The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1884-05-15
T r, MASON,


Post Adjutant.
By order Post Commander.
With the eXcep ion of a few years in
Ravenna, and short time i'll Stow, Sum-
nit county, Mrs. McIntosh's entire mar
ried life was spent i'll Shalersville, on the
Inlirmary farm, and the homestead half a
mile east of the center. . ...
She endured uncomplainingly the suf-
ferings of six weeks sickness, retaining
her senses to the last. Conscious of a well
spent life, with an abiding faith that she
should soon join her loved ones gone be-
fore, in a higher and better state of eXis-
tence, she bade adieu to earth, peacefully
closed her eyes, and passed to the reali-
ties of an unending hereafter. Her re-
mains were inferred in the family lot in
the Shalersville cemetery.
The writer is indebted to Col. Royal
Taylor for the leading facts and reminis-
cences of Mrs. Mcintosh parents, which
we add, thinking that they will interest
those who are familiar with the hard
ships of pioneer life.
In the winter of 1914, George Smith
shipped his wife and six children, three
sons and three daughters, and effects on
board of Il big sled, and with the prOpel-
ling power of two yoke of oxen and a
horse, he bade adieu to his youth and
h0yho0d home, turned his back to the
rugged hills of Berkshire county, and
started for the primeval forests of Ohio,
the journey occupying oyer five weeks.
At Leroy, N. Y, they were detained
i, i II g
seven year old son. With sad and breaking
hearts, they resumed their tedious and
dreary journey, leaving the remains of
their darling boy far from kith and kin,
in land of strangers. When nearing
their destination they ran off from snow,
and the entire family had long walk
through the mud and woods, with hardly
blazed trees 10 guide them. Arriving in
Bainbridge, Geauga county, o., MIR.
Smith and family settled in log house
recently vacated by Jasper Lacy, Sen,
having neither doors nor windows. A
rough chest served fOr Il table, and pun
cheon benches for chairs. A saucer Oflard
with a cloth wick furnished light. Thus
they lived till by uneeasing toll better
accommodations could be provided.
Subsequently this log house, Mr.. Smith 5
first residence, Was used by both the
Methodists and Presbyterians for some
years, rs IA place of public worship. Ell
der BillingaO. Plympton, and the Rev.
John Seward, of Aurora, were the first
| pastors who otliciated in this primitive,
| uIpretending church edifice. s.
Four children were born to Mr.. and
Mrs. Smith while residents of cambridge.
Maria, now Mrs. Gorham, was the first
female child born inrthe township.
Mr.. Smith was 4 large, muscular man,
| well fitted to battle with the hardships
of pioneer life. He died July %, 1861, at
the advanced age of 93 years and &
months Mr.. and Mrs. Smith We're both
consistent members of the Congregations
al church, from its first organization in
the township, and We're held III the high
est esteem by tho entire community.
The maiden name of Mrs. Mcintosh 5
mother was Susanna Clark, sister to
Dillingham; Clark, Esq, who was one of
the proprietOrs of Windham Township,
and sixty years ago was considered the
richest man in Portage county, and
! better still; he was the noblest work of
God, an honest man. Mrs. Susanna Smith
died August 6, 1o5G, aged S2years, beloved
by all who knew her.
A little longer and none will live who
can from personal knowledge tell the
history and trying experiences of the
| sturdy, noble pioneers, who have paved
the way and laid the foundation for the
success and prosperity of a people sc
justly celebrated for their intelligence
culture and refinement on the famous
Western Reserve. E. P. R.
Ravenna, o., May 10, 1884.