USA > Ohio > Williams County > County of Williams, Ohio, Historical and Biographical > Part 32
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HARDWARE.
John Garver was first in this trade, and, in 1854, sold his stock to E. B. Kauke, who yet continues in the business, and is the oldest in the trade. Gleason & Baxter and Garver Bros. are also firmns that carry large stock.
HARNESS AND SADDLERY.
Four shops, all carrying good stocks, supply the town and country with these goods.
UNDERTAKING.
The first professional undertaker, and one who yet continues in busi- ness, is A. C. Dillman.
PHOTOGRAPHY.
William H. Lockhart is the oldest photogropher now conducting the business in Northwestern Ohio, and no one in Toledo, or any other city, produces better work. L. M. Johnson, though more recently established, is rapidly gaining public favor as an artist of high merit.
JEWELRY.
There are three establishments, two of which carry liberal and choice stocks.
DRUGS, BOOKS, STATIONERY AND FANCY GOODS.
Five houses are well filled with these lines of goods, and none deal in articles of inferior quality.
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AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS.
Williams County derives its principal wealth from its productive soil. Therefore, as farming economy has developed, there has been a continu- ally increased demand for the best machinery and implements. Three establishments in Bryan control this trade, the most recent being that of Thomas L. Donaldson & Co. The aggregate sales of the three will amount to $150,000 annually. Mr. Smith was first in the trade, and Mr. Willett second. All three establishments have active demand for their best goods, which fact exhibits healthy enterprise among Williams County farmers.
HATS AND CAPS.
The one establishment devoted exclusively to the hat and cap trade is owned by Messrs. White & Hopkins. Mr White is one among the vete- ran hatters in Ohio, and there is only one (Mr. Carter, druggist and gro- cer), now in the trade who is his senior in business in Bryan.
SKETCH OF MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
In the progress of time, several manufacturing industries have been undertaken and abandoned by their projectors, for the purpose of engag- ing in more profitable employment; but, it is believed that none of these ventures in Bryan ever failed, but some have been converted to other purposes, while a few have been destroyed by fire, and never rebuilt. At one time, there were flourishing hub, and spoke, and woolen factories, as well as a tannery, and less important manufactories; but all of their roofs, except those burned, now cover busily employed men, though engaged in other branches of useful production. It is only of quite recent date that Bryan sprang into existence as a manufacturing town. The dominant powers have hitherto been noticed. All that remains to be added to that already stated, is that Robert Park located in Bryan in 1862, and started a small foundry, and continued it on a limited scale until July, 1864, when he sold out to John A. Garver, and the latter sold, January 20, 1865, to Thomas F. Morrison, George Garver and Eugene Leonard. May 6, 1865, Mr. Fay bought Mr. Garver's interest, and the firm then became Morrison, Fay & Co. September, 1856, Morrison & Fay bought the interest of Mr. Leonard, and continued as Morrison & Fay until March 1, 1880, when Mr. Morrison sold his interest to John A. Garver, A. J. Tressler and D. C. Baxter. E. G. Fay also sold one-third of his interest to S. M. Gleason, and the style of the firm was then changed to the Morrison & Fay Manufacturing Company, by which name it has since been known. January 1, 1881, Mr. Fay sold one-half his remaining interest to his son, F. E. Fay, and, in October
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following, the firm became incorporated as the Morrison & Fay Manu- facturing Company.
And, from the inception to what is now discovered, are embraced all the manufacturing agencies that have sprung into existence in Bryan. There is nothing more to add worthy of note.
BRYAN CORPORATION-EXTRACTS FROM OFFICIAL RECORDS.
