The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1878-07-18
AnHonored pioneer.

An Honored Pioneer.
Christian Cackler, one of the fret
settlers of Portage county, died at his
residence, in Franklin township, on
the morning of July 5th, 1878.
He was born in Washington county,
Pennsylvania. June 27, 1871. In the
spring of 1904, with his father and
eldest brother, he moved to Hudson,
Ohio. Three years later he was bound
out to remain till he was twenty-one,
that he might help support the family.
Shortly after he obtained his freedom,
he enlisted in the war of 1872, and re-
mained in service one year and twelve
days. IL August, 1914, by Frederick !
Carts, Esq, of ROotstown, he wac
married 10 Miss Theresa Nighman.
This was the first white couple mar.
ricd in Franklin township. January
l, 1916, he moved to the place where
he has ever since resided. The young
couple had to endure the privations
and hardships incident to the early
settlement of Portage county. The
prospect before them would not to
young people of this generation. seem
very inviting. Mr.. Cackler had an
axe, and his wife bed, and they pur-
chased three white cups and saucers,
three knives and forks, aud wooden
pail. These articles, with three wood
ed plates, a kettle and table that was
given them, composed their "set.
They contracted for fifty acres of land
for $l75, and they had to labor, strug-
gle and ecOnomise Tor seventeen years
to obtain a deed. This was q grand
triumph over trying difficulties and
adverse surroundings, and prepared
the way for other victories. From
this time they were blessed with ma
ierial prosperity. By honest work,
frugal management, and the rise of
real estate. they acquired valuable
property. For nearly f1fty.five years
they lived and toiled together. Mrs.
Cackler died April Odd, 1869. OF
twelve children all but one lived to
years of maturity, and seven still sur
vive. George, the eldest son, resides
in Allegan county, Mich. the others
reside at, or near the old home. Of
thirty-two grand children all but one
survive their honored ancestor.
Mr.. Cackler possessed not only
great physical strength and power of
endurance, but also more than average
native intellect. His early advantages
for obtaining an education were very
msagre indeed. The forest was his
school house, nature his book and his
teachers the surroundings and circum.
stances of his life. But while the op-
portunities for culture and scholarship
now SO abundant, were denied him,
he grappled, with strong will, the
stern necessities of his life, and deyel-
Oped not only muscle, but ability for
earnest and clear thought. During
the last years Of his life he read con-
siderable, but thought more than he
read, and was capable of conversing
with ease and accuracy upon many
topics. His disposition, at times stern,
was generally pleasant, and his genial
and kind words will never be forgot
ten by his host of acqnaintances and
friends. With him honesty was one
Of the cardinal virtues, and he had but
little patience with knavery, only too
common in the world. The hospitali-
| ty characteristic of this early pioneer,
was part of his very being, and his
home was always a friendly inn for
friends and strangers. Since the death
of his wife he has spent a considera-
BILE time visiting friends, and espec-
tally old pioneers. He took deep in
terest IN the Pioneers Association, of
which he was one year President; and
his manly presence will hereafter be
sadly missed al the annual meetings.
Facts pertsining to the early settle
ment Of the Western Reserve were to
him of absorbing interest. A few
years ago he published pamphlet en-.
titled Recollections of an Old Set
tier" that contains much valuable i'm
| formation and will he read with in
| creased interest now that the "old
settler" has emmigrated to the home
| immortal.
Till within about three weeks of his
death his physical strength and men,
tai vigor were remarkably preserved.
His last sickness was severe and un-
yielding, and in spite of the best med
ical aid The strong frame had to sub
nit to the law of decay.
On Saturday, July 9th, a large con-
gregatlOn of relatives, neighbors and
old pioneers gathered at the old home
hallowed by many. sacred memories,
to pay tribute OF respect TO one who
had lived to honor himself and hu-
manity. A discourse was delivered
by Rev. Andrew Wilson, of Ravenna,
from the words "Your Fathers
Where are thcy?"
One by one the fathers and mothers
are passing away. May the rising
generation honor their memory by
using wisely the harvest of opportuni-
ties secured by their privations and
struggles.
THE Republican-Democr of last
week publishes the following us the
stockholders Of the company now
owning that establishment: Gen.J. A,
Garfield, Hon. Marvin Kent, Jos. II
Conrad, Chas. t. Harmoa, Isaac Will
liams, Hon. T., =. Conant, A. A. Ora
ham, ID. ID. Pickett, g. T.. @. Hall. The
F following are the Directors of the