Biographical and historical memoirs of Muskingum County, Ohio. Embracing an authentic and comprehensive account of the chief events in the history of the county and a record of the lives of many of the most worthy families and individuals, Part 50

Author:
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: Chicago, Goodspeed Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 642

USA > Ohio > Muskingum County > Biographical and historical memoirs of Muskingum County, Ohio. Embracing an authentic and comprehensive account of the chief events in the history of the county and a record of the lives of many of the most worthy families and individuals > Part 50

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278

HISTORY OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.

was practically dissolved, and each of the Boggs, Mr. and Mrs. James Perry, Mr. and Mrs. branches became independent. The separa- James Richie and Robert Culbertson. These tion was not at the time in accord with the he assembled in the old tavern that stood then wishes and feeling of the pastor or the mem- on the site of the Clarendon, and after preach- bers of the old church on the other side of the ing to them administered the Lord's supper to river. Mr. Culbertson was deeply pained by them, and it is thought probable this sacrament it. * * had never been administered here prior to that " There is some doubt," Mr. Chandler con- date. These seven persons were subsequently tinues, "as to whether Zanesville or Putnam participants in the organization of a church. was entitled to the honor of having established Gen. Isaac Van Horne took an active part in the the first Sunday school. Mr Church said in United church, and was an active elder from his published papers that the Zanesville school 1827 until 1834, when he died. Rev. Mr. Cul- was commenced in the year 1816. The Mus- bertson performed the duties of a pastor until, kingum Messenger, however says, in a commen- in the summer of 1844, failing health compelled datory notice published a year and a half after him to recommend the church to call an assist- the school was commenced, that it was opened ant. Rev. Simeon Brown was called soon after,

in March, 1817. I think ours was the first, but was not installed until May 7, 1845. Mr.

* * * but *

* can't prove it. *

Mr. Culbertson preached but once after Mr. Brown

Harry Safford was one of the earnest and most became assistant, and that was in November, zealous workers in the Sunday school cause in 1844, though he was always able to attend pub- this section of the country. Dr. Kingsbury, in lic worship, and until within a few weeks of his his memorial sermon, calls him the father of death he officiated at marriages, baptisms and the institution. * *

* As early, I think, as the Lord's supper. He offered the closing 1815 or 1816, he opened his school in the aca- prayer of the service on the last Sabbath but demy. It was called a 'Union school,' be- one previous to his death. He died, aged 61 cause teachers and pupils were drawn from years, February 23, 1847, as the result of par- the different denominations. Amongst the alysis. With Mr. Brown originated the board first teachers were Mr. Levi Whipple, Judge of deacons, and the following persons were Edwin Putnam, Maj. Horace Nye, Mr. George elected deacons August 16, 1845: Samuel C. Warner Mrs. Whipple, Mrs. Leavins and Mrs. Haver, Edwin Burlingame, Robert P. Robinson, *

Chandler. * * We had but few of the J. B. Allen and William Winters. Mr. Brown aids of the present day, and yet our methods was identified with the literature of the church. * * were not without some advantages. * Before coming here he had published at Fred- Besides our bible lessons, recitations and sing- ericktown, Ohio, the Calvinistic Monitor, at the ing from 'Watt's Hymns for Children,' we had, time the only "old school" paper issued in the each Sunday a short talk about good manners, state, and Rev. William Dunlap, of Marion,

* manly deportment, or moral conduct. * Ohio, was its associate editor. Subsequently it

* In 1820 the Putnam Sunday school united with became the Presbyterian of the West, published the Zanesville Union school, in the new Pres- first at Springfield, later at Cincinnati. After byterian church, corner of South and Fourth his settlement here, Mr. Brown began the pub- streets. In 1828 it was brought back again to lication of The Colporteur. This was continued Putnam. Here for many years, under the late until January 8, 1848, when the Family Quarto Mr. A. A. Guthrie, the best equipped superin- appeared, which he edited until June 28, 1850. tendent I ever knew, it was in every respect a In July of the same year he resigned his pas- model school. The work that he did lives after torate and accepted the agency of the board of him, and it is still a good school. In the year publication of the Northwestern states.

