USA > Nebraska > Hamilton County > History of Hamilton and Clay counties, Nebraska, Vol. I > Part 60
USA > Nebraska > Clay County > History of Hamilton and Clay counties, Nebraska, Vol. I > Part 60
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District Number Seven was organized at the house of William Werth, April 27, 1872. The first notice was issued to Robert Lamont and re-issued to William Werth, April 16, 1872. William Werth was chosen first director, and the terri- tory included the southeast one-quarter of Township 11, Range 5.
In Distriet Number Eight, notice of formation was issued to Noah Brother- ton, March 12, 1872, and the first meeting organizing the district was held at
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HISTORY OF HAMILTON COUNTY
the house of George Haner. The original territory comprised the southwest one- quarter of Township 11, Range 5, and extended March 26 to include all of Range 5 north, of Township 10; the first director elected was James M. Fodge.
District Number Nine was organized April 9, 1872, at the house of David Stone, in Aurora, the notice of the first meeting being issued to Darius Wilcox. The territory covered by this district included all of Township 10 west of Range 6, except the east one-half of Township 10, Range 6.
District Number Ten was organized at the house of Charles Pelan, June 22, 1872-boundaries, northwest one-quarter of township 9, Range 5 west.
Distriet Number Eleven included the northeast one-quarter of Township 9, Range 6, and was organized November 9, 1872.
The organization of District Number Twelve includes all the district formed up to the year 1873. It was organized at the house of L. A. Franklin, November 30, 1872, and comprised all of Township 9, Range 7.
During 1873 twenty-one districts were organized, making a total of thirty- three, and at the close of the year 1874 the number of districts had increased to seventy-one, in 1875 to seventy-eight, in 1885 to ninety-five, and there were ninety-eight organized districts in the county. In 1890 there were three graded schools in the county, located at Aurora, Hamilton and Marquette. The school at Stockham very early adopted a course of study, preparatory to establishing a graded school at that place.
EDUCATIONAL REVIEW
Hamilton County was organized in May, 1870. John Laurie was elected first county superintendent of public institutions. On the 27th of September of the same year school district No. 1 was formed. It territory consisted of the thirty-six sections, known as town 9, range 6 west of the 6th P. M. The county then con- tained eighteen voters, and in school district No. 1 resided nine families, with an aggregate of thirty-nine children between the ages of 5 and 21.
These families had immigrated from Wisconsin during the spring and sun- mer of 1869 and were inured to all the hardships of frontier life. For some time Nebraska City, 125 miles distant, was their nearest trading point, the near- est postoffice was fifty miles and their wheat after tramping it from the sheaf with horses, had to be hauled the same distance to mill.
A careful watch had to be kept most of the time, for the treacherous Pawnee often prowled along the valley of the west Blue, stealing cows and ponies and sometimes a child would be missing.
But notwithstanding the privations and danger, these pioneers knew full well the value of education, and as soon as the district was organized. although there was no lumber within a hundred miles, a schoolhouse must be built.
The timber that skirted the Blue river was the most available material, and a comfortable loghouse 16x18 feet was soon erected, for seats having logs split through the middle, and desks, two boards hauled from Nebraska City by an old bachelor and given as his contribution.
In this building the first term of school was taught by Miss Jennie Laurie, for which she received fifteen dollars per month. Fifteen scholars was the aver- age attendance, and while they recited their lessons the wild antelope galloped
SCHOOL OF HORDVILLE
PUBLIC SCHOOL, HAMPTON
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HISTORY OF HAMILTON COUNTY
on the adjacent prairie, and farther away could be seen the elk and gaunt tim- ber wolf, while roving bands of Indians wondered why so many papooses were so often seen at this particular wigwam of the pale face.
Five years rolled by, and as far as the eye could reach in every direction could be seen the cabin of the homesteader.
The Indians, the wolf and the deer are for Hamilton county things of the past. Nine hundred voters were within her borders, and thirteen hundred chil- dren attended her district schools. The county was divided into seventy dis- triets and when wood schoolhouses could not be built, the children eagerly as- sembled in the more humble ones made of sod.
District No. 1 had a beautiful frame house painted white and furnished with patent seats, teacher's desk, blackboard and other modern improvements. Miss Jennie Laurie was again the teacher with a salary of thirty dollars per month.
