USA > Indiana > Steuben County > Atlas of Steuben Co., Indiana, to which are added various general maps, history, statistics, illustrations > Part 2
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Those who have studied the great problem of educating the masses, who have faced the vexed questions connected with this grand idea of universal education, know in truth over what rough ways the system has traveled to its present state of development. Indiana, the State pointed at with a sheer by her near neighbors as the land of ignorance, has taken her place at the front, and her citizens may claim with just pride that, educa ionally considered, she is the peer of her wore pretentious neighbors.
An ennmierstion of a few hundred children in Steuben County has increased to more than five thousand. From an expenditure of a few hundred dollars a year, it has increased until, in 1879, it reached nearly forty thousand dollars. The people are no longer contented with poor houses, consequently commodious brick buildings are being erected all over the county.
From an nnsystematized course of work, the schools have learned a severe lessou und are now being graded, in many icstances as thoroughly as some of our best village schools. Teachers are giving more time to preparations for work, and doing their work much more effectually thun in years gone hy. While all this is going on in the country, there have grown up in oor villages union schools nosurpassed in any portion of the State. In Angola, Fremont and Orland, extensive courses of study have been adopted, where young men and women may prepare for college. The schools at the above-named places, as well as the one at Pleasant Lake, have prepared a large number of young men for more advanced courses of study, which they have finished in other institutions with great credit to themselves and the schools where they received their elementary training.
RELIGIOUS.
REGULAR BAPTIST.
The history of Stsuhen County would be incomplete without a sketoh of its pioneer denomination. Forty-six years ago, in tho full of 1834, Elder J. M. Hall, of Kalamazoo, Mich., preached the first ser- mon in the county, in the small log cabin of John Stocker, in what was that the " Vermont Settlement." Meetings were held at different times in this locality, for the next two years, but there was no organization effected until August, 1835, when a Baptist Church was organized at thut point. The following named persons are among those who formed the carly members of that church : John Stocker. Mrs. Betsy Stocker, Nelson and Mary Newton, S. C. and Martha Sabin, Deacon J. Niles and wife, Elder A. Town and Abel Blanchard. In April, 1837, Elder Truman Burroughs took charge of this church, and was succeeded, in October, 1839, by Elder E. R. Speer, ho being succeeded, in 1840, by Elder C. H. Blanchard, who preached until 1848. During this time, Mr. Leland H. Stocker figured prominently in the Baptist denomination, and helped to organizs most of the churches of this sect that have existed in Steuben County. There is still a flourishing Baptist Church in Orland, which has, as members, a few of the old pioneers who helped to organize it forty-four years ago. It is unnecessary to give the names of the Elders who ministered to the spiritual wants of the Baptist Church of Orland since 1848. Suffice it that they all did their duty in preach- ing the Gospel and scattering the seeds of truth brondenst. Elder Sny- der is now in charge of the church ut Orland, and is faithfully continu- ing the good work began hy those who preceded him.
