USA > Ohio > Hancock County > History of Hancock County, Ohio. Biographical and Statistical > Part 12
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HANCOCK COUNTY SCHOOLS.
property of the Union district, was in a badly wrecked condition, and con- siderable repairing was necessary before it could be occupied. In 1854, the building was repaired and fitted up by the board, several hundred dollars being expended upon it, and in the fall of that year, the schools took possession. Alonzo L. Kimber was appointed superintendent of the Union district at a salary of $35 per month. John Bowman was assigned to the Front street building at $28 per month, and Mrs. Malinda Vance and Miss Martha J. Powell were engaged as assistants at $22 per month each. The schools kept open for seven months in 1854-5, and the following year the full term of ten months was adopted. The schools were now on the road to success, and it was only a question of time when they would attain a high degree of efficiency.
Central Building.
In May. 1860, the board decided to establish a primary school in North Findlay, and the following July, lot 13. in Taylor's Addition, was purchased, upon which a small brick building was erected, at a cost of $650, and occupied in the fall of the same year.
The time had now arrived when the Union schools demanded better accom- modations. But the board concluded to first try and unite the whole town under the Union school system, and in 1865 the authorities of District No. 9 were approached on the subject. That district again refused to unite, and replied that the people of No. 9 district possessed good schools, and ample accommoda- tions, and had no desire to enter the Union district. In September. 1865, the electors of the Union district, by a vote of 156 to 63, authorized the board to purchase a site and erect a two-story brick building, estimated to cost $18,000. June 28. 1866, a plat of ground, then known as "The Park," located on East
140
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
Sandusky street, was purchased for the sum of $2,000, and the foundation con- structed during the following autumn. Early in 1867, the work was pushed vigorously, but in August the plans were so changed as to include another story, wherein a fine exhibition hall is located, and in September, 1868, the structure was completed and occupied by the Union schools. George W. Myers, George W. Galloway and James Harsh were the board under whose administration the building was erected. It is a massive three-story brick, with a fine basement and a mansard roof, and, including the heating apparatus and furniture, cost about $36,000. Two towers, each ninety-one feet in height, grace the front of
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Findlay College.
the building, which it is claimed will accommodate 500 pupils. It was known as the "High School Building" until the erection of our new high school building, since which time it is designated as the central building.
The increase in population of Findlay, owing to the development of oil and gas, caused numerous buildings besides those mentioned to be constructed, and since 1885 the number of school buildings has increased from four to thirteen, not including the new high school building nor Findlay College.
Findlay College, among the most recent additions to the schools of Findlay, is among the leading educational institutions of Ohio. While the establishment of a college, under the auspices of the "church of God," had been in contemplation for many years, the initial movement looking to that end took definite shape in a
141
HANCOCK COUNTY SCHOOLS.
resolution introduced at the general eldership held at Findlay in 1881. That body authorized the committee on education to take the proper steps to form an incorporation, and to select a location for the proposed institution. Findlay was selected as the most appropriate site for the college, and on January 23, 1882, articles of incorporation were filed with the Secretary of State, "Findlay College" being the name adopted. The incorporators were Jeremiah M. Carvell, Robert . L. Byrnes, Isaac Schrader, Tobias Koogle, Jacob M. Cassel, Anderson C. Heck, John C. Strickler and George F. Pendleton, the four last mentioned being citizens of Hancock county. February 8, 1882, the articles of incorporation were signed, and the board of trustees organized by electing Isaac Frazer, President ; Eli G. DeWolfe, Secretary and E. P. Jones, Treasurer. The first annual meeting af the board was held at Findlay June 21, 1882, when a permanent organization was effected.
