USA > Ohio > Wood County > Commemorative historical and biographical record of Wood County, Ohio : its past and present : early settlement and development biographies and portraits of early settlers and representative citizens, etc. V. 1 > Part 79
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101
On July 26. 1887, the township trustees and council of Perrysburg, in joint meeting, adopted rules for the guidance of cemetery trustees. The cemetery board, in April, 1895, comprised A. Roach, president; A. Williams, treasurer; P. Wetzel, the clerk of township and township school-board, secretary, and E. N. Blue, super-
intendent. The superintendents were Jarvis Spafford, William Crook, W. H. Hollenbeck, Perry Thomas and Charles Sisson. E. N. Blue was appointed in 1890. Only a few of the origi- nal forest trees remain; but their place has been taken by hundreds of ornamental trees. Through- out the cemetery are many fine monuments, such as the Way; the Albert Williams, erected in May, 1895; the Pratt, Schroeder, A. G. Williams, John Cranker, Averill, Hollenbeck. Fink, and Eberly monuments. The burial vaults, erected by Daniel Lucas and Albert Alius, of Maumee, and the city vault, are miniature mausoleums.
The. Catholic cemetery was established in 1872. Though many of the German pioneers are interred therein, but few of the English-speak- ing Catholics rest there.
Cholera Victims .-- The following is a list of the victims of the pestilence, who died in this locality, in 1854. The list is taken from the records of Fort Meigs cemetery, and is given in order of date of death. Two children of Geo. Jones, Stephen Williams, - Lucas, Judson Tucker, Peter Laney, Mrs. Stouffer, Cornelia Perkins, two named Lucas, Mrs. Lucas, Lucas, Bellville, Jacob Scheider, Fred Lucas, - Lucas, George Shuler, Euphemia Perrin, Henry Basin, Miss Gronewald, Lucy Bellinger, Fred Zanger, Lewis Munday. J. W. Lanz, William Mead, Rebecca McKnight, Celia Simons, Hernia Irwin, Julia Irwin, Phoebe Per- rin, Wealthy Gates, George Byrne, Esther Byrne, Mrs. Brown, Wm. H. Courser, Rosanna Ferdig, Margaret Hoffmann. John J. Cook. Elijah Huntington, George Wolfly, Henry Pfleghart, Finley J. Ross, Dr. Jas. Robertson, Cornelia Spink, John J. Spink, John Hoffinan, Maria B. Hall, George Clements, Christian Eichholz, Lorenz Heizel, Eliza Brown, Robert Chambers. Samuel Hamilton, Jarvis Spafford, Stanley J. Ross, Mary Shannon, Fred Dortion, Margaret Hirzel, Mrs. L. W. Crane. Edward Lee, Jacob Rufle, Theresa OsKamp, Geo. W. Bloomfield, Jacob Kingfield, A. Carter, Mrs. Naomi D. Kelly. Samuel Webb, Adaline Frederick, Agustus Rhoda. Jane Lee, Henry Rhoda, Thomas Atkinson. K. Zimmerman, Prof. A. D. Wright, John Riser. Mrs. Asher Cook, Richard Atkinson. John Arne. Madison Shaw, Zimmerman. Sarah Godwin. Shannon, John Sizely, Sophia Blinn, Cath- erine Rhoda, Catherine Riser, Christina Rhoda.
Wolily, Mr. Kelp, Jane Crook, · Kid- der, Miss Eichholtz, John Osburg's child. John Riser's child, Mrs. Percis Peck, George Shutz. Margaret Shuckmeal, James Shannon, Martha Shaw, Mrs. Wolfly, Tom Holzly, Margaret
376
WOOD COUNTY, ORTO.
Wild, Philip Riley, John Neiderhouse, Mrs. Gerrick, Wm. Gronewald, Peter McColly, John H. Neiderhouse, Henry Breidenwisher, Mrs. Wygant, John Morrison, George S. Clark, Maria Rothringer, George Hoffman, Frederick Hoff- man and Elizabeth Hoffman.
Judge Dodge, writing in February, 1893, on this subject, says: "Transient persons found dead in the streets and vacant houses, would swell the number above 200. The deaths were startling in their sadness." The physical condi- tion of the inhabitants, reduced by fever and ague and the systems poisoned by well-water, rather than by miasmatic exhalations, left them an easy prey to the ravages of the disease. The first death was recorded on the evening of July 3, and the last, on August 19, 1854.
