GENERAL DESCRIPTION.

     Weathersfield is one of the townships on the southern line of Trumbull county, and is township three of range three of the Reserve.  It is south of Howland and north of Austintown.  Liberty adjoins it on the east and Lordstown on the west.  The soil is of good quality and the surface generally level - in portions low and wet. 
     Weathersfield is well watered, and though it has great mineral wealth its agricultural advantages are of no inferior order.  The Mahoning river enters the township a short distance from the northwestern corner, and flows southerly until west of Niles, where it makes an abrupt turn toward the east; thence pursuing a southeasterly course, just east of Niles it reaches a point south of the center line of the township, then makes a graceful bend to the northward, gradually winding easterly and southeasterly until it enters Liberty township about three quarters of a mile below the center line.  At Niles and Mahoning receives the waters of Mosquito creek from the north and of the Meander from the south.  The former stream enters Weathersfield almost directly north of the center of the township, and flows southerly, with few deviations, until its confluence with the Mahoning.  Meander creek crosses the county line at Ohltown, about one mile and a quarter from the southwestern corner of the township, pursues a general course toward the northwest, though with numerous turnings, and joins the river a few rods below the mouth of Mosquito creek.
     The famous salt spring, known to the whites years before any settlements were made in Ohio, is situated about one-half mile south of the Mahoning and a mile west of the village of Niles.
     This township includes the important manufacturing town of Niles, and the enterprising mining village of Mineral Ridge.
     Weathersfield has sixteen churches, a larger number, we venture to assert, than can be found in any township of its population in the State.

ORGANIZATION.

     Township three of range three was organized into a township and election district by the name of Weathersfield in 1809.  No record of the first township officers can be found.

THE SALT SPRINGS.

     Samuel Holden Parsons, of Middletown, Connecticut, obtained a grant of about thirty-six thousand acres under an order of the General Assembly of the State of Connecticut and received a deed of it bearing the date February 10, 1788, signed by Samuel Huntingdon, Governor.  This was the first grant of land made by the State of Connecticut, and was made before any survey of the lands of Ohio by the former State.
     The description of the land has given in the deed was upon the hypothesis that the townships were to be laid out six miles square, and reference was made to townships and ranges as if the boundaries were already run.  The tract included within its boundaries very nearly what is known as the "great salt springs tract," in which are the salt springs of Weathersfield.  The salt springs tract having been granted to General Parsons, was held by him or his heirs at the time of the purchase of the lands of the Reserve by the Connecticut Land company, and formed no part of its purchases.
     The salt springs were known to the whites as early as 1755, and marked on the Evans  map of that date.  They contained but a very small percentage of saline matter, which, however, was sufficient to attract the deer for miles around.  Deer licks and Indian trails leading to the principal springs were discovered by the first settlers.
     General Parsons, after receiving his grant, came on and established salt works, but while returning to Connecticut was drowned at Beaver falls, and his works were abandoned.  The early settlers have transmitted to us accounts of their discovery of old kettles in which the boiling was done, and huge heaps of ashes, showing that considerable labor had been expended here.
     Doubtless the abundance of deer in the vicinity of this spring originally brought the locality to the knowledge of the whites by attracting hunters hither.

SETTLEMENT.

