SHOPTALK: There are two great photographs atop the desks this week. On the shoptop is a snap of a vintage Oldsmobile sandwiched between two (now vintage) 1930 Oldsmobile sedans. Taken in front of the (also now vintage) Hart’s Corner Drug Store on Vermilion’s Liberty street I initially thought the pic was taken in 1937 – the year of Vermilion’s Centennial. But after giving it some thought I now think it was earlier – maybe the same year of the newer cars (i.e. 1930). The older car was an early Olds electric c.1901. It was / is an extremely rare auto. Note the tracks of the Lake Shore Electric were still running down the middle of the street. They were removed by 1938-39. That, at least, helps narrow down the date of this historic snapshot.
On my desk at home is a Paul Ludlow photograph of the Vermilion American Legion Post’s Rube Band on Division / Street in July 1947. Their truck was a real novelty.
I’m not sure why they were halfway between the railroad tracks and Liberty Avenue for this photograph. When I was young they used to park the truck a few store south of this pic and throw cornmeal on the street to make a dance floor. Perhaps they had just arrived and were jockeying for their spot
But they must have been their for a dance. Otherwise all the folks pictured would have had no reason to be there. I also see a couple of guys in the crowd wearing aprons. They would’ve been the guys who worked the various games along the street.
Out of the crowd I can only recognize 4 faces: Jim Friday, Jimmy Kidd, Nancy (Lee) Fulper, and Rollie Harris. I would’ve thought I’d recognize more. It’s really a nice photograph.
AT WORK – ONE MINOR FLAW: I worked all week and got very little accomplished. I guess I did succeed at some things: I finished re-formatting an old book to be re-published; and I applied a little elbow grease to the food pantry. I was multi-tasking all that time however: trying to get a damn Bose SoundTouch wireless / portable speaker working – with intermittent success. It’s very frustrating because it’s still not functioning properly. But time just flew. And here I am. Maybe I’ll accomplish more in the week ahead.
MY WORKSPACE AMONG THE PIPES IN THE BINDARY ROOM
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MUSUEM SCHEDULE: Beginning now the museum will be open six days a week from 11 AM to 3 PM. We will be closed on Sundays and Holidays. We are located at 727 Grand Street in Vermilion across the street from Vermilion's historic E&R Church. The museum is open Monday thru Saturday from 11 AM to 3 PM. A small admission donation of $3 (for adults) is requested. Children accompanied with an adult will be admitted free.
We are closed on Sundays and holidays.
Private tours during those hours and during the evening can be arranged by calling the museum, or stopping in to see us.
FIVE-OH-ONE-CEE-THREE: The museum is a 501(c)(3) organization. Consequently, all donations and memberships for the museum are tax deductible. This is retroactive to November of 2011.
Memberships for the VERMILION NEWS PRINT SHOP MUSEUM are always available. Funds generated will go toward the aforementioned renovations and maintenance of the shop.
A single membership for an adult is $15 a year.
A couple membership is $25 a year.
A student membership is $5.
And a lifetime membership is $100.
If you would like to become a member the VNPSM you can send a check or money order to:
Vermilion Print Shop Museum
727 Grand Street
Vermilion, Ohio 44089
440.967.4555.
PLEASE NOTE THAT WE NO LONGER HAVE A PO BOX NUMBER.
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Vol. X – NO.39 – March 7,1907
COURT NOTES
After half an hour’s deliberation the jury in the damage suit of George W. Sheperd vs. the village of Huron returned a verdict in favor of the defendant on Thursday forenoon in the court of common pleas. Sheperd sued for 43,000 damages for injuries, which he claimed to have sustained by falling through a hole in a sidewalk at Huron in December 1902.
The case of Clayton Walton, the Birmingham schoolteacher, who is charged with assault and battery upon a pupil, has reached the probate court. A transcript was filed on Thursday by Justice Dietrich, by whom the defendant was bound over.
