History of Ashland County, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches, Part 21

Author: Hill, George William, b. 1823; Williams Bros
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: [Cleveland] Williams
Number of Pages: 896

USA > Ohio > Ashland County > History of Ashland County, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches > Part 21

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The Jeromeville Methodist Episcopal church was or- ganized in 1820, and a log church built. The first class was composed of the following members : Lake Ing- mand, Edmund Ingmand, Robert Copuls, Samauch War- ner, John Nayior and their wives, Mrs. Ezra Warner and daughters. Preaching was at first held in cabins, and sometimes in the forest, until the first church was built. The congregation, in 1858, erected a new frame chan li. The membership is now aboat one hundred

The Hayesville Methodist Episcopal church was or ganized about the year 1830. A class had been formel prior to that time, and preaching held in the values of the pioneers. The first church was of logs, twenty Light

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HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY, CHIO.

by thirty-five feet. In 1855 the congregation erected a new frame church thirty eight by Afty feet. The present number of members is one hundred and fifty.

The Ford Methodist Episcopal church, of Clearcreek township, was erected in 1830, by the voluntary contri- butions of the pioneers of Clearcreek. From about the year 1821 the cabin of Thomas Ford was the prominent place for public worship. A large class was formed, principally through the exertions of Father Goff and Rev. James Haney. Thomas Ford was a zealous and influential member. When the new church was com- pleted the quarterly conferences were held in it for sev- eral years. We are unable to give the present number of members, probably about fifty.

The Mckay Methodist Episcopal church was organ- ized by the formation of a class in 1834, and in 1837. after having had preaching in cabins for some time, a neat church was erected at the corners. The church subse- quently became a union church, owing to its feeble menibership, and is now free to all Protestant denom- inations.

The Loudonville Methodist Episcopal church was or- ganized in 18344, by the formation of a class, by Rev. Elijah Yocum. The class and congregation met in the warehouse . of Thomas McMahon. A church twenty- four by thirty-six feet was erected in 1836. In 1856 a new church, forty by fifty feet, was built. The member- ship is about one hundred.

The Mohicanville Methodist Episcopal church was organized by Rev. Elijah Yocum, as a class, ir: 1828. The congregation, for some years, met in cabins and a log school-house, near the village. Ju 1844 the congre- gation built the present church. Its members number about seventy.

The Rowsburgh Methodist Episcopal church was orig- inally organized, as a class, in 1822, at the house of the late John Helman, north of the village, and continued to meet, for preaching, at his house, for about thirty years. In 1854 a church, thirty-eight by fifty feet, was built in the village. The present number of members is about seventy.

The Perrysville Methodist Episcopal church was built in iS71, and cost one thousand five hundred dollars. lt has a good bell, and is neat in all its arrangements. It is thirty-two by fifty feet, and heated by a furnace. Its membership is about seventy-five.

The Polk Methodist Episcopal church was organized some time prior to 1839, as a class. In that year a church was built. The congregation, at that time, be- longed to the Ashland circuit. Its leading members were the Bryans, Chilcotes, Richards, Proudfits, Ruff. corns, Gordens and Barracks. It has now about sixty- five members.

The Perrysburgh Methodist Episcopal church was or- ganized in 1839 by Rev. John Mitchell. Its members were the Coles, Buchanans, Bryans, Berrys, Withouts, Reeds, Smiths, and others. The church was built in the year 18.30. Its membership numbers about seventy- live.

The Lake Fork Methodist Episcopal church was created

in 1838. It is twenty-eight by thirty-four feet. A class had been formed some time prior to that time. Elijah Yo- cum was quite active as a local preacher in that part of the county, and was influential in the promotion of many classes, which subsequently increased in numbers until a small church was built. The present membership is small. In 1876 a new church was built, which cost two thousand five hundred dollars. It is finely finished and frescoed.

The North Orange Methodist Episcopal church was erected in 1848, and had but eleven members. It is twenty-five by thirty feet. The members now number about sixty.

The Hammond Methodist Episcopal church, in the northwest part of Vermillion township, was erected in 1852. It is a neat frame building. The membership numbers about sixty.

The Sherradden Methodist Episcopal church, in the east part of Montgomery township, was erected sometime between 1830 and 1835. It was torn down about 1870, and a neat frame, twenty-five by thirty-five feet, erected. The membership is no: large.

The Methodist Episcopal church of Savannah was erected in 1838. It was deeded to John Freeborn, Adam Smith, Thomas Ford. Anthony Mclaughlin, and A. G. Richardson, as trustees, from James Burgan, being lot ninety-nine. It has been repaired at different times, and is now known as in Savannah circuit. Its present membership is about fitty. Mr. Joseph McCutchin, our informant, has been a member and leader for twenty-five years. The congregation have also a parsonage, which was erected in 1868.

