USA > Illinois > Stark County > Documents and biography pertaining to the settlement and progress of Stark County, Illinois : containing an authentic summary of records, documents, historical works and newspapers > Part 31
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I'm a fine church bell with a silvery tongue, And high in the belfry I want to be hung, Of the new M. E. church in Toulon. I'm here at the foundry awaiting your call, Will come in a hurry and hope to suit all The good people who live in Toulon.
The bell was first tolled here. October 29, 1885, and before the close of the year the last services were held in the old house of 1853.
The secretaries of conference since 1867. are named as follows : Davis Lowman, 1867; G. L. Smith, 1868: Davis Lowman, 1868-70; J. G. Armstrong, 1870; Davis Lowman, 1871 ; B. G. Hall, 1872 ; D. Low- man, 1873; B. G. Hall, 1877: JJ. C. Cowperthwaite, 1878; B. G. Hall. 1879; D. S. Wilson, 1880: D. R. Tinlin, 1880, and Gus Hulsizer, 1881- 86. In 1867 Toulon charge embraced Starwano and Rising Sun.
Congregational Church .- The beginnings of this church enter very fully into the personal history of Rev. S. G. Wright. He was born in Ilanover, N. J., in 1809, settled with his wife in Fulton county in 1832, where he engaged in agriculture for a time, and then attended Lane Seminary. In 1841, the Home Missionary Society commissioned him to labor in Stark county, and he took up his residence at Niggers' Point. also known as the Webster Settlement, in West Jersey township. He preached at Lafayette, Wyoming, Osceola, Wall's School House, Moul- ton, at llugh Rhodes' and Nicholson's houses, at Walnut Creek, Vic- toria, Henderson and Wethersfield. In January, 1842, he preached at Tonton, within the court house, just then completed, and with one ex- ception, held services every month thereafter for some time. The Mor- mons worked hard against him, calling him an "abolitionist," and " nig-
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ger stealer." He ontlived this opposition, and on November 29, 1846, he and Rev. L. H. Parker organized the first orthodox Congregational church of Toulon. Ile was identified with this society until December. 1854. Writing from Brookville. Kan .. December 7. 1882. to his Friends at Toulon, he says: * * Thirty-three years ago this month. the writer went round Toulon with a subscription paper to collect funds for buikling the house in which you have so long worshipped. On Jan- uary 14, 1:50, he went to Wethersfield, to view the new church there. On July 4 he went to Henry county to learn could lumber be got there. and five days later he went thither with Joseph Perry to conclude the purchase of lumber. On the 18th he borrowed 8700 from a Fulton county man, and a few days later. with James M. Flint. selected the lumber and held himself responsible for $130.65. During September he drummed np hands to quarry and haul rock, and also teams to haul Inmber from Henry. He. with Joseph Perry. worked several days in the quarry, and in loading and teaming. In May, 1851. he procured glass. in June. a lightning rod, and in September, hauled sand for plas- tering. On September 21. 1-51 (the Universalists occupied the court house). he extemporized seats and worshipped in the church for the first time. On February s. the first sermon was preached in it. Jonathan Blanchard. D. D .. dedicated the house April 17. 1852.
In the following summary of the well-kept records of this church, few. if any. names connected with it, escape mention : On November 29, 1846, a meeting of Congregationalists was held at Toulon, Rev. L. II. Parker and S. G. Wright attending. At this meeting a society was organized under the title " First Orthodox Congregational Church of Toulon," with the following named members: Jonathan and Hannah Rhodes, Ingh and Julia Rhodes, all by letter from the Presbyterian church at Lafayette: Mrs. Eliza Rhodes, from the Wesleyan church of Knox county : Giles C. Dana. by letter from M. E. church, and Mary A. Dana, from the Main street church. Peoria ; Sophronia E. Rhodes and Franklin Rhodes. In March, 1847, there were admitted, Mrs. Ma- tilda IIall. Miss Eliza Jane Ilall. Orrin and Sarah Rhodes, Robert and Sarah Nicholson, John and Mary Pollock. from the Presbyterian church at Lafayette. and Mrs. Jane Bradley, from the Presbyterian church in Ireland. In May. 1847. Hugh Rhodes was delegate to the Central Asso- ciation, and Jonathan Rhodes was delegate in the fall of that year. In April. 1849, George and Ann Bradley. from the Presbyterian church in Ireland, were received. and Mrs. Eliza Jane Flint from the church at Knoxville. In June, 1848, Samuel G. and Minerva Wright, Edward P. Wright and Susan Durand were received from the Spoon River Presby- terian Church. At this time Hugh Rhodes. Joseph K. Newton and Giles C. Dana were elected deacons and S. G. Wright clerk. In July Mrs. C. M. S. Lyon (S. E. Rhodes) joined the Spoon River church. In 1847 Mr. Wright was chosen pastor, Hugh Rhodes and Giles C. Dana deacons and Hugh Rhodes clerk. In July. 1849, Chas. Flint was added to the board of deacons, and the same month Hannah Rhodes died. The trustees elected in September were Norman Butler, Joseph Perry and James M. Flint. Eliza Jane Flint died October 12, 1851. On November 1 W. W. and Ann Matilda Wright were received from the church of
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HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY.