A somewhat sensational answer and cross petition has been filed in the court of common pleas by Isabel Brown in the case of Nora May Kennedy vs. the supreme tent K.O.T.M. of the World. The suit was brought to recover $400 on a beneficiary certificate held by Thomas E. Lord. The certificate was originally for $1000, payable on the death of Lord, his sister, Mrs. Brown, being named as beneficiary. The certificate was later changed to a life benefit, permanent disability certificate. Lord having become totally disabled, and upon this new certificate Lord received $200.00 in his lifetime, leaving $800 remaining due. In July last year, within a short time of his death, Lord changed the beneficiary in his certificate so as to give one half to Mrs. Brown, who is his sister, and the other half to Mrs. Kennedy, who is the wife of his nephew, though the certificate described her as his niece. Mrs. Brown says that at the time the change was made Lord was incompetent to comprehend or understand business and she charges that the change was obtained by persuasion and under influence of Mrs. Kennedy and her husband when Lord was ill and mentally incapable of transacting the business. It claimed by Mrs. Brown that the laws of the state of Michigan under which supreme tent K.O.T.M. is chartered and also the bylaws of the order prohibit the payment of the benefit to other than blood relatives and that Mrs. Kennedy could not therefore be made a beneficiary. Mrs. Brown has already received $400 benefit and she claims the remaining $400 benefit and she claims the remaining, which is being held by the order subject to the result of the litigation.
[VV. Ed. Note: It’s always about money.]
CHAGRIN FALLS PIONEER
Born in a Forest That Is today
a Busy
Section of Erie Street,
Nancy Ann Burrows who died Feb 10, at her son’s residence, George H. Burrows, was born March 20, 1837, at Cleveland, in a log house on the east side of Erie street, just north of Euclid avenue. Back of and to the eastward of Erie street was Euclid road, a mere wagon road, through the woods, which extended everywhere except occasional clearings made by settlers. After she became two years of age her parents moved to Vermilion 40 miles west of Cleveland, where she grew to womanhood, and was married to A.W. Burrows, a well-known physician who practiced many years in Cleveland, dying in 1877, leaving her a widow. She took up work of a professional nurse, and for many years was nursing among the very best families of Cleveland. She has been a resident of the neighborhood of Chagrin Falls, the larger part of two years living at Bentleyville, just west of the steel bridge. Her mother came from Connecticut stock. Her father was a Humphrey, who had a brother, who was postmaster of New York city many years ago. Before coming to Cleveland her parent lived on Grand Island, Niagara river, and many times Indians came into the house to stay overnight sleeping rolled in their blankets with feet to the fire. Her father had a yoke of oxen carried into the river to drink, and wading too deep, the current carried them over. – Chagrin Falls Exponent.
Nearly Paid – Bicycle Riders Take Notice.
The meeting of the city fathers last Monday evening was not as lengthy as usual but several matters were acted upon.
The bicycle ordinance was ordered enforced, so those who have been in the habit of riding on the sidewalks should govern themselves accordingly.
On other was the payment excepting $100 of the last “Sanitary Note.” Not many of us have forgotten why this money was borrowed. Small Pox is all that it is necessary to say. Some have been kicking at the high tax rate. The payment of this indebtedness has helped to make this rate what it is. And the worst of it is there is nothing to show for the money. Simply that the disease was conquered.
A representative of a chemical engine manufacturer was present and again the merits of a chemical engine, which could be drawn to a fire and used where water alone would not be necessary, thus having damage from the water. The matter was laid on the table.
[VV. Ed. Note: I may, perhaps, misunderstand the commentary regarding payment of “the last Sanitary Note”; but if I understand it correctly I would take issue with it. Implying that eradicating smallpox in the village was a waste of money is flat out disgraceful. I certainly hope that my grandfather didn’t write this piece. Aside from that it’s a bit foolish to take issue with dead persons over a century after the fact. But I do. Sorry Gramps.]
AMHERST NEWS NOTES
BY OTTO MISCHKA
Anton Dute is on the sick list.
Mr. Zipps, the milkman has rented the O.T. Hagerman farm and is now moving his household goods etc.
South Amherst is booming daily and several new allotments are progressing with a number of new streets.
The Wabash is putting a 125 ft. bridge over the Lake Shore ry. making it the next longest trestle in Ohio and built by the King Bridge Co. of Cleveland.
Mrs. Clara Ricks, a widow, was taken to the Elyria Hospital where her case may prove to be one of insanity. She is the mother of Chas. Ricks, a brakeman on the Lake Shore railroad and she has lived for nine days in a closed room without food, water or heat and is in a serious condition.
A steer belonging to G.F. Sabiers was instantly killed Thursday evening when he unloaded his carload of cattle of Chicago and unable to keep the western cattle together without the protection of cattle yards two cattle were lost, one straying westward along the Lake Shore track and was hit by 26 at the Milan St. bridge and thrown at least 50 feet. A leg was broken with a compound wound making it a ghastly sight. The blood covered the northern part of the Milan Street bridge. The train stopped and as the excited passengers rushed out they thought the jar was a wreck and after looking at the carcass they returned to their train with a stomach nearly turned bottom side up. The loss is estimated at $50.