Ten years more have swiftly passed. The progress of educational interests in Hamilton county has been sure and permanent in its character; in none of her sister counties has more rapid progress been made in the efficiency of the sehools or the number and character of its school buildings. They are the pride of the people of the county, and ample provision is made for their annal support and the maintenance of the firm enduring basis upon which they have been placed. The citizens of Hamilton county are above the average in intelli- genee, and contribute liberally in matters of educational work, and for so young a county its institutions of learning will compare favorably with many of the older counties of the state.
In some of the outlying districts a few rudely constructed school buildings are still to be found-relies of the pioneer days, but nearly all are furnished with large comfortable frame buildings, well provided with patent seats and desks in a manner that would do honor to a more thiekly populated state than Nebraska.
There are three graded schools in the county. At Aurora, which is a high sehool distriet, a commodious brick edifiee has been erected at a cost of $15,000.00. The school is now graded in five departments. The work is thorough and syste- matie and the aim and intention is to complete a good common school education. The high school department also furnishes many second and third grade teach- ers, and students for the State University.
The following is a general summary of statistics by Prof. E. B. Barton, who as superintendent of public instruction for three terms has done much towards bringing the county up to its present standing in educational matters: Number of districts, 95; number of schoolhouses, 93; number of pupils, 4,150; valne of school property, $35,973.50; expense of schools for one year. $46,593.57 ; teachers' wages, $30 to $75 per month.
In 1921 Hamilton county has 100 school districts.
AURORA SCHOOLS
The education of the youth of the city has always been deemed of paramount importance, and has received the earnest consideration and support of the eiti- zens, and as early as 1872 a substantial frame schoolhouse was erected. The city was now supplied with two brick and one frame school buildings, divided into
HISTORY OF HAMILTON COUNTY
thirteen rooms. A corps of eleven teachers were employed at an annual expense for salaries of $5,200. The schools were divided into the first and second primary, first and second intermediate, first and second grammar, and the high school departments. The various departments were well equipped with apparatus, and good patent desks.
The number of children of school age in 1889 in the district was 652, about 500 being the average attendance. The high standing in scholarship attained by the pupils in the different departments speaks volumes for the efficiency of the teachers.
Mr. R. W. Graybill was the first to "wield the birch," in the early days of Aurora, away back in 1872, and E. B. Barton, Miss Jennie Scott, Miss Kate Giltner (afterward Mrs. Seott) and Gen. Delevan Bates successively occupied the position from that time to 1879.
In 1879 the school was divided into departments and Capt. J. N. Cassell became principal, succeeded in 1880 by Prof. Reese, who held down the princi- pal's chair until 1881. when Miss Lizzie Craig took charge. Miss Craig resign- ing the same year. Harvey Cole completed the term.
In 1882 W. L. Stark filled the chair, and filled it well. He was followed by Prof. Seaford in 1883, and he by W. R. Ilart in 1884, who retained the position until 1887, when he resigned, and Mrs. Scott finished the term. After that time Prof. II. R. Corbett served as principal for a number of years.
The following was the efficient corps of teachers in 1890: H. R. Corbett, principal ; Miss Lou Armel. assistant principal, high school; Mrs. Gable, prin- cipal, south school : Miss Minnie Fenton, second grammar; Miss Jennie Waddle, first grammar; Miss May Maxwell, second intermediate; Miss Ida Geedrich, first intermediate; Miss May Corbett, second primary; Miss May Leonard, first pri- mary, south school: Miss Ollie Pinnell, intermediate; Miss Janie Lamont, primary.
In 1888 the school district of Aurora was reorganized under the statute relat- ing to city schools, and the following board of education was elected: T. A. MeKay, for term ending 1891: D. A. Seovill, 1891; H. Cole, 1890; W. L. Stark, . 1890; A. N. Thomas, 1889; William Glover, 1889.
In 1889 A. N. Thomas and R. W. Graybill were elected for three years. The officers of the board are A. N. Thomas, president : Ilarvey Cole, vice-president aud D. A. Seovill, secretary.
