USA > Ohio > Hamilton County > Cumminsville > History of Cumminsville, Ohio, 1792-1914 > Part 4
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Souvenir "History of Cumminsville"
lett July 19, 1857, and in his stead came Pastor Christian Lutz, on September 6, 1857, a minister who was especially beloved by his people, and who added to his duties, one month later, the pastorate of a church in Lick Run. On July 17, 1859, he died of sunstroke, and October 2, 1859, H. Dörner became pastor, remaining until Sep- tember, 1860, when he was succeeded by A: Gerwig. In October, 1861. the latter responded to the call of his country to become a chaplain in the United States Army. Then came Pastor Rasch, who stayed until - March, 1862. " Next came Pastor Brietfeld, and in 1869 Pastor Gotlieb Dietz. In this year a Sunday school was begun, the prime mover being Miss Wilhelmine Gruninger (now Mrs. Fred Dhonau). The church, which in the beginning had a severe struggle and so many changes of pastors, now fairly established itself and began to prosper, until now (1914) it has a beautiful new church (completed 1894) on Hoffner Street, and a large, loyal and influential membership. Rev. Christian Schenk became pastor in 1879 and served until his death in 1912. The present pastor is the Rev. Henry Heubschmann. The old church, built in 1856, is now the Grand Army Hall.
ST. PHILIP'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH Photo by H. W. Felter
St. Philip's Episcopal Church .- The Rev. E. P. Wright, rector of St. James' Church in Cincinnati and living for a time in our neighboring suburb of Mt. Airy, riding with Timothy Kirby, asked
Mr. Kirby if he did not want an Episcopal Church in Cumminsville. He replied that he would confer with his daughter, Mrs. General Henry B. Banning. After the conference he agreed to donate $1,000 in cash and a lot for the church site on Kirby Way. The seed having been sown, it was not long until the harvest. Mr. Wright had offered to give his services free for several months, and his wife actively sup- ported the husband. In less than a month Mrs. Banning was joined by Mrs. Robert Bowler of Clifton, who came forward with both financial and moral support. Enthusiasm awakened, the movement was taken up by the rectors and parishioners of Calvary Episcopal Church of Clifton, under the fostering guidance of which it flourished and became an active militant church. Mrs, David James, Mrs. George K. Schoenberger, Mrs. Thomas Sherlock, Mrs. John Sherlock, Mrs. Henry Probasco and other ladies, and Mr. Griffin Miller became active in the new organization, joining in the efforts of General and Mrs. Banning, Mrs. Margaret Eastman, Miss Harriet Stratton, Mr. Lavalle, Richard Pullan Sr., and Richard Pullan Jr., and the two brothers Sargent, Englishmen, one of whom drew the plans for the new building. Miss Effie James of Clifton gave her services gratu- itously as organist. At first the Christian Church generously allowed the use of their new church building, then for a time the parishioners met for worship in Dodsworth Hall, and again in the Christian Church until their own building was completed, in 1872. Pleasantly placed on the west side of Kirby Way, this tasteful little brick structure, decidedly English in conception, with its beautiful chancel window, through which the glories of the sunset stream like a bene- diction upon the late afternoon worship, has since remained the church home of the Episcopal communicants, and has enjoyed the service of rectors noted for their ability and zeal. From the begin- ning the church was self-sustaining. It used to be the custom to give entertainments and suppers and like functions, at which as much money as possible was raised. If the income did not amount to $100, Mrs. Bowler and General Banning supplied equally the amount sufficient to bring the proceeds up to that figure. These gifts were gratefully received and pleasantly alluded to as the "$100 socials."
