Century history of Delaware County, Ohio and representative citizens 20th, Part 34

Author: Lytle, James Robert, 1841- [from old catalog] ed
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago, Biographical publishing company
Number of Pages: 926

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In 1845 he was elected professor of Nat- ural Sciences, and was made acting president for the year, until Dr. Thomson entered upon duty. In 1851 he was transferred to the chair of Moral Philosophy; and, on the resignation of President Thomson, in 1860, he was chosen as his successor. He held the office for thirteen years; and then, in 1873. in view of failing strength, he resigned the presidency, and was appointed lecturer on Natural and Revealed Religion. This relation to the college he sus- tained for twenty-one years, until his death. In addition to his other duties, President Mer- rick was auditor of the University for nearly forty years, and often acted as its agent in raising the endowment, or in getting funds for improvements upon the buildings and grounds. He died March 5. 1894.

President Merrick's life as an educator was one of marked excellence and influence. Ilis interest in young people and his sympathy with them in their work were unbounded. As a teacher, his enthusiasm and devotion knew no limit. As a man of affairs, he possessed rare foresight, wisdom, and efficiency. His consecration, self-sacrifice, and generosity to the institution of which he was so great a part were complete. By his Christian zeal, earnest appeals, spiritual leadership and saintly character, he moved multitudes to a Christian life, and by the cultivation of a missionary spirit among the students, his in- fluence has been felt to the ends of the earth, through those whom he inspired to go thither.

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Among all who knew him his presence was felt as a benediction, and the example of his daily life as an inspiration to a stronger Christian manhood. And the wise provision which he made in the "Merrick Lectures before the University" for the stated inculcation of relig- ious principles and practice, will perpetuate his influence in the University, the Church and the world.

After President Merrick's resignation, the Rev. Fales Newhall, D. D., of Boston, was elected to the presidency ; but, from prostra- tion induced by intense and continued literary work, he was unable to enter upon his duty, and resigned his office the following year. Dr. Newhall died April 6, 1883. The University meanwhile, and until the accession of his suc- cessor, was for three years successfully ad- ministered by Prof. McCabe, the senior and vice-president of the University.

3. The Rev. Charles H. Payne, D. D., LL. D. President Payne was born at Taun- ton, Massachusetts, and graduated in 1856 at Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecti- cut. He taught several terms in his early years, and was tutor for six months after graduation, but spent most of his life in the ministry. A vigorous thinker, an accomplished speaker and writer, and a devoted pastor, he served some of the leading Methodist churches in Brooklyn, Philadelphia and Cincinnati. It was from this last city that he was called to the presidency of the University in 1875. He took his seat the following year. His admini- stration began in the gloomiest days of finan- cial depression ; but the growth of the Uni- versity during his administration was rapid and great. A quickened interest for the Uni- versity was felt throughout the Church; the patronizing Conferences were stimulated to renewed efforts for the endowment : the school was advertised on a much more liberal scale than before; the area of its patronage greatly enlarged ; and, not least, the University and the Female College were united. As the re- sult of all these influences, both the enroll- ment and the income of the University were doubled in a few years, and the endowment was largely increased. Dr. Payne was always

alert for the interests of the University. was during his administration that the beauti- ful President's House was built, in 1885 (011 a lot given by Mr. Mast), at a cost of $10,000. Dr. Payne remained president for thirteen years, until his election by the General Con- ference to the office of corresponding secre- tary of the Board of Education.

4. The Rev. James W. Bashford, Ph. D., D. D., was born in Wisconsin. He graduated at the University of Wisconsin in 1873, and was elected tutor in Greek. He took post- graduate courses in Boston University, in theology, oratory and philosophy, completing these courses in 1879. In 1880, and again in 1887, Dr. and Mrs. Bashford spent many months abroad, traveling and visiting the Ger- man universities. His pastoral work began while he was a student in the School of The- ology; and he here revealed the characteris- tics that were to make his ministry so marked a success. He subsequently filled leading pas- torates in Portland and Buffalo. He declined repeated invitations to professorships and to the presidency of colleges, but in 1889 accepted his election to the presidency of Ohio Wes- leyan University as a call from God.

