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 51
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Schools .- The question of organizing the township for school pur- poses was decided January 10, 1838, when ten voters, then all in the township, assembled at Robert Moore's house and voted in favor of
435
ELMIRA TOWNSHIP.
organization. At this time Robert Moore. Mathias Sturms, Robert Hall. Thomas Watts, M. G. Brace and James Buswell were elected trustees. Three years after organization there were no less than 148 pupils under twenty-one years oldl. In 1845 forty-nine legal voters petitioned for the sale of school lands, and a few lots were soldl that vear. but the section was not entirely sold until 1552. In 1556 there were $3 pupils in District No. 1, 54 in District No. 2, 160 in Distriet No. 3. 84 in Distriet No. 4 and 51 in District No. 5, or a total of 4332 pupils. In 1858 David Currier was president and W. M. Fuller was reflected treasurer of the school board. In October. 1858, the question of dividing the township into two school districts was voted on, when 62 votes opposed the division and 16 were content, thus leaving the five old districts in existence. In 1558 Miss Emma Hall, George Currier and others taught in District No. 1. Clara Pike in No. 2 and Wm. Spen- cer in No. 3. In No. 4 Miss Harriet Rhodes taught in 1860. Henry B. Upton in Distriet No. 3 in 1861. In March, 1862. J. W. Watts taught in Distriet No. 1 at $20 per month. The average attendance out of 52 enrolled pupils was 38. In District No. 2 S. Fast presided over a school of 21 at 822. and Miss E. S. Lyman taught in District No. 3 at $25-pupils enrolled, 47. E. J Grillin received §25 per month in District No. 4, where 52 pupils were enrolled. District No. 5 was not opened. A. G. Crawford in No. 6 taught 36 pupils for $28 per month. The first regular record of the Elmira township schools is dated April 7, 1862. Andrew Oliver, John Turnbull and Charles Rood were trus- tees. In 1865 Laton Fuller. Alex. Murchison. Jr., and Matthew B. Parks were trustees, Andrew Oliver in 1867 and Charles Stuart in 1968. In 1870 David Currier, Thomas Oliver and Andrew Oliver were chosen. In 1871 M. B. Parks was elected trustee: in 1872 Thomas Oliver: in 1873. John T. Thornton: in 1874. Joseph Parks: in 1875, Thomas Oliver : in 1876, Laton Fuller : in 1577. Joseph Parks: in 1878. Andrew Oliver: in 1879, Laton Fuller : in 1850, Joseph Parks ; m 1>81, Andrew Oliver: in 1852. Laton Fuller: in 1853, Robert Hall: in 1884. Andrew Oliver: in 1885, Laton Fuller; in 1886. George Murry. In 1856 there were 201 males and 200 females under twenty-one years ; seven ungraded schools. attended by 126 male and 117 female pupils, and presided over by five male and eight female teachers : the former earning $1.288 and the latter $1.025. The district tax was $3,000 ; value of property. 88.900; total receipts. 86,032.74; total expenditure, $3,936.90. M. Fuller served as treasurer and clerk.
Officials .- The organization of the township is noted in the organic chapter. Since that time the following supervisors have served : 1554. Mrytle G. Brace: 1855. Isaac Spencer: 1856-58. James Buswell ; 1855 61, John Turnbull; 1861. James Buswell: 1862, H. II. Oliver: 1×63. Charles Stuart : 1864-66, Andrew Oliver: 1866-6, Matthew B. Parks; 186s. Lewis Austin : 1869-71. Charles P. Bussell: 1871-74. Thomas Oliver; 1874-77, Matthew B. Parks: 1877->0. Il. II. Oliver: 18-0-82. M. B. Parks: 1882-54, Robert Armstrong: 1884. Robert Armstrong: 1585. Wm. Jackson : 1856, Andrew Oliver.
The justices of the peace elected since 1853 are named as follows: 1853, James Buswell and W. M. Fuller: 1-57. Walter M. Fuller: 1-60,
26
436
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY.
Joseph Blanchard: 1863, M. G. Brace: 1865, James Buswell and John Turnbull; 1869, John Turnbull and H. B. Upton; 1873. H. B. Upton and John Turnbull ; 1875, Seth W. Stuart; 1877. John Turn- bull and M. B. Parks: 1878, David Currier: 1881, John Turnbull ; 1882. Gideon Potter : 1885, John Turnbull and R. S. Scott.
