USA > Ohio > Highland County > Hillsboro > Hillsboro crusade sketches and family records > Part 5
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" If any think this is a work to be sneered at, let them read the following report of the efforts in Hillsboro, O., where the work began with a lecture by Dr. Lewis, on December 23, 1873. We confess we did not read it with dry eyes:
"Turning the corner on last Saturday afternoon, I came unexpectedly upon some fifty women kneeling on the pavement and stone steps before a store. . A daughter of a former governor of Ohio was leading in prayer. Surrounding her were the mothers, wives, and daughters of former congressmen and legislators, of law- yers, physicians, bankers, ministers, leading men of all kinds. There were gathered here representa- tives from nearly every household of the town. The day was bitterly cold; a cutting north wind swept the streets, piercing us all to the bone. The plaintive, tender, earnest tones of that wife and mother who was pleading in prayer, arose on the blast, and were carried to every heart within reach. Passers-by uncovered their heads,
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for the place whereon they trod was 'holy ground.' The eyes of hardened men filled with tears, and many turned away, saying that they could not bear to look upon such a sight. Then the voice of prayer was hushed; the women arose and began to sing, softly, a sweet hymn with some old, familiar words and tune, such as our mothers sang to us in childhood days. We thought, Can mortal man resist such efforts? Then they knelt, and once more the earnest tones of prayer were borne upon the breeze. So, from ten o'clock in the morning to four in the afternoon, the work went on, the ladies relieving each other by relays.
"Close by was the residence of Hon. John A. Smith, our former congressman, and now delegate to the Con- gressional Convention. His noble, warm-hearted wife, one of the band, provided a bounteous lunch, to which the workers resorted for rest and refreshment, then returned to kneel and pray. The effect upon the spectators was indescribable. No sneer was heard, scarcely a light word was spoken. The spirit of devotion was abroad; those who would scorn to pray themselves, yet felt that here was something which they must, at least, respect. Many a 'God bless them !' fell from lips accustomed to use the name of Deity only in blasphemy. There was not a man who saw them kneeling there, but felt that if he was entering heaven's gate, and one of these women were to approach, he would stand aside and let her en- ter first.
"The end is not yet; the hearts of these women daily grow stouter, their faith brighter, and their prayers more' earnest. A thoroughly Christian spirit pervades the community, and the feeling is one of yearning love and pity for those who stand out against their duty to their fellow-men."
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A large and enthusiastic "mass temperance- meeting " was held in Music Hall on that Satur- day evening, addressed by Rev. A. C. Hirst, of Washington Court-house. Subscriptions were then received to the Guarantee Fund, raising the amount to $12,000. The total-abstinence pledge was circulated (as was our habit at all public meetings), and many signatures obtained.
As the women retired from Music Hall that evening, in their hearts came welling up, "One more day's work for Jesus;" then the blessed promise, "They that suffer with me shall reign with me."
VIII.
A FTER the all-day services of the band in front of the Palace Drugstore on that mem- orable Saturday, the hospitable and refreshing luncheon at the home of our friends, Hon. and Mrs. John A. Smith, the eloquent address of Rev. A. C. Hirst in the evening at Music Hall, and a restful Sunday and spiritual upbuilding, the Monday morning meeting, January 26th, opened with new interest, and messages of fresh victo- ries were received from many points.
Reports also came of the cruel and unmanly treatment the New Vienna women were receiv- ing at the hands of Van Pelt, the notorious sa-
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loonist. Words of earnest sympathy were sent them from our association, and our hearts were full of gratitude that we were spared such indig- nities ; and yet the stubborn resistance of some with whom we had been pleading so prayerfully, was, we thought, harder to bear than a shower of sour beer and threats of violence! But God, who alone can "temper the winds to the shorn lamb," knew that the fathers, husbands, brothers of Hillsboro could not have ruled their spirits as did the quiet representatives of William Penn at New Vienna, leaving the combat with "God and the women."
Calls from the towns and hamlets of our own and adjoining counties came almost daily for help in their work, and willing hearts were al- ways ready to respond. Indeed, the enthusiasm was so high that our liverymen caught the in- fection, many times furnishing carriages, horses, and drivers for these rural missionary excursions.
