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 34
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83
" Osceola's but a name, a staked out town at best. Which, like the Indian warrior's fame, has sunk to endless rest. Wyoming's still an emptier sound, with scarce a wooden peg, Save that my old friend Barrett has, to serve him as a leg ! "
The early lot purchasers at Wyoming are named in the following list : Giles C. Dana, 1842; M. B. VanPetten, 1860; Robert Barrett, a one-legged shoemaker, 1843; Casper Katzenberger, 1854: James P. Greenough, 1858; Wm. Kearns, 1854; Samuel Wrigley, 1856; John Wrigley. 1851: W. O. Shaw, 1857; Polly Thurston, 1850; D. C. Green, 1858; Patrick Murphy, 1861; John White, 1860; Alfred F. LaShells, 1857; A. R. LaShells, 1849: T. D. Guthrie, 152 ; Greenwalt & Dixon. 1856; C. W. Brown, 1860; School Trustees, lots 10 and 11. in block 10. November, 1850, March, 1851: John Colgan, 1556 ; St. Luke's Protestant Episcopal Society, lot 8. block 10. Thomas ad- dition, 1857: 11. A. Holst, 1852; S. F. Otman, 1855; W. F. Cristy, Robert K. Woods. A. G. Hammond, 1857; Bassett & Pierce, 1861; Francis A. Milliken, 1855 : D. R. Beers and wife, 1856; Edwin Hutch- ison. 1852: Trustees Methodist Episcopal church, lot 4, B. (. Thomas addition, 1857 ; Rufus Woodcock, 1852; Joel Cox, 1855: T. F. Hurd. 1843: W. G. Thompson, 1848: Mary G. Brooks, 1856; Isaac Young, 1837: James Martin, 1858. Wrigley s addition to Wyoming, lots 1 to 11. each containing from & acre to 12 acre, was surveyed by S. F. Otman, and acknowledged by John Wrigley, JJune 17. 1857. This tract lies southeast of the Wyoming & Galena road.
The additions by W. F. Thomas, 1870: J. G. Greene, 1870; G. C. Dana, 1870: Scott & Wrigley, 1872; and Castle, 1870, with Dana's first addition, Thomas' first addition, and Castle's addition of 1876, make up the present town.
296
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY.
The early purchasers of town lots in Green's addition to Wyoming were: Harvey N. Fox, 1869; B. F. Boughn, George W. Selders, Mar- garet Turner, 1870; Newton Boughn, Thomas N. Benedict, 1871; Jonathan Sims, 1873 : David Fast and Son, 1874 to 1875, and others sinee that time.
In Dana's addition the lot buyers were: John Hawkes, 1860 ; M. A. Coles, J. R. Wilson, 1865 ; Geo. A. Seaver, 1863 ; Benjamin F. Boughin, J. M. and Il. M. Rogers, 1868; Thomas W. Bloomer, 1869; James Ilulsizer, Kerns and Cox, 1870; S. K. Conover, 1872; Laura Fox, E. O. Swift, 1873; F. F. Brockway, A. JJ. Sheets. Greenwalts, Gates, Mahanys, Purintons, Kings, Truax, Paynes. Anmicks and others pur- chased subsequently. In 1873 the Central Hall Company of Wyoming seenred a part of Block 1, and in June, Isso, the village purchased a part of the same bloek. In Nov., 1865. St. Luke's Protestant Episcopal Society secured a part of Block 6. The first purchasers in Scott and Wrigley's came in 1872, the lordans on Block 2. In 1870 W. IT. But- ler, A. Il. Huntington. Peter Lane purchased on Block 1. Castle's ad- dition to Wyoming; O. G. Smith. Block 2; Aaron Merker, Block 3; Alfred Wolfe, Block 5; Mary M. Fuller, Perry H. Smith and Martin S. Stoner, Block 6, Joseph F. Noone, Block 7. In 1871 some of the other blocks of this subdivision were entered.