In 1853, M. G. Brace was clerk. Walter M. Fuller was elected clerk in 1854-59; M. B. Parks served 1859-60; Geo. Currier: 1860-61. Wm. Fuller. 1861-86.
F. M. F. &. L. I. Co .- The Farmers' Mutual Fire and Lightning Insurance Company of Elmira, was incorporated September 20, 1876. The following named were the policy holders : Clinton Fuller, Win. Murray, Ilorace Lyle. E. R. Boardman. $3,000 each ; Martin Rist, 82,500; John Turnbull. W. P. Caverley. S. Longmate, Sarah Bates, 82,000 cach; Robert Hall, Donald MeDonald, C. Stuart, M. B. Parks, John MeKenzie, S. C. Fleming, and David Murray, $1,500 each : Adam Jackson, Gideon Murray, JJohn Weir, J. W. Fowler, Win. Jackson. Wm. Turnbull, and James Il. Newton, $1.200: J. H. Turnbull, Gns Goodale, Joseph Newcomer, Carlos Lyle, and Win. Sourky. $1,000 each; Robert Grieve, Z. Newton, $700 each: Eli Mix. 8600: Geo. Hall, James Hadwell. 8500; W. B. Turnbull. Thomas Hogg. $400: Thomas Wales, $300; Win. Stevenson. 8250; Wm. Stevenson, David Jackson, $200; Harrison Miner. $100. In September, 1876, Robert Grieve was elected president, John Turnbull, treasurer and James llaswell, secretary. The first directors were James Haswell, Martin Rist. Wm. Jackson. E. R. Boardman. John Turnbull, Robert Grieve, Harrison Miner. M. B. Parks, Clinton Fuller, and Wm. Steven- son. In October the following named were appointed anditors; M. B. Parks, Osceola : Harrison Miner, Goshen, and E. R. Boardman. El- mira. The president, treasurer and secretary named above have held office continuously down to the present time. On January 8, 1878. there were 97 members holding policies valued at $108,532. The direc- tors included the president. treasurer. John Weir, W. P. Caverley. ... M. Ilatch, M. B. Parks, John Il. Turnbull, and Win. Jackson. In 1879 the name was changed to " Farmers' Mntual County Insurance com- pany." David Currier, Elmira ; B. R. Brown. W. Jersey, took the places of J. M. Hatch and Win. Jackson. In 1580, Mort. A. Packer, of Toulon: Robert MeBocock, of Penn; lohn Lackie, of Osceola ; E. R. Boardman, Wm. Jackson and John Turnbull, of Elmira: Martin Rist and Robert Grieve, of Toulon, and John Weir of Goshen, were chosen directors. On January 1. 1880. there were 207 policies repre- senting 8217.836. The first claim against the company was that of M. B. Parks for $1,315, destroyed by fire March 12. 1880. The second fire was that of J. J. Spencer's, West Jersey. December 16, 1881, cost- ing the company $$72.15, and the third and last fire was in June, 1884. when J. G. Turnbull's house was destroyed. This cost the com- pany 82,300. In 1881 Andrew Oliver, E. R. Boardman. R. Grieve, J. M. Hatch. M. A. Packer, James Snare, John Lackie, John Weir, John Turnbull were elected directors. In 1852 Francis JJ. Leggett and Har- rison Miner took the places of Messrs. Spare and Lackie. In 1883 D. Murray, E. R. Boardman, John Turnbull, John Weir, Harrison
437
ELMIRA TOWNSHIP.
Miner, R. Griove, J. JJ. Spencer, M. A. Packer, E. P. Wright were direc- tors. At the close of this year 296 policies, represented $350,274. In 1884 W. M. Fuller. J. M. Hatch, Daniel Whisker were chosen vice Messrs. Murray, Miner and Wright. In 1885 M. B. Parks and Wil- lian Nowlan, vice Messrs. Weir and Boardman. In January, 1886 Dr. E. O. Boardman, George E. Hohes, William Nowlan, T. JJ. Bocock, Myron R. Cox were appointed appraisers, Wm. Murray, John Turnbull, E. O. Boardman, JJ. M. Hatch, W. M. Fuller, R. Grieve, G. C. Holmes, W. W. Winslow. J. J. Spencer, Joseph Chase were elected directors, who in turn elected the officers of 1876. The number of policies JJanu- ary 1. 1586, was 290, vamed at 8361,252.
