USA > Ohio > Hancock County > History of Hancock County, Ohio. Biographical and Statistical > Part 11
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In all communities where two or more labor organizations exist, there is generally a central or delegate body, at the meetings of which the delegates from the different unions discuss measures looking toward the betterment of the wage earners. Where no central body exists, the cause of trade unionism will gener- ally be found on the wane, and the cause of the unfair manufacturer benefited. Where no central body exists, it will be found that the business firms are carrying large stocks of prison, sweat-shop and non-union made goods ..
The past history of labor organizations prove that when they have been well conducted they have accomplished great good : but their efforts have not been of a lasting character except where there has been a thorough unification of all the different branches of organized industrial workers in the community. It is merely following the examples set and practiced by capitalists, who organize and unite in one common interest, without regard to nationality, sex, color or creed, for mutual protection against unjust demands by capital? All that the wage- earners at any trade or calling demand is that they receive their just reward and proper and manly treatment from their employers.
The main aim and object of a central body is that a wrong to one branch, lodge or assembly of labor shall be the concern and interest of all organized labor, and through organization and agitation educate and elevate, for all time to come, the producing class, and to secure the recognition of the rights to which they are justly entitled.
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
It too often happens that an unprincipled employer will cut wages so low that a bare existence is all that his employes receive. As a matter of self-protec- tion, the fair minded employer is compelled to reduce the wages of his workers to the same scale. Finding that he is again compelled to compete with honorable men, the unprincipled labor crusher will again reduce wages. This is one of the greatest causes of suffering that the workers have to contend with. Through or- ganization the unfair manufacturer and the unfair workman are made to feel that they will receive no sympathy or support, and they will either be driven out of business or be compelled to act justly. The fair-minded employer is protected by thorough organization among the workers of the trade or callings he employs for the reason that he will have to compete with the same wages he pays him- self. Labor organizations in Findlay are so numerous that a mere mention of them is all that can be given. This subject alone could be expanded into a large volume, but the necessary time to prepare and collect the material is where I am at present unable to cope with the subject. The following organizations are at present flourishing in this city: Cigar Makers' Union, No. 249, chartered Jan- uary II, 1889, J. E. Michnewitsch secretary; Typographical Union, No. 260, chartered June 24, 1890, John E. Hickei secretary; Retail Clerks' Local, No. 5. chartered June 5. 1900, A. F. Risser secretary ; Journeymen Barbers' Union, No. 27, chartered January 1, 1902, W. F. Cross, secretary; Journeymen Stone Cutters, chartered October 1, 1900, Abe McKurdy, secretary; Painters and Decorators, No. 843, chartered January 2, 1903. Edward. McMillan secretary ; Retail Sales- ladies, No. 631, chartered June, 1902: Glass Pot Makers, No. 9553, chartered December 27. 1901, Reuben Reber secretary; Bartenders' Union, No. 141, chartered December 19, 1900, Harry Glick, secretary ; Hotel and Restaurant Em- ployes, No. 596, chartered April 9, 1903, E. G. Yates secretary ; A. A. of I. S. & T. W. Union, No. 62, George Marsh secretary; A. F. G. W. Union, No. 74. Harry McMorris secretary; J. B. A. C. I .. No. 137, Jacob Aberhard secretary : O. & G. W. Union, No. 9. T. C. Kelley secretary ; Snappers' Union, No. 8824, Joseph Geer, secretary ; J. H. Shoers, No. 130, Edward Bock, secretary ; Electrical Workers, O. Doosnell secretary: Lehr Tenders, No. 8826, Samuel Thomas sec- retary ; Carpenters and Joiners, No. 822, M. A. Doyle secretary ; Laundry Work- ers, No. 93, E. Anderson, secretary ; Team Drivers, No. 321, E. Forney, secretary ; Blacksmiths, No. 235, Charles Holley, secretary : Glass Workers, L. A. 300, K. of L., Chas. Breitigan secretary ; Bricklayers, A. B. Simms secretary ; Union Brew- ery Workers, No. 60, Charles Dietsch secretary: Operative Plasterers, No. 248. J. J. Anderson secretary ; Medicine Workers, No. 9702, J. E. Michnewitsch sec- retary ; Woman's International Union. Label League, No. 40, Julia Michnewitsch secretary ; Tobacco Workers' International Union, George Nemeyer secretary.
