MYGATT, Comfort Starr
Husband of
1. Lucy nee KNAPP – m. 26 Oct 1783 in Danbury, Fairfield Co. CT
2. Eleanor Stiles nee STEWART – m. 20 Mar 1805 in Danbury, Fairfield Co. CT
Son of Eli and Abigail Starr Mygatt
B. 23 Aug 1763 in Danbury, Fairfield Co. CT
D. 17 Oct 1823 in Canfield Twp., Trumbull (now Mahoning) Co. OH at 60y 1m 24d of typhus fever
Burial – Oct 1823 in Canfield Village Cemetery, Section B Row 02, Canfield, Mahoning Co. OH
Note: He served in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812.
War of 1812, Cpl., Capt. J. Doud's Co.
MYGATT, Lucy nee KNAPP
Mrs. Comfort Starr Mygatt – m. 26 Oct 1783 in Danbury, Fairfield Co. CT
Daughter of Joshua and Abigail Bostwick Knapp
B. 17 Aug 1766 in Danbury, Fairfield Co. CT
D. 4 Mar 1804 in Danbury, Fairfield Co. CT at 37y 8m 16d
Mahoning Dispatch, Fri, 12 Nov 1897, Article No. 42, by Dr. Jackson Truesdale
Excerpt from biographical sketch of Comfort Starr Mygatt:
"On the 26th of October, 1783, Mr. Mygatt married Lucy Knapp, a daughter of a deacon, by whom were born to him in Danbury the following named children: Abigail, Polly, Julia, Betsey, Comfort, Lucy, George, and Anna Maria - eight in number. On the 4th of March, 1804, the wife and mother of these children was removed by death. It is upon record "that she was an affectionate wife and mother; of lovely disposition, benevolent and charitable."
Mahoning Dispatch, Fri, 12 Nov 1897, Article No. 42, by Dr. Jackson Truesdale
"Editor Dispatch: - If asked to designate by name the three most prominent and conspicuous men of the early settlers of Canfield (prior to 1810) we would unhesitatingly respond by saying they were General Elijah Wadsworth, Hon. Elisha Whittlesey and Comfort S. Mygatt; and each one of them excelled in different spheres. General Wadsworth was the most prominent military officer in Northern Ohio, and a man who counted his acres by the thousands, as well as a business man in large affairs. Elisha Whittlesey was the most distinguished as an efficient public officer. C.S. Mygatt was the most prominent as an all around and every-day business man, and in public and private improvements.
Two of these three men had but a few years in which to do their work. Gen. Wadsworth from 1802 to 1817 and Mr. Mygatt from 1807 to 1823 - some 15 to 16 years. While living, these men are very frequently referred to in connection with nearly every enterprise and improvement of a public nature. We will endeavor to give as well as we are able a brief outline of the latter named, omitting as usual much that might be said.
Comfort Starr Mygatt was born in Danbury, Conn., Aug. 23rd, 1763. His father, Eli Mygatt, served for 20 years his town, county and state in positions of honor and trust. While engaged in the duties of a legislator he died in New Haven in 1807. His long and satisfactory public services to the state induced the legislature to make an appropriation sufficient to cover the expenses of his last sickness, burial, and the monument over his grave. We think Mr. C.S. Mygatt is entitled to the honor of being ranked as a Revolutionary patriot, and for the benefit of his female descendants who may desire to become members of the "Daughters of the Revolution" we will quote in full perhaps all the evidence now obtainable bearing on the question. The government archives were burned in the war of 1812, so that official evidence cannot be found. Mr. Whittlesey had no doubt heard Mr. Mygatt relate his connection with the war. If he had not, he would not have sought for evidence to verify a statement never made. Those acquainted with Mr. Mygatt would require no further proof than his own word. Mr. Whittlesey says: "Comfort S. Mygatt served some period of the War of the Revolution as Fife Major. The time cannot be definitely obtained nor the name of the Colonel. Najah Taylor of Brooklyn, N.Y., a relative now in his 92nd year, (July, 1859) who served his apprenticeship with the subject of this sketch and continued with him some time as a journeyman, was written to for some information in regard to Mr. Mygatt's military services. "The most that he recollected was that in the year of 1793 or 4, Mr. Mygatt with others and himself were going to New York city, and as they descended the hill to cross King's Bridge over the river that separates New York Island from the main lands, Mr. Mygatt observed that during the time of said war he was a fifer, and once came down that hill blowing his fife at the head of his regiment."
Mr. Mygatt's trade was that of a silversmith. He worked at this business until his savings enabled him to start in general merchandising in his native town, and he continued in this business in Danbury and Canfield the remainder of his life.
On the 26th of October, 1783, Mr. Mygatt married Lucy Knapp, a daughter of a deacon, by whom were born to him in Danbury the following named children: Abigail, Polly, Julia, Betsey, Comfort, Lucy, George, and Anna Maria - eight in number. On the 4th of March, 1804, the wife and mother of these children was removed by death. It is upon record "that she was an affectionate wife and mother; of lovely disposition, benevolent and charitable."
On the 20th of March, 1805, Mr. Mygatt married Mrs. Eleanor Stiles, who had by her first husband two children, Jairus and Henry. Through these sons we have the Stiles' of Warren, and perhaps of other places. Comfort S. Mygatt and his wife Eleanor were the parents of the following children: Amanda, Eli, Eleanor, Hannah, Comfort Stewart, Julia Anna and Almira. Mr. Mygatt was the father of fifteen children and including step-children had seventeen to surround his Thanksgiving table. In addition Mr. Mygatt was given to hospitality. His home was open to a tide of visitors. Dear me! What could we do with such families now? It would require the income of a Rockefeller to provide for such a household of girls and boys. Just think of the bills the "Old Governor" would have to respond to! What a blessing it was that New Connecticut was discovered when it was! Old Connecticut then had a chance to spread herself - to save herself from suffocation caused by over-production.
In process of time a system of subtraction and addition was established in the family of Mr. Mygatt. In other words, marriages were reducing the number while births were adding to the number. This happy arrangement was practiced for quite a number of years, and served to preserve a fair equilibrium in the size of the family. Lewis Hoyt in 1804 enticed the oldest daughter from the fold. In 1806 Elisha Whittlesey did the same with Polly, the second daughter. In 1807 Eli T. Boughton married Julia, the third branch. The above named daughters were married at the old Danbury home. When the family came to Canfield Cupid was soon on hand. The fourth daughter, Betsey, was given with the parental blessing to Canfield's first merchant, Zalmon Fitch, in 1808. In 1814 Asahel Adams secured for a wife the last one of the first group of daughters.
Of the daughters of the second marriage of Mr. Mygatt Amanda married a Mr. McFarland in 1828, and were the parents of Mrs. Kate Ruggles of Youngstown. Eleanor married in 1829 Alson Kent, a leading and enterprising merchant in Canfield. The daughter Hannah in 1826 married W.S.C. Otis, an attorney of considerable note in his day.
Anna Maria died in Canfield at the age of 13 with consumption, Julia (wife of Mr. Boughton) in 1813, of the same disease. Their mother died at the age of 34, death caused by the same complaint. Comfort, a son by the first marriage, died of the "prevailing fever" in 1814. At the time of his death he was affianced to Bridget Tanner. The poor girl did not long survive the terrible shock. She soon pined away and was laid to rest by the side of Comfort. This we may suppose was her dying request. If any are so disposed they can to this day notice in the row of tombstones placed in the memory of the Mygatt family in the village cemetery, two humble slabs, such as were used then, side by side, the dedication to the memory Comfort Mygatt, aged 21 years, the other to Bridget Tanner, aged 18. These stones may be looked upon a mementos of undying constancy that reaches, for ought we know to the contrary, beyond this life.
It may be remembered that Mr. Comfort S. Mygatt's son-in-law, Mr. Whittlesey, came to Canfield in the spring of 1806 and found temporary quarters for himself and wife in a chamber room. In the autumn of the same year this happy couple were joyfully surprised by an unannounced visit of Mr. Mygatt, accompanied by Mr. Whittlesey's brother Beale, a lawyer. There was joy in the little room, and room enough for all. The only bed was given to the welcome guests, and Elisha and Polly selected a soft spot on the floor for their repose. Polly could hardly refrain from a little chuckle of pride as she pointed to her little table and splint-bottomed chairs, so different from what her father represented their lot would be in the wilderness. Mrs. Whittlesey says "they got along very well with the dear ones" in their little room. From which we learn that substantial happiness comes from within rather from without. Love and affection, coupled with kindness, makes room for the more enduring joys of life. Mrs. Whittlesey, after experiencing a life of hardship and poverty and then of abundance, says that her happiest days were spent in a log cabin.
Mr. Mygatt occupied much of his visiting time in exploring the country and visiting the surrounding settlements, such as Warren, Youngstown, and elsewhere. No doubt many of the settlers knew him, or knew of him, in Connecticut and appreciated the advantage of the acquisition of such a man to their number. Great attention was paid him and this kind of attention pays when the recipient is worthy. On the part of Mr. Mygatt he was well pleased with the country and the prospects it held out to one engaged in his kind of business, but at the time gave no intimation of what his plans or purposes were for the future. Upon his return to Danbury it appears he soon took active measures to dispose of his property there and so arrange his affairs as to return the following season to Canfield to make the place his permanent abode. A few months after his return from his visit he requested Mr. Whittlesey, without saying for what purposes, to purchase and hold for his order "a large quantity of meat, several barrels of flour and several hundred pounds of maple sugar in the spring." The flour had to be brought from Georgetown, in Beaver county, Pa. When first read this order for family supplies surprised me on account of its liberality, but becoming more familiar with the size of the family my surprise ceased.
On the 3rd of June, 1807, a loaded ox team started for Canfield, and on the 10th of the month the family with more teams, presumable horse teams, left Danbury and arrived at Canfield, July 7th, making the journey in 28 days, the best time noted up to this date. We will suppose the roads were becoming better or the teams were better steppers. Mr. Whittlesey's carriage and team used by himself and wife in coming out the previous summer was made to serve a good purpose in meeting the incoming emigrants at the point east of Pittsburgh. Mr. Whittlesey, as driver, took on board her step-mother, and sisters, Betsey, Lucy, Anna Maria, and Amanda. Thus headed the caravan arrived to the end of their long journey. It was in all probability a gala day in the little village, and the mutual greetings hearty and sincere. In the spring of 1807 the Whittlesey family had moved into a two-roomed log cabin that stood near the after residence of the family. To this rude home the Mygatt family were conducted. Polly's one bed was given to "father and mother." The remainder of a dozen or more found a safe place for sleep on the puncheon floor. Safe because if they rolled out of bed they could easily roll back again.
