The township of Harpersfield. Ashtabula county, is forty-two miles directly east of Cleveland, and seven miles south of Lake Erie. It centers on Grand River, and the Lake county line is its western boundary. The Lake Shore and the Nickel Plate railroads both pass through it. but Geneva, about three miles to the north, is the nearest station.

The first proprietors of Harpersfield after the Connecticut Land Company. were Oliver Phelps and Gideon Granger, to whom it was conveyed November 4, 1789. Sarah Harper, the wife of Colonel Harper, was the first white woman to arrive in the town. She landed with her seven children on the southern shore of Lake Erie, then an unbroken wilderness. Her husband had been a Revolutionary soldier, and his health and strength, broken by a long captivity. September 10, 1798, three months

he died, and in a rough coffin made of plank hewn from the forest trees, his loved body was consigned to the grave.

The following winter was a dreary one for the stricken family. Wild game furnished their meat, and corn on hand gave bread and fodder. The grave of her husband had made the wilderness a sacred place to Mrs. Harper, and she would not leave it. The next fall her favorite sister. Mrs. Aaron Wheeler, and other women settled near her. In the spring of 1800 Mrs. Harper planted apple seeds, and raised enough plants to set out two orchards, one of which yet stands half a mile north of Unionville village.

In 1802 Mrs. Harper made a party for her daughters, probably the first social event of the town. Friends from Burton, Painesville. Windsor, and Austinburg attended. The rare dainty offered on this occasion was wheat cakes fried In bear’s oil.

Mrs. Harper was a good singer, and sang for the company, the young people keeping time with their feet. Soon after the party, her sons, John and James Harper, married the Misses Miner, two sisters from Burton, who had been of the company.

In 1807 blazed trees indicated a foot path from Harperstown to Painesville, and this improvement suggested a permanent name for the township. The inhabitants met and agreed by general consent to call it New Harpersfield to distinguish it from their native town, Harpersfield, N. Y. Of the twenty charter members of the Presbyterian Church organized In 1809,

namely: Hannah Skinner, Hepsidah Martin. Salina Hendry, Sarah Harper No. 1. Sarah Harper No. 2, Ruth Dunbar, Margaret Wheeler, Laura Bartholemew, Elizabeth Wright, and Lydia Gaylord.

Mrs. Susannah  Sanderson Atkin moved to the first farm taken up on the south side of Grand River, in Harpersfield, and this farm remained in her family, and is now occupied by her granddaughter. She was the mother of eleven children. She was a devout Methodist, was converted under the preaching of John Wesley, and started Methodism in their wilderness home.The people for miles around came with ox teams and on foot to worship in their cabin home, where the grand old Wesleyan hymns were frequently sung to accompaniments of howling wolves and crying panthers. She was an uncommonly gifted woman, possessed great strength of character, vigor of intellect, fluency of speech, and used to exhort and lead the meetings when a preacher could not be obtained.

In those pioneer days the silence of the forest was unbroken by the song of birds. Snakes—inveterate enemies of feathered songsters—were too numerous for safety, and not until they had been thinned out or exterminated by the settlers did the woods become as they now are, a bird’s paradise.

Catherine Meeker, with her husband, came in 1805. and settled on the north side of Grand River, near Clyde. Their first home was a log cabin with a quilt for a door, behind which the trembling mother and children crouched many a night while wild beasts prowled without. The Indians were few in number, and not especially troublesome, except in demanding and devouring enormous quantities of food.

Mrs. Thankful Pool emigrated from Jefferson county, New York, and took passage at Buffalo on a vessel bound for Ashtabula. On the way they encountered a fearful storm. Families clung to each other, expecting death

But the boat outrode the gale, and as it entered the harbor the clouds parted, and the sunlight glittered upon peach trees loaded with pink blossoms under a veil overlaid with sifted snow.

