History of Crawford County and Ohio, Part 70

Author: Perrin, William Henry, [from old catalog] comp; Battle, J. H., [from old catalog] comp; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852- [from old catalog] comp; Baskin & Battey, Chicago, pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1034

USA > Ohio > Crawford County > History of Crawford County and Ohio > Part 70

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After Rev. Mr. Price's removal, some time elapsed before he was succeeded by Rev. Mil- ton McMillin. " Although not a great preacher, he was a man of great spiritual power, a devoted Pastor, and successful in his work. Some of the good seed sown by Rev. McMillin has come up and borne fruit, and much we trust, yet remains." "With his assistance the Sabbath school increased in numbers and interest. The church was stirred up to work and prayers." Mr. McMillin ceased his la- bors here, April, 1875. Four months after, came Rev. Edward P. Elcock, who is yet serv- ing the church. The Presbyterians are out of

debt, and own a fine brick church, and are in a prosperous condition.

The Regular Associated Baptist Church of Galion, Ohio, was organized on the 14th day of January, 1859. There was no regular pastor for the church until the month of April, 1861. At this time, Rev. J. B. Sutton became the Pastor of the young church. Prior to this, and on the 29th day of December, 1859, the Regular Baptist Church of Galion met, and while so convened entered into the follow- ing agreements: "We, the undersigned, mem- bers of the Regular Baptist Church, in the Mohican Association, for our mutual good and the promotion of the cause of Christ, do cov- enant and agree with each other, in church capacity, and as a branch in Galion of the Bloomfield Church, in the Mohican Baptist Association, to maintain the apostolic order of the church in its primitive purity.

"First. We believe the Bible to be given by inspiration from God; we believe the New Testament to be a complete rule of faith and practice for the church. Signed, John Will- iams, J. A. Mann, Sarah Williams, Martha Mann, W. B. Cloak, Charlotte Ricker, Nancy Ruhl, Savezilia Peterson, Emma Stout, Orlan- do Steward, Emily Steward, B. G. Schrock." In the spring of 1862, the church began to build the brick house of worship they now occupy. As soon as the foundation was laid, Elder J. B. Sutton mounted the scaffold, with his trowel in hand, and worked assiduously at the brick-laying until the walls were completed. He did much other work on the building, and labored hard, by physical and mental means, till the building was completed, which was during the year. On the 3d of August, soon after completion, the building was dedicated by Rev. J. W. Osborn, then of Mansfield. El- der J. B. Sutton occupied the new pulpit until August, 1864. At this time Elder S. Whitney occupied the pulpit alternately till April,

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1866. A. D. Abbott then preached for the congregation for one year, but from April, 1507, to April, 1872, this church had no pastor. Their church building was occupied a portion of this time by the English Lutheran Church, while they (Lutherans) were erecting their own building. In April, 1872, Elder B. M. Morrison was called, who faithfully and ably served the church until early in the winter of the same year he died. In January, 1873, O. H. Betts was called, and ordained as Pastor of the church. He occupied the pulpit until July, 1874, when Elder T. Yarnell was called, who remained till October, 1876. Next in order came Elder John Hawker, who remained three and one-half years. During Elder Haw- ker's stay, the church increased in membership more than 100 per cent. Elder Hawker re- signed his pastorate and removed to Ports- mouth. His place was immediately filled by Elder H. B Fernald, who now occupies the pulpit with ability and faithfulness. The membership of this church is eighty-six com- municants. There is a good Sabbath school, conducted by Mr. Willen, with a membership of eighty.

