USA > Indiana > Wells County > Ossian > 20th century souvenir edition of the Ossian news, Ossian, Ind., January 1st, 1900 > Part 2
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These instructors are all teachers of wide experience and ones selected by Trustee James Swaim after a careful weighing of merit. Mr. Kiser is a new teacher who comes to Ossian well recom- mended. He fills the place of Miss Mar-
gret Stine. who resigned to continue her English studies and finish her collegiate course. The loss of Miss Stine is re- marked by our most in- tellectual patrons, she being an instructor of remarkably bright promise
The forward steps we are taking seem to indi- cate that we shall soon have a commissioned High Schoo'. At pres- ent the course is felt to be equal to that offered by sister High Schools throughout the state.
In reviewing the past and comparing it with the present. it appears that we have made a greater advance in educational lines than in any others. We have always been regarded as an intellectual commun- ity: our educational aims have been high: our struggles unceasing. What the future holds for the school seems of especial pro- mise. Certainly no one remembering the toils and trials of those who "upheld the torch" and journeyed through the dark- ness of this rude, unlearned rusticism of the early "woods-days" in Jefferson Town- ship, can refrain from joyous exultation and comparison as the full force of the permanent advance to ideals formerly un- dreamed, strikes down in complete realiza- tion. We are what we are by the grace of God and the considerable hard work of
Town Fire Engine.
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The Ossian Creamery.
scores of persons, many of whom have pass- economy-the whole structure is one superb ed out of remembrance. The whole piece of coral-building.
The Music World.
Music is the thermometer of culture, Wagner, Beethoven, Handel and Bach is the indicator that measures the aesthetic far above us (and who is it not above, ) the tendency is strong to study the work, and
tendencies of a people, the qualifying pulse of higher taste. Whatever real advance- delight in the performances of the masters. ment toward ideal living we have made in The day of "noteless" playing has gone by the half-century of our existence is to be to a great extent. The violinists and the pianists now work upon the con- certos of the eminent creative spirits and by so doing show how far above measured by our musical progress. That it is the social custom to decry the superi- ority of what is termed "classical music" is not a pleasant thing to set down as a mere backwoods toilers the younger gener- bit of historical record. This barbaric ation has progressed toward the broad. habit of overlooking the beauty and value liberal field of art. of real music is gradually becoming an unpopular custom. The day has gone by when musical prophets can stand in our midst and receive no appreciative criticism. Vocalists. This fact shows that the evolution is to- ward the beautiful and good. Time was when "The Last Hope" by Gottschalk, per-
Of those who have had a share in contri- buting to the musical evolution upward, the vocalists are prominent, because they formed before a representative audience began in old days when instrumental would have been accepted as an unwelcome music (except the "fiddle") was a thing misery to be undergone for decency's sake. almost undreamed of "out here in the We fancy that we are considerably above woods." The first singers were the itiner- that stage now. and though the meaning in ant singing school teachers of whom there
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THE OSSIAN NEWS
is now no record and scant trace. Those song in Ossian there yet remains one were the days of meetings in old school name unnoted, reserved for final mention houses to gain from some wandering piper in this division, because worthy of record meager instructions, sufficient to enable not cursory. Mrs. Lenore (Allen) Hall. our fathers to sing the gamut correctly youngest daughter of Sherman Allen, is enough to give some right interpretation now in Europe completing her musical to hymn tunes and the like. Good times studies, and singing before the most critic- certainly, and good pipers, good psalm al musical audiences in Germany. Her liners, good singers all-they have lost voice is a beautiful soprano. Those who their voices now; nothing is left of the have heard her sing recall the balmy days forgotten music they gave us but dreams of Jennie Lind. Mrs. Hall is an acknow- and vagaries of the past! Among those ledged success as a vocalist. who taught "singing school" the names of these men are still handed down: San- ford Karns, Sam Hill, Joseph Rich, Noah Instrumentalists. Walker.