The Ruggles Methodist Episcopal church, thirty-six by fifty-two feet, was built in 1373, and has a good beli. The building is a neat frame. The membership is sixty.

The Troy Center Methodist Episcopal church, a neat frame, forty by sixty feet, with a good bell, was erected in 1870. The membership is about one hundred and sixty.

The Troy Center United Brethren church. thirty by' forty-five feet, with a bell, was erected in 1874. The members number sixty.

The South Troy Union church, thirty by forty-five ! feet, n ostly occupied by the United Brethren, was erected in 1870. Membership small.

In addition to the ministers already mentioned, we are informed that the following have traveled curcuits and been located within this county: Russell Bigelow, Will- iam B. Christie, Henry O. Sheldon, Elmer Yocum, Ed- ward Thompson, H. L. Harris, Thomas Barkdull, John H. Power, Adam Poe, J. McMahon, David Gray, Peter Sharp, John Wheeler, John Mitchell, James MeNabb, Jesse Warner, Joseph Kennedy, Philip R. Roseberg. James Sutherland, John Sloan, Joshua Carr, James Fast, James A. Kellam, H. L. Parish, H. G. Dubois, 1 Parker, E. Bush, T. Hildreth, E. C. Gault. Hiram M. Shaffer, Roila II. Chesh, P. B. Stoup, and! 1. 1. Your- tee. The majority of the foregoing ministers were noted for their talents and efficiency it do puffat. Of course, I there were many others, but want of spice prevents the appearance of their manes."

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HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY, OHIO.

THE EVANGELICAL, LUTHERANS.

The membership of the Lutheran church is largely composed of Pennsylvanians, and the descendants of Germans. It is a strong denomination, and its ministers are now generally educated in colleges founded by the Lutherans.

The Ashland Lutheran church is believed to have been organized in 1839. It originated from the efforts of Rev. W. J. Sloan, who became its first minister. The late Christian Miller, sr., and Jacob Young, were among its leading members. The first church was located one mile north of Ashland, on the Troy road. In 1842 the congregation purchased a small church from the Univer- salists on the corner of Orange and Third streets, which was occupied until 1852, when the present brick church, forty by sixty feet, was erected on Third, between Orange and Church streets. It is a good building, neatly seated, and has a bell. The ministers have been: W. J. Sloan, E. Eastman, J. J. Hoffman, William A. G. Emerson, S. Ritz, Isaac Culler, Samuel McReynolds, W. A. G. Em- erson, A. H. Myers, J. W. Swick, and M. L. Wilhelm. The church is in a prosperous condition. The member- ship is about two hundred and eighty :

The following is an extract from the sermon of Rev. O. Wilhelm, on the history of the Lutheran church in Ashland :

About 1820 Father Stough preached to the scattered Lutherans of this county. The Masons, Crouses, Youngs, and Branderberrys were among the membership. He introduced revivals, and the doctrine that "for every drop of intoxicants distilled the distillers would have to sweat drops in hell." He is now dead.

Ahout 1830 F. J. Rath eame and preached in sehiool-houses, dwell- ings, and in the open air to the Lutherans and citizens, catechised, and hold revival meetings with great success. He still lives in Galion, Ohio, and preaches regularly. Rev. Shew organized a congregation of Ger- mans about the same time, and built the Netf church, one mile north of Ashland, on the present site of Peter Dessenberg's residence. All that remains of that congregation has been absorbed in this congregation.

Rev. W. J. Sioan came about 1838, and organized this congregation in 1839, preaching in the Neff church a short time, then in a school- house in Ashland, then the brewery which stond on the southwest corner of Orange and Third streets was purchased and converted into a church. W. lahoff and --- Weber were deacons, Alexander MeClelland and Father Young, elders, in this organization. Father Sloan still lives in Wooster, Ohio.

Rev. E. Eastman surcertled in 1844, and continued two years. Heis now dead.

Rev. Hoffi man came in 1846, and continued one year. He is alse dend, and his memory sacred.

Rev. W. A. G. Emerson took charge in 1847. During his ministry great meetings were held, and many converted. The present budding y as erected at a cost of three thousand dollars Alexander Meclelland. Henry Woods, and S. Bauchinan, were the building committee ; Hen- ry Woods, carpenter; S. Bauchman, brick-mason. Rev. Richard Emerson preached the de fication sermon. A. MeClelland. B. Gross- cup, D. Grosseup, W. Imhoff, Jacob Stoner, and S. Pauchman, were among the contributors. The Sabbath school was organized at this . time; W. A. G Emerson was the first superintendent, and Abraham Hoffman the first lay superintendent.