The site selected for the proposed institution was a ten-acre tract lying about one mile north of the court house, situated on the west side of Main street, and surrounded on all sides by streets 50 feet in width. This ground was deeded to the Findlay College, July 23, 1882, by Samuel Howard and others; the same being paid for by private donations from the people living on the north side. On October 18, 1882, the board met for the purpose of considering plans for a college building, when those submitted by Mr. M. Rumbaugh were accepted. The archi- tect was directed to prepare complete plans and specifications, and sealed pro- posals for the erection of said building were ordered to be advertised for. March 6, 1883, the bids were opened, but none were accepted, for the reason that they were not within the $50,000 limit which the board by previous resolution had fixed. The contract was finally let June 20, 1883, to Pierce & Coleman for the sum of $49,000, to be finished according to the plans and specifications. The work was soon afterwards commenced, and on Sunday, the 25th day of May, 1884, the corner-stone was laid with imposing ceremonies, in the presence of a very large assemblage. The college was not completed until late in the year 1886, but not- withstanding this fact the college was opened Wednesday, September 1, 1886, with very appropriate ceremony, and started off with nearly one hundred pupils en- rolled. This edifice of education is now considered one of the finest in the state, and is fully equipped, and when completed ready for business cost about $65,000. Under the present management of Rev. Charles Manchester, bids fair to excel any institution of its kind in the state.
The New High School Building had its birth October 18, 1899, when E. C. Miller, N. M. Adams, Ed. Dietsch, Charles A. Ebling, Timothy Fellers, T. F. Gillespie, F. W. Karg, W. W. Shuler, A. W .. Brown and Alvin S. Thomas. members of the board of education of Findlay, passed a resolution to hold an election on November 17, 1899, at the assembly roon, to decide the question of levying a tax of $50,000 to purchase a site and erect a high school building. The vote resulted as follows: For high school building, 1,131 ; against high school building, 446. January 23, 1900, on the seventh ballot, the board decided on West Main Cross street as the site, by a vote of 9 to 5, and ordered the
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
advertisement of bond sale to take place March 1, 1900; said bonds to bear in- terest at the rate of 4 per cent., payable semi-annually. At the same meeting, the board accepted the offer of Sarah F. and Foster H. Geyer for lots 41. 42 and E. 1/2 of 43 at $7.500 ; the W1/2 of 43 of heirs of Elizabeth Snyder at $1,500, and 44 of Minerva Snyder at $3.500, possession to be given not later than March I, 1900. Kramer and Harpster were employed as architects on January 26, 1900, and at the same session a resolution was adopted, offering $25,000 of the bonds . to the city at par ; also a resolution to advertise for bids for heating said build- ing, to be received until noon March 5. 1900. The city council. at its session held
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New High School Building.
February 7, 1900, accepted the offer of the board of education on the $25 000 worth of bonds, and ordered the same to be purchased out of the Gas Bond Re- demption Fund, which acceptance was received and adopted by the board Feb- ruary 16. 1900. At this meeting the plans and specifications of Kramer and Harpster were presented and adopted. On March 5. 1900, the bids for the heating plant were opened and examined, and after various exchanges of oratory of various members of the board, which lasted for four sessions, nothing was done until March 30, when all bids heretofore received were rejected. April 6, 1900, the board of education passed a resolution to advertise for bids for the
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HANCOCK COUNTY SCHOOLS.
erection of the new high school building, said bids to be received up to noon of May II, 1900. On said date the bids were opened and examined, and upon due consideration, the contracts were awarded May 22, as follows: George J. Horn, for excavation, sewers, stone mason work, brick work, plumbing, carpenter work, painting and glazing, structural iron work and electrical work, $30,630; J. J. Duttwiler, galvanized iron roofing. curb stone work and plastering, $5,900 ; total $36,530. At the meeting of the board of education held May 25, 1900, the building and grounds committee reported the refusal of Mr. Duttwiler to enter into contract, and the board ordered the entire contract to be awarded to F. Wentz & Co., of Canal Dover, Ohio, for $38,295, which award was accepted by F. Wentz & Co., and on June I, 1900, entered into contract and gave bond for $20,000.
June 8. 1900, the contract for heating and ventilating was let to U. K. Stringfellow for B. T. Sturtevant Co., for $6,425, and the contract was entered into and bond given June 22. August 17, 1900, the bids for the second $25,000 bonds were opened, and the bonds awarded to the Croghan bank of Fremont, Ohio, for $25,085, and accrued interest. The building progressed slowly and the final amount was paid to the contractor August 23, 1901 ; the city board reserving $500 until the building was accepted. This amount was not paid until March 6, 1903, which formally accepted the building. The entire cost of the building under the contract was $38,481.23; of this amount, $186.23 was extras caused by changes in the original plans. The furniture cost $2,620.50, and the curb, driveways and walks put in by C. B. Metcalf, cost $675, making the entire cost of the building ready for occupancy, including grounds, $54.276.73.