Little Kora Cunningham who was the victim of a dynamite cap explosion blast Wednesday evening is reported to be out of danger. E will lose his thumb and forefinger.
DIED – The infant child of Mr. and Mrs. Sollock Friday at Clough Quarry. Funeral services were held Saturday at the house and interment was at South Amherst.
Ed Kane, postmaster at Vermilion, spent Monday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Miller.
DEATH OF WILLIAM MCDERMOTT
Wm. McDermott died at the Elyria Hospital Saturday evening at 10:30 after suffering ten days from an operation for appendicitis. He will be sadly missed by his associates and school friends. He was born May 8,1891 at Amherst and was 15 years, 10 months and 6 days of age. He died March 2. Funeral services were Tuesday morning at 9 o’clock at St. Joseph Catholic church. He leaves to mourn his loss four sister and two brothers. Those present form out of town were Mr. and Mrs. Whitney and daughter Helen, and Mrs. Grey of Collinwood and Mr. and Mrs. Donavon of Cleveland with many other relatives and friends not know to the writer.
DID YOU KNOW
That about the first place a stranger strikes for when he desires information is the newspaper office? That is true, even in Vermilion. We have had several calls this week from persons wishing to rent hose. We gave them what information we could. Later we heard of several who had houses to rent. If they had been advertised in the NEWS results might have followed.
One day this week one of our citizens, a young man, had a narrow escape from death on the Grand Street crossing of the L.S. & M.S. Ry. He was standing inside the gate while a train was passing and as the last car passed the street started to cross not noticing the approach of another train on the other track. A lady standing near pulled him back just in time. Be sure the track is clear and the gates are up before you attempt to cross the track.
Big fires seem to be the fashion now. Sandusky, Pittsburg, Cleveland, as well as a _____ of other cities and town have been sufferers. Amherst also lost the fine central school building the first of the week.
Fishing season opens March 15th. The fishermen are hustling getting ready.
A DISATROUS FIRE
The Amherst Central school building as totally destroyed by fire at late hour Sunday afternoon. The fire originated in the basement. The loss is placed at $35,000. 430 pupils were attendants at the school and the board has found it no small matter to arrange for the continuance of the schools.
Amherst people have again brought up the water-works question. It has been plainly demonstrated to them that the total destruction of their beautiful school building could have been averted had the supply of water been adequate. As it is, the loss was nearly of quite a fourth of what a first class water works system would have cost.
LOCALS.
Kent Ruggles of Milan is day operator at the N.P. station.
A.A. Pearl the extract man of Norwalk made his regular visit here this week.
George Wagner has moved into the Banning house on Ohio street. The house was purchased by W.B. Houseman of Lorain last week.
[VV. Ed. Note: I wish I knew what property this was. Mr. Houseman was one of my maternal great-uncles. His daughter, Clara Houseman, lived in Nokomis Park until her death in the 1970s.]
The old Evangelical church is under going repairs and will again be opened as a church. This time by the Disciples. E.C. Rust is at present building a pulpit for the church.
[VV. Ed. Note: I think this is the duplex on the west side of S. Main street one house south of Ohio street.]
Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Leidheiser have been enjoying the absence of ashpans [sic], coal buckets and coal oil lamps for the past few weeks. They have gas for lighting and heating and Mrs. Leidheiser says that the change is a delightful one.
The Subscribers’ Library Association met with a pleasant surprise the other day in the form of a donation of $10 from Mr. Chas Martin to aid in the purchase of books. The association wish to thank him for the fit. A meeting of the members will probably be called soon. The announcement will be made in the NEWS next week.
Mrs. Chas Decker and Mrs. Mayme Hansen are on the sick list this week.
Dr. Bond and family are preparing to enjoy the warm summer months on a front porch, which is being built on their residence.
[VV. Ed. Note: Dr. Bond’s house is the building next (east of) to the building currently (2015) housing Rudy’s Bar and Grill. Back then Rudy’s place was the Doctor’s office. The office had been moved from its original site in what is now knows as Exchange / Rubberneck Park to the Liberty Ave. site.]
A citizen’s meeting will be held at the Town Hall tonight. All citizens in favor of a “Greater Vermilion” are requested to be present.
[VV. Ed. Note: We aught have another.