About this time, January 28th, news came of Springfield, Ohio, falling into line. Mother Stewart, that grand, earnest woman, whom the " Boys in Blue," with their tears of gratitude, had christened "mother," for many years had toiled for "God and humanity" in the temper- ance field, gaining cases under the Adair Law, and pleading for poor, oppressed women and children, who, because of the curse in the cup,
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were cold and starving,-she now laid hold of the " spiritual lever" presented in the new inethod, although it was not thought a work adapted to cities. But of her success and her many fields of labor on this and on the other side of the sea, let her own book, " Memories of the Cru- sade," tell more at length than a local sketch permits.
The early prayer-meeting on the morning of the 26th was led by Rev. S. D. Clayton. Many interesting incidents of the work in Wilmington and other places were related by him, who was always an inspiration to us. There being no other business of importance after the devotional hour, the ladies in private session determined to spend the day in visitations upon the few re- maining places that were selling liquors without restraint.
While the band was engaged in the usual serv- ices in front of the unrelenting druggist's, a man from the country, a farmer, strolled along the street, and when the voice of song arrested his at- tention, he stopped, and leaned against the wall of a building adjoining the one before which the la- dies were grouped. When the song so familiar to his ears (for he had heard it in his boyhood home) died away, and the women kneeled, he removed his hat, folded his arms, and reverently listened. When they arose from prayer, and again com-
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menced a low, sweet hymn, he rushed across the street, and, meeting an old friend, grasped his hand, saying: " I have taken my last drink! I never felt before what a wrong the cursed habit was to poor women."
That friend, a most reliable Christian gentle- man, told me the incident several years since, and added: "That man had been a tippler from his youth, and for years past rarely came to town and left sober; but since that day he has been a total abstainer." He is now over eighty, a kind, good man. His wife and family are happy, and he never fails to bless the "Praying Band." Thus, while this "whirlwind of the Lord " was "to the Jews a stumbling-block, and to the Greeks foolishness," it was to many "the power of God and the wisdom of God."
Many such incidents could be related, to off- set the ridicule heaped upon the self-sacrific- .ing women of those trying days; but God will "avenge his own elect, who cry unto him day and night, though he bear long " with their op- pressors !
On Saturday morning, January 31st, after the usual devotional services in the Presbyterian Church, the members of the Association, having been notified not to have singing and prayer at the door or on the steps and pavement in front of Mr. Dunn's drugstore, there was some dis-
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cussion as to the best course of action. It was finally decided that the ladies should go out as usual visiting other places first. A committee of three was then appointed to request permis- sion from the mayor to have a tent erected in the street in front of Mr. Dunn's store, outside the curbing. This committee was Mesdames William Trimble, John A. Smith, William Scott. A com- mittee of gentlemen was then appointed to erect the said tent. The committee was Messrs. Jacob Sayler, F. Shepherd, J. S. Black, Allen Cooper, Pangburn, Roe, Duffey.
Permission having been obtained, the con- mittee proceeded to erect the tabernacle; and later in the day, the band, having completed other work, took possession, and remained during the afternoon, for devotional services. Mrs. D. K. Fenner, our secretary (and she was a dignified Episcopalian), records in her minutes: "Few that were present will ever forget that scene, or the feelings of holy courage and faith that ani- mated each heart."
Mr. Dunn now determined to call the law to his aid, securing the services of the lawyer who had antagonized the Washington Court-house la- dies in the " Charlie Beck " case. Judge Safford, whose term on the bench had nearly expired, and whose sympathies were far from being with the temperance women (or men), was appealed to by
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William H. H. Dunn and his lawyer for a tem- porary injunction. It was granted, and the notice served upon the chairman of the Tabernacle Committee, Mr. Sayler. In the dead hour of the night the structure was taken down by our law- abiding brethren of the committee, and when Sunday dawned not a trace of the tent remained.