Mrs. Miranda Rodgers journeyed in a covered wagon from Hamburg, N. Y., through the wilderness to Harpersfield. On the way the wagon turned over in a creek. Victuals, bedding, and clothing tipped over with herself and four children into a water hole. Cold and dripping wet, she took a child under each arm, and, setting them down a few rods ahead, returned for the other two, whom she carried beyond the first ones. Then she went back and brought forward the others, thus keeping all in sight, for wild animals were numerous, and her little ones precious. Alternating the children and the distance, she made her way, seeking the shelter so greatly needed. Fortunately, at the end of a mile she came to a house where they were hospitably cared for, so that the next morning they recovered from the effects of their exposure, and proceeded on their Journey.

Mrs. Hannah Brainard, wife of David Brainard, came to Harpersfield about 1813. She often rocked the cradle and hushed her child to sleep while the wolves howled around her lonely log hut.

Eliza Prentice, the first wife of George Pangburn, died soon after coming to Harpersfield. and her grave was the first one made for a pioneer woman.

Eliza Webb was the second Mrs. Pangburn, and settled on a slightly improved farm. She was eminently fitted for pioneer life, being skilled in all the industries and accomplishments required in those days to relieve a family’s necessities and keep It comparatively comfortable. Endowed with resolute courage, perseverance, and a will power that allowed no obstacle to thwart her, she cared for her invalid husband and eight children with heroic fortitude, cheerfully toiling for home and loved ones, and bearing her burdens and afterward her honors alike to the end of a long life. The useful, unselfish hands are folded now, their work successfully done, yet here remains her cultured home with Its broad fields and orchards, and her honored posterity bearing unsullied records.

Mrs. Charlotte Waring, her husband and two children, a sister, husband, and two children, and an orphan brother and sister, with a three-horse team and a well-laden wagon, emigrated from Great Barrington, Mass.

The roads were fearful, and some days they could drive but four miles. The little niece sickened and died. They buried her among strangers and again started on their lonely journey. Mr. Waring was ill. and, what was worse, homesick. He wanted to go back, but his brave wife said: “No. We have come for a home, and a home we shall have!”

Accordingly a farm was located, a log house built, and they moved in. But the wolves, Poverty and Hunger, were at the door, for winter was close at hand. However she was an expert tailoress and soon her services were In demand. In this way she kept the larder replenished until her husband, who was a skilled wagonmaker, recovered his health and spirits. The kitchen’s great fireplace, with its

on the andirons, kept out the deep snow and howling blasts of that long, dreary winter, and in the spring land was cleared, crops put ln. and an abundant crop followed. This noble woman w_as ever ready to care for the sick and the dying, and never a hungryone was turned away unfed from her door. Five sons, three daughters, and two orphan grandchildren went out from her counsel to successfully battle with life’s vicissitudes. She lived to enjoy the benefit of her toll and died at the old homestead, aged eighty-five years.

Hannah Harris died of consumption in 1817, leaving her husband, John Brakernan. with eleven children. The Widow Bishop had ten children. In 1820, having such a bond of sympathy, probably, they married, bringing their children into one family. Then another child was added to the flock. It was a sight worth seeing, twenty-two children gathered about an old-fashioned fireplace with its blazing fire, the younger ones striving to see who should sit on father’s or mother’s knee. Think of twenty-four in one family gathering around a dinner table to be helped to meat and potatoes, cabbage, and turnips, bread and butter! There was no need of a foreign market to sell the surplus on that farm.

Harriet, daughter of Silas and Maria Olmsted, was born In Harpersfield in 1819. At the age of fourteen years she taught school. Afterward she attended school herself at Klngsville and completed her education. In 1838 she married Daniel Tuttle and settled on the “Squire Bartholmew” farm, a mile east of the center, where she died in 1864, and where her husband and children still live. She was a broad-minded, charitable woman, well remembered for her philanthropy. An influential church member, thoughtful for others, entertaining, and Interested ln everything that pertained to the uplifting of humanity, she was a loved wife, a kind friend, a good neighbor, and her death was deeply mourned.