The church of the United Brethren in Christ of Galion was organized in 1852. Previous to this date, a number of meetings, as well as of camp-meetings, had been held in the vicin- ity. Among the earlier itinerant ministers of this church were Rev. W. R. Rhinehart and Rev. Peter Flack. The first efforts toward organization were made after the arrival of Rev. Francis Clymer, who preached his first sermon in the old Lutheran Church. He at this time institutod a protracted meeting, and, in company with the Lutheran Church, suc- ceeded in arousing a spirit of revival. About fifty souls were converted, of which number about one-half united with the Brethren Church. At the time of the organization, three trustees were elected: Rev. F. Clymer,

Daniel Hoover, and Jesse Puskeypile, who were instructed to purchase ground and pre pare for building a church. The west half of the lot on northeast corner of East Walnut and South Market streets was purchased, and building commenced. The church was finished during the year, at a cost of upward of $4,- 000. This was the first church erected in Galion after the completion of the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Rail- road. Prominent among the members at the organization were Daniel Hoover and wife, Jonathan Besline and wife, Jesse Puskeypile and wife, Mrs. Mary Wertz, Mrs. Sarah Un- derwood, John Moreice and wife, Henry Dice and wife. At this time a class was formed, of several members, with Daniel Hoover as Class-leader. At the same time Daniel Hoover organized a Sabbath school, of which he was Superintendent. The congregation rented the Lutheran Church for one year, after which, they held their services in the old Methodist frame church till their own build- ing was finished. The first regular minister who preached after the church was built was Rev. Arkinson Berry, who remained for two years. The minister now preaching for the congregation is Rev. Mr. Ramsey. The pres- ent Superintendent of Sabbath school is S. K. Traul. There are enrolled upon the books upward of 200 names, and a membership of the Sabbath school of nearly 250 scholars.

In January, 1854, there came to Galion a Catholic missionary by the name of Matthias Kreusch. The religious order to which he belonged was designated as the C. P. P. S. He came here with an earnest purpose, and lost no time in beginning the work that he had in contemplation. He brought together the little band of Catholics, and by his earnest preaching he succeeded in organizing them into a congregation. The first services that he held were in a private house, a frame dwell-

James Kerry

HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

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ing belonging to Mr. Rudiger, and situated near the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railroad depot. The next year, they built a small frame church building on East Main street, near the railroad. After some time the congregation bought the prop- erty on South Union street, and north of the union school building. Here they erected a neat and tidy brick church. It was small, but of sufficient size to accommodate the grow- ing congregation. The parsonage was on the same ground. In 1865, the church was erected, and a parochial school was commenced at the same time. The priest at this time was Father John P. Pitts. He, in addition to church duties, took charge of the parochial school. In 1867, St. Patrick's and St. Joseph's con- gregations separated, and each society con- ducted a parochial school. In 1873, St. Pat- rick's society erected the fine brick church in the eastern part of Galion. At this time, Father Girardin conducted the church and school. In 1877, St. Joseph's congregation purchased the property on the corner of Lib- erty and Church streets. This is the block of three lots, and the first brick schoolhouse in Polk Township. The congregation have remodeled the building, so that it now con- stitutes the parsonage, parochial school and church. Father Girardin left, by orders from Bishop Gilmore, and was replaced by Father Kæmpker, who at present has charge. It is the intention of St. Joseph's Society to erect, in 1881, a fine brick church on one of their vacant lots south of the present building

In October, 1869, the Rev. George S. Da- vis commenced missionary work in Galion, in the interests of the Protestant Episcopal Church. He performed the service, and preached on alternate Sabbaths. His minis- trations were continued for about six months. Early in December, preliminary steps were taken for the organization of a parish, and