     Doubtless the first settler of this township was Ruben Harmon, as his name only appears upon the duplicate tax-list of Trumbull county as a resident tax-payer of township three, range three, in the year 1801.  Of course other transient residents had been at the salt springs before him.  He came to Ohio from Vermont in 1797, having purchased five hundred acres of the salt spring tract, and engaged in the manufacture of salt.  Early in 1800 he returned to Vermont and in August came with his family.  He was the father of Heman R. Harmon and Dr. John B. Harmon, both of whom became prominent and well known citizens of this county.
     The settlers of this township nearly all came from Pennsylvania, and many of them, after several years' residence here, moved further West, leaving no record either of their coming or their going, except the marks of their sturdy industry upon the forests, fields, and meadows.
     The first settlers were very naturally attracted to the salt spring, possibly with dimly outlined visions of wealth in their heads as a result of the manufacture of salt.  But they soon learned that the value of the waters of the spring had been vastly over-estimated and came to to rely upon the results of the chase and the products of the land as a means of livelihood.
     The lands along the river next attracted attention and soon each bank was sparsely lined with cabins, sending up their blue smoke from little clearings made in the depth of the heavy forests.  The northeast of the township was also settled early, doubtless on account of the elevation of its land and its consequent adaptability to agriculture.
     JOHN TIDD lived at the salt spring as early as 1802.  He was the step father of Thomas Bristol, the potter.  Two potteries, for the manufacture of glazed earthenware, were in operation near the spring in 1816.  They were run by Orrin Dunscom, and Bristol.  They made use of the clay found in the vicinity of the spring, but the discovery of better clay elsewhere put an end to the business after a few years.
     Among the first settlers were the Heatons, who were here in 1806 and probably some years before that date.  There were five brothers, James, Dan, Bowen, Reese, and Isaac.  The latter settled in Howland.
     James settled on the east side of the creek at Niles, and lived here in a small log cabin.  Three of his children, Lewis, Warren and Maria (Robbins), reached mature years.  All settled and died in Weathersfield.
     DAN EATON, not Heaton, as he went to the trouble of having his name changed by act of the Legislature from Daniel Heaton to Dan Eaton, settled east of the creek on the A. G. Bentley place.  His sons were Jacob, Bowen, and Isaac; his daughters Hannah, Ann, and Amy.  All of the sons moved away excepting Jacob, who died here.
     DAN EATON was the pioneer iron manufacturer of the Mahoning valley.  He was one of the oddest mortals that ever lived.  A pronounced, deist and a most outspoken unbeliever, he was, nevertheless, friendly to ministers of the gospel and entertained many of them in his hospitable home.  He was social with old and young, but his opinions, like himself, were odd, - very.  Among his neighbors he called every man "brother," and every woman "sister."  His knowledge of politics was sound for those days.  In 1813 he was elected as State Senator from Trumbull county, and again in 1820 he received an election to the popular branch of the Legislature.  Old Dan lived a pure and simple life and arrived at a ripe old age honored and respected.  He was a "good hater," and shams and evils f every kind received no encouragement from him.  His animosity was strongly aroused against intemperance, and he never failed to give the whiskey traffic a blow whenever opportunity allowed.  He had peculiar financial ideas, and during the last years of his life gave much attention to a plan for the issue of National currency, which was afterwards adopted in part in the issue of greenbacks.  Dan's idea was original with him.  He believed that the Government and not banks should issue the paper currency of the Nation, making it a legal tender, and in order to keep up its value should allow a low rate of interest, say one per cent, to the holder of its notes.  He talked up his theory with everybody, and secured quite a lengthy list of names to a petition which he circulated recommending and urging his views.
     BOWEN HEATON, Dan's brother, did not settle permanently in the township.  Reese Heaton settled upon the Luse farm.  In 1836 he removed to Illinois with his family.  The Heatons were rough-mannered, sturdy men; good citizens in the main, but each had his individual traits and peculiarities.  The name, once so familiar in the township, is now know here no longer.  Not a single Heaton or Eaton now remains in Weathersfield.  But in the corner of the cemetery upon the hill, are many tombstories upon which the name is inscribed; so many that a settler of 1835 upon first visiting the spot gave utterance to this exclamation:  "Why, this township is all settled by Heatons, and they are all dead!"
     Aaron Bell was an early settler, but sold out to Miller Blachly.  Miller Blachly  settled about one mile from Niles, a little northeast of the town.  He had three sons, Eben, Miller, and Bell;  and three daughters, Phebe (Dunlap), Eleanor, who remained single, and Sarah (Bradley).  Eben became a doctor, and practised several years in Niles and Warren.  He married Minerva, only daughter of Dr. John Seeley.  Miller, Jr., was also a physician and practised here.  Bell married and settled in Weathersfield.  All moved to Wisconsin.  Miller Blachly  was a very good man, but positive, and sometimes even obstinate in adhering to his opinions.  He was a devoted Presbyterian and a strong temperance advocate.  In early days the roads in his neighborhood were very bad, and sometimes teams stuck in the mud and could not move their loads.  Mr. Blachy was usually ready to lend his team to assist over the difficult places; but when a man who was hauling a load of grain to a neighboring distillery asked for such assistance, he obtained only a very stern refusal.
     Andrew Tew, by trade a weaver and a maker of cloth, settled early in the northeastern part of the township.  His children were Nancy (Bell), who lives in Pennsylvania; Robert, deceased, Eliza (Burley), Howland; Nelson, deceased; Jane (Blachly), Kansas; Lettie (Osborn), Barzetta; Margaret (Ewalt), Howland; and Phebe and John, deceased.  Mr. Tew was the first postmaster in the township.  He did a large amount of weaving in the early times, making woolen and tow cloth, flannel, etc.
     William Carlton, an early settler of the southeastern part of the township, had three sons, William Joseph, and Bryson, one of whom, William, is still living near Girard.
     About 1809 John Horner settled on the farm now owned by H. T. Mason. His children were: David, who remained and died upon the old farm; John, who now lives in Pennsylvania; Jane (Hultz), who died in Pennsylvania; and Joseph, who removed to Hardin county.
     John and Isaac Clay settled in the eastern part of the township, but left after several years' residence.  Matthew Atchison settled on the Clay farm.  His children were Jane, (McMichael), David, Anna (McLain), John, Charles, Steen, and Minerva.  The latter is now living in Pennsylvania.  David died in Vienna.  John and Charles S. went to Iowa.
     Aaron Loveland was among the first settlers.  His farm was situated in the northeast part of the township.  Two of his daughters are still living in Vienna township at an advanced age - Mrs. Munson and Mrs. Williams.  The other children are all dead.  Jacob Hake and Isaac Pope were also early settles in the same neighborhood.
     Augustus A. Adams located on the east line of the township and reared a family, none of whom now remain in the township.
     John Bolen was an early settler, who lived north of Niles, on Mosquito creek.  He was the miller at Heaton's old mill.
     Several brothers by the name of St. John were among the earliest settlers.  They have no descendants here.  Their names were James, Thomas, Charles and George.  They were employed about the Heaton forge.
     Nathan Draper, a native of Connecticut, settled on lot five of the salt spring tract in this township in 1807.  His family lived the first summer in a bark hut or wigwam, which stood on the bank of the Mahoning, near where the iron bridge crosses that stream, one mile west of Niles.  He married Hannah Cartright in 1792.  Their children were John, Benjamin, Elihu, Sally, Katie, Polly, and Milly Ann.  John and Benjamin had no families.  Elihu married Rachel Dunlap and reared five boys and four girls.  Two of his sons, Warren and Nathan, enlisted in the Nineteenth Ohio Volunteer infantry, and served through numerous campaigns.  Sally (Armstrong), Katie (McMullen), Polly (Dunlap), and Milly Ann (Heaton), each raised large families.  The descendants of the Draper family are now scattered from Pennsylvania to Minnesota.
     Peter Reel settled on the farm now owned by Peter Stillwagon in the Northwestern corner of Weathersfield in 1801.  Samuel, one of his sons, remained here until his death.  John Reel, a brother of Peter, took up a farm near him.   David was an early settler in the same neighborhood.
     Robert Fenton, settled about one mile east of Niles, on the T. N. Robbins farm.  His children were Samuel, William, Mary Ann, Margaret, Joseph, and John.  In 1837 the family moved to Putnam County.
     The Reese family were here early, but none are still remaining.
     William Dunlap located on the south side of the Mahoning and there lived and denied.  His sons were Jonathan, Josiah, William, Stephen, Chauncey, and Perry.  Two of them died here, William and Stephen.  Chauncy and Perry in Lordstown.  The daughters became Mrs. Draper, Mrs. McCartney, and Mrs. Gibson.
     John McConnell settled in the south of the township on the farm adjoining William Dunlap's.  His sons were Alexander, John, Matthew, James and William; his daughters, Polly, Rebecca and Rebecca.  All married and had families.
     Joseph Hunter, John and James White were the names of other early settlers in the township.
     Jacob Hake in 1812; Isaac Pope in 1816; Aaron Loveland in 1812; Frederick Plot about 1820; Daniel Evert in 1820.
     Isaac Marshall settled on a farm adjoining the land of William Dunlap and John McConnell.  His brother John settled in the same neighborhood.  Two sons of the latter, John and Houston, are still residents of Weathersfield.
     Bariah Battles in 1814, bought eighty acres, which is now included within the corporation limits of Niles.  He was from Crawford county, Pennsylvania.  In 1816 he moved here with his family, which consisted of eleven children.  Five sons and a daughter are still living, viz:  Rebecca (Dray), Allen County; Caleb, Akron; John, Niles; Edward, Howland; Asa, Hancock county.  Bariah Battles died in 1838, at the age of seventy-seven.  His wife (nee Mary Jones) died in 1855, aged eighty-six.  John Battles, one of the oldest residents of the township, was born in 1807, and came to Weathersfield with his parents.  He married Sarah J. Leavings, of New York State, by whom he had seven children, all of whom are living:  Mary Jane (Schwindler), Lucy (Dunlap), John E., Sarah (Allison), Laura (White), Franklin B., and William.  Mr. Battles worked at iron manufacturing from the age of twenty years until 1854.  With Jacob Robinson he ran the Heaton furnace from 1849 to 1854.
     Michael Ohl moved from Austintown to Weathersfield in 1815, and settled on the meander at the place where the little village of Ohltown grew up.  His sons were Charles, David, Samuel, Henry, John, Michael and Andrew.  Henry went west and died.  Michael died in this township.  The others are all living.  His daughters were Catharine (Hood), Liberty; Abbie (McDonald), Weathersfield; Julia (Rose), Weathersfield; and Eve (Adelhart), dead.
     James McCombs settled in the southern part of Weathersfield at an early date.  His sons were Milo and John.  The latter a cashier of the First National Bank of Warren.  The former is dead.  James McCombs was drafted in the War of 1812.  Robert McCombs settled in the same neighborhood.  His sons were John, William, James, and Andrew.  John is in the West.  William died in the lake mining region.  James is still living.
     Martin Barnhisel located in the eastern part of the township.  Of his children, Rachel (Wilderson) lives in Newton; Eliza (Hood), Liberty; George died in Wisconsin; Mary (Fee) lives in Warren; Sarah (Sahdel), and Caroline (Bell), Liberty.
     John Edwards, father of S. C. and William Edwards, settled within the present limits of Niles in 1823.  In 1830 he moved one mile from the village.
     Josiah Robbins settled in this township about 1826.  He married Maria, daughter of James Heaton.  Their family consisted of four children, all of whom are living except Jesse, - James, Josiah, Jesse, and Frank.  His first wife died in 1835.  In 1836 Mr. Robbins married Electa Mason, who bore three children, who are still living, - Ambrose, Maria, and Charles.
     John Tibbitts settled in the northeast of the township about 1830.  His children were Henry and Sarah, dead; Jeremiah, California; Austin and Charles, Weathersfield, and Ann (Gettis), Liberty.
     George Young, a comparatively early settler located one mile east of Niles.  All the family moved to another part of the State except John, who died here.
     Warren Luse settled in the northeast of the township.  He married Hannah Bowell, and had three children, REbecca (Tibbetts), deceased; Jesse and Clara (Sykes), of Weathersfield.
     Ambrose Mason moved from Essex county, New York, to this township in 1835, and settled one mile east of Niles.  There were eight children, viz: Lucy (Woodworth), Cleveland; Amanda (Goodrich), Lockport, New York; Eliza (Crandon) and Dean Edson, deceased; Electa (Robbins), Hiram T., Henry H., Niles, and Harriet (Reeves), Howland.  Mr. Mason died in 1870, in his ninetieth year.  He was the first postmaster at Niles, and one of the first merchants.  Mrs. Mason (nee Jemima Turner) died in 1866, aged eighty-one.  Both were devoted members of the Disciples church.
     Thomas Brooks, John White, John Battles, William McConnell,  and John Marshall, have been residents of Weathersfield longer than any other men now living in the township.
     Thomas Brooks, now seventy-three years of age, is the oldest resident of this township.
     Dr. A. M. Blackford came to Niles to practice medicine in 1846; and practiced ten years.  His health then failing, he began the practice of medicine.  He afterwards entered upon the duties of the clerical profession, but was compelled to retire at the end of five years.  Dr. Blackford is still a resident of Niles.  He married Eliza, daughter of Thomas Russell of this place.

EARLY SCHOOLS.

     Concerning the early schools little can be learned.  An old log school-house, with greased paper for windows, was situated south of the river at Niles.  On the brow of the hill near the site of the grist mill, was a school-house, where the children of the little settlement surrounding Heaton's furnace attended school.  Heman R. Harmon was an early teacher here.

POST-OFFICES.

     The first post-office in the township was established in the northeast of Weathersfield about 1825, Andrew Trew, postmaster.  This office, which was known as Weathersfield, continued until 1843, when a post office was established at Niles, Ambrose Mason being postmaster.  His successors have been H. H. Mason, ___Morgan, J. W. Leslie, Josiah Robbins, Sr., C. W. Robbins, Josiah Robbins, Jr., William Campbell, and H. H. Mason the present incumbent.
     The second post-office was the Ohltown office, of which Michael Ohl was the first postmaster.  This post-office was formerly on the old state route to Ashtabula, and then received a mail from each way daily; now a tri-weekly mail is received from Mineral Ridge. 
     An office was established at Mineral Ridge in 1860, Azariah Hughes, postmaster.  It was kept in Mahoning county, and a semi-weekly mail was procured from Niles.  It was discontinued after a few months on account of political differences and a lack of support. Leading citizens wanted a Democratic postmaster, but no one in that party could be found who was willing to perform the duties of the office.  A semi-weekly mail was not sufficient for the business men of the place, and a prominent business man had his own mail brought from Niles daily.  This largely diminished the receipts of the office, and the postmaster became tired of his position and returned the mail bags to the Government postoffice department.  In 1863 the office was re-established with a daily mail, and J. L. Pierce was appointed postmaster.  A few years later the office became Mineral Ridge, Trumbull county.  M. L. Campbell, Mrs. Sarah Wilson, and E. J. Ohl since been postmasters.

TEMPERANCE WORK.