AURORA SCHOOL BOARD
Those who have rendered faithful. unselfish service upon the school board of Aurora are entitled to a place in the permanent archives of the school history of the county, for their tireless, sacrificial service has played a great part in the present achievement of the system.
1899: J. 11. Smith, B. F. Isaman, Mrs. L. Ellen Day. F. N. Jones, Ed. Huling, F. N. Howard.
1900: J. II. Smith, W. W. Shenberger, Mrs. L. Ellen Day, F. N. Jones, Ed. Huling, F. M. Howard.
1901: J. II. Smith, W. W. Shenberger, Pete Farney, F. N. Jones, Ed. Iluling, F. M. Howard.
AURORA BUSINESS COLLEGE, AURORA
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HISTORY OF HAMILTON COUNTY
1902: J. H. Smith, W. W. Shenberger, J. P. Bute, F. N. Jones, M. F. Stanley, F. M. Howard.
1903: E. W. Curry, Dr. E. A. Steenberg, J. P. Bute, F. N. JJones, M. F. Stanley, F. M. Howard.
1904: F. J. Sharp, Dr. E. A. Steenberg, J. P. Bute, F. N. Jones, M. F. Stanley, F. M. Howard.
1905: F. J. Sharp, Dr. E. A. Steenberg, J. P. Bute, F. N. Jones, E. Von Foerel, J. N. Cole.
1906: C. W. Wood, Dr. E. A. Steenberg, J. P. Bute, F. N. Jones, E. Von Foerel, J. N. Cole.
1907: C. W. Wood, Dr. E. A. Steenberg. T. A. MeKay, F. N. JJones, Oscar Gunnarson, J. N. Cole.
1908: C. W. Wood. Dr. E. A. Steenberg, T. A. MeKay, F. N. Jones, Oscar Gunnarson, J. N. C'ole.
1909: C. W. Wood, Dr. E. A. Steenberg, W. C. Keck, F. N. Jones, Oscar Gunnarson, J. N. Cole.
1910: C. W. Wood, Dr. E. A. Steenberg, W. C. Keek, F. N. Jones, Oscar Gunnarson, Magee.
1911: (. W. Wood. Dr. E. A. Steenberg. C. P. Craft, A. W. Iliekman, Oscar Gunnarson, J. M. Woodward.
1912: C. W. Wood, A. W. Hickman, Oscar Gunnarson, C. P. Craft, Dr. E. A. Steenberg, Dr. J. M. Woodward.
1913: C. W. Wood, A. W. Hickman, Oscar Gunnarson, J. W. York, Dr. E. A. Steenberg. Dr. J. M. Woodward.
1914: C. W. Wood, A. W. Hickman, Oscar Gunnarson, J. W. Work, Dr. E. A. Steenberg. H. E. Aglesworth.
1915: E. C. Rhinehart, A. W. HFickman, Oscar Gunnarson, J. W. Work, Dr. E. A. Steenberg. E. W. Jackson.
1916: E. C. Rhinehart. A. W. Hickman, Oscar Gunnarson, J. W. Work, Dr. E. A. Steenberg. Otto.
1917 : E. (. Rhinehart, F. E. Edgerton, Oscar Gunnarson, J. W. Work, Dr. E. A. Steenberg, Shaneyfelt.
1918: E. C. Rhinehart, F. E. Edgerton, Oscar Gunnarson, J. W. Work, Perkins, Shaneyfelt.
1919: E. C. Rhinehart. F. E. Edgerton, Oscar Gunnarson, J. W. Work, Per- kins, Shaneyfelt.
1920: E. C. Rhinehart, F. E. Edgerton, Oscar Gunnarson, Brown, Shaney- felt.
AURORA HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI
The roster of the first twenty-five years of the Aurora High School alumni disclosed many names of youth who have left Hamilton County and achieved success for themselves in various lines of work, and many who have stayed in Hamilton County and been very successful.
Under Supt. W. R. Hart the first classes of 1886 and 1887 graduated. Mrs. Dr. Steenberg was a member of the first class. Noclass finished in 1888. The classes of 1889 and 1890 graduated under Supt. Il. R. Corbett. Under Supt.