The church was organized July 12, 1871, under the name of St. James the Less. Owing to an irreverent play upon this sacred title, it was changed to St. Philip-the designation it bears to the present time. The first officiating clergyman was the Rev. E. P. Wright, of St. James, who had suggested the organization, and who gave his services gratuitously. Then the Revs. George D. E. Mortimer, M. A. Johnson, G. Bugbee, Mr. Rollman, Dr. Forest, and other rectors came from Calvary Church. The church was consecrated in 1874, and the Rev. John H. Ely became the first resident rector January 1, 1878. He also officiated at the same time at Hartwell and College
Souvenir "History of Cumminsville"
Hill. Since his service the pulpit has been regularly filled by the Revs. Claude Quirrell, Thomas J. Melish, who served for fifteen years and was greatly beloved; C. G. Adams, R. P. Eubanks, Ralph P. Smith, under whose administration a large parish house was built. adjoining the church; W. H. Mears, George M. Clickner, and the present rector, the Rev. Frederick L. Flinchbaugh D.D. (rector of Calvary Church), who assumed charge in 1908. Under Mr. Flinch- baugh Richard Graham and George C. Dickinson, as deacons, haye served as assistant reetors, as did Rev. Frank H. Steadman, who was also at the time rector of St. Stephen's at Winton Place.
Among the diligent workers among the poor of the parish, and the church work in general, who deserves great credit for her service during this period is Miss Emma Rowe.
St. Philip's Church cost about $12,000, and originally had a spire, which was destroyed by lightning. Once almost in the open country, with a wide view over a picturesque tract, it is now closely built in by the residential advance of the ward.
St. Aloysius and St. Boniface Churches .- Long before a church of the Roman faith had been organized here, a German Catholic school was instituted and held in a log cabin far out in the West
-
ST. ALOYSIUS CHURCH
Fork Creek district. The Catholic Churches proper, however, had their beginning in Cumminsville coincident with the advent of steam railways and at a time when the settlement assumed the proportions of a fair-sized village. The opening up of the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad, occurring in 1851, brought to Southern Ohio a large influx of Cathohe immigrants, the greater portion coming from Ireland. Many of these children of Erin became residents of Cum- minsville. Having no near place of worship, these strongly religious villagers, having to go five miles to Cincinnati. or an equal distance to White Oak, in order to hear mass, Archbishop Purcell decided they should have a church of their own. Accordingly, in 1853, a modest
REV. J. P. WITTLER
REV. B. G. TOPMOELLER
ST. BONIFACIUS CHURCH
little briek church was built on Linn Street (now Delaney). elose to St. Joseph's Orphan Asylum, then under construction. The little church was named St. Aloysius, and Father H. Lange became its first pastor. In 1854 eame a young priest. just ordained-Rev. Joseph Paul Wittler-who made his mark and labored indefatigably for the up- building of the church. Barring three years when he exchanged pulpits with Father Stephan of St. Bernard. he remained the shepherd of this fold until 1863. Under his guidance the church grew amazingly,
Souvenir "History of Cumminsville"
due largely to the arrival of a great number of German families who, joining the suburban movement. came from the city, or came direct from the Fatherland. Accommodations becoming inadequate, a new and larger building was contemplated, but the Archbishop, recognizing the wisdom of separate organizations on the basis of nationality, de- sired and authorized the formation of another parish. On April 6, 1861, at a parish meeting, his wishes were acceded to, and the con- gregation decided to divide by the "drawing of lots," the party re- maining to retain the original church property and the departing members to receive the sum of $1,500. The division was accomplished after a Sunday afternoon service on April 13th, when it was decided that the German contingent should build a new church-a heavy task for a congregation lacking in wealthy members. The eloquent Father Joseph Ferneding, vicar-general, preaching under a blossoming cherry tree, so fired their Teutonic ambition that the result was a determina- tion to at once carry out the project. Father Wittler, having been appointed pastor of the new parish, which had been placed under the patronage of St. Bonifacius, held a meeting on June 15, 1862, when the first formal steps toward building were taken. A finance commit- tee, to determine how much money could be raised by popular sub- scription, was appointed, consisting of John Ankenbauer, Jacob Remly, Bernard Weichmann, Joseph Menke, and Frederic Glassmeier. Of these men Joseph Menke-a nonogenarian-is the sole survivor of all the committees connected with the building of the church, which had been named St. Boniface Church. After considerable difference of opinion, "in which many were not actuated entirely by unselfish mo- tives," a lot 100x150 feet, on the northwest corner of Lakeman and Blue Rock Streets, was decided upon and purchased of Timothy Kirby for $600. The settlement of the dispute as to location was greatly facilitated by the tactful humor of the vicar-general, who showed the futility of trying to please everybody, facetiously suggesting "that the church might be built on wheels and drawn to a new place each day of worship, thus satisfying the wishes of all concerned." The lot was therefore purchased October 4, 1862. and the deed recorded Octo- ber 21st. Architect John Bast drew the plans for the church and the parsonage, and John Henry Sanning erected the buildings, completing them in specified time that they might be dedicated on November 13, 1863. The building committee was composed of Frederic Glassmeier, Joseph Strasser, Bernard Weichmann. John Ankenbauer, Michael Poppe, Michael Stigler, Frederic Niemeier. and Joseph Menke.