The town owes its establishment and name to Gen. Sammel Thomas, born in Connectieut, but a settler of the Wyoming Valley, Pa., from 1807 to Aug., 1834, when he set ont with his family and William Godley for Spoon river, and settled here in October, 1834. Less than two years elapsed before he had the town surveyed under the title. "Town of Wyoming." At this time the Essex settlement southwest and the Seeley settlement northeast, and Grant's hut on the Holgate Farm, may be said to be the only spots on the wilderness of Upper Spoon river where civilization was to be found; but the Indians had their corn fieldls near the month of Camping Run : on Indian Creek and round Walnut Grove. At Bulbona Grove was the French trader, while at Boyd's Grove and Wyanet the beginnings of settlement were made. The names of Miner. Parker, Bradford, Sturm. Smith, and all those mentioned in the organie and political chapters were scattered round, but still the pioneer home of the Thomas family in Illinois must be considered in the wilderness.
In early years, the horse-thief gang visited this part of the county, and some members resided here. The adjuster, described by C. S. Payne as a green-eved, spectacled gentleman of very solemn demeanor, was accustomed to pass up Spoon river once or twice a year to adjust or equalize the proceeds of horse sales for the horse-thief gang. There are a few today in the county who well remember this adjuster and those horse-thieves.
Now the additions to population and enterprise ereated new aspira- tions. Nothing less than separate government would suit the big ideas of the little hamlet, and a petition to this effect was signed in 1865. its prayer granted, and "The Town of Wyoming" was in fact a town. The records of the village are not in good shape, but from them the following list of village officers is made out :
297
TOULON TOWNSHIP.
1872-A. G. Hammond, C. Collier. A. J. Conover. P. II. Smith and Otis T. Dyer, trustees; Perry H. Smith was chosen president, and C. Collier, clerk. 1873-Charles S .. Payne, president ; W. Il. Butler. A. J. Stone. H. F. Turner. John W. Agard and John Ellis, trustees : C. Collier was chosen clerk. 1874-S. F. Otman, president ; II. J. Baldwin, clerk ; J. E. Decker, attorney ; T. W. Bloomer, Alfred Wolfe, Il. F. Turner, C. P. MeCorkle and John Ellis. trustees. 1875-G. W. Seott. C. P. MeCorkle, A. D. Wolfe, trustees: J. E. Decker, attorney ; W. H. Butler, clerk; Isaac Thomas, police magistrate; and Capt. ‘ Otman, president. 1876-S. F. Otman, A. J. Stone, J. A. Klock, T. W. Bloomer, Adam Lyon and Peter Lane. trustees; W. II. Butler was elected clerk, and S. F. Otman, mayor.
In 1873 the vote for village organization under the general law was 77 against 7. A petition was presented to the circuit court in 1876. asking that the south one-half of Sections 1 and 2. Essex, be detatched from Wyoming. The trustees of Wyoming, in October, 1878, were, Agard S. Stark. Jordon Hamilton and O. T. Dyer, the latter re- placing W. J. Bond. T. B. Wall was clerk. In 1879 the trustees were : C. F. Hamilton, JJ. E. King. E. Clark, J. W. Smith, and 1. Il. Cowen ; clerk, T. B. Wall, and police magistrate, Isaac Thomas. The trustees elected in 1580 were: John A. Klock. John W. Smith, Chas. D. Castle, Andrew F. Stickney, Chas. F. Hamilton and John Jordon. Thomas B. Wall was elected clerk ; (. F. Hamilton was chosen presi- dent. The trustees elected in 1981 were: C. F. Hamilton, president : (. 1). Castle. A. D. Wolfe, J. W. Smith, J. JJohn. and C. P. McCorkle. 11. A. Ilammond was elected clerk.
The Wyoming election of 1882 was hotly contested. 1. B. Robinson. of the People's party. receiving 130 votes : JJ. A. Klock and E. Clark, anti-license, 122, and Elisha Clark, People's party, 127 - the three members elect. Charles Sargent received the total vote, 250, for vil- lage clerk. By order of the board the certificate of stock, $10,000. which Wyoming held in the Dixon, Peoria & Hannibal Railroad, was sold in 1882 to A. II. Castle, of Chicago, for $500. This is a sad enlogy on the morals of railroad companies. In 1883 C. P. McCorkle and Dr. J. C. Copestake were elected trustees, Charles Sargent, clerk, and James M. Rogers, police magistrate. The trustees elected in 1884 were .I. A. Klock, Allen M. Pierce and W. A. Truax : Charles Sargent, clerk. A. M. Pierce was chosen president and Frank Thomas attorney. The trustees of 1885 was, John W. Smith, Henry Duckworth and F. A. Sweetland: S. K. Conover was elected clerk, succeeded by F. P. Ilill.