Elmira Grange, No. 1062, was organized February 7, 1874. with the following named members: John, William, David, James M. and Cy- rus Jackson : Mrs. David Jackson, Mrs. William Jackson, Mrs. James M. Jackson, Mrs. John Jackson, Mrs. James Cinnamon, Miss Emina Fleming, Mrs. Jesse Funk, Mrs. R. E. George, James and William C'in- namon, Jesse Funk, S. C. and Benjamin Fleming. Eli Mix, D. B. Pitts- ford. Charles. Theodore and Charles II. Vandike, Joseph Sharer. Wil- mot and Zera Newton, James Turnbull. Laughlin Buchanan. James Bullard. Later the names of lames Boulier. Mrs. Liza Jackson, Mrs. F. Cinnamon, Wm. Sturms. IL. H. Jackson, C. S. Thompson, (died in 1877), Thomas and Mrs. Winters appear upon the records. Of the 37 persons admitted to membership, there were only 17 belonging January 1. 1880. The last entry in the record book or documents is a receipt from the State Grange secretary to Win. Jackson, dated March 20, 1880. In 1874 Win. Jackson was elected Master and A. M. Fleming, secretary, who was succeeded by James Cinnamon. In 1876-77 David Jackson was elected master, and Win. Jackson, secretary; in 1878 Wilmot Newton, master; in 1879. C. Il. Vandike, master. During the year 1879 membership decreased.
G. A. R. Post, No. 244. of Ehnira. was chartered March 11, 1867, with the following members: Orlando Brace, Robert Turnbull, John Styres, William Jackson, Frank Hudson (in Iowa). David Jackson, James Cinnamon, Asa Clark (in the East), Marshall Lecox (in Iowa), and John McLean (gone West and supposed to have died there). Wil- liam Jackson was first commander, followed by Thomas Rule. Among the other members were A. M. Palmer, now of West Jersey. and Daniel J. Moon.
James Jackson Post, G. A. R., No. 37, was chartered March 6, 1876, with the following named members: William Jackson, Archi- bald Campbell, David Jackson, Samnel Montooth, F. L. McLennan, lames Cinnamon, Theo. Vandike, Joseph Sharer, Asa Adams, JJohn T. Thornton, Gustave Anderson, and Thomas Murray. The past com- manders of this post are, Win. Jackson, 1876-53; James Cinnamon. Samuel Montooth and David Jackson, with James Montooth present commander. The record and roster of Elmira soldiers are given very fully in the military chapter. Here, however, the record and roster of this pioneer post appear, with date of enlistment and term of service.
James Cinnamon, Ireland, June 12, 1861 ; 36 months; 19th Ill. Inf.
William Jackson, Scotland, June 12, 1861; 36 months: 19th Ill. Inf.
438
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY.
Joseph Sharer.
John Stiers, New Jersey, Jan. 1, 1862; 43 months; 2nd III. Art.
Chas. Sharer, Pa., June 1, 1864; 12 months; 139th III. Inf .; in Nebraska.
Asa Adams, Maine.
Theodore Vandike, Pa.
Thomas Murray, Scotland, Feb. : 112th IN. Inf .; in Iowa.
David Jackson, Scotland; 19th III. Inf.
Archibald Campbell, Scotland, Feb. 17, 1864; 26 months; 11th III. Cav. and 5th Cav .; in lowa.
Gustave Andersen, Sweden; moved away.
lohn Q. Adams, Maine, June 12, 1861; 36 months; 19th II. Inf .; Minouk, IIl.
Carlos Lyle, Elmira, May 18, 1864; 100 days; 134th IN. Inf.
George B. Gerard, New York, Oct. 26, 1861; 36 months; 14th Wis. Inf.
Seth D. Stoughton, Pa., Aug., 1862; 36 months; 930 II. Inf. ; Bureau county.
Samuel Montooth, Pa., June 12, 1861; 36 months; 19th III. Inf.
James Montooth, Pa., June 12. 1861; 36 months; 19th III. Inf.
John C. Cumming, Il., March, 1865; 126 days; 15th III. Inf.
Walter A. Fell, Scotland, Feb., 1864; 124th and 133d III. Inf .; Chicago.
Joseph R. Hunt. Ind., June 17 1861; 19th II]. Inf .; Minn.
