TOPOGRAPHY - STEAMS, ETC.

     The southern portion of the township is crossed from northeast to southwest by two ridges or elevations of land.  These are known as the north and south ridges, and are situated, the former perhaps three and one-half miles from the lake-shore, and the latter some three-fourths of a mile south of this.  The surface in this part of the township is decidedly rolling, with a soil principally sandy loam.  The northern portion of the township is of a flat nature, with clay soil.  Iron ore existed in considerable quantities near both ridges, and has been mined to some extent.  Of the geological formation of these ridges we quote from Professor M. C. Read as follows: “The summit of the ridge at this place (the cut on A., Y. and P. R. R.) is two hundred and two feet above the lake.  No. 1 of the section is composed of water-washed sand and loam, from four to six feet thick, the maximum thickness being south of the crest of the ridge, where the sand is stratified in billowy lines, evidently carried by the wind from the old beach on the opposite side.  No. 2 is yellow clay, and No. 4 blue clay, the first ranging in thickness from twelve feet to nothing; the latter, twenty feet to the railroad track.  Both these deposits of clay are unstratified, filled with fragments of the local rocks, apparently having derived the great mass of their materials from them, but containing many fragments of metamorphic rocks, marked with striæ, without water-worn pebbles or boulders.  No. 3 is an old swamp, containing fragments of coniferous wood, the earth deeply stained with iron, and, in places, with deposits of bog-iron at the bottom; the whole swamp had its origin in the causes which raised the clay ridge into its position, and was evidently filled with swamp vegetation at the time the waters of the lake were resting upon the northern slope of this ridge, the winds gradually carrying the beach-sands over the crest of the ridge into the swamp basin, and in time bringing it beneath the constantly accumulating sandy deposit.”
     The principal streams are as follows, viz.: Indian creek, which derived its name from the fact that along its banks was the favorite camping-ground of the Indians during their hunting excursions to this township, rises in the south western part of the township, south of and near the south ridge, through which it passes northerly across the north ridge, and is discharged into the lake about three-fourths of a mile east of Geneva township line.
     Big brook has its rise also in the southwestern part of the township, and from two small branches from Austinburg, crosses the ridges, flows into Geneva, where it is known as Cowles’ creek.  The lands along the ridges are well supplied with springs of excellent soft water.  There are also numerous mineral springs, and saline springs or deer-licks, as they were formerly termed.  These are situated between the two ridges principally.

SETTLEMENT.

     In February, 1810, George Webster arrived in the township with his widowed mother, and began settlement about sixty rods east of the west line of the township.  Their log cabin was situated on the spot now occupied by the residence of Reuben Smith, lot No. 67.  This family was originally from Courtright, Delaware county, New York.  The next family was Joseph Hotchkiss, formerly from Harpersfield, New York; his settlement was west of Mr. Webster's, and adjoining the west line of the township.
     Zadoc Brown, from Blanford, Massachusetts, settled on the south ridge, one mile east of the west line, in 1811.  Stephen Herriman came about this time, as did also Oliver Steward, and, up to the year 1816, there were settlements made by the following persons: Josiah and Samuel Wright, Jesse Blackington, A. Whipple, Thomas Stephens, Theodore Blynn, Jesse M. Wright, Solomon Bates, Jarvis Harris, Charles Pratt, Amasa Tyler, Chandler Williams, etc.  The majority of these families were from Pownal, Vermont.  They all settled along the south ridge except Charles Pratt, who erected his dwelling on the north ridge, near the centre of the township.  Benjamin Sweet, a man who seemed to figure quite conspicuously in the township, came in an early day and located on lot 46.  Of these pioneers, J. N. Wright, Solomon Bates, and Amasa Tyler are yet living in the township.  Of other early settlers we find the names of Asa Gillett, Levi Beckwith, Captain Savage, Abel Edwards.
     Of the first white settler (George Webster) we find the following in the MSS. of Joel Blakeslee, written about 1S55:  “ Mr. Webster arrived in the county in the year 1804. He was then but fifteen years of age.  The journey was accomplished with two teams, one of horses and another of oxen, attached to a stout wagon.  They came by way of Cooperstown, Utica, Cayuga, Batavia, and Buffalo; arriving here, they were told that there was no settlement west until they reached Max, at Cattaraugus. They were to keep the beach some eight miles and a marked road the rest of the way; keeping the beach as directed they turned off into the woods, traveled until night, and, not finding any sign of a habitation, encamped in the dense forest.  The next morning they proceeded till about ten o’clock, when they arrived at a log cabin.  This proved to be the dwelling of a man named Cummings, who informed them that they had driven in directly an opposite direction from the point intended, and advised them to return direct to the lake-shore.  This they accordingly did, hiring Cummings to accompany them as guide.  At the end of the third day they reached the shore of the lake, but a few miles in advance of where they left it.  On arriving at Ashtabula creek they found the water was high, and, not knowing its depth, of course dared not attempt to ford. There was no house in sight. While considering what course to pursue, they discovered a woman paddling down the creek in a canoe.  She proved to be Mrs. Beckwith, widow of George Beckwith, who perished in the snow.  She assisted them in crossing the stream, leading the horses by the side of the canoe; the cattle were obliged to swim.  Bed-cords were fastened together and attached to the wagon-tongue, the other end carried across and the team hitched on, and the wagon floated across; doubling the rope as it struck the sand, they soon drew the wagon ashore.  Attaching the teams, as they were about starting the Hon. Matthew Hubbard rode up.  The sight of a white person was a glad one to the family.  The land upon which they settled in Saybrook was purchased of T. R. Hawley, he having received it of the proprietors in payment for services as surveyor.  At the raising of their cabin the settlers were present from Geneva, Harpersfield, Austinburg, and Ashtabula.”