In pursuance of an act of the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, entitled " An act to incorporate certain towns therein named," passed March 7, A. D. 1849, notice for an election was duly made pub- lic. In pursuance of this notice an election was held June 15, 1849, at which the following named persons voted : John Paul, John B. Jones,* Edward Foster,* Stephen Kent, D. H. Barton, L. B. Silver,* John Kaufman, J. S. Thompson, Joseph Kaufman, Joshua Dobbs,* William Mckean, Levi Cunningham, William Yates,* John G. Kissell, James L. Rowly,* Allendy Jump, * Thomas Serrele, Jacob Youse, * Samuel Roodky,* Charles Case,* J. G. Young, George Snelling, George Keckler, * I. K. Morrow,* Milton B. Plummer,* A. J. Tressler,* Benjamin Kent,* Leonard Naftzger,* Volney Crocker, * Joseph Fulton, Daniel Langel, Jonathan Davis, Daniel Hall, S. Paul, A. M. Rowles,* Jacob Over,* Jacob Eberly, Louis Rose, Charles Young, William I. Bowlby,* Benja- min Schmachtenberger,* C. Mattison, and John Will ;* total forty-two votes. At this election Charles Case was elected Mayor ; John Will, Recorder, Jacob Youse, William Yates, E. Foster, Thomas Serrels and Jacob Over, Trustees. The Trustees appointed John K. Morrow, Mar- shal, and Benjamin Schmachtenberger, Treasurer.
Of the Trustees or Councilmen chosen at this first election, all sur- vive, and are now residents of Bryan, excepting one-Thomas Serrels.
At the election held April 3, 1882, 676 votes were cast, and the fol- lowing municipal officers were elected, viz .: William O. Johnston, Mayor ; John P. Woods, Clerk ; George E. Coy, Treasurer; John B. Jones, Marshal ; J. E. Daily, Street Commissioner; Benjamin F. Bostater, James P. Day and John Niederaur, Councilmen ; A. C. Dillman, Cem- etery Truestee. Councilmen holding over, D. A. Garver, John W. Nel- son and John Yates.
FIRES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The first destructive fire occurred in Bryan on Sunday night, Decem- ber 30, 1855, commencing about 11 P. M., and originating in a building occupied jointly by Edward Evans as a grocery store, and by George Wallt, Postmaster. The building adjoined David Langel's tavern, Henry Miller being then proprietor of the house. The fire destroyed the store
. These persons are yet living.
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and dwelling house of Mr. Yates, merchant, and altogether it was, at that date, and considering the circumstances of the town, a misfortune of no mean proportions. The town then was helpless in being destitute of any organized forces for extinguishing fires that assailed property. Im- provised arrangements for the public safety were at once entered upon, and before the embers of the burnt district became cool, the formation of " bucket brigades " was commenced, and finally a band engine was pur- chased, and a hook and ladder company organized, and within a few years a steam fire engine of the best efficiency, according to approved tests, was added to former resources, and now Bryan probably has means for as secure protection against accidental fire assaults as any town of equal population in Ohio; although well organized as the department is, it is not always proof against the torch of the incendiary, as the town's unfortunate experience of 1881-82 very clearly demonstrated.
The corporation owns a commodious brick building, centrally located. the first floor affording ample accommodation for engines, hose and other fire apparatus, and stabling for horses, and the upper floor for Council room and corporation offices.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
The following sketches of the First Baptist Church and the Methodist Episcopal Church of Bryan, were prepared by M. B. Plummer :
October 8, 1841, the first Baptist Church of Bryan was organized at a meeting held at La Fayette, Williams County, Ohio, consisting of the fol- lowing members, to wit : Pastor-G. B. Lewis, - Thomas, Elizabeth Thomas, P. S. Gleason, Jane Gleason, Daniel Wyatt, Elizabeth Wyatt. At said meeting, Brother Lewis was elected Moderator and P.S. Glease. Clera. After reading the articles of faith and covenant, which were adopted, the right hand of fellowship and charge were given by G. B. Lewis. The society applied for admission into the Maumee Association. Brothers Lewis and Gleason were appointed to represent the society in the associa- tion. From that date to the 26th day of May, A. D., 1849, there does not appear any account given in the record of said society. On that day, they met at Bryan for covenant meeting, Rev. H. P. Stilwell present. Four were received by letter and one by baptism ; no names given. Brother Stilwell was appointed delegate to the association. December 22, A. D. 1849, Allendy Jump was elected Church Clerk, which position he held until he went to California in the spring of 1850, and P. S. Glea- son was re-elected.