On the beautiful autumn morning of November 13, 1863, the sa- cred function of blessing the church took place, Bishop Rosecrans offi- ciating and Father Wittler celebrating high mass. The congregation was by no means a rich one, but $1.881 was raised among the par- ishioners. The energetic young pastor took up the task of securing
the balance, and toiled in season and out of season on the streets of Cincinnati personally soliciting from outsiders financial aid, and suc- ceeding in raising the large sum of $6,350. This work, though not rich in temporal rewards, exacted the life of the young priest, frail of body and in delicate health, for, on one of his collection tours, he contracted pneumonia and died on May 14, 1866. Father Wittler was but 37 years of age and was universally beloved by his parishioners.
In September of 1886' came the Rev. Boniface Godfrey Top- moeller, a young man like his predecessor, full of energy and zeal, but in the fulness of health and strength to further the cause of the church. The grounds were enlarged by purchase in 1867, and in 1870 a school building was erected adjoining the church on Blue Rock Street, at a cost of $7,800. In this church and school have all the German Catholic families received both their religious and secular education. Father Topmoeller served the church faithfully for many years, was greatly beloved by his people, and, like his energetic prede- cessor, received his death blow while on a collecting tour. On a hot sultry day in August of 1887 he was stricken with apoplexy, and after lingering many days passed from life August 24, 1887, aged 47 .vears.
The pastors of St. Boniface since 1873 are Revs. John Dominic Kress (1887-1900), Joseph A . Meyer (1900-1907), and the present incumbent, George X. Schmidt. The following assistant pastors have also served: Revs. George X. Schmidt (1892-1896), Henry J. Winner (1896-1898), Anthony Moeller (1898-1900), Bernard Beckemeier (1900- 1901), Herman Limbeck (1901-1902), Frederic B. Veil (1902-1905), Charles W. Kuehnle (1906-1913), Louis Evers (1912-1913), Francis. B. Sieve (1913), and Bernard J. Wellman (1913).
St. Boniface has given four of her sons to the priesthood-Revs. John T. Schopp. Louis H. Yauss. P. Robert Glassmeier and P. Bede Knapke. Two churches have also sprung from this parent congrega- tion-St. Claire, in College Hill, and St. Pius, in South Cumminsville. First and present pastor is Rev. John Berning. And a high school and sisters' home have been added to her equipment.
St. Patrick's Church .- On the occasion of the "drawing by lot," referred to in connection with St. Aloysius Church, the English- speaking party were in the ascendency, and won and maintained the original church, the German members forming anew under the pat- ronage of St. Bonifacius. Father Wittler, who had been the pastor, and had gone with the German exodus, was succeeded by the Rev. David B. Walker, who began service in 1862. The need of a new and larger church was now evident, and a plot of ground was pur- chased of Jacob Hoffner. Father Walker, who, before entering the priesthood, was a civil engineer, laid out the grounds and drew the-
Souvenir "History of Cumminsville"
ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH Photo by Paul Mueller.