The Wyoming election of 1886 resulted in the choice of E. S. Teeter. W. A. Truax and Peter Sanner, license men, over Dr. J. C. Copestake. J. E. King and Miller Patterson, anti-license men. J. W. Smith was elected president; L. F. Hill, elerk: H. A. Hammond, treas- urer and Frank Thomas, attorney. The clerk's position was filled by S. K. Conover. The expenditures of the village, shown by appropria- tion of August, 1886, aggregate the sum of $3.000, to be levied. as- sessed and collected.
Schools. - The history of the schools of Wyoming begins in that of
298
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY.
Toulon and Essex townships, and to these sketches the reader is referred. The school records in existence comprise a number of books, some well kept, some very poor in data and facts. From them, how- ever, the following memoranda is taken: In May, 1857, the district composed of sections 1 and 2 and part of 3. Township 12, range 6, and sections 35, 36 and part of 23, Township 13, range 6. was presided over by J. B. Brown, H. A. Holst. S. F. Otman, Isaac Thomas, Wm. B. Armstrong, Dr. Milliken, Perry Stancliff, Isaac N. Tidd, directors or parties in interest. At this time the question of additional school room was considered : and on June 13 decided affirmatively. It was ordered to levy a tax for keeping the summer school in operation, and also to establish a graded school. On June 22, a vote on raising $3,000 was voted against-20 to 17; so that the distriet had to be satisfied with some repairs to the old building. Miss Harriett Milhken was teacher at this time; but in the fall of 1857 Enoch K. Evans was engaged to teach the winter school. In 1858 J. G. Greene and Isaac Thomas, clerk, are named as directors. Mrs. M. A. Cheney was teacher, at $30 per month until May, when Miss Mary W. Thomas took her place. In the winter W. II. Greenwood was engaged. Early in 1859 the district was divided, and H. A. Holst. Perry Stancliff and Dr. 1. G. Greene chosen directors of Wyoming district. In May Miss Mary Hayden was appointed teacher, at $20 per month ; and so well did she conduet this school, she was reengaged in July. At that time there was no summer vacation. In September, 1859, Dr. Wm. Hayden, W. II. Butler and John B. Pettit were elected directors. and the first named served as clerk. In April, 1860, Miss Minerva Woodruff was engaged as teacher at 825, to succeed Angustns Hammond, who taught here during the five previous months. Mrs. Hammond assisted him voluntarily, and to her the directors granted $20. Isaac Thomas suc- eceded J. B. Pettit as director. Ilayden left the village in 1860, but his successor was not elected that year. Augustus Hammond was reengaged to teach the winter school at $35 per month. In May, 1861. Miss Mary Pettit was engaged to teach the summer school. In August W. II. Butler and J. M. Thomas were elected directors, and Charles Myers engaged as teacher at $30 per month. James M. Thomas was elected director in August, 1861. vice Dr. Hayden. Isaac Thomas was elected in 1560 and Win. II. Butler in 1861; reflected in 1563 with J. G. Greene. In 1863 Isaac Thomas resigned. W. H. Butler was chosen clerk, and in 1868 Perry Stancliff was appointed clerk. In 1869 the school tax was increased from sixty cents to $1.50 per $100 valuation. In 1864 J. R. Lashells was elected, and in 1865. Samuel Butler, to serve until August, 1868. In 1868-9 Perry Stan- cliff, I. G. Greene and John C. Copestake were the directors. In 1871 the names of Win. Schroeder, builder: Beal & Gray, brick manufac- turers: Ottman & King, quarrymen, and J. G. Briggs, lime burners, ocenr in connection with building the school house. The name of Samuel Thomas is in connection with the sale of school lot. In 1869 S. K. Conover was elected as director, and subsequently appointed clerk. In 1870 Perry Standiff was re-elected director, the meeting being held in the brick school house, for District of Township 12,
299
TOULON TOWNSHIP.