     Dan Eaton and Miller Blachly were the leaders and incorporators of the temperance society in the time of the Washingtonian temperance movement.  A number of good earnest workers joined them, and the society, which began about 1830, continued in existence several years.  Meetings were held at school-houses and private dwellings.
     Dan Eaton, when about to build a barn, announced that whiskey should have no part in the work of raising it.  Accordingly, after the timber had been prepared, as was customary in those days, he invited his neighbors to come and help him get the frame up.  But no one would come unless whiskey was to be furnished, and Dan adhered resolutely to his determination that none should be used upon his premises.  He was therefore compelled to hire men to do the work for him, and the barn was built without the aid of whiskey.  It was probably the first building erected in the township in which the ardent liquid was not a prominent feature at the "raising."

EARLY MILLS.

     The Heatons build a saw-mill and grist-mill on Mosquito creek very early.  Both were in operation in 1816.  The present grist-mill at Niles was built by the Heatons in 1839.
     Probably the second mill in the township was that of Michael Ohl, elsewhere mentioned.
     Mills were often stopped during the dry season and when this happened the settles were obliged to go to the Cuyahoga for milling.  Roasting-ears from the corn-field served in part to supply the want of meal.

AN UNPERFORMED MIRACLE.

     In the early years a poor, half-crazy old fellow named Dobbins, a Methodist and great talker, one day asserted that he had as much faith as ever any of the apostles had, and that he believed himself capable of performing miracles through this faith.  "Can you walk upon the water?"  Yes.  Peter tried it, but couldn't.  He hadn't faith enough.  I have faith and can perform the act."  A number of idlers and boys collected and dared him to try it.  He yielded to their wishes, and proceeded to the river at once.  Here he uttered a short prayer, removed his shoes and stockings, and drew near to the water's edge.  The excitement in the crowd was now at a high pitch, when suddenly the old man paused and asked: "Have you all faith that I can do this thing?"  A voice in the crowd: "No, you ____ old fool!"  "Well, then we might as well abandon the undertaking.  Faith on your part is necessary as well as on mine, for without faith we can do nothing."  So the promised miracle was never performed.

MORMON MEETINGS.

     Although old Dan Eaton was one of the most outspoken of the unbelievers, yet his house was always open to religious meetings of whatever character.  A Mormon missionary named McClellan, and Sam Smith, a brother of Joe Smith, labored in Weathersfield in the winter of 1833-34, and held meetings at Dan Eaton's house.  They secured a number of converts, but so far as can be learned none followed them hence.

DISTILLING.

     So far as can be learned there were only a few small stills operated in this township in early times.  Simon Hood, Jacob Wise, and James McCombs had copper stills, and made whiskey in small quantities.

CEMETERIES.

     The first burial-place in the township was situated near the salt spring.  A number of interments were made there, but all of the bodies were subsequently removed to other cemeteries and nothing now remains to indicate the location of the old graveyard.
     The graveyard at Ohltown was established quite early.
     The Union Cemetery, northeast of Niles, is the principal cemetery of the township.  Interments were made here as early as 1804.  The grounds are beautifully situated on the slope of a hill, and are large and tastefully kept.  They are adorned by a number of beautiful evergreens and other evidences of the care bestowed upon them.  The earliest inscription which we discovered upon a cursory examination was that upon the stone erected to the memory of Hannah, daughter of James and Margaret Heaton, who died February 2, 1806, in her sixth year.  James Heaton died in 1856 aged eighty-six years.  Dan Eaton died in 1858, aged eighty-five.  His wife, Naomi, died in 1818, aged thirty-eight.  Upon an old-fashioned stone near the little monument which marks the grave of Dan Eaton, is the following quaint and curious epitaph:

NAOMI EATON,
Wife of Dan Eaton, was born December 2d, U. S. 4 and on the 5th of November, U. S. 43. became like unto a potter's vessel that was stripped of its glazing and its guiding, but was she believed the work wou'd not be lost but wou'd be moulded in another form and became fit for a Master's use.

     We doubt if another instance of the use of the year of the United States instead of Anno Domini can be found in all the tombstone literature of the century.
     We notice here the recorded death of another of the pioneers, William Bell, died in 1808, aged sixty-eight years.  His wife, Priscilla, died in 1814, aged sixty-eight.
     There are also several small graveyards in the township.

NILES.

     This is one of the busiest towns in the northeastern Ohio.  The iron industry has built it up, and is still its main support.  Niles is situated in the northern part of Weathersfield township, its southern limits reaching a little below the center.  The incorporated portion includes at present a territory extending a mile and a half east and west and a mile and three-fourths north and south, with an estimated population of four thousand.  It is most favorable situated as regards railroad facilities, being on the Mahoning branch of the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio, and forming the northern terminus of the Niles & New Lisbon branch of the same road.  The Ashtabula & Pittsburg and the Painesville & Youngstown roads also pass through this place.  Two new railroads are building, on both of which Niles will be a station - the Alliance, Niles & Ashtabula, and the Pittsburg, Youngstown & Chicago.  When these roads are completed and put in operation we may expect to see a new impetus given to the business of the town and its thrift and prosperity much augmented in consequence.  All present indications augur a prosperous future.  The village was laid out in 1834 by James and Warren Heaton, but only on a very limited scale, as the original plat was made to include only a small part of the present town lying west of Mosquito creek and north of the river between it and the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio railroad.  Numerous additions have since been made on all sides.
     The name Niles was given to the village by James Heaton in honor of the editor of Niles Register, a journal published at Baltimore, Maryland.  Mr. Heaton was a subscriber of this paper and held a very exalted opinion of the abilities of its chief editor.  He was fond of quoting the Register, and usually agreed most fully with the opinions which it expressed editorially.  Therefore he called the town after the name of his favorite journalist.  Who says that the influence of the press is not wide-spread?
     Previous to 1834 the village had no existence, and only a few huts and shanties in the vicinity of the furnace marked its future site.  Warren Heaton built a house in 1832 on a lot which is at present included within the village limits.
    In the winter of 1834-35 a few buildings were erected, among them the dwelling houses of Thomas Evans and Samuel Dempsey.  The village grew slowly until 1842 when the establishment of Ward's rolling-mill brought a considerable number of workmen into the place.  By 1850 the population had increased to nearly or quite one thousand persons.  From that date and the consequent failure of the leading business firm gave Niles a blow from which it has only recently recovered.

BUSINESS BEGINNINGS.

     Although Niles, as we have stated, was an unknown place previous to 1834, yet by its former name of Heaton's furnace, the place had been known far and wide for years.  In 1809 James Heaton built a small refining forge on Mosquito creek for the manufacture of bar iron, with charcoal, from the pig iron made at the Yellow creek furnace.  Here were produced the first hammered bars in the State.  In 1820 he rebuilt this forge which continued in operation many years.  It was run by the same water-power with the furnace, and was situated near it.  In 1812 the famous Mosquito creek furnace was erected a few rods east of where the public school building now stands.  This was a cold-blast, charcoal furnace, run by the water of the creek.  The stack was about thirty-six feet high and the bosh seven or eight feet.  This furnace was owned and operated by James Heaton for many years, and was in the possession of the Heatons until it went out of blast in 1854.  In 1830 the furnace was leased.  Campbell, McKinley & Dempsey operated it for a considerable period.  From 1849 until 1854 it was run by Robinson & Battles.  In its first years its product would not average a ton of iron per day.  Its capacity was somewhat increased, but five tons per day would have been considered a large yield at any period of its history.  Castings for stoves, and irons, kettles, and other household utensils were made and found a ready market.  The Heatons acquired considerable property through this industry, but not a fortune; for great wealth from the manufacture of iron is not to be had through the use of such primitive means as they employed.  Native ore was always used in this furnace, chiefly the kidneys ore found in Weathersfield, Austintown, and vicinity.  This, briefly, was the inception of the great industry which has contributed so largely to the building up of Niles.
     A store was kept for the supply of the furnace hands as long as the furnace was in operation.  The first store excepting this company store was kept by Robert Quigley on the northern corner of Mill and main Streets.  He built and began business there in 1836.  After a few years he sold out and went to Pennsylvania, where he was connected with the management of a furnace.  In the time of the gold excitement Mr. Quigley started for California, but died on his way there.  The second store in Niles was started by Robbins & Mason in 1849.  H. H. Mason, son of Ambrose Mason, one of the proprietors, was their successor and continued the business until 1864.
     The first hotel was kept by Jacob Robinson about 1836, the house built by Mr. Dempsey.  This house, much enlarged, is now the Sanford house.  In 1837 Robinson built a hotel opposite Quigley's store, on the west side of the street, and kept it for many years.  The present Commercial house was formerly the dwelling of James Ward.  Previous to Robinson's public house, a grog-shop or tavern was kept in a log cabin on the south side of the river by a man named Parker.
     The first brick building for mercantile purposes was built by James Crandon and occupied by him as a store until recently.  It is the store on Main street now occupied by C. P. Moore, dealer in flour and feed.
     The Mason block, the first block of any importance, was erected in 1867 by the combined efforts of five different parties.

INCORPORATION.