Mrs. Lewis Wells was taken to Fairmont Sanitarium, Cleveland, Tuesday, for treatment. Mrs. Wells has been confined to the house for the past winter and it is hoped the change as well as the treatment at the sanitarium will benefit her.
Mary Hill has been appointed postmistress at Berlin Heights.
BORN – To Mr. and Mrs. L. Kishman a daughter, Wednesday, March 6, 07.
Cort Simons and Miss Myrtle Moore expect o attend the theater at Cleveland tonight.
Henry Schmoll has purchased a horse to take the place of the one, which he lost several weeks ago.
We were misinformed concerning the item that Fred Englebry was moving into the house formerly occupied by A.L. Irey. Mr. Englebry does not intend to move. Ed Law is the one who is to occupy the house.
Mr. Albert Danzey, who has been employed in the L.S. gate tower has also resigned and entered the employment of the Automobile works at Elyria. John Frailey has his positon in the tower and Peter Leimbach is at the Division street gates.
O.F. Hatch who has for many years been in the employ of the Lake Shore Railway Company, in various capacities as bridge carpenter, etc. and lastly as gate tender at Grand and also at Division street has resigned and accepted a situation with the Wakefield Brass Company as watchman. Mr. Hatch will be greatly missed at the gate where he has served so faithfully. We hope he will have success in his new position.
OBITUARY
DIED – Feb. 28, 1907 Silvah J. Humphrey, was born June 24, 1834 in Cleveland, Ohio, aged 72 years, 8 months and 4 days.
Was married to J.F. Williams September 6, 1853. Five children were born to this union of which one daughter, Mrs. Eilah Harrison survives.
For thirty-seven years Mrs. Williams lived in the same house, near Axtel and has always been highly respected. Those who knew her bear testimony to her kind heart ever willing to lend a helping hand, “giving the cup of cold water, visiting the sick and carrying solace to those in trouble and sorrow.” Her husband preceded her twenty-two years to the spirit world. A sister died just three weeks ago and two brothers still survive her.
A large number of people gathered at he Axtel M.E. Church on last Sunday to pay the last tribute of respect and a funeral discourse was preached by Rev. J.W. H. Brown and then the body was laid to rest in the cemetery to await the Resurrection morning. A good woman a kind neighbor has been taken but a good influence lingers behind her.
PENINSULA ITEMS
Mrs. Anna VanHouten “nee Nuhn” who recently sold her farm west of Vermilion to James J. Cuddeback spent a week on the Peninsula the guest of her sister Mrs. Percy C. Jackson. She left this morning to Toledo O. where she will be met by her husband Mr. John VanHouten. After a short stay in the city they will proceed to Holland O. where they expect to make their future home.
Farmers on the Peninsula are taking advantage of every good day to prune trees, spread manure, fix fences and otherwise get ready for the Spring work.
The Kelly’s Island Line and Transport co. are hauling houses from Lakeside and fitting them up on part of the old Kelly Farm for the use of their employees in the quarries at that point. The co. recently purchased a tract of land from Kelly’s for quarrying purposes.
ASHMONT
G.L. Jump is on the sick list.
Clarence Denman and wife have moved into Mrs. Millie Driver’s house.
Miss Vora Barnes was the lucky member of the soap club, to draw the February premium, a handsome library table.
BIRMINGHAM
Mrs. Vernon Henry is suffering with an attack of LaGrippe.
Mrs. Coon Latterman has an attack of the prevailing disorder LaGrippe. In fact there are a number of cases in town.
We hear that Mr. Wm. Berk has sold his interest in the Grist Mill, to his father and brother.
BROWNHELM
DIED – At his home south of the center, Tuesday morning Feb 26,07 Mr. Conrad Brill of consumption after three years of constant suffering.
He was born in Germany June 2, 1862 and came to this country in 1883. He was married to Katherine Lipphardt, Feb. 26, 1890, thus passing away on the morning of their seventeenth wedding anniversary at the age of 44 years a8 months and 24 days. The deceased leaves a wife and six children an aged mother, two brothers and four sisters, besides a host of friends to mourn his early departure.
The funeral services were held Friday afternoon at the church of Amherst. He was a member of the K.L. of S. who took charge of the services at the cemetery.
A Cooper’s store was slightly damaged by fire Wednesday.
AXTEL
The funeral of Mrs. Slivah Williams was well attended the church being nearly filled.
Miss Katie Fey is on the sick list.
LaGrippe is still prowling around Axtel and vicinity.
We wish to give the persons who disturb the C.E. meetings warning. If the disturbance is continued the persons’ names will be taken and reported.