This crowded condition of affairs continued for some days, at the end of which the hive swarmed. Mr. Mygatt and family found quarters in a little frame building belonging to Gen. Wadsworth that stood, we think, south and near the Congregational church. This frame building at some period not known was removed to West St., and became the home at first and afterwards the workshop of the late Elijah Bond. The building a few years ago was demolished.
I said in a late number of the Dispatch that I knew of no vestige left of the carding machine in 1810. I am informed by A.D. Wood that he remembered of hearing Aaron Collar say that the carding works were erected on the site of the Congregational church, or near to it. The building was afterwards moved to where Dr. Coy now lives. It was a two- storied building of good size. When fitted up for a dwelling it was for long years known as the old yellow building. In recent years it was set back a few rods, and further on changed so that it makes a sightly barn for stabling, storage rooms, etc. and there is nothing that I can see to prevent its being there at the close of the next century. Canfield, O. J. TRUESDALE (To be continued.)"
Mahoning Dispatch, Fri, 19 Nov 1897, Article No. 43 by Dr. Jackson Truesdale
"Editor Dispatch: - Mr. Mygatt was too much of a hustler to remain long unemployed, and to use an old expression had "too many mouths to fill" to spend time in idleness. Soon after his arrival he purchased village lot No. 17. This lot was the southeast corner at the intersection of the center roads, and was one of 32 lots all containing 7 92/100 acres of land; so near to 8 acre lots that they were commonly called 8-acre lots. They were in width a little over 22 rods and in length 57 rods. Twelve of them faced the commons, or what we call Broad street; 10 more face (5 on each side) on East street; and 10 remaining in the same way on West street. A better idea of the size and shape of these lots may be gained by noting lot 7, owned by Orange Fales in its original entirety. Mr. Mygatt's lot reached from the corner and included a part of the Congregational Church lot, and extended east so as to include John McCoy's residence. I have but little doubt that this lot was partly or wholly cleared before 1807. My first recollection of the lot dates back to the thirties, when much more than the half was covered by an orchard, nearly if not all of apples. A very few of these old trees may yet be seen. Mr. Mygatt also at one time became the owner of a large farm on East street. The historical farm first, we think, was owned and improved by Nathan Moore, the surveyor of this and many other townships on the Reserve. Moore in 1806 sold this farm to Archibald Johnston, whose sad history may be found in our earlier history.
We have already noted the establishment of the second store on the Reserve and the first in Canfield in 1804 by Herman Canfield and Zal. Fitch. Upon the coming of Mr. Mygatt this store formed the nucleus for a larger and more effective organization under the firm name of Mygatt, Canfield & Fitch. The addition of capital and experience enabled the firm to transact a large amount of business, a very great proportion of which would be in the way of exchange of goods for produce. It must not be supposed that this store depended upon Canfield alone for patronage. On the contrary, it remained for some years the only store for a large region surrounding our township. In order to meet this increased trade a larger building became necessary. Preparations were commenced at once and Mr. Mygatt (we see no other name mentioned) erected on the northwest corner of his lot a store building that would in those early days be looked upon as large and commodious. As first built it was one story high with dormer windows in the attic. At some period subsequently, but by whom we do not know, it was changed to two full stories with a peculiar roof, perhaps called a hip roof, but whether this is the right term or not, the roof descended on both sides of the cone at the usual angle and when half way down descended to the eaves at a much steeper angle, giving to the roof the appearance of having three cones. It stood this way for many years, when the roof was again changed to the common style. This building stood for a long time a conspicuous landmark, and was occupied after it ceased to be a store room for a variety of purposes. For many years it was the headquarters for several newspaper publications, among which we note the Republican Sentinel, edited (at least for a time), by our friend Wm. B. Dawson, now of the Vindicator. Some 20 to 21 years ago The Mahoning Dispatch was born into the world under the roof of this famous building. It has a roof of its own at present and rejoices in its well earned prosperity and patronage.
Mr. Mygatt had too much push and energy to remain with his large family cooped up in a small rented house. He soon began the erection of a dwelling that continues to be known as the Mygatt house, although long since it passed to the ownership of the late D.J. Church. It was completed and the family moved into it in 1809. This dwelling when finished was perhaps one of the most pretentious in the growing village at the date of its construction and maintained its position as such for many years after. Besides being large and roomy internally, it had a double or two-story portico in front the entire length of the building. This portico has long since been removed. Otherwise the dwelling remains very much as first constructed and is in good preservation, and so far as we can see has not lived out half its days. Mr. Mygatt said he built a large house so that he would have plenty of room to dispense hospitality. During his life time it was the home of the traveling missionary, as well as the place for public worship and other social gatherings. At the early date of which we write (1809) there were a number of other dwellings at the center claiming more or less respectability, among which we would mention such as Gen. Wadsworth's, Elisha Whittlesey's, Ensign Church's, Tryal Tanner's, Jonah Scofield's, Herman Canfield's, Cook Fitch's, etc.
In 1807 Mr. Mygatt united with the then feeble Congregational church. His liberality, zeal and activity were of infinite value to that denomination and to the entire community. In the absence of a settled ministry he was called upon occasionally to conduct funerals with the forms of christian burials, and it is said of him that in this capacity "he was eloquent and effective". "If he had been educated for the bar or the pulpit he would have adorned either." Before coming to Canfield he represented his native town for one term in the legislature of Connecticut. In 1809 Canfield came near having one of its citizens appointed to a seat in the United States Senate. A vacancy occurring that year, Gov. Samuel Huntington of Trumbull county, who from personal acquaintance with Mr. Mygatt knew of his ability, tendered him until the legislature met, this now coveted position. Mr. Mygatt declined the proffered honor on the ground that his political views were not in harmony with the majority of the people of Ohio. In other words he was a confirmed Federalist of the Washington and Hamilton schools, was opposed to the embargo act and the proposed declaration of war against Great Britain, but when war was declared he advocated more energetic efforts in carrying it on. If such had been the case the everlasting and shameful disgrace of suffering a small force of British soldiers burning our national capital and putting our president and other officers to flight would have been avoided. Mr. Mygatt rendered efficient aid to Gen. Wadsworth in his western campaign in 1812. At the General's request he went to Pittsburgh for camp equipage and supplies making himself personally responsible for the payment. He also furnished supplies for the army to the amount exceeding $1,000 not knowing whether he would or not get his pay from the government.
"In the fall of 1823 he went to Columbus and Lancaster and returned by the way of Zanesville accompanied by Thos. D. Webb of Warren and Elisha Whittlesey. Autumnal fevers were common then in the cities, towns and country he visited, and at Zanesville lights were burning in a large proportion of houses when they resumed their journey before daylight, indicating general sickness. He declined on the journey spirits or medicine. Soon after he returned home he was taken with a fever. Medicine partially restored him and he was actively engaged in his store part of a day, when fever followed, and after several days of suffering died on the 17th day of October, 1823, aged 60 years." We judge from what we read that Mr. Mygatt's death entailed not only a severe loss to his family, but a very great one to an extensive community. He was largely engaged in business and as a business man had proved himself accurate, prompt and honest. In social life kind and charitable, especially to the poor and needy. As a husband and parent, devoted and affectionate. As a christian man, liberal, devout and consistent.
We have but little room, and lack proper information to say much of the numerous children. We have already noted the marriages of several of his daughters. Two more of them, to-wit: Abigail, the wife of Lewis Hoyt, and Julia, the wife of Eli T. Boughton, in the summer of 1808 came to Canfield, so that his entire family for a while at least were residents of this place, but several of them not long afterwards removed elsewhere, and therefore did not become greatly identified with our history. Among those who remained and spent their lives with us was Polly, the wife of Mr. Whittlesey, of whom we have spoken sufficiently. Comfort S. Mygatt, a son by the second wife, was born March 3rd, 1815, and died Dec. 4, 1892. With the exception of a few years in Washington in government employment he spent his life with us. He was a well known man in business life. He commenced his career as a clerk in the store of his brother-in-law, Alson Kent, and was entrusted by him when scarcely more than a boy to go east and purchase the customary semi-annual stock of goods. In time he dealt in goods for many years on his own account or in partnership with others with varying success. His last business venture was in connection with Wm. Porter of Austintown, which proved disastrous, and from which he never recovered. His remaining years were spent partly in retirement, in clerkships, and for a while was connected with the revenue department of Northern Ohio.
Almira, the youngest child of Comfort S. Mygatt, and the only one of the family of children that survives, was born in Canfield and has lived nowhere else. Though somewhat frail she gets about quite comfortably and is a constant attendant at her place of worship. For more than 70 years as child and woman her place has been regularly occupied in the venerable sanctuary. Some twenty-five years ago, more or less, she married Stephen A. Jones, a man of very considerable scientific requirements and knowledge, gained by travel and study. For several years he resided as agent for some association in Palestine. His knowledge of geology and metallurgy made his services valuable as a prospector for oil and land, ores and minerals, and in this line he traveled for interested parties. He died in Canfield some years ago, aged over ninety years. His body was taken to Stockbridge, Mass., for interment.
George, son of Comfort S., sen., we would infer from after pursuits, in his boyhood days assisted his father in the store, but at an early age went into the service of the old Western Reserve Bank, of which his father was a director. Afterwards he was engaged for a number of years in merchandising in Warren and served the county as tax collector. In 1829 he was elected sheriff of the county and served four years, and as such had in charge the hanging of the murderer Gardner. After finishing his terms as sheriff he served for 12 years as cashier of banks in Norwalk and Painesville. He was then called to Cleveland to take the presidency of the City Bank of Cleveland. He resided in Cleveland the remainder of his life, most of which he spent in banking and at one time he was a member of the legislature.
Eli, the only remaining child of C.S. Mygatt, sen., that we have space to notice, was born July 16, 1807, in Canfield, some nine days after the arrival of the family from Connecticut. When young he was appointed to the cadetship at the military school at West Point on the Hudson river, but before graduating there for some cause left or was dismissed. Perhaps the rigid discipline of the place was not congenial to his independent temperament. He thereupon turned his attention to the study of medicine and became a well read and skillful physician. He opened an office for only a brief period in Canfield, and in 1829, in conjunction with Dr. J.P. Kirtland of Poland, commenced the practice of medicine there and continued it through a long life. His wife was Lois T. Kirtland, a niece of Dr. Kirtland and a daughter of Jared P. Kirtland. Canfield, O. J. TRUESDALE (To be continued.)"