1828 the Methodist church organized a separate

Mr. Brown's successor, Rev. Moses A. Hoge, school. In the meantime the Baptists having began his pastorate June 26, 1851. Rev. James established schools in Zanesville, both of these M. Platt came as pastor July 24, 1853 and was Putnam Sunday schools became practically de- ordained on the 9th of the following October. nominational." * * *

His pastorate continued until April, 1867. He

The Zanesville portion of the United church was followed by Rev. George H. Webster, who now demands more particular attention. In was installed October 5, 1867, and resigned his 1807 or 1808, Rev. John Wright, for many years pastorate in 1872. Rev. W. P. Shrom was called pastor of the Presbyterian church of Lancaster, November 9, 1872, and entered upon his work Ohio, passed through Zanesville and was in- during the succeeding month. In 1884 he was duced to remain over Sabbath. There were succeeded by Rev. J. C. Holliday, the present seven Presbyterians here: Mr. and Mrs. Moses pastor.

279

HISTORY OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.

This church may be regarded as the mother office until the end of his life. The last entry of the Putnam church, the Newton church and in his handwriting bears date September 2, 1873. the Second Presbyterian church of Zanesville The church was duly incorporated March 7, and, through those organizations, of the Pres- 1835. Mr. Beecher accepted a call to the pas- byterian denomination in this county. This torate, and was installed November 25, 1835, church purchased the lot now occupied by the serving successfully until January 18, 1839. Second Street church building and exchanged Rev. Addison Kingsbury, D. D., succeeded him it for the lot now occupied by its own building, January 1, 1840, and after a pastorate of nearly which was erected at a cost of between $14,000 forty years gave place to Rev. George F. and $15.000 and was dedicated on the fourth Moore, whose successor was Rev. David R. Sunday in December, 1841. The pastor was Wortman. Rev. E. E. Rogers, the present assisted by Rev. Mr. Wylie, of Newark, and pastor, was installed in 1889. Rev. Dr. Hoge, of Columbus, the latter preach- The church was thoroughly repaired in 1866 and remodeled and in many ways modernized. ing the dedicatory sermon.

The statement of the late E. H. Church, who The bell was presented by Frank Sturges, of was one of the first pupils, is to the effect Chicago, who spent his boyhood herc. A bap- that the first Sunday school in Eastern Ohio tismal font was presented by Mrs. Elizabeth was organized in the old court house (at that Hardenbaugh in 1871. The foundation of the time used by the Presbyterians as a place of parsonage was laid in the autumn of 1848. worship) in 1816, by Matthew Findley, Joseph The walls were put up the following summer. Church, F. Morehead and Mr. Dale. It was The "Buckingham manse," as it was called, a union school in which all Protestant de- cost about $3,700, of which $1,500 was be- nominations had a part. During the following queathed for the purpose by Miss Eunice Buck- year it was more thoroughly organized, some ingham, on condition that the congregation fifteen or more ladies canvassing the town for raise in cash an equal amount, which they did. scholars. It was removed to the new Presby- Alvah Buckingham superintended the erection terian church, at the corner of Fourth and of the building and paid the additional expense South streets, in 1819, and was after that date a above the estimated cost. The brickwork was school of that church.