Joseph C. Meigs, Vt., June 17, 1861; 19th III. Inf.
Benj. J. Whiteher, Vt., May 2, 1864; 100 days; 139th Ill. Inf.
John Whitcher. Vt., May 5, 1862; 36 months; 65th Ill. Inf. ; died at Wyoming.
Artemus E. Ewers, New York, March 9, 1862 : 39 months ; 65th Ill. Inf. and 14th
U. S. A .; died Oct. 4, 1879.
William Douglass, Scotland. June 12, 1861; 36 months; 19th II. Inf .; in Neb. Norris Lyle, Illinois.
Theodore McDaniel.
B. F. Mchew: in Kansas.
Wm. 11. Winn; in Nebraska.
James P. Palmer, N. Y., 1862; 12 months; 176th N. Y. : Rock Island Co.
James W. Karney, O., Feb. 12, 1862; 39 months; 65th III. Inf.
Edward Somers, Pa., Sept. 6, 1861: 24 months; 47th Ill. Inf.
Wm. W. Stuart, Ireland, Ang., 1861: 36 months, 47th III. Inf. ; in Neb.
Peter Risedorph, N. Y., Aug., 1861; 55 months; 42d III. Inf.
Leo Gulg, Germany. Aug., 1862; 36 months; 17th Ill. Inf.
Henry Grife, Pa., Aug., 1862; 36 months; 86th Ill. Inf .; in Neb.
Edward Ilolmes, England, Aug., 1862; 36 months; 112th III. Inf. Andrew D. Neeley, N. Y., Ang., 1861; 36 months; 42 III. Inf .; in Bureau Co.
Lewis W. Thomas, Pa .. 1861; 36 months; 33d Ill. Inf.
Edward P. Wright, III. : 112th Ill. Inf .: in lowa.
A. Il. Loudenburgh, Pa., May, 1864; 139th III. laf.
Geo. L. Talbot, Pa., March, 1864; 14 months: 19th Iowa Inf.
John A. Kunkle, Pa., Ang., 1863: 22 months; 149th III. Inf.
S. K. Conover. (Vide history of Wyoming.)
Dr. Selden Miner, N. Y., Oct. 1, 1861: 55 months: 9th Ill. Cav. ; in Kan.
Robert Freeland. O., May 1, 1864; 100 days; 139th Ill. Inf.
Lewis Osborne, O., Aug. 12, 1862; 34 months; 112th Ill. Inf.
Alfred Diefenderfer, Pa., Ang. 7, 1862; 36 months; 83d ]]]. Inf.
F. B. Hallock, III., Jan. 23. 1862: 36 months; 53d Ill. Inf.
Joseph W. Pask, England, June 12, 1861: 36 months; 19th III. Inf.
Wm. F. Horahan, O., Aug. 12, 1862: 17 months; 1st U. S. M. A.
D. J. Moon, Pa., June 12, 1861: 36 months ; 19th II]. Inf.
The adjutants were, Arch Campbell, 1879: Samuel Montooth served eight years; Wm. Jackson 1884-86; W. F. Horahan, 1886.
The Elmira Horse Company was organized in April, 1858, with Charles Stuart captain. to compete for the Agricultural Society's prize.
Win. T. Leason, of Elmira, was the only pensioner located there in 1883. He received $6 per month.
Elmira Library Association was organized January 18, 1856, at the Ehira school house. William Moffitt was secretary with Adam Oliver, president. The original members were William McBride. Andrew Oliver, William Moffitt, Adam Oliver. Thomas Oliver, Jr., M.
439
ELMIRA TOWNSHIP'.