A Baptist Church was organized on " Willow Prairie" (now Fre- ment), hy Elder Truman Burroughs, in 1837, which remained visible about fifteen yeurs; and one at Lake Gage, by Elder E. R. Speer, in 1839, called "Concord Church," which, for many years, had a large membership, but which no longer exists. In 1840, the Clear Lake Baptist Church was organized, at which point they have now a good building and a fair membership, with Elder R. P. Jones in charge. In the same year, Elders Speer, Burroughs and Stocker effected a small organization of about twelve members, in the " Barnes settlement," in York Township, which lasted soveral years. The same elders organized churches in Oisego Township, and the Jackman settlement, in Richland Township, about 1840, the following persons being among the leading members at that time: Justin Darling and Mrs. Rhoda Darling, G. M. Swift, Robert Jaekman and wife, Richard and Samuel Jackman and wives, Leonard Cotton, Mr. Croy and wife. In 1850, a number of the members of those two churches united with those at Pleasant Lake and organized w church at that point, with Elder Byron in charge Among its leading members were Deacon L. Colton und wife, Justin Darling and wife, John Meserve and wife, Truman Meserve and wife, Mr. Holman and wife. The Following Elders have preached at Pleasant Lake Church since its organization : William Conley, William Laey, W. N. Welker, T. C. Briggs, S. B. Ward, Lyman Colton, R. P. Jones, and a few others, whose names we are unable to lenrn. They are now con- temupluting the ercetion of' a suitable building for the accommodation of their increasing membership, which will be located in the village of Pleasant Lake. The church, at this point, has a good membership, and has remained intact since its organization. In 1850, Elders A. S. Ames und White organized a Baptist Church in Angols, its leading members being Dr. Williamu Southard and wife, Simeon C. Aldridge and wife, George W. Wyring and wife, John Green and wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Gale, Mrs. Amanda Pattorson, Mrs. I. W. Howard, Mmes. Luoy and Mercy Stocker, Mrs Mary Snyder, Jane and Susan Phenicie, and oth- ers This organization lasted about five years, when, it failing to receive sufficient support to justify keeping up its identity, the members merged into other Baptist organizations. The only Baptist Churches of Steu- ben County that have uow a visibility are Orland, Clear Lake and Pleas- ant Luke. There is no denying that this denomination has declined in Steuben County in the last thirty years, as in 1848 its whole mem- bersbip was greater than all other religious denominations combined. The cause of this falling off we are unable to explain in the space intended for this article; but there were many causes that led to this result, which, with skillful management, could have been avoided, and therchy kept the church from splitting. Since the settlement of the county, the Baptist Church has done much, and, with a little new, energetic blood infused into its veins, it might at least regain a part of the prestige it once possessed in the hearts of hundreds of Stouben's most worthy citizens.
CONGREGATIONAL.
The Congregational Church at Orland was organized in 1836, by the Rev. Christopher Corey, of Lima, La Grange County. The first settled minister was Rev. Stepbeu Thompson, who preached in 1838. The next ministers who had charge of the church were Rev. Jacob Patch and Rev. Corwin Kidder.
Rev. J. R Bonney then came and filled tbe pulpit for two years, his successor beiug Rev. L. T. Rose, who remained three years, after which Mr. Bonney returned, and is still pastor, serving now in his second year. The congregation worshiped in the schoolhouse until 1852, at which time they completed a church building, the cost being $2,000. The present membership of the church is about forty-eight.
The Sunday school is in charge of M. T. Rose, and is in a flourish- ing condition
On the 19th day of May, 1869, several persons interested in estab- lishing a Congregational Church in Angola. Ind , met pursuant to a call for that purpose, signed by J. Austin Fox and others, at which time Articles of Faith and Covenant were adopted. The church took steps, June 9, 1860, to become legally incorporated by electing a Board of Trustees, cousisting of Harvey H. Goldsmitb, J. Austin Fox and Henry Linder. A council of churches convened July 8, 1869, iu response lo letters missive, at which time the church was formally recognized, receiving the right band of Christian fellowship. Albert R. Crandall and Oscar B. Dunning, who were the first Deacons of this eburcb, were elected as such August 15, 1871. The church and congregation met for worship in the publie-school building until December 3, 1871, when the present church edifice, having heen so far completed that it could be used, was formally dedicated to God and His worship, the Rev. E. B. Fairfield, D. D., conducting the dedicatory services. The pleasant and commodious building was erected at an expense of about 86,000.
The Sunday school connected with this eburch was organized June 30, 1872. It has proved to be an efficient auxiliary io the work of the chureb, and is at this time in a flourishing condition, under the superin- tendence of David Eberly. Oscar B. Dunning, W. H. EI. Day, Gorm
Brown and David Eberly, in the order named, have been the Superin- tendents. Henry Linder has held the office of Scoretary and Treasurer, succeeding F. W. Bodley, who first held these offices.