the name of "Grace" was selected for the mission. No application was made at this time for admission to the convention. The first vestry were then elected, and were as fol- lows: Mr. Ball, Senior Warden; Horace Hard- ing, Junior Warden and Clerk of Vestry. T. A. Phillips, Charles Horn, Vestrymen. Commu- nicants-Mr. Ball, C. Horn, H. Harding and wife, E. M. Sibley and wife, Mrs. A. W. Ball, Mrs. George Stowell, Mrs. T. H. Bancroft, Mrs. W. Smith. Services were then held in the Baptist Church building, on Walnut street. After Mr. Davis ceased his labors in Galion, the service was occasionally read by Messrs. Trimble, Doolittle and others. At length, however, all service ceased, and the church remained quiet and inactive for the space of three years. On Saturday, July 5, 1873, Mr. Hillyar came to take charge of the church. No preparation being made for serv- ices, he spent his first Sabbath in visiting members and families. He found them hope- ful and in earnest spirits, with a fair amount of church attachment. On July 14, service was held in the chapel of the schoolhouse, after which the use of the hall of Brother- hood of Locomotive Engineers was solicited and secured. In the afternoon after the first service in this hall, committees were appointed, and Bible and Sunday-school classes were formed. In the year 1874, a piece of ground was purchased on South Union street, of Mr. Fisher, for $650. Ground was soon broken, and a church edifice erected after a plan sub- mitted by the Bishop and designed by Lloyd & Pearce, of Detroit, Michigan. The first services in the new church were held on June 27, 1875, fifth Sunday after Trinity. On December 19, 1875, the Rev. Marcellus Kar- cher, from the diocese of Central Pennsylva- nia, took charge of the mission, and entered upon his duties. He remained till October 1, 1876. During his stay, the ladies of the

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church reduced the debt of $1,100 to $300. On May 25, 1876, the Festival of the Ascen- sion, the church was consecrated. Much was due to T. A. Phillips, who personally assumed the debt of $300, that the church might have consecration.

This church building is a model of neat- ness and excellent arrangement. Its dimen- sions are ample, its proportions handsome, the appointments are elegant and complete. The entrance is on the northeast, facing east, the aisle running north and south. The en- trance to the vestry is on the southeast corner, on the right of the chancel. To the left of the chancel is the organ, which is one of the finest in the city. The woodwork and fur- nishings are of late design and richest finish. This little gem is well worthy of the pride taken in it by the members of " Grace " Church. The present Rector of Grace Church is Rev. Samuel T. Street, who took charge in Febru- ary, 1880. There are twenty-nine communi- cants in the church, and a well-conducted Sabbath school of about fifty members.

Galion has among her citizens a large num- ber of young men, who work hard and faith- fully in the shops, or on the road, or wherever their business calls them. A large portion of these men are single, or have but one room where they board. In consequence (as it is in all manufacturing towns) secret societies are in favor, and are generally well patronized. Some of these societies are merely specula- tive, but there is a constant danger of death and mangling in the particular work that engages a large proportion of the citizens, and a species of insurance is united with the advantages of a club-room. There are no less than five of the latter societies, consisting of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen, Knights of Honor, Royal Arcanum, American Legion of Honor. Among speculative secret societies

are three of Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, two Blue Lodges of Free and Accepted Masons, and one Chapter of Royal Arch Ma- sons. The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engi- neers, Division No. 16, meets every Monday evening in Engineers' Hall, East Main street, A. G. Bryan, C. E. ; Robert Boyd, F. A. E .; J. R. Belton Corresponding Secretary and In- surance Agent. The Brotherhood of Locomo- tive Firemen, Union Lodge No. 5, meets on Sunday afternoon of each week in B. of L. E. Hall, A. N. Jenkinson, M., Theo. Woolley, R. S. Knights of Honor, Mutual Lodge No. 32, meets on the second Monday and fourth Tuesday of each month, in Long's Block, southeast side of public square; E. J. Hann, D .; A. E. Reed, R. Royal Arcanum, Galion Council No. 20, meets in the hall of the K. of H., first Thursday and third Friday of each month ; J. R. Homer, R. M. ; J. T. Ryone, Sec- retary. Eureka Lodge, No. 138, American Legion of Honor, meets in Odd Fellows' Hall, on second Wednesday and fourth Saturday of each month ; J. T. Ryone, C .; A. Lewis, Sec- retary. Beside these named, there are many societies formed for mutual relief, social ad- vantages, and literary entertainment. All deaths in this community of members of insur- ance societies have been promptly paid, and all of the above associations are respected. But little difference exists in the principle upon which each is founded. The American Legion of Honor differs from the others chiefly in admitting ladies to full member- ship. The charter of Fidelity Lodge, F. & A. M., bears date of Oct. 17, 1860. (A. L. 5860.) The petitioners to the Grand Lodge were, Jo- seph Hildreth, H. C. Carhart, William S. Paul, S. Stieger, P. W. Webber, C. Hostetter, A. C. Allen, H. S. Camp, H. M. Duff, J. Sedick, O. Lam, John C. Snyder, James S. Potter, Z. E. Barrett, C. D. Fullington, A. S. Skilton, William Smith, A. S. Caton, M. M. Camp,