August 31, 1901, Findlay accepted the beautiful new high school building as its own. Built for the public of today and for posterity in the years to come. The dedicatory services were opened by a grand chorus of "America," partici- pated in by the entire audience. Rev. Manchester invoked the divine blessing. Speeches appropriate for the occasion were delivered by various persons of renown, among whom was the Hon. Mr. Bonebrake, State Commissioner of Com- mon Schools. The school opened on Monday, September 2, 1901, with a large attendance of pupils, and from all indications Findlay high school bids fair to equal any of its character in this grand state of ours. Here education, the found- ation of our civilization, receives its finishing touches and starts the pupils on the highway to success.
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY
Central Avenue, Maple Grove Cemetery.
CHAPTER XXIII.
HANCOCK COUNTY CHURCHES.
Not alone to the blazing of roads and the making of homes, or the building of mills and the establishing of industries, did our hardy ancestors devote them- selves, for they forgot not the hand that gave the increase and Him from whom all blessings flow. When six days of incessant toil had exhausted the hardiest, they sought refreshment at the fountain of life, and drank deep from its life- giving sweetness. Though at first their only tabernacle was the friendly shade of the primeval forest to shield them from the heat of a summer sun, or their own rude cabins from the winter's blast, they were happy, and enjoyed the blessings of their religion, and the prosperity that always attend the efforts of a God- fearing people.
Although sectarianism prevented as mutual a feeling among the various denominations then. as now exist, still many are the stories told of religious services held in cabins and great camp meetings, where all were welcome, and where all joined.
In nearly every community. those of a particular belief, and as many as they could get to join with them, would hold meetings from house to house, until able to erect a building suitable to the times and the community ; usually these churches were of hewed logs, with the cracks carefully chinked and daubed, lathed with split lath and plastered with mortar made from home-burned lime.
While now nearly every denomination and sect have representatives in Hancock county, in the early days. they were principally methodist, presbyterian, baptist or lutheran.
The methodist were the first to hold regular meetings in our county, and as carly as 1832 her hardy itinerants came both teaching and preaching, and are still in the ascendancy. The first church in Hancock county was organized at the home of John Dukes in Blanchard township, and a church built in 1831, and is still known as "The Duke's Church." A comfortable brick structure now marks the site of the old log one. The first preacher in Hancock county was James Gilruth, who came to Findlay in 1822. He was a methodist itinerant, and did not stay long. Several years later Rev. Adam Poe held regular services in the old log schoolhouse ; he was followed by several others. No regular organi- zation was made till 1832, with Revs. Elam Day and Benjamin Allen in charge. and known as Fort Findlay Mission. The mission was prosperous, and the first methodist church in Findlay was built on West Main Cross street in 1833. In 1851 they purchased their present site where now stands the third building for
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
this location, an elegant stone structure fronting on Sandusky street, a beauty spot in the city, and a credit to the present pastor, the Rev. Dr. C. R. Havighorst and his congregation. During the boom, when Findlay began to spread her- self, the methodists erected a very comfortable brick structure on the north side and known as the Howard M. E. Besides these the methodists have many churches located in all parts of the county, hardly a township but what is blessed with one or more of her organizations, there being some twenty-three methodist societies in the county ; these, by combining two or three small churches to- gether, are able to support a preacher in a becoming manner.
View of the New Methodist Church.
Next in importance and affluence is the presbyterian church. The first presbyterian preacher was Rev. Barr, who came here in 1829, and organized a bible society, with Wilson Vance, Edwin S. Jones and John C. Wickham as directors. These men, assisted by others, kept the organization up, and held regular meetings until the regular organization of the First Presbyterian Church in 1831, by the Rev. Peter Monfort, at the home of Wilson Vance. Rev. Monfort continued to preach for them until 1835. when Rev. Geo. Van Eman became the first settled pastor of the church.
Her growth was steady, and in accordance with the growth of the village. In 1842 Rev. R. H. Hollyday became pastor, and ably filled that place for 12
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HANCOCK COUNTY CHURCHES.
years. Rev. Hollyday is a grand old servant of the Master, the oldest preacher in the city, and still resides on East Crawford street, just west of the property known as the old oil mill now occupied by the Buckeye Steam Laundry, and where the presbyterian church formerly stood.