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J. M. Hussey finished the classes of 1891, of which Ex-Congressman and Ex- State Anditor Silas R. Barton was a member and also Rev. R. H. Houseman of Omaha, and class of 1892, of which Editor J. G. Alden of York, State Repre- sentative Frank Anderson, Cashier T. R. Work, and Mrs. Einer Peterson were members. Attorney A. H. Bigelow of Omaha was superintendent when the class of 1893 finished. No class in 1894. Under Supt. J. L. Rose finished 1895 and 1896 elasses. Charles P. Craft was a member of the 1895 class. Arthur F. Gulliver, a later teacher, was in 1896 class. F. A. Hyde was superintendent in 1897, 1898 and 1899. Mabel Dixon, a dentist now, and Rev. Harry F. Huntington were in the 1897 class. Percy Purviance was superintendent in 1900 in which class Attorney F. A. Bald of Alliance graduated; Jos. Sparks, later a Normal College president, was superintendent when classes of 1901, 1902, 1903, 1904 and 1905 graduated. H. E. Bradford, now dean of the Nebraska State Agricultural Col- lege at Lincoln, was superintendent of Aurora sehools from 1906 until 1910. J. W. Weingarten, Burlington attorney now, finished in 1908. O. K. Bowman and K. G. Hearn were superintendents in the school year of 1910. A. E. Fisher became superintendent in 1911 and remained until 1917, when the present in- eumbent J. A. Doremus, took up the work.
Practically every Hamilton County town now has a splendid graded school, and most of them the large, pretentious, well equipped brick buildings so com- monly acquired within the past decade.
CHAPTER IX
CHURCHES OF AURORA
EARLY HAMILTON COUNTY CHURCHES-FREE WILL BAPTIST-METHODIST-PRESBY-
TERIAN-DEDICATORY SERVICES-CHURCH OF CHRIST-UNITED BRETHREN-CON- GREGATIONAL-CATHOLIC-SEVEN DAY ADVENTIST-GENERAL CHURCHES.
The first church organization was effected at the house of R. M. Hunt in Beaver Preeinet August 12, 1871, consisting of the following members: Ruth Hunt, S. B. Yost, Stephen Pollard, Alvira Jones and F. Ann Doty. It was called the Aurora Baptist Church, but was reorganized later.
I'nity Presbyterian Church, Monroe Precinct, was organized by Rev. N. C. Robinson, synodical missionary, June 4, 1875.
Avon Presbyterian Church, Bluff Precinct, was organized by Rev. II. M. Giltner, August 11, 1876, who became its pastor and had charge until he was sneceeded by Rev. J. H. Patterson in September, 1877, who was in charge until September, 1881.
There were also early church organizations of the Methodist Episcopal Church in several parts of the county, as follows :
Whittemore elass, Otis Precinct, organized by Rev. C. L. Smith at Whitte- more schoolhouse, attached to the Stromsburg circuit.
Van Wormer class, Orville Precinct, organized in the spring of 1873, at- tached to Aurora circuit.
Seward class, organized in the month of June, 1873, attached to St. Joe cireuit in Union Precinct.
Boag class, also in Union Precinct, organized in February, 1875.
W. K. Ream organized a elass at the Klumb schoolhouse in the winter of 1875-76, and another at the Fairview schoolhouse in the summer of 1876.
Rev. Clement Aldridge organized a class at the Cain schoolhouse in the sum- mer of 1881.
Rev. C. L. Smith organized a class at the Hoffman schoolhouse in the month of February, 1876.
The Aurora Free-Will Baptist Church was organized in May, 1879, by Rev. A. M. Totman, Rev. G. T. Davis and Rev. W. H. Edgar, with twenty-five members, Rev. Mr. Totman becoming the first pastor, who continued in that capacity for three years. The church was organized in September, 1883, with the following members: Rev. A. M. Totman, Mrs. Totman, Cora Totman, Mrs. Hannah Lounsbury, Joseph Tompkins, Mary Tompkins, Mrs. Lney Lee, Mrs. Anna Riley, H. A. Stone, Mrs. Sarah Stone, Eugene Nye, Charles DeMaranville, Clara E. DeMaranville, Isaac Kinkaid, Sarah E. Kinkaid, B. F. Isaman, M. A. Isaman, Ella T. Davis, Mrs. T. G. Davis, M. B. IFull, Mrs. Emily Hull. J. B. Sweet, Mrs. Ella O. Sweet, Robert Eyres, O. M. Soul.