plans for the present beautiful building of St. Patrick's Church- architecturally one of the finest in the city-the general contour being that of the cross for which it stands. In 1870 preparation for the foundation was begun, the ceremonies being opened by the school children turning the sods preparatory to excavation. Among those who helped dig for the foundation may be named John Delancy, Patrick Connors, Henry Rice, John Farley and Michael Flynn, all prominent contractors at that time. With a generosity born only of religious zeal and privilege, their work was cheerfully done, with- out other reward than the consciousness of a good deed performed and the blessings of a grateful people. The stonework was then laid. and remained for over a year before the superstructure was reared. Others who took a prominent part in the organization were the brothers Alexander, James and Richard Cluxton, Edward Daly and Patrick Nagel, the latter plastering the edifice. This church, begun in 1870, was completed in the summer of 1873. After completing the foundations Father Walker went to Rome on a collection mission, and while there joined the JJesuits and never returned. He was succeeded by Father D. V. Crowley, who assumed the pastorate in 1872, saw the work of construction through, remaining until 1880. The church has always had a large and influential following, and has main-
tained a school for the instruction of the children of the parish. The pastors have been men of unusual ability, and have been sympathetically supported by the parishioners. Those who officiated since 1873 are : Revs. Peter Patrick Mazuret (1880-1884), Henry An- derson (1884-1891), JJohn F. Hickey (1891-1911), and the present in- cumbent, Rev. M. P. O'Brien, born and raised in Cumminsville.
The Orphan Asylum .- St. Joseph's Orphan Asylum, probably the oldest institution of its kind in Cincinnati, was built in 1855. The grounds, forming a beautiful level park-like area, consisting of eleven acres, were practically donated by that friend of the fatherless .Jacob Hoffner. The history of this institution dates back to 1829, when two sisters of charity undertook the care of orphan and destitute children, on Sycamore Street, near the present site of St. Xavier's College. St. Peter's Benevolent Association for the orphans was or- ganized in 1833, and under its auspices the new asylum began to en- large its great work of charity. Thus it came about that St. Joseph's, in Cumminsville, was built and dedicated to public charity on July 24, 1855, since which time it has increasingly "carried on with energy, progress and success the gigantic burden of supplying the parental needs of a home to thousands of homeless children. Denominational
Loaned by John Daugherty.
ST. JOSEPH'S ORPHAN ASYLUM
Souvenir "History of Cumminsville"
lines are not drawn in pointing with pride to this "monument of philanthropy" and in support of its institutional existence. Up to the present (1914) over 8,000 children have been cared for in this insti- tution. A school for primary and higher education is connected with the asylum. Greater love hath no man than that he give his life to others; such has been the devotion of Dr. Frank H. Rowe, who for forty-one years served gratuitously with loving service as medical attendant to the orphans and the sisters in this institution, only re- linquishing this work in May of 1914. A conspicuous event in Cun- minsville is the annual picnic or feast of the orphans, held on the Nation's birthday for the last fifty years. One director-Michael P. Scully-has attended every pienie, and has assumed on each occasion the hauling and serving of the frozen refreshments. The sisters com- ing out to make this institutional service their life work, came, with their belongings, on a canal boat by way of the Miami Canal.
THE ORPHANS' PICNIC Photo by II. W. Felter
Citizens of 1851 .- Mr. M. S. Turrill, who came to Cumminsville in 1851. recently published an alphabetical list of the foremost citizens whom he met here at that time. These were the "backbone hustlers," the "business pushers" and the "good recruit getters" of the period, all of whom and many others have passed from earth, and whose memories are to him and to others ever bright: "Charles Albert, Isaac
Anderson. Henry B. Banning, Hector Basson, John C. Bruckmann, Erastus M. Burgoyne, Wellen Campbell, Joseph C. Clopper, James Coons, Armand DeSerisy, Frederick Dhonau, Caleb Dodsworth, Oliver C. Hays, Joseph D. Hayward, Jacob Hoffner, J. C. C. Holen- shade, Daniel Hunnewell, E. P. Joseph, Ephraim Knowlton, J. C. Keller, Joseph F. Lakeman, Caleb Lingo, John McMakin, Val Nicholas, Fred- erick Parker, Richard B. Pullan, William C. Roll, Thomas J. Stephens, Adam Stifel, Andrew M. Streng, John Thomson, William Tozzer. James D. Wright, and others, early settlers, and entitled to honor as pioneers and useful men.'