G. Brace, Alexander Cameron, Walter M. Fuller, Henry Scott, James Nicholl, George Rutherford, Joseph Fell, John H. Turnbull, Angus McLennan, Gideon Murray, W. II. Turnbull, Jonathan Goodwell. William Oliver, Peter Ingalls, A. S. Murchison. E. R. Boardman, Matthew Bell, John Murchison. R. H. Turnbull. J. J. Turnbull, Abner J. Stearms, Laton Fuller, Robert Grieve, John Rule, Gideon Purdom, D. Murray, Gideon Murray, and Joseph Blanchard. On January 25, W. M. Fuller, Andrew Oliver, and William Moffitt were appointed a committee on constitution and by-laws, and Dr. Boardman, W. H. Turnbull, and Adam Oliver a committee on book lists. On February S the committees reported. At this time Alexander Rule, Adam Jackson, William Smith, and William Jackson joined the Association. Adam Oliver was elected president, William MeBride, vice-president ; William Moffitt, secretary : Walter M. Fuller, treasurer and librarian. Lewis Austin, William Porter, Benjamin B. Adams, and Clinton Ful- ler joined the society at this time. In April 1856 W. B. Turnbull was elected assistant librarian. In April 1857 Clinton Fuller was elected treasurer and librarian. In January 1858 William McBride was chosen president, Andrew Oliver, vice-president ; John Oliver, secretary, and Clinton Fuller treasurer and librarian. In 1860 Laton Fuller was elected president and secretary and librarian continued. In 1861 Laton Fuller. Gideon Murray and Clinton Fuller, president, secretary and librarian, respectively. The president and librarian were re-elected in 1863 and in 1864-71. In 1871 William Stevenson was elected secretary, vice Thomas Oliver. In 1872 the officers were re-elected. also in 1>73-9. In January 1880 James Haswell was elected secretary. In 1886 Winfield Fuller was elected secretary, the other officers holding over. In 1885 the old board was re-elected and in 1886 James laswell was chosen secretary. the other members being re-elected. The present members of the Library Association are William Murray, W. M. Fuller, Samuel C. Fleming, David Jackson, W. M. Fuller, Robert Grieve, David Murray, H. H. Oliver. JJames Haswell, Robert Armstrong, William Jackson, Adam Jackson, John Turnbull ( Uncle Johnny), William Stevenson, Abel Armstrong, John II. Turnbull, Clinton Fuller, Alex- ander Murchison, Laton Fuller, George Murray, Dr. E. R. Boardman, Thomas Oliver, George Rutherford, Andrew Oliver, Orestes A. Blanchard There are many others whose names are on the roll, but owing to dues not being paid are not counted as members. The library consists of about 500 or 600 volumes -- said to be one of the best selec- tions in the district.
Elmira Village .- The pretty hamlet, called Elmira Village, dates back to 1843, when AAmbrose Fuller entered the southeast quarter of sec- tion twenty. Here the Fuller store was established. and shortly after it became the Mecca of the Presbyterian and Methodist Christians of this district. A cemetery was opened here, churches erected, a school established, a few settlers gathered around and the nucleus of the present village formed. In the following church and school history of this portion of the township, but more particularly in the personal history of the men and women who settled or grew up tomanhood and womanhood here, the minutiæ of its history is well related.
440
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY.
United Presbyterian Church .- Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church of Elmira may be said to date back to the fall of 1849. when Rev. N. C. Weede came here from Marshall county and preached to the people. A permanent organization was effected November 30. 1852, at the house of John Turnbull, with Robert Rule presiding and John Turnbull, secretary. It was resolved that Finley Murchison. now (in lowa), William B. Turnbull (in Iowa), Robert Rule and Henry II Oliver (residing here) be a committee on building, and R. Turnbull, Robert Rule and William McBride, a committee to locate a site. On December 24 Jol Turnbull. Robert Turnbull and Gideon Purdom were elected first trustees. A subscription paper was drawn up, to which sixty-six names were written, representing 8892. The first members were N. C. Weede, preacher; William McBride, Robert Il. and John Turnbull. Robert Turnbull*, Gideon Purdom, W. B. Turn- bull, Robert Rules. James Turnbull, T. W. Embleton, (now of Mon- mouth, Ill.), Walter Lonzle, (in Nebraska), Finley Murchison, Il. H. Oli- ver, Robert Scott#, Adam Lyons (in Iowa). Robert Ingles (in Nebraska ). James Bayless*, Thomas Oliver, Sr.". Thomas Jackson", John Mercer". William Turnbull, Sr .* , Thomas Turnbull#, JJohn McLennan. Tr.". Adam Oliver*, Alexander Murchison, Jr .