OHIO GENEALOGY EXPRESS

A Part of Genealogy Express
 

Welcome to
Portage County, Ohio
History & Genealogy

Newspaper Excerpts

 

Source: Sun - Massachusetts Dated: Apr. 2, 1835      The dwelling house of Mr. Hawkins CLARK, in Rootstown, Ohio, was destroyed by fire on the night of the 4th ult.  Two girls, one 6 and the other 12 years old, were consumed by the flames.  Their bones were found together, having probably died in each others arms.

Source: Portage County Advocate - Ohio Dated:  May 5, 1854 CAPT. F. W. COFFIN, we are pleased to learn, is recovering, though slowly, from the severe injuries he received by being thrown from his horse, on Walnut street, a few days since. ------      A partial eclipse of the moon will take place on the 12th of the present month.  The eclipse will be invisible on this continent.

Source:  Portage County Advocate Dated:  May 10, 1854 Portage County Temperance Alliance - The Annual Meeting      The "Portage County Temperance Alliance" assembled at Ravenna, in compliance with the Constitution, at 11 o'clock, A. M., on Thursday, May 4th, 1854, and was called to order by William Wadsworth, Esq., Vice President of Ravenna Township.      The throne of Grace was fervently addressed by the Rev. Mr. Bear.      The minutes of the last meeting of the Alliance were called for, and after being read by the Secretary, the following Committees were appointed by the Chairman.      Committee on Resolutions. -  L. W. Hall, Dr. P. Barron, S. W. Ingraham, J. C. Branerd, and A. P. Singletary.      Business Committee - G. Keen, H. L. Garter, Albert Austin, Rev. Mr. Bear, and Miner Strong.      Committee to fix the next place of Meeting. - S. A. Gillett, Geo. Sanford, and Alpheus Dickenson.      The Meeting then adjourned till 1_ o'clock, P.M. AFTERNOON MEETING.      The Convention reassembled at the Court House at the appointed hour, and was called to order by Mr. Vice President Harmon , of Randolph, and on motion Dr. P. Barron, of Edinburg, was associated with him in the Chair.      The Business Committee having been instructed to report the names of suitable candidates, to fill the various offices of the Alliance for the ensuing year, submitted to the Secretary the following nominations, which were read and the report unanimously adopted.      President. - S. A. GILLETT, Ravenna.      Vice Presidents.  - MINER MERRICK, Atwater; WASHINGTON PARKER, Aurora; H. L. CARTER, Brimfield; C. B. CURTIS, Charleston; CALEB BROWN, Deerfield,; Dr. P. BARRON, Edinburg; D. L. ROCKWELL, Franklin; JOSHUA ATWOOD, Freedom; ALVA UDALL, Hiram; ORVILLE BLAKE, Mantua; W. R. KNOWLTON, Nelson; THOMAS R. WILLIAMS, Palmyra; BIDWELL PINNEY, Paris; G. KEEN, Ravenna; POMEROY REED, Rootstown; J. C. BRAINARD, Randolph; DAVID PERKINS, Suffield; A. P. SINGLETARY, Streetsboro; J. K. PICKETT, Shalersville; ALVIN SMITH, Windham.      Recording Secretary -  W. WADSWORTH      Corresponding Secretary -  J. S. HERRICK      Treasurer. - STEPHEN R. FREEMAN.      The report of the Committee on next place of Meeting was adopted, as follows - that the next Quarterly Meeting of the Alliance be held at Freedom, on the first Thursday in August.      The members of the Ladies' Alliance having adjourned their session at the Town Hall at this time, took seats in the Convention.      The Committee on resolutions, through their Chairman, submitted a report which was accepted and layed on the table, while the Meeting listened with attentive interest to the reading of the new temperance law, just passed by our Legislature, whereupon the report was taken up and after an animated discussion of considerable length adopted, as follows:      WHEREAS, a very large portion of two numerous classes of community, the lovers of unjust gain and the lovers of liquor, are engaged in sustaining the curse of intemperance - and, whereas, the motives which actuate these two classes avarice and appetite, are among the strongest that operate on the human mind.      Resolved, That eternal vigilance is the price not less of Temperance than of liberty.      Resolved, That while it is evident that so large a portion of both the above classes, enter into the composition of legislatures, it is vain to hope for any efficient action in favor of Temperance, till it is made a more prominent issue at the ballot box.      Resolved, That, even at what may be considered the advanced stage of Temperance cause, labor and perservering effort are as important as ever.      Resolved, That the friends of the cause should relax no effort, yield to no discouragement, quail before no obstacle, but press resolutely onward in this work of philanthropy.      Resolved,  That the reverses of the past, instead of producing despondency, should serve to nerve us to greater exertions, and there should be no thought of faltering or relaxing, till complete success be secured.      Resolved, That we will give the enemies of our cause to understand that we are invincible in our perseverance; and though we may be defeated we can not be conquered.      Resolved,  That the new Temperance Law, just passed by the Ohio Legislature is in our judgment, greatly in advance of any Temperance Law we  have ever had in this State, and the friends should give it a fair trial, and ascertain by actual experiment whether it will secure the abolition of the traffic in spiritous liquors.  We therefore accept it, if not in every respect all we could desire, as the best that could be secured at the present time, and will endeavor faithfully to test its provisions, and ascertain their value.      Moved and carried that a Committee of two be appointed by the Chairman, to raise the necessary funds to pay for publishing Mrs. EVERETT's Address.  Col. H. L. CARTER and S. A. GILLETT were appointed said Committee.      The Treasurer's report for the last year was read and accepted.      Mrs. CYNTHINA M. PRICE, of Randolph, was then introduced to the audience, and was listened to with great interest while she delivered an earnest and spirited address in behalf of the cause.      The Alliance then adjourned to meet in Freedom, on Thursday, August 3d, 1854.                                                                 O. W. STRONG, Secretary