Since the organization, the church has had as Pastors, in the order named, the Revs. R. D. Macarthu, Ebenezer Haliday, E. Andrus and Jolin V. Hiokmott, the latter named gentleman being the present incum- bent of the pastoral office. The chureb und congregation have been efficiently served by these Pastors.
Under their ministrations, the growth of the ebureh in numbers and influence for good has been gradual, heulthful and permanent. The present Dencons are Samuel A. Moss and Iquao Kratzer. The Board of Trustees consists of Henry Linder, L. R. Williams. George Redding, Isaac Kratzer and William W. Ferrier. John W. Cowen serves the church and society as Clerk and Treasurer
On the 4th of June, 1872, N. A. Hyde, Superintendent of the Home Missionary Society of Indiana, organized a Congregational church nt Jamestown consisting of eleven members, the society being known as the " Church of Christ of Jninestown " John M. Miller and Gustavus Cross were elected Deacons, and Eben P. McAlister, Clerk and Trens- urer. Rev. Corbin Kidder preached that summer, and L. J. Donaldson, a student of Oberlin College, occupied the pulpit the following winter. In January, 1873, it was decided to change the name of the church to the " First Congregational Church of Jamestown." The church was without a regular supply from this thue until September, 1874, when Rev. L. P. Rose was called and took charge, preaching once in two weeks until the latter part of June, 1878, when Rev. John R. Bonney was called and has continued to supply the pulpit since. A fine church has been built, being dedicated January 9, 1879.
The Fremont Congregational Church was organized by the Rev. E. Andrus and the Rev. J. E. Roy, D. D., in 1874. The growth of this church has been encouraging, aud it has now a large and respectable con- gregation, who are ministered to by Rev. J V. Hickmott,
Moses Kinsey is Deacou, and Mrs. C. F. Warner is Clerk and Treas- urer. Preparations are being made to erect a chureb edifice during the present year, 1880.
A Congregational church and society was organized at Pleasant Lake, by Rev. J V. Hickmott, in January, 1879, aud at the present thue has twenty members. Dr. Biery is Clerk of the church, and Rev. J. V. Hickunott, of Angola, Pastor.
CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
The Church of Christ (or Disciples of Christ) was organized in Steuben County in the year 1842. Previous to that time, several mem- bers of this religious body had moved into the county, chiefly from that part of Ohio known as the Western Reserve. They wore settled in various parts of it, but principally at that time in York and Richland Townships. In the winter of the year above named, it was determined by a number residing in the eastern part of the county to undertake a protracted meeting with a view of building up a congregation of their own faith. Prominent in this move was Burdett B. Goodale, the first resident minister among the Disciples in that section. His efforts were heartily seconded by others, among whom were members of his own family, those of his brothers', and Mr. Gray and wife. Benjamin Alton, of DeKalh County, was invited to act as principal speuker in the meet- ing. It was successful. Their uumber was augmented by several addi- tions. and an organization perfected. This society has since continued its regular meetings without intermissions, although preaching has not beeu sustained during all of the time. It had its origin in the Leteher neighborhood, about one-half mile south of the site of its present church building, situated iu the village of Metz. It is now, as it has beet for sothe time past, considered one of the strongest and most efficient churches of this religious people since established in the county. It has a reliable membership of about one hundred and fifty and owus a com- modious church property, centrally situated, and valued at ahont 82,000. Among those who have ministered to this society stutedly may be named R. Faurnt, James Hadsel, Benjamin F. Perky, Samuel Wannamaker, J. L. Martin, J. F. Coburn, N. J. Aylsworth, W P. Aylsworth, O. A. Newton, T. P. Sutton, O. Oviatt and M M Gleason. L. L. Carpenter, L. B. Smith, J. C. Goodrich, J. M. Atwater, O. A. Burgess, R. G. White and others have been invited to preach on special oceusions. Somewhat later, at different times, organizations were effected at Flint, Sowle Settlement, Salem and at the Gifford Schoolhouse, in Scott Towu- ship.
