To Nancy Crain ncrain1@aol.com and other CHAPIN researchers in Crawford County. Here is the information I found on that surname in the "History of Crawford County, PA, 1885." On page 552, in the history of Fairfield Township: "Near the west line of the township, in the western part of Tract 30, stands a frame United Brethren Church, erected in 1873, at a cost of $1,200. The class that worships here was organized with fourteen members in the winter of 1855, by Rev. J.L. Weaver. Z.R. Powell was chosen class-leader and L. Smock, Steward. Other early members were J.L. CHAPIN and Hiram Powell. The class numbers about twenty-five members, and is attached to Geneva Mission. It was formerly a part of New Lebanon Circuit. The ministers who have traveled this field of labor as nearly as can be ascertained were Revs. T. Foster, J.L. CHAPIN, B. Haak, P.W. Ish, Bradick, S. Hubler, C. Wheeler, A. Crowell, r. Smith, S. Casterline, F. Reynolds, D.B. Hodgkiss, C. Everetts, G.W. Franklin, S. Evans, H. Bedow, A. Meeker, N.C. Foulk, D.C. Starkey and T.J. Butterfield." On page 564, in the history of Hayfield Township: "The Norrisville, formerly Summerhill United Brethren Church was organized about 1853, by Rev. Rittenhouse. William CHAPIN and wife, Hiram Spencer and Edward Vredinburg and wife, were the first five members. Meetings were held in a schoolhouse in Summerhill Township, until about 1860, when the church structure was erected in Hayfield, near its western line. The society numbers about forty, and is a part of Cussewago Circuit." On page 604, in the history of Richmond Township: "The only other postoffice in the township is Lyona, situated in the southern part. Here may be found a store, a church, schoolhouse, shoe-shop, blacksmith-shop and several families. The office was established in 1868, and has had the following Postmasters: T.A. Stewart, John Fross, B.L. Lyon, D.B. CHAPIN and G.L. Sybrant. During its brief term of life it has rejoiced in three names: first Lyon's Hollow, then Lines, now Lyona. A postoffice was formerly kept a short time at Teepletown, in the north part of the township." On page 634, in the history of Sparta Township: "The Presbyterian Church of Sparta was organized May 21, 1844, by Revs. George W. Hampson and Amos Chase. Its first members were Eli D. Catlin and Mabel his wife, Wolcutt Bennett and Sally his wife, Mrs. Lua Smith, Joseph Culver, Mrs. Mary Culver, Eli D. Catlin Jr., Mrs. Sarah Catlin, Isaac Farndon and Nancy his wife, William McLay, Nathan Southwick, Josiah Brown, Charles Day and wife, and John Day and Sarah his wife. The first Elders were Josiah Brown, Eli D. Catlin and Horace Day. Eli D. Catlin Jr., Henry J. Smith, Charles Huntley and Isaac Farndon since served in that capacity. Meetings were held in the old schoolhouse until a large frame church was erected on the south side of Main Street. It was dedicated in October, 1849, by Rev. George W. Hampson. The church never had an installed pastor. Rev. William Johns commenced his labors as supply in 1844. Rev. O.M. CHAPIN followed him in 1851, remaining until 1866. Rev. Daniel M. Rankin succeeded and remained eighteen months and since then there have been no regular services and the congregation is no longer active." On page 779, in the Biographical Sketch section for Athens Township: "Levant J. Drake, bridge-builder and Postmaster, Little Cooley, was born in Allegany county,NY, March 23, 1823; son of James and Sallie (Marvin) Drake, natives respectively of Seneca and Otsego Counties, NY, and who moved to this county from Genesee County, settling in Athens Township in 1831. They were parents of the following children: Alonzo; Melissa, afterward Mrs. CHAPIN and now deceased; Levant J.; Dorluskie, now Mrs. Archibald; Loduskie, now Mrs. Minniss; Legrand M.; Jerome; Amanda, now Mrs. Graham; and Philo. Mr. Drake took an active interest in public affairs, filling many of the township offices; he died in February, 1876, his widow following him in October of the same year. They were upright pioneer people and rendered valuable service in the development of Athens Township. Our subject married October 19, 1854, Adelia Fuller, born in 1835, in Lorain County, Ohio, daughter of Josiah E. (deceased) and Mary Fuller. By this union were born Alta, now Mrs. Harer; Alton P.; Amanda E., died February, 1882, aged twenty-one; Willie H.; Lyle L., deceased; Jessie, deceased; Birnez, deceased; Inez; and Ethel. Mr. Drake built the first permanent hotel at Little Cooley, opening it in 1857. It has been one of the most popular houses in western Pennsylvania. In 1883 he leased the hotel and retired from business. In 1861 Mr. Drake was appointed Postmaster at Little Cooley, which position he has filled almost ever since. He is a man of strict integrity, upright in his dealings and has filled nearly all the township offices. In politics is a Republican." More to follow! Kathy Brubaker Volunteer Genealogist Linesville Historical Society kbrbkr@toolcity.net