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HISTORY OF HAMILTON COUNTY
In May, 1884, Rev. G. W. Knapp became pastor, and continued for two years, when the church was left without a pastor for two years until May, 1885, when Rev. Knapp again took charge, and has continuously filled that position to the present time. Rev. Knapp and his very estimable wife, who was president of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, have not only endeared them- selves to the church society, but to all who were fortunate enough to know them. Under his care the church was united and prosperous, and numbered a member- ship of over fifty. A house of worship was erected in the summer of 1885. dedi- cated in August of that year, which was well filled as each returning Sunday its bell summoned the congregation together.
A REVIEW OF METHODISM IN AURORA, NEBRASKA
Among the early settlers of Hamilton county were a few men and women, loyal and devoted to the cause of Methodism, who in the fall of 1872 met in a little schoolhouse which stood on the lot now occupied by the Catholic church and organized themselves into a church society under the direction'and leader- ship of Rev. W. J. Wilson. Among the early members of this pioneer organiza- tion were Mr. and Mrs. Robt. Miller, Mr. and Mrs. John Matthews, Mrs. John Hagerman, Mrs. Delevan Bates, Mrs. Sarah Rudd, Mrs. Goodrich and her daugh- ter, Ada (mother and sister of James E. MeBride ), Mrs. Sidney Lounsbury and Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Seovill. Rev. Chas. L. Smith was the first minister appointed to take charge of the circuit, which was called Orville circuit and comprised the entire county, religious services and quarterly meetings being held in the school- houses in convenient neighborhoods. In 1875 Rev. Smith was succeeded by Rev. William Seabrook Higgins, who was in charge for one year, and at the close of his labors here entered the ministry of the Baptist church. The conference of 1876 assigned to this field Rev. John T. Martel, who carried on the work for two years, resigning in the fall of 1878. Rev. W. F. Grundy succeeded Rev. Martel and was in charge for one year. Rev. S. S. Pennypacket was assigned here in 1880 and was succeeded by Rev. C. L. Smith, assigned for a second time.
The Presbyterians erected the first church building here in 1878 at a cost of abont $2,000. The Methodist people contributed somewhat to the building funds and when the structure was completed Rev. II M. Giltner, the pastor, gen- erously invited the Methodists to make use of it for their temporary home by holding services on alternate Sabbaths. This cordial invitation was extended in return for a like favor which Rev. "Father Giltner" had received from the Methodist people of Nebraska City when he was stationed there. As the Presby- terians gained in strength and numbers they were able after a time to occupy their church every Sabbath and the Methodists found in the old court house a very comfortable place for holding their services.
In 1882 Rev. W. H. Tibbits was sent to us-a man full of energy and de- termination-and during his labors the present church building and old parson- age were erected. The lots were purchased of W. II. Streeter at a cost of $300 and our Brother Robt. Miller was chosen to superintend the building ; and on one of the loveliest Sabbath days in the summer of 1883 Rev. Dr. Miller, our presiding ekder, with Brother Tibbits, dedicated the building to the worship of God Al- mighty. Both of these men have long since gone to their rewards and it may
1
OLD FIRST PRESBYTERIAN OLD CHURCH OF CHRIST
ST. PAUL'S UNITED EVANGELICAL
OLD UNITED BRETHREN SWEDISH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN MISSION
CHURCHES OF AURORA
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HISTORY OF HAMILTON COUNTY
be said of them most appropriately, "They rest from their labors and their works do follow them."
At this time there was a membership of abont 150. The members of the trustee board were: Robt. Miller, J. H. Bell, W. H. Alden, William Finlayson, H. T. Williamson, Seth Ilarkness, John Robbins, D. A. Scoville and S. S. Hayden.
Rev. G. H. Wehn succeeded Rev. Tibbits. Next eame Rev. Geo. S. Miner, who, after a very successful pastorate, went from here with his family to become a missionary in China. Since then the following pastors have been sent to us, and, as far as we know, all of them are living: Rev. Bros. Crosthwaite. Couffer, Pearson, Maxfield, Crosthwaite (again), Calfee, Randall, Warren, Moulton, Woodcock, Gallagher and B. W. Marsh, then A. A. Randall, second term, 1910- 1911, and J. D. M. Buekner, 1911, serving his tenth year.