Canton. About this time services were held in the Temperance hall (which was destroyed in the fire of 1877), after its removal to the pub- lic square. In March, 1852, the meeting house was completed. In May, Nehemiah Wyckoff, wife and son were received from the Spoon River church. In faet, at every meeting there were candidates for ad- mission from foreign and local churches. In 1852 William Wilberforce Wright was added to the board of deacons. In the fall of 1853 several persons were received, while one at least, retired on the principle that she was not a Pedo Baptist. In December Joseph Perry, Norman Butler and James M. Flint were elected trustees and W. W. Wright clerk. Rev. Wright was asked to take half time from his church at Lafayette in the interest of the Toulon church. In January, 1854, S. M. Dewey was clerk of the church, succeeding Rev. S. G. Wright. In June a resolution against countenancing the users of intoxicants in public or private, and in September the celebrated anti-slavery resolu- tions were adopted. In December the question of Rev. S. G. Wright's resignation and the calling of Rev. R. C. Dunn was before the church. In January, 1855, Mr. Dunn was called to preach here. Mr. Wright was never installed, but he was considered pastor since its organization. In February the trustees were reelected, and Joseph Blanchard and George W. Dewey added to the board of deacons. In December, 1855, Norman Butler, W. W. Wright and E. B. Starrett were elected trustees. At this time there were eighty-seven members enrolled. On January 14, 1857, Rev. R. C. Dunn was installed pastor. In the spring of 1858 many members were received, Messrs. Wright and Dunn holding the services. In 1859 the trustees and clerk were reelected. In 1860 Joseph D. Rhodes took Mr. Starrett's place on the board, the other trustees and clerks being continued in 1861 and 1862. In 1863 George W. Dewey, S. M. Dewey and J. D. Rhodes were elected trus- tees, and Joseph Blanchard and W. W. Wright deacons. In 1864, when Rev. R. C. Dunn was elected representative in the State Legisla- ture, leave of absence was granted and his salary continued. In 1865 Nelson Prout was chosen first-sexton of the church, the trustees were re-elected in 1866, and Joseph Perry and JJoseph Blanchard chosen deaeons and W. W. Wright delegate to Central West Association. S. M. Dewey, clerk from 1854. died August 31, 1866. On October 5, 1867, Rev. R. L. McCord, Mrs. Helen McCord and Miss Belle Pierce were received, and in December D. Nicholson, George W. Dewey and J. 1). Rhodes were elected trustees.
The minutes were signed by Samuel Burge as clerk for the first time August 3, 1866. In May, 1868, W. W. Wright was elected dele. gate to the convention ; in December, the trustees were reelected, and Geo. W. Dewey and Hugh Rhodes chosen deacons. In 1869, Joseph Perry was chosen deacon, the trustees reflected, and W. W. Wright secretary and treasurer rice Samuel Burge. In 1870. W. W. Wright, James M. Flint and Newton J. Smith were elected trustees. In 1871. Samuel Burge was chosen clerk rice W. W. Wright. The membership was 158, or twelve over the corresponding period of 1870. In 1872, Joseph Blanchard was chosen delegate. Geo. W. Dewey and Hugh Rhodes deacons, with Samuel Burge treasurer and secretary. In 1873,
James Amilles
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TOULON TOWNSHIP'.