FIRST FRAME HOUSE.

     This was erected on the south ridge near the centre of the township, in the year 1818.  Samuel Wright was the builder, and the materials from which it was constructed were all drawn from the mill of Hall Smith, located at Ashtabula.

THE FIRST SAW-MILL.

in the township was built at an early day.  Its location was on lot 46, and was erected by Messrs. Wright & Blackington.  There is now no mill in the township which is propelled by water.
     The first steam-mill was located on Lot 55, and was erected by Asa Gillett, Jr., in the year 1850; this was long since destroyed by fire.  The present mills are as follows:  one on lot No. 5, with a planer and matcher in connection, this is owned by Ulysses Atwater, and another by M. & J. C. Wright, located on lot No. 46.

FIRST SCHOOL HOUSE.

     The first school-house (built fall of 1815. Miss Adaline Gates taught the first school; she had twenty scholars) was of logs, and stood on land now owned by Amasa Tyler.  Its location was on the south side of the Ridge road; stood for a few years and was destroyed by fire.  The next was a frame structure on lot 56.  This was built by Benjamin Sweet, and was occupied for many years for school

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and church purposes.  The present prosperous condition of the schools in the township is shown in the table of statistics at the close of this history.

FIRST CHURCH.

     The first religious society organized in Saybrook was that of the Methodist Episcopal church, in 1816.  As was customary in those early times, they held their meetings in private houses.  In about the year 1835 a small church was erected on the north ridge, on lot 43.  This we learn was afterwards used for a select school.  It is now owned by Omar Gillett, and is occupied for a dwelling.  The present substantial church edifice of this society was erected in 1849, is located on lot No. 43. Its cost was some two thousand dollars.  The Congregational church, on same lot. was built in about 1850, originally stood on lot 45, and was removed to its present site in 1861.  The pastor of this church is the Rev. S. Streeter.  Rev. Mr. Wisner occupies the pulpit of the Methodist church.  Both societies are in a flourishing condition, with a numerously attended Sabbath school continuing through the year.

FIRST STORE.

     The first mercantile establishment in the township was opened in the spring of 1828, by Hubbard Tyler.  It was located on the south ridge, near the Sweet was in operation but about two years.  The second store began operations west of the centre, on the north ridge, in 1830; Levi Jenks and Henry Harris were its owners.  The present stores are one by Bradley Bates, and another by D. R. Garner, both on lot 43; at the depot Richard Hutchinson has the third store, and closes the list.

HOTELS.

     The first house of entertainment in Saybrook of importance stood at the centre, on lot 46.  This was erected by Benjamin Sweet, in the year 1813.  Wm. Crowell, Jr., was the builder.  Another tavern was established soon after, by Nathan Williams; this stood, perhaps, one mile east of the first one.  Both of these hotels did a big business.  There is at present but one hotel in the town ship.  This is owned by L. Munson; was erected in 1872; is located on lot No. 72.
     A nursery was planted by William Humphrey in 1814, on lot No. 80.  Many of the trees planted by the pioneers in different sections of the county were from this establishment.

THE FIRST BIRTH.

of a white child in Saybrook was in 1810.  This was William, a son of Zadoc Brown.  He removed to Illinois many years since.

FIRST DEATH.

     The first death which occurred in the township was in the year 1816.  This was the infant daughter of Jesse Wright, who was burned so severely that death ensued.  The funeral sermon was delivered by the Rev. Joseph Badger, and is believed to have been the first religious service in the township.

PHYSICIANS.

     The first doctor who located in Saybrook is thought ot have been Solomon Jinks, who began practice prior to the spring of 1828.  The present physician is Allen Fouts, who represents the Homeopathic school.

CHEESE FACTORIES.

     The first of these to begin operations in Saybrook was established by C. L. Johnson, on lot No. 69, in 1870.  The first year he manufactured the milk from one hundred cows.  In 1875 he did his greatest business, making that year fifty tons of cheese.  In 1877 there were made some forty tons; the milk of three hundred cows.  This is a private enterprise, and is still in successful operation.
     The next factory was at the depot, lot 36, opened by a stock company.  They conducted it but a single year, and then disposed of it to P. P. Chamberlin.  He is now deceased, and the factory is conducted by his wife.
     The third factory is on lot 62, opened by L. B. Brockett in 1872.  The business done by these two last factories is considerably less than that of Mr. Johnson’s.