As we review the early history of the church our hearts are saddened as we reeall the many faithful and devoted ones who have passed on to their rewards, but their influence still lives with us and their memory lingers as a benediction in many of our hearts. Now the old frame building, which by reason of its association, holds a place almost sacred in the hearts of those who through the intervening years have borne the burdens and reaped many a lasting blessing, seems to have accomplished its purpose and is in the near future to give place to a more pretentious and commodious structure, better adapted to the present wants of the people, in which we trust more aggressive and more efficient work may be accomplished for the Master. MRS. W. II. ALLEN.
THE FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
(Dr. J. D. M. Buckner, Pastor)
Ereeted in 1909, under the pastorate of B. W. Marsh; cost $22,000.00.
The church was organized in 1872 by Rev. J. W. Wilson with 14 members, one of whom is a member today.
Rev. C. L. Smith was the first pastor and the charge was called Orville eirenit, which included all of Hamilton county.
Now there are thirteen churches with seven pastors in the county.
The first building was erected in 1882 at a cost of $3,300.
The church has over 300 members today and 325 enrolled in its Bible school, about 100 members in the Epworth Leagne, 28 members in the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society, and 23 in the Woman's Home Missionary Society. The church raised for benevolence last year $1,091.00.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Dr. F. H. Salsbury
The First Presbyterian Church of Aurora is past 43 years of age. It was organized Angust 17th, 1873 at a public service held in the school house stand- ing on what is now the site of the Catholic Church. Several events leading up to that occurrence are worthy of note. Hamilton county had been visited in the earliest of Presbyterianism early in the month by the Synodieal Missionary for
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HISTORY OF HAMILTON COUNTY
Nebraska, Rev. Nelson ('. Robinson. He came to Aurora in response to an invita- tion signed by W. M. Steele, Margaret Steele, C. P. Diek. A. M. Thompson, Maggie E. Thompson, Marie Wilson, Wm. A. Mc Allister, James A. Farris, Elsie M. Farris and M. E. Strain, who asked that he visit them and this community for the purpose of organizing them into a Presbyterian Church.
On Saturday afternoon, August 17th, 1873, these people gathered at the Aurora Hotel, where. with Rev. N. C. Robinson as Moderator and C. P. Dick as Clerk, they presented their callers from other churches and stated their purpose to enroll as members of the church to be officially organized the next day. The meeting was held as indicated above at the school house and the covenant signed, and the church duly constituted by prayer and organized as the First Presby- terian Church of Aurora.
Of these original members only remains viz: Wm. Steele. Others may be still living but if so the church does not have certain knowledge coneerning them. Occasionally gatherings were held in the school house, but the organization was not incorporated until March 9th, 1878.
The first Pastor was the Rev. Thornton K. Hedges who came to town Novem- ber. 1873, and remained until October, 1874; he was succeeded by Rev. Rufus B. Bement, August 1st. 1875 to October 31st, 1875 and he in turn by Rev. II. M. Giltner, D. D., from March, 1876, to April. 1882. It was during his pastorate that the first building was erected at a cost of about $2000,00 and it was in this building that worship was held for a number of years. At the close of this very successful pastorate of six years, June 1st, 1882 Rev. W. I. Oliver came to serve the con- gregation and was here for about two years when in March, 1885 Rev. A. R. Day was engaged. Rev. Mr. Day's successor was Rev. J. II. Reynard who was followed by Rev. Robert Watts in November, 1888. He remained on the field for two years when Rev. George Bray took up the work, remaining for almost six years. In 1897 he was succeeded by Rev. II. D. Crawford, who in 1899, in the month of November, was succeeded by Rev. J. T. Russell, whose term of service terminated in October, 1902. The following Spring, in March. Rev. E. S. Chaffee was called to the pastorate and accepted. His labors were much blessed and he remained upon the field for about four years; during the interim between his pastorate and the next, Rev. E. K. Bailey, who had been an elder of this church for several years, often supplied the pulpit.
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