Geo. W. Dewey was chosen delegate, Norman Butler deacon, rice Joseph Perry ; while in 1874, G. W. Dewey was state delegate, and N. J. Smith district delegate. In 1875, Hugh Rhodes and Norman Butler were elected deacons; in 1876, James M. Flint took the place of Joseph Blanchard on the deacons' board ; and in March of this year. Allen P. Miller made the first entry as clerk of the church, Samuel Burge was elected treasurer and Messrs. Flint and Dewey deacons. In June. 1×77, Willis C. Dewey was ordained as a foreign missionary, and deacons Butler and Perry were reflected. In 1875, Sammel Burge was elected state delegate. On August 3. Rev. J. C. Myers preached his first sermon here ; in October. Geo. W. Dewey was elected delegate to C'en. W. Association, and deacons Flint and Dewey were reflected deacons. In 1579 and 1880, Deacon Flint was chosen delegate and the deacons of 1878 reflected. In 1881, A. P. Miller was elected treasurer and reelected clerk. In 1881, E. A. Burge. Norman Butler, and D. Murchison, were chosen deacons. In July, 1882. James II. Miller and R. J. Dickinson were appointed to committees to inquire into the cost of building a new church or repairing the old one. Their report in favor of a new building was approved. On July 22. A. P. Miller re- ported favorably on the subject of raising funds, and the trustees with James M. Flint. L. W. Williams. A. P. Miller and Geo. W. Dewey. were appointed a building committee.
On August 8, twenty-one votes were cast for building on the site of the old church and five in favor of a new site. The building com- mittee was instructed to dispose of the old church ; Geo. W. Dewey was elected delegate to the C. W. Association. On October 15, the old church was sold to Chas. S. Payne for $175, and on the 15th the last services were held therein, when it was moved to Wyoming. In December, 1852, John F. Rhodes, Chas. P. Dewey and D. J. Walker, the trustees, were continued in office. and E. B. Starrett, James Nichol- son and Willis C. Dewey, continued on the finance committee.
On May 23, 1883, letters of dismission and recommendation were granted to Rev. J. C. Myers and wife. In July, Rev. S. W. Dickinson was called, but declined. In September, Rev. W. R. Butcher, and in November. Rev. Samuel J. Rogers were called, the latter accepted.
The first services in the new church, were those attending the funeral of Mrs. Norman Butler, conducted by Rev. D. J. Stouffer, of the M. E. Church.
Rev. W. Rogers held the first regular service November 18, 1883, and preached his first sermon here that day.
In December, 1883, D. Murchison. W. W. Wright and Norman Butler, were elected deacons. On January 3. 1884, the new church was dedicated by the new pastor, A. P. Miller, rendering the account of the building committee, showing $5,352.61 paid ont and $4,121.65 received, leaving a balance of $1,230.96 due. In May. Geo. W. Dewey was appointed delegate. and in December. E. B. Starrett, C. P. Dewey and James Nicholson were chosen trustees. In 1885, James M. Flint was delegate, the trustees were reflected. and also the deacons of 1883. W. W. Wright and Willis C. Dewey were chosen delegates in Is86.
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HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY.
On May 22, Rev. Samuel J. Rogers resigned, and on the 23d, a call was extended to Rev. J. II. Dixon, which was accepted.
The number received into the church since its organization is 443. the great majority of whom have died or removed.
The choir of the Congregational church requires some mention. In earlier years Mr. Baldwin, Hugh Drummond, John Fuller, Carrie Gardner and Hannah Whitaker were the principal singers. In the old church, now the Opera House of Wyoming, Baldwin led the music until succeeded by Donaldson. In 1857 old time custom disappeared and a new choir was organized, with E. P. Wright leader and flutist ; Eliza and Minnie Wright, Harriet, Rebecca and Robert Dewey, Mary, Elizabeth and H. B. Perry, and Abbie Gardner vocalists. In later years new names appear, such as Mary Curtis, Carrie Burge, Harriet, Achsah and John F. Rhodes, Miss Bixby, C. M. Wood, Wright Dewey, Caroline, Jane and Mary Beers ; Benjamin Williams, Anna Prout, Belle Pierce, Hattie Phelps, Mary and Delphine Whitaker, and Samuel Burge, George A. Clifford, Benjamin Williams and James A. Hender- son were sometimes present as vocalists. A parlor organ was subse- quently purchased from S. G. Wright for $35, at which Miss Eliza Wright presided. She was succeeded by Miss Hattie Phelps, and she by Miss Harriet Dewey. H. B. Perry succeeded Mr. Wright as leader. Seven members served in the army, one of whom was killed - Robert Dewey. After the war N. J. Smith was leader. One by one the old members left. and now the old organization holds a majority of new members, among whom were Tillie and Pauline Shallenberger, Lou Flint, Mrs. Lawrence, D. J. Walker, Mary and Ida Mosher, Mrs. Ida Sweedeen, R. J. Dickinson, Edith Dickinson, Bird Thornton, Clyde Lyon, William Dewey, Adna Smith and others. Mrs. Allie Burge. . Mrs. Mary Wright, Lou Flint and Carrie Burge presided at the organ in the order of their names.