Rev. S. Ritz followed, and continued two and one-half years, with great success, directing his efforts against formalism and drnakennes .. He left in 1853, and has since gore over the river.

Rev. Isaac Culler came in 1355, and continued two years. lle is now living in Richland county, Ohio.

Rev. S. W. Melernolds took charge in 1858; commaned two and one half years, beating january 2, 1856. To him is the the Young of instituting the clauch records. He found eighty four members and added forty -three. ·

Rev. W. A. G. Emerson was recalled April 1. for, and continuent

to labor to October 1, 1862, when he entered the army as chaplain. He added sixty-four to the church.

Rev. A. H. Myers took charge October 1, 1862, and continued four and one-half years. During this time, the civil war raged. Seventy- six were added to the church. He is now dead, having died most gb). riously in our common faith.

Kev. J. W. Swiek took charge May 1, 1866, continuing to Deeem- ber 1, 1874, making a term of eight years and seven months. During his ministry the church was extensively repaired, the present parsonage built, and two hundred and seventy-three added to the church. He still lives, and preaches in Leetonia. Ohio.

Rev. M. L. Wilhelm, your present pastor, took charge June 20. 1875. having been here one year. Fifty-four have been added, and concord prevails. This makes thirteen pastors who have served this charge, six of whom are dead, seven still living. During this time, fifty-four members have died.

There have been not less than eight hundred connected with the elsurch; two hundred and eighty-nine answer to their names now, five hundred have died, or been dismissed by letter to unite elsewhere, and wandered we know not where. Where, O! where are the five hundred? There has been not less than an average of one thousand dollars con- tributed each year to the necessities of the church, making in all thir- "ty-seven thousand dollars. Let the congregation bat maintain the principles of its origin and history, and its future will be alike glorious for. first, piety; second, temperance; third, benevolence. Its means of success, first, prayer; second, labor; third, sacrifice. Do but this and the future will surpass the past.

Prior to 1839, say from 1825, the German Reformed and Lutherans, new school, had formed an organization in Ashland, to which the German Reformed ministers preached. About 1832, Kev. Francis Ruth, new school, preached alternately with a German Reformed minister, to a small number of members, who assembled in a brick school-house in Ashland. Mr. Ruth preached until Rev. Mr. Coon, German Reformed, took charge of the organization. Under Mr. Sloan, the Evangelicats and German Reformed separated, and formed the new church.

The Hanover Evangelical Lutheran and German Re- formed church, in the southeast part of Hanover towr- ship, was built in' 1846. The Evangelical Lutherans subsequently occupied the church. The Rev. M. Harts- barger has been the regular minister. The membership is small

The Loudonville Lutheran church was built in 1861, on the site of the German Reformed church, which had been accidentally burned in 1860. The minister was Rev. M. Hartsbarger. The membership is stali.

The new German Reformed church, of Loudonville, was built in 1861, and Rev. Mr. Greenline became its minister. It is feeble in point of membership.

The German Evangelical, or Mennonite, church, of the northwest part of Vermillion towaship, was erected in 1847. The late Key. John Risser was the first pastor. The church subsequently became the property of the Germans and Lutherans. The building is twenty eight by thirty-six feet.

The German Reformed and Lutheran church in the Finger settlement, in Orange township, twenty eight by Afty fect. was built in 1859. The original Germen Re formed church was built in 1832. Nov. D. R. Mone was the stated minister for several years The member ship is about seventy five.

The Canaan German Reformed and Lutheran church, on lands of Samttel Maxhammer, in Orange township, was built in 1850. It is thirty by tomy five det. The

HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY, OHIO.

membership is small, and they have no stated minister.

The St. Jacob's German Reformed, in the east part of Orange township, was built in 1853. It is twenty-four by thirty-six feet. It has about fifty members. It has, at present, only orcasional preaching.

The Evangelical Lutherans, of Jeromeville, built a church in 1850, thirty-six by forty-six feet. It has been very prosperous. The present number of members is one hundred.

The German Reformed church, of Mohicanville, was organized in 1859. It has seventy members. The minister is Rev. H. H. Sandoe.

"The Evangelical Lutherans organized under Rev. W. J. Sloan, in Rowsburgh, in 1842, and erected a church thirty by forty-five feet. Mr. Sloan continued to preach for some time. Rev. Richard D. Emerson subsequently took charge of the congregation. The membership is now about one hundred and twenty-five.