     The following petition was addressed to the commissioners of Trumbull county August 27, 1864:
     To the Commissioners of Trumbull county, State of Ohio:
     We the undersigned, inhabitants and qualified voters of Weathersfield township in said county, not embraced within the limits of any city or incorporated village, desire that the following described territory within the township of Weathersfield be organized into an incorporated village, to wit:
     Beginning at a stake or corner on the farm of John Fee near the dwelling of H. H. Mason, and running west one mile to a stake or corner on the land belonging to the heirs of John A. Hunter, deceased, near the dwelling of S. H. Pew, thence due south one and one-fourth miles in a stake or corner on the farm of John Battles, thence east one mile to a stake or corner on the farm of C. S. Campbell, thence north to the place of beginning - an accurate map or plat thereof is hereunto annexed - and that said village be named and called Niles, and that A. M. Blackford be authorized to act in behalf of the petitioners in prosecuting this claim.
     This petition having been granted the organization was effected.  The first election was held January 23, 1866, when the following officers were chosen:  H. H. Mason, mayor; James Draa, recorder; James Ward, Jr., William Davis, David Griffiths, Richard Holton, and Henry Shaffer, council.
     In 1867 J. B. Noble was chosen mayor to fill a vacancy.
     The mayors and recorders have been as follows:  Mayors: 1868, John Ohl; 1869, F. Caspar, to fill a vacancy; 1870, J. H. Fluhart; 1872, M. D. Sanderson; 1874, Ephraim Thoams; 1876 - 78 - 80, William Davis.  Recorders: 1868, A. C. Allison; 1870, M. G. Butler; 1872-74, George W. Mawby; 1876-78, B. D. Smith; 1880 George L. Campbell.

FIRE DEPARTMENT.

     The village of Niles has one of the best volunteer fire departments in the State.  The volunteer fire departments in the State.  The chief engineer, who is paid by the village, devotes his whole time to the care of the department.  Two teamsters and a fine span of horses are kept on hand constantly.
     The fire department was organized in 1870.  Messrs. Ward and Carter procured a second hand engine from Pittsburg, which was used until 1875, when a fine steamer was purchased.  T. D. Thomas was the chief officer for ten years, and managed affairs with skill and efficiency.  George W. Bear, has since been in charge.  The company are well drilled and well equipped, efficient and faithful.

PHYSICIANS.

     Niles is well supplied with good and reliable physicians.  Dr. F. Caspar is the oldest resident physician, and has been in constant practice since 1860; Dr. A. G. Miner comes next, having labored here many years.  The other physicians of the town are Dr. A. J. Leitch and partner, Dr. Z. W. Shepherd, and Dr. I. B. Hargett.  The two last named are homeopaths.

ATTORNEYS.

     J. N. Cowdery and C. H. Strock look after the legal interests of the village.

NILES SCHOOLS.

     The Union school district was organized in 1869, and the following school board elected: Josiah Robbins, Jr., and T. C. Stewart for three years; S. D. Young and William Davis for two years; W. C. Mason and William Campbell for one year. Mr. Robbins was elected president, and Mr. Stewart secretary of this board.
     At a meeting held May 22, 1869, it was voted: First, that the board be empowered to procure a site for a school-house. Second, that the board be empowered to build upon said site such a school-house as will, in their estimation, be adapted to the wants of the district. Third, that a tax of $15,000 be levied in said district for the building of said school-house, and that said money be raised in three successive annual installments of $5,000.
     In 1870 two new7 members of the board of education were elected : George S. Baldwin and W. Campbell for three years. May 18, 1870, it was voted to accept the proposition of C. E. Cooley & Co., of Cleveland, to build the house for $27,950, taking the bonds of the district at eight per cent, in payment. Previous to this action, however, a vote was taken to make an additional levy of $10,000 for erecting the house. The building was completed and ready for occupancy in 1871. Some of the principal expenses are included in the following items: For the school site, one acre and sixty rods of land, $1,375; school desks and school furniture, $2,000; bell, $573; besides the cost of the heating apparatus of the building, the wages of workmen employed in setting up the furniture, the heaters, etc. Twenty-three thousand dollars in bonds were issued, and all paid up May 15, 1875.
     The school building is by far the best in the county. It is large, built in a good style of architecture, forming an ornament to the town and a monument to the enterprising spirit of the citizens of Niles. The house is of brick, three stories and a basement. There are four school rooms on the first floor, and the same number on the second. The grammar and high school use the upper floor, which is also a public hall for entertainments of various kinds. It is furnished with a good stage, scenery, etc.
     In October, 1869, Rev. T. Calvin Stewart was elected as acting superintendent of the pub-
he schools of the district, to devote at least two days of each week to the schools, at a salary of $400 per year. In 1871 L. L. Campbell was elected superintendent and principal, and proved a very faithful and efficient teacher. In 1872 his salary was increased to $1,200. "He continued as superintendent until 1875, when he was succeeded by Miss M. J. Stewart for two terms. C. E. Hitchcock began his labors as superintendent in the spring of 1876; continued the balance of that year and through the school year of 1877-78. T. H. Bulla, who had been the high school teacher under Mr. Hitchcock, was elected to the superintendency in September, 1878, and still continues to discharge the duties of that responsible position in a most capable and satisfactory manner. His present salary is $1,100 per year. The school has been ably managed by faithful teachers ever since the union district was formed. Among those whose long service in the schools of Niles is a sufficient testimonial of their ability and fidelity as teachers, we mention Mrs. Nellie B. Sanderson, Miss Lottie Bowell, and the Misses Thorne.
     At present the schools are well graded, with courses of study admirably arranged. Nine teachers and a superintendent are employed in the brick building, outside of which there are two primary schools. The school population of the district as ascertained by the enumeration of 1881 was 1,337.
The janitor of the school building, Mr. J. R. Davis, has taken faithful care of the school property for many years, and deserves honorable mention in this connection.

MERCANTILE.

     Niles is well supplied with shops and stores.  We have space to notice only a few of the princ8ipal firms and the dates at which their business was established.
     Gephart & Co, Main street, dry goods.
     S. A. Russell, Main street, grocer; began business May 1, 1881, in the store formerly occupied by Gephart & Co.  He has a large and first class stock of all articles in the grocery and provision line.
     A. Ristedt, merchant tailor, Main street, 1881; successor to Radle & Ristedt.  Large stock.
     Mrs. O. S. Crandon, groceries and provisions,  Lewis & Fear building, Main street; successor to James Crandon, who began this business in 1877.
     George B. Robbins, dry goods and clothing, former banking room, Main street; fall of 1880.
     E. C. Moroe & Co., clothing, groceries, etc., successors to J. M. Bowman & Co., corner of Main and Mill streets, established in November, 1874.
     Cook & Co., drugs, notions, stationery, cigars, etc., Mason block, Mill street, 1878; successors to Moore & Blachly.  Mr. Coo, the head of this firm, is an enterprising young man and his business is constantly increasing.
     Young Brothers, grocers, Mason block, Mill street, 1878.  The senior partner, Mr. S. D> Young, has been in the mercantile line in Niles since 1865.
     C. W. Thomas, Mill street, 1877.  Mr. Thomas began business opposite the post-office, Furnace street.  He carries a large and well selected stock of books, stationers, toys, music, musical instruments, picture frames, etc., and his store deservedly popular.  He has occupied his present location since 1881.
     Taylor Brothers, dealsers in buggies, sleighs, sewing machines, stoves, tin and hardward, corner Furnace and Mill streets, 1876.  The business was formerly conducted by R. G. Sykes, then by Sykes & Taylor, now by G. J. and T. N. Taylor.
     Church & Coffee, Exchange block, Furnace street, 1880; successors to McConnell & Church, who began business in 1878.  Church, who began business in 1878.  Church & Coffee run a large dry goods and grocery establishment, occupying two separate store rooms, each with its own corps of clerks.  Their stock is extensive, and embraces everything usually found in a first-class store.  They employ a larger number of clerks than any other mercantile house in town, and are doing a fine business.
     C. W. Porter, drugs, school-books, stationery, lamps, cigars, and notions,  Exchange block, Furnace street.  Mr. Porter has a commodious store, well filled with a great variety of articles.  He began business in 1875, with Dr. A. J. Leitch, under the firm name of Leitch & Porter.  In October, 1879, Mr. Porter purchased Dr. Leitch's interest.
     John C. Kerns, jeweler, Furnace street, 1873.
     James Bowden, boots and shoes, Mill street, 1871.
     C. W. Brieder, dealer in stoves tin, and hardware, Furnace street, has been in business in Niles since 1874.  He began in company with William C. Mann & Co.  W. C. Mann went out, and the firm then became Brieder & Co.  This partnership was dissolved in 1878, sine which time Mr. Brieder has conducted the business.  In 1880 Mr. Brieder bought the hardward stock of John Dithridge, his former partner, and added it to his own.  He is doing a large business in roofing, job work, etc.
     We have mentioned some of the principal business houses.  In addition to the above stores there are a large number of groceries and provision stores, and saloons innumerable.  The commercial prosperity of Niles is advancing rapidly.

HOTELS.