But what did the God of Jacob say to the women who were trusting in him ? Even as he had, through the Spirit's guidance, shown in the one hundred and forty-sixth Psalm to them in the beginning of their mission, so now, words of reassurance came to the heart of their leader through the first chapter of Nahum, beginning with the seventh verse: "The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and he knoweth them that trust in him. But with an overrun- ning flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue his enemies." The entire chapter was applied with great com- fort and strong faith, even to the last verse: "Keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows."
On the Monday morning following, February 2d, by previous appointment, the Association met in the Presbyterian Church for devotional serv- ices. A mass-meeting for the following Saturday was determined upon, invitations to be sent to our friends throughout the county, and a special one, with our heartfelt congratulations, to the
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faithful sisters of New Vienna, and Rev. D. Hill, of tlie Friends' Church, was invited to speak at the hall in the afternoon, with a request that he should bring Van Pelt with him, if it was really true (as we had heard) that he had not only given up the "evil of his doings," but had taken upon himself allegiance to the cause of temperance and humanity. But so grievous had been his persecutions of the temperance women that, as with the disciples of old, Saul " was feared," until he proved that " the scales had fallen from his eyes."
IX.
T HE ladies of the Temperance Association of Hillsboro had very little to do with the legal proceedings connected with the injunction granted by Judge Safford against the Association, "restraining them from praying and singing around, before, or anywhere in the vicinity of Mr. William H. H. Dunn's drugstore." "T is true quite a number of matrons (about thirty) assembled at the residence of the secretary, Mrs. Dean K. Fenner, by request of their lawyers, Messrs. Harrion, Williams, and Thompson, for conversation upon the subject in litigation. Mr. Thompson a day or two later met the members
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of the Association in the lecture-room of the Methodist Episcopal church and read to them the affidavit, which they signed and swore to in the presence of 'Squire Doggett.
When the day arrived for the hearing of the case the "lady defendants," to the number of about one hundred-our band had increased during these days of persecution-formed in pro- cession, after an early prayer-meeting at the Methodist Episcopal church, and marched down High Street to the court-house. We were re- ceived courteously and seated, although the court- room was densely packed. The greatest interest was manifested in the extraordinary proceedings, and temperance sentiment was created, even more rapidly by our court-house experiences than by our saloon visitations; so the world said.
The case was argued for four days, with great skill and much feeling on both sides, during which the most intense interest was shown by the people from the rural districts as well as by our own citi- zens. Finally, the case was concluded, and Judge Steel gave his decision. "The temporary injunc- tion was dissolved, but only on a technicality, and not on the merits of the case." Both par- ties were disappointed, and throughout the State there was much feeling evinced on the part of temperance advocates because of the fact that
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this decision gave to many localities an assurance 'of the law on the liquor side, so that efforts were made in many towns in Ohio, where the move- ment was in progress, to put a check upon it in 1
the same way. But, thank the good Father of all our mercies, the courts were generally in sympathy with the ladies. Judge after judge was appealed to in vain. In Morrow serious hin- drance was suffered on the part of the temper- ance people because of the restraining orders of courts; but through the decision of Judge Smith, of Lebanon, all honor to his name, the women triumphed in the only injunction case of the Crusade that was decided on its merits. With- out entering into the arguments upon which his decision was based, let it be remembered that the pivot upon which all arguments turned with that good, wise, common-sense judge was that " the plaintiff had no right to ask legal protec- tion for a manifestly illegal business."
Soon after the new experiences of the legal proceedings were over (as we supposed), it was thought best by the women of the Association to make some changes in the usual order of things. After some discussion as to time and place of holding the future meetings of the Association, it was unanimously agreed that this whole sub- ject should be referred to the Executive Com- mittee of ladies and the ministers of the severa1
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Churches ; hence a called meeting for the pur- pose was appointed.
During the next week this meeting was held, and the following plans agreed upon: First, the morning meetings were dispensed with for one week, as an experiment, the afternoon meetings and the visitations substituting them. Evening union temperance services in the Presbyterian church on Monday, in the Baptist church on Tuesday, and in the Methodist Episcopal church on Thursday evening of each week were decided upon. All-day prayer-meetings were held in the churches occasionally. These services proved to be of great interest and profit to the many who attended tliem. Testimonies full of vital im- portance were given by not only workers at these meetings, but by many men as well as women, who had been spiritually benefited by this " Temperance Pentecost."