The German Reformed and Lutherans built a church on the present site of the village of Poik, in Jackson town- ship, in 1830. A small congregation organized in 1827. In 1840-41, the members of Orange township withdrew, and those remaining in Jackson town erected a new church, thirty-five by forty feet, half a mile west of Per- rysburgh. It has about seventy-five members.

The Evangelical Lutherans, of Mifflin, organized soon after the separation of the German Reformed, and erect- ed a church, which was accidentally burned in 1866. A new church has since been built. The late Michael Cul- ler, a wealthy and zealous member, contributed largely to the support of the church. Its early ministers were Revs. F. Ruth and W. A. G. Emerson.

The German Lutherans, about 1840, built a good frame church four miles southwest of Ashland, on the Mansfield road. Its membership is small, and there is no regular minister.

The Lutherans of Ruggles township built a church in 1852, twenty-six by thirty feet, in which iregular services are held. The congregation is small.

THE BAPTISTS AND DISCIPLES.

The Baptists, in the early history of the county, were quite numerous, and had a number of sinall churches in which their people assembled for preaching. Sometime prior to 1824, the Baptists organized a small congrega- tion in Ashland. Rev. John Rigdon became the stated minister. His labors were successful, and the church was prosperous. Sometime after the organization in Ashland, Alexander Campbell, of Bethany, Virginia, be- came the leader and exponent of certain reforms in the doctrines and modes of church government in the Bap- tist organization. Those adopting his view's were admit. ted into what is now known as the Disciple or Christian church, having withdrawn from the Baptist organization. Mr. Rigdon passed under censure for accepting and teaching the ideas advocated by Mr. Campbell, with- drew and joined in organizing the present Disciple church of Ashland.

Those adhering to the Baptist organization, met at the Neoff church, on the Troy road, one mile north of

Ashland, until about 1849, when the congregation ceased to exist, because of the migration of its members to the west. Rev. Solomon Neoff was the last pastor. in 186o a few Baptists, who had in the meantime located in and about Ashland, through the efforts of Rev. I. N. Carman, erected a neat framc church in South Ashland. He was its pastor for some years. It is feeble in mem- bership, and has no stated minister at present.

The Baptist church of Taylor's corners, in Green town- ship, was erected in 1837. It was of brick, thirty-five by forty-four feet. The organization prospered, and some thirty two years afterward -- 1869, the old church was torn down, and a neat frame, thirty-two by forty six feet, built. The McGuires, Gladdens, Rices, and other leading fam- ilies, are active members. Rev. Mr. Tulloss, of Knox county, was recently the minister. It has about sixty members.

The Perrysville Baptist church was erected in 1865, and is thirty-four by fifty feet. It is a neat structure, and cost two thousand five hundred dollars. It has about sixty members. The present ininister is Rev. Mr. Wiley.

The Loudonville Baptist church was formed as early as 1839. It was organized by Rev. Mr. Willson. The building is a frame, forty by forty five feet, and was erect- ed in 1843. The ministers have been. Revs. Willson, Stearns, Thomas, Lecte, Eddy, ard Seigfreid.

The Hayesville Baptist church was erected in IS42. Rev. John Cox, late of Mansfield, was perhaps the earliest minister at Hayesville. Rev. Granger, of Gran- ville, preached occasionally at this church. The church some years since, owing to a feeble membership, ceased io exist.

The Baptist church at Weddel's corners, in Vermillion township, was organized in 1869, and a neat frame build- ing, thirty by forty feet, erected. It has about one bun- dred members. Rev. S. Stanley is the minister.

The Sullivan Baptists organized about 1830, and held their meetings in the town hall, until 1837, when, under the exertions of Elder Freemar, a frame church was - erected, in which the congregation still worships The membership is small.

The Baptists organized and erected a small church in Savannah about 1830, which continued to exist until about 1850. It finally yielded to the zeat of the Dis- ciples. Elder Andrew Barnes was among its latest preachers.

The Disciple church was organized in Ashland in the fall of 1836, by Jantes Porter, and erected a building in 1842 on Orange street. Prior to the erection of said church, the congregation met in the Universalist church at the corner of Third and Orange streets (sub- sequeatly the property of the Lutherans), and at the residence of John Mykrants, west of Ashland, and that of Michael Riddle, four miles east of Ashland. The original members were Frederick Solver and wife. John Anderson and wife, Mother Matthews and two daigh. ters, Barbara Sigler, Mary Hazlet, Mr. Justus and wate. John Gilkerson and wite. Jonas Stough and wite, Mary Kedburn, John Horick and wife, Michael Ridie and

HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY, OHIO.

wife, John Mykrants and wife, Elizabeth Luther, Mi- chael Shoup and wife, Isaac Van Nood Strand. Elders, Michael Riddle and Jobn Gilkerson. Deacons, John Horick and Mr. Justns.