     Niles has two hotels at present, the Sanford and the Commercial.  Both are overrun with business.
     In 1868 L. W. Sanford purchased from Joseph McCaughtery the hotel known as the American house.  Some five years later he changed its name to the Sanford house.  He has made some improvements, and his hotel bears an excellent reputation.  Connected with the house is a good livery-stable,  Sanford & Pierce, proprietors.
     The Commercial house has been in charge of E. R. Miller since April, 1880.  This was formerly known as the Iron City house.  Good livery attached.

BANKING.

     Banking was begun in Niles, in 1869, by Wick, Bentley & Co.  The firm was soon changed to Bentley & Crandon, and in 1871 was succeeded by the Citizens' Loan & Saving Association.  The association continued to conduct the business until October, 1880, when it was succeeded by A. G. Bentley & Co.  This firm does a large general banking business.

INDUSTRIES.

THE WARD ROLLING MILL.

     This mill, one of the most extensive in the Mahoning valley, has played a prominent part in the history of Niles, and during its existence has brought both prosperity and disaster to the town.
     The works were begun in 1841 by James Ward, Sr., and finished and put in operation in 1842. We have the statement made by a prominent citizen of Niles, whom we consider the very best of authority upon the subject, that the first rolled iron ever made in the Mahoning valley was produced in 1842-at this mill.  This important fact should add another laurel to the memory of the enterprising spirit of the man whose business career was so long inseparably connected with the growth and development of this thrifty town. James Ward & Co. operated these works successfully from the time they were built until the death of their originator in 1864. In 1866 the works were rebuilt. Since then they have been much enlarged and the capacity greatly increased by the introduction of much costly machinery of the. most improved patterns. James Ward & Co.—the James Ward being the son of the original proprietor—carried on the business successfully a number of years until the great financial panic came, when the firm failed and consequently nearly every business interest in Niles received a shock from which the recovery has been slow and painful.  The mill is now running under the control of the Ward Iron company, and turning out larger and more valuable products than ever before. James Ward is the general manager. He is a man well fitted by nature and training for the important position.
     The works comprise twenty puddling furnaces, six heating furnaces, and five trains of rolls. The products are bar, plate, and sheet iron, the annual capacity being about fourteen thousand net tons. Over two hundred men are employed in this rolling-mill, and the pay-roll amounts to about $15,000 per month.

THE RUSSIA SHEET IRON MILLS.

     Mrs. L. B. Ward is the proprietor, and James Ward general manager of these works. The mill was built in 1864, but since that date many changes, repairs, and improvements have been made. The works consist of twelve puddling and four heating furnaces, and three trains of rolls. The products are sheet iron in widths from twenty to forty-nine inches, shingle bands, Sykes' improved metallic roofing, plate iron, etc. The annual capacity is about four thousand five hundred net tons. About two hundred and twenty men are employed and the pay-roll amounts to between $10,000 and $14,000 per month. This mill was formerly a part of the works of James Ward & Co.

THE ELIZABETH FURNACE

This furnace was erected in 1859. It had one stack 65x14½ feet. After a few years its name was changed to the Mahoning Valley Iron company's works. It was removed from Niles to Youngstown some time ago.

THE THOMAS FURNACE

     This furnace was built in 1870 by William Ward & Co., and operated by them until 1875, when it passed into the hands of the trustees of the creditors of the original owners and remained out of blast until 1879. It was then purchased by John R. Thomas, who gave the plant a thorough repair, preparatory to putting in blast. Since that time the furnace has been in successful operation, turning out about one thousand tons of iron per month. The furnace is fifty-six feet high and fourteen feet at the boshes. The motive power consists of one blast engine and two large steam pumps for water supply—with two batteries of boilers cf three large boilers each. The owners are at present placing another large, new blast engine to work in connection with the one now in operation, and making other important improvements in the plant.

GLOBE FOUNDRY AND MACHINE WORKS

     These works were built in 1858 by Thomas Carter and run by him until 1873. James Ward & Co. then managed the business for about two years. In 1875 John Carter took charge and has since been operating the works. He manufactures and deals in iron and brass castings, engines, pumps, and machinery, also Carter's patent ore pulverizer; and, in fact, makes and repairs all kinds of machinery used in coal banks, blast furnaces, etc. Employment is given to about fifty men on an average. The original buildings have been enlarged several times and at present a larger business than ever before is carried on.

NILES IRON WORKS

     In 1865 the project of building a rolling mill in Niles was conceived by William Davis, George Harris, and James Harris. They were joined by Corydon Beans and Thomas Jose, and on the 10th of August the works were completed and set in operation. After the .company had been organized, A. M. Blackford, and subsequently
     James Russell, became members of it. Business was carried on under the firm name of Harris, Davis & Co. The mill cost $50,000. The works at first consisted of three boiling furnaces, three heating furnaces, one sheet mill, and one ten-inch train of rolls. While under the management of this firm, the capacity of the works was considerably enlarged. The product was six tons of sheet iron, or sixteen tons of sheet and bar iron per day. In 1870 Mr. Davis disposed of his interest, and the firm then became Harris, Blackford & Co. This firm failed and made an assignment. The works then came into the hands of C. H. Andrews & Co., who rebuilt and enlarged the mill m 1872. The works have since been run by the Niles Iron company, producing bar, sheet, rod, skelp and band iron, the annual capacity being twelve thousand net tons. L. G. Andrews is president of this company and L. E. Cochran secretary. The puddling department has been removed to Youngstown, and we understand that the remainder of the works will follow.

FALCON IRON AND NAIL WORKS

     These works were built in 1867, and then had twelve single puddling furnaces, three heating furnaces, forty-four nail machines, and three trains of rolls (one eight, one eighteen, and one twenty-one inch). The products are nails and guide-iron. The capacity was formerly eleven thousand tons annually, but has been increased. Two puddling furnaces are now building, and a new train of rolls has been put in. The officers of the original company were James Ward, superintendent, and J. Key Wilson, secretary and treasurer. In 1875 the company was reorganized. The present officers are John Stambaugh, president; Henry Wick, vice-president, and Myron I. Arms, secretary and treasurer. Two hundred hands are employed, and the pay roll amounts to about $12,000 per month. The products of the Falcon Iron and Nail company go to all parts of the country.

NILES BOILER WORKS

     These works, the only manufactory of the kind in Trumbull county, were built in 1871 by Jeremiah and George Reeves, who still continue to operate them. They manufacture all kinds of portable and stationary steam boilers, oil tanks, blast furnace stacks, and sheet-iron work.
     They also deal in brass goods, pipes and fittings. The Reeves Brothers employ thirty-five men in their works, and sixty men in the States of New York and Pennsylvania, who set up work shipped from the factory. They have in progress the erection of additional works which will double the present capacity and necessitate a large increase in the number of workmen.

NILES FIRE-BRICK WORKS

     These works were built in 1872 by John R. Thomas, the present manager, and excepting about one year, have been in operation since that time. In 1876 Mr. Thomas invented a composition for fire-brick and obtained a patent upon it. Since then the improved bricks have been manufactured in large quantities and shipped to nearly all parts of the country where fire-brick is used. The manufacturers make a specialty of fire-brick of various shapes and sizes suitable for rolling-mills and blast furnaces.
     The present capacity is between two and three thousand per day, but the owners expect to greatly increase the amount of brick manufactured at an early date. About fifteen men and boys are at present employed.

SAW-MILL AND PLANING-MILL

     In 1878 the Erwin Lumber company built a saw-mill 100 x 40 feet, with a planing-mill 60 x 50 feet. The mill was run one year by this company. The proprietors are now C. P. Souder and David Erwin,—firm name C. P. Souder & Co. The mills give employment to six men and manufacture all kinds of building lumber. These mills are near the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio depot.
 

NEWSPAPERS.

     The history of the press in Niles represents a career of numerous, though not unusual or unnatural, vicissitudes.
     The first paper started in this place was the Niles Register, begun in the summer of 1867, by Edward Butler and E. E. Moore, publishers, and Rev. William Campbell, editor.  It was of about the same size as the paper at present published here.  After six months it was suspended on account of lack of support.
     In the spring of 1868 J. H. Fluhart began the publication of the Niles Independent, and ran it with varying success until June, 1871, when M. D. Sanderson succeeded him as editor and proprietor.  Mr. Sanderson and his immediate successors had all of the paper printed at home, and made it a very neat local journal.  November 1, 1872, Fred C. McDonald assumed the management of the Independent, and at the end of one year sold out to Dyer & Sanderson.  This firm changed the name of the paper to the Niles Home Record, and continued publication until November, 1874, when as a result of the panic and of the failure of the leading business of the village, they were compelled to suspend.  Previous to the panic and paper attained a circulation of about nine hundred copies, and appeared to be on the road to prosperity.  October 1, 1875, M. D. Sanderson revived the paper and brought it out as the Trumbull County Independent, a six-column quarto.  He published but four numbers, then sold out to N. N. Bartlett, who continued to publish under the same name and in the same form.  Soon after entering upon the management of the paper, Mr. Bartlett took J. H. Fluhart into partnership.
     In May, 1876, the present proprietors, McCormick & Williams bought the paper from Bartlett & Fluhart.  The Independent is now a seven column folio, well printed, and liberally patronized by business men as an advertising medium.  It is independent in politics, and devotes the most of its space to local news and the encouragement of home industries.  The proprietors are young men and bid fair to make the paper permanently prosperous.  Under their management the circulation ahs largely increased.