Source: Portage County Advocate - Ohio Dated: May 24, 1854 Kidnapping in Akron. Akron, 18th - 4 p.m.      Eds. Morning Leader: - Two men came here three days since, and visited a colored barber by the name of James Worthington at his house, proposing to buy the house; their object was to gain information.      They came back Wednesday, and Thursday morning arrested Worthington at his house at 6 o'clock a.m., and took him to the cars, charging him with counterfeiting, and refusing to let him send for counsel.  The alarm was given and an immense crowd assembled.      The writ was examined by Mr. Wilson, who found it to be totally worthless.      The excited crowd refused to permit them to take him.  They left, threatening that they should return - they had a writ from Judge Leavitt, and one of the men who made the arrest is from Louisville, from which it is alleged by Marshall Fitch, Worthington escaped, stealing himself and $175.      Worthington has been here ten or twelve years.      A writ from the Governor is expected - Dennis, a deputy Marshall was with the Kentuckian. ---      Thus ended this nefarious attempt at manstealing in Summit.  It is written upon the hearts of the people, and the decree has bone forth, that no slave-catcher shall ever carry a victim from the free soil of the Reserve.  And we only regret that the people of Akron did not arrest all those engaged in the attempt to kidnap one of their citizens, and try them for that offense, according to the laws of Ohio for such cases made and provided.  Let them be prepared to apply their legal and constitutional screws to the kidnappers upon their next visit.  - Clev. Leader

Source: Portage County Advocate - Ohio Dated: May 24, 1854 Man Killed.      An Irishman named THOMAS FARALL, a laborer on the Franklin & Warren Railroad was found dead in a ditch by the track of the C. & P. R. R., a short distance above the Depot on Tuesday morning.  The deceased was about forty years of age, and a drinking man.  It is generally supposed that he got upon the track in a fit of intoxication, and was run over by one of the coal trains which pass up and down the road during the night.  One of his legs was cut off, and his body badly bruised and lacerated.  The deceased in company with several comrades visited a doggery on Chestnut st. in the evening, and was afterwards heard quarreling in the streets.  A bottle of liquor was found near the body.  It is thought by some that the man was killed in a brawl and placed upon the track to avoid suspicion.  Be this as it may, the man who furnished him the liquor with which he and his comrades were intoxicated is morally guilty of murder.  How long shall these things be?  How long will it be before our citizens take measures to enforce the new liquor law, and abate the rum nuisances?