President Bashford's genial personal qualities, and his remarkable ability and ver- satility in the class-room, in the religious cul- ture of the students, and in the management of affairs, gave him a strong hold on the Uni- versity. During his administration, the growth of the school was rapid. constant and gratifying. Its scholastic, religious and ma- terial interests were never more promising. The courses of study were reconstructed, the work better digested and distributed, the fa- culty strengthened, the enrollment of students greatly increased, the buildings doubled in ex- tent and convenience, and the endowment in- creased one-third. Dr. Bashford resigned on June 14, 1904. During the interregnum, Dr. William F. Whitlock served as acting-presi- dent.

5. Rev. Herbert Welch, D. D., LL. D., was installed as president of the University on June 21 1905. Dr. Welch was born in

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New York City. November 4, 1862, where his father, Peter A. Welch, was engaged in busi- ness as a merchant. He was graduated from the New York grammar schools, with the Girard medal, in 1877. He subsequently en- tered Brooklyn College and Polytechnic In- stitute and was graduated therefrom in 1880 with a diploma for proficiency in the scientific course. He then spent two years in classical study and in 1882 entered the Wesleyan Uni- versity at Middletown, Conn., where he con- tinued as a student for several years, being graduated in 1887 with the degree of B. A. He was out of college, however, in 1884 and 1885. In 1890, after a three years' course he was graduated from the Drew Theological Seminary with the degree of B. D., and in the same year obtained his M. A. degree from Wesleyan University. He received that of D. D. from the same college in 1902, and that of LL. D. in 1906. In 1902-03 he was a student in Oxford University. England.

After his graduation from Drew Semin- ary Dr. Welch filled successively various pas- torates in the New York Conference and af- terwards in the New York East Conference ; he was pastor of the First Church at Middle- town, Conn., in 1898-1902, and pastor of the Chester Hill Church, Mt. Vernon, N. Y., 1903-1905. In the year last mentioned he accepted and entered upon the duties of his present position as president of the Ohio Wes- leyan University at Delaware. His services in this capacity have been eminently satisfac- tory. Dr. Welch is the author of various scholarly contributions to religious literature and is active in promoting various educational, missionary and other religious and philan- . thropic enterprises. Several years of his life have been spent in travel in the United States, Canada and Europe. He was married in 1891 to Adelaide F. McGee, of Plainfield, New Jersey, and has two children-both daughters.

CHAPTER XIII.

RELIGIOUS OR CHURCH HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY.

First Churches and Pioneer Ministers-General History of Religious Organisations -- Churches and Clergy of Today.

"Ye pioneers, it is to you Our debt of gratitude is due ; Ye builded better than ye knew The broad foundations On which the superstructure stands ; With noble aim and willing hands. Your earnest labor still commands Our veneration."

It is highly commendable to the early set- tlers of this county that the teachings of the Christian religion were felt in every settle- ment. What a lesson to the ministers of the present day, with their beautiful churches and good salaries, as they look back on the toil of those early men who labored with little compensation, traveling through the forests, with no blazed path, with no companion, but the faithful horse they rode, visiting the scat- tered settlers in their log cabins and planting the Cross of the Christ, as the symbol of the redemption of men.

It is not possible to state, certainly, who was the first minister to visit and preach the first sermon in the bounds of Delaware County. But, as far as known. it was Rev. Joseph S. Hughs, who came from Washington, Pennsyl- vania, in 1810.