A very great effort was made by a committee, - appointed for the purpose, to secure good and reliable speakers for our evening meetings. Several invitations were sent abroad to earnest workers in the State, such as Mrs. Wells, Dr. Staunton, and others; but so great was the de- mand upon them that we were disappointed. Then we turned to some among ourselves, whose constant occupation in the field of labor assigned them by Providence had prevented their joining
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in the daily round of Crusade services for which they felt the most earnest sympathy: pre-emi- nently among these was Miss Emily Grand Gerard, a native French lady, but one who had been educated by our own Dr. Mathews and was in full and hearty accord with "every good word and work." She was principal of the Presby- terian Institute for Young Ladies, and her friends were legion in all Churches and circles, yet her modesty was only equaled by her ability. She accepted an invitation to address an evening union temperance service in the Presbyterian church, and chose as her subject "The Cru- sader." After delineating the Crusaders of olden times in a most attractive manner, she brought to bear the glorious privilege of the modern Crusader in such bold relief that all felt the power of her words, and gave hearty assent as she exclaimed : "Nor do they throw them- selves in the breach unguarded and unarmed. No valiant Crusader ever went forth to battle clad in such a panoply as they wear. Our mod- ern Crusader-for we accept the name given in derision, and will make it as significant of good as other titles bestowed in the same spirit, Meth- odist, Huguenot, etc .- is furnished with weapons from the armory of heaven (Ephesians vi, 10, II); and with such equipments who would dare be discouraged !"
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The entire address of this gifted Christian lady was a benediction to the faithful band of workers, and from that evening they assumed the appellation of "Crusaders," counting it a high privilege to suffer persecution in a cause so glorious.
" Remember Lot's wife " is also one of Hills- boro's mottoes, and the weekly meeting all the way along since 1873, held by the temperance women, proves that the live coal of the Crusade is still burning upon the altar.
About the 20th of March, 1874, the members of our Association, realizing the near approach of house-cleaning and other busy days for house- keepers, determined to call a meeting of the Executive Committee for consultation, and on April 23d the following ladies met in the home of Mrs. John A. Smith: Mrs. McDowell, Mrs. Scott, Mrs. J. A. Smith, Mrs. Glascock, Mrs. R. S. Evans, Mrs. Cowden, Mrs. Foraker, Mrs. D. K. Fenner, and Mrs. Thompson. The con- sultation resulted in returning to the morning meetings and other work. The entire number of members who were in the spirit of "willing workers," were to be divided into four equal parts, to be known as bands A, B, C, and D, each band to have a leader and assistant leader, to be elected monthly. These leaders and assist- ants were also to be members of the Executive
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Committee. Thus, while some were at work in their respective homes, the visitations upon the few remaining open saloons and bars were pray- erfully looked after. Grand evening meetings were held in the different churches, and the in- terest seemed unabated.
X.
W HEN the 7th of February-the day, by previous appointment, for the "all-day mass-meeting "-came around, a heavy snow cov- ered the ground, and still descended in noiseless flakes of purity and beauty. About nine o'clock A. M. the friends from various parts of the county could be seen, all covered white as the cause they represented, making their way to the old Presbyterian Church, where our Committee of Reception, and also a committee of the men on horses, met them; the former conducted the visitors into the morning meeting, and the latter the horses and sleighs to the comfortable quar- ters provided. A little later the New Vienna delegation came in a huge sled, all seated, robed, · and drawn by horses, such as only the humane Friends indulge in.
When those dear, brave, good women, with their Friendly bonnets and modest inien, came
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walking into that consecrated church with their minister, Rev. D. Hill, and their conquered foe, Van Pelt, the whole audience with one accord arose and joined heartily in singing, “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow!" A most inspiring service followed, of song, prayer, and testimony, until the hour for lunch-hot coffee, and plenty of everything good-thanks to the efficient committee of ladies, whose names I find recorded in the minutes as follows: Mesdames M. T. Nelson, Judge Evans, J. M. Boyd, John Jolly, Judge Mathews, James Patterson, Thomas Miller, Miss Maria Stewart, Miss Lizzie Kerby, Miss Rachel Counard.