range 6, and District No. 8 of Township 13, range 6. In September, 1870, the first movement was made toward erecting a large school building. At that time it was resolved to raise one per cent for a sinking fund, to borrow $5,000, and to dispose of the old brick house. In April, 1871 J. C. Copestake was elected director, and in May a vote of the two districts was taken in re new school house, when it was decided to build on the old site. In July a vote of 27 to 1 agreed to increase indebtedness of the two districts to five per cent of the assessed valuation.
In 1861 Miss Mary Pettit taught three months, and in 1862-3 Charles Myers presided for five months. Mrs. S. A. Beatty and D. H. Allen were teachers here in 1863; George A. Seaver and Anna E. MeGlashan in 1864-5. In 1866 she and Miss Cheery were here, the former continuing in 1867 with Miss Ardeline Jarneau. In 1869 Miss Kate MeGlashan assisted in the schools here, and the names of C. O. Lambert, Miss R. A. Courtright, Miss Abbie Hulsizer, and Miss Belle Brown appear as teachers. In 1870-71 Miss Evans, J. Sohn and E. G. Wynkoop were teachers. In 1872 the names of William Nowlan, Miss II. Stone, Miss M. E. Stone, Miss Mattie Stone, Alonzo Nicholls and Miss Fletcher appear as teachers in the new school building, with Simeon Ellis janitor. In 1873 the names of Wm. Nowlan, Miss Fannie Thomas, Annie M. Rule, Rebecca Butler, W. R. Sandham, appear as teachers ; Peter Pettit was janitor. During Charles Mvers term there were nineteen boys and lifteen girls admitted to school, who, with the thirteen boys and sixteen girls at beginning of term, in November, 1861, made np sixty-three pupils.
On July 1, 1871, Newton Matthews, of Peoria county, bought $3,- 500 of district bonds for $3,150, dne July 1, 1876, and $2,000 on July 1,1881. Levi Silliman also purchased $1,000 worth of bonds for $900, due July 27, 1877. In 1872 S. K. Conover, clerk and director since 1869. was reelected. On his resignation in 1873, Perry Stancliff and T. W. Bloomer were elected directors and John C. Copestake, a mem- ber of the board, was appointed clerk. In 1874 George W. Scott was elected director. In September, 1874, the Wyoming south side schools opened, with Prof. Sandham in charge of high school; W. W. Ham- mond, grammar; Rebecca Butler, intermediate; Nellie Walker, pri- mary : 164 names were enrolled.
In 1878 James M. Rogers was elected a director; in 1879 Thomas W. Bloomer; in 1880, G. W. Scott, reëlected (former clerk, was elec- ted president of the board). In 1881, James M. Rogers (also appointed clerk). In May, 1879, a school term of eight months was adopted ; 8700 made the salary of principal, and $40 per month the pay of other teachers. In Jannary, 1877, the south Wyoming school house was destroyed by fire, but the damage was secured under insurance policies of 87,000. In July, 1678, W. R. Sandham was principal; Miss Carrie Butler, teacher in grammar school ; Rebecca G. Butler, intermediate classes ; and E. E. Stevenson, primary classes. L. Hill was chosen jan- itor. The principal received $90 per month, each teacher $42.50, and the janitor $25. In 1879 Mrs. C. W. VanPetten was appointed teacher, vice Mrs. R. G. Butler, resigned. A. B. Hill was appointed
18
300
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY.
principal ; Mrs. VanPetten, H. V. Morrison, and E. E. Stevenson, teachers, and S. F. Hill, janitor. In 1880 Miss M. E. Beers took Miss Stevenson's place, being the only change on the staff prior to June.