Rev. Hughs was a Presbyterian minister. He possessed a liberal education, oratorical power of superior order, and, naturally, a pleas- ant and persuasive voice. He had the repu- tation of being one of the most effective speakers known to the old settlers. He ex- celled in the social circle, and had a great love

for festivity and amusement. An incident il- lustrating this is reported in How's Historical Collections of Ohio, but as often is the case, Mrs. Rev. C. H. Perkins, who remembers him well, says the incident related there is over- drawn, and in part not correct. Mrs. Per- kins is still living at this date, 1908. It was the custom at that time to call ministers to ac- count strictly for their conduct, and he was at one time called before his Presbytery, and made his own defense and was completely vindicated. He organized the Liberty, Dela- ware and Radnor (now Radnor Thompson) Presbyterian churches, the first organized churches in the country. Rev. Hughs con- tinted to supply these churches, and do much pioneer work in all parts of the county until the fall of 1823. with the exception of a few months during the War of 1812, when he was chaplain. He was with Gen. Hull when the latter surrendered at Detroit, and returned to Delaware after that event. About the same time that Rev. Hughs came. a Baptist minister by the name of Jacob Drake came, and was active in the early work connected with that denomination, and many of the early societies took their origin from his work. Revs. Hughs and Drake established the first paper ever pub- lished in the county, and the Delaware Gasette is the continuance of that paper. His salary being small, he also served as clerk of court and recorder for many years. In the fall of 1823. there was an epidemic of fever and Rey. Hughs died from that cause. He was buried

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in the old graveyard, east of O. W. U., and near the Odevene Spring. At the time of the removal of the old cemetery, his remains were removed by his grandson, Dr. D. E. Hughs, to Oak Grove Cemetery, on the lot of Dr. Hughs. The grave of Rev. Hughs had not been marked, but the remains, which had been buried in a walnut coffin, were so preserved at the time of removal, 1900, that they were identified. Rev. Hughs was a brother-in-law of Moses Bixby, the founder of Delaware.

Having noticed the pioneer beginning of the early Christian work of Delaware County, we will gather the history of the churches by towns and townships.

THE CHURCHES OF DELAWARE.

DELAWARE PRESBYTERIAN.

This church was organized under the la- bors of Rev. J. S. Hughs, a licentiate, with fourteen members. In connection with this church, the Liberty Presbyterian Church, and what is now the Radnor Thompson Church. were organized, and for many years all three were under the care of a joint session. Rev. Hughs was ordained in 1811, and was stated supply of these churches until his death in 1823, except during the short time he was ab- sent as chaplain in the War of 1812. Rev. Henry Vandeman became pastor in 1824, and continued until 1838. During this time a stone edifice was erected. Alexander Anderson, the two Ferrises and Robert Brown were well known elders. The membership in 1837 was 215.

At this time the controversy between Old School and New School ran high, and culmi- nated in the division of the Presbyterian Church at Philadelphia in the spring of 1838. Rev. Vandeman attended that General As- sembly, and voted with the New School party. The Delaware church voted by a majority to go into the New School body. A part of the congregation separated themselves, and united with the Old School body. Both parties re- tained the name of Marion Presbytery, so that there were two Marion Presbyteries. Rev.