Later came a score or more, singers who Prominent among those deserving of mention as being pian- ists of ability is Miss Gee Milliken. Miss Milliken is a brilliant performer, and a faithful conserva- tive teacher. She has large classes each year! It is with pleasure we recall the impetus given music by each of the following teachers and performers: Misses An- na Mitchell, Lida Allen, Mamie Alleman and Jennie Craig. Though they are no longer mem- bers of our society the benefit of their former teaching was incalcula- Residence of N. Weaver. ble. Special reference at this time is to be giv- will always be remembered. not for any en to the musical endeavors of Miss Susie special celebrity, but because of their strug- Craven who was one of the most brilliant gles to forward vocal music. The names performers we have ever had. During her of those who have been connected with period of nsefulness in Ossian she won encomiums of many friends, and since her departure she has received the plaudits of
singing in Ossian, especially, are as follows: Mrs. Ina (Church) Beatty; Mrs. Capitola Glass: Mrs. Chas. Foughty, better remem- many musical critics.
embered perhaps as Miss Kitty Hanna; Miss Grace Wilson; Miss Effie McCorkle; Messrs. Fred Livengood: V. M. Hatfield; Her playing is extremely accurate; her interpretation vivid and impassioned. It is a matter of pride that she should have E. H. Roe; Arthur Roe: M. P. Allen; dwelt among us, and labored for a time in Will Derr. Mention is to be made of Miss a world which could not fully appreciate Margaret Doan who has been a prominent her real ability.
local vocalist for the last ten years. Her Miss Ivah Brickley is another musician voice is a strong soprano, powerful and of local reputation-a reputation growing worthy of attention.
more established since her success as an
Of all those who have contributed to educator in music.
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With sorrow the writer of this sketch turns to the one name in our musical history that stands out clearly defined, transcendent over all others- sorrow that a young life full of such wonderful promise should have been cut short. William Derr, violinist, greatest of all those who have loved art in Ossian, was born April 1st, 1877, and died August 22nd, 1896. Into his brief life he managed to crowd the inspir- ation and labor of what for most people would be half a century.
His fame locally is a lasting one. To this day it is a matter of reminiscent comment when some musician has completed a a difficult performance-"Oh, that is very well, but you should have heard Will Derr play that selection."
The OSSIAN NEWS, August 28, 1896, con- tained the following characterization: -
"While yet very young Will Derr be- them all. But it was not until at length came connected with the cornet band and he was persuaded to turn his attention to quickly displayed abilities in his part, that the violin that his genius appeared in its highest perfection. indicated an uncommon talent. His pro- motions were frequent, and he found him- "Recognizing in this instrument unlim- self at the age of 16 at the head of this ited scope for his talent, and possibilities organization with a recognized and durable hitherto unperceived, he assiduously appli- reputation as a baritone player.
Residence of V. M. Hatfield.
Residence of L. F. Wilson.
talent was so exceptional in this particular province of the musical world that he was encouraged to take it up more extensively. He soon learned the flute. clarionet and organ; and performed creditably upon
His ed himself to the task of mastering it. The progress he made is well known to many of us, his skill being most remarkable. That he would have attained distinct- ion as a musician there can be no doubt. He had been grant- ed the leadership in singing, and under his supervision the most satisfactory results were reached."
The most intense passion was one of the marked feat- ures of this wonderful young man's playing. He interpret- ed the music of the masters with all the fidelity of a divine inspiration. Each moment of his short brilliant life seemed to elevate him above the sea of mediocre professionalism.
Rem. A. Johnston, the bio-
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c
C
C
Allen's Cadet Band.
graphical editor of this work, was privil- crisp, melodious, a combination of every- edged to beone of the young artist's near- thing desirable in sound. As you listen est friends. With loving criticism he to his playing you dream of magnificent, wrote to an acquaintance concerning old world cathedrals, where the air is Will's violin playing as follows :- heavy with symphonious tremblings. You harken and the voice of the violin becomes
"You speak about talent-here is talent rising sheer beautiful, and towering over the voice of a woman soaring and quaver- all lesser lights. Will's violin playing is ing up and up, until the very soul seems to wonderful. He will be a master-nay, he be suspended in the sobbing upper air of is a master, for the color of Stradivarius, the cathedral, and that very soul seems of Sarasate creeps into his tone increasing- crying and moaning about the lips of the ly each hour, also an original tint which brazen organ pipes. This through a fiery some day will be the foundation of a new twilight red with ineffable flame * * :
color and a new style. His phrasing and This artist's death was a great calamity shading are exquisite, and though his bow- to local music. We have never recovered ing still leaves something to be desired from the loss. greater than which there (critically speaking) pure genius overcomes could have been none. Whether we shall technique. The intuitive awakening of ever again be so vigorous, speaking for the long dead methods, tones, feelings, causes side of execution and interpretation as one to forget the little amateurish frailties during Will Derr's life time, is a matter and faults which another year's study and for the younger musicians to settle. practice will entirely overcome * * * He is making such advancement as he not even dreams. Already he has proven how Allen's Cadet BBand. brightly the divine fire is burning. His The band has been a feature of import- rendition is surprisingly clear, his notes ance in the musical field. Its organization,
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L. E. & W. R. R. Depot.