Source: Portage County Advocate - Ohio Dated: May 31, 1854 Mr. THEODORE ARTER, has resigned his situation as Teller of the Portage County Branch Bank of the State Bank of Ohio situated in Ravenna.  MR. ARTER has gone into the Dry Goods trade in Hanover, on the C. & P. R. R., having formed a business connection with Mr. NICHOLAS  of that place.  The business will be conducted under the style of NICHOLAS  and ARTER.  From our acquaintance with Mr. ARTER we take pleasure in saying that he is a man of excellent business qualifications, strict integrity, and moral worth.  Success to him.

Source:  Portage County Advocate Dated: June 8, 1854 FREDERICK DOUBLAS.      This individual will address the Literary Societies of Western Reserve College, at Hudson, at the Commencement in July.      Mr. DOUBLAS was an unlettered slave a few years ago in Maryland, and now he stands in point of accomplishments and reputation as an orator, scarcely second to any man in the country.      The Literary Societies of W. R. College, have created no little surprise, and produced no little sensation by so far overcoming the spirit of cast, us to invite Mr. DOUGLAS to address them.  So much the more are they entitled to honor for their magnanimity and independence.      That Mr. DOUGLAS will acquit himself with distinguished merit, and that he will draw an immense crowd to the Commencement, cannot be doubted.

Source:  Portage County Advocate Dated:  Jun. 28, 1854 JOE DILLWORTH - On Sunday, Deputy Sheriff MATTHEWS arrested a veteran rum-guzzler and noted petty thief, well known in this community as a precious villain rejoicing in the name of JOE DILLWORTH.  On Sunday "JOE" came into town drunker than the law allows and making noise enough for a dozen men.  He was politely waited upon by the officer, who furnished him with a suit of rooms at the "HERRIFF HOUSE."  On his person were found two Daguerreotypes, some very nice sea shells, and a lot of other traps supposed to be stolen property.  These articles can be seen at MATTHEWS' Dauguerrean Rooms over SEYMOUR's Store.

Source:  Portage County Advocate Dated:  July 26, 1854 Proceedings of the Second Quarterly Meeting of the "Portage County Educational Association"      Pursuant to adjournment, the "Portage County Educational Association met at the Court House in Ravenna, June 29th, for the purpose of making preliminary arrangements for a "Teachers Institute" to be held in Ravenna the coming fall.      The meeting was called to order by J. K. Pickett - after which P. B. Conant, Esq. presented L. L. Bond's resignation of the secretaryship of the association.  Mr. Bond's resignation being accepted, E. C. Willmot was appointed Secretary, and the meeting proceeded to the transation of business.      On motion of James Nicholas, Esq., Mr. A. Smith of Windham, J. H. L. Scott of New Baltimore, and E. C. Willmot of Ravenna, were appointed a committee to draft resolutions expressive of the object of the meeting and to suggest a plan for securing the accomplishment of the purpose for which the association was organized.      On motion of E. C. Willmot the meeting adjourned to meet again at 1 o'clock P.M. AFTERNOON SESSION.      After listening to remarks, from several gentlemen present, upon the subject of Education and the manner of conducting Institutes, the committee on resolutions reported as follows:      WEREREAS, a general apathy prevails throughout the County of Portage with respect to the education of the rising generation, and since the "Educational Association of Portage County" has been organized professedly to promote and advance the educational interests of the county, and whereas, this meeting of the Association has been called expressly for the purpose of division some means by which to arrouse the teachers to more efficient efforts to prepare for the duties of their profession, and to awaken an interest in educational reform throughout the community generally; therefore -      Resolved - 1st.  That after due deliberation and discussion we have unanimously come to the conclusion that the best and most effectual plan to accomplish this very desirable object, is to hold a "Teachers Institute" in this county to commence the second Monday of October next, and continue two weeks -      2nd.  That the "Institute" be held in the village of Ravenna, and that a committee of arrangements to consist of the following named persons:  GEORGE MESSINGER, Ravenna, J. K. PICKET, Shalersville, L. H. SCOTT, Garretsville, Miss AMY ASPENWALL, Ravenna, Miss H. P. NORTON, Freedom, Miss ELIZABETH ROBINSON, Ravenna, Wm. COOMAN, Ravenna and E. C. WILLMOT, Ravenna, whose duty it shall be to make all the necessary arrangements for the "Institute" - engaging lecturers &c., is hereby appointed.      3rd.  That it be the duty of each vice president to provide for the holding of at least one meeting in his township prior to the time of holding the "Institute," at which a lecture shall be given, calling the attention of the public to the benefits resulting therefrom, and lying the plan of operations before the people.      4th.  That we, the members of the "Portage County Educational Association," do pledge ourselves to use every available means to enhance the interest and secure the prosperity of the "Teachers Institute" of Portage County to present ourselves in person at the sitting of said "Institue" and supply such material aid as our hearts and purses may admit.      5th. That each member now present be appointed a "committee of one," to urge the claims of this "Institute" and to induce our fellow laborers and all friends of education in the county to attend it.      Which resolutions, after a somewhat spirited and animated discussion, were adopted y the "Association."  The Association then adjourned to meet again in Ravenna on the first Saturday of October A. D. 1854.