Vandeman continued pastor of the New School branch. The Old School was vacant, only having occasional supplies from 1838 to 1841. Rev. John Pitkin served as stated sup- ply from 1841 to 1845 inclusive. In April, 1848, Rev. Vandeman and his congregation made the request and were received by the Old School Presbytery, and the two congregations were again united. Rev. Vandeman continued pastor of this church until 1860. A large brick church, the audience room of the present church, was erected. In 1841 a great revival occurred in Delaware, and on the part of many dissatisfaction took place with the ways and activities of the okl church. On November 8th, fifty-four members withdrew from the first church and were organized by a committee from the New School body, consisting of Revs. Franklin Putnam, Henry Shedd, and Henry T. Hitchcock, as the Second Presbyterian Church of Delaware. The Second Church soon after its organization erected a frame building be- tween Franklin and Sandusky Streets, on the south side of Winter Street, and at the time of organization David McCullough, John Me- Elroy and Manly Covell were chosen elders. Franklin Putnam was stated supply from 1842 to 1845. Joseph Tuttle, afterwards president of Wabash College for many years, was pas- tor from 1846 to 1847; Charles W. Toprey, stated supply from 1848 to 1850; Gideon Dane, stated supply from 1851 to 1852; Charles H. Delong, pastor from 1852 to 1855. Rev. H. Newton, who afterwards became chaplain at the Ohio Penitentiary, and died at Mt. Vernon, August, 1878, was pastor from 1856 to 1865. The membership in 1860 was 257. Calvin W. Mateer supplied the First Church from 1861 to 1863. Rev. Mateer then went to China as a missionary, and has spent a successful and honored life in that country. Milton W. McMillen, two sons of whom are now honored ministers in the Presbyterian Church, was stated supply from 1863 to 1864, and pastor from 1865 to 1867. J. L. Lower, now H. R. at Denver, was stated supply from 1867 to 1868, and David King from 1869- 1870, and Robert Maclaren, 1871. The mem- bership in 1870 was ninety.

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The reunion of the Old School and New School assemblies took place at Pittsburg in 1869. Soon after this the two congregations began negotiations to unite, and on the 7th of June, 1870, the Delaware Presbyterian Church was formed of the two congregations, in accordance with an act of the Ohio Legis- lature passed April 2, 1870. and had been ratified by a vote of each church. The build- ing of the Second Church was sold, and is now occupied with offices and business places, and the united congregation occupied the First Church building. The reunion of the two Presbyteries, Marion Old School and Marion, then changed to Franklin New School, oc- curred at Delaware, September 13, 1870. Rev. C. H. Perkins preached the sermon, and Rev. Henry Shedd was chosen moderator. In February, 1870, Rev. Robert Maclaren began preaching to the united congregation and was called as pastor, which relation continued until 1873. Mr. Maclaren is now a pastor on the Pacific coast. Rev. N. S. Smith was called after Rev. Maclaren, and was installed pastor, which relation continued until 1878. During the pastorate of Rev. Smith, the church build- ing was remodeled, a new front with spire was added, the basement enlarged and improved, the audience room reseated and frescoed, and fitted with stained glass windows, all costing SI,200. Rev. A. D. Hawn, of Zanesville, Ohio, was called to succeed Dr. Smith in De- cember, 1878, and entered on his work in January, 1879. The membership was 463. Dr. Hawn served the church nearly a quarter of a century. During his ministry the church was continuously prosperous, large amounts were contributed to all its benevolences, ac- cessions were made at every communion sea- son, an addition was added to the rear of the church, and a pipe organ installed. Dr. Hawn is honored by all churches and classes of Dela- ware, and is still living, and pastor emeritus, and able to do some work. Rev. Paul R. Hickok, assistant pastor of the Old Stone Church of Cleveland, was called to succeed Dr. Hawn, and was installed December, 1902. The church membership is now, 1907, over six hundred, and the congregation under the

care of Mr. Hickok is united and prosperous in all departments of church work, and the future is hopeful.

DELAWARE FEMALE COLLEGE.

The idea of establishing a Ladies' Semin- ary had been contemplated by the Presbytery for several years. Rev. James Smith had been conducting, for some time, an academy at Marysville for young men and women. James A. Stirratt taught for several years in this school. The Methodists were interesting themselves in Christian education at Delaware, as were also the Presbyterians. In 1853, the enterprise was undertaken and Delaware was chosen as the place, and the old Seminary property where St. Paul's Church now stands was purchased on November 3, 1853. The price paid, as reported by the committee was $5,100, with interest from date; the whole to be paid in three equal installments, at the following periods: Ist installment, January I. 1854: 2nd installment, May 1, 1854: 3rd installment, May 1. 1855.