The Disciple or Christian church. of Ashland, was erected in 1842. We are unable to give room for a dis- quisition on the tenets of the church. It is sufficient to state that the modes of worship and baptism are nearly identical with the Baptists. The Disciples, however, ap- pear to have no printed creed, each member reading and interpreting the Scriptures for himself. The minis- ters or elders of the church in Ashland have been John Rigdon, James Porter, John Reed, Abner Woods, Jud- son L'enedict, Andrew Barnes, I. N. Carman, Isaiali Jones, Leroy Norton, James L. Parsons, John F. Rowe, S. E. Pearree, John Lowe, Arius Rumfield, N. P. Lawrence, M. Riddle, and others occasionally.

The Jeromeville Disciple church was organized in 1854. The church building is thirty-five by fifty feet. The Hootmans, Winbiglers and Wilsons were among the organizing members. Elder Arius Rumfield was, until recently, the minister. The church is strong in its membership.

The Clearcreek Disciple church was organized as early as 1830. It is on the southwest line of the town- ship, and known as Bryte's church. The present church building, a neat frame, thirty by forty feet, was erected in 1853. The late David Bryte, Joseph Harvuot, Ab- ner Mercer, Peter Vanostrand, and Philip Shriver, were . among its early members and officers. Elder John Bryte has been the principal, speaker for many years .. The membership is about sixty.

The Sullivan Disciple church was organized about 1835. Its first members were Sylvanus Parmely, Milo Carlton, Parmely Mann, and their wives and daughters. These members seceded from the Baptist organization, and the new church was organized by Elders Almond Green and Sutton Hayder. These members were soon followed by others. In 1850 the present church was erected. The present number of members is about ninety.

THE GERMAN BAPTISTS OR IUNKERS.

As this organization has recently appeared in this re- gion, it may be interesting to give some explanation of its faith and mode of worship, for which I am indebted to the courtesy of Professor S. 7 .. Sharp and David West- man, speakers in the church, who are regarded as anthor- ity in that denomination. Professor Sharp states that the following synopsis, published in the Ashland .Times, contains a fair statement of the history and religious teachings of that people :

At the present time there are in the Cuited States about one Lun- dred thensind people whose religions faith and practice are very imper_ feetly under tood by the generality of American readers, and in Europe, very little is known of thent. Many papers have gone forth : purporting to give a correct account of their religions tenets, and some 1 of their pecuffie principles, but, so far, have been vique and ofen very incorrect. This article can be strictly relied upon is being our et, and is likely the most complete segment of that people that has yet been publi best, and is intended to set forth some of their argantents bs . which they defend their faith and practice, along with many of their peculiarities, for which they are noted

In history they are generally known by the name of German Baptists, but, more commonly, among outsiders, Dunkers, or, as it is more gen- erally spoken, Dankards. The latter, however, are nick-names, de- rived from a German word meaning te dip, and is somewhat expres sive of their manner of baptizing. Among themselves they are known as Brethren, taken from the declaration of Christ on a certain occasion when he said: "All ye are brethren." (Matt. 23: 8).

The ongin and history of this reformatory movement dates from the year 1708; having taken its rise in Germany about that time, in a per- tion of country where Baptists are said to have been unknown. some eight persons in number, who had been bred Presbyterians, excepting one who was a Lutheran, became much dissatisfied with the then pre- vailing religions principles of the day, consorted together, in order to .. prayerfully read the Bible and comfort one another, and, if possible. find the old path, and walk therein, for as yet they knew not that there were any Baptist churches in existence.

After a careful study of the sacred word, they were fully convinced that faith and strict obedience in all things laid down in the perfect haw of liberty, were essential to salvation, and agreed to "obey from the heart that form of doctrine once delivered unto the saints." Conse. quently, in the year 1708, they all repaired to the river Eder, by Schwarz nau, and were buried with Christ in baptis.n. They all were baptized by trine immersion, organized themselves into a church, and chose Alexander Mack for their minister. Though Alexander Mack was chosen as their first minister, yet the church has never recog- nized liim as the originator of either their faith or practice.

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History of Ashland County, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches, Part 21

Author: Hill, George William, b. 1823; Williams Bros Publication date: 1880 Publisher: [Cleveland] Williams Number of Pages: 896

Author: Hill, George William, b. 1823; Williams Bros
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: [Cleveland] Williams
Number of Pages: 896