Joseph Harris founded Harrisville Township after running away from employer

Joseph Harris was born in Middletown, Connecticut. A custom in New England back then was for a young boy to be "bound out" as an apprentice until he came of age. However, Joseph did not like his employer, and in 1801, he ran away to the frontier — Portage County, Ohio. This is where he became associated with the Torrington Land Company. As an agent, in 1810, Harris set out to establish the location of this pioneer settlement farther west. Following the surveyor's "blazes" on the trees, he made his way through the woods, armed with only an ax and a few provisions. The story goes that when he reached the stream in Westfield known as Campbell's Creek, he found a fallen log to cross on, but halfway across he was confronted by a hungry bear. Harris was not about to turn back, so he put on a bold front and advanced upon the beast. The bear was so surprised that he abandoned his plans and headed into the woods for safety. By evening, Harris reached the ridge that runs southward to the east of our village. Looking across the forest of tall, majestic trees in the valley below, he built a campfire and determined that just ahead would be the first settlement in Medina County. Harris selected a site and marked the spot by building a crude log cabin, the chimney built with limbs covered with mud, no door with the entrance being a window over a lean-to. Then it was time to go back to Randolph, Ohio. Returning to Randolph, Harris prepared his family, consisting of wife Rachel, son Albert and Rachel's stepbrother James Redfield, for a spring move. They gathered their scant household goods and personal items, starting their journey 40 miles west. Their moving train consisted of four sheds hooked together and drawn by a yoke of oxen. With the ground covered with a foot of snow, they arrived in Harrisville (Lodi) on Feb. 14, 1811. Harrisville is the oldest township in Medina County and was variously described by its inhabitants as "the place where the sun shines brightest," and "the place where the rainbows come down." While that may be, Harrisville has always been noted for its up-and-coming citizens, for its devotion to community interests and for its patriotism in times of stress. Much of our early heritage in good citizenry was due to Judge Joseph Harris and his wife, Rachel, after whom the township was named. -- Founder's Day Tea: You are invited to the Lodi Harrisvile Historical Society Founder's Day Tea on Feb. 17. Tickets are $20 and include beverage service, a light meal and dessert program. The program will be "A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II." Tea and meal served at 1 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Lodi. Contact Jarred Grant atjarred.grant91@yahoo.com or call/text (330) 421-8582 to purchase tickets. Join us for a royally good time. Visitors are encouraged to wear a hat. Letha Mapes is the president of the Lodi Harrisville Historical Society.