Source:  Portage County Advocate Dated: June 8, 1854 Decision of Judge SMITH - The Fugitive Slave Act declared unconstitutional.      Judge SMITH gave his decision this morning, in a very able manner, discharging us from arrest in the GLOVER case, on the ground both of defectiveness in the warrant, and the unconstitutionality of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850.  He held the Fugitive Slave Act to be unconstitutional because -      1. Congress has no constitutional power to legislate on the subject of reclaiming fugitive slaves;      2.  Nor to clothe court commissioners with the power to determine the liberties of the people; and,      3. Because this Act denies the right of trial by jury.      He fully sustained the positions taken by BYRON PAINE in his argument.      The following is the order of the Court: In the matter of the Petition of SHERMAN M. BOOTH for a Writ of Habeas Corpus and to be discharged from Imprisonment.      This matter having been heard upon the petition, and return to the writ issued herein, and the return of the respondent, STEPHEN V. R. ABLEMAN, thereto, and having been argued by counsel; and there appearing no sufficient cause or warrant for the detention of the said SHERMAN M. BOOTH and no sufficient reason being shown why he should be restrained of his liberty by reason of the premises, or of anything contained in the return to the said writ  habeas corpus or for any other cause; it is therefore hereby ordered, that the said SHERMAN M. BOOTH, be, and he is hereby discharged from the said imprisonment whereof he has complained, and that he go hence, and at large, without delay.                                                        A. D. SMITH, Associate Justice of the Sup. Court of Wisconsin.      We copy the foregoing from the Daily Free Democrat of the 7th June, published at Milwaukie, Wisconsin.       Judge SMITH's decision that Congress has no constitutional power to legislate on the subject of fugitives from service or labor is in accordance with the opinion once delivered by Chief Justice SHAW, of Massachusetts, and with the opinion of DANIEL WEBSTER, emphatically declared in the Senate, during the debates in that body, of 1850.  What is of still more importance, it is in accordance with the strict construction of the Constitution itself, which, neither in terms nor by implication, confers upon Congress the right to legislate upon the subject.  We hope to see this example of judicial independence and integrity yet followed in all the State Courts.

Source:  Portage County Advocate Dated: Oct. 4, 1854 SMASH UP - One day last week the horse of O. B. DICKINSON, was hitched in front of the COLLINS House, and becoming frightened by a paper kite with which a little lad was playing broke his fastenings and ran.  When in front of the Stone Store he dashed the carriage to which he was attached against a tree braking it entirely to pieces, and clearing himself from it.  The horse took the sidewalk in his course to the eminent danger of pedestrians.  G. KEEN, Esq., who was passing down Main St., near CLARK'S Carriage Shop, barely escaped serious injury, if nothing more.