Rev. Hollyday was followed by Rev. J. A. Meeks, who was well liked, and at his retirement, after ten years' service, in 1865, a dissension arose which became so violent that about 45 members withdrew and organized the First Congrega-
View of the New Presbyterian Church.
tional Church of Findlay, with Rev. Meeks as their pastor. They built a com- fortable brick structure just west of the court house. The building is now used as a Salvation Army barracks, the original congregation having almost entirely disappeared.
The First Presbyterian Church is now located on the corner of Main and Lincoln streets, being an elegant stone structure of modern architecture. and modern equipment, and presided over by the Rev. John Montgomery, a noble man, and an earnest and eloquent preacher.
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
The Second Presbyterian Church, on the north side of our city. is in a healthy and thriving condition, presided over by Rev. J. T. Sullivan.
There are about seven presbyterian churches in the county, most of them founded at an early date, and whose early history when they were builded of hewn logs would be intensely interesting.
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First English Lutheran Church
The Lutheran church was the third organization to permanently locate in Hancock county, beginning irregular services in 1839, but no permanent or ganization till 1846. They were first located on West Crawford street, where a comfortable house was built in 1847. where they continued to worship till 1882, when they removed to their present commodious building on the corner of Lincoln and Main streets, the site for which had been purchased in 1869. Under the.
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HANCOCK COUNTY CHURCHES.
pastorate of Rev. S. E. Greenawalt, the influence of the church has been largely extended, and the house itself improved and beautified. Rev. Greenawalt will always remain in memory of the people of Findlay as one of the polished of gentlemen, and universally beloved pastor of the church. There are other Lutheran churches of the reformed faith in the county. The Trinity church on the north side being quite a stronghold for lutherans, and doing good service for the Master.
The German Evangelical Lutheran Church, was organized in 1858, and built their church on West Front street, which they occupied about 1863. They still have a flourishing society of the German speaking folk of our city. The German Reformed church is located on East Main Cross street.
The United Brethren Church of Findlay, was organized about 1853. They erected a small building on West Crawford street in 1855, but have been pros- perous, and at present occupy a modern edifice on West Hardin street.
St. Michael's Catholic Church was organized in 1851, and built a small frame church on the corner of Cory and Hardin streets, although occasional services had been held here since 1840. In 1866 the frame building burned down, also the parish school building adjoining, and since the membership had largely increased. more ground was needed. Louis Adams donated the present site on West Main Cross street. The present building was completed 1867, though it has been much improved and enlarged since. The parish school is located just west of the church and is ably presided over by a competent corps of teachers.
There are very few catholic churches in Hancock county, although there are some very strong organizations in the surrounding counties.
The First Baptist Church was organized in 1857. They did not build a church for many years, and for several years no services were held: they now have a comfortable building on East Lima street.
The Dunkards have no church in the city, but several organizations exist in the county, especially in the eastern part.
The Trinity Episcopal Church was organized in 1881, and now have a hand- some, though moderate, structure on Hardin street, just opposite the U. B. church.
The Church of Christ, better known as disciples, organized in 1884, and built a very commodious structure on North Main street. They have a large member- ship, and have had several able pastors, the most notable being Rev. Adams, since famous as the senior member of the "Adams and Sarber Oil Company."
The Evangelical Association was organized in 1870, with the Rev. E. B. Crouse in charge, and a brick building erected on East Sandusky street. A split occurring in the general church, extended to Findlay, and caused the building of another church on West Sandusky street. There are several societies in the county which take one side or the other of the quarrel, so the church is still divided into two factions.
ยท
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
The Church of God have had organizations in the county since 1848, but they did not get very strong numerically until quite a late date; getting their main impetus from the location of their college here in 1881, which greatly increased interest in that organization. The First Church of God on West Front street, is a strong organization, and they have a very commodious as well as handsome building. The college church meet in the college chapel and are usually presided over by some of the college faculty.
The Christian Union denomination is quite numerous, but have no organiza- tion in the city. They had their origin during the civil war over the question of slavery.
There are other denominations both in and out of Findlay which we would like to notice, but suffice it to say that all are laboring for one common cause, the salvation of immortal souls through the blood of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. This common purpose is being realized more and more. Sectarian lines are disappearing and the bitterness and strife whichi marked the intercourse of churches in the past have entirely disappeared. and the churches of our county meet in union services, conventions and picnics.