Baptist Church .- The first meeting to organize was held May 13, 1848, at the house of S. W. Eastman. Elisha Gill presided, with W. M. Miner clerk. The following named persons signed the articles: Elder Elisha Gill, Elder JJ. M. Stickney, Ozias Winter, Harry T. Ives, Abigail Gill, Cynthia K. Stickney, llelen Winter, Hannah Parrish, Susan M. Eastman, Mrs. H. T. Ives and Mrs. Sarah Chamberlain. In January, 1847, Elder Stickney arrived here from Rochester, Wis., and preached at Fahrenheit (then the name of the Miner settlement, north- west one and one-half miles of Minott Silliman's residence), in widow Miner's house. Among the members of the Fahrenheit church were Hays, Wmn. and Mrs. Miner, Charles HI. Miner and wife, Selden Miner and wife, Mrs. Parrish, Elisha Gill and wife, J. M. Stickney and wife, and Susan M. Eastman. This Fahrenheit church was the first Baptist society in the county, subsequently moved to Lafayette, and some joined this church at Toulon. În June. 1848, Elders Gill, Stiek- ney and II. T. Ives were chosen delegates to the Illinois River Associa- tion. Elder Stickney was clerk, succeeded by W. T. Bly in June, 1848. Rev. C. E. Tinker and Elder Gardner presided here at the council of recognition in this month. In July Ozias Winter was appointed clerk. Mrs. Catherine Buchanan joined the church in 1848, also Geo.
.
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TOULON TOWNSHIP.
W. Buchanan and Martha Merchant were baptized, and Lucretia Rouse, Thos. Godfrey and wife, Hugh Y. Godfrey, Armina and Eliza- beth Godfrey were received by letter. In 1849 Mary Winn was received. In 1850 Elder Gross, who succeeded Mr. Stickney. in August, 1851, came here and preached at intervals. The Colburns, Gardners, Whiffens, Parmelia Barton, Belshers, Baldwins, and Nelsons were received in 1850-1. During the revival of November. 1851. John and Pleasant Culbertson. W. B. Sweet, and a number of others were received, Rev. Barry assisting. Up to this time meetings were gener- ally held at the court house, until January 29, 1854, when the com- pleted church held services at the time and place announced for Bap- tist services. In 1852. Benj. and Hannah Packer were received, also Catherine Whitaker. In July. 1852. S. W. Eastman and L. E. Miner were elected deacons. In October the first meeting to disenss the question of building a meeting honse was held, and the pastor asked to confer with .J. C. Van Osdell, architect, of Chicago, regarding plans, ete. Eastman, Sweet and Jones were appointed a committee on sub- seription in town, and HI. T. Ives, Benj. Paeker and Ephriam Colburn in the country. In December, 1852, Culbertson, Ives and Eastman were appointed to select a site, and the same month Wheeler B. Sweet. Oliver Whitaker, Wm. Ogle, II. T. Ives and John Culbertson were elected trustees. In March, 1853, a plan of building. prepared by the trustees, was adopted. In April, 1854, John Berfield succeeded (). Gardner as clerk, and for some time meetings were held at the house of Robert Robb. In 1855 Elder Gross resigned. The church was dedicated in April, 1855. In July that year Rev. C. Brinkerhoff came and served here until January. 1855. In August, 1858, Elder Myron Il. Negus was called -about a year after the appointment of Robert Robb as clerk. On July 10, 1859, Rev. Wm. Leggett was called. In July, 1861, E. M. Gallup was chosen clerk, and in November, 1861, Rev. A. J. Wright was pastor. During Mr. Leggett's pastorate a revival was held here, in which Rev. Louis Raymond, now of Chicago, assisted. In November, 1863, John II. Stickney was elected clerk. Ile was succeeded in December, 1864, by Robert Robb. Elder E. P. Barker was called in March, 1566. In February, 1867, J. II. Stickney was reelected clerk. Elder Estee succeeded Mr. Barker, and after six months Elder Dodge came as supply. In 1868 H. Willett was ap- pointed clerk. About this time Efder Thomas Bodley preached here. On February 29, 1868, a resolution (dealing with the ditliculties in the church), called for the transfer of all property and the trustees, to be held for a new organization. Early in the summer of 1863 Rev. S. A. Estee returned and preached here. On July 8, 1868, a number of the few remaining members of the first church assembled, with S. A. Estee moderator and acting clerk. Seven resolutions, of a conciliatory char- acter, were adopted, dealing with the case of Reverends Estee and Barker. In August, 1868, Rev. S. Brinhall was called, and on Janu- ary 1. 1870, he was elected trustee, rice John Culbertson, deceased. On April S. 1871. Elder Stickney was recalled as pastor and clerk, and served until September, 1873.