Common Schools .- The Fort Hill School, the first in Wood county, is described by Mrs. Perrin in this chapter, while in the chapter on Common Schools, references are made to the efforts of the people of Perrysburg to raise the system above the primitive condition, in which it was as late as 1837. The first Union or graded school in the Valley was instituted at Maumee by Francis Hollenbeck, and the second at Perrysburg. In 1846, James W. Ross established a select school in the old court house, the charge for tuition ranging from $2 to $3. 50 for a three-months' term. Other teachers followed him, so that, while the people were promoting the common- school system, independent teachers revived in- terest in the subscription school. On June 13. 1849, the district voted $1,600 for a new school house. A reference to the chapters on Educa - tion and Perrysburg township will give the names of some of the principal teachers employed here in early days.
.
The Perrysburg Union School of 1851 was presided over by Edward Olney, with C. M. Gates, Ann E. Bruce, Mrs. Celia Keyes and Mrs. Euphemia T. Robertson, assistant teachers. Among the pupils in the primary schools were James Hayes, Chris. Finkbeiner, Thomas and William Hayes, Wesley Cranker, Peter McMa- han and Letson Cook; in the secondary school were Hiram Charles, W. D. Perrin, Margaret Hayes, Asenith Bloomfield and Carrie Browns- berger; in the grammar school, Henry and Ed- ward Hollenbeck. J. B. Spafford, Eugenia E. Perrin, Caroline Williams, George H. and David A. Ross, C. A. Norton, William Cranker, James Averill, Ed. L. Baird, Gilbert J. Beach and oth- ers; while, in the high school, were sixty-four pupils, from all parts of this and adjoining coun- ties, and three from Michigan. The rates of tui-
tion were $3 for a term of eleven weeks in the lower grades, and $4 for a similar term in the higher grades. The board of education com- prised H. P. Averill, George Powers, S. D. West - cott, W. H: Courser, John McCaughey and N. D). Blinn. There were 77 males and SS females in the primary; 76 males and 58 females in the sec- ondary; 32 males and 54 males in the grammar; and 34 males and 30 females in the high school. The Union school teachers, in September, 1869, were John Barton, superintendent (the successor of J. W. Ewing); Nellie M. Brown, assistant superintendent; Ella M. Baird, Esther Crook, Nellie Cassaday, Carrie Wilkinson, Mary Albert and Sophy Knoll. In 1871, James O. Troup, now a lawyer of Bowling Green, succeeded Bar- ton. C. F. Taylor was superintendent in 1872. Messrs. Boone, Kennedy and Scott followed in the order given. A. G. Smith, the superintend- ent in 1877, added a Normal department to the high school in Angust of that year. Thomas W. Hubbard held the position in 1878, Messrs. Dick, Bateman, I. M. Sadler and Ward holding the office in later days, with Prof. Megley in charge of the high school in 1895.
The school building was destroyed by fire May 24, 1894. It was originally a two-story house, but some years ago was restored and a third story added; so that it contained six school rooms, two recitation rooms, a laboratory and superintendent's office. The additions were made at heavy cost to the district.
The school board of 1895 comprised E. L. Kingsbury, James Hayes, Jacob Davis, J. H. Thornton, F. C. Eberly and I. S. Bowers. To this board has been cominitted the work of school building. The new house, which occu- pies the site of the old one, was designed by Baker & Huber, of Toledo, is constructed of brick, and possesses some architectural features, more in keeping with ideas of progress than any shown in the other school buildings of the county. outside Custar and Bloomdale. Bonds for $20, - ooo were issued by this board in March, 1895, to meet the payment of interest and principal (the latter at the rate of $1, 000 annually): a levy of five mills was authorized in June, 1895. That tax, with five mills for tuition and three mills for contingent expenses, bring the levy of the district up to thirteen mills for the year. James Hayes, the efficient secretary of the school board, has held the position for several years.
The Catholic schools, in charge of the Sisters, are supported by the congregation of St. Rose of Lima. The school house was originally built by the Universalist Church, as related in the
€
1
377
WOOD COUNTY, OIIIO.
pages devoted to religious associations. The number of pupils enrolled is large. Boys are prepared for entrance to the high school, while girls may receive thorough instruction in all the branches of a polite education.
