PART 1. CHAPTER I.

A Retrospective Glance, including the various Voyages of discovery by means of which a knowledge of this land was conveyed to the Old World, and Emigration induced to drift hitherward--Geological Changes--Carboniferous Period--Formation of our Coal Measures--Character of our Resident Indians, Black Hawk's Incursion, etc....page 21

CHAPTER II.

Our First Settlers--Isaac B. Essex--Various groups of Settlers at Osceola, Wyoming, Lafayette, West Jersey, and Valley Township. The Circumstances that Environed them, Anecdotes, etc.--First Marriage, Birth and Death, in what is now Stark County.--When and how the first Homes were built--Character of the Early Settlers--the Impression they have left upon our country....page 28

CHAPTER III.

The Formation of Stark County. -- Its first Election, Organization, etc.--Political Struggles and Maneuvers of the Early Settlers.--Institution of Courts.--Natural Advantages--Geography, Climate and General Healthfulness of the New County.--Its Groves and Roads....page 42

CHAPTER IV.

Public Enterprises--Religious, Educational, Benevolent, Military and Business....page 63

CHAPTER V.

The Fauna and Flora, by T. M. Shallenberger....page 123

CHAPTER VI.

Our Towns--Toulon, Wyoming, Lafayette, Bradford, Castleton, Duncan.--Their Past History and Present Prosperity.....page 136

PART II.--PERSONAL SKETCHES.

General Samuel Thomas and Family....page 197

Rev. R. C. Dunn and Family....page 202

Col. William H. Henderson....page 208

Rev. Samuel G. Wright....page 217

The Hall Family....page 228

Turnbull and Oliver Families....page 246

The Scotch Settlement at Elmira....page 251

The Sturm Family....page 253

Mr. Henry Seeley....page 256

Mr. Thomas Winn....page 259

The Emerys....page 261

Mr. James Buswell....page 263

The Butler Family....page 266

Gen. Thomas J. Henderson....page 273

The McClennahan Family....page 284

The Essex Family....page 286

Conclusion....page 288

APPENDIX.

Abstract of Vote....page 293

Soldiers' Record, etc....page 305