In June. 1880. B. G. HIall was appointed principal, and in Septem- ber Miss Alice Kellar was appointed teacher. In 1881 B. G. Hall was reengaged as principal, and Miss Louisa Down employed as teacher. In April, 1881, it was resolved to borrow $1,000 from Wyoming vil- lage to meet bond maturing. In 1882 A. W. King was elected direc- tor, George W. Scott still serving as clerk. In 1883 Mr. Scott was reelected. In 1882 Wm. Boggs was appointed janitor ; B. G. Hall reengaged as principal ; Miss Anna Keller, Miss Alice Keller and Miss Louisa Down, teachers. In April, 1883, Miss Grace Jones and Miss L. II. Searle took the places of Susan Down and Anna Kellar. Miss Alice Kellar was retained with them, and B. G. Hall, principal. John Hulsizer was employed as janitor. The teaching staff of 1883 were reengaged. An offer to Edward Bangs of $1,000 per year as principal was declined, when Mr. P. K. Cross was engaged at $900 for termi of eight months and twenty-two days. In October, 1884, the names of Miss Grace M. Jones, Ella M. Hall and II. L. Theker appear on the roll of teachers, and that of George Osborn as janitor. In January, 1854, the first record of punishments is made - the ordinary boyish freaks justifying such punishments. During this year Mr. Scott was elected president and A. W. King was chosen to fill his place as secretary.
In 1884 a steam heater was introduced into the schools at a cost of 8975. In 1885 the same principal and staff served the schools, the principal receiving $1,000 per annum. In March, 1886, Miss Clara Cook was appointed assistant teacher, with the former staff. In 1884 Henry N. Fox was elected director ; in 1885, Albert W. King reelee- ted, and in 1886 George W. Scott reflected, John E. Decker receiving only 47 votes out of 171 polled. The vote on levying special tax was 107 for, 62 contra.
In April, 1886, the question of building an addition to and improv- ing the south side school building was decided affirmatively, and a loan of $3,000 in $500 bonds was anthorized. These bonds were sold to Church Sturtevant, of Bradford, at par, on his bid of 54 annual interest. In June the contracts were sold, in August a tax levy of 83,500 for 1886 was ordered, and in September the schools opened, completed according to contract.
No enterprise of Wyoming has made more rapid strides in progress than its schools. The town has always been fortunate in electing school trustees who ever looked well to the interests and education of the ris- ing population, and spared no trouble to provide all the facilities for good. thriving schools that the demands should warrant. Since the two school buildings were erected, Wyoming's population has doubled, and the schools are among the enterprises which have kept pace with this growth. W. R. Sandham, to whom the school interest owes so much, was appointed a member of the state board of education in May, 1885.
Churches .- The Methodist Church of Wyoming was organized at the house of Gen. Thomas, by Rev. William C. Cummings, in the fall
301
TOULON TOWNSHIP.
of 1836; but the members of this class belonged to Adam Perry's class, organized carly that year in the Essex settlement. The senior members were the Thomas family, Agards, Holgates, George Sparr, Ann Carney, Adam Day, Mrs. Adam Perry and Eliza Essex. Rev. Jesse lleath, father of the pioneer merchant, preached here shortly after, followed by Zadoc Hall, and Leander Walker, Newton G. Berry- man, Enos Thomson, Wilson Pitner, A. E. Phelps, John Morey, II. J. Ihumphrey, John Hodgson, John Sinclair, A. Worhiscroft, or Wollis- eroft, and other preachers and presiding elders well known on the cir- cuit. The first authentic record is that of the class of 1847, under Isaac Thomas, with place of meeting at the Wyoming school-house. The members were Isaac, Samuel and James Thomas, with their wives, Lydia A., Mareia and Ellen Thomas ; Ellen Greenough, Polly and Mary A. Thurston, James M. Rogers, Harriet Rogers, David Wiflings, James Lashelle and wife, William G. Welch and wife, Sam Farding, Julia A. Welch, Clarinda Bishop, Ezra Wooden, Bethiena and Lydia Wooden, Thomas and Eliza Essex, Emily Aumick, Lucy T. Dennis, John and Frances Bateman, John B. and Eliza Brown. (Thomas Essex (lied in 1853.) Eddy Brown, Maria, Samnel and Joseph Cummings, N. R. Doolittle and David Cooper. In 1848 John Sinclair was pre- siding elder, A. Wolliscroft preacher and Isaac Thomas class-leader. In 1844 serviees were held in the Smith store. In 1837 Gen. Thomas donated 13 acres for a methodist parsonage, the same on which George Sparr erected the parsonage in 1838. In 1856 he donated the site for an M. E. Church, which was begun and completed that year. In 1852 Rev. A. E. Phelps was presiding elder, C. Lazenby preacher, W. Thomas assistant and Isaac Thomas class-leader. The class was the same as in 1847, with the exception of the Essex family transferred, and the addi- tion of Elizabeth Williams, Catherine JJohnson and Ann Bearley. In 1854 a few new names were added, making up a class of twenty-eight members. In March, 1858, Betsey Wrigley, Eliza Donaldson, John B. Pettit, Dewitt Hunt and wife, C. W. Brown and wife, Isaac Tidd and wife, H1. Greenough, James Greenough and wife, John Knott, James Martin and wife, Edmund Wrigley, Joseph Balsley and wife, David Maine and wife, Joseph Milor and wife, and others, were admitted.