The Way Library, named in honor of Wil- lard V. Way, who died August 25, 1875, leav- ing about $15,000 to the village, the interest on which was to be used solely for the purchase of books, and the balance for library building and equipment, to be expended as the council of Perrysburg might deem best. The first board of managers-elected February S and 1 1, 1881-com- prised Asher Cook, president; J. H. LaFarree, secretary; Francis Hollenbeck, George Weddell, A. G. Williams, J. H. Rheinfrank (mayor). and J. H. Pierce (president board of education). They appointed Miss Hulburd librarian April 25, 1881, and installed the first collection of books (1,000 volumes) in her home in 1881, where it was continued almost down to 1892, when Mrs. Eliza Frederick was appointed her successor. On November 23, 1892, when the present library building was dedicated. there were no less than 4,000 volumes on the shelves. This house of brick and Killbuck brownstone was built by B. Kokenge, of Wyandot county, after plans by Bacon & Huber, Toledo architects.
The resolution of March 25, 1890, authorized the executors of the Way estate. to purchase a site for a library building at a cost not exceeding $1,000, and on April:, Messrs. Cook and Hollen- beck, the resident acting executors, notified the council that they would carry out the resolution. The two lots on which the house stands were pur- chased for tlie sum stated, and $10, 379.91 ex- pended on building and interior furnishing, apart from $1. 100 paid by the village for heating ap- paratus, furniture, shelving, and grading grounds. The board of managers, at the time of the dedi- cation, comprised: Rev. G. A. Adams, president; N. L. Hanson, secretary; E. L. Kingsbury, D. K. Hollenbeck, Andrew Roach (mayor), and F. C. Eberly, president board of education. Mr. Hollenbeck delivered the address. As one of the executors, it was he who presented the library to the village, and in doing so addressed the mem- bers of the council in the following language: " By the terms of resolution heretofore referred to, we have now completed the work requested of us, and as by the terms of the will of Mr. Way this building now becomes the property of the village. Over three years have now elapsed since the executors completed their work, and conveyed it to the council. In that time the earnestness of the village authorities, in their
guardianship of this trust. has been well exempli- fied, for they have aimed to make their library the Mecca of readers and students. It is said that N. H. Callard was chosen by the board of education to fill the vacancy caused by the resig- nation of J. H. La Farree, in 1881, and that he was subsequently elected for a full term. On May 9, 1895, Rev. G. A. Adams was appointed vice Hollenbeck, who as mayor vacated his office as manager, to become manager as mayor. The board of education had previously chosen 1. R. Champney to represent that body as manager of the library vice Rev. G. A. Adams.
CHURCHES.
The Catholic Church, dedicated to St. Rose, of Lima, antedates the legal organization of the congregation many years. As early as 1794, Rev. Edmund Burke erected a chapel at Fort Miami. Other missionary priests, such as Father Gabriel Richard, of Detroit, visited the settle ments in the early part of this century, and in the "thirties " Father Tschenhens, of Tiffin, visited the scattered Catholics in this territory. Right Rev. Amadeus Rappe, Father Josephus Projec- tas Machebœuf, Father Martin Henni, Father Nightingale, the first resident priest of Fremont, and Fathers Corobaine, Welsh, Rose, Mullen and Moos came in later years, and, in 1857, the Jesuit, Rev. Franz Xavier Wenninger, visited Perrysburg and other parts of the county. From 1852 to 1861, the German Catholics from Per- rysburg and Hull Prairie were compelled to cross the Maumee to attend church. On January 12, 1861, several members of the congregation of the Church of St. Rose of Lima elected Henry H. Dodge, Valentine Fink, George Getz, Valentine Schwind and Michael Hayes, trustees, and be- came a corporate body. At that meeting the name was adopted, and Judge H. H. Dodge was elected clerk. The brick church, built by the Universalists, was purchased in the fall of 1861 by this congregation, fitted np for Catholic wor- ship, and dedicated by Rt. Rev. Bishop Rappe, October 11, 1861. On September 8, 1889, the corner-stone of the present building was placed by Rt. Rev. Bishop Gilmour, who paid a tribute to the pastor, Rev. G. H. Ricken, and to the congregation who had undertaken such a great work. On May 28, 1892, the building was dedi- cated by Rt. Rev. Bishop Horstman, who was justified in his praise of the building which the zeal of priest and people had given to the old village of the Maumee. The church is constructed of Sandusky blue-stone in Gothic form, with cen- tral tower, but without clearstory. The area is
378
WOOD COUNTY, OHIO.