At half-past one o'clock the procession formed and marched to Music Hall, the women two and two, the men following. The order of the pro- cession was for the Hillsboro workers, each one to choose, as far as possible, a visitor as march- ing companion. The entire picture was impos- ing, and awed the most rebellious and critical into silence that was almost oppressive, as we inarched quietly through a phalanx of wonder- ing eyes.
The meeting at the hall was a rare one. Fine music from the soul, an earnest, sensible address by Rev. D. Hill, followed by the famous ex-saloon keeper, Van Pelt, who, in a humble, feeling manner, to all human appearances, gave
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reason for faith in his changed condition. His contrition seemed heartfelt, and his alleged al- legianice to the cause he had so grossly perse- cuted, hearty and real. After his talk, there was much feeling, and some one started that blessed hymn,
"Jesus paid it all, All the debt I owe."
Then General McDowell, our right-hand champion on all occasions of a public nature, spoke most effectively, and was followed by Dr. P. H. Wever, whose mind seemed to take in the far-reaching results of Van Pelt's surrender, and in facts and figures demonstrated it in a clear and impressive manner. The audience was then dismissed, and, after hand-shakings and benedic- tion, all returned to their homes, strong in the faith of final victory.
In view of the injunction of Mr. Dunn, it was decided by our Association that we would go on with our temperance work in the churches, halls, and visitations, in our charity work, chil- dren's meetings, distribution of temperance liter- ature, canvassing for signatures to the total ab- stinence pledge, etc., just as we had been doing, save that Mr. Dunn should be left undisturbed with his lawyers until after court. In the mean- time our "counsel" had been secured, and we felt at ease, having "done what we could," and
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resting upon the assurance "if God be for us, who can be against us?" No malice or ill-will was indulged in on the part of temperance women, as the following resolutions, adopted at an evening meeting, February 20th, testify :
" WHEREAS, We, the women of the Hillsboro Tem- perance Association, are greatly encouraged in our work, God having graciously manifested that he is still leading us on, --
" Resolved, That, while as a body we continue our work with renewed vigor, strong in faith, the principle of love and charity shall ever govern us.
" Resolved, That while our hearts overflow with grati- tude to God that we may be instruments in his hands, we, as an Association utterly discard any expressions of triumph and exultation, and will at any time stead- fastly rebuke any spirit of ridicule or unkindness which may be manifested at any of our meetings."
These resolutions were offered by Mrs. W. Doggett, one of our lovely spirits now in heaven, and were heartily indorsed by the entire Society. Mrs. Thompson, as recorded in the minutes, then offered the following resolution, which, after the lapse of nearly twenty years, she reindorses:
" Resolved, That we ladies here present express our thanks for the wise and prudent counsels of the gentle- men, and their generous conduct towards us in our tem- perance work."
Persistent, earnest effort had been going on in the way of visitations, prayer, song, and persua-
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sions, in connection with the three remaining saloons-Ward, Bales, and Uhrig. To all human appearances these men seemed "joined to their idols," and yet we did not feel at liberty to "let them alone." So one icy morning a service was held on the pavement in front of the Uhrig saloon. Some of the good, thoughtful ladies of the neigh- borhood sent door-rugs for the comfort of the women in kneeling, and Mrs. Foraker, mother of Ex-Governor Foraker, who was called upon to lead in the first prayer that morning, took one of these little rugs, and, placing it upon the top step, kneeled upon it, and with her mouth at the key-hole, proceeded to offer one of her apostolic prayers. When she finished that prayer, and descended the steps to join her sisters in song on the pavement, some one asked her, in an undertone, why she did it, and added: "It looked so queer."
Her answer was: "When a man locks his door on good women's prayers, he is apt to be listening inside to hear what they have to say about it." And sure enough that prayer was heard. The young man inside was not destitute of that tenderness of conscience begotten by early religious teachings. He had two uncles, ministers in Fatherland, but love of money "made easy," and the "national toleration " for what God has pronounced "accursed," caused him to
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