The Masonic Fraternity .- Hoffner Lodge, No. 253, Free and Ac- cepted Masons, was organized June 15, 1854, on a dispensation from the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ohio. Many accessions and good work rendered secured it a charter October 19, 1854, the petition for the charter being signed by Cornelius Carpenter, Dr. William Mount, James C. C. Holenshade. M. S. Turrill, William S. Craig, Wellen Campbell Sr., W. T. Roller, John Aston, Joseph Scull, Armand DeSerisy, W. B. Smith, and one or two others. The first officers were : Cornelius Carpenter, W. M .; Dr. Wm. Mount, E. W .; W. T. Roller, J. W. ; J. W. MeMakin, Treas .; W. B. Smith, Treas .; J. C. C. Holen- shade, J. D .; M. S. Turrill, J. D .; and Wellen Campbell, Tyler.
The lodge, having no home of its own, met in several buildings, mention of which will recall several dear to the hearts of the old villagers, buildings some of which have succumbed to the onward march of progress. The first year it met in "MeMakin's Hall" on Colerain Pike, near Jo Williams Street. This being destroyed by fire. "Knowlton's Hall" was occupied for several years. Then it
M. S. TURRILL The only living charter member.
THE MASONIC HALL
Souvenir "History of Cumminsville"
1450893
repaired to "Hays Hall," corner of Spring Grove and Colerain, now the Grueninger Block, and for a time the "Grueninger Hall." Four years later "Dorman's Hall" was rented and utilized for ten years, when "Dodsworth's Hall" was occupied until 1884. Then permission was granted to use the "Odd Fellows Hall" at Blue Rock and Turrill Streets, where it remained until its own Masonic home was reared. On June 24, 1885, the corner stone of the "Masonic Hall," at Hamilton and Spring Streets (now Moline Court), the present home of the lodge, was laid, the lot being donated by Jacob Hoffner. Up to 1868 the name of the lodge was the "Cumminsville Lodge;" it was then changed in honor of its benefactor, Mr. Hoffner.
The Worshipful Masters from the organization of the lodge to 1873 were: Cornelius Carpenter (1854), William Mount (1855), James W. MeMakin (1856-59), Armand DeSerisy (1860), O. M. Langdon (1861), James C. C. Holenshade 1862), M. S. Turrill (1863-64), Jacob Tuckerman (1865), William W. Widner (1866), James Thomson (1867), Mackenzie D. Robinson (1868), Charles W. Whitely (1869), C. F. Lingo (1870-72), and W. B. Emery (1873). The charter members up to 1873 numbered 50, including Jacob Hoff- ner (Mr. Hoffner, with Ezekiel Hutchinson, joined, in 1824, the first Masonic lodge in Cincinnati-"Nova Cesarea Harmony Lodge," organ- ized December 27, 1794), who was made an honorary member in 1872. Hoffner Lodge has been the pride and bond of fellowship of many of the most prominent citizens of Cumminsville, and its influence and benefactions are beyond calculation.
The Schools .- The educational record of Cumminsville is one that the eitizens may well look back upon with civic pride. The old log school in the Kirby tract, another far out in West Fork, and the Ludlow Hall school at Clopper's Ford, in 1832, were the beginnings. Succeeding the latter came the school in Knowlton's Hall, taught by George W. Hendricks.