134 x 54 feet, with steeple 170 feet high, sur- mounted by a cross. Although grand without, its chief beauty is within. The richly grained ceiling is artistically frescoed. The tower con- tains three bells, weighing respectively 2, 800, 1, 400 and 800 pounds. The high altar, with the altars of the Virgin and St. Joseph, are works of art under Gothic forms, and the same may be said of the beautiful windows in the chancel and transepts. The two windows in the chancel were presented by Joseph and Mary Deimling and the heirs of Peter Bower and wife, the latter on the Epistle side. The west transept window is the memorial to John O'Leary, Sr., and the east window, to Anne H. Hayes. The other windows, beginning on the Epistle side, were donated by Timothy Hayes, George Spoerl, Mrs. G. Ziesler, Clara and Louisa Hillabrand, Alice M. Franey, Mrs. M. Handley and daughter, heirs of George Munger, Sr., and wife, Joseph Heilman, Sr., Barbara Heilman, Henry Speck, Mrs. Henry Speck, heirs of George Scheupal. Balthassar Ruppel, John Schwind, Gottfried Schwind, Michael Fitzgerald, John G. Hoffman, John Amon, Mrs. John Amon, Valentine Fink and Frank Haas. The stained-glass transoms and beautiful windows in the choir were purchased by the congregation. The great organ tells the vis- itor, at once, of the value attached to sacred music by the congregation. Rev. Charles Griss was the pastor of this parish on two occasions. Father G. H. Ricken was appointed in 1885, and Rev. Joh. Ad. Michenfelder, in 1894. Shortly after the first German Catholics located in the vicinity of Perrysburg, Nicholas Reiser do- nated two lots, east of the new common-school building, to the congregation, and moneys were collected for building. Ten or eleven years passed over, the people meantime attending church at Maumee. In 1861 Valentine Schwind and George Getz visited the pastor of Maumee to enquire about the funds collected in 1850 and 1851, found the exact amount, and returning in- augurated the work of progress described above.
Walker; in 1829, by Jacob Hill; and in 1830, by J. W. Finley. In 1832, Rev. E. C. Gavitt preached here; in 1833, Rev. E. H. Pilcher came, followed, in 1834, by W. Sprague. In 1835, when the Toledo war called into the field the militia of Michigan and Ohio, the Meth- odists of Perrysburg were addressed weekly by Rev. Cyrus Brooks, from a desk in the pio- neer school house. L. B. Gurley, who was then presiding elder, happened to be here when the Ohio soldiers were quartered at Perrys- burg, and, knowing Governor Lucas, he sug- gested that he would place his name at the head of a subscription list for church-building purposes, and that he would ask the militia to follow the example. The plan was successfully carried out, and a house for worship erected-the same which was repaired in 1853. reconstructed in 1866, at a cost of $3,500, and repaired in 1887. In 1836. Rev. Orrin Mitchell camne, and is said to have been the first to preach in the church house. His successors in the office are named as follows: Henry Warner, exhorter, 1837, local preacher, 1838-59; Rev. D. Burns, IS38; R. H. Chubb and J. W. Bowen, 1839; Mr. Cacraft, vice Bowen, 1840; L. Hill and P. Start, 1841 ; H. S. Bradley. 1842; J. L. Johnson, 1843; J. Jones, 1844; J. R. Jewett, 1845; T. Cooper. 1846; C. H. Owen, 1847; L. Ward, 1848; John Graham, 1849; T. Parker, 1850; T. J. Pope, 1851; D. P. Pelton, 1852-54; J. F. Buckholder, 1854; L. D. Rogers, 1855; George Creps, local preacher. 1856; AAm- brose Hollington, 1856 and 1867; W. S. Lunt, 1858; Mr. L'egatty, 1859; S. H. Alderman, 1862; L. M. Albright and J. Shannon, 1863: T. N. Barkdull, 1864-67; J. S. Kalb, 1869; J. H. Wil- son, 1870; N. B. C. Love, 1872; J. H. Bethards, 1876; L. L. Clark, 1879, died, and T. J. Pope appointed; Mr. Yingling, 18So; J. L. Scott, ISS3; W. II. Scoles, 1884; and G. B. Wiltsie, 1886-88. The circuit now embraces a few churches. Peter Cranker was a class leader for almost forty years, and George Creps and Joshua Chappel for many years; while J. S. Ellis filled the offices of trus -. tee, steward and class leader for over a quarter of a century.