* , Andrew Oliver, John Mc- Lennan, Sr., Adam Jackson, Alexander Rule, James Nicholl, (in Nebraska). Samnel and William Carson (moved). Henry Scott, George Rutherford, John H. Turnbull. David Murray, Robert Grieve, John Rule. William Oliver, W. IT. Turnbull*, John Hohes", Samuel Mc- Canghen (in Iowa). In January, 1853, the name A. R. P. Congrega- gation of Elmira took the place of A. R. P. Congregation of Osceola. At this time $20 were paid Clinton Fuller for one acre of land, and a contract made with Isaac W. Searl to build the church 30x40 feet for $1,275. The foundation was built by Robert Nicholson. In Decem- ber. 1854. Thomas Turnbull, William Turnbull and William Oliver were elected trustees. On January, 1855. the seats were numbered and a price for renting adopted. At this time some money was borrowed, 8200 of which brought twenty per cent. The pew rent brought 8225. In January. 1857. John Rule and William B. Turnbull were elected trustees. Robert Grieve was subsequently elected. On March 30, 1857, the Associate Presbyterian and Associate Reformed Church united as the I'nited Presbyterian Church of Elmira, by which title it has since been known. In January. 1857, Rev. Mr. Dixon supplied. vice Rev. Mr. Weede. In October. 1858, the name of Rev. I. M. Graham appears as pastor. In January, 1859, Andrew Oliver, James Turnbull and John MeLennan were elected trustees. In 1860 the church was reseated and painted under the supervision of Messrs. Graham, Oliver and Grieve, and the following year rents were abol- ished. and the church remodled. In 1861 James Bayless. W. II. Turnbull and Andrew Oliver were elected trustees. About this time a church tax was raised by regular assessment, something like county taxes. This continued a few years until it gave place to voluntary contributions. In 1863 William Oliver, John and William Turnbull
* Deceased.
441
ELMIRA TOWNSHIP.
were elected trustees and re-elected in 1865. Subsequently Mr. Grabam purchased a farm, resigned his charge, and in 1867 the name of Rov. N. C. Weede reappears on the record, but not as pastor. William D. Thomas and II. Il. Oliver were elected trustees. Rev. Mr. Mont- gomery succeeded Mr. Graham. William and Thomas Oliver and David Murray were elected trustees in 1871 and re-elected in 1873. 1u 1875 the name of Rev. John M. Henderson appears, although he came here in 1873 and still remained as pastor until 1884. Since 1884 the church has been supplied by various ministers. In the fall of 1886 the Rev. Ross was called, and took charge. Mr. Henderson moving to Traer, Iowa. In 1875 William Oliver. James Turnbull and John Ilolmes were elected trustees, succeeded in 1877 by Robert Grieve. Andrew Oliver and John Turnbull, as trustees. Mr. Grieve acting as clerk since that time. In January, 1879 a motion providing that the trustees procure substitutes for hats to take up the weekly collections was adopted. The trustees were re-elected in 1881. In December. 1881, the question of admitting organ music was decided negatively by eleven for. to sixteen against. In January. 1883. Robert Grieve. Wm. Murray and William Oliver were elected trustees; Robert Grieve. Maggie Rule and Janet Jackson, chosen a committee to select books for the library. In February the library committee just named, with Mary Oliver, Janet Grieve. George T. Oliver and Adam Jackson were appointed a committee to collect the Quarter Centennial Fund. This committee collected $277.45, which was applied toward church work. In January, 1885. the trustees were re-elected. In 1885 elections were held in the matter of calling a pastor, but none being unanimous the question was held over until June 1. 1886, when Rev. Mr. Ross was called. The number of communicants is $7. In the Sunday-school library are 400 volumes, scholars in Sunday school 101. It is notable that the three Presbyterian churches of this township pay $3,000 as salaries annually, and about the same amount for other church pur- poses.
Methodist Episcopal Church of Elmira dates back to the beginning of the Osceola society. Prior to 1859 the Fullers, Clarks. Ferris, Hud- sons families may be named as the only Methodists here, and members of the Osceola church. In 1859 Rev. W. J. Smith held revival meet- ings here, when all the others named below became members of the church. A meeting was held here March 7. 1859, to consider the ques- tion of building a church. Rev. Wm. Smith presided, with W. M. Fuller, secretary. The trustees elected were : John M. Clark.# W. M. Fuller, Elijah Ferris. Matthew Bell. William Cade," Elisha Clark and Daniel IIndson.# John M. Clark and W. M. Fuller were appointed a committee on land, and W. M. Enller, Elisha Clark and Matthew Bell. building committee. Those men went to work with a will, and the present M. E. church was completed and dedicated that fall, on a half acre of land donated by M. G. Brace. Among the early members were the above named officers : Ann Clark. Chloe M. Fuller, Jane Bell, Plebe Brace. * Caroline Brace, Mary Brace, # Charles Brace, C. H. Brace, Will- iam G. Craig, Nancy Craig. Lucy (. Lyle, Joseph Likes, Deborah Likes. Peoria Likes, Sarah J. Likes. Mary E. Likes. Maria J. Clark, Thomas
442
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY.
