The Ohio & Erie Canal was completed from
Cleveland to Akron in 1827. From the Mustill
Site, the canal rose 15 locks to the summit in
Akron. The "Cascade Mill Race," built by
Dr. Eliakim Crosby in 1832, paralleled the canal,
creating a large manufacturing center of mills
that derived water power from the Little
Cuyahoga River. The canal carried products
north to Lake Erie or south to the Ohio River
reaching worldwide ports. In March 1913
flood ended canal operations in this area.
The Mustill house and store are survivors of
Akron's canal era and date to the 1840s.
Joseph and Sarah Mustill moved their family
from England to Akron in 1833 and owned the
store and Greek Revival house at Lock 15 on
the Ohio & Erie Canal. Three generations of
Mustills lived and worked the grocery business
at Lock 15. first Joseph and Sarah, then son Fred with his wife Emma, and their children Maria, Frederick, Edwin and Franklin. A popular
place to buy or barter goods, the store served
canallers, farmers, craftsmen, and neighbors
for many years.
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