The Methodist Episcopal Church was estab- lished at Perrysburg, or rather at Orleans, by Rev. John P. Kent, in 1819. Aurora Spafford The Sabbath-school was organized in 1838, with Henry Darling, superintendent, and fifty- five scholars. In 1853. there were to scholars: in 1867, there were 140 scholars; and. in 1875, no less than 125. From 1878 forward, William Barton was superintendent, his scholars in 1888 numbering 115. was appointed class leader, with Sarah Wilkin- son, John Knowles, William Kelley, members. Meetings were held in Jacob Wilkinson's house at first, and subsequently in the Hollister store, until the transfer of headquarters to Perrysburg. In 1820, Paul B. Morey, a local preacher, of the Detroit ( or Mouroe ) Circuit, was here, followed, The Presbyterian Church was organized No- vember 13, 1834, by Huron Presbytery, with the in 1822, by Elias Patten; in 1824, by S. Baker; in 1825, by Jobn Baughman; in 1827, by G. | following members: Abner Brown, J. W. Smith,
---
----
379
WOOD COUNTY, OHIO.
W: Williams, J. A. Scott, J. A. McBride, Mary Williams, Mary Fowler, Jane Wood, Mary Lo- per, Elizabeth Smith, Eliza Ann Nye and Cath- vrine Spafford; Mrs. Hannah Dustin and Mar- garet Sloan had not been connected with other Churches elsewhere. Messrs. Williams and Brown were chosen elders, and J. W. Smith, clerk.
In 1835 the little Church received quite an accession from Pennsylvania. The McBeths, a wy of Springfield, Ohio; John Ziegler and wife, James Kelly, Elizabeth Kelly, Susan Kelly and John H. Kelly, John Bates, Eliza Bates, and Mrs. Eliza Brown, from Seneca Falls, New York.
On March 2, 1840, Abner Brown was elected vider for three years, Tobias Rudesil tor two wears, and George W. Creps for one year. In October, 1843, George W. Creps was elected for three years, and Joseph M. Hall for two years. In November of the same year Mr. Creps sent in his resignation, and Abner Brown, George Powers and David Beach were elected elders. The records of this period are silent on Matters which evidently were disturbing the con- gregation. The names of pastors can only be trtraced through memory. Mr. Bradstreet was followed by Rev. M. Eels, of Oberlin, who was drowned in attempting to cross the Maumee on the ice, and was buried in the old cemetery. The Rev. J. H. Francis followed Mr. Eels. Mr.
Poor succeeded him, and Mr. Peck followed Mr. Poor. In June, 1849, the clerk, George Powers. recorded the call extended to Rev. J. H. New- ton. In 1847, he organized a sewingsociety, and in 1853 paid $115.78 for the lots on which Henry Hollenbeck's shops stood in 1876. Subsequent to 1853 he exchanged those lots for the site where is now the Way Library, but instead of building, the society rented a hall, which stood where George Boetsch carried on business in Later years. In 1856, the Universalist church was rented. On November 1, that year, Rev. G. A. Adams, who has been pastor ever since, took charge, and, in the fall of 1857, assisted in the revival held in the Methodist house of wor- ship. In 1858, a number of members were admitted, and in the fall of that year, the Pres- byterian form of government was adopted, and George Powers, Sylvanus Hatch and James W. Ross were elected elders. On September 5, 1859. the corner stone of the old church house was placed, and the building was finished Sep- tember 1, 1860. On April 1, 1862, a mortgage i r $1,000 was given on the property, to Elder James W Ross, which, with other debts, was inid off in 1865. In 1870, other improvements were made, and the worshipers met there
until it was burned in 1875. Services were held in Centennial Hall, until 1892, when the present building on Second and Third streets was com- pleted.