Husband of
1. Lucy nee KNAPP – m. 26 Oct 1783 in Danbury, Fairfield Co. CT
2. Eleanor Stiles nee STEWART – m. 20 Mar 1805 in Danbury, Fairfield Co. CT
Son of Eli and Abigail Starr Mygatt
B. 23 Aug 1763 in Danbury, Fairfield Co. CT
D. 17 Oct 1823 in Canfield Twp., Trumbull (now Mahoning) Co. OH at 60y 1m 24d of typhus fever
Burial – Oct 1823 in Canfield Village Cemetery, Section B Row 02, Canfield, Mahoning Co. OH
Note: He served in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812.
War of 1812, Cpl., Capt. J. Doud's Co.
MYGATT, Lucy nee KNAPP
Mrs. Comfort Starr Mygatt – m. 26 Oct 1783 in Danbury, Fairfield Co. CT
Daughter of Joshua and Abigail Bostwick Knapp
B. 17 Aug 1766 in Danbury, Fairfield Co. CT
D. 4 Mar 1804 in Danbury, Fairfield Co. CT at 37y 8m 16d
Mahoning Dispatch, Fri, 12 Nov 1897, Article No. 42, by Dr. Jackson Truesdale
Excerpt from biographical sketch of Comfort Starr Mygatt:
"On the 26th of October, 1783, Mr. Mygatt married Lucy Knapp, a daughter of a deacon, by whom were born to him in Danbury the following named children: Abigail, Polly, Julia, Betsey, Comfort, Lucy, George, and Anna Maria - eight in number. On the 4th of March, 1804, the wife and mother of these children was removed by death. It is upon record "that she was an affectionate wife and mother; of lovely disposition, benevolent and charitable."
Mahoning Dispatch, Fri, 12 Nov 1897, Article No. 42, by Dr. Jackson Truesdale
"Editor Dispatch: - If asked to designate by name the three most prominent and conspicuous men of the early settlers of Canfield (prior to 1810) we would unhesitatingly respond by saying they were General Elijah Wadsworth, Hon. Elisha Whittlesey and Comfort S. Mygatt; and each one of them excelled in different spheres. General Wadsworth was the most prominent military officer in Northern Ohio, and a man who counted his acres by the thousands, as well as a business man in large affairs. Elisha Whittlesey was the most distinguished as an efficient public officer. C.S. Mygatt was the most prominent as an all around and every-day business man, and in public and private improvements.
Two of these three men had but a few years in which to do their work. Gen. Wadsworth from 1802 to 1817 and Mr. Mygatt from 1807 to 1823 - some 15 to 16 years. While living, these men are very frequently referred to in connection with nearly every enterprise and improvement of a public nature. We will endeavor to give as well as we are able a brief outline of the latter named, omitting as usual much that might be said.
Comfort Starr Mygatt was born in Danbury, Conn., Aug. 23rd, 1763. His father, Eli Mygatt, served for 20 years his town, county and state in positions of honor and trust. While engaged in the duties of a legislator he died in New Haven in 1807. His long and satisfactory public services to the state induced the legislature to make an appropriation sufficient to cover the expenses of his last sickness, burial, and the monument over his grave. We think Mr. C.S. Mygatt is entitled to the honor of being ranked as a Revolutionary patriot, and for the benefit of his female descendants who may desire to become members of the "Daughters of the Revolution" we will quote in full perhaps all the evidence now obtainable bearing on the question. The government archives were burned in the war of 1812, so that official evidence cannot be found. Mr. Whittlesey had no doubt heard Mr. Mygatt relate his connection with the war. If he had not, he would not have sought for evidence to verify a statement never made. Those acquainted with Mr. Mygatt would require no further proof than his own word. Mr. Whittlesey says: "Comfort S. Mygatt served some period of the War of the Revolution as Fife Major. The time cannot be definitely obtained nor the name of the Colonel. Najah Taylor of Brooklyn, N.Y., a relative now in his 92nd year, (July, 1859) who served his apprenticeship with the subject of this sketch and continued with him some time as a journeyman, was written to for some information in regard to Mr. Mygatt's military services. "The most that he recollected was that in the year of 1793 or 4, Mr. Mygatt with others and himself were going to New York city, and as they descended the hill to cross King's Bridge over the river that separates New York Island from the main lands, Mr. Mygatt observed that during the time of said war he was a fifer, and once came down that hill blowing his fife at the head of his regiment."
Mr. Mygatt's trade was that of a silversmith. He worked at this business until his savings enabled him to start in general merchandising in his native town, and he continued in this business in Danbury and Canfield the remainder of his life.
On the 26th of October, 1783, Mr. Mygatt married Lucy Knapp, a daughter of a deacon, by whom were born to him in Danbury the following named children: Abigail, Polly, Julia, Betsey, Comfort, Lucy, George, and Anna Maria - eight in number. On the 4th of March, 1804, the wife and mother of these children was removed by death. It is upon record "that she was an affectionate wife and mother; of lovely disposition, benevolent and charitable."
On the 20th of March, 1805, Mr. Mygatt married Mrs. Eleanor Stiles, who had by her first husband two children, Jairus and Henry. Through these sons we have the Stiles' of Warren, and perhaps of other places. Comfort S. Mygatt and his wife Eleanor were the parents of the following children: Amanda, Eli, Eleanor, Hannah, Comfort Stewart, Julia Anna and Almira. Mr. Mygatt was the father of fifteen children and including step-children had seventeen to surround his Thanksgiving table. In addition Mr. Mygatt was given to hospitality. His home was open to a tide of visitors. Dear me! What could we do with such families now? It would require the income of a Rockefeller to provide for such a household of girls and boys. Just think of the bills the "Old Governor" would have to respond to! What a blessing it was that New Connecticut was discovered when it was! Old Connecticut then had a chance to spread herself - to save herself from suffocation caused by over-production.
In process of time a system of subtraction and addition was established in the family of Mr. Mygatt. In other words, marriages were reducing the number while births were adding to the number. This happy arrangement was practiced for quite a number of years, and served to preserve a fair equilibrium in the size of the family. Lewis Hoyt in 1804 enticed the oldest daughter from the fold. In 1806 Elisha Whittlesey did the same with Polly, the second daughter. In 1807 Eli T. Boughton married Julia, the third branch. The above named daughters were married at the old Danbury home. When the family came to Canfield Cupid was soon on hand. The fourth daughter, Betsey, was given with the parental blessing to Canfield's first merchant, Zalmon Fitch, in 1808. In 1814 Asahel Adams secured for a wife the last one of the first group of daughters.
Of the daughters of the second marriage of Mr. Mygatt Amanda married a Mr. McFarland in 1828, and were the parents of Mrs. Kate Ruggles of Youngstown. Eleanor married in 1829 Alson Kent, a leading and enterprising merchant in Canfield. The daughter Hannah in 1826 married W.S.C. Otis, an attorney of considerable note in his day.
Anna Maria died in Canfield at the age of 13 with consumption, Julia (wife of Mr. Boughton) in 1813, of the same disease. Their mother died at the age of 34, death caused by the same complaint. Comfort, a son by the first marriage, died of the "prevailing fever" in 1814. At the time of his death he was affianced to Bridget Tanner. The poor girl did not long survive the terrible shock. She soon pined away and was laid to rest by the side of Comfort. This we may suppose was her dying request. If any are so disposed they can to this day notice in the row of tombstones placed in the memory of the Mygatt family in the village cemetery, two humble slabs, such as were used then, side by side, the dedication to the memory Comfort Mygatt, aged 21 years, the other to Bridget Tanner, aged 18. These stones may be looked upon a mementos of undying constancy that reaches, for ought we know to the contrary, beyond this life.
It may be remembered that Mr. Comfort S. Mygatt's son-in-law, Mr. Whittlesey, came to Canfield in the spring of 1806 and found temporary quarters for himself and wife in a chamber room. In the autumn of the same year this happy couple were joyfully surprised by an unannounced visit of Mr. Mygatt, accompanied by Mr. Whittlesey's brother Beale, a lawyer. There was joy in the little room, and room enough for all. The only bed was given to the welcome guests, and Elisha and Polly selected a soft spot on the floor for their repose. Polly could hardly refrain from a little chuckle of pride as she pointed to her little table and splint-bottomed chairs, so different from what her father represented their lot would be in the wilderness. Mrs. Whittlesey says "they got along very well with the dear ones" in their little room. From which we learn that substantial happiness comes from within rather from without. Love and affection, coupled with kindness, makes room for the more enduring joys of life. Mrs. Whittlesey, after experiencing a life of hardship and poverty and then of abundance, says that her happiest days were spent in a log cabin.
Mr. Mygatt occupied much of his visiting time in exploring the country and visiting the surrounding settlements, such as Warren, Youngstown, and elsewhere. No doubt many of the settlers knew him, or knew of him, in Connecticut and appreciated the advantage of the acquisition of such a man to their number. Great attention was paid him and this kind of attention pays when the recipient is worthy. On the part of Mr. Mygatt he was well pleased with the country and the prospects it held out to one engaged in his kind of business, but at the time gave no intimation of what his plans or purposes were for the future. Upon his return to Danbury it appears he soon took active measures to dispose of his property there and so arrange his affairs as to return the following season to Canfield to make the place his permanent abode. A few months after his return from his visit he requested Mr. Whittlesey, without saying for what purposes, to purchase and hold for his order "a large quantity of meat, several barrels of flour and several hundred pounds of maple sugar in the spring." The flour had to be brought from Georgetown, in Beaver county, Pa. When first read this order for family supplies surprised me on account of its liberality, but becoming more familiar with the size of the family my surprise ceased.
On the 3rd of June, 1807, a loaded ox team started for Canfield, and on the 10th of the month the family with more teams, presumable horse teams, left Danbury and arrived at Canfield, July 7th, making the journey in 28 days, the best time noted up to this date. We will suppose the roads were becoming better or the teams were better steppers. Mr. Whittlesey's carriage and team used by himself and wife in coming out the previous summer was made to serve a good purpose in meeting the incoming emigrants at the point east of Pittsburgh. Mr. Whittlesey, as driver, took on board her step-mother, and sisters, Betsey, Lucy, Anna Maria, and Amanda. Thus headed the caravan arrived to the end of their long journey. It was in all probability a gala day in the little village, and the mutual greetings hearty and sincere. In the spring of 1807 the Whittlesey family had moved into a two-roomed log cabin that stood near the after residence of the family. To this rude home the Mygatt family were conducted. Polly's one bed was given to "father and mother." The remainder of a dozen or more found a safe place for sleep on the puncheon floor. Safe because if they rolled out of bed they could easily roll back again.
This crowded condition of affairs continued for some days, at the end of which the hive swarmed. Mr. Mygatt and family found quarters in a little frame building belonging to Gen. Wadsworth that stood, we think, south and near the Congregational church. This frame building at some period not known was removed to West St., and became the home at first and afterwards the workshop of the late Elijah Bond. The building a few years ago was demolished.