life and work are due to the liberal support
Though brief and hurried this sketch, an of the citizens, and to the labor of Band- effort has been made to show that interest master-M. P. Allen. This musician, who in that most necessary realm of art-music has the reputation of being one of the -has increased; and with interest an edu- foremost street leaders in Indiana, was cation in rythmic forms that places our born in this county in the year 1859. He city far above contemporaries, That time is a self-taught cornetist of ability and has will never come in the records of our figured prominently for twenty years in municipal life when the glory, the great- ness of harmonic idcals, of melody and the local circles. Beginning the study of the cornet when but 18 years of age he entered life-blood thereof, shall cease to indicate the first band organization, then known any thing other than upward progression as "The Gideon Band."
Bandmaster in culture and taste.
Allen proved to be the backbone of the organization, and through its many vicissi- tudes has proven its firm sup- porter, upholder and friend. He enjoys the reputation of having instructed over 500 men connected with the band since its first appearance on our streets. The present organization is growing strong- er each year. Having lost re- cently by fire a large library and many instruments the band has not quite assumed the old position of eminence and super- iority. But a short time will will place the association on its old footing. The men are now superbly uniformed. and fully prepared to do high class work.
Residence of David Stine.
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THE OSSIAN NEW'S
The Churches.
It is a matter of pleasurable report that intellectual perception of the people, the Ossian has assumed a wide reputation for Methodist Episcopal church must always her ability to diffuse and perpetuate relig- be numbered among the foremost. What- ious sentiment. That the "church ele- ever the efforts of the cducators, whatever ment" has ever been one of the most po- the zeal of the pioneer, whatever the prow- tent factors in the thought development, ess of those who fearlessly entered the no one can deny: that such is the case is wilderness, the whole was eclipsed by the a matter of thanksgiving and hope, for no passion of the early western preachers. community can be truly strong, does it and no church was ever possessed of more lack the strength of religious organiza- zealous pastors and class-leaders than our tion. It is due to the church that intem- Ossian charge. perance has been driven away from the The primal records of the Ossian Cir- Quoting from an early historical sketch of the church, we are town many times, and all open evils put cuit were lost. in a way of vanquishment.
The people contribute readily to the enabled to state as succinctly and correct- support of the churches. The several rec- ly as may be all that is now known of the ognized creeds have each an increasing first stirrings in our midst of the spirit of
number of followers. It is a matter of remark that the churches here have drawn more religious gatherings, conven- tions and the like, to this place, than have the churches of any town of our size any-
For many reasons the following brief historical sketches will prove interesting Wabash river, (and was) supposed to em- to numbers of church workers here brace a part of Adams, Huntington, and and abroad. The friends formerly Whitley counties. connected with christ- ian effort here, will Presbyterian Parsonage. read with pleasure the history of religious purpose in which they once personally figured.
Methodist Episcopal Church.
It is a pleasure to note the incidents, however fragmentary in detail, that mark the rise and progress of the religious tendencies of Ossian. Among the influences most conducive to broad- ening the moral status, and increasing the clean
Methodism. We subjoin the extract.
"We find the territory that now em- braces the Circuit was included in the St. Mary's Mission, being taken into the Mis- sion October 30, 1848, the earliest date of where within the radius of our acquaint- Methodism in this part of the country. ance.