It is a disgrace to the community to think that the young people cannot come together for a religious meeting without being disturbed. Anyone ought to have respect enough for themselves and the house of God not to carry on in such a manner. We do not wish to report anyone but shall do so if there is any more trouble for we do not have to, nor will not put up with it any longer.
Hmmmmmm....
Zooooommmm....
THE WORLD’S GREATEST TRAIN: Would you believe that trains have been' running along the lakeshore through Vermilion; Ohio for nearly as many years as the town has been officially incorporated? It's true.
The first steam engine rolled through the village on the Junction railroad in 1853. The line would later become the LS&M (Lake Shore and Michigan Southern), then the NYC (New York Central), and then CSX/Conrail/Norfolk-Western.
Some of the first engines were given affectionate names by the townspeople. One was called the Vermilion. And another, christened Jenny Lind, was brought
by water from Buffalo, and hauled' to the tracks by a team of oxen. The Nickel
Plate rails (those 'passing through the southern part of town) were laid through the village during the 'latter part of the 19th century.
Our family home was just south of the NYC tracks on Perry Street. Consequently, many of the trains were familiar to us. One of them was the NYC 20th Century Limited.
The New York Times once reported that rail buffs called it, " ... the world's greatest train." It was a passenger train that ran between Grand Central
Terminal in New York City and LaSalle Street Station in Chicago. Inaugurated on June 17, 1902 for the next 65 years it catered to upper class folk and business travellers, and could make the run between the cities in a mere 15.5 hours. Keep
in mind that this was 12 years before the very first American commercial air flight. (VPJ 05-19-05).
Only making station stops between those cities to refresh water and coal supplies it sped along the 800-mile rail course known as the "Water Level
Route" at an average speed of 50 mph - through I'd swear it was doing 70 mph when it passed through Vermilion.
Both the locomotive and passenger cars were, as is obvious in the photo, designed in an Art Deco style and carried the blue and gray trademark colors of the NYC. Passengers walked to and from the train upon a specially designed
plush crimson carpet that was rolled out for them at station stops. And thus the term "red carpet treatment" was borne.
During its peak years it was believed to be the most profitable train of its kind in the world. In 1928 it brought in revenues of some $10 million. Its passengers included U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, mega-millionaire banker J.P.
Morgan (the elder), Opera singer Enrico Caruso, actress Lillian Russell, and financier "Diamond Jim" Brady.
The companion pictures to this piece were taken as the train passed the
Adams Street crossing on the west side of town as it headed for Chicago (c. 1950) and are from Vermilion resident Larry Howell's photo collection. I found them wondrous because it had to be extremely difficult to catch both ends of the train
as it passed. As previously indicated, it was really travelling when it went
through town.
When I was but a lad I do recall sitting on the front porch of our Perry Street home during a summer's twilight, watching the train speed by on its way toward the big city. I could see the passengers inside the cars sitting, talking, .and
walking. And I would wonder who they were and where they were (metaphorically) headed. I never heard of many of the folks listed above at that time. Anyway it certainly wouldn't have occurred to me that any of them would
be among the passengers. What I remember best, however, is the drumhead logo that always lit the back of the train's observation car as it sped past. It read 20th Century Limited. It was, in a young boy's eyes, a rocket from yesteryear shooting headlong into the future.
Ref: The Way It Was, Book 1; Betty Trinter; wikipedia.org;
Larry Howell photograph collection; Published in the Vermilion Photojournal 03/02/2006.
I am getting better at transcribing these passages so there are fewer mistakes. But I like to read as I go - and sometimes I fill in the blanks. So tread carefully
this trail through yesteryear.
The following series will take thee to the townships south of Vermilion. Methinks you'll find this history quite fascinating.
THE PIONEERS.
BERLIN
By Hudson Tuttle
…fessed followers of Christ; and also, feeling it to be our desire, and esteeming it to be our highest privilege on earth to do all we can to the declarative glory of God, the advancement of the Redeemer's cause in the world, and the good of souls; and believing that it will most conduce to this glorious end to form ourselves into a conference state, in brotherly compact, and thereby mutually strive to maintain the glory of God, keep the Christian Sabbath, watch over one another in love, and be helps to each other in our pilgrimage journey, and finding ourselves to be in union in sentiments; we, therefore, the undersigned, do hereby this day agree to unite in brotherly compact, in the best of bonds, for the purpose above named. March 4, 1818."