May 5, 1855, William H. Keck and wife, N. and Mrs. Bibler were received by letter. Thomas Tucker and Samuel Sheffler by confession. William H. Keck was elected Church Clerk. February 12, 1859, at a
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meeting held by the society, a motion was made and carried that Rev. W. Pearce be requested to remain as pastor for one year. The society had made arrangements with the Presbyterian brethren and was using their church for preaching. May 21, 1859, at a meeting held, Thomas Punches, Jacob Youn and A. W. Boynton, were elected Trustees of said church, A. T. Bement, Clerk ; Henry C. Long, Treasurer, preparatory to building their present church. May 22, 1860, the church gave to Rev. L. D. Robison a call to become their settled pastor. July 31, 1860, the Rev. L. D. Robison was ordained pastor of the Bryan Church by Rev. R. C. Knell, Rev. E. E. Platt and Rev. A. H. Cole. Subsequently, John W. Leidigh, A. T. Bement, Norman Relyea, James P. Horney and H. D. Gintir, were at different periods elected Clerk. January 10, 1867, call made and extended to the Rev. J. B. Shaff, to become pastor of this church. February 9, 1869, a call was made and extended to Rev. J. V. Stratton to become pastor of this church. October 14, 1869, a call was made and extended to Rev. J. V. Stratton to become pastor of this church. January 1, 1870, there was sixty-five members in church fellowship. February 16, 1871, a call was made and extended to J. V. Stratton to become pastor of this church, which he accepted. April 14, 1873, a call was made and extended to W. V. Thomas to become pastor of this church, which he accepted. W. W. Beardsly was called and accepted to become pastor of this church, but for some reason resigned. In the spring of 1877, a call was made and extended to D. M. Christy to become pastor of this church, which he accepted. July 28, 1881, a call was made and extended to J. M. Davies to become pastor of this church, which he accepted and at present is its pastor. At the present time, there are about ninety members; these church meetings seem to be well attended, and general peace and quiet prevail. They built one of the finest churches in the town at a cost, lot and house, of $4,000, and have it all paid for.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
In the fall of 1840, Zara Norton, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, organized the first class in Bryan ; first preaching-place at the hotel of Thomas Shorthill, with the following-named members : Thomas Short- hill, Elizabeth Shorthill, Mary Kaufman, James Shorthill. William Yates and wife moved to Bryan in the summer of 1841, and brought with them their letters of membership, and joined the church in Bryan ; from that time to the present they have been acceptable members. The con- gregation moved their place of preaching from the hotel to the old court house, and continued their meetings until the schoolhouse was built, and occupied it until their present church was built. In the year 1853, the present church was built at a cost of $2,500. The Trustees at that time
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were D. M. Crall, David Fairfield, A. R. Patterson, M. B. Plummer, Jacob Over, Levi Cunningham, William Yeates. From time to time the Trustees have remodeled the church at a cost of $1,000 or $2,000. The following is a list of the Presiding Elders of the Maumee, and subse. : quently the Toledo District of the Methodist Episcopal Church : 1840, Wesley Brock ; 1842, John T. Kellum ; 1844, Thomas Barkdull ; 1848, George W. Breckenridge; 1850, William Pierce; 1854, David Gray; 1858. Joseph Ayres ; 1862, E. C. Gavitt; 1863, Samuel Lynch ; 1867, E. C. Gavitt ; 1868, Thomas H. Wilson ; 1871, Le Loy A. Belt; 1875. Park S. Donaldson ; 1879, Wesley G. Waters. In 1841, Bryan was included in a mission called Bean Creek and Pulaski Mission, and extended from Burlington, now in Fulton County, to Clark's in Paulding County, and one appointment in Indiana, and in all sixteen appointments, to wit : Lutz's (now Burlington), Donutt's, Alvord, Eagle Creek, Alle- nung's, Beechler's, La Fayette (now Pulaski), East Fayette, Bryan, Will- iams Centre, Lost Creek, Fisher's, Six Corners, Hicksville, Clark's and Indiana. The mother of Hon. A. P. Edgerton at that time, and until her death, resided at Hicksville; was a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and for many years Mr. Edgerton paid yearly $40 to the weary itinerants, and they were always welcome to his home.