Betsey, wife of Jacob Phillips, with her husband and child, Esther, left Salisbury. Mass., for a home in the West, and arrived at Harpersfield In 1819. They settled at Rogers’ Corners, where Mr. Phillips for many years was the village blacksmith, at the same time clearing and cultivating a farm. Mrs. Rogers was a fervent Methodist, and her home was also the home of the itinerant, who was welcomed, refreshed, and speeded on his way. About 1821 the Camp sisters, of Harpersfield. N. Y., arrived. Lydia, wife of Isaac Osborn. and Anna, wife of Andrew Jerome. Mrs. Osborn’s farm still remains In her family in a flourishing condition. When over ninety years of age she was in the brush one day.

when someone asked her if she was not too old for such hard work. Her brusk reply was: “They have got to be picked.” She was a woman of few words and had less use for any when busy.

Mrs. Jerome was an ideal of true womanhood, nearly every act an evidence of divine grace. Her Bible and prayer book were daily loved and read. Both sisters were charter members of the Episcopal Church and died in its communion.

One of the saddest tragedies that can occur anywhere, and the only one of the kind that ever happened in Harpersfield, was connected with a pioneer woman. Polly, wife of Lemuel Potter, came from Hamburg, N. Y.. in 1836. and shared in all the hardships of those days, and in consequence her old age was full of ills that flesh is heir to. From choice she lived with her son. Chappell Potter, who, with his wife Eliza, tenderly cared for her. Her daughter was married to Frank Hartwell, who had himself appointed guardian, and attempted to remove her to | his own home. The old mother refused to go with him, and her son forbade her removal. Legal authority was evoked, and, returning with an officer, Hartwell was met at the gate by Potter, who refused him admittance to the premises; whereupon Hartwell picked up a stake and struck Mr. Potter over the head, resulting in the latter’s death within a few hours.

Mrs. Barsheba Gleason, wife of Elijah Gleason, Jr., was an excellent manager and home keeper. One of her children exclaimed one day: “However did father manage to pay for this farm and support his family at the same time? For he had to clear the land, chopping down the trees, and burning them into charcoal, draw that off, and exchange it for iron, and then turn that in for payments on the land, besides paying taxes. Nowadays it is all we can do to make a living and pay our taxes with the farm all cleared and paid for.”

Ask the dear old mothers how It was done and methinks echoes of the past would answer, “Labor and simplicity are household necessities if you would thrive.”

Mrs. Polly, wife of Silas Polly, of New Malboro, Mass., moved to Harpersfield in 1833. As her husband was postmaster, and the postoffice was situated in her house for many years, she became better known than most women In town.

She was bereft of her only son by the Civil War, as he was killed in battle in 1862. Three orphan grandchildren were tenderly reared by her. and under her wise counsel and careful training were successfully fitted for life’s duties.

Sarah Andrews, wife of Henry Bishop, Sr.. arrived with her father, Simeon Andrews, in 1819. All through her life, home and loved ones were her inspiration for any sacrifice. She died in 1864, surrounded by everything that tends to make long life desirable.

Mrs. Lovira Belding, wife of Captain O. Belding, of Wooster, N. Y., came in 1830. She was a true friend, a faithful mother, and a bright light In the Methodist Church. One night, when at the Center church, and testifying to God’s goodness to her, she was seized with heart failure and died almost instantly. Her sudden death was lamented with universal sorrow.

Miss Mary M. Burt was a tailoress.and resided with her parents at Rogers’ Corners. In 1828 she married Milo Wilson, a genial miller, builder, and a farmer.

was with her a special obligation. Whatever burdens or responsibilities were laid upon her she bore with cheerfulness and patience. She died in the midst of many blessings, particularly in the love of true friends.

Miss Mary Newell married Newell Williams in 1839, and made her wedding trip to her new home on horseback, a distance of 175 miles. She found her mission at once in caring for the aged parents who were settlers in 1802. She still remains at the old home, loved and respected by the whole community. Harpersfield without Aunt Polly would lack Its very salt.

Miss Amelia A. Merriam. and sister with her husband. Rev. William Sawyer, came to town in 1822. She taught school for some time, and then married James Williams, a famous hunter, whose father came in 1802. They went to housekeeping on heavily-timbered land, and in a little one-room house. One night, they were awakened through that mysterious sixth sense to a feeling of danger. And there, only a few feet from the bedside, and entirely at home by the fireplace, was a big wildcat, which, attracted by the warmth, had crawled through a hole near the hearth.