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Israel Belton, A. Berry, D. L. Dye, E. A. Brown, T. P. Harding, A. Poe, Albert Wal- ter, H. L. Fostney. These petitioners had been working successfully under a dispensa- tion, and, having a room properly furnished, the charter was granted, and signed by Horace M. Stokes, M. W. G. M., and J. D. Caldwell, Grand Secretary.

Fidelity Lodge has well-furnished and am- ple rooms in the third story of Hackadorn's Block. The first officers were: Joseph Hil- dreth, W. M .; H. C. Carhart, S. W .; and Henry M. Duff, J. W. The officers for the present year (1880) are as follows: J. R. Homer, W. M .; A. W. Lewis, S. W .; J. R. Belton, J. W .; W. R. Davis, Treasurer; T. G. Barlow, Secretary; J. G. Mamott, S. D .; J. E. Miles, J. D .; and S. B. Nute, Tiler.

Masonry took a deep hold upon the affec- tions of the people, and the number of its votaries increased. In the year 1868, it was decided to create a new Lodge. The follow- ing-named brethren had been working under a dispensation from Grand Master Matthius, and petitioned the Grand Lodge on the 21st of October, 1868, as follows:

"To the Grand Lodge of the most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Ac- cepted Masons of the State of Ohio, convened and assembled at the city of Dayton, Ohio, greeting. L. H. York, G. W. Barker, Y. C. Case, Jerry Wemple, H. L. Gordon, A. W. Ball, C. H. Home, John Swisher, J. C. Hart- zler, Brock Quigley, having heretofore assem- bled under dispensation from Grand Master Matthius, now pray for a charter under title of Galion Lodge No. 414. Brother J. W. Holmes, Master; M. P. MeGregor, Senior War- den; James A. Larnerd, Junior Warden. City of Dayton, Oct. 21, A. D. 1868, Era of Ma- sonry 5868."

The charter was granted, and both lodges worked in their lodge rooms in Hockadorn's

Block, southwest corner of the square, until the winter of 1879. During the spring of 1878 a dispensation for a charter was secured, in accordance with a petition from J. W. Holmes, H. A. Cooper, H. R. Kelly, Samuel Wagner, G. W. Burt, O. L. Hays, J. Campbell, William Smith, A. B. Quigley, M. B. Mann, W. H. Raymond, John Swisher, Jeremiah Wemple, Brock Quigley, H. L. English, J. S. Graham, Albert Cook, C. J. Home, George W. James, John Blythe, J. R. Homer, A. S. Caton, T. H. Lindsley. This dispensation was granted, and the Chapter worked under it till Oct. 11, 1878, Year of Discovery 2408, at which time a char- ter was granted by the Grand Chapter of Olio, convened at Columbus. J. W. Underhill, Grand High Priest; J. B. Hovey, Deputy Grand High Priest; Daniel A. Scott, Grand King; J. H. Chamberlain, Grand Scribe. Attest: James Nesbitt, Grand Secretary. First officers of Crawford Chapter No. 142, were George W. Burt, High Priest; Otho L. Hays, King; William H. Raymond, Scribe. These three lodges were prosperous, and were con- stantly gaining in wealth and numbers. Soon after the formation of the Chapter, many of the Masons conceived the idea of furnishing a new lodge-room. David Mackey was about building a fine three-story block on South Market street. The new lodge, No. 414, and the Chapter. secured the upper story of this block, and had it finished under their own supervision. Every convenience of modern lodge-rooms was provided, and the room was divided with such accuracy as regards con- venience and utility that it is practically per- fect. It is furnished in a beautiful manner, with all the taste that refinement could sug- gest and money procure. They removed to the new lodge room in the winter of 1879. The main room is of fine proportions; the floor covered by a fine Brussels carpet, and the windows secured by inside shutters. A

