 1891, with George T. Perkins, F. Adolph Schu-
macher, Ernest F. Lloyd, Gordon W. Lloyd, and Charles Stinch-
field as directors Gordon W. Lloyd, president and treasurer;
Ernest F. Lloyd, secretary, and James W. Lane, superintendent.
ELECTRIC LIGHT EXPERIMENT.
Soon after the culmination of the differences between the
Council and the gas company, as above briefly outlined, the project
of lighting cities by electricity, began to be mooted, and Akron
was the very first of the smaller cities of the country to try the ex-
periment. In 1880 an arrangement was made with the Brush
Electric Light Company, of Cleveland, by which the necessary
apparatus was purchased, the mast system being adopted. A cen-
tral mast, composed of gradually tapering boiler iron, 210 feet in
height above the surface of the ground, was erected at the inter-
section of Howard and Market streets, from the head of which was
suspended four lamps of 4,000 candle power each ; a wooden mast
of about fifty feet in height elevated upon the dome of Buchtel
College, furnished with four equally powerful lamps, and a like
mast upon the tower of the Central engine house with one 4,000
candle-power lamp, making nine in all, the boiler, engine, dyna-
mos, etc., owned and run by the city, being placed in an annex
built for that purpose upon the north side of the Central building,
corner of Church and High streets.
So far as tried, the system worked well, but before being ex-
tended into other portions of the city, on the theory that the city
could buy its light cheaper than it could produce it, on the 14th
day of June, 1883, an ordinance was passed leasing the plant to
the Akron Electric Light and Power Company George G. Baker,
president ; Ira M. Miller, vice president ; Hugo Schumacher, secre-
tary and treasurer, and W. J. Hillier, manager for the period of
one year, the company stipulating to furnish the necessary car-
bons, and keep the lamps upon the masts lighted, at 25 cents per
lamp per hour, on an agreed schedule, during the continuance of
said lease.
July 21, 1884, a contract was entered into, by ordinance, -with
the Citizen's Electric Light Company Henry Robinson, presi-
dent; Dr. O. D. Childs, secretary and treasurer, and S. E. Phinney,
superintendent for the lighting of the streets and public build-
ings of the city, by the Thompson-Houston system ; the street
lamps being suspended from poles at the intersections of the
AKRON'S STREET RAILWAY. 313
streets, there being at the present time 210 lamps in use, and the
arrangement so far reasonably satisfactory the masts, meantime,
having been taken down, and the engine and other property trans-
ferred to the new company. The present street lamps have a
nominal strength of 2,000 candle-power each, the contract price
being three and a half cents per lamp, per hour, with a guarantee
of $84 per lamp per year. For a time the city building was also
lighted by this company, but now, from dynamos invented and
constructed by Chief Engineer Frank F. Loomis, the building is
lighted by the city's own incandescent lamps at a cost of one-half
cent per lamp per hour.
PIONEER STREET RAILROAD.
April 16, 1883, a franchise was granted to the Akron Street
Railway and Herdic Company Ira M. Miller, president, Wm.
Christy, secretary and treasurer, and John E. Metlin, superin-
tendent to lay a railway track through Howard and Main streets,
from Furnace street to the south corporation line, the franchise to
continue for the period of 25 years. The line was constructed the
same year, and successfully operated for some tim6, with an
extension, in 1887, to Lake Side Park, on the east side of Summit
Lake, about one mile south of the city limits, Mr. John Wilson, of
the Sixth Ward, for several years, having run a half-hourly line of
comfortable Herdic coaches, on Market street, between Howard
street and Case avenue in the Sixth Ward.
ELECTRIC STREET RAILWAY.
July 2, 1888, Council, by ordinance, granted the use of the
streets of the city to the Akron Street Railway Company Gen.
John S. Casement, of Painesville, president; S. T. Everett, of Cleve-
land, vice president, and F. C. Bangs, of Cleveland, secretary its
cars to be run by electricity instead of horse power, the new com-
pany having purchased the franchise and property of the old com-
pany for the sum of $30,000 in cash, $15,000 in the stock of the new
organization, and the assumption of the $20,000 bonded indebted-
ness of the old company.
The new company erected its plant a substantial brick build-
ing a short distance north of the King Varnish Works, on Canal
street, and had its cars running the entire length of Market street
early in the Fall of 1888, since extended through Main, Mill,
College, Buchtel avenue, Spicer, Exchange, Grant, Bowery, Wooster
avenue, etc., the application of power being by the trolley system
a wire over the center of the track suspended by lateral wires
attached to poles on either side of the street, and capable of a
speed of fourteen to fifteen miles per hour.
CHANGE OF PROPRIETORSHIP.
November 1, 1889, a deal was made between Messrs. S. T.
Everett, of Cleveland, and John F. Seiberling, of Akron, by which
the former became the owner of the Academy of Music property,
and the latter of a controlling interest in the Electric Street Rail-
way Company, since which time improvements have been vigor-
ously pushed, so that now (August, 1891), there are 15 miles of track
314 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.
in successful operation, with a, roster of 175 employes, the present
officers being: John F. Seiberling, president; John S. Casement,
vice president; Frank A. Seiberling, secretary and treasurer, and
John E. Metlin, superintendent; directors, John F., Frank A. and
Charles W. Seiberling, John S. Casement and Willis D. Chapman.
FUEL GAS COMPANY.
The experiment of boring for natural gas, in and near the city,
having failed of success, the attention of the people of Akron has
naturally been turned toward the several systems of producing
artificial gas for heating as well as illuminating purposes, that
have recently been devised, and on August 13, 1888, a franchise
was granted to the Loomis Gas Company, of Michigan, to use the
streets, alleys and public grounds of the city, for the purpose of
supplying the inhabitants thereof with fuel and illuminating gas,
which, under the improved process of manufacture, it was believed
w 