done by John Randall and Benjamin Tuttle,

According to Rev. Dr. Kingsbury, a move- the woodwork by John Metcalf and Joseph ment which had been begun as early as March, Collins. 1833 toward an independent Presbyterian St. James' parish is the oldest Episcopal congregation, Putnam culiminated January I, church organization in the diocese of South- 1835, in the organization of the Putnam Pres- eastern Ohio, which includes the southern half byterian church. The names of the constituent of the state, and, with perhaps a single excep- members (from the United Church of Zanes- tion, the oldest in Ohio. It was organized ville and Putnam ( were recorded thus in the at the court house, Zanesville, October 17, sessional record: Levi Whipple, Eliza Whip- 1816, at a meeting called for that purpose, at ple, Eliza Tucker, Lucy R. Whipple, Sarah which Dr. Horace Reed presided and John Sturges, A. A. Guthrie, Amelia Guthrie, Lucy Gordon was secretary. Rev. Joseph Doddridge, Sturges, Pamelia Guthrie, Edwin Putnam M. D., was elected rector and the following Patience Leavens, Eliza Stannas, Anne Buck- named officers were chosen: Wardens, Horace ingham, Mary Russell, Betsy Mathews, Eunice Reed, M. D., Seth Adams; vestrymen, Jeffery Buckingham, Sarah E. Safford, Ann D. Brown, Price, Moses Moorehead, E. B. Merwin, Calvin S. A. Guthrie, George N. Guthrie, Eliza Silvey, Conant; treasurer, A. Harper; lay reader, Sam- Margaret Silvey, Horace Nye, Lucinda Nye, uel Burnham, M. D. The parish was incorpor- Catharine Leavens, Mary Leavens, Mary A. Stur- ated January 31, 1833.

ges, Peleg Mason, Olive Mason, Sarah Mathews, The public religious services of St. James' Susan Mathews, Mary Mathews, Mary Stickney, parish seem to have been held at first in the A. G. Allen, Nancy Stickney, Margaret Weaver. court house; but in June, 1817, and for some The church begun in 1833 had now been com- time after that date they were held in the pleted, and it was dedicated in February, 1835, Methodist church. July 17, 1831, the first by Rev. William H. Beccher, a member of the church edifice of the parish was consecrated- Presbytery of Cincinnati, who began preaching a small, plain brick structure at the southeast here soon after the organization of the church. corner of South and Sixth streets, the locality The first elders were A. A. Guthrie, Levi of the present St. John's English Evangelical Whipple and Edwin Putnam. Mr. Guthrie was Lutheran church. In 1835 it was nearly doubled chosed stated clerk of session, and held the in size and seating capacity, and six years later

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HISTORY OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.

it was sold, as a step toward the erection of a and passed on to Kentucky and Indiana, spend- new house of worship. During the period ing a short time in each state, and receiving 1841-1843, services were held in the "Senate several invitations to settle with strong Chamber" of the old court house. The present churches, with the offer of a good salary. But his Gothic edifice of sandstone was begun in 1841, mind was fixed upon Zanesville, though there and the corner stone was laid June 24, that was no church there, and only one man who year. It was finished temporarily and occupied was known as a Baptist. So strong, however, by the congregation Easter day, 1843. The were his impressions of duty that he returned basement and audience chambers were com- and commenced his labors there in the begin- pleted in 1853, and the church was formally ning of 1821. Having no house of worship, consecrated September 7, 1854, by Bishop the court house and private dwellings were oc- McIlvaine. The church tower was not com- cupied for preaching and church meetings. On pleted until 1874. The bell, weighing upwards the 11th of February, 1821, three persons were of a ton, a gift from Mrs. C. W. Chandler, of baptized, viz .: Isaiah Miller, Thomas Sheppard Germantown, Pa., formerly a member of this and J. Johnson; these were the first fruits of parish, was at that time swung in place. The his ministry in this new field. Baptisms are stained glass windows were donated a few also mentioned as having occured in April, years earlier by the late James R. Cooper. May, and June, on the 16th of which month The organ was introduced in 1851. The rec- the church was constituted. Elder George C. tory, on north Fourth street, was purchased in Sedwick was, on the same day, chosen pastor, 1863.