The committee had already signed the article on their own responsibility, and the school was then in operation, with about eighty ladies in attendance. The report was adopted and trustees elected as follows: Ahab Jinks, Rev. Dr. Heard ( M. E. Church ), Henry Van Deman, L. A. Bruner, I. N. Shepherd, Dr. S. L. Yourtee, T. S. Powell, James A. Stirratt, Dr. C. Fulton, John Ross, S. K. Hughes. Dr. Yourtee had been connected with the school previous to the purchase, and was one of the two men in whom the title was vested, and of whom the purchase was made, and John Ross was the other.

Two mistakes were made: First. the field was already occupied at Delaware by the Methodists ; second, the Old Seminary build- ing did not suit the new enterprise. The man- agement fell into the hands of Henry Van Deman, a man of energy and ability, but with- out system. He made an active canvass for subscriptions throughout the Presbytery, and bordering churches, and obtained the promise of a considerable amount of money. Instead

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of opening an account and keeping a careful statement of the financial business, he collected as he could and applied the money where it was most needed. In a few years the school was deficient in funds, and a demand was made for a report of receipts and expenditures. The trustees were unable to give such a report. This produced dissatisfaction and a loss of sympathy. Things went from bad to worse until the mortgage was foreclosed, and the property was sold at sheriff's sale at a heavy loss, to Samuel Miller, on the 5th day of September, 1861, having been sold for $1,- 568. This left a burdensome debt on the Presbytery. The churches were appealed to time after time, but the full amount could not be raised. Mr. Van Deman and Judge Powell both became alienated and much trouble re- sulted. It was taken to court but never brought to trial, and final settlement was made in April, 1882, by Hon. J. W. Robinson, who paid liberally from his own means to have the matter adjusted. The enterprise was under- taken by the Presbytery in hope of doing much good. It terminated in loss and disappoint- ment.

ST. PETER'S PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

St. Peter's Protestant Episcopal Church was organized in 1817, by the Rev. Philander Chase, afterwards ordained the first bishop of the Diocese of Ohio. Bishop Chase came to this state in March, 1817, and was an uncle to Governor Chase of Ohio. The articles of or- ganization were signed May 9, 1817, by Wil- liam Little, William Mansur, Abner Root, Aaron Strong, Solomon Smith, Thomas Rut- ter. Hezekiah Kilburn, Caleb Howard, James Wolcot, Robert Jamison and Milo D. Petti- bone, all of whom bore an important part in the founding and growth, and fixing the des- tinies of the city of Delaware. The first offi- cers of the church were Aaron Strong and William Mansur, wardens, William Little, Thomas Rutter and Abner Root, vestrymen, William Little, recording clerk. This church was about the fifteenth in the order of or- ganization in the state. During this year small

parishes were organized in Berkshire, Radnor and Norton, all now extinct, by Rev. James Kilburn, afterwards known as Colonel Kil- burn. At that time there were but three Epis- copal ministers in the state. The early pioneer conditions of Delaware is graphically stated by Bishop Chase in a letter dated July 10, 1817. "Wednesday I went to Delaware, Thursday to Norton, on the frontier of the United States land, bordering on the Indian possession, ten miles from Delaware." Occasional services were conducted in the church by the Rev. Bishop, Rev. William Sparms, Rev. Marius T. C. Wing, and Rev. Philander Chase, Jr., until 1828, when Rev. Nathan Stem was chosen rector, a popular preacher, a good man and a gentleman. Large congregations at- tended the church, many coming regularly from Radnor and Berkshire.

The corner-stone of the first church edifice in Delaware was laid May 1, 1825, under the direction of Bishop Chase. It was a stone building and stood where the present church edifice stands, built after a Gothic model pre- sented to the Bishop by Mr. Wilson of Iberry House, near London. One hundred dollars of the one hundred pounds sterling given to the Bishop by the Countess Dowager of Rosse, was cheerfully given and thankfully received, towards its construction. Before that, the congregation worshipped in the Court House, which was used by other denominations for the same purpose. It is reported that the house was always full, an example of "Church Union" which it would be well to imitate.