This document is in the handwriting of Joshua Phillips, and is signed by him, Robert Wolverton, P. G. Smith, Levi Fuller, Fanny Smith, Rebecca Smith and Luther Harris.
In the following October, some of these met at the residence of Perez Starr, in Florence, with others from that township, and were organized by Elder Warner Goodale into the Baptist Church of Berlin. This organization held its meetings at private residences in Berlin and Florence. Elders French, Hartwell, Hanks, Tucker, Abbott. Rigdon, and Call, preached occasionally.
The first settled minister of the gospel in the township, and in fact between Cleveland and the “Indian Land," was elder Call. He settled on the farm where he always resided, lot seven, range five, in 1820. He married, before moving from New York State, Miss Sally Cross. Their family consisted of nine children and, including great grandchildren, his descendants number one hundred. He died in 1861 at the age of eighty-eight, and his death was soon followed by that of his wife at the age of eighty.
The Congregational Church was organized by Rev. A. H. Betts and S. B. Sullivan in 1823, with nine members. A. H. Betts preached occasionally until 1829, when Everton Judson preached one-third of the time for two years; then E. Barber preached for one year, Joseph Crawford for two years, and in 1840 was succeeded by J. C. Sherwin, who remained until 1851. He was very active and successful, and was dearly beloved by all the community. He was succeeded for a short time by James Scott, who was followed in 1852 by G. C. Judson, who remained about one year. John Parlin followed until 1854, when F. A. Demming was installed and remained until 1857. He was then succeeded by E. M. Cravath, who remained until 1863, when he entered the army as a chaplain. T. B. Penfield occupied the desk for 1864, and George Candee from 1865 to 1869. Sidney Bryant remained but a few months, and J. C. Thompson took his place and remained one year, and was succeeded by Henry Brown, whose ministry was very short. In 1871 Levi Loring accepted of the call and remained until 1874. A. D. Hail followed, remaining until 1878, when he departed to Japan as a missionary. N. S. Wright is the present stated supply. Nathan Chapman was the first clerk of the church. Francis West retained that office for thirty years. This church, from its formation, was congregational, but for reasons, which, in its infancy, were thought best for union and success, it became united with the presbytery and remained in such union until 1865, when it withdrew and united with the Ohio N. C. Association. Since its first organization, about three hundred have united with the church, but death and removals have reduced the number to about sixty. The first deacons were John Fuller and Jonas Matthews, elected in 1835. The present edifice was erected in 1845.
The Baptist Church was really founded and sustained until 1833, by Elder Joshua Phillips, when at his own request he was dismissed. In 1833, Elder Algood was secured to preach one-half the time; in 1837, Elder Wood preached one-half the time, and in 1838, Elder P. Latimer was secured. In 1839, he became a settled minister. Under him the first great revival occurred. In 1840, H. C. Sylvester took Latimer's place, and was succeeded in 1842 by Elder Warren, under whose ministry aided by Elder Weaver, a celebrated evangelist, the most wonderful revival, ever witnessed in the township, took place. It was not only the greatest but the last, and all efforts appear to have no appreciable effect in producing like results. In 1844 Elder Blake was called by the church. In that year the first Sabbath school was organized. Blake was succeeded in 1845, by Elders Storrs and Bloomer; followed in 1847, by Henderson; 1848, by Wilder; 1851, by Willoughby. During his yearly ministry the church struck on the rock of slavery. By a vote of seventeen to two, it declared that it withheld the hand of fellowship from all slaveholders. Since that time it has not wielded the influence of its early years.
The Methodists built a chapel in the eastern part of the township in 1837, and in 1850 one in the western. This division was a great inconvenience, and the western was sold for a schoolhouse, and, in 1870, a brick edifice erected at the Heights. On account of the itinerant system adopted by that church, it would be difficult to give a list of preachers who have occupied the pulpits of that sect.
PHYSICIANS.
The first physician was Dr. George G. Baker, who came from Connecticut in 1822. He remained but a short time, removing to Florence, and from thence to Norwalk, where he remained and became identified with the interests of that important town. He was very successful in treating the malarial fevers, which were not well understood by the early practitioners, and his ride extended over a wide territory. The early settlers still speak of him in terms of heartfelt gratitude, and perhaps no physician has since attained as strong hold on the confidence of the community. Physicians from neighboring towns came at the early call of suffering, and as it ever is, in new coun-…
Excerpts from: The Fire Lands, Comprising Huron and Erie Counties, Ohio; W.W. Williams - 1879 -
Press of Leader Printing Company, Cleveland, Ohio
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