and Joseph Sheppard and Jeremiah Dale, dea- The succession of rectors of this church cons, Thomas Sheppard, clerk. They agreed has been as follows: Rev. Joseph Doddridge, at this meeting to unite with the Muskingum M. D., October 17, 1816 to 1818; Rev. Intrepid Association; which met on the 22nd of August Morse, 1818 to January, 1822; Rev. Philander following. At this meeting they reported 37 Chase, Jr., June, 1822, to January, 1823; Rev. baptized, four received by letter ;- total 41. Joseph Doddridge, M. D., November, 1824 to The second report to the Association, in Au- June 1826; Rev. Mr. Langstaff during a portion gust, 1822, they returned 39 baptized, 12 re- of 1826; Rev. Amos G. Baldwin, December, ceived by letter, 6 dismissed -- total, 83. In 1826 to 1831; Rev. John P. Robinson, Septem- their last report to this Association, in 1825, ber, 1831 to April, 1832; Rev. William Stud- they state a total of 104, there having been dards, February, 1834 to 1835; Rev. William baptized up to that date 105. In as small a A. Smallwood, July, 1835, to March, 1853; Rev. town as Zanesville was at that time, and con- George W. DuBois, September, 1853, to Jan- sidering the disadvantages under which they uary, 1856; Rev. J. W. Claxton, assistant, July, labored, having no meeting house for some 1855, to January, 1856, rector to March, 1857; two or three years, and other societies having Rev. George W. DuBois, March to May, 1857; so far the start, this was considered a good be- Rev. Thomas G. Addison, May, 1857, to Oc- ginning and an evidence of the former leadings tober, 1859; Rev. William A. Newbold, No- of Providence in planting the Gospel standard vember, 1859, to 1863; Rev. John Leavitt, 1863 in this place. Their house of worship, which to 1866; Rev. J. F. Ohl, D. D .; 1866 to August, had been in process of erection for some time, 1880; Rev. I. McK. Pittinger, Christmas, 1880, to was ready for use in the fall of 1823, and was 1890. The present rector, Rev. George P. Tor- dedicated November 15th. On the 15th of rence, assumed charge of the parish April 20, December following the church meeting was 1890. In March, 1817, the Parochial Missionary held, for the first time, in the new edifice. This Society was organized; the parish Sunday school in 1834.

house was built of brick, 40x60 feet, one story high. In that day this was considered a noble Next in order is the history of the first structure, fully equal to any in the town. In Baptist church of Zanesville, Ohio, by Rev. May, 1826, the Ohio Baptist State Convention down to 1866 :- Wm. Sedwick, A. M., which brings the record was organized in this house, where it held its first three annual meetings. So far as is known, "The circumstances that led to the gather- the writer is the only minister now living in ing in and organization of this church are the state who was in that organization, if not thought worthy of record. In the fall of 1820 the only individual. The day after the con- Elder George C. Sedwick left Winchester, Va., vention closed its first session the Meigs Creek for the purpose of exploring the West. Taking Association was constituted, with seven Zanesville in his route, he stopped a few days, churches and 409 members, at the Brookfield and preached as often as opportunity offered, church, now in Noble county. This church

28I

HISTORY OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.

was one of the seven which formed this body. church and community during the seven years Previous to this there had been no association of his ministry with them. The church was east of the Muskingum river, except a small greatly strengthened and enlarged under his body called "Still Water," located in the north faithful labor. It was but a few years after his part of Guernsey and Belmont counties, which, removal from Zanesville that he was taken by about this time, had become extinct, having death to a better world. We all loved Brother been carried away by the influence of what was Courtney, and deeply lamented his early death. called Campbellism. The church of which we Brother David E. Thomas succeeded Brother are speaking appears to have traveled on in Courtney in the pastorate of this people. He peace and harmony for eight or ten years, and was publicly installed in this office in Decem- a good degree of prosperity attended their ber, 1849. The exercises were conducted by mutual efforts for good; many were added Elders George C. Sedwick and Abel Johnson. every year. But when the number of the Dis- Brother Thomas was a native of Wales, and ciples had multiplied, there arose murmurings could speak as fluently his native tongue as the and contentions among them, causing the English; possessed a strong mind, and was church and pastor a world of trouble. This generally warm and animated in his public ad- unhappy state of things continued for some dresses. But few were his equal in debate,