I said in a late number of the Dispatch that I knew of no vestige left of the carding machine in 1810. I am informed by A.D. Wood that he remembered of hearing Aaron Collar say that the carding works were erected on the site of the Congregational church, or near to it. The building was afterwards moved to where Dr. Coy now lives. It was a two- storied building of good size. When fitted up for a dwelling it was for long years known as the old yellow building. In recent years it was set back a few rods, and further on changed so that it makes a sightly barn for stabling, storage rooms, etc. and there is nothing that I can see to prevent its being there at the close of the next century. Canfield, O. J. TRUESDALE (To be continued.)"
Mahoning Dispatch, Fri, 19 Nov 1897, Article No. 43 by Dr. Jackson Truesdale
"Editor Dispatch: - Mr. Mygatt was too much of a hustler to remain long unemployed, and to use an old expression had "too many mouths to fill" to spend time in idleness. Soon after his arrival he purchased village lot No. 17. This lot was the southeast corner at the intersection of the center roads, and was one of 32 lots all containing 7 92/100 acres of land; so near to 8 acre lots that they were commonly called 8-acre lots. They were in width a little over 22 rods and in length 57 rods. Twelve of them faced the commons, or what we call Broad street; 10 more face (5 on each side) on East street; and 10 remaining in the same way on West street. A better idea of the size and shape of these lots may be gained by noting lot 7, owned by Orange Fales in its original entirety. Mr. Mygatt's lot reached from the corner and included a part of the Congregational Church lot, and extended east so as to include John McCoy's residence. I have but little doubt that this lot was partly or wholly cleared before 1807. My first recollection of the lot dates back to the thirties, when much more than the half was covered by an orchard, nearly if not all of apples. A very few of these old trees may yet be seen. Mr. Mygatt also at one time became the owner of a large farm on East street. The historical farm first, we think, was owned and improved by Nathan Moore, the surveyor of this and many other townships on the Reserve. Moore in 1806 sold this farm to Archibald Johnston, whose sad history may be found in our earlier history.
We have already noted the establishment of the second store on the Reserve and the first in Canfield in 1804 by Herman Canfield and Zal. Fitch. Upon the coming of Mr. Mygatt this store formed the nucleus for a larger and more effective organization under the firm name of Mygatt, Canfield & Fitch. The addition of capital and experience enabled the firm to transact a large amount of business, a very great proportion of which would be in the way of exchange of goods for produce. It must not be supposed that this store depended upon Canfield alone for patronage. On the contrary, it remained for some years the only store for a large region surrounding our township. In order to meet this increased trade a larger building became necessary. Preparations were commenced at once and Mr. Mygatt (we see no other name mentioned) erected on the northwest corner of his lot a store building that would in those early days be looked upon as large and commodious. As first built it was one story high with dormer windows in the attic. At some period subsequently, but by whom we do not know, it was changed to two full stories with a peculiar roof, perhaps called a hip roof, but whether this is the right term or not, the roof descended on both sides of the cone at the usual angle and when half way down descended to the eaves at a much steeper angle, giving to the roof the appearance of having three cones. It stood this way for many years, when the roof was again changed to the common style. This building stood for a long time a conspicuous landmark, and was occupied after it ceased to be a store room for a variety of purposes. For many years it was the headquarters for several newspaper publications, among which we note the Republican Sentinel, edited (at least for a time), by our friend Wm. B. Dawson, now of the Vindicator. Some 20 to 21 years ago The Mahoning Dispatch was born into the world under the roof of this famous building. It has a roof of its own at present and rejoices in its well earned prosperity and patronage.
Mr. Mygatt had too much push and energy to remain with his large family cooped up in a small rented house. He soon began the erection of a dwelling that continues to be known as the Mygatt house, although long since it passed to the ownership of the late D.J. Church. It was completed and the family moved into it in 1809. This dwelling when finished was perhaps one of the most pretentious in the growing village at the date of its construction and maintained its position as such for many years after. Besides being large and roomy internally, it had a double or two-story portico in front the entire length of the building. This portico has long since been removed. Otherwise the dwelling remains very much as first constructed and is in good preservation, and so far as we can see has not lived out half its days. Mr. Mygatt said he built a large house so that he would have plenty of room to dispense hospitality. During his life time it was the home of the traveling missionary, as well as the place for public worship and other social gatherings. At the early date of which we write (1809) there were a number of other dwellings at the center claiming more or less respectability, among which we would mention such as Gen. Wadsworth's, Elisha Whittlesey's, Ensign Church's, Tryal Tanner's, Jonah Scofield's, Herman Canfield's, Cook Fitch's, etc.
In 1807 Mr. Mygatt united with the then feeble Congregational church. His liberality, zeal and activity were of infinite value to that denomination and to the entire community. In the absence of a settled ministry he was called upon occasionally to conduct funerals with the forms of christian burials, and it is said of him that in this capacity "he was eloquent and effective". "If he had been educated for the bar or the pulpit he would have adorned either." Before coming to Canfield he represented his native town for one term in the legislature of Connecticut. In 1809 Canfield came near having one of its citizens appointed to a seat in the United States Senate. A vacancy occurring that year, Gov. Samuel Huntington of Trumbull county, who from personal acquaintance with Mr. Mygatt knew of his ability, tendered him until the legislature met, this now coveted position. Mr. Mygatt declined the proffered honor on the ground that his political views were not in harmony with the majority of the people of Ohio. In other words he was a confirmed Federalist of the Washington and Hamilton schools, was opposed to the embargo act and the proposed declaration of war against Great Britain, but when war was declared he advocated more energetic efforts in carrying it on. If such had been the case the everlasting and shameful disgrace of suffering a small force of British soldiers burning our national capital and putting our president and other officers to flight would have been avoided. Mr. Mygatt rendered efficient aid to Gen. Wadsworth in his western campaign in 1812. At the General's request he went to Pittsburgh for camp equipage and supplies making himself personally responsible for the payment. He also furnished supplies for the army to the amount exceeding $1,000 not knowing whether he would or not get his pay from the government.
"In the fall of 1823 he went to Columbus and Lancaster and returned by the way of Zanesville accompanied by Thos. D. Webb of Warren and Elisha Whittlesey. Autumnal fevers were common then in the cities, towns and country he visited, and at Zanesville lights were burning in a large proportion of houses when they resumed their journey before daylight, indicating general sickness. He declined on the journey spirits or medicine. Soon after he returned home he was taken with a fever. Medicine partially restored him and he was actively engaged in his store part of a day, when fever followed, and after several days of suffering died on the 17th day of October, 1823, aged 60 years." We judge from what we read that Mr. Mygatt's death entailed not only a severe loss to his family, but a very great one to an extensive community. He was largely engaged in business and as a business man had proved himself accurate, prompt and honest. In social life kind and charitable, especially to the poor and needy. As a husband and parent, devoted and affectionate. As a christian man, liberal, devout and consistent.
We have but little room, and lack proper information to say much of the numerous children. We have already noted the marriages of several of his daughters. Two more of them, to-wit: Abigail, the wife of Lewis Hoyt, and Julia, the wife of Eli T. Boughton, in the summer of 1808 came to Canfield, so that his entire family for a while at least were residents of this place, but several of them not long afterwards removed elsewhere, and therefore did not become greatly identified with our history. Among those who remained and spent their lives with us was Polly, the wife of Mr. Whittlesey, of whom we have spoken sufficiently. Comfort S. Mygatt, a son by the second wife, was born March 3rd, 1815, and died Dec. 4, 1892. With the exception of a few years in Washington in government employment he spent his life with us. He was a well known man in business life. He commenced his career as a clerk in the store of his brother-in-law, Alson Kent, and was entrusted by him when scarcely more than a boy to go east and purchase the customary semi-annual stock of goods. In time he dealt in goods for many years on his own account or in partnership with others with varying success. His last business venture was in connection with Wm. Porter of Austintown, which proved disastrous, and from which he never recovered. His remaining years were spent partly in retirement, in clerkships, and for a while was connected with the revenue department of Northern Ohio.
Almira, the youngest child of Comfort S. Mygatt, and the only one of the family of children that survives, was born in Canfield and has lived nowhere else. Though somewhat frail she gets about quite comfortably and is a constant attendant at her place of worship. For more than 70 years as child and woman her place has been regularly occupied in the venerable sanctuary. Some twenty-five years ago, more or less, she married Stephen A. Jones, a man of very considerable scientific requirements and knowledge, gained by travel and study. For several years he resided as agent for some association in Palestine. His knowledge of geology and metallurgy made his services valuable as a prospector for oil and land, ores and minerals, and in this line he traveled for interested parties. He died in Canfield some years ago, aged over ninety years. His body was taken to Stockbridge, Mass., for interment.
George, son of Comfort S., sen., we would infer from after pursuits, in his boyhood days assisted his father in the store, but at an early age went into the service of the old Western Reserve Bank, of which his father was a director. Afterwards he was engaged for a number of years in merchandising in Warren and served the county as tax collector. In 1829 he was elected sheriff of the county and served four years, and as such had in charge the hanging of the murderer Gardner. After finishing his terms as sheriff he served for 12 years as cashier of banks in Norwalk and Painesville. He was then called to Cleveland to take the presidency of the City Bank of Cleveland. He resided in Cleveland the remainder of his life, most of which he spent in banking and at one time he was a member of the legislature.
Eli, the only remaining child of C.S. Mygatt, sen., that we have space to notice, was born July 16, 1807, in Canfield, some nine days after the arrival of the family from Connecticut. When young he was appointed to the cadetship at the military school at West Point on the Hudson river, but before graduating there for some cause left or was dismissed. Perhaps the rigid discipline of the place was not congenial to his independent temperament. He thereupon turned his attention to the study of medicine and became a well read and skillful physician. He opened an office for only a brief period in Canfield, and in 1829, in conjunction with Dr. J.P. Kirtland of Poland, commenced the practice of medicine there and continued it through a long life. His wife was Lois T. Kirtland, a niece of Dr. Kirtland and a daughter of Jared P. Kirtland. Canfield, O. J. TRUESDALE (To be continued.)"
MYGATT, Comfort Starr
Husband of
1. Lucy nee KNAPP – m. 26 Oct 1783 in Danbury, Fairfield Co. CT
2. Eleanor Stiles nee STEWART – m. 20 Mar 1805 in Danbury, Fairfield Co. CT
Son of Eli and Abigail Starr Mygatt
B. 23 Aug 1763 in Danbury, Fairfield Co. CT
D. 17 Oct 1823 in Canfield Twp., Trumbull (now Mahoning) Co. OH at 60y 1m 24d of typhus fever
Burial – Oct 1823 in Canfield Village Cemetery, Section B Row 02, Canfield, Mahoning Co. OH
Note: He served in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812.