The Mission included all the territory south of Fort Wayne and north of the
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"The Ossian Circuit was organized in Sep- tember, 1850. with Os- sian as its head. The Prospect Society was among the classes that entered into the form- ation of the Circuit. The boundaries of the Circuit were defined so as to embrace about all St. Mary's Mission out- side of Fort Wayne. The boundaries of the circuit have been changed from time to time until the present boundary marks its limits, which is pro- perly the county line between Wells and Al- len counties and west-
Residence of Rev. W. Z. Roberts.
ward the southern boundary being the Wa- organized Jan., 13, 1888, and the services bash river near Murray, thence east and were held in the Lutheran church until west, leaving the boundaries about all in Dec., when the present church building the north part of the county. The Ossian was completed. Society was organized in 1851, and worship- "The first parsonage house was built in ed in the school house and dwelling houses 1852. The second house was erected in until 1853, when the first church was com- 1866. To this there was built a wing in 1877. * pleted. * * * Rev. J. W. Foughty was the first class leader. *
"The aggregate average attendance of
"The Prospect Society was organized the four congregations taken together is September 30, 1848, with William Cotton, about five to seven hundred."
now deceased, as leader. Services were Since the above history of the church held in the dwelling houses of John A. was written changes in the Circuit have Lepper and Simon Krewson and in the been made until now the Ossian and Pros- school house, (which was, it might be pect churches are the only ones in this mentioned, for two years the extra room charge. The valuation of church property of the cabin home of Simon Krewson). A is about $2,800. Salary paid to pastor $725: log church was built about 1853, which presiding elder $64; bishop $11, total $800 was the house of worship until 1861 when per annum. The benevolent contributions apart from the salaries aggregate over
the present church house was erected. " . * "The Emmaus Society was organized in $300.00
1876, with Robert W. Hall, now deceased, The present pastor Rev. C. M. Hollo- as leader. They worshiped in the school peter, a cultured gentleman, will be long house until the present church edifice was remembered since it was during his period completed. * * * This society was a part of usefulness here that the new and grand of the Sheldon Circuit until 1881 when it brick house of worship was erected (in was attached to Ossian.
1899). This large building with its fine
"The Uniondale Society was first organ- auditorium, basement and social rooms is certainly a credit to the town. The mem-
ized in 1884 and attached to the Markle Circuit * * * but in 1885 it was attached bers of the church have a right to be proud to the Ossian Circuit. The services were of the $5,500 structure which replaces the held in the Lutheran church of Uniondale old frame house so long in use.
until September 1886 when the society From the above description of the de- was abandoned. This society was again velopment of the Ossian M. E. Church and
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THE OSSIAN NEWS
-
First M. E. Church.
its adjuncts it will be seen that Methodism the growth of the church from its infancy. in this place is in a flourishing condition, We subjoin in conclusion a chronicle of and that the field is cared for by liberal, the names of those devoted men who for a careful workers.
half century and over toiled ceaselessly to purify, elevate and save the hardy strug-
The organization is especially rich in active aid societies. The Epworth League, glers in a new country.
a young peoples auxillary, was organized in 1887, with 23 members, with J. W. D. ST. MARY'S MISSION. Metts as president. Now there are 63 Revs. T. F. Palmer, 1848: Dennis B. Clary, 1849. members to "hold up the banner," and the society is officered as follows: Pres., Alcena Swaim; Ist Vice Pres., J. F. Myers; OSSIAN CHARGE. 2nd Vice Pres., Margaret Doan; 3rd Vice Revs. J. W. Miller, 1850: Almon Green- Pres., E. H. Roe: 4th Vice Pres., Edna man, 1851; W. S. Birsh, 1852; James John- Way; Secretary, Dove Osborn; Treasurer, son, 1853; W. T. Smith, 1854: A. Andrews. Oliver Buck. In connection with this 1855; A. Douglas, 1856-57; J. M. Mann, society, the Junior League should have 1857; B. F. Armstrong, 1858; S. H. Clark, honorable mention. Organized in 1892 1859-60: E. S. McNeal 1861; J. T. Nash, with 15 members under the leadership of 1862-63: T. Colclazer, 1864; J. H. Slade, Miss Cora Hood there are now 74 young 1865: O. D. Watkins, 1866-68: W. E. Curtis workers. Miss Hood has been superintend- ent during the whole period of time since organization.
1869-70; L. Roberts, 1871-73: J. H. Mc- Mahin, 1874-75. J. M. Woolverton, 1876-77: J. M. Mann, 1878: Y. B. Meridith, 1879; N. Burwell 1880: J. L. Ramsey, 1881-82: E. P.