This list is not as complete as the writer had wished for, but as these organ- izations have their meetings at so many different localities, it was almost impos- sible to obtain all the information that the writer wished for.
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LABOR ORGANIZATIONS.
DR. JOSEPH MICHNEWITSCH.
ORGANIZER.
Few men are better known to laboring men, in fact to people of all classes and walks in life, than Joseph Michnewitsch, of No. 826 Adams street, Findlay, Onio. Mr. Michnewitsch was born in Germany on the 19th of September, 1855. At the age of seven he came to America with his parents and while in his early teens secured employment in a cigar factory at Edwardsville, Illinois. He soon became a full-fledged cigar maker and became identified as a union workman, and has taken active part in affairs of unionism ever since. He was a prime mover in the organization of numerous unions, among them the Cigar Makers' Union of Findlay, and as a delegate to the Trades and Labor Assembly he stands
Dr. Joseph Michnewitsch.
first and foremost in its councils. For a number of years he held a state or- ganizers' commission, but his untiring efforts in the great work came to the at- tention of the national officers of the American Federation, his field was ex- tended and he now holds a national organizers' commission. Mr. Michnewitsch was the organizer of the first Medicine Workers' Union in the world, which was organized at Findlay. It was by him and at this place that the union label on medicines first originated. Mr. Michnewitsch is an agreeable and affable gen- tleman, and through his manly efforts and treatment of people in handling his favorite German remedies, Wild Cherry Tree Tonic Bitters, has made hosts of friends throughout the northwest.
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
Mortuary Chapel, Maple Grove Cemetery.
CHAPTER XXII.
HANCOCK COUNTY SCHOOLS.
Education is one of the most powerful factors in molding the future of every community, and without it man is not far removed from the brute creation. An intelligent, well educated, moral man or woman is the highest example of an enlightened civilization, but even a limited education is a wonderful stepping stone in the battle of life. The pioneers recognized this fact, and, though gener- ally uneducated themselves, took advantage of every legitimate means to educate their children, as the first public building we find erected in every village or set- tlement was invariably the little log school house.
In the early development of Hancock county a great variety of influences was felt in the way of general education. The settlements were and for years continued to be sparse. The people, as the pioneers of all new counties are, were poor, and lacked the means of remunerating teachers. Their poverty compelled all who were able to labor, and the work of the females was as important and toilsome as that of the men. Added to these, both teachers and books were scarce. This condition of things continued perhaps for more than a quarter of a century. Taking these facts into consideration it is surprising that they had any schools whatever. It was not uncommon for children to trudge through the snow-covered forest from two to four miles before reaching the little log school house. And though the great majority of the pioneers of Hancock county em- braced every opportunity to educate their children, there were some who cared little for educational matters, only thinking of rearing their sons to shoot and trap successfully, and their daughters to spin and weave, but not to read or write.
The interest awakened in literature and science immediately after the Revo- lution followed the pioneers to their western homes; but to make their efforts productive of useful results time became absolutely necessary. Just as soon as the settlements were prepared for the experiment, schools were opened, but at every step it was the acquisition of knowledge under difficulties. Everything con- nected with them was as simple and primitive as were their dwellings, food and clothing. Houses were built in the various neighborhoods as occasion made neces- sary, not by subscription in money, but by labor. On a given day the neighbors assembled at some place previously agreed upon, and the work was done. Tim- ber was abundant; they were skilled in the use of the ax, and having cut logs of the required length, the walls were soon raised. The roof was made of clap- boards, kept in place by heavy poles reaching the length of the building. The door was of clapboards and creaked on wooden hinges; the latch of wood and
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
raised by a string. The floor was "puncheon," or trees split in the middle, the edge and face being dressed with the ax. The crevices between the logs forming the walls were filled with "chinks" or split sticks of wood, and daubed with mud. The fireplace was equally rude, but of ample dimensions, built on the outside of the house, usually of stone to the throat of the flue, and the remainder of the chimney of split sticks of wood, daubed with puddled clay within and without. Light was admitted through the door and by means of an opening made by cut- ting out one of the logs, reaching almost the entire width of the building. This opening was high enough from the floor to prevent the boys from looking out, and in winter was covered with paper saturated with grease to keep out the cold, as well as to admit light.