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magnificent secretary's desk in one corner is harmonized by a fine imitation pipe organ in the opposite corner. The chairs are all of black walnut, those in the lodge-room of a dif- ferent pattern from those in the banquet-room. A library and banquet room are separated by sliding doors, and can be easily made into one. A kitchen, with a fine cooking range, with all the kitchen furniture, connects with the ban- quet-room. An ample pantry has its shelves full of table-ware. In short, this lodge-room and its accompaniments is well worthy of the pride taken in it, and a seat among the breth- ren is an honor of which one may feel proud.

The present officers of Galion Lodge No. 414, are as follows: John Blythe, W. M .; L. H. York, S. W .; D. S. Quigley, J. W .; M. L. Hack- adorn, Treasurer; H. A. Cooper, Secretary; J. E. Williams, S. D .; T. M. Miller, J. D .; William Smith, Tiler. Officers of Crawford Chapter No. 142: G. W. Burt, H. P .; J. R. Homer, King; J. Blythe, Scribe; J. W. Holmes, Captain Host; H. A. Cooper, P. S .; D. S. Quigley, R. A. C .; -G. M. 3d V .; A. S. Caton, G. M. 2d V .; A. Cloak, G. M. 1st V .; W. H. Raymond, Treasurer; L. H York, Secretary; William Smith, Guard.

The first subordinate lodge of the I. O. O. F. was instituted on the 9th day of March, 1853. The charter members of Galion Lodge No. 215, are as follows: The Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio, by authority of a charter from the Grand Lodge of the United States, do hereby grant this warrant or dispensation to U. S. Baker, D. M. Barton, D. W. Roberts, P. D. Connell, A. S. Caton, David Hiltabital, M. B. Payne, F. Ashbaugh, John P. Wisterman, John Crawford, Edward Kenyon, Charles Roberts, J. C. McQuaid, J. E. McQuaid, J. P. Smith, C. I. Hutchinson, D. L. Dye, and Sig- mund Baker. Done at Dayton, Ohio, the 20th day of January, 1853. Instituted March 9, 1853. This lodge met in several localities

before they secured a permanent location. They built the third story to the brick block erected by Mr. Hostetter, and now owned by H. C. Carhart.

The large German population in Galion induced them to organize the Ober Rhein Lodge I. O. O. F., No. 604. They were granted a charter or dispensation by the Grand Lodge of Ohio, the 12th day of May, 1875. It was instituted June 16, 1875. The charter mem- bers are Charles Slapp, Heinrich Reusch, Wilhelm Biehl, John Lorsch, Wilhelm Hol- lander, Heinrich Straub, Jacob Gugler, Freid- rich Koppe, John J. Sang, John Gaushorn, Jacob Schupp, Carl Storck, Hermann Mann- hardt. This lodge also met in different places before they were permanently located.

Aug. 4, 1869, the Lebonah Encampment of Patriarchs No. 123, was instituted. The date of their charter was May 5, 1869. The char- ter members are William Rogers, W. W. Schaffer, J. J. Rick, Hugh Ross, Henry Ogden, C. J. Slater, and A. M. Brown The two subordinate lodges and the Encampment are now located in the third story of Kesselmier's Block. Their lodge-room is beautifully pro- portioned jand handsomely finished. The " walls are of artificial granite, and the em- blems of the order are hung around in beau- tiful order, and have a striking effect. They have their lodge excellently furnished, and the furniture is good. The ceiling is lavishly decorated in stucco work, and the beautiful chandeliers suspended from the ceiling, give, at night, a beautiful effect. The officers of Galion Lodge are: Alex Bookwalter, N. G .; J. W. Coulter, V. G .; John Hart, Secretary. The officers of Ober Rhein Lodge are: Sam- uel Myers, N. G .; Jesse Emmenigger, V. G .; Jacob Ritzhaupt, Secretary. The officers of Lebonah Encampment are, W. G. Goshorn, C. T .; Samuel Dice, J. W .; W. W. Shaeffer, Treasurer; Simon Bookwalter, Scribe.