The ministers themselves are going out into the world to influence men to a better life, upon the common "Brotherhood of the Blood of Jesus." And no more do they impress the sinner that they are using the methodist, the presby- terian, or baptist methods, but the gospel of increased light and truth, tempered with Christian love and charity.
CHAPTER XXIV.
THE GRAND ARMY.
The first Grand Army Post in Hancock county, and among the first in northwestern Ohio, was organized at Findlay in 1867. It began with a mem- bership of about fifty. The following were its commanders in the order named : James A. Bope, William Vance, E. T. Dunn. M. B. Walker. This post sur- rendered its charter in 1871.
Stoker Post, Grand Army of the Republic, Department of Ohio, was organ- ized April 7, 1881. It was named in memory of Cyrus and David Stoker, members of Co. F, 21st Ohio Volunteer Infantry, who were both killed in the battle of Stone River in January, 1862. The following named ex-soldiers were charter members :
Col. William Mungen
J. M. Huber
Wm. Didway
J. A. Kimmel
H. D. Taylor
C. E. Galloway
C. P. Vail
J. M. Beelman
Thos. B. Scott
Rufus Feller
J. A. Coons
J. W. Whitehurst
M. L. Detwiler
J. W. Davis
Wm. Biggs
John Adams
MI. L. Tisdale
T. C. Werts
Elisha Edwards
J. C. Cummins
J. M. Cherry
John Peet
Jos. P. Gutzwiler.
J. W. Davidson
S. Howard
L. H. Perry
D. Joy
R. L. Pollock
H. H. Metzler
R. Timmerman
E. Parker
The first commander was M. L. Detwiler: Senior Vice-Commander, R. F. Pollock : Junior Vice-Commander. H. H. Metzler; Adjutant, J. M. Beelman ; Quartermaster, C. E. Galloway : Surgeon. J. A. Kimmel: Chaplain, Wm. Mun- gen ; Officer of the Day, L. H. Perry: Officer of the Guard. Wm, Biggs; Ser- geant Major, T. C. Wertz; Q. M. Serge int. Rufus Fellers.
The commanders of the post, from its organization to this date ( May, 1903), were : M. L. Detwiler. H. H. Metzler. James Wilson, Geo. L. Arnold. Uriah H. Grable. James A. Bope, John A. Thomas. William J. Morrison, Newton J.
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
Adams, Theodore Totten, John Bolton; Solomon Funk, Bartholomew L. Byal, Cyrus C. Clark, Minott D. Hewitt, William H. Werner, William G. Bond. J. P. Woods, M. L. Tisdale, E. T. Dunn.
Stoker Post has at this time a membership of about 270; has a suite of large and well-furnished rooms in the Adams building, corner of Main and Crawford streets, and is one of the most flourishing posts in the state.
FIRST ENTRIES IN EACH TOWNSHIP.
ALLEN.
John Gardner, August 25, 1826, entered the west half of the northeast quarter of section thirteen (13), comprising 80 acres.
AMANDA.
John Brundige, October 31, 1823, entered the southwest quarter of section thirty-six (36), comprising 160 acres.
BIGLICK.
Henry McWhorter, September 7, 1821, entered the west half of the southeast quarter of section thirty four (34), comprising 80 acres.
BLANCHARD.
John Veal, August 12, 1822, entered the northeast part of the northeast frac- tion of section thirteen (13), comprising 8.45 acres, and on the same day, Daniel Stinson entered the north part of the northwest quarter of the northeast fraction of section thirteen (13), containing 82.69 acres, and the east part of the northeast fraction of section fourteen (14), containing 50.82 acres.
CASS.
V. R. Hoffman, November 17, 1830, entered the west half of the southwest quarter of section four (4), comprising 80 acres.
DELAWARE.
Asa M. Lake, December 12, 1822, entered the west half of the northwest quarter of section one (I), containing 83.25 acres.
EAGLE.
Adam Woodruff, June 1, 1829, entered the west half of the northwest quar- ter of section twenty-five (25), containing 80 acres ; and the northeast quarter of section twenty-six (26), containing 160 acres.
On the same day John Woodruff entered the west half of the southwest quarter of section twenty-five (25), containing 80 acres ; and the southeast quar- ter of section twenty-six (26), containing 160 acres.
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