In the rural districts school "kept" only in winter. The furniture corre- sponded with the simplicity of the house. At a proper distance below the windows augur holes were bored in a slanting direction in one of the logs, and in these strong wooden pins were driven, and on the pins a huge slab or puncheon was placed which served as a writing desk for the whole school. For seats they used the puncheon, or, more commonly, the body of a smooth, straight tree, cut ten to twelve feet in length, and raised to a height of twelve to fifteen inches by means of pins securely inserted. The pupils sat with their faces toward the wall, around the room, while the teacher occupied the middle space to superintend each pupil separately. In some rooms a separate bench was furnished for those too young to write.
The books were as primitive as the surroundings. The New Testament was a common reading book; the "English Reader" was occasionally found, and sometimes the "Columbian Orator." No one book was common in all the fam- ilies. The reading class recited paragraphs alternately, and the book in use was made common property, passing from hand to hand during recitation. It was not unusual for the teacher to assist a pupil in one of his "sums," discipline. a re- fractory scholar, and hear the reading class at the same time. Dabold's, Smiley's and Pike's arithmetics were commonly used, with the examples for practice al- most exclusively in pounds, shillings and pence, and a marked absence of clear rules and definitions for the solving of the different divisions. Webster's "American Speller" was the ordinary spelling book, which afterward made way for Webster's "Elementary Speller." This latter book maintained its popularity for half a century. The spelling class closed the labors of the day. All who could spell entered the "big class," and the rivalry was sharp as to who should rank first as good spellers. The class was numbered in the order in which they stood in line, and retained the number until a misspelled word sent some one above them. Spelling matches were frequent, and contributed largely to make good spellers. Grammar was not often taught, partly for the reason that books were hard to get, and partly because some of the teachers were not proficient in this branch of learning. When the science was taught the text-book was Kirk- ham, which, though of little real merit, stimulated a taste for grammar.
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HANCOCK COUNTY SCHOOLS.
The schools were supported by subscription, the charge being from $I to $3 per term of three months during the winter, to begin at 8 o'clock in the morning with an hour to an hour and a half intermission at noon, and close at 5 o'clock. One half of Saturdays, or alternate Saturdays, made part of the term. Writing was taught to all the larger pupils, and the only pen used was the goose or tur- key quill, made into a pen by the skillful hand of the teacher or parent. Mending the pens was an essential part of the work of the teacher. Copy books were made of sheets of fools-cap paper stitched together, and copies were "set" by the teach- er during recess, which were commonly taken from the maxims in use from time immemorial. Sometimes the teacher was partly paid in produce or other com- modities, which were the equivalent to him for money, while his support was often obtained by boarding around among the parents of the pupils.
The introduction of schools in one settlement was an incentive to their speedy adoption in others, and the foregoing description applies to all of the earlier schools and school houses of Hancock county. The erection of saw mills and the opening up of wagon roads brought about a better order of things, and plank, weather-boarding and glass took the places of clapboards, puncheon floors and desks, log benches and greased paper windows. The pioneer schools opened in the different townships of this county will be found fully spoken of in the fol- lowing part of this chapter.
The first school house in Allen township was a small log structure built in 1836 on the section line immediately west of the present building on the farm of Isaac Whetstone. It stood in the center of the road now occupying the section line between 13 and 14, and was built of round logs, covered with a clapboard roof, had greased paper windows and a huge fireplace in one end. The Bryans, Trouts, Burmans, Ensmingers, Barnds, Gilchrists, Warners and Raders attended this school at its first opening.
The first school in Amanda township was held in the winter of 1830-31, in a small log cabin on the farm of Uriah Egbert, and the Georges, Beards, Shoe- makers, Moreharts and others were pupils in attendance.
The first school house erected in Biglick township was in 1836, on the farm of George W. Graham, in section 14. The Rollers, Moores, Martins, Hender- sons, Grahams, Wilsons, Leonards and others attended this school.
In 1832 the first school in Blanchard township was taught in one end of John Dukes' cabin by Amanda Kilpatrick. The following year a small log school house was built on the farm of Thomas Groves, in section 14, which was opened by John C. Wickham in 1833. It was attended by the Shaws, Dukeses, Groves, Downings, Millhams, Wickhams, Hastings and others.