The hunter’s gun hung beyond his reach, and to get it meant “quicker than a cat.” the risk in the cat’s favor. So he pulled the bed clothes over his head, and awaited the cat’s pleasure as to the length of her unseasonable call. His wife, in after years, sometimes loved to check his own accounts of his former prowess and courage by one whispered word, “cat.”

Would the reader like to see Louisa Gout go to church some Sabbath, in the early part of this century? Every article she wears has been made at home, and from flax and wool grown on the farm. A gay. checked wool dress, a black and white checked shawl, white woolen mittens and hood, white linen ruffled pantalets reaching to the heels, a ruffle of the same at her throat, also a home-made handkerchief in her hand. Shoes of heavy, home-prepared leather.

At the door stands a pair of large, fat oxen. Big. wooden bows around their necks fasten a yoke to which is fastened a long chain hitched to a log fourteen feet in length. This is dug out. making a huge trough, and is the coach that will carry a family of nine to meeting. The father stands at the oxen’s heads, armed with a

and calls out “Ready,” and the family climb into the trough. “Go ‘long Bright.” The load starts along what one day will become a smooth highway. But now there are roots, brush, hummocks, and big trees in the way, and as they come in view, it is “Haw, Buck!” and “Gee, Bright!” and over or around them the load moves on, meeting other and similar outfits.

Louisa married Ansel A. Kelsey, and now has fine carriages and horses, and may, if she wishes, wear costly apparel, but in recalling those primitive days, her time-worn face beams with fond memories, showing very plainly that simplicity of living has its own peculiar charm.

Among her many stories of pioneer times. Edee Bishop’s grandma used to tell the following: When Annette Barney came from the East, her gay calico dress with its bright flowers made the plain, and checked home-made dresses of her schoolmates suffer in contrast. But a greater attraction in the pretty dress was the fact that when Annette ran down hill, it puffed out like a big wheel, while the other girl’s dresses were too narrow and heavy to do this. Altogether, her superiority was too much to be borne with composure. But the newcomer was a generous-hearted child, and she at once overcame all envious feeling by the loan of her

to each little girl, in order that she might run down hill, and experience the novelty of having it puff out around her.

Mrs. Elizabeth Orms and her husband. John Ransom, of Vermont, in 1820 made it their wedding journey in an ox team, and in sixty days arrived in Central Ohio. In 1838 they settled in Harpersfield, on the Grand River. Mr. Ransom entered extensively Into milling, manufactures, and agriculture, erecting large mills, factories, and storehouses, and founding a hamlet of picturesque beauty.

Here their daughter, Caroline Ransom, the artist, was born, learned to use her brush, and painted the first picture by a woman that was hung in the Capitol at Washington. Here was cultivated the graces of mind and person that afterward gave her social recognition at the President’s board.

Here the ministers of the gospel alike were all welcomed, and the weary or sorrowing one found practical sympathy and rest. But misfortune came. The beautiful home was lost to them. Then above the fame that her art had earned for Caroline Ransom was the satisfaction that it brought comfort and freedom from care for the dear ones who had been bereft of all their worldly possessions. Harpersfield is proud of Miss Ransom as a woman and as an artist.

There are many more names worthy of an honored place in this sketch. We can only mention Lydia and Harriet Osborn. Jane and Clara Chapman, Betsey and Lucy Gleason, Austin. Esther Fardon. Catherine Burgett. Mary Kelsey. Fanny Hill, Harriet Thurber, and Louisa Wheeler, all adorned with the jewel, true womanhood.

From whence they came, and the year will be found in the census of pioneer women now faithfully being taken by the Harpersfield committee appointed for that purpose.

MRS. AMBROSIA JEROME, Chairman and Historian.

Harpersfield committee — Mrs. L. L. Bennett, Mrs. H. S. Pangburn, Mrs. C. R. Hill, Mrs. N. L. Bishop, Mrs. C. M. Strong, Mrs. H. H. Clark