Walter Clark, Asa Clark, James. L. Ferris, Malinda Fuller, Ben F. Hudson, Carlos B. Lyle, Fantha Brace, Keziah Brace.# Ellen J. Green. Isaiah Coon, Maria Rogers, Edward Nixon,# Margaret Nixon, E. F. Simpson, Helen Thornton, Mary E. Stuart. The present membership Clark, Mary Hudson, Edwin Clark, Rachel Clark, Mary E. Clark .* comprises Walter M., Chloe M., Malinda and Augusta Fuller, Luella (Fuller) Oliver, Mary Hudson and Iantha ( Brace) Mivers.
Elmira Bible Society was organized June 24, 1857, with John Turn- bull. president ; W. M. Fuller and Joseph Blanchard, vice-president ; Dr. E. R. Boardman, treasurer. and M. G. Brace, secretary : William Mc Bride and Joseph Blanchard, local agents. In 1858 Rev. J. M. Gra- ham was chosen president, and Rev. McHale, agent. In 1860 William McBride was chosen president. In 1861 Joseph Blanchard was presi- dent, with W. M. Fuller elected treasurer in 1860, re-elected. The lat ter has served the society as treasurer and depositor down to the present time. and was elected president in 1862, with H. II. Oliver secretary. In 1863 J. M. Clark was elected president, succeeded by W. M. Fuller in 1864, and he by II. H. Oliver in 1865, who has acted as president down to the present time, with Mr. Fuller secretary and treasurer. The society now is in existence so far as contributions are concerned. but for a number of years no meetings have been held.
Presbyterian Church of Elmira was organized May 8, 1881, by Rev. John Weston and Rey. T. G. Scott. The original members were Abel, Aune, John, Robert, Mrs. Jane and George Armstrong, George Rutherford. William Beattie, Mrs. Catherine Scott, Mrs. Elizabeth Oliver, Miss Mary Oliver, Mrs. C. Stevenson, Miss Addie Steven- son, Miss Carrie Stevenson, Daniel Dodd, Mrs. Irene Dodd, Mrs. Mary Buchanan, Murdock Buchanan. Miss Mary and Miss Rebecca Me- Kay, Miss Mary Adams, Miss O. Vanda Beaver. At this time Abel Armstrong and George Rutherford were elected ruling elders, and the latter clerk of church. In June, 1881, there were added to the congre- gation : Elizabeth Hindmarsh, Charlotte Adams, Esther Oliver, Jennie Armstrong, Maggie Rutherford, Jennie Rutherford, Sibella E. Rather- ford, Ellen Scott, Isabella Uunter, Ellen Turnbull, Mary Beattie and John Hindmarsh. In August there were admitted to membership : Tena Miller. Emora Fleming. M. Sibelle Oliver, Thomas and Joseph Chapman ; and in January, 1882, Mrs. Mary MeLennan. In June, 1582, there were admitted John and Bessie Glendenning. Elizabeth Anderson, Jennie Loch, Sibella F. Armstrong. In November, 1882. Miss D. MeKinzie : in April, 1583, Duncan Buchanan : in June, Jose- phine E. Iland, Elizabeth E. Haswell, William E. and Ella M. Scott and Mrs. C. B. Rutherford; in November, John and Sarah Fowler, Marion F. Tuttle, Florence Gerard, Alvero MeCurdy, and Jane Ander- son : in 1884, George E. and Maggie Holmes, Abner and Mary E. IFul sizer, John Redshaw and Maggie L. Haswell. James U. Carpenter and wife, Cynthia Horahan, Belle Semple, Robert Dodd, Mary Armstrong. Nils Swanson and William E. Grieve. In June, 1885, there were added to the church the following named members: William Ander- son. Thomas R. Turnbull, William A. Martin, W. H. Holmes, James HI. Haswell, James Armstrong, Misses Katie Mc Williams, Letitia Hunter,
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