The first school opened in Cass township was in 1835 by Richard Wade, in a vacated cabin on the farm of John Hardy. It was attended by the Vickers, Hardys, Wagners, Hulburts, Woods, Elliotts, Albertsons, Wards and others. In 1836 a small log school house was erected in the northeast corner of section II.
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
The first school opened in Delaware township was in 1829 by John Wol- ford, in a cabin erected by Robert Elder, on section II. It was attended by the Hamlins, Greers, Lakes, Hammonds, Wolfords and Elders. In 1830 a small log school house was erected on the farm of John Rose, in section 14, which was opened and taught that year by Joshua Corbin.
The first school house in Eagle township was erected in 1834, on section 24, and Rachel McBride was engaged as the first teacher. The Bishops, Whitmans, Lines, Sharps, Crums and Woodruffs attended this school.
The first school opened in Jackson township was in 1832 by Aquilla Gilbert, in a log building erected in section 13 (Then in Jackson township, now Amanda). for that purpose.
The first school house erected in Liberty township was in 1832, and the first school taught by Richard Wade. This building was erected on the south- west quarter of section 9, and was attended by the McKinnises, Poes, Wilsons, Wades, Hamptons, Hendricks, Fishels, Chases and Coens.
The first school house erected in Madison township was in 1833, on the farm of Abel Tanner, in section 23. The first teacher in this new edifice was Charles Herron.
The first school house erected in Marion township was in 1836, on the farm of William Marvin, in the north part of section 22. Here the first school was taught by Adam Robinson and was attended by the Wickhams, Brights, Wise- leys, Johnsons, Thomases, Egberts, Bakers and Plummers.
The first school house in Orange township was a small log building erected on section I, in 1837, and a school opened by Elizabeth Matthews. The McKin-' leys, Ivers, Burnses, Walls and Ballards, attended this pioneer school.
The first school house in Pleasant township was a small log building erected in 1838 on the site of McComb. This first school was taught by Samuel Bow- man. The Todds, Needleses, Kalbs, Blakemans and Prices were the first scholars.
The first school in Portage township was taught by Frederick S. Ankney in the winter of 1836-37. It was held in the wagon shop of Benoni Culp, on sec- tion 20, and was attended by the Culps, Coopers, Edgingtons and others. The first school house was built near Pleasant Hill in 1837, being situated in the south part of section 15.
The first school house in Union township was built in the southeast corner of section 2 and a school opened by Rev. Richard Biggs. The Cramers, Falks, Burkets, Foxes, Deedses and Flicks attended this school.
The first school house in Van Buren township was built in 1842, near the north line of section 9, on the farm now owned by Ami H. Heldman.
The first school house in Washington township was built in 1833 on the farm of James Wiseman, in section 12. Isaac Wiseman was the first teacher, and the Gorsuches, Wisemans, Swaneys, Thomases, McRills, Kelleys, Norrises, and Hunts were the pupils in attendance.
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HANCOCK COUNTY SCHOOLS.
The first school taught in Findlay township was taught by Joseph White in the winter of 1826-27, in a small log cabin east of the Sherman house site. The first school house was built on the northwest corner of East and Crawford streets in 1827.
But despite the fact that under all these difficulties and want of almost every thing intended to render the school life of the pupil not only bearable but at- tractive much, very much progress was made in the acquirement of a common school education.
A detailed narrative of the gradual advancement of the common schools of this county from the rude manner in which they were carried on in pioneer days up to and including the school facilities we now enjoy cannot be fully dealt with in this small volume, but a comparison of the story already told with the schools as they now exist will give the reader a fair conception of the almost miraculous change in our common school system and the rapid advancement of education. However we cannot forbear from giving a brief outline of the early schools of Findlay as related by Mr. Warner in his history of 1886, which is as follows :
"In 1827 a one-story hewed-log school house eighteen feet square was built on the northwest corner of Crawford and East streets on lot 141, donated by Vance and Cory for that purpose, and here a school was opened by John C. Wickham in the winter of 1827-28. This old log building was used about eight or nine years. The building was utilized for various purposes, such as school house, court house, church and private residence, and seems to have been admirably adapted to the wants of the struggling settlers. About 1839-40 it was sold to Abraham Daughenbaugh, who moved it to the rear of Henderson's store, where it stood for several years.