These associations were without church property, and, with the exception of the last named, have ceased to exist, having been for the most part merged into organizations now sustained. For many years, the church near Flint was a strong and efficient body. Among its most active members muay be mentioned the families of Gleason, Fast, Duvis, Barr, Gale, Little and Ebert. Most of them now hold membership in the church at Angola.
The congregation in Scott Township has had an existence of about twenty years and has employed most of those who have ministered to other churches of the Disciples in this county, to labor either statedly or upon special occasions. Its most active members in the past have been of the families of Cline, Headly, Wolf, Bennett, Hanselman aud Dunham. It is at present in a prosperous eoudition, numbering about seventy-five members Elder Johu Street is his pastor.
The congregation of Disciples at Augola was organized in the year 1865, under the labors of J. C. Goodrich, now residing in Auburn, N. Y. A protracted meeting ut this time, in which he was principal speaker, resulted in eighteen conversions and the perleetion of an organ- ization numbering thirty-eight. About this time, N N. Bartlet, R Faurot and Jas. Hadsel were employed in succession to minister to them.
Three years later, N. J. Aylsworth conducted successful protracted meetings, resulting in about twenty necessions to the church. In the fall of 1869, be accepted a call to become its Pastor, aud in this cupacity remained for two and a half years, when he removed to Fort Wayne to take charge of mission work in that city. During the period of bis labors, the present substantial and commodious building was erected and the church considerably increased in numbers and influence. Six months after his resignation, he was succeeded by his brother, W. P. Aylsworth, the present Pastor, under whose lubors of something more thian seven years. the church has enjoyed a season of uninterrupted prosperity. The organization numbers at present (January 1, 1880,) 250 members, owns free of' debe a church property, well situated, costing about $7,000.
The Sunday school connected with this ebureh has been from the beginning under the superintendency of Prof. R. V. Callin. It has
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STEUBEN COUNTY, INDIANA.
heen, as it continues to he, one of the largest and most efficient schools in the county, varying in membership from 150 to 250. It is hut proper to say, that the continued prosperity of this society is largely due to the steadfast purpose and spirit of sacrifice manifested on the part of its membership. Among those who have been most prominent in assuming its burdens and responsibilities, may be named the families of R. V. Carlin, M. Cline, O. W. Parish, Christian Fast, F. Macartney, N. P. Lewis, William and G. B. Phelps, David Faurot and Mrs. C. E. Kioney. Many others might ha mentioned equally deserving of praise.
M. E. CHURCH.
It is difficult to fix tho exnet date of the introduction of Method- ism into this county, or to mention the names of all the preachers who have been appointed to work in this section. So far as it has been pos- sible to ascertain, Rov. A. B. Young was the first Methodist itinerant who preached in Steuben County, and he was not regularly appointed, but happened to he passing through, on his way to some other point. He prenched several times. This was probably in 1836. In 1838, La Grange Cireuit included La Orange County, the southern part of Branch County, Mich., and in this county it took in Jackson and Wil- low Prairies. Richard Hargrave was Presiding Elder, and Revs. G. M. Boyd and Jenkins were the preachers.
In 1839, Aaron Wood, who is still an effective prencher, was Presid- ing Elder, and Warren Griffith and Erastus Kellogg were the preach- ers. In 1840, S. K. Young and E Holdstock were the preachers.