The following are the names of the ministers appointed to the mission and circuit that included Bryan :
1840, Zara Norton; 1841, Zara Norton, Orin Hatch; 1842, Simeon H. Alderman; 1843, J. L. Ferris, Chester Coleman ; 1844, W. W. Win- ter, Samuel Morrow ; 1845, William Boggs, T. W. Wilson; 1846, Alan- son Foster, H. K. Bairns; 1847, John Burgess, Samuel Fairchild ; 1848, Henry Chapman, A. H. Walter; 1849, Benjamin Herbert, J. S. Cutler; 1850, David Aucker, J. A. Shannon ; 1851, Thomas Parker, J. M. Wil- cox ; 1852, J. S. Albright, E. Lindsay ; 1853, J. S. Albright, J. W. Thompson ; 1854, Henry Warner. H. L. Nickerson ; 1855, Henry War- ner. J. H. Beardsly ; 1856, William Thacher, D. S. Reagh ; 1857, William Thacher, J. H. Miller ; 1858, E. Morrison, A. Hollington ; 1859, II. M. Close. A. M. Cory. In the fall of 1860, Bryan was made a station, with the following appointments, to wit :
1860-61. F. L. Harper ; 1862-63, S. H. Alderman ; 1864, Wesley G. Waters; 1865-67, John L. Bates; 1868, Philip A. Drown ; 1869-71, Hamilton J. Bigley ; 1872-73, James F. Mounts ; 1874-76, William Deal; 1877-79, Hamilton J. Bigley : 1880-81, W. W. Lance. At the present time, there are about two hundred and fifty members divided into nine classes. with the following-named persons as leaders, to wit :
Leader of Class No. 1, E. E. Bechtol; No. 2, Samuel White; No. 3, William N. Noble ; No. 4, John Reagle ; No. 5, H. L. High; No. 6,
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Joel S. Mattocks; No. 7, John E. Beach ; No. 8, James Taneyhill; No. 9, C. M. March.
The officers are : Wesley G. Waters, Presiding Elder; William W. Lance, Pastor ; Thomas Taneyhill, Martin Perky, William H. Taylor, Superannuated; Timothy H. Himes, Local ; Martin Perky, Frederick Maurer, T. H. Himes, Jacob Over, Frank Kelly, Mary Brown, Hannah Harper, Mrs. J. W. Smith, Jennie Deuchar, Stewards ; Trustees-David Morrow, President; John Bailey, Treasurer ; William Brownsberger, Secretary ; J. N. Riggs, Seth Kemble, Henry L. High, William Folk.
There are about two hundred names enrolled in the Sabbath school, with the following-named officers and teachers, to wit:
W. W. Lance, Superintendent ; J. E. Beach, Anna Noble, Assistant Superintendents ; John P. Woods, Secretary ; William Brownsberger, 'Treasurer ; John Kemble, Frank Conrod, Librarians ; Jennie Deuchar, Anna Noble, Mrs. C. C. Long, Mary Githen, Millie Barstow, Mrs. Will- iam H. Taylor, Anna Ware, Martin Perky, Jennie Jones, Rose Deuchar, J. E. Beach, Carrie Brown, Mrs. G. Lockhart, Mary Snyder, Florence Bostater, Teachers. Preaching, Sabbath morning and evening.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
[Extracts from minutes.]