NILES CHURCHES.

METHODIST CHURCH.

     In 1814 a Methodist class was formed at the house of Ebenezer Roller, who lived where the village of Niles now stands, by Rev. Samuel Lane, a circuit preacher.  It was a small class, but was soon enlarged, and from it the Niles Methodist Episcopal church has grown.  From the fact that there are none of the early members of this church now living, we are able to give but little information as to the progress and growth of this church.
     The churches, like everything else in Niles felt the evil effects of the panic, but this church has been steadily gaining ground since good times returned.  It is mainly supported by workingmen.  The present membership is one hundred and thirty.  The church edifice now in use was erected in 1870.  Though  its exterior is unpretentious and devoid of any trace of beauty, the audience-room is tastefully furnished, large and capacious.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

     In 1838 application was made to the presbytery of Beaver by certain inhabitants of Weathersfield and vicinity for the action of that body to recognize them as a congregation, and to take measures for organizing a church to be known as Weathersfield church.  After some initiatory steps in that presbytery, since by the division made by the synod of Pittsburg the petitioners resided within the presbytery of New Lisbon, the petition was committed to the latter presbytery and granted by it.  The congregation was taken upon the rolls of the New Lisbon presbytery in 1839, and Rev. William O. Stratton was appointed to organize into a church so many among them as were members of sister churches at the time, or who wished to connect themselves with the church.  The following persons were received at a regular appointed meeting at the brick school-house in Niles, as members in good and regular standing:  Miller, Blachly and Phebe, his wife, Eben Blachly, Anna Blachly, Robert Quigley, Catharine Reiter, Andrew Trew, Margaret Biggart, Elizabeth Biggart, Miller Blachly, Jr., and Mary, his wife, James McCombs and Elizabeth, his wife, and Eleanor Bell.  Eben Blachly and Miller Blachly, Jr., were appointed to the office of ruling elders, and at the same time were ordained and installed.  In February, 1842, William Dunlap, third, was ordained a ruling elder.  This office has since been held by Ebenezer G. Stewart, George Campbell, William Ward, Robert Moffatt, Ephraim Thomas, J. C. Southard, and A. J. Leitch, Revs. Stratton, Kerr, Dickey and others, including several stated supplies, acted as pastors until July 11, 1867, when Rev. T. Calvin Stewart was installed, and continued as pastor until 1876.  During his pastorate seventy-one members were added on examination and forty-three by certificate.  Rev. S. T. Street was pastor from 1877 to 1880, and Rev. A. A. Mealey in 1880-81.  At the present writing there is a vacancy.  The church members one hundred and fifty members, and has a commodious and well-furnished house of worship.

DISCIPLE CHURCH

     This church was organized in 1840 by Elder John Henry, an evangelist.  The members at the time of organization were as follows:  Elder Joshua Carle and his wife Margaret, Elder A. Jackson Luse and his wife Eleanor, Deacon Jacob Robinson and his wife, Eleanor, Deacon Jacob Robinson and his wife Dorcia, Deacon Samuel Burnet and wife, Deacon Lewis Heaton and his wife Milly Ann, Nancy Carle, Mrs. Battles, Josiah Dunlap, Polly Dunlap, William Winfield, Seymour Hake, and others.  Early members: Elihu and Rachel Draper, Benjamin and Louisa Goodheart, J. R. and Elizabeth Noble, John and Laura Draper, Stephen and Hanna Dunlap, Noble T. and Adeline Robbins, Polly Sheeler, Elizabeth St. John, Ambrose and Jemima Mason, Matilda L. Cleveland, Jerusha Stoddard, Hiram T. and Margaret C. Mason.
     The church edifice was erected in 1843-44, and dedicated in 1844, with services conducted by Rev. John Henry.  The ministers who have labored here are as follows:  Revs. Hervey Brockett, John Henry, John T. Smith, John Applegate, William Winfield, William Higby, F. S. Whitzler, Theobald Miller, Thomas Hallock, Gideon Applegate, Walter Hayden, Mathias Christy, S. B. Teagarden, Orrin Gates, J. M. Monroe, W. H. Rogers, C. C. Smith, E. W. Wakefield, N. N. Bartlett, C. L. Morrison, and L. W. Shepherd, the present pastor.  The present membership is over one hundred.  The present church officers are:  Elders, Benjamin Leach, Hiram T. Mason, and Lewis Reel; deasons, Hiram Olh, George Battles and Lewis N. Young.

PRIMITIVE METHODISTS.

     The society of this name of Niles is the only one of the kind in the county.  The doctrine is like that of the Methodist Episcopal church, but the method of the church government is different.  The church was organized in 1873 by Rev. M. Harvey, its first pastor.  In 1879 a neat little house of worship was erected in the neighborhood of the Russia mill.  At present there are about thirty-one members, nearly all of whom are employed in the Russia Iron works.  There is a Sunday-school of about eighty members, and nine teachers.  The church property is valued at $1,100.  Rev. Thomas Large is the pastor.  His predecessors have been Revs. Harvey B. Whillock, J. A. James, John Mason, and Thomas James.

BAPTIST CHURCH.

     This church was organized with a small number of members in 1868.  A house of worship was erected in 1872-73.  The first pastor was Rev. I. T. Griffith, who remained in charge but ashort time.  In 1874 Rev. D. C. Thomas took charge, and continued as pastor three yeasr.  He then went to Nebraska for one year.  Then returned and resumed the pastorate, and still remains in charge.  The membership is twenty-eight and is made up of mill employees.

CATHOLIC CHURCH.

     St. Stephens Roman Catholic church was formed by Rev. E. M. O'Callahan of Youngstown, by whom the building was erected.  Rev. J. Kulhn succeeded him for a short time.  Then Rev. A. R. Sidley, who remained two years.  The priests who have since had charge of this church, named in the order of their succession, are as follows:   Rev. E. Conway, B. B. Kelly, T. Mahoney, M. A. Scanlon, and the present pastor, J. Monahan.  The church embraces about one hundred families at present.  Connected with it are three schools conducted by four of the sisters of the Humility of Mary, of New Bedford, Pennsylvania.

WELSH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

     This church, known also as the Calvinistic Methodist, has a neat little church edifice, erected in 1872 at a cost of about $6,000.  The church had been organized previous to this date, and had held meetings in the building of the Cumberland Presbyterians - a society which is now extinct.  In 1872 there were about sixty members of the Welsh Presbyterian, and the number at present is about the same, though there were one hundred and fifty a short time before the panic.  The first pastor was Rev. John Moses, succeeded by Rev. T. C. Davis, of Pittsburg, and Rev. Ebenezer Evans, the present minister.  The deacons are D. H. Davis and Reese Davis.

SECRET SOCIETIES.   

MASONIC.

     Mahoning lodge No. 394, Free and Accepted Masons, was granted a charter June 22, 1867.  Previously, however, T. C. Van Antwerp, of Leavittsburg, had held a school of instruction, drilling the proposed members in the precepts of the Masonic order; and for six months previous to the receipt of the charger the lodge had been working under the dispensation from the Grand lodge.  There were sixteen charter members, viz:  James C. Southard, S. D. Young, I. M. Butler, Josiah Robbins, Jr., George Harris, William Davis, E. J. Warner, H. B. Gilman, T. B. Tait, Thoams James, S. A. Corbin, J. G. Butler, Jr., Evan Davis, J. R. Noble, James Crandon, Lewis Gebhart.
     The first officers were J. C. Southard, W. M.; Josiah Robbins, Jr., S. W.; and William Davis, J. W.  One hundred and twenty have been admitted to the membership since the charter was granted.  The present membership is sixty-six.  The lodge occupies a neat and convenient hall, comfortably and tastefully furnished, and is in every way prosperous.
     Present officers:  S. D. Young, W. M.; C. W. Talbitzer, S. W.; L. W. Sanford, J. W.; J. K. Wilson, treasurer; L. S. Cole, secretary; William Farr, S. D.; George Reeves, J. D.; William Templeman, tyler.

ODD FELLOWS.

     Falcon lodge No. 436, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was instituted in January, 1870, with the following charter members:  F. Caspar, H. Scott, J. K. Wilson, John McElry, A D. Ferguson, and J. L. Wills.  The first officers were Ed Scott, N. G.; F. Caspar, V. G.; J. K. Wilson, secretary; Lewis Gephart, permanent secretary and Samuel Evans, treasurer.  Over one hundred and fifty have been admitted to membership in this lodge.  In August, 1871, a number of members withdrew and started a lodge at Mineral Ridge.  The present membership of the Falcon lodge is about seventy.  In 1881 the lodge purchased the building in which the meetings are held.  The lodge is prosperous financially, owing no bills, and with money in the treasury.

THE FORESTERS.

     Court Providence lodge No. 5782, Ancient Order of Foresters, was instituted at Niles December 28, 1862, with fifty charter members and the following named officers:  Daniel Fisher, C. R.; Evan S. Williams . S. C. R.; George S. Williams, treasurer, and John Meredith, secretary.  The lodge has a good membership and is prosperous.