New appointments were constantly added to the cireuit, until, in 1841, it was divided, and this county was set off by itself and called Steuben Cirouit. It is impossible, however, to give the date of organi- zation of each olass. The following is the list of the preachers up to the present time: 1841, E. S. Blue and John Hard ; 1842, E. S. Blue and J. P. Jones ; 1843, W. J. Forbes ; 1815, C. W. Miller ; 1846, Mr. Rickets; in 1847, S. Smith; 1848, J. J. Cooper; 1849, J. O. Osborne ; 1850-in this year, the county was divided into two circuits, Angola and Orland-Angola, J. O. Osborne; Orland, T. F. Palmer ; 1851, Angola, A. C. Barnhart ; 1852, Angola, J. Foster-Orland, E. S. Preston ; 1853, Angola, J. Foster-Oiland, E S. Preston; 1854, Angola, J. H. Hutchinson-Orland, C. Ketchum ; 1855, Angola, J. HI. Hutchinson-Orland, J. Maffet ; 1856, Angola. J. Cloek-Orland, W. Palmier; 1857, Angola, J. Clock-Orland, R. J. Smith ; 1858, Angola J. Schaffer-Orland, R. P. Smith, 1859, Angola and Orland again united, J Ayers, prencher ; 1860, J. Ayers and F. S. Simpson ; 1861, E. Hall and S. Hover; 1862, E. Hall and T. Sells ; 1863, J, W. Smith and T. Sells ; 1864, J. J. Cooper and J. R. Odco ; 1865. Angola and Orland again divided, Angola, O. P. Boyden-Orland sup- plied ; 1866, Angola, O. P. Boyden died during the year and was sue- eeeded by O. D. Watkins; 1867, Angola, J. W. Miller and A. C. Gerard-Orland, C. Hoover ; 1868, Angola, A. V. Gorrell-Orland, E. S. Preston ; 1869, Angola, A. Cone -- Orland, E. S. Preston ; 1870, Angola, A. Cone-Orlund, W. H. Edwards; 1871, Angola, A. Cone- Orland, O. D. Watkins; 1872, Angola, A. W. Lamport-Orland, O. D. Watkins ; 1873, Angola, W. E. McCarty-Orland, A. W. Lamport; 1874, Angola, W. E. MeCarty-Orland, A. W. Limport; 1875, Angola, W. R. Kistler-Orland, A. W. Lumport ; 1876, Angola, W. R. Kistler and G. B. Work-Orland, E. Hall; 1877, Angola, O. B. Work-Orland, E. Hall ; 1878, Angola, C. G. Hudson-Orland, O. W. Howe; 1879, Angola, C. G. Hudson-Orland, W H. Van-lyke.
Fretoont Circuit was set off from Angola in 1872, and has had the following preachers: 1872, W. H. Daniel; 1873, J. C. Maclin ; 1874, C. King; 1875, H. M. Limport ; 1876, H. M Lamport; 1877, H. C. Klengel; 1878, H. C. Klengel; 1879, E. S. Preston.
Hamilton Circuit was formed in 1872, and has had the following preachers : 1872, A. C. Patee ; 1873, H. M. Lamport ; 1874, H. M. Lamport; 1875, C. King; 1876, R. H. Smith ; 1877, J. Rush; 1878, J. Rush; 1879, J. W. Paseall.
At the present time. there are the following regular preaching places : Angola, a station; Orland Cireuit-Oiland, Flint and Nevada ; Fre- mont Circuit-Fremont, Jonas', Powers' and Hathaway's; Hamilton Circuit-Hamilton, Otsego Cunter, Otsego North and Richland Center ; Corunna Circuit has, in this county, Salem Center, Hudson and Turkey Creek. There is also at Fremont a German eluss, attached to a circuit under the jurisdiction of the Central German Conference, which haa preaching regularly in the German language.
The first Methodist eburch in this county was a log church, near Salem Center, which was built in 1842. A union church was built in Orland in 1850, and, about the same time, one was erected at Fre- mont. The old Salem church has been replaced with a better one. fine one was dediented in Orland in 1879. In 1854, a church was dedi- cated in Angola by Rev. J. Colelazer. In 1852, one was begun at Hatha- way's and completed after several years; one at Hamilton, in 1852-53; at Richlund Center, in 1853; at Otsego Center, in 1866; at Otsego Northi, in 1873. The following is the list of churches in the county, for some of which we cannot give the date : Angola, Fremont (Ger- man), Hathaway's, Orland, Flint, Salem Center, Hudson, Hamilton, Richland Center. Otsego and Otsego North. There are parsonages at Angola, Orland and Hamilton. The value of the churches is about $20,000. The last statistics show ; Probationers, 53; members, 567 ; local preachers, 7; Suuday schools, 10; officers and teachers, 120; scholara, 745.
EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION.
The Fremont Society of tha Evangelical Association, was organized hy Rev. M. Alspach in 1856. It was connected with the DeKalb Mia- sion, Indiana Conference, until September, 1864, and was served by Rev. Bartholomew in 1857 and in 1858, by Rev. Myera and C. Uda, Rev. Platz being Presiding Elder. Since that time, there have been a num- her who have served the people, the present minister being Rev. C. S. Bremen, and Rev. J. Frankhauser, Presiding Elder. The services were held in Frederick Straw's house, ns a goneral thing, until 1873, when the old Methodist church was purchased, and, after hoing repaired, was dedicated as an Evangelical church. 'The Fremont society at present numbera fifty members, and two other societies in the vicinity thirty- five, giving a total membership of eighty-five in Steuben County.
PRESBYTERIAN.
The Presbyterian Church was organized in Angola in 1847, the Pastor being Rev. M. Donaldson, and the Elders, Ainsley D. Johnson and Angus MeKiney. Mr. Donaldson remained a year or no, after which he removed to Bluffton, Ohio. The church was first organized as an " Old School," but changed to " New School" on account
of change in ministers. It was finally re-organized as an " Old School," at which tima David Eberly, M. B. Butler and George W. McConnell wore appointed Elders. When the Congregational Church was organ- ized in Angola, a portion of the members of the Presbyterian Church united with that denomination.
There is a flourishing Presbyterian organization in Salem Township, who worship in the same building with the United Brethren, it being a noion church.
This denomination has also a ehnreh in Hudson, with a fair mem- hership, hut the building is located in De Kalb County.
. Thera is also an organization in Orland which is in good condition with a fair membership.
There are many members of this Church in the county who attend other places of worship but who still adhere to the Presbyterian faith.
THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST.
Prominent in the early church history of Steuben County is the United Bretbren denomination. Pioncer work has been one of the dis- tinotivo characteristics of this sect, known as the United Brethren in Christ, since its organization a little more than a century ago. Believ- ing that the good tidings of great joy were in very truth for all people, she has known no caste; and many are the stars in ber crown of rejoic- ing. To the zeal of her early mioisters, more than to any other buman agency, is due the prevalency of a atanch raligious sentiment in many of the farming communities of our county.
Elder Jonathan Thomas was the first United Brethren minister in this county. This church had here no representation until he traveled Monclovia Mission in the year 1841. This mission extended from Maumee City, Ohio, to tho northeastern counties of Indiana, included a portioo of Southern Michigan, and renched south to the Maumee River. In this year, ho organized a few classes in Steuben County, one at the house of David Waller, one mile southeast of where now stands the village of Metz. The Patterson class, in Richland Township, and the Corey class, in Otsego, were organized soon afterward. 'There were at that time twenty-two appointments in the mission, and so fruitful were the lahors of this earnest Christian worker that after two years this one mission was divided into several, one of which was called Steuben. Soon after the formation of Steuben Mission, other classes were organ- ized in the county, and when, in 1843, Elder Thomas traveled this mission, there were eleven appointments, at eight of which were well- established classes, having memberships varying in number from ten to sixteen. Says this pioneer in the work: " When I first traveled Steuben Mission, we formed a class of sixteen members three miles east or south- east of Angola, another at Jackson Prairie, and about three miles west of this was organized another that was called the West class. We also formed classes about the same time at Flint, Brushey Prairie and North Benton, and six miles from the latter place was formed one called the Davis class."
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