War of 1812, Cpl., Capt. J. Doud's Co.
MYGATT, Lucy nee KNAPP
Mrs. Comfort Starr Mygatt – m. 26 Oct 1783 in Danbury, Fairfield Co. CT
Daughter of Joshua and Abigail Bostwick Knapp
B. 17 Aug 1766 in Danbury, Fairfield Co. CT
D. 4 Mar 1804 in Danbury, Fairfield Co. CT at 37y 8m 16d
Mahoning Dispatch, Fri, 12 Nov 1897, Article No. 42, by Dr. Jackson Truesdale
Excerpt from biographical sketch of Comfort Starr Mygatt:
"On the 26th of October, 1783, Mr. Mygatt married Lucy Knapp, a daughter of a deacon, by whom were born to him in Danbury the following named children: Abigail, Polly, Julia, Betsey, Comfort, Lucy, George, and Anna Maria - eight in number. On the 4th of March, 1804, the wife and mother of these children was removed by death. It is upon record "that she was an affectionate wife and mother; of lovely disposition, benevolent and charitable."
Mahoning Dispatch, Fri, 12 Nov 1897, Article No. 42, by Dr. Jackson Truesdale
"Editor Dispatch: - If asked to designate by name the three most prominent and conspicuous men of the early settlers of Canfield (prior to 1810) we would unhesitatingly respond by saying they were General Elijah Wadsworth, Hon. Elisha Whittlesey and Comfort S. Mygatt; and each one of them excelled in different spheres. General Wadsworth was the most prominent military officer in Northern Ohio, and a man who counted his acres by the thousands, as well as a business man in large affairs. Elisha Whittlesey was the most distinguished as an efficient public officer. C.S. Mygatt was the most prominent as an all around and every-day business man, and in public and private improvements.
Two of these three men had but a few years in which to do their work. Gen. Wadsworth from 1802 to 1817 and Mr. Mygatt from 1807 to 1823 - some 15 to 16 years. While living, these men are very frequently referred to in connection with nearly every enterprise and improvement of a public nature. We will endeavor to give as well as we are able a brief outline of the latter named, omitting as usual much that might be said.
Comfort Starr Mygatt was born in Danbury, Conn., Aug. 23rd, 1763. His father, Eli Mygatt, served for 20 years his town, county and state in positions of honor and trust. While engaged in the duties of a legislator he died in New Haven in 1807. His long and satisfactory public services to the state induced the legislature to make an appropriation sufficient to cover the expenses of his last sickness, burial, and the monument over his grave. We think Mr. C.S. Mygatt is entitled to the honor of being ranked as a Revolutionary patriot, and for the benefit of his female descendants who may desire to become members of the "Daughters of the Revolution" we will quote in full perhaps all the evidence now obtainable bearing on the question. The government archives were burned in the war of 1812, so that official evidence cannot be found. Mr. Whittlesey had no doubt heard Mr. Mygatt relate his connection with the war. If he had not, he would not have sought for evidence to verify a statement never made. Those acquainted with Mr. Mygatt would require no further proof than his own word. Mr. Whittlesey says: "Comfort S. Mygatt served some period of the War of the Revolution as Fife Major. The time cannot be definitely obtained nor the name of the Colonel. Najah Taylor of Brooklyn, N.Y., a relative now in his 92nd year, (July, 1859) who served his apprenticeship with the subject of this sketch and continued with him some time as a journeyman, was written to for some information in regard to Mr. Mygatt's military services. "The most that he recollected was that in the year of 1793 or 4, Mr. Mygatt with others and himself were going to New York city, and as they descended the hill to cross King's Bridge over the river that separates New York Island from the main lands, Mr. Mygatt observed that during the time of said war he was a fifer, and once came down that hill blowing his fife at the head of his regiment."
Mr. Mygatt's trade was that of a silversmith. He worked at this business until his savings enabled him to start in general merchandising in his native town, and he continued in this business in Danbury and Canfield the remainder of his life.
On the 26th of October, 1783, Mr. Mygatt married Lucy Knapp, a daughter of a deacon, by whom were born to him in Danbury the following named children: Abigail, Polly, Julia, Betsey, Comfort, Lucy, George, and Anna Maria - eight in number. On the 4th of March, 1804, the wife and mother of these children was removed by death. It is upon record "that she was an affectionate wife and mother; of lovely disposition, benevolent and charitable."
On the 20th of March, 1805, Mr. Mygatt married Mrs. Eleanor Stiles, who had by her first husband two children, Jairus and Henry. Through these sons we have the Stiles' of Warren, and perhaps of other places. Comfort S. Mygatt and his wife Eleanor were the parents of the following children: Amanda, Eli, Eleanor, Hannah, Comfort Stewart, Julia Anna and Almira. Mr. Mygatt was the father of fifteen children and including step-children had seventeen to surround his Thanksgiving table. In addition Mr. Mygatt was given to hospitality. His home was open to a tide of visitors. Dear me! What could we do with such families now? It would require the income of a Rockefeller to provide for such a household of girls and boys. Just think of the bills the "Old Governor" would have to respond to! What a blessing it was that New Connecticut was discovered when it was! Old Connecticut then had a chance to spread herself - to save herself from suffocation caused by over-production.
In process of time a system of subtraction and addition was established in the family of Mr. Mygatt. In other words, marriages were reducing the number while births were adding to the number. This happy arrangement was practiced for quite a number of years, and served to preserve a fair equilibrium in the size of the family. Lewis Hoyt in 1804 enticed the oldest daughter from the fold. In 1806 Elisha Whittlesey did the same with Polly, the second daughter. In 1807 Eli T. Boughton married Julia, the third branch. The above named daughters were married at the old Danbury home. When the family came to Canfield Cupid was soon on hand. The fourth daughter, Betsey, was given with the parental blessing to Canfield's first merchant, Zalmon Fitch, in 1808. In 1814 Asahel Adams secured for a wife the last one of the first group of daughters.
Of the daughters of the second marriage of Mr. Mygatt Amanda married a Mr. McFarland in 1828, and were the parents of Mrs. Kate Ruggles of Youngstown. Eleanor married in 1829 Alson Kent, a leading and enterprising merchant in Canfield. The daughter Hannah in 1826 married W.S.C. Otis, an attorney of considerable note in his day.
Anna Maria died in Canfield at the age of 13 with consumption, Julia (wife of Mr. Boughton) in 1813, of the same disease. Their mother died at the age of 34, death caused by the same complaint. Comfort, a son by the first marriage, died of the "prevailing fever" in 1814. At the time of his death he was affianced to Bridget Tanner. The poor girl did not long survive the terrible shock. She soon pined away and was laid to rest by the side of Comfort. This we may suppose was her dying request. If any are so disposed they can to this day notice in the row of tombstones placed in the memory of the Mygatt family in the village cemetery, two humble slabs, such as were used then, side by side, the dedication to the memory Comfort Mygatt, aged 21 years, the other to Bridget Tanner, aged 18. These stones may be looked upon a mementos of undying constancy that reaches, for ought we know to the contrary, beyond this life.
It may be remembered that Mr. Comfort S. Mygatt's son-in-law, Mr. Whittlesey, came to Canfield in the spring of 1806 and found temporary quarters for himself and wife in a chamber room. In the autumn of the same year this happy couple were joyfully surprised by an unannounced visit of Mr. Mygatt, accompanied by Mr. Whittlesey's brother Beale, a lawyer. There was joy in the little room, and room enough for all. The only bed was given to the welcome guests, and Elisha and Polly selected a soft spot on the floor for their repose. Polly could hardly refrain from a little chuckle of pride as she pointed to her little table and splint-bottomed chairs, so different from what her father represented their lot would be in the wilderness. Mrs. Whittlesey says "they got along very well with the dear ones" in their little room. From which we learn that substantial happiness comes from within rather from without. Love and affection, coupled with kindness, makes room for the more enduring joys of life. Mrs. Whittlesey, after experiencing a life of hardship and poverty and then of abundance, says that her happiest days were spent in a log cabin.
Mr. Mygatt occupied much of his visiting time in exploring the country and visiting the surrounding settlements, such as Warren, Youngstown, and elsewhere. No doubt many of the settlers knew him, or knew of him, in Connecticut and appreciated the advantage of the acquisition of such a man to their number. Great attention was paid him and this kind of attention pays when the recipient is worthy. On the part of Mr. Mygatt he was well pleased with the country and the prospects it held out to one engaged in his kind of business, but at the time gave no intimation of what his plans or purposes were for the future. Upon his return to Danbury it appears he soon took active measures to dispose of his property there and so arrange his affairs as to return the following season to Canfield to make the place his permanent abode. A few months after his return from his visit he requested Mr. Whittlesey, without saying for what purposes, to purchase and hold for his order "a large quantity of meat, several barrels of flour and several hundred pounds of maple sugar in the spring." The flour had to be brought from Georgetown, in Beaver county, Pa. When first read this order for family supplies surprised me on account of its liberality, but becoming more familiar with the size of the family my surprise ceased.
On the 3rd of June, 1807, a loaded ox team started for Canfield, and on the 10th of the month the family with more teams, presumable horse teams, left Danbury and arrived at Canfield, July 7th, making the journey in 28 days, the best time noted up to this date. We will suppose the roads were becoming better or the teams were better steppers. Mr. Whittlesey's carriage and team used by himself and wife in coming out the previous summer was made to serve a good purpose in meeting the incoming emigrants at the point east of Pittsburgh. Mr. Whittlesey, as driver, took on board her step-mother, and sisters, Betsey, Lucy, Anna Maria, and Amanda. Thus headed the caravan arrived to the end of their long journey. It was in all probability a gala day in the little village, and the mutual greetings hearty and sincere. In the spring of 1807 the Whittlesey family had moved into a two-roomed log cabin that stood near the after residence of the family. To this rude home the Mygatt family were conducted. Polly's one bed was given to "father and mother." The remainder of a dozen or more found a safe place for sleep on the puncheon floor. Safe because if they rolled out of bed they could easily roll back again.
This crowded condition of affairs continued for some days, at the end of which the hive swarmed. Mr. Mygatt and family found quarters in a little frame building belonging to Gen. Wadsworth that stood, we think, south and near the Congregational church. This frame building at some period not known was removed to West St., and became the home at first and afterwards the workshop of the late Elijah Bond. The building a few years ago was demolished.