In May 1875, Elder L. D. Gowen's name appears for the first time.
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HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY.
lle was here also in 1876 until succeeded by Eller J. C. Hart, who was here when this old church consolidated with branch or new church, which had its meeting-house on Main street.
The members who signed the constitution of the consolidated churches in September, 1877, are named as follows: Abram Bowers and wife, Mrs. Martha Berfield, Mrs. Harriet Blair, Andrew Baldwin, Julia Baldwin, Sarah Berfield, Eliza Beers, Albert Bowers and wife, S. B. Barton, Mrs. Polly Crandle, Mrs. Mary Crumb, Miss Charlotte Cross, Mrs. Emma Cooley, Margaret Conover, Mrs. Celestine Dack, S. W. Eastman, Mrs. Martha Eastman, H. Y. and Henry S. and Miss E. and Miss Isabelle Godfrey, Maggie Greer, Mrs. A. Gill, Flora Gill, Clarence Guire, John E. and L. D. and Mrs. A. M. Gowin ; Lnther, Abba, Avery and Kate Geer ; Ellen, Frances, Lucy and Mrs. Hickson. Mrs. A. Hlouse, J. C. Hart and wife, Ilarriet Hall, Minerva Lyon, Car- oline Lyon, Jenny Lyon and Modella Lyon, S. W. and Sarah Mering, Nancy Mote, Martha Perry. Mrs. Louisa Phillips, Benjamin, jr., Mrs. Hannah Mortimer, Charles and Miss C. Packer, Bethuel, Mrs. Regina and Mrs. Caroline Pierson, Mrs. C. Pliter, Mrs. L. Rennick, Mrs. J. Rankin, John Riggs, Miss N. Remington, and Mary Robb, Mrs. Sim- merman, Mary Sarah Shockley. Mrs. Lettie Silliman and Sarah Silli- man, John 1]. Stickney, Mrs. C. K. Stickney, Mrs. Esther A. Smith, Mrs. Ester Twiss, Mary Twiss, Mrs. E. J. Treat. Owen Thomas and Mrs. Sarah Thomas, G. C. Van Osdell, Mrs. C. A. Van Osdell, Mary Willett, Nancy White, Elisabeth White, Joseph Weed, N. F. Wy- nans. Sarah Wynans, Miss Laura Wise, Frank Williams and wife, Jacob Wagner and wife, Mrs. John O. Weed, Sarah Weed, Mrs. Charlotte Woods, Mrs. Naney E. Walling, Rose Whitwell, Mary Winn.
On September 21, 1877, a meeting was held to consider the ques- tion of consolidating the two Baptist churches of Toulon, under the title, "The Baptist Church of Toulon." Squire Van Osdell presided H. Y. Godfrey, clerk. The question was decided affirmatively, and B. Packer, S. W. Eastman, N. F. Wynans, Owen Thomas and II. Y. Godfrey were elected trustees. In October Benjamin Packer was chosen treasurer, solicitor and collector : John O. Weed, sexton, and Messrs. B. Packer, Geer, Eastman and Williamson. deacons. At this meeting a resolution to sell the frame church on Main street. and hold the brick house for worship was carried. In November, 1877, Rev. A. C. Keen was called as pastor at an annual salary of 8700. In December, James M. Stickney, Benjamin Packer and N. F. Wynans were appointed delegates to the conference at Farmington. In this month also the trustees purchased the Otis Dyer property for a par- sonage. In April, 1878, the Main street church was sold for $1700, one-half cash and balance standing out at ten per cent. In 1878 the ladies of this ehnreh supplied dinner at the Stark county fair grounds, realizing $303.13 less 8152 expenses. Dr. A. E. Baldwin became a member. In June, 1879, Rev. B. F. Colwell was called as pastor. In January, 1880, Mortimer Packer was chosen collector, vice B. Packer. In October, 1880, Rev. B. F. Colwell resigned. In February, 1881. J. M. Stickney tilled the pulpit, and during this month H. Y. Godfrey
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TOULON TOWNSHIP.