years, and finally terminated in the withdrawal possessing, as he did, a peculiar talent in that of some twenty one members at one time. This direction. He served the church for six years, restored peace and quietude to the church, and up to the close of 1855. Many were added to they moved on for some years in harmony and the church during his ministry, and the present love. Elder George C. Sedwick, having served church edifice was erected while he was their the church about sixteen years, felt it his duty to pastor, though it was not entirely finished for resign his pastorate, which he did in July, 1836. some years after his removal, perhaps not till The church remained without a settled pastor after his death. He died at his home, near for about a year, when they extended a unani- Piqua, Ohio. After the resignation of Brother mous call to Elder Wm. Sedwick, who ac- Thomas, Rev. J. B. Conyers was called to the cepted and entered upon the discharge of his oversight of the church, and continued in duties in July, 1837. His connection with the office about three years, during which period church was of the most pleasing character. A the church experienced serious troubles,-which good degree of prosperity attended theirmutual troubles were the outgrowth of difficulties that labors during the two years of his pas- were engendered before Brother Conyers be- torate. Some valuable accessions were made came pastor,-which finally terminated in the to the church, and here we beg to notice one withdrawal of somesixtyfour of its members who of the mysterious providences of God. Just at ganized another church on the opposite side the close of Elder Sedwick's second year, and of the street, called the Sixth Street church. after arrangements had been made by the This body subsequently united with Market

church for his continuance, Elder William Street church of Zanesville. In December,

Spencer, of the Salem township church was 1859, Rev. D. F. Carnahan was inducted into very suddenly, and to the great grief of the the office of pastor and continued his labors church, called away by death. Elder Sedwick for three years. During his ministry the church was called to preach his funeral sermon-and appears to have moved on in peace. He re- by the earnest request of the church, after a signed his office as pastor and entered as an few weeks' reflection, he resigned the care of officer into the army. After his resignation the church in Zanesville, and removed to Elder Smith, of Virginia supplied the church Adamsville, where Elder Spencer had labored for a short time, when Brother George W. as pastor for twenty one years. Elder S. S. Parr Young, of Pennsylvania, was chosen to take was now called by the church in Zanesville to the oversight of the flock. His mission was of become their spiritual guide, and commenced his short duration. Hecontinued as their spiritual labors with them in December, 1839. He was guide a little less than a year, when he was an eloquent man, and might in truth be called suddenly called away by death on the 12th of a Boanerges. His stay with the church was November, 1864, in the 46th year of his age. short but prosperous; many were added under This unexpected event was deeply lamented by his ministry during the eighteen months of his the church and congregation as well as by his pastorate. After his resignation and removal, family and more immediate connections; all in April, 1841, Elder John M. Courtney was mourned their loss, even as a household would chosen as his successor. He was a good pas- that of a beloved brother, for a good man had tor, and enjoyed the entire confidence of the fallen at his post. After the death of Brother

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HISTORY OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.

Young, the church extended a call to Brother remaining in that relation until July 1, 1877. J. B. Sharp, who appears to have entered upon From that date until October following, the the discharge of his duties as pastor in Febru- church had no regular pastor, but had numer- ary,. 1865. Quite a large addition of members ous supplies. In that month, Rev. Dr. T. R. were received by baptism during his ministry. Palmer came. January 1, 1880, he offered his But unfortunately, serious and sad difficulties resignation to take effect April 1, following. followed, and scenes occurred in and out of Rev. J. B. Ewell assumed the pastoral relation their meetings which should never have trans- in May, 1880, and served until 1886. Rev. G. pired among the professed children of God. M. Shott was pastor 1886-'87; Rev. J. C. Car- This, like other difficulties that have occured, man, 1888-'91. The present pastor, Rev. A. in years past in this church, has terminated in M. Worman, has been in charge since 1891. a separation of some 77 members, of whom Remarkable years in this church were: 1832, about 65,-very largely young people,-were 76 baptized; 1833, 63 baptized; 1840, 71 bap- brought into the church during Brother Sharp's tized; 1848, 165 baptized; 1870, a large ingath pastorate. The old ship now seems to be sail- ering. The present membership is about 400. ing once more over a smooth sea. * *