I said in a late number of the Dispatch that I knew of no vestige left of the carding machine in 1810. I am informed by A.D. Wood that he remembered of hearing Aaron Collar say that the carding works were erected on the site of the Congregational church, or near to it. The building was afterwards moved to where Dr. Coy now lives. It was a two- storied building of good size. When fitted up for a dwelling it was for long years known as the old yellow building. In recent years it was set back a few rods, and further on changed so that it makes a sightly barn for stabling, storage rooms, etc. and there is nothing that I can see to prevent its being there at the close of the next century. Canfield, O. J. TRUESDALE (To be continued.)"
Mahoning Dispatch, Fri, 19 Nov 1897, Article No. 43 by Dr. Jackson Truesdale
"Editor Dispatch: - Mr. Mygatt was too much of a hustler to remain long unemployed, and to use an old expression had "too many mouths to fill" to spend time in idleness. Soon after his arrival he purchased village lot No. 17. This lot was the southeast corner at the intersection of the center roads, and was one of 32 lots all containing 7 92/100 acres of land; so near to 8 acre lots that they were commonly called 8-acre lots. They were in width a little over 22 rods and in length 57 rods. Twelve of them faced the commons, or what we call Broad street; 10 more face (5 on each side) on East street; and 10 remaining in the same way on West street. A better idea of the size and shape of these lots may be gained by noting lot 7, owned by Orange Fales in its original entirety. Mr. Mygatt's lot reached from the corner and included a part of the Congregational Church lot, and extended east so as to include John McCoy's residence. I have but little doubt that this lot was partly or wholly cleared before 1807. My first recollection of the lot dates back to the thirties, when much more than the half was covered by an orchard, nearly if not all of apples. A very few of these old trees may yet be seen. Mr. Mygatt also at one time became the owner of a large farm on East street. The historical farm first, we think, was owned and improved by Nathan Moore, the surveyor of this and many other townships on the Reserve. Moore in 1806 sold this farm to Archibald Johnston, whose sad history may be found in our earlier history.
We have already noted the establishment of the second store on the Reserve and the first in Canfield in 1804 by Herman Canfield and Zal. Fitch. Upon the coming of Mr. Mygatt this store formed the nucleus for a larger and more effective organization under the firm name of Mygatt, Canfield & Fitch. The addition of capital and experience enabled the firm to transact a large amount of business, a very great proportion of which would be in the way of exchange of goods for produce. It must not be supposed that this store depended upon Canfield alone for patronage. On the contrary, it remained for some years the only store for a large region surrounding our township. In order to meet this increased trade a larger building became necessary. Preparations were commenced at once and Mr. Mygatt (we see no other name mentioned) erected on the northwest corner of his lot a store building that would in those early days be looked upon as large and commodious. As first built it was one story high with dormer windows in the attic. At some period subsequently, but by whom we do not know, it was changed to two full stories with a peculiar roof, perhaps called a hip roof, but whether this is the right term or not, the roof descended on both sides of the cone at the usual angle and when half way down descended to the eaves at a much steeper angle, giving to the roof the appearance of having three cones. It stood this way for many years, when the roof was again changed to the common style. This building stood for a long time a conspicuous landmark, and was occupied after it ceased to be a store room for a variety of purposes. For many years it was the headquarters for several newspaper publications, among which we note the Republican Sentinel, edited (at least for a time), by our friend Wm. B. Dawson, now of the Vindicator. Some 20 to 21 years ago The Mahoning Dispatch was born into the world under the roof of this famous building. It has a roof of its own at present and rejoices in its well earned prosperity and patronage.
Mr. Mygatt had too much push and energy to remain with his large family cooped up in a small rented house. He soon began the erection of a dwelling that continues to be known as the Mygatt house, although long since it passed to the ownership of the late D.J. Church. It was completed and the family moved into it in 1809. This dwelling when finished was perhaps one of the most pretentious in the growing village at the date of its construction and maintained its position as such for many years after. Besides being large and roomy internally, it had a double or two-story portico in front the entire length of the building. This portico has long since been removed. Otherwise the dwelling remains very much as first constructed and is in good preservation, and so far as we can see has not lived out half its days. Mr. Mygatt said he built a large house so that he would have plenty of room to dispense hospitality. During his life time it was the home of the traveling missionary, as well as the place for public worship and other social gatherings. At the early date of which we write (1809) there were a number of other dwellings at the center claiming more or less respectability, among which we would mention such as Gen. Wadsworth's, Elisha Whittlesey's, Ensign Church's, Tryal Tanner's, Jonah Scofield's, Herman Canfield's, Cook Fitch's, etc.
In 1807 Mr. Mygatt united with the then feeble Congregational church. His liberality, zeal and activity were of infinite value to that denomination and to the entire community. In the absence of a settled ministry he was called upon occasionally to conduct funerals with the forms of christian burials, and it is said of him that in this capacity "he was eloquent and effective". "If he had been educated for the bar or the pulpit he would have adorned either." Before coming to Canfield he represented his native town for one term in the legislature of Connecticut. In 1809 Canfield came near having one of its citizens appointed to a seat in the United States Senate. A vacancy occurring that year, Gov. Samuel Huntington of Trumbull county, who from personal acquaintance with Mr. Mygatt knew of his ability, tendered him until the legislature met, this now coveted position. Mr. Mygatt declined the proffered honor on the ground that his political views were not in harmony with the majority of the people of Ohio. In other words he was a confirmed Federalist of the Washington and Hamilton schools, was opposed to the embargo act and the proposed declaration of war against Great Britain, but when war was declared he advocated more energetic efforts in carrying it on. If such had been the case the everlasting and shameful disgrace of suffering a small force of British soldiers burning our national capital and putting our president and other officers to flight would have been avoided. Mr. Mygatt rendered efficient aid to Gen. Wadsworth in his western campaign in 1812. At the General's request he went to Pittsburgh for camp equipage and supplies making himself personally responsible for the payment. He also furnished supplies for the army to the amount exceeding $1,000 not knowing whether he would or not get his pay from the government.
"In the fall of 1823 he went to Columbus and Lancaster and returned by the way of Zanesville accompanied by Thos. D. Webb of Warren and Elisha Whittlesey. Autumnal fevers were common then in the cities, towns and country he visited, and at Zanesville lights were burning in a large proportion of houses when they resumed their journey before daylight, indicating general sickness. He declined on the journey spirits or medicine. Soon after he returned home he was taken with a fever. Medicine partially restored him and he was actively engaged in his store part of a day, when fever followed, and after several days of suffering died on the 17th day of October, 1823, aged 60 years." We judge from what we read that Mr. Mygatt's death entailed not only a severe loss to his family, but a very great one to an extensive community. He was largely engaged in business and as a business man had proved himself accurate, prompt and honest. In social life kind and charitable, especially to the poor and needy. As a husband and parent, devoted and affectionate. As a christian man, liberal, devout and consistent.
We have but little room, and lack proper information to say much of the numerous children. We have already noted the marriages of several of his daughters. Two more of them, to-wit: Abigail, the wife of Lewis Hoyt, and Julia, the wife of Eli T. Boughton, in the summer of 1808 came to Canfield, so that his entire family for a while at least were residents of this place, but several of them not long afterwards removed elsewhere, and therefore did not become greatly identified with our history. Among those who remained and spent their lives with us was Polly, the wife of Mr. Whittlesey, of whom we have spoken sufficiently. Comfort S. Mygatt, a son by the second wife, was born March 3rd, 1815, and died Dec. 4, 1892. With the exception of a few years in Washington in government employment he spent his life with us. He was a well known man in business life. He commenced his career as a clerk in the store of his brother-in-law, Alson Kent, and was entrusted by him when scarcely more than a boy to go east and purchase the customary semi-annual stock of goods. In time he dealt in goods for many years on his own account or in partnership with others with varying success. His last business venture was in connection with Wm. Porter of Austintown, which proved disastrous, and from which he never recovered. His remaining years were spent partly in retirement, in clerkships, and for a while was connected with the revenue department of Northern Ohio.
Almira, the youngest child of Comfort S. Mygatt, and the only one of the family of children that survives, was born in Canfield and has lived nowhere else. Though somewhat frail she gets about quite comfortably and is a constant attendant at her place of worship. For more than 70 years as child and woman her place has been regularly occupied in the venerable sanctuary. Some twenty-five years ago, more or less, she married Stephen A. Jones, a man of very considerable scientific requirements and knowledge, gained by travel and study. For several years he resided as agent for some association in Palestine. His knowledge of geology and metallurgy made his services valuable as a prospector for oil and land, ores and minerals, and in this line he traveled for interested parties. He died in Canfield some years ago, aged over ninety years. His body was taken to Stockbridge, Mass., for interment.
George, son of Comfort S., sen., we would infer from after pursuits, in his boyhood days assisted his father in the store, but at an early age went into the service of the old Western Reserve Bank, of which his father was a director. Afterwards he was engaged for a number of years in merchandising in Warren and served the county as tax collector. In 1829 he was elected sheriff of the county and served four years, and as such had in charge the hanging of the murderer Gardner. After finishing his terms as sheriff he served for 12 years as cashier of banks in Norwalk and Painesville. He was then called to Cleveland to take the presidency of the City Bank of Cleveland. He resided in Cleveland the remainder of his life, most of which he spent in banking and at one time he was a member of the legislature.
Eli, the only remaining child of C.S. Mygatt, sen., that we have space to notice, was born July 16, 1807, in Canfield, some nine days after the arrival of the family from Connecticut. When young he was appointed to the cadetship at the military school at West Point on the Hudson river, but before graduating there for some cause left or was dismissed. Perhaps the rigid discipline of the place was not congenial to his independent temperament. He thereupon turned his attention to the study of medicine and became a well read and skillful physician. He opened an office for only a brief period in Canfield, and in 1829, in conjunction with Dr. J.P. Kirtland of Poland, commenced the practice of medicine there and continued it through a long life. His wife was Lois T. Kirtland, a niece of Dr. Kirtland and a daughter of Jared P. Kirtland. Canfield, O. J. TRUESDALE (To be continued.)"
Husband of
1. Lucy nee KNAPP – m. 26 Oct 1783 in Danbury, Fairfield Co. CT
2. Eleanor Stiles nee STEWART – m. 20 Mar 1805 in Danbury, Fairfield Co. CT
Son of Eli and Abigail Starr Mygatt
B. 23 Aug 1763 in Danbury, Fairfield Co. CT
D. 17 Oct 1823 in Canfield Twp., Trumbull (now Mahoning) Co. OH at 60y 1m 24d of typhus fever
Burial – Oct 1823 in Canfield Village Cemetery, Section B Row 02, Canfield, Mahoning Co. OH
Note: He served in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812.