was chosen solicitor and collector. Dr. II. L. Pratt's name appears on the minutes about this time. In October, 1881, Rev. E. C. Cady, ac- cepted a call as pastor and commenced to labor here November 1. that year. In September, 1882, M. A. Packer succeeded HI. Y. God- frey as elmich clerk. In 1884 Andrew F. Stickney and wife were admitted to membership by letter from Wyoming. In October, 1884. Rev. Mr. Cady resigned: Elder Stickney was pulpit supply for three and one-half months. In June, 1885, Rev. E. W. Hicks accepted a call, and in January, 1886, E. B. Packer was elected clerk. Almost from the beginning of the church in this county to the present time Elder Stickney has proven himself loyal to his faith by work and example. Only a few years ago he donated $2,500 toward the sup- port of his church in this county. There have been 183 admissions by letter and otherwise since the re-organization of the Baptist society in 1877. Between the secession and consolidation the Sunday school was maintained by Mrs. S. K. Stickney, who was also clerk in 1876 and 1877, or before consolidation. Indeed to her is due in greater measure the present happy condition of the society.
The Second Baptist Church may be said to have been organized March 4. 1868, and to have continued in existence until September, 1577. From 1858 to 1868 the question of title to church property led to disagreements, and ultimately to the formation of the Second society. In March. 1868, a new society was organized, and a house of worship erected the same year at a cost of $2.372. Elders W. A. Welsher. Gowan, Negus. Hart and Van Osdell were the leading preachers. Among the leading members were Stephen W .. Mrs. M., Miss Eliza and Miss Celestia Eastman. A. F. Stickney, Luther Geer, II. Y. Godfrey, Benjamin Packer and wife, Abram, Mrs. C. and Miss Lettie and Miss Martha Bowers, Mrs, C. Lyon and Miss M. Henry, Otis Dyer, L. Clark. Julins Ives and ITiram Willett. the latter losing fellowship in 1870 because he "could no longer conscientiously main- tain and indorse the articles of faith as interpreted by the church." The consolidation of the old and new churches in 1877 healed up all contentions, and the building and lots were sold to the Catholic con- gregation.
The Christian Church was organized in the old court house, July 15. 1849. with the following named members ; Elijah McClenahan, Sarah MeClenahan, Edward Wilson, Martha J. Wilson, James Bates, Henry Sweet, David McCance and Mary J. MeCance. In 1855 the present honse of worship, on Washington street, just north of the opera house. was erected. and with the lot, cost about $5,000. This is a plain brick structure, old English in style. well furnished, and in all respects well adapted to its nses. The names of pastors from beingning are : Edward Wilson. M. P. King, A. G. Encas, Charles Berry, S. C. Humphrey. A. P. Aten, James Darsee J. V. Beekman. Wm. Lloyd, L. B. Ames, Geo. K. Berry and J. P. Davis. In the summer of 1886 the church was without a regular pastor, but services were duly hekl. The secretaries or clerks of the church in order of election, were: E. K. Wilson. David McCance and W. G. Bradley. S. E. Callison, is the present clerk. The property of the society is valued at $4,500 and the
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HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY.
number of members placed at sixty-five. Prior to the opening of their house of worship, the Court House was extensively used by this church.
The Catholic Church of Toulon, though modern in the ownership of church building, dates back to 1840 for its beginning in the imme- diate neighborhood, for then the Nowlans and Drinnins settled here and the services of the elmirch were held occasionally at their houses. Prior to 1867 mass was said at very irregular intervals in private houses. Among these were Michael Nowlan's. Barney Frail's, Jacob Emery's. (whose wife was a Catholic) Owen Denny's, and perhaps some others in Stark county, and Patrick Cavanagh's at Wethersfield, and later in Davis and Rhodes' Hall, Mrs. Wolgamood's house and James Nowlan's house. The priests who attended here were first from Peoria; afterward Lacon. From Peoria the first was Fr. Rowe, then Fr. Drew, then Fr. Ranaldi. From Lacon, Fr. Lynch. Fr. Powers, Fr. Delahunty. Fr. Kilkenny. Those who attended mass here in the early days were mostly families named above.
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