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

The older members of a family, emigrating from well-settled districts and wealthy com- munities, had advantages of education that pertain to such places; but, in bringing their children to a new country, not the least bless- ing left in the old home is the privilege of education. First, cabins must be built, land cleared, roads made, clothing provided, and each hand must assist in bringing about them the necessities of life. Generally, for a few years there are not families enough in the community to support a teacher. Some few endeavor to impart a little instruction, in a rudimentary manner, at home. Finally the time arrives when families enough, by com- bined efforts, can support a school.

The first schoolhouse erected in Galion was located in the near vicinity of C. Scrim's resi- dence, on West Main street, in 1822. There was no district formed. No parliamentary point obstructed the progress. No red tape or circumlocution hampered the completion of the work. This was a community of primi- tive ways and simple habits. There was a sudden awakening to the necessity of educa- tion, and of having a schoolhouse, and an instinctive impression that it could be built and a school supported. Acting upon this spontaneous impulse, the citizens came to- gether with their teams, axes, and all the tools and apparatus required. It was a round-log schoolhouse, with a clapboard roof. Poles were crossed on the ceiling and stuffed with moss; over this was plastered clay. Sections of logs were cut out for windows, of which there were three. Frames were made for these windows by Mr. George Wood, who was a carpenter; and, that the force of this remark may not be lost, we will merely state that the frames were an advance upon the ordinary form of window, which was generally a hole in the cabin, with greased paper covering it in the winter. A large fire-place, opening into

a chimney of sticks and clay, occupied one end of the building. The seats were of split logs, or slabs with the flat side up, holes bored slanting near the ends, and long pegs driven in to form benches. The most difficult of all feats to perform was to keep all four legs on the floor at one time. A few boards were se- cured, which were attached to the walls around the building, to be utilized as writing desks. The building, when finished, was rude and uncouth in appearance, somewhat dark in the interior, but warm; but it was the beginning of school. The germ of education was planted in the midst of the settlement; how well it took root, and grew from year to year; how it was carefully nurtured and cared for, and the grand result, the perfection of the school system, till now there seems little more to do- is evident to all. Mr. David Gill possessed an education, and a knowledge of business forms, in advance of his associates in Galion. It was conceded by all that he should first have the honor of teaching the youth of Gal- ion. Accordingly, we find him duly installed, with full authority at once with the book and the birch. The pay for the teacher and sup- port of the school did not come from assess- ments, but by subscription. No regular set of books were studied. The Bible was fre- quently the reader, and Webster's old spelling- book was in requisition.

The settlement increased in population, new families arrived each year, and younger chil- dren became old enough to go to school. The child six years of age studied by the side of the boy sixteen years old. The necessities of education made a new demand upon the peo- ple. Not only was a larger building needed, but pride stepped in and demanded that the new building should be better, neater and finer in every respect possible. The old grave- yard on West Main street was selected as the site of the new schoolhouse. Here a "scutched"

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History of Crawford County and Ohio, Part 70

Author: Perrin, William Henry, [from old catalog] comp; Battle, J. H., [from old catalog] comp; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852- [from old catalog] comp; Baskin & Battey, Chicago, pub. [from old catalog] Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey Number of Pages: 1034

Author: Perrin, William Henry, [from old catalog] comp; Battle, J. H., [from old catalog] comp; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852- [from old catalog] comp; Baskin & Battey, Chicago, pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1034