Source: Portage County Advocate - Ohio Dated: Oct. 18, 1854 ROBBERY AT AURORA      A gentleman from Aroura informs us that on Thursday night last, the grocery store of Mr. JOHN MACKEREL was entered and robbed of about $1,100 by an English man, named WM STONEY.  Six hundred dollars of the money was in gold, and the balance in paper. - Mr. M., it appears, was about settling up his business in that place, and had collected a large amount of debts due him, and had the money with him.  He partook somewhat of the 'ardent' during the course of the day, and showed the money to the Englishman, who improved the opportunity, and that night robbed him of the whole amount, excepting about two hundred dollars.  The Englishman had fled to parts unknown, but we understand officers are in hot pursuit, and hopes are entertained that he may be arrested, and brought to justice. - Leader. -------------- THE METHODIST CHURCH ON SLAVERY -  The annual conference of the M. E. Church in this State, at their recent session in Janesville, passed the following among other resolutions on Slavery: -      1. That our opposition to slavery in all its forms, was never more decided and uncompromising than at present.      2. That we regard the Kansas and Nebraska bill passed by our national legislature at is recent session, as an alarming exhibition of the slave power, surpassed in atrocity only by the fugitive slave law of 1850.      3. That we deem it our duty as ministers of the gospel to preach against slavery as against other violations of religion and humanity, and in every other proper way to labor for its removal from the church and the world.      4. That we affectionately invite our people to co-operate with us, by their prayers, and that in use of the elective franchise, to effect a repeal of the fugitive slave law, to prevent the further extension of slavery, and to secure its final extermination from the natian. - Milwaukie Daily Sentinel. ------------- SALEM RAILROAD ACCIDENT -  A serious accident occurred at Salem, on the O & P Railroad on Wednesday evening last.  The Express from Pittburgh ran into a Freight train at a high rate of speed, smashing up the locomotive and cars - the platform of the passenger cars the were almost entirely broken off, and some of the cars broken into pieces.  The Conductor, GEO. KINGHT was so badly injured that he died in three hours after the accident - a train boy fourteen years old died of his injuries on Thursday.  Two brakemen, named MARTIN and KIMEALL had their legs broken and received other injuries that render recovery impossible.  The accident was caused by the carlessness of the Conductor of the Freight train, who allowed his train to remain on the main track on the time of the Express train several minutes, and as the accident occurred about dusk, the Engineer on the Express train did not descover its situation until too late to prevent the terrible accident.  The entire blame of the collision is charge to the Freight Conductor. -------------- HONOR TO WHOM DUE - Many of the ardent and sincere anti-slavery men in this County, who have refrained from voting many years, urged by the eventful exigency upon us, came forward like patriotic men as they are, and recorded their stern rebuke against the Nebraska swindle, and general pro-slavery corruption, by depositing their votes in the ballot box for freedom and humanity.  All honor to these self-sacrificing men for their generous aid in the great cause of the People. -------------- UNDERGROUND RAILROAD - Four persons on this popular road passed through town on Monday, on their way to Canada, where they are now safely enjoying a liberty that is unknown south of the Mason's and Dixon's Line.      We are pleased to learn that the amount of travel on this road is rapidly increasing, and new breaches are being constantly projected.

Source: Portage County Advocate - Ohio Dated: Feb. 7, 1855 FORGERY - CARTRIGHT MADDOCK, of Frederick, Mahoning Co., in October last presented a note to the Portage Co. Branch for discount, for $500, and obtained the money upon the responsibility of three additional signatures.  When the bill matured, it was ascertained that the three names signed to the note had been forged by him.      We also understand that he "done" the Bank at Youngstown in the same manner, a short time since.      MADDOCK is respectably connected, and has a wife and child at Frederick.      He is "absent," and has not been arrested.

Source:  Sun - Maryland Dated Aug. 15, 1887      Another Death at Chatsworth. CHATSWORTH, ILL., August 14. - The six wounded who were in the Town Hall passed a comfortable night, and part of them have decidedly improved.  Mrs. R. H. Clark of Rootstown, Ohio, whose limbs were amputated yesterday, died this afternoon.  The other wounded around town are improving.  At Piper City about all the wounded are improving.

Source: Wisconsin State Journal - Wisconsin Dated: Aug. 19, 1887 THE WORST RAILWAY WRECK KNOWN.  At Peoria      PEORIA, ILL., Aug. 12 - It was a large and gay excursion party that steamed out of the Union depot Wednesday night over the Toledo, Peoria & Western railway.  Its destination was Niagara Falls, and, as it had been extensively advertised,  it drew largely from...... < CLICK HERE FOR MORE >

Source:  Plain Dealer - Cleveland, Ohio Dated Aug. 25, 1918 Visitors Here and Elsewhere - Miss Ruby Hannah, 3263 Clarendon road.  Cleveland Heights, and Miss Christine Campbell, Hathaway avenue N. E., are spending some time at Nelson Ledges, Portage county.

OTHER INTERESTING NEWS ITEMS

.