In December, 1858, Elder Morey, Rev. W. G. Smith preacher, J. J. Flcharty, assistant preacher, were present at conference. W. Wal- dron, J. Stedham and J. Bateman were stewards, William Hall was recording steward. At this time the societies at Rogers' Grove, Pleas- ant Ridge, Walls, Seeley's Point, Osceola, Center School-House, Mound, Elmira and Bradford belonged to this Peoria conference. In Feb- ruary, 1859, the same elders and preachers, with W. II. Jones, L. D., E. B. Rogers and J. T. Conner, exhorters; A. Whitman, W. Hall, J. Bateman, J. Stedham, W. Fuller, W. Waldron, stewards ; W. G. Reed, J. J. Garman, Isaac Thomas and T. M. Clark, leaders, and Thomas Banister, Sunday-school superintendent, were present. E. B. Rogers, T. A. Whitman, J. B. Brown, W. G. Reed, James and Isaac Thomas, William Hall, W. Fuller and Wesley King were appointed trustees for five years. At this time E. B. Rogers was licensed to preach. In June, 1859, the names of P. Sturms, L.L. D., James Wood and John
302
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY.
Drawyer exhorters, J. Seeley steward, Nat. Richards and James Tanquary leaders, Thomas Heywood, Sunday-school superintendent, appear among other members of the conference. In August, 1559, the names of James Miller exhorter, Elijah Ferris and John Farmer lead- ers and Stephen Hill. Sunday school superintendent, appear, with others above-named. at the conference then held. At this meeting the committee from the Elmira society reported their church at that point. built after the style of the Osceola church, almost completed.
In October, 1859, Rev. J. J. Gue succeeded Mr. Fleharty as assist- ant to Rev. J. W. J. Smith, Elder Morey still presided and the per- sonel of the conference remained generally the same. On January 1, 1860, the report of membership credits the following numbers to each society : Wyoming, 60, quota of funds, $234; Roger's Grove, 4 miles sontheast, 32, quota. 875: Seeley's Point, 33, quota, $85; Pleasant Ridge, 24, quota, $45 ; Centre, 13, quota, $40; Bradford, 7, quota, 825; Osceola, 29, quota, 125; Elmira, 45, $135 or a total membership in circuit of 243 and total contribution of $760. The conference of Jan- uary, 1860, was constituted as in August, 1859. In July, 1860, this part of the district was known as Wyoming Circuit of Toulon district. C'entral Illinois Conference. H. C. Greenough's name appears as ex- horter with Revs. Morey, Smith, Gne and Ferris. In Sunday-school matters there were 111 officers and teachers, 9 bible classes, 405 sehol- ars, 1,131 volumes, and 72 scholars in infant classes. In October, 1860, John Chandler was presiding elder, Jacob Matthews, preacher in charge, I. G. Lamper, local preacher, S. Ilill, Chas. Brace, Jas. L. Ferris and Jas. W. Woods exhorters. In 1861 the preachers of the circuit were the same as in October, 1860. In July, 1861. J. B. Brown, Wesley King, John Bateman, Artemus Whitman, J. B. Kent, Win. Hall, W. M. Fuller, Israel Seeley and Daniel Drawyer were elected stewards.