THE UNION GRADED SCHOOL ( Knowlton Street School, or First Strect School) .- Up to this time no public school building was owned by the community. In the early 50's, therefore, a movement was begun to establish a grammar school and met with public support and ap- proval in general, and some opposition from heavy taxpayers in par- ticular. Accordingly a commodious building was erected at the southeast corner of Knowlton and Langland Streets, and George W. Hendricks installed as principal. He served but a short time, re- linquishing his task to take up the study of law. He was succeeded January 1, 1854, by Mervin Sherman Turrill, a graduate of Farmer's College (College Hill) in 1851, who had taught a few terms of country school. He remained at the head of the Cumminsville schools for
thirty-one years, terminating his career of teaching in June, 1885. As principal of this first school-The Union Graded School of Cum- minsville-he laid the foundation of an institution equal in all respects to those in the city of Cincinnati, and under his charge were educated most of the men and women of middle age and past who have made Cumminsville their home.
The leaders in this movement were Joseph C. Clopper. Erastus M. Burgoyne, Joseph F. Lakeman, William Tozzer. Frederick Parker, and Joseph D. Hayward. A meeting of citizens was called and the Legislature of Ohio, then in session, was petitioned to constitute the district a special school. The request was promptly granted. The named gentlemen were made the Board of Directors, and accepted the
M. S. TURRILL IN 1851
"THE UNION GRADED SCHOOL" Drawing by M. S. Turrill.
donation of a site from Mrs. Janet Langlands. A fon-room building was erected for $4,500, then considered an enormous ontlay. The school stimulated the growth of the town, which now approached the importance of a village with a separate corporate existence. Ten years later four more rooms were added, at a cost of $8,000.
Isaac H. Turrill was the first assistant principal. Other assistant teachers whose names will recall memories were Henry Doerner. Louis Kolb, Frederic Conrad. William Henke. Mary H. Smith. Electa R.
Souvenir "History of Cumminsville"
Stanford, Ann J. Moore, Ann M. Wright. Sarah Cummins, Janet Thomson, Belle Kingsbury, Marilla Buck, Mary L. Lingo, Lydia G. Stanford, Belle Trask, Belle Murdock, Augusta Tozzer, Kate Smedley, Mary A . Dunnaway, Mary Walker, Emily McMichael, Mary A. Hunne- well, Amanda Roller, Mary C. Lakeman, Emma Eastman, Alice Bates, Emma DeSerisy, Carrie S. Hammitt, Louise Kieffer, Helen Mathes, Minnie G. Little, Bertha Grabert, Mary Hill, Marion Henderson, Matilda Walke, Emma Von Wyck, Ella Stickney, Mary A. Bohlander, Katie Girard, Daisy J. McElwee, Bell C. Hicks, and Frieda Bischoff. Among the scholars who attended in 1854, the names of the fol- lowing have been preserved and are included here for the interest
1
Photo by Krogman.
"THE UNION GRADED SCHOOL"
they may have for those still living, as many of them became the fathers and grandfathers, and mothers and grandmothers of the present generation in Cumminsville: Whiteman Anderson, Francis Bates, Jarvis Blume, Rudolph Blume, Charles Burgess, Alonzo Burgoyne, Peter Burke, Erastus Campbell, Michael T. Flinn, Henry Godelman, Henry R. Hayward, Charles J. Hays, Greenwood Hunnewell, W. H. Johnson, Alexander F. Joseph, S. B. Knowlton, Sylvester Lawrence, John F. Myers, D. F. Parker, James Reeder, Joseph Reeder, Charles
Silverson, John F. Thomson, A. F. Thomson, Frank Tozzer, Henry Tozzer, Samuel Todd, Jacob E. Wentzel, Mary Anderson (later mar- riage name Lewis), Emily Anderson (Chase), Mary Baldwin (Bell), Mary Branch, Caroline Brixner, Ellen Burgoyne (Houston), Char- lotte Coons, Mary Dodsworth (MeMakin), Martha Dodsworth (Knowl- ton), Sarah M. Donnelon, Amelia Dorman (Campbell), Joanne Flynn, Anna M. Hall (Strait), Maria Hays (Tytherleigh), Lydia Hunter ( Thomson), Isabell Joseph ( Watson), Anna Sulau (Schmaltz), Sophia Sulan, Janet Thomson (DeSerisy), Angeline Tozzer, Augusta Tozzer (Green), Therese Wentzel (Boeke), Josephine Williams (Roller).
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