The inception of the Lutheran church in * The following ministers have gone out from Zanesville may be traced to Nicholas Border this church : Samuel Williams, George F. Adams, and his wife, who came here in 1803. In the John Maginnis, Thomas M. Erwin, Jeremiah course of human events the infant daughter Dale, Benoni Allen, Seth Wickham Joseph Shep- they brought with them became the wife of pard, Thomas Sheppard, Ely Frey, Joseph and John Bowman, who came in 1817, Following William S. Sedwick and William Ashmore now a him came Jacob Reese, Sr., George Clapper, missionary in China. There have been organ- Michael Sackman, Solomon Myers, Peter Sack- ized from the First church four other Baptist man and their wives and Christopher Spangler, churches, viz .: Market Street church, Third who in time began to meet at each other's church (colored), Sixth Street church and houses for worship. The first of these cottage Berean church. In addition to these four or- meetings was held at the house of a Mr. ganized interests there have gone out from the Schmeltzer, at Fourth and South streets. In First church, large numbers of members who those days evangelists traveled over this region, have removed to the West; upon one occasion scattering seed-thoughts of faith, and among some forty-a number sufficiently large to them were Weiser, Foster and Andrew Hin- form another church-took their letters and kle, whose visits were irregular.

distributed themselves in Illinois and Iowa.

The first house of worship built by this de- The church has had its years of revival and nomination was a small frame structure erected prosperity as well as of trouble and adversity. in 1818 on the southwest corner of Seventh In 1832, seventy-six are reported as baptized. and South Streets. One of its attractions was In the following year, 1833, 63 were received a pipe organ made by L. P. Bailey. In 1820, by baptism, in 1840, 71 and in 1848, 165. The John Alter and Peter Sackman were made eld- church has numbered, several times before ers, Jacob Bowman and Jacob Brock, deacons; these unhappy divisions, from 250 to 500 mem- John Bowman and Jacob Mercer, trustees; and bers, and notwithstanding the many drawbacks John Bowman, treasurer of an organization that have occurred in its history, it must be thus perfected. About this time, Jacob Mer- acknowledged that very few churches have cer and wife, Mrs. Hannah Smith, Miss Sarah ever exerted a wilder and more beneficial in- Border and Daniel and Solomon Border were fluence upon the community in which they added to the membership. Among the com- were located. * *

municants were the pastor's wife and daughter In August, 1866, Rev. W. G. Pratt became ( Mrs. Elizabeth Conway,) and another daugh- pastor of this church. His successor was Rev. ter (Mrs. Susan Cole, ) and Charlotte, Charles S. Washington, who came in April, 1868, and and Paul Kaemmerer and Mr. and Mrs. Walter closed his labors in October, 1869. During Kelly. During eighteen years, the services of this period the meeting house was repaired and this church were conducted in German and beautified at considerable expense. Rev. E. English, the former at morning, the latter at W. Dannels came in January, 1870, and after afternoon meetings. As their numbers in- leading a successful revival, became pastor in creased, the English speaking portion of the April following. He resigned in 1872, late in congregation, preferring to have all services in the year. The church was supplied by Rev. English, determined to reorganize and form a R. S. James during the winter of 1872-'73. Rev. new church, and as an outcome of this deter- Thomas Powell became pastor April 1, 1873, mination, St. John's English Evangelical

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Biographical and historical memoirs of Muskingum County, Ohio. Embracing an authentic and comprehensive account of the chief events in the history of the county and a record of the lives of many of the most worthy families and individuals, Part 50

Author: Publication date: 1892 Publisher: Chicago, Goodspeed Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 642

Author:
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: Chicago, Goodspeed Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 642