In May, 1862, William Hall gave place to Isaac Thomas as clerk of the conference. Rev. Hamilton was appointed assistant to Rev. Matthews on the circuit and the same stewards were reelected. In November, 1862, Rev. W. J. Stubbles was preacher in charge, with J. W. Woods exhorter. At this time the purchase of a parsonage at El- mira was placed in the hands of the preacher. W. M. Fuller. S. Hill. L. Bailey, and J. M. Clark. This house was sold in 1865. In April, 1863. resolutions on the death of Wm. Hall, an early friend of Metho- dism, were placed on record. In July Lewis Bailey was junior preacher. In October, 1863, Rev. Adam Hepperly came as preacher in charge. llere he showed some signs of insanity, which grew at other stations and led him ultimately to the asylum. W. M. Fuller was clerk of conference, John Chandler being still presiding elder. In July, 1864, Isaac Thomas was reappointed clerk. In October, 1864, Elder Sammons presided. In April, 1865, the trustees of the church at Pleasant Ridge paid ont on their church building $13.22. John Childs being treasurer. Among the trustees elected in 1865 were Isaac Thomas, Geo. Strong, Shepherd Westfall. Walter Fuller, Geo. Shaw, Daniel Drawyer, and A. Whitman. In January, 1866 W. Shafer was preacher in charge. A. Il. Hepperly and J. W. Agard were also here as superan-
.
303
TOULON TOWNSHIP.
nuates. Missions known as Holmes, Ebeys and Franklin belonged to this circuit about this time. In 1867 Rev. J. Cavett was preacher. Rev. D. M. ITill came the same year, the same who gave the blessing at old settlers meeting in 1886 at Toulon. In October, 1867, J. W. Agard, Wesley King and I. Thomas were chosen trustees, the latter being then clerk. Revs. E. Rool and Estees preached here then. In 1868 Wm. Under- wood was presiding elder, and Rev. Torry, L. P. In 1869 Rev. A. B. Morgan took charge of the circuit. In 1870 Pleasant Green was de- tached, and in November of this year, M. P. Armstrong was preacher in charge. In 1871 came Rev. Carpenter, and in 1872, J. W. Agard was in charge of the circuit. In 1873 Elder C. Springer presided with Wmn. Wooley, preacher in charge, Isaac Thomas being still clerk. In November, 1873, Rev. Stouffer took charge. In 1874 E. C. Wayman came. In 1876 M. E. Beal, R. S., signs the records after Isaac Thomas. In November the name of W. H. Hunter appears as presid- ing elder and L. Janes as pastor, and B. H. Ober, now of Galva, secre- tary. In 1877, J. J. Flcharty was pastor, and early in 1878 Isaac Thomas was reappointed clerk. The following year, 1879, T. L. Falk- ner was pastor, and in 1881 came Rev. L. F. Cullom. During these years of progress I. M. Rogers, W. King, I. Thomas, Hall, Mallor, Edwards and others were stewards, and II. I. Brown, presiding elder. Presiding Elder Forsythe and Rev. Seadore are named in November, 1881, with Ezra and Wesley King, E. J. Edwards, I. Thomas, Wm. Holgate, Benj. Bunnell, Chas. Sargent and B. G. Hall, trustees. In December, 1882, Rev. A. L. Morse became pastor. In 1883 Elder M. V. B. White presided with Rev. R. B. Seaman, pastor. Mr. Seaman was succeeded in 1884 by Rev. A. R. Jones, and he in November, 1885, by Rev. D. G. Stouffer the present pastor. The trustees are Wesley King. E. J. Edwards, J. M. Rogers, Isaac Thomas, Jacob Smith, Thomas Beall, E. J. King and Benj. Bunnell. Messrs. Edwards, Thomas and Smith of the trustees are now stewards with Madames Colburn, Smith and Patterson. In January, 18:2, the Methodist Episcopal Society bought the Drinnin lot on North Main street, and erected the new church thereon that year. The old building was sold to C. S. Payne in May, 1882.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.