The incorporation of the society took place July 17, 1876, when N. L. Hanson, M. A. Trow- bridge and Gilbert Beach were trustees. Of the first elders, Abner Brown moved to Illinois in 1868; George Powers died in 1872: Sylvanus Hatch is deceased; James WV. Ross moved to Kansas; J. W. Ewing is also removed: jantes Dunipace, now of Walnut Street Church: Ste- phen Merry is now deceased: S. P. Toliman, 1877, now of Walnut Street Church; F J. Ob- linger, 1891, removed to Toledo, and H. C. Hoover, now an elder. The membership in April, 1895, was 45, and of the Sabbath-school, 55. Of the members present in 1856, Mrs. Dus- tin resides at Birmingham, Mich .; Mrs. Euphemia Peck, at Detroit; Mrs. Ann Robertson; Stephen Merry, Mrs. Gilbert Beach, Mrs. H. A. Ham- ilton, Mrs. Almira Baird, Mrs. L. M. Hunt and Sophia A. Cook, at Perrysburg. The sum contributed by the members of this Church. from 1871 to 1895, amounts to about $19,500. The troubles of 1877-78 led to a division of the so- ciety, and the organization of the Walnut Street Church.
The German Lutheran Church was organized March 15, 1850, by Rev. Cronewett, who was pastor until 1860, and the organizer of several Lutheran societies throughout the county. Among the first members were C. and G. Hertz- ing, W. Lininger, T. Walter, M. Vogel, H. Niederhaus, L. L. Leiser and C. Sieling. Rev. A. Kleinigees came in 1860, and remained until Rev. C. F. Kaeding, the present pastor, arrived in 1864. In 1854. the first house of worship was erected, and in September, 1872, the present house was dedicated. St. Paul's church at Mau- mee has been in Mr. Kaeding's charge since 1864. In 1866, he organized the society at Custar, in IS67, one at Waterville, and, in 1868, one at Haskins. The membership of his Perrysburg charge is 426, and the number of voting mem- bers, 136.
The Walnut Street Presbyterian Church was . organized May 2, 1879, with twenty-seven men- bers, namely: Mary Hatch, M. A., Lovina and Alta M. Trowbridge, Elbert D. and Emily C. Ross, Perry and Adeline Thomas, Mary Taylor. N. L. and Lida M. Hanson, John L. and Cleanthe Wiltsie, Marshall K., Henry A., James W. and Catherine Ross, S. P., Elizabeth and Josephine E. Tolman, James Dunipace, Aun Peck, J. K. Deering, Mary E. Hadley, Jane Hood, Ellen
380
WOOD COUNTY, OHIO.
.
Tracy, Maggie Caldas. The elders chosen were James W. Ross, S. P. Tollman and James Duni- pace. In the same year M. A. Trowbridge was elected, and, in 1889, Ashton Taylor, who, with Mr. Tollman, is now in office. On completing organization, the society rented the old Baptist church, which has been their place of worship down to the present time. Rev. A. B. Robinson was pastor down to April, 1882, Rev. W. W. Mix, from 1882 to 1885; from which time to the coming of Rev. A. P. Johnson, in 1890, the pul- pit was supplied. The membership, in April, 1895, was twenty-four. The total money con- tributed for church purposes from ISSo to April, 1895, was $7, 18 ;. The first trustees were M. A. Trowbridge, N. L. Hanson, D. K. Hollen- beck, with E. D. Ross, treasurer, and N. L. Hanson, secretary.
The German Evangelical Reform Church was incorporated December 30, IS78, with F. Leydorf and T. Zarfluch, trustees; B. Schaller and J. Meyer, deacons; and F. Hendrich, elder. On August 15, 1880, their house of worship was dedicated.
The Universalist Society, was at one time very strong here, but went to pieces prior to the war. The brick building, purchased by the Catholic congregation in 1861, and now used for Catholic school purposes, was erected by the Universalists about 1843 or 1844, and used by them as a place of worship for some years. The Hollisters, who are buried there were the founders with the Ladds, Robeys, Blinns and a few others, and Rev. Sadler, preacher.
The German Methodist Episcopal Church was dedicated October 6, 1861, by the apostle of the denomination-Mr. Nast. Mark Curtis built the house for $1.800.
The Spiritualists organized a society some years ago, which embraced several members of the Methodest, Presbyterian and Baptist Churches, with others who had not hitherto formed any religious ideas. The organization may be said to exist to-day, but the local membership is very limited. In December, 1855, Rev. Warren Chase organized the first class.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.