On April 21, 1827, the first Sunday school in Delaware County was organized in St. Peter's parish by Isaiah Whiting. of Worth- ington, with Caleb Howard and Mrs. Webb as superintendents. In 1830 the first church bell was brought to town and hung in the tower of St. Peter's Church. It served as a town clock to the citizens, as it was rung by Benjamin Woods at 9 A. M., 12 .M., and 9 P. M. The latter was the signal for all per- sons away from home, and all boys to hurry home. The bell was afterwards hung in the old Court House and later rang out all fire alarms. In May, 1832, Rev. James McElroy

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was chosen rector. He was a perfect specimen of "a fine old Irish Gentleman" of superior cultivation and talents, who was before that a professor at Kenyon. In 1844 the old church edifice became too antiquated for the improved condition of the town, and was torn down in give place to the present structure. Of the present church Bishop Jaggar once said: "It was the most churchly church in his diocese." It was consecrated by Bishop Mellvain, Au- gust 7, 1846. The rectory was built in 1854. and the parish house in 1892.

The first visit of Bishop Mellvain was made December 5. 1832; Bishop Bedell, Oc- tober, 1859; Bishop Jaggar, October 5, 1875, and Bishop Vincent, October, 1887. It may not be improper in this historical sketch to give the succession of ministers. They are: Rev. Mr. Stem, from 1828 to 1831: Rev. Mr. Mc- Elroy, from 1832 to 1835; Rev. Mr. Baus- man, from 1835 to 1836; Rev. Mr. MeElroy, from 1836 to 1840; Rev. Mr. Gassaway, from 1841 to 1843: Rev. Mr. Canfried, from 1844 to 1849: Rev. Mr. French, from 1850 to 1851 ; Rev. Mr. MeElroy, from 1852 to 1863 ; Rev. Mr. Ufford, from 1863 to 1880; Rev. Mr. Boyer, from 1880 to 1882; Rev. Mr. Bower, from 1882 to 1891; Rev. Mr. Edwards, from 1891 to 1892; Rev. Mr. Marshall, from 1892 to 1894; Rev. Mr. Watt, from 1894 to 1901 ; Rev. Mr. Walton, from 1902 to 1903: Rev. Mr. Juny, from 1903 to 1906. Rev. Frank H. Stedman is the present incumbent.

From its organization this church has been highly favored in having the ministerial ser- vices, both regular and occasional, not only men of intellectual ability, but of devout Christian character, free from errors in doc- trine, able and earnest preachers of the Gospel. who lived as they preached.

WILLIAM STREET METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

(Abridged from the article written by the Rev. Elias D. Whitlock, D. D., in 1879.)

William Street Methodist Episcopal Church was the first of this denomination or-

ganized in the city of Delaware. It was plant- ed some time in the year 1819, by the Rev. Jacob Hooper, of Hocking Circuit, Scioto District, Ohio Conference, though there were Methodists who had settled in the place and meetings had been held at different times sev- eral years before a formal organization. From the most reliable data at hand it seems a class of seventeen members was organized in this year, consisting of Abraham Williams and wife, James Osborne and wife, John E. De- witt and wife, Thomas Galleher and wife, William Sweetser and wife, Ebenezer Durfee, Gordon Sprague, Franklin Spaulding and wife, Stephen Gorman, William Patton, Moses Byxbe and possibly others.

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Century history of Delaware County, Ohio and representative citizens 20th, Part 34

Author: Lytle, James Robert, 1841- [from old catalog] ed Publication date: 1908 Publisher: Chicago, Biographical publishing company Number of Pages: 926

Author: Lytle, James Robert, 1841- [from old catalog] ed
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago, Biographical publishing company
Number of Pages: 926