The W. F. M. Society is also a very necessary adjunct to the church life-it is Church, 1883-85. J. A. Lewellen, 1886; large and full of vigor.
Henry Bridge, 1887-90: J. B. Alleman.
A list of pastors from the earliest dates 1891-92: S. C. Norris 1893-97. C. M. Hollo- is interesting to those who have followed peter, 1898-99.
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First Presbyterian Church.
Presbyterian Church.
The Ossian Presbyterian church has Adam Hatfield, with a membership of 22 ever had a wide influence for good, not souls, all coming into the holy assembly only upon the immediate vicinity which by letter. The first pastor was Rev. John contributes to its support, but in the larger H. Russ, who was not long with the little field of christian influence, both presby- flock of earnest workers. terial and otherwise. From this organiza- tion have gone out men, who, as pastors, have been wonderfully successful soul- winners. The names of these men stand
It is a matter of history that after the trial of the few ministers succeeding Mr. Russ. the church was almost upon the verge of à disorganization, as it seemed plainly inscribed upon the records of the impossible for the then scattered Presby- clergy of this church. Their usefulness teries to furnish ministers for the strug- has been remarked again and again by gling western churches. Messrs. Joseph the leading church assemblies, and the Gorrell and Adam Hatfield were instru- men themselves have risen by reason of mental in securing the services of the their special talents to enviable positions Rev. Wilson M. Donaldson, the one man in those bodies. It has always been a who has had more to do with the building matter of great pride to those who are up of Presbyterianism in Ossian than any members of the church that they have other. Indeed with justice, it may be had such shining lights among them, and said the Bluffton field owes greatly for that the christian influences of their own the great good this godly minister accom- beloved pastorate formed enviroments plished for it in its early days, as Mr. conducive to guard and lead the children of the church to such worthy eminence.
Donaldson labored long and earnestly with the early Bluffton charge, suffering the The church proper. first known as the many privations attendant upon the Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian church, was preaching of the gospel in those days. organized June ICth, 1840 at the house of This was the man whom God sent to care
.
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THE OSSIAN NEWS
United Brethren Church.
for the early Presbyterian church in Wells membership is 197. County. How well and faithfully he did
The church has a large Sabbath school, his work only the Almighty Father knows, an active, vigorous W. F. M. society, and and that knowledge He has written down, a Christian Endeavor Society which was let us hope, in the Book of Selfsacrificing organized during the pastoral service of Service, which shall be the most read vol- Rev. M. M. Lawson. This society is a flourishing one, is large and capably offi-
ume of all Eternity.
It were a pleasure, did space permit, to cered.
write at great length of Mr. Donaldson's The pastors since Mr. Donaldson have ministration in Ossian. Suffice it to say, been Revs. John Mitchell, M. M. Lawson, he was a devout man, a faithful pastor, a Edwin Craven and Edward Campbell. All builder in the highest sense of the word. were men of nobility of character who Mr. Donaldson was pastor of the Bluffton steadily increased the church efficiency and Pleasant Ridge (now Ossian) churches twenty eight and one-half years. here. Mr. Lawson contributing especially to the success and the building up of the Kingsland and Elhanan churches.
In the year 1867, the present frame 40x 60 house of worship was built and dedicat- The present minister, Edward Campbell, ed in Ossian, and the Pleasant Ridge is a most promising young pastor. Under church was vacated, the congregation his care it is to be hoped that the church coming to the new house, under the leader- will increase in strength and usefulness. ship of Mr. Donaldson. The name of the In conclusion a word regarding those of church, however, by common consent re- whom we have reason to be proud. Four mained "Pleasant Ridge" and was so of our members have become ministers of known until the spring of 1876, when it the gospel: John B. Donaldson, Wilson E. was changed to the "Ossian Presbyterian Donaldson, Robert M. Donaldson and Church."
Solomon N. Vail. These men have all at- tained especial distinction in the higher
The number of members received into the church by certificate and examination circles of Presbyterianism. This is, we since organization is 634. The present think, a pleasing, splendid record for the
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Baptist Church.
first Presbyterian church organized this county.
United Brethren Church.
in building the church up and making it stronger in every way
The usefulness of this church must not be forgotten or overlooked. They are a quiet faithful set of people who are en- gaged in this special branch of God's work. It is to be hoped their power will steadily grow until their number of ad-
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