Early Commerce in Canton

The Beginnings of Canton's Economy (1805-1825)

When Bezaleel Wells laid out the town of Canton in 1805, the settlement's economy was primarily based on subsistence farming and basic trade. However, within just two decades, Canton developed a surprisingly diverse commercial environment that would lay the groundwork for its later industrial success.

First Businesses and Merchants

Canton's earliest businesses emerged to meet the essential needs of settlers:

George Dewalt's General Store (1806)

The first permanent commercial establishment in Canton, Dewalt's store offered:

Basic provisions and foodstuffs
Tools and farming implements
Cloth, thread, and other domestic necessities
Limited luxury goods imported from eastern cities

The store served as both a commercial hub and social gathering place, where settlers could exchange news and information.

Philip Dewalt's Tavern (1807)

As one of Canton's first public establishments, this tavern provided:

Lodging for travelers and new arrivals
Meals and refreshments
A venue for community gatherings and meetings
A central location for news and information exchange

Taverns like Dewalt's were crucial to early commercial development, serving as unofficial business centers and places where transactions were often negotiated and finalized.

John Webb's Grist Mill (1810)

Located on the West Branch of Nimishillen Creek, Webb's mill was Canton's first industrial enterprise, providing:

Essential grain processing for local farmers
A reliable source of flour for the growing population
A location for farmers to meet and trade

The mill significantly improved local food security and reduced dependence on imported flour from distant settlements.

Early Industries and Trades

By 1815, Canton had attracted skilled tradespeople essential to a frontier community:

Blacksmiths: John Bower and Samuel Coulter established the first blacksmith shops, crafting tools, agricultural implements, and hardware
Tanners: William Fogle operated the first tannery, processing hides from local hunters and farmers
Carpenters and Cabinetmakers: John Harris and Philip Slusser built furniture and structures
Coopers: James Doan created barrels essential for storage and shipping
Weavers: Elizabeth Winters and Sarah Croft produced cloth for local use

The Market Economy

A regular market emerged in Canton by 1810, with:

Weekly market days where farmers brought produce to sell
Seasonal livestock sales
Trading of locally produced goods
Barter exchange still common alongside limited currency

Trade Routes and Transportation

Canton's commercial growth was initially constrained by transportation limitations:

Dirt roads to Pittsburgh and Cleveland that were often impassable
Overland travel by wagon that was slow and expensive
Limited river access for shipping goods

Despite these challenges, merchant traders established regular routes to Pittsburgh and back, bringing manufactured goods to Canton and taking local products to larger markets.

Banking and Finance

Early financial services began to emerge:

The first informal loans came through merchant credit
Land transactions were conducted through private contracts
By 1816, discussions began about establishing a proper bank, though it would be several more years before formal banking arrived

Impact of County Seat Status

Canton's designation as the Stark County seat in 1809 significantly boosted its commercial development:

Government officials created demand for services
Court sessions brought visitors who needed accommodations and supplies
Legal proceedings generated work for clerks, attorneys, and other professionals
Public buildings required construction, creating jobs

Foundation for Future Growth

This early commercial activity laid important groundwork for Canton's later industrial development by:

Establishing trade connections with larger cities
Attracting skilled workers to the area
Building basic infrastructure necessary for commerce
Creating capital that could be invested in future enterprises

By 1825, Canton had transformed from a frontier settlement to a small but growing commercial center, poised to take advantage of the transportation and manufacturing revolutions that would soon follow with the arrival of the Ohio and Erie Canal.