MINERAL RIDGE

     This place is appropriately named.  Extensive coal deposits are found in the vicinity and near the village some of the principal mines of the Mahoning valley are located.  The black band iron ore whose use during recent years has rendered the iron products of the valley justly famous, is found underlying the coal in strata varying from one to ten inches in thickness.  Thirty years ago Mineral Ridge was a farming community.  But after the mines began to be largely developed, and especially since the advent of the railroad in 1869, the population increased rapidly.  During the panic there was a temporary check, but the ground lost was speedily recovered.  Mineral Ridge is now an incorporated village of some twelve hundred inhabitants, as well as several hundred who reside just outside of the corporation limits.  It is situated on the south line of Weathersfield township, and the unincorporated portion of the village extends over the county line into Austintown township.  The main street is something like a mile and a half in length, but is not thickly lined with houses.  There are two fine brick buildings in the village - the Odd Fellows' block and the public school.  Six churches indicate that the moral atmosphere of the place out to be pure.
     Mineral Ridge is situated immediately south of Niles, and from the latter place is the first station on the Niles & New Lisbon railroad.  Main street runs along the ridge of land which gives the village its name.

INCORPORATION.

     Mineral Ridge became in incorporated village in 1871.  Joseph Stuart was the first mayor elected, and he has continued in office up to the present time.

COAL AND IRON

     The first coal was mined at Mineral Ridge in 1835, the mine being situated on Coal run, on the south side of the village, on the farm of Michael Ohl, in Austintown township.  In 1833 Roger Hill, a Pennsylvania coal miner, moved to Mineral Ridge.  He showed Mr. Ohl the coal exposed in the run, and advised him to open a mine.  Two years later Mr. Hill commenced work for Mr. Ohl, and drifting into a hill, found a seam of coal four feet in thickness.  He sected a smooth square and heavy piece, and carried it home to test its quality.  The piece would not burn, and Hill pronounced it bastard cannal coal, or blackstone.  Other parts of the seam proved to be of good quality, and the blackstone was left unworked, forming the floor of the mine.  The coal found a ready sale for blacksmithing and household use.
     John Lewis, a miner, originally from Monmouthshire, England, had settled at Mineral Ridge in 1854.  One day while sinking a hole in the floor of his working place to set up a prop he was struck with the similarity of the "blackstone" to the blackband ore he had mined in the old country.  He stated to Messers. Ward & Co. his employers, his opinion of the coal floor, - that it was a valuable deposit of blackband ore.  He was directed to mine and calcine a quantity of it.  The results proved the correctness of the miner's knowledge.  All the old coal openings were now re-opened and searched for the blackband, and it was lifted in every working place, old and new.
     It was not until 1868, however, that the real value of the ore was fully appreciated.  The art of calcining and using it prudently in connection with the lake ores, in the blast furnace, was not well understood.  Sine that time, however, the iron made from the judicious mixture of the blackband of the Mahoning valley has taken a front rank in the markets of the United States and is everywhere known and prized as "American Scotch."  The first coal shipped from Mineral Ridge to Cleveland was shipped in 1857 from the mines of Rice, French, Cook & Co.  The coal of this region has always maintained a good reputation, and is especially adapted for rolling-mill purposes, and the generation of steam as well as for house fuel.*
     The blackband ore continues to be mined along with the coal, and is a most valuable product.  Its principal use is in foundry iron, which it renders of a superior quality.
     The Cambria mine was opened in 1850 by Morris & Price.  The Peacock mine was opened in 1853 by Rice, French, Cook & Co.  The John Morris & Co. shaft was opened in 1856 by Tod, Wells & Co.  The Ashland mine was opened the same year by Jonathan Warner.
     The principal mines now in operation at Mineral Ridge are as follows:  Austin  shaft, Tod, Wells & Co.; Cambria, W. T. Williams & Co.; Weathersfield; Osborn slope, Osborn Coal Co.; Peacock, W. I. Metcalf.

MERCHANTS.

     The first store at Mineral Ridge was opened by James Ward & Co., to supply men who were working their coal-bank.  It was kept by E. Smith, on the lot now owned by Jonathan Warner.  The first store excepting this company store was opened in 1862 by J. L. Pierce,  who continued in business about six years.  He has been railroad station agent at this place since the road was opened to the public.
     Below we give the names of the principal merchants who are now doing business in the village, and also the date at which they commenced:
     General stores:  Joseph Stuart, 1863; Daniel Wilcox, formerly in partnership with Ira and Isaac Wilcox, 1864; E. F. Whitney, 1876; McConnell Brothers, 1878; J. B. Lewis, 1878; E. M. Morgan, 1878; C. D. James, 1879; A. J. Garry, successor to Spall & son, 1880.  Hardware dealers:  M. E. Burford, 1872.  Dealer in drugs, medicines, notions, etc: E. J. Ohl, successor to S. C. Wilson, 1876.  McConnell Brothers have the largest and best filled store in the village.  They occupy both of the large store-rooms in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows block, and have a large and complete stock of dry goods, groceries and provisions, boots and shoes, etc.  Messrs. E. H. Ohl and J. B. Lewis also have good assortments of all articles in their respective lines.
     In addition to the above, there are several saloons and a few small stores.  Mineral Ridge merchants appear to be prosperous.

(* Condensed from the report of the State inspector of mines.)

PHYSICIANS.

     One physician, Dr. L. A. Bard, attends to the wants of the sick and afflicted.

MINERAL RIDGE FLOURING MILL.

     This mill is now owned by W. I. Metcalf.  It was built in 1873 by Dunlap, Ohl & Co.  A large amount of custom milling is done here, and flour and feed are shipped and kept on hand for sale.  A mill upon the same site was moved to this place from Canfield, and after being operated several years, was destroyed by fire.

MINERAL RIDGE FURNACES.

     In 1858-59 Jonathan Warner in company with Captain James Wood of Pittsburg, erected the first furnace at this place, called the Ashland furnace, for using the Mineral Ridge coal and blackband ore for the manufacture of pig-iron.  This furnace was run quite successfully.  In June, 1862, Mr. Warner bought of Captain Wood his interest, and in 1863 or 1864 bought the Porter or Meander furnace in Austintown and moved it here. Early in 1866 a company was formed and incorporated under the name of the Mineral Ridge Iron and Coal company. The stockholders were Milton Sutliff of Warren, Lemuel Wick of Cleveland, Joseph H. Brown of Youngstown, and Jonathan Warner of Mineral Ridge. Mr. Warner was made manager and general agent, and held the position until July or August, 1868, when the company sold out to William H. Brown of Pittsburg, who afterwards formed a new company known as the Brown Iron company. In 1870 the furnaces passed into the hands of James Ward and wife of Niles, from whom in 1871 they were re-purchased by Mr. Warner, and run until after the failure of Cooke in 1873, and up to 1874 or 1875, when Mr. Warner and those in interest with him were obliged to stop business and take advantage of the bankrupt law. Since then these furnaces have been sold and torn down and are now numbered with the things that are no more.

ODD FELLOWS.

     Mineral Ridge lodge No. 497, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was instituted August 23, 1871, by Horace F. Beebe, D. G. M., of Ravenna. The following are the names of the charter members: J. Jones, J. B. Lewis, Eli J. Ohl, R. Lloyd, Ed. Foulk, James Matthias, James Morris, William Jones, Thomas J. Roberts (deceased), John Miles (deceased), John Elias, E. G. Ohl, Robert Roberts, W. J. Williams, and Thomas T. Jones. The first officers were J. Jones, N. G.; J. B. Lewis, V. G.; E. J. Ohl, P. S.; and R. Lloyd, C. S. The number of members admitted since the lodge was formed has been two hundred and twenty-eight. The present membership is one hundred and forty. In 1874 this lodge built the fine large brick block now known as the I. O. O. F. block, at a cost of $16,500. The building is fifty-four feet high, three stories, and 40 x 70 feet on the ground. The first floor is fitted for two large store-rooms; the second contains a public hall with good scenery, a stage and five hundred and eight chairs. The third story is all occupied by the lodge rooms. There is ample room and a good hall 40 x 50 feet. The lodge is now very prosperous.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