" BRYAN, June 10, 1854 .- Pursuant to notice previously given, and agreeable to an order to that effect by the Presbytery of Maumee, a meet- ing was held this day for the purpose of organizing a Presbyterian Church. After sermon by Rev. J. M. Crabb, certificates were received and found in order from the following persons, viz., Alexander Conning and wife, Sarah Conning, John Kelley and Harriett N. Kelley, James Allen and Sarah J. Allen, Jennette Grim, Isabella M. Ogden, William HI. Ogden, by profession of faith in the absence of a certificate-making in all ten members. At this meeting, into the proceedings of which were, at inter- vals, introduced prayer for the divine guidance, Messrs. William H. Og- den and John Kelley were chosen Ruling Elders, and Messrs. Alexander Conning and James Allen were appointed to the office of Deacon. At the session held May 10, 1862, William Dunlap, William Sheridan were chosen Elders, and D. L. Anderson, Moderator. Miss Julia Hamilton was received to membership on certificate from the Presbyterian Church of New Lisbon, Ohio, At the session of September 27, 1862, the follow- ing were received to the communion of the church : James Q. Beattie, on certificate from the church of Union, Defiance County ; Franklin Lockhart, by profession of faith. At the session August 6, 1864, Bro. Raffensperger, Moderator, Mr. J. B. Jones was received upon presenting his letter of dismission from the 'Truro Presbyterian Church of Columbus
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Grove, Ohio, and Mr. William Ward, upon profession of faith. Session of March 21, 22 and 23, 1865, the following persons were received on profession of their faith in Christ, viz. : Miss Jennie White, Matilda White. Mrs. Harriet Mccutcheon and her four daughters, Mrs. Rebecca Mc- Cloud, Miss Emma Mccutcheon, Ella Mccutcheon, Mary Mccutcheon .. Mrs. Maria Bell and her two daughters, Frank and Libbie Bell, Miss Cora B. Obrist and her sister Emma Jane, Miss Electa M. Fay, Miss Ada M. Kelley, Mary A. Kelley and Mr. William Kelley, Mrs. Nancy A. Willett, Mrs. Louisa Bostater and her two sisters, Miss Eliza Amelia Sheridan and Elmira Hannah Sheridan, Mrs. Cynthia E. Valentine, Miss Phoebe C. Townly, Miss Ella Green, Miss Sarah Montgomery, Miss Mary A. Jones, Miss Eliza Moore, Misses Caroline, Emma L. and Har- riet Odell, Miss Binnie Ryan, Mr. Francis Kennedy and Mr. Jacob Raupert. At a Congregational meeting on the evening of March 3, 1865. Dr. A. Larrimore, a Ruling Elder from the church of Auburn, Ind., and Mr. J. B. Jones, Ruling Elder from the church of Columbus Grove, were unanimously elected to the office of Ruling Elders in the church of Bryan. The session of May 6, 1865, was opened with prayer by Bro. Cochrane Forbes, of Kendallville, Ind. Present : Messrs. Kelley, Jones, Larrimore and Sheridan. Mrs. Adeline E. Moore, Mrs. Catharine Willett were each received on profession of their faith in Christ, and Dr. Larrimore and wife and Mrs. Sloat on certificates.
"The manse in Bryan was built in 1870-71, and finished June 20 in the latter year. C. W. Boynton was chairman of building committee, who planned and superintended the work. It cost, without the lot, $2,675."
July 22, 1878. At the session held this day, Rev. James Quick, act- ing as Moderator (having resigned his charge of this church 1st of June last), the Clerk was ordered to give letters of dismissal to the following named persons, who had so requested : Mrs. Maria E. Quick, Miss Julia E. Quick, Miss Marion T. Quick, and Miss Alice Cornelia Alexander. The first session at which the name of the present pastor, Rev. Thomas Doggett, appears upon the minutes, was held September 19, 1878. The session held March 23, 1880, voted to pay an annual salary of $900 to Rev. Thomas Doggett for his services. July 31, 1879, Mrs. Thomas Doggett was received into the church by letter from the Presbyterian Church of Niagara Falls, N. Y. October 30, 1879, Mr. Wilson pre- sented a letter of dismission from the Evangelical Church of Edgerton, Ohio, and Mr. Frank Kennedy a letter from the First Presbyterian Church of Elmore, Ohio, and the persons were received into the church. December 25, 1879, Miss Roby Velorce Witmore was received into the church by profession; and January 3, 1880, Mrs. Louisa M. Price, Mrs. Coleman, Miss Olive Wetmore, and Miss Nellie M. Ingalls were received
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on profession of faith. Mr. Jacob E. Hime and Mrs. Mary A. Hime were received on certificate from the Congregational Church of Wauseon. March 18, 1880, Miss Cora B. Warren presented a letter of dismission from the Congregational Church of Burton, Ohio, and her name was added to the roll of members. November 4, 1880, Miss Francis Maria Folk was received into the church on certificate from First Reformed Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia. Miss Frances Mariah Doggett and Mr. Eugene Ellsworth Newman were received on profession of faith. February 3, 1881, Mrs. Margaret Helwig was admitted on letter from the Presbyterian Church of New Philadelphia, Ohio.