"In 1836 a school was taught in the court house by Charles W. O'Neal and Miss Sarah Eldridge, and in 1837, 1838 and 1839 school was held in the same building. The whole village then composed one school district of Findlay town- ship, and the directors paid to the county at the rate of $20 per annum for the use of a room in the court house. Miss Sarah A. Baldwin taught in the public schools of the village about this time, and also some years afterward as Mrs. Mer- riam. In 1839 George Patterson taught in a room on the east side of Main street immediately north of Sandusky street. Alexander Adair taught in the old Methodist church on Main-Cross street about 1840, while the old Presbyterian church on Crawford street was occupied for a public school in 1839-40, with Dan- iel Woodward and John Sours as the teachers in charge. In 1840 a two-story frame of four rooms was built upon the same lot on Crawford street, where the log school house formerly stood, by Abraham Daughenbaugh and Jonathan Park- er, which was opened in the winter of 1840-41. This was used for some six or seven years, and for reasons now forgotten was then abandoned.
"A few years after the frame on Crawford street was built. Alexander Adail put up a building on Sandusky street, and opened a private school. In 1847-48 the academy occupied this building, and it was subsequently utilized by the pub- lic schools. It was small and inconvenient and, to increase its seating capacity,
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
a gallery was built along the south and west sides. The Rummell block now stands upon the site of this old school house.
"In the meantime the village had been divided into three or four districts, but upon the abandonment of the old frame school house on Crawford street, which all had previously patronized, none of the districts possessed a separate building. A school was then opened in the rear part of Jonathan Parker's frame, which stood on the site of Patterson's block, and taught by Mr. Lowry, who was succeeded by Miss Mary Vail and John Bowman. The children of District No. 9 attended this school, until the erection of the brick on Hardin street. In 1850 a proposition was submitted to the voters of the town to organize the schools under the graded system, and to repair and re-occupy the old building on Crawford street which had been vacant for several years, and fast going to ruin, but the scheme was defeated. District No. 9 then decided to organize under the Akron school law, and erect a schoolhouse in that district. On February 24. 1851, the directors of No. 9 purchased of John B. Hull. Lot No. 54 on West Hardin street, built a brick schoolhouse of two rooms, and opened a two-teacher school in the fall of that year, with James Hayes and wife in charge. Two years afterwards, the Union School District was organized, but No. 9 refused to become a part thereof. School was held in the Hardin street building for thirteen years, and it is now the home of Julia A. Parker. In the spring of 1864 the directors of No. 9 bought an acre of ground on West Lincoln street of D. J. Cory, and built a large two-story brick of four rooms, which was completed and opened October 5 of that year, with J. S. VanHorn as superin- tendent. His successors have been Wallace Taylor, F. H. Tufts, A. G. Crouse. C. N. Vancleve, J. N. Doty and C. B. Metcalf. In 1870 a mansard roof was put on, furnishing the building with a good hall, while the heating apparatus in the basement heats the entire building. The entire cost of the building, furniture and site was about $20,000. In 1888, Honorable James A. Bope, on behalf of the State of Ohio, began "Quo Warranto" proceedings against the No. 9 District in the Circuit Court of Hancock county, and on April 27. 1889, the Circuit Court rendered their decision in favor of the plaintiff. The case was then appealed to the supreme court of the state, and about two years later this court rendered their decision confirming the decision of the lower court. Thus it was that the No. 9 District was ousted and the entire city united into one district.
Under the act of March 14, 1853, the Union School District was organized, and a board of education consisting of Parlee Carlin, Ezra Brown and N. Y. Mefford was elected. In October, 1853, the board divided the district into' three sub-districts, viz: 1, 2 and 4. which embraced all of the village except that portion included in the independent district No. 9. The schools opened under the new regime in the fall of 1853, in the old Methodist church on East Main Cross street, and the little brick schoolhouse on Front street, which was erected on lot 45, in the year 1851, and this term lasted four months. The two-story frame schoolhouse on Crawford street, which by agreement had become the
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