POST OFFICE.

     The first one established was in 1816.  A. Whipple was the first postmaster.  In relation to the first mail-route, it is a fact that the mail was carried along the south ridge some time prior to 1816.  Jacob Metcalf was mail-carrier, going at first on foot; at length the route became passable for teams, and a clumsy lumber wagon was put into the line.  A daily mail was afterwards established in 1821, and was transported along this route by four-horse coaches.  At this time it was the great route of land-travel to the east.
     The Warren and Ashtabula turnpike crossed the east line of Saybrook at Bunker Hill.  This was nearly on the line previously occupied by the old Salt road.
     The North Ridge road was surveyed and established in 1815.  Peleg Sweet was one of the committee.  The first record of the establishment of a road we find to have been in June, 1819.  This was “from north of a road in the east part of Morgan and Austinburg to the south ridge, near S. Wright’s.”  The subsequent December another road was laid out, also running south “from the south ridge, near B. Sweet’s, to the road running through the centre of Austinburg.”

TOWN HALL.

     This fine building was completed in December, 1871, at an expense of two thousand dollars.  It is located on lot No. 43. The elections and other township business had been done, prior to the erection of this building, in a school-house, which stood near the original location of “ Sweet’s tavern."

ORGANIZATION.

     Wrightsburg  township was detached from Austinburg and organized as a separate township in the year 1816.  An election was held at the house of Benjamin Sweet on the first Monday of April of that year, of which we find the following record: Nathan Williams was chosen chairman of the meeting.  Levi Amsden and Benjamin Sweet were the judges, and Jessie Blackington clerk of the election.  The officers elected on this occasion were Joel Owen, Samuel Wright, and Thomas Benham, trustees; Benjamin Sweet and Eli Roode, overseers of the poor; George Webster and Hubbard Tyler, fence-viewers Zadoc Brown, lister; and Levi Amsden, appraiser of property; Angell Whipple, Abraham Amsden, Samuel Benham, Levi Beckwith, Jason Norton, and Phineas Pierce, supervisors; Thomas Stephens, constable; and Joel Owens, treasurer.  The first justice of the peace was Benjamin Sweet, who was appointed Mar. 1, 1819.  On the same record we find that Phineas Pierce and Levi Amsden were grand jurors, and Nathan Williams petit juror for 1819.
     The officers for 1877 were Orrin Johnson, Riley Beckwith, and Collins Andrews, trustees; O. K. Latimer, clerk; L. B. Brockett, treasurer; Ira G. Scoville, assessor; O. L. Harvey and Alanson Gary, constables; Charles E. Williams and William T. Simonds, justices of the peace, —the latter of whom has served successively for twenty-four years.
     Prior to organization the name Mathertown was given the township, but was organized as Wrightsburg.  The last date on which we find the name of Wrightsburg applied to the township was on the third day of April, 1827.  The next entry was on the third of the subsequent May, when the designation is Wrightsburg alias Saybrook.  To explain, in detail, the causes leading to this change of the name would require more space than is at our disposal, and would not perhaps be of interest to any considerable number of the patrons of this work.
     During the War of the Rebellion this township furnished her full share of men.
     It was in this township, in the year 1872, that Sylvester Brown took the life of his wife, and although justly entitled to the highest penalty for such an infamous crime, yet he was, by an Ashtabula County jury, acquitted.

BEAR  STORY.

     In the autumn of 1817, a little fellow of some twelve years of age, named Oliver Steward, Jr., who lived on the south ridge, came to the house of Charlie Pratts, early in the morning, from a coon-hunting excursion, and told Mr. Pratt his little dog had treed a bear almost as big as a cow.  He wanted to borrow a gun.  Mr. Pratt thought he had better let the bear alone.  No! he wanted the bear, and must have the gun.  Accordingly he took down the old musket, poured in an enormous quantity of powder and two balls, and handed it to the boy.  He took an axe and went with him, all the way admonishing him of his danger. On arriving at the spot, there sat the bear, perched on a limb some twenty-five or thirty feet from the ground, while the little dog was dancing and barking at the foot of the tree.  Restraining the boy until he could cut a stout cudgel,  Mr. Pratt told him to make sure work, as a wounded bear was a dangerous plaything.  “ o danger,” said the boy, as he rested his musket across the limb of a tree; “I shall kill him the first shot.”  Pulling the trigger, a tremendous report followed.  The bear was killed by the shot, and the boy no doubt considerably astonished by the commotion at his end of the gun.

STATISTICS FOR 1877.

RESIDENCE of D. H. KELLEY, SAYBROOK TP., ASHTABULA COUNTY, OHIO

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.

WILLIAM T. SIMONDS.

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