To make the history of this church complete, it is proper to embody extracts from a sermon delivered by Rev. James Quick, July 1, 1876 : The Society was legally incorporated September 9, 1856, as the Presby- terian Church and Society Old School. August 6, 1872, a question hav- ing arisen as to the full power of the society to hold property under existing laws of the State, a slight modification was made, and the or- ganization perfected under the name of the First Presbyterian Church and Society of Bryan, Ohio. Since the first organization up to the pres- ent time, there have been received to the fellowship and communion of the church (including those who first formed it) by certificate from other churches, 127 persons, and on profession of their faith in Christ 98 persons-making an aggregate of 225. There have been dismissed to the fellowship and communion of other churches, eighty-six persons, and from this number twenty two persons have died, and two have been excommunicated. Rev. D. S. Anderson was the first clergyman, and his ministry continued until 1864; he was succeeded by Rev. Williamson S. Wright, who terminated his work August 12, 1865. September 1, 1865, Rev. John H. Carpenter commenced labor and remained until June 7, 1867, when, October 1, Rev. D. K. Richardson took ministerial charge April, 1870, Mr. Robert B. Marshall, licensed by the Presbytery of Chi- cago, became a successor to the pastoral office, and he died November following. February 5, 1871, Rev. Elias Thompson was employed and served one year, when he was succeeded by Rev. Henry H. Bridge, who remained until July, 1873, and was followed by Rev. Ebenezer Bucking- ham. who remained six months. On the first Sabbath of December, 1874, Rev. James Quick commenced his labors with this church. Up to the close of 1871 the church was dependent for aid in support of the ordinances of the Gospel upon the Home Mission Board of the Presby- terian Church ; but since that time it has been self-sustaining. Total collections and expenditures for missions, etc., $13,239.97. " Thus far hath the Lord brought us, and He says to us by His Word, and by His Providence, ' Go Forward.'" The Sunday school of this church is under
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superintendence of Joseph B. Jones. The teacher of the Bible is Mrs. Rev. Doggett, and the other teachers are J. D. Gleason, John Kelley, Rev. Doggett, M. M. Boothman, Miss Mabel Pratt, Miss Dora Cannon, Miss Almira Treat, Mrs. Willett Gibson, Mrs. D. K. Richardson, Miss Metta Carter, Miss J. H. Willett and Miss Ida Cunningham. Average number of pupils, in excess of one hundred.
GERMAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN.
The German Evangelical Lutheran St. Paul's congregation com- menced its existence December 21, 1861, having at that date no house of worship, though commencing with a membership of eighteen persons, and the pastor being Rev. Hermann Schmidt, of the Ohio Synod; and Feb- ruary 4, 1869, a movement was made to build a church edifice, and a plan agreed upon to have its dimensions 40x28 feet, the ceiling sixteen feet. Accordingly the house was erected on Beech street, adjacent to the plan- ing mills. The building cost, in cash, aside from liberal donations in money and material, $750. The lots were donated by Hon. Alfred. P. Edgerton, who has contributed more liberally, in real estate and money donations to church purposes, than any other one in Northwestern Ohio. Mr. Schmidt retired from the pastorate of the church September 14. 1863, and from this date, until January 1, 1867, the congregation had occasional supplies from various clergymen, and oftentimes of slightly differing creeds, until, on the last-mentioned date, Rev. Eugene Kuchle was installed, and maintained his pastoral connection until 1870, when he was succeeded by Rev. Heinrich Lutz, who held charge until 1872. when he was followed, in the ministry, by Rev. Joel Goebel, who con- tinued his relations with the church until 1878. At this date, Rev. Wil- helm Young, whose work is under the auspices of the Evangelical Synod of North America, was assigned to the charge of the congregation, and yet continues his ministrations. In 1882, the membership numbers thirty, and a Sunday school, under the superintendence of Jacob Schleenbaker, has an average attendance of about eighteen pupils. After the retire- ment of Rev. Mr. Goebel, a division of sentiment regarding the Christian propriety of church members identifying themselves with secret societies sprang up, and divisions followed, and the trouble was brought before ec- clesiastical tribunals, and a length, on an issue affecting title to church property, the controversy found its way to the civil courts, where it is yet pending. As the matters of variance affect only the parties interested, further reference to them in these pages is omitted. It is only just, how- ever, to state that the organization, of which Rev. Heinrich Stahling is pastor, claims to be the regular and legal organization.
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