Name/Title
"An Old Pioneer Gone" - Obituary of Joel B. CahoonEntry/Object ID
2000.FIC.02.350.2Scope and Content
An obituary of Joel B. Cahoon.
Joel passed away on September 28, 1882 at Rose Hill.
September 30, 1882
"An Old Pioneer Gone"
To the Editor of the Leader:
Little do those who enjoy the luxuries of life as it is to-day realize the labor and time necessary to prepare the unbroken forests for the home of man. Only occasionally do they think of a time when things were not as they are now. Yesterday the past was brought forcibly to the minds of many as the last loving duties were performed for one of the oldest of Cuyahoga's pioneers.
The sun never shone brighter at Rose Hill, the birds never warbled softer notes, and the waves never caressed the shore more gently than upon the funeral day when loving hands bore away from the dear home Joel B. Cahoon, who seventy years ago made the first settlement in Dover. He was closely identified with early days, and all their little incidents. It was upon Cahoon Creek that the first grist-mill west of Cleveland was built. It was himself who carried the mail from Cleveland to Maumee City on horseback seventy years ago, and marched away a soldier in 1813. Then, when the farm seemed too narrow for him, he moved out into the busy world, engaging in active life for twenty years before returning to the farm. While away in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Indiana, he was engaged in the construction of some of our first railroads and canals doing a very extensive business. But when age deprived him of his strength he walked in the and out among his loved ones with cheerful countenance, and pleasant words. For more than twenty years he was the host at the Cahoon Pioneer Celebration, which is annually held upon his grounds, and it was a sad sight to see the venerable men with bowed heads stand by the side of his form as it lay beneath the tree he planted sixty-eight years ago upon his lawn.
From all surrounding towns came those who respected and loved him, to meet him for the last time at Rose Hill. A double quartet sang, "He's Gone," which was followed by the reading of Scripture. Rev. John R. Jewett, a friend of many years, offered prayer in a feeling and affectionate manner after which was sung the 1000th hymn. Rev. F. Tolhurst, of Cleveland, who had visited Mr. Cahoon frequently during five years past and held religious conversation with him, made a few remarks upon the 6th and 7th verses of the 12th chapter of Ecclesiastes. He spoke of the long, useful, busy, and excellent life now ended. He spoke of the gentleness, the patience, the relance upon God in his latter days, and the assurance he had given his dear ones of the home beyond.
"Asleep in Jesus" was sung, after which the five sons bore the casket from the room he so dearly loved. Upon the sixth handle was a black ribbon which told of the other son, whose chair had long been vacant. How fitting that the same hands which ministered to his wants with so much tenderness, during his helplessness, should be the last to carry him.
At the Harris vault, in Erie Street Cemetery, gathered a number of friends to meet the sad procession, and Mrs. J.C. Fitzpatrick sang very beautifully "Abide With Me" before the burial service was read. Then the last look was taken of that calm, beautiful face, which eighty-nine years had failed to impair, and we left him sweetly sleeping in his quiet home, while his soul had reached the beautiful city with "an eternal day."
Cleveland, September 30.Collection
Early Family Papers: CahoonRelationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Tolhurst, T., Rev.Person or Organization
Jewett, J.R., Rev.Person or Organization
Van Allen, M.J.Person or Organization
Croghan, M.J.Person or Organization
Cahoon, Joel B.Person or Organization
Morehead, J.K., Hon.