War of 1812, Cpl., Capt. J. Doud's Co.
MYGATT, Lucy nee KNAPP
Mrs. Comfort Starr Mygatt – m. 26 Oct 1783 in Danbury, Fairfield Co. CT
Daughter of Joshua and Abigail Bostwick Knapp
B. 17 Aug 1766 in Danbury, Fairfield Co. CT
D. 4 Mar 1804 in Danbury, Fairfield Co. CT at 37y 8m 16d
Mahoning Dispatch, Fri, 12 Nov 1897, Article No. 42, by Dr. Jackson Truesdale
Excerpt from biographical sketch of Comfort Starr Mygatt:
"On the 26th of October, 1783, Mr. Mygatt married Lucy Knapp, a daughter of a deacon, by whom were born to him in Danbury the following named children: Abigail, Polly, Julia, Betsey, Comfort, Lucy, George, and Anna Maria - eight in number. On the 4th of March, 1804, the wife and mother of these children was removed by death. It is upon record "that she was an affectionate wife and mother; of lovely disposition, benevolent and charitable."
Mahoning Dispatch, Fri, 12 Nov 1897, Article No. 42, by Dr. Jackson Truesdale
"Editor Dispatch: - If asked to designate by name the three most prominent and conspicuous men of the early settlers of Canfield (prior to 1810) we would unhesitatingly respond by saying they were General Elijah Wadsworth, Hon. Elisha Whittlesey and Comfort S. Mygatt; and each one of them excelled in different spheres. General Wadsworth was the most prominent military officer in Northern Ohio, and a man who counted his acres by the thousands, as well as a business man in large affairs. Elisha Whittlesey was the most distinguished as an efficient public officer. C.S. Mygatt was the most prominent as an all around and every-day business man, and in public and private improvements.
Two of these three men had but a few years in which to do their work. Gen. Wadsworth from 1802 to 1817 and Mr. Mygatt from 1807 to 1823 - some 15 to 16 years. While living, these men are very frequently referred to in connection with nearly every enterprise and improvement of a public nature. We will endeavor to give as well as we are able a brief outline of the latter named, omitting as usual much that might be said.
Comfort Starr Mygatt was born in Danbury, Conn., Aug. 23rd, 1763. His father, Eli Mygatt, served for 20 years his town, county and state in positions of honor and trust. While engaged in the duties of a legislator he died in New Haven in 1807. His long and satisfactory public services to the state induced the legislature to make an appropriation sufficient to cover the expenses of his last sickness, burial, and the monument over his grave. We think Mr. C.S. Mygatt is entitled to the honor of being ranked as a Revolutionary patriot, and for the benefit of his female descendants who may desire to become members of the "Daughters of the Revolution" we will quote in full perhaps all the evidence now obtainable bearing on the question. The government archives were burned in the war of 1812, so that official evidence cannot be found. Mr. Whittlesey had no doubt heard Mr. Mygatt relate his connection with the war. If he had not, he would not have sought for evidence to verify a statement never made. Those acquainted with Mr. Mygatt would require no further proof than his own word. Mr. Whittlesey says: "Comfort S. Mygatt served some period of the War of the Revolution as Fife Major. The time cannot be definitely obtained nor the name of the Colonel. Najah Taylor of Brooklyn, N.Y., a relative now in his 92nd year, (July, 1859) who served his apprenticeship with the subject of this sketch and continued with him some time as a journeyman, was written to for some information in regard to Mr. Mygatt's military services. "The most that he recollected was that in the year of 1793 or 4, Mr. Mygatt with others and himself were going to New York city, and as they descended the hill to cross King's Bridge over the river that separates New York Island from the main lands, Mr. Mygatt observed that during the time of said war he was a fifer, and once came down that hill blowing his fife at the head of his regiment."
Mr. Mygatt's trade was that of a silversmith. He worked at this business until his savings enabled him to start in general merchandising in his native town, and he continued in this business in Danbury and Canfield the remainder of his life.
On the 26th of October, 1783, Mr. Mygatt married Lucy Knapp, a daughter of a deacon, by whom were born to him in Danbury the following named children: Abigail, Polly, Julia, Betsey, Comfort, Lucy, George, and Anna Maria - eight in number. On the 4th of March, 1804, the wife and mother of these children was removed by death. It is upon record "that she was an affectionate wife and mother; of lovely disposition, benevolent and charitable."
On the 20th of March, 1805, Mr. Mygatt married Mrs. Eleanor Stiles, who had by her first husband two children, Jairus and Henry. Through these sons we have the Stiles' of Warren, and perhaps of other places. Comfort S. Mygatt and his wife Eleanor were the parents of the following children: Amanda, Eli, Eleanor, Hannah, Comfort Stewart, Julia Anna and Almira. Mr. Mygatt was the father of fifteen children and including step-children had seventeen to surround his Thanksgiving table. In addition Mr. Mygatt was given to hospitality. His home was open to a tide of visitors. Dear me! What could we do with such families now? It would require the income of a Rockefeller to provide for such a household of girls and boys. Just think of the bills the "Old Governor" would have to respond to! What a blessing it was that New Connecticut was discovered when it was! Old Connecticut then had a chance to spread herself - to save herself from suffocation caused by over-production.
In process of time a system of subtraction and addition was established in the family of Mr. Mygatt. In other words, marriages were reducing the number while births were adding to the number. This happy arrangement was practiced for quite a number of years, and served to preserve a fair equilibrium in the size of the family. Lewis Hoyt in 1804 enticed the oldest daughter from the fold. In 1806 Elisha Whittlesey did the same with Polly, the second daughter. In 1807 Eli T. Boughton married Julia, the third branch. The above named daughters were married at the old Danbury home. When the family came to Canfield Cupid was soon on hand. The fourth daughter, Betsey, was given with the parental blessing to Canfield's first merchant, Zalmon Fitch, in 1808. In 1814 Asahel Adams secured for a wife the last one of the first group of daughters.
Of the daughters of the second marriage of Mr. Mygatt Amanda married a Mr. McFarland in 1828, and were the parents of Mrs. Kate Ruggles of Youngstown. Eleanor married in 1829 Alson Kent, a leading and enterprising merchant in Canfield. The daughter Hannah in 1826 married W.S.C. Otis, an attorney of considerable note in his day.
Anna Maria died in Canfield at the age of 13 with consumption, Julia (wife of Mr. Boughton) in 1813, of the same disease. Their mother died at the age of 34, death caused by the same complaint. Comfort, a son by the first marriage, died of the "prevailing fever" in 1814. At the time of his death he was affianced to Bridget Tanner. The poor girl did not long survive the terrible shock. She soon pined away and was laid to rest by the side of Comfort. This we may suppose was her dying request. If any are so disposed they can to this day notice in the row of tombstones placed in the memory of the Mygatt family in the village cemetery, two humble slabs, such as were used then, side by side, the dedication to the memory Comfort Mygatt, aged 21 years, the other to Bridget Tanner, aged 18. These stones may be looked upon a mementos of undying constancy that reaches, for ought we know to the contrary, beyond this life.
It may be remembered that Mr. Comfort S. Mygatt's son-in-law, Mr. Whittlesey, came to Canfield in the spring of 1806 and found temporary quarters for himself and wife in a chamber room. In the autumn of the same year this happy couple were joyfully surprised by an unannounced visit of Mr. Mygatt, accompanied by Mr. Whittlesey's brother Beale, a lawyer. There was joy in the little room, and room enough for all. The only bed was given to the welcome guests, and Elisha and Polly selected a soft spot on the floor for their repose. Polly could hardly refrain from a little chuckle of pride as she pointed to her little table and splint-bottomed chairs, so different from what her father represented their lot would be in the wilderness. Mrs. Whittlesey says "they got along very well with the dear ones" in their little room. From which we learn that substantial happiness comes from within rather from without. Love and affection, coupled with kindness, makes room for the more enduring joys of life. Mrs. Whittlesey, after experiencing a life of hardship and poverty and then of abundance, says that her happiest days were spent in a log cabin.
Mr. Mygatt occupied much of his visiting time in exploring the country and visiting the surrounding settlements, such as Warren, Youngstown, and elsewhere. No doubt many of the settlers knew him, or knew of him, in Connecticut and appreciated the advantage of the acquisition of such a man to their number. Great attention was paid him and this kind of attention pays when the recipient is worthy. On the part of Mr. Mygatt he was well pleased with the country and the prospects it held out to one engaged in his kind of business, but at the time gave no intimation of what his plans or purposes were for the future. Upon his return to Danbury it appears he soon took active measures to dispose of his property there and so arrange his affairs as to return the following season to Canfield to make the place his permanent abode. A few months after his return from his visit he requested Mr. Whittlesey, without saying for what purposes, to purchase and hold for his order "a large quantity of meat, several barrels of flour and several hundred pounds of maple sugar in the spring." The flour had to be brought from Georgetown, in Beaver county, Pa. When first read this order for family supplies surprised me on account of its liberality, but becoming more familiar with the size of the family my surprise ceased.
On the 3rd of June, 1807, a loaded ox team started for Canfield, and on the 10th of the month the family with more teams, presumable horse teams, left Danbury and arrived at Canfield, July 7th, making the journey in 28 days, the best time noted up to this date. We will suppose the roads were becoming better or the teams were better steppers. Mr. Whittlesey's carriage and team used by himself and wife in coming out the previous summer was made to serve a good purpose in meeting the incoming emigrants at the point east of Pittsburgh. Mr. Whittlesey, as driver, took on board her step-mother, and sisters, Betsey, Lucy, Anna Maria, and Amanda. Thus headed the caravan arrived to the end of their long journey. It was in all probability a gala day in the little village, and the mutual greetings hearty and sincere. In the spring of 1807 the Whittlesey family had moved into a two-roomed log cabin that stood near the after residence of the family. To this rude home the Mygatt family were conducted. Polly's one bed was given to "father and mother." The remainder of a dozen or more found a safe place for sleep on the puncheon floor. Safe because if they rolled out of bed they could easily roll back again.
This crowded condition of affairs continued for some days, at the end of which the hive swarmed. Mr. Mygatt and family found quarters in a little frame building belonging to Gen. Wadsworth that stood, we think, south and near the Congregational church. This frame building at some period not known was removed to West St., and became the home at first and afterwards the workshop of the late Elijah Bond. The building a few years ago was demolished.