     About 1858 a few of the inhabitants of this place formed a Sabbath-school, and held prayer-meetings in the district school-house. Both were well attended and considerable interest was aroused. In September, 1862, Rev. J. H. Scott was invited to come here and preach; he accepted and became the instrument of much good. From the school-house the band of worshipers changed the place of holding their meetings to a building temporarily fitted up for the purpose. January 11, 1863, a church of eleven members was formally organized by the committee of Trumbull presbytery, consisting of Revs. W. C. Clark, S. B. Wilson, A. Cone, and H. L. Hitchcock, D.D., of the Western Reserve college. Dr. Hitchcock preached a sermon on this occasion, taking for his text Phillipians 11: 14-15. The following persons were received into the new organization: By letter—Mrs. Ellen E. Scott, from the First Presbyterian church of West Liberty, Iowa; Miss Mary A. Brook, from the Presbyterian church of Niles, Ohio; Mrs. Lucy A. Prevost, from the Methodist Episcopal church of Minersville, Pennsylvania; George Otterman, from the Methodist Episcopal church of Girard, Ohio; Charles H. Jackson, Jonathan Warner, and Mrs. Eliza Warner, from the Presbyterian church of Youngstown; and by profession, Alexander Brown, Maria Lewis, Harriet E. Scott, and Mary A. Clark. After organizing, the church proceeded to elect an elder; Mr. Jonathan Warner, formerly an elder in the Youngstown church, was elected to the office and has since held it.
     Early in 1863 preparations for the erection of a church edifice began. Friends in adjoining towns subscribed what they could, and a little help was received from Youngstown and Cleveland. Mr. Jonathan Warner did far more than any other person towards completing the structure; indeed it may be said that his liberal giving and encouragement started the project and carried it successfully through. The house completed, the church was between $1,400 and $1,800 in debt. It is one of the finest houses for a village of the size of Mineral Ridge to be found in this section of the State. On January 26, 1865, the church was dedicated to the service of God and the new pastor, Rev. B. F. Sharp, was installed over the congregation which then numbered over one hundred persons. At this time a collection was taken up and new subscriptions made, sufficient in amount to wipe out the entire church debt. A parsonage has since been built and the church still remains debt free. The pastors, since Mr. Sharp left, have been Revs. Williams, Dalzell, Graham, and the present pastor, Rev. J. M. Mercer, who has labored here since 1878. Rev. Mr. Scott and Rev. Dalzell, left their charge on account of ill health, and together with Mr. Williams they have since gone home to their rewards.
     Several interesting revivals have blessed the labors of the different pastors. Especially was this true of the pastorate of Rev. J. J. Graham. As many as sixty-three persons were added to the church during one of these interesting seasons.
     The church is and has been in a flourishing condition. A pastor is sustained and employed for all his time. At present about one-half of the members come from the surrounding country; hence the church is more certain of a prosperous condition in the future than if it depended for its support upon the population of Mineral Ridge alone, as, in a mining town, many are constantly going and coming. The present membership is considerably more than one hundred, notwithstanding numerous removals and a large number of deaths of members. In the donations to the boards of the Presbyterian church of the Mahoning presbytery, this church ranks as the eleventh, and it is proposed to make this record even better in the future. For these facts we are indebted to Mr. Warner and the pastor.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

     This church was organized in 1867, with three members, but was soon increased by the addition of thirty or forty names to the books. In 1868 a house of worship was erected and dedicated by Bishop Kingsley, December 23d. From the books we learn that the society was clear of debt at that time. The house is neat and comfortable, well furnished, both in the main room and basement. A church parlor is one of the improvements recently made—cost $300.
     The first members of this church were W. T. Williams and wife, Mrs. Mary Hartman, Edwin Warner and wife, Joseph and Mary Clark, George and Mary Greenville, Jonathan Hofius, David Jones, John and William Browning, and others. The first pastor was Rev. R. M. Bear, under whose labors the church was organized. After the house was built Rev. Manasseh Miller was sent to this circuit, which comprised Ohltown and Mineral Ridge. A glorious revival resulted from his work. Revs. E. H. Prosser, T. B. Tait, and James Shields succeeded him. In 1876 Mineral Ridge was transferred to the Jackson circuit, and Revs. George Crooks and John Beethan sent to labor here. In September, 1880, this was made a station, and Rev. C. E. Locke, the present pastor, appointed. The number of members is ninety. An interesting Sabbath-school numbers one hundred and sixty. The society is out of debt, and every way prosperous.

DISCIPLES CHURCH.

     This church was organized with twenty members on the 2d day of January, 1870, in the old school-house. They continued to meet in the school-house for public worship until September, 1872. The church edifice was erected in the fall of that year, at a cost, including the lot, of $3,000. It was dedicated September 29, 1872. The first church officers were : J. L. Pearce and L. L. Campbell, elders; John Crum and Evan Owens, deacons. The first pastor was Elder J. M. Van Horn. His successors have been J. S. Ross, R. T. Davis, D. J. White, N. N. Bartlett, and George Musson. The number of members is now one hundred and ten.

CATHOLIC CHURCH.

     This church was organized and the house erected about the year 1871. The membership is quite large. The priest who officiates here also has charge of the East Palestine and Salem churches.

WELSH CHURCHES.

     The Welsh of this township seem to take a great interest in religion, and have a church wherever there is a sufficient number to support The Welsh Baptist church at Mineral Ridge was built in 1858, and is a comfortable building, of ample size for the accommodation of its members.
     The Welsh Independent church was built soon after the Baptist. At present it has a good sized congregation and is prosperous. The house has recently been enlarged.

MINERAL RIDGE SCHOOLS.

     In 1870 Jonathan Warner and L. L. Campbell called a school meeting and steps were taken to form a union district in this village. In December of that year a vote was taken which resulted in the formation of such a district. Before that time Mineral Ridge had only a common district school system.
     In 1872 an elegant school building was erected 62x62 feet on the ground, built of brick, two stories, with a basement for heaters and rooms for the scholars to occupy during the noon intermissions. There are four school-rooms, two recitation rooms, and halls above and below. The lot upon which the house stands is over two acres in extent. The site, building, and furniture together cost about $18,500.
     In 1873-74 H. B. Clark was principal of the school. Mr. L. L. Campbell took charge in the summer of 1874, and continued as superintendent until March, 1881. Through his efforts the schools were all properly graded and put in efficient working order. Much credit is due to him for his untiring and generous labor for the good of the school. It was with the regrets of every patron of the school that he resigned his position. Mr. B. A. Bowe is the present superintendent.
     Upon an average from fifteen to twenty pupils from outside the district attend the high school. The rates of tuition are $1.25 per month for high school scholars, and $1 per month for intermediate.

OHLTOWN.

     This is a quiet little village in the southwestern part of the township, a mile and a half west of Mineral Ridge. It was laid out by Michael Ohl, its first settler. There are some thirty houses, two small stores, kept by. T. J. Moore and J. A. Rumsey, a blacksmith's shop, and the grist-mill of Flick Brothers.
     Michael Ohl built a grist-mill and a saw-mill in this place soon after settling here in 1815. The mill was a small affair, and had but one run of stones at first, but another was afterwards put in. The grist-mill was torn down and a new one erected upon its site. The second mill was burned. The mill now standing was built by Mr. Ohl in 1843 or 1844.
     Michael Ohl kept the first store in the place, in a part of his house. He also built an oil mill, which was abandoned after a few years, as the business was found not to be a paying one.

OHLTOWN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

     The following facts were obtained from Father Joseph Turner, now deceased, and recorded upon the church book :
     The first class was formed about the year 1838, consisting of fifteen members, Joseph Turner being class leader. Of this number but two survive, viz: Rachel Turner and Ellen Patrick. Ohltown was made an appointment of Liberty circuit, and the following preachers were sent to labor here:
Hiram Norris, Ditton Prosser, Stephen Hubbard, Hiram Kellogg, Thomas Guy, Ahab Keller, Nelson Brown, George Brown, A. Reeves, J. H. Vance, W. N. Reno, W. F. Day, Albert Norton, Stephen Heard, J. W. Hill, R. M. Bear, Ezra Wade, Frederick Vernon, William Hayes, J. H. Vance, up to and including 1866.
     In 1867 the circuit was divided, and Mineral Ridge and Ohltown formed a circuit. The same preachers labored at both places until 1880, when Ohltown was added to the Jackson circuit. J. J. Excell and G. W. Anderson have been the appointees since that date. The society has a comfortable house and a membership of about sixty.

OTHER CHURCHES.

     The German Reformed people formerly had a church in this place, but their organization continued but a few years. They built a house about 1845, which they afterwards sold to the Methodists.
The German Reformed congregation was converted into an organization of the Cumberland Presbyterians, under the labors of Dr. A. M. Blackford. After a brief existence this organization also died out.
     The regular Presbyterians also had a church in this place, and built a house about 1845. Rev. Koons was the first preacher and was succeeded by Revs. March and Spear, pastors, besides several supplies. They sold their house to a body of Primitive Methodists, who kept up a church for three or four years.

OHLTOWN SELECT SCHOOL.

     This school was started about 1857, principally through the efforts of Michael Ohl, Jr.  Almon McCorkle was the first teacher. The school was in existence a few years only. It was kept in the old Methodist church.

WEATHERSFIELD.

     This is a little mining community in the southeastern part of the township, containing some twenty or thirty houses, the most of them very dilapidated in appearance. The first coal bank here was operated some thirty-eight years ago. Mining was carried on, on a small scale, for several years; but about fifteen or twenty years ago banks were opened and operated largely, one hundred and seventy-five or more men being employed in them. But the banks were soon worked out—that is, the principal ones, and now less than half of that number find employment here. The place has neither store or post-office.

WEATHERSFIELD CHURCHES.

     There are two Welsh churches here. The Welsh Baptist church was built in 1866. Meetings have been kept up regularly ever since. Rev. Edward Jenkins was the first pastor and Rev. John James is at present in charge. The membership is small. A tasteful little cemetery is situated near the church.
     The Welsh Calvinistic Methodist church was organized previous to 1867 and a house was built at that date. Rev. T. C. Davis was the first pastor. Meetings have been held ever since the organization, though not always at regular intervals. The church now numbers about sixty members. Rev. J. L. Jeffreys is the pastor.

< BIOGRAPHIES OF WEATHERSFIELD TOWNSHIP >

Includes:
JAMES WARD
and many other Settlers