I said in a late number of the Dispatch that I knew of no vestige left of the carding machine in 1810. I am informed by A.D. Wood that he remembered of hearing Aaron Collar say that the carding works were erected on the site of the Congregational church, or near to it. The building was afterwards moved to where Dr. Coy now lives. It was a two- storied building of good size. When fitted up for a dwelling it was for long years known as the old yellow building. In recent years it was set back a few rods, and further on changed so that it makes a sightly barn for stabling, storage rooms, etc. and there is nothing that I can see to prevent its being there at the close of the next century. Canfield, O. J. TRUESDALE (To be continued.)"
Mahoning Dispatch, Fri, 19 Nov 1897, Article No. 43 by Dr. Jackson Truesdale
"Editor Dispatch: - Mr. Mygatt was too much of a hustler to remain long unemployed, and to use an old expression had "too many mouths to fill" to spend time in idleness. Soon after his arrival he purchased village lot No. 17. This lot was the southeast corner at the intersection of the center roads, and was one of 32 lots all containing 7 92/100 acres of land; so near to 8 acre lots that they were commonly called 8-acre lots. They were in width a little over 22 rods and in length 57 rods. Twelve of them faced the commons, or what we call Broad street; 10 more face (5 on each side) on East street; and 10 remaining in the same way on West street. A better idea of the size and shape of these lots may be gained by noting lot 7, owned by Orange Fales in its original entirety. Mr. Mygatt's lot reached from the corner and included a part of the Congregational Church lot, and extended east so as to include John McCoy's residence. I have but little doubt that this lot was partly or wholly cleared before 1807. My first recollection of the lot dates back to the thirties, when much more than the half was covered by an orchard, nearly if not all of apples. A very few of these old trees may yet be seen. Mr. Mygatt also at one time became the owner of a large farm on East street. The historical farm first, we think, was owned and improved by Nathan Moore, the surveyor of this and many other townships on the Reserve. Moore in 1806 sold this farm to Archibald Johnston, whose sad history may be found in our earlier history.
We have already noted the establishment of the second store on the Reserve and the first in Canfield in 1804 by Herman Canfield and Zal. Fitch. Upon the coming of Mr. Mygatt this store formed the nucleus for a larger and more effective organization under the firm name of Mygatt, Canfield & Fitch. The addition of capital and experience enabled the firm to transact a large amount of business, a very great proportion of which would be in the way of exchange of goods for produce. It must not be supposed that this store depended upon Canfield alone for patronage. On the contrary, it remained for some years the only store for a large region surrounding our township. In order to meet this increased trade a larger building became necessary. Preparations were commenced at once and Mr. Mygatt (we see no other name mentioned) erected on the northwest corner of his lot a store building that would in those early days be looked upon as large and commodious. As first built it was one story high with dormer windows in the attic. At some period subsequently, but by whom we do not know, it was changed to two full stories with a peculiar roof, perhaps called a hip roof, but whether this is the right term or not, the roof descended on both sides of the cone at the usual angle and when half way down descended to the eaves at a much steeper angle, giving to the roof the appearance of having three cones. It stood this way for many years, when the roof was again changed to the common style. This building stood for a long time a conspicuous landmark, and was occupied after it ceased to be a store room for a variety of purposes. For many years it was the headquarters for several newspaper publications, among which we note the Republican Sentinel, edited (at least for a time), by our friend Wm. B. Dawson, now of the Vindicator. Some 20 to 21 years ago The Mahoning Dispatch was born into the world under the roof of this famous building. It has a roof of its own at present and rejoices in its well earned prosperity and patronage.
Mr. Mygatt had too much push and energy to remain with his large family cooped up in a small rented house. He soon began the erection of a dwelling that continues to be known as the Mygatt house, although long since it passed to the ownership of the late D.J. Church. It was completed and the family moved into it in 1809. This dwelling when finished was perhaps one of the most pretentious in the growing village at the date of its construction and maintained its position as such for many years after. Besides being large and roomy internally, it had a double or two-story portico in front the entire length of the building. This portico has long since been removed. Otherwise the dwelling remains very much as first constructed and is in good preservation, and so far as we can see has not lived out half its days. Mr. Mygatt said he built a large house so that he would have plenty of room to dispense hospitality. During his life time it was the home of the traveling missionary, as well as the place for public worship and other social gatherings. At the early date of which we write (1809) there were a number of other dwellings at the center claiming more or less respectability, among which we would mention such as Gen. Wadsworth's, Elisha Whittlesey's, Ensign Church's, Tryal Tanner's, Jonah Scofield's, Herman Canfield's, Cook Fitch's, etc.
In 1807 Mr. Mygatt united with the then feeble Congregational church. His liberality, zeal and activity were of infinite value to that denomination and to the entire community. In the absence of a settled ministry he was called upon occasionally to conduct funerals with the forms of christian burials, and it is said of him that in this capacity "he was eloquent and effective". "If he had been educated for the bar or the pulpit he would have adorned either." Before coming to Canfield he represented his native town for one term in the legislature of Connecticut. In 1809 Canfield came near having one of its citizens appointed to a seat in the United States Senate. A vacancy occurring that year, Gov. Samuel Huntington of Trumbull county, who from personal acquaintance with Mr. Mygatt knew of his ability, tendered him until the legislature met, this now coveted position. Mr. Mygatt declined the proffered honor on the ground that his political views were not in harmony with the majority of the people of Ohio. In other words he was a confirmed Federalist of the Washington and Hamilton schools, was opposed to the embargo act and the proposed declaration of war against Great Britain, but when war was declared he advocated more energetic efforts in carrying it on. If such had been the case the everlasting and shameful disgrace of suffering a small force of British soldiers burning our national capital and putting our president and other officers to flight would have been avoided. Mr. Mygatt rendered efficient aid to Gen. Wadsworth in his western campaign in 1812. At the General's request he went to Pittsburgh for camp equipage and supplies making himself personally responsible for the payment. He also furnished supplies for the army to the amount exceeding $1,000 not knowing whether he would or not get his pay from the government.
"In the fall of 1823 he went to Columbus and Lancaster and returned by the way of Zanesville accompanied by Thos. D. Webb of Warren and Elisha Whittlesey. Autumnal fevers were common then in the cities, towns and country he visited, and at Zanesville lights were burning in a large proportion of houses when they resumed their journey before daylight, indicating general sickness. He declined on the journey spirits or medicine. Soon after he returned home he was taken with a fever. Medicine partially restored him and he was actively engaged in his store part of a day, when fever followed, and after several days of suffering died on the 17th day of October, 1823, aged 60 years." We judge from what we read that Mr. Mygatt's death entailed not only a severe loss to his family, but a very great one to an extensive community. He was largely engaged in business and as a business man had proved himself accurate, prompt and honest. In social life kind and charitable, especially to the poor and needy. As a husband and parent, devoted and affectionate. As a christian man, liberal, devout and consistent.
We have but little room, and lack proper information to say much of the numerous children. We have already noted the marriages of several of his daughters. Two more of them, to-wit: Abigail, the wife of Lewis Hoyt, and Julia, the wife of Eli T. Boughton, in the summer of 1808 came to Canfield, so that his entire family for a while at least were residents of this place, but several of them not long afterwards removed elsewhere, and therefore did not become greatly identified with our history. Among those who remained and spent their lives with us was Polly, the wife of Mr. Whittlesey, of whom we have spoken sufficiently. Comfort S. Mygatt, a son by the second wife, was born March 3rd, 1815, and died Dec. 4, 1892. With the exception of a few years in Washington in government employment he spent his life with us. He was a well known man in business life. He commenced his career as a clerk in the store of his brother-in-law, Alson Kent, and was entrusted by him when scarcely more than a boy to go east and purchase the customary semi-annual stock of goods. In time he dealt in goods for many years on his own account or in partnership with others with varying success. His last business venture was in connection with Wm. Porter of Austintown, which proved disastrous, and from which he never recovered. His remaining years were spent partly in retirement, in clerkships, and for a while was connected with the revenue department of Northern Ohio.
Almira, the youngest child of Comfort S. Mygatt, and the only one of the family of children that survives, was born in Canfield and has lived nowhere else. Though somewhat frail she gets about quite comfortably and is a constant attendant at her place of worship. For more than 70 years as child and woman her place has been regularly occupied in the venerable sanctuary. Some twenty-five years ago, more or less, she married Stephen A. Jones, a man of very considerable scientific requirements and knowledge, gained by travel and study. For several years he resided as agent for some association in Palestine. His knowledge of geology and metallurgy made his services valuable as a prospector for oil and land, ores and minerals, and in this line he traveled for interested parties. He died in Canfield some years ago, aged over ninety years. His body was taken to Stockbridge, Mass., for interment.
George, son of Comfort S., sen., we would infer from after pursuits, in his boyhood days assisted his father in the store, but at an early age went into the service of the old Western Reserve Bank, of which his father was a director. Afterwards he was engaged for a number of years in merchandising in Warren and served the county as tax collector. In 1829 he was elected sheriff of the county and served four years, and as such had in charge the hanging of the murderer Gardner. After finishing his terms as sheriff he served for 12 years as cashier of banks in Norwalk and Painesville. He was then called to Cleveland to take the presidency of the City Bank of Cleveland. He resided in Cleveland the remainder of his life, most of which he spent in banking and at one time he was a member of the legislature.
Eli, the only remaining child of C.S. Mygatt, sen., that we have space to notice, was born July 16, 1807, in Canfield, some nine days after the arrival of the family from Connecticut. When young he was appointed to the cadetship at the military school at West Point on the Hudson river, but before graduating there for some cause left or was dismissed. Perhaps the rigid discipline of the place was not congenial to his independent temperament. He thereupon turned his attention to the study of medicine and became a well read and skillful physician. He opened an office for only a brief period in Canfield, and in 1829, in conjunction with Dr. J.P. Kirtland of Poland, commenced the practice of medicine there and continued it through a long life. His wife was Lois T. Kirtland, a niece of Dr. Kirtland and a daughter of Jared P. Kirtland. Canfield, O. J. TRUESDALE (To be continued.)"
Family Members
Siblings
Half Siblings
Children
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Abigail "Abbie" Mygatt Hoyt
1785–1867
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Polly Mygatt Whittlesey
1787–1855
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Julia Mygatt Boughton
1789–1813
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Betsey M Mygatt Fitch
1791–1838
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Mary Magdalene Mygatt Mell
1791–1849
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Comfort Mygatt
1792–1814
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Lucy Mygatt Adams
1794–1885
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George Mygatt
1798–1885
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Anna Marie Mygatt
1799–1812
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Dr Eli Mygatt
1807–1885
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Hannah Mygatt Otis
1812–1840
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Comfort Stewart Mygatt
1815–1892
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Julia Anna Mygatt
1816–1832
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Almira M. Mygatt Jones
1818–1907
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Records on Ancestry
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