History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 64

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?; Battle, J. H; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926; Baskin & Battey. Chicago. pub
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1014

USA > Ohio > Medina County > History of Medina county and Ohio > Part 64

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

408

HISTORY OF MEDINA COUNTY.

feet wide, tin roof, galvanized iron window caps, etc. The dimension of the building is 84 feet fronting west, by 64 feet deep, with a tower 16 feet square in the front center, surmounted by a belfry and spire. The basement contains four rooms, besides a hall teu feet wide, for coal, wood, and play-rooms. The first story contains four large schoolrooms, entered from main hall through cloak-rooms, and each room has a small one for the accommodation of the teacher. The second story contains two large school- rooms, with a recitation-room for each ; also a . room for Principal, connected with which is an apartment for books and apparatus. The rooms are fitted up with the latest improved furniture, well heated and ventilated. The halls are ten feet wide, with grand staircases from basement to second story. Upon the whole, it is a tem- ple of learning of which any town may well be proud.

Medina Village forms a special school dis- trict, and the following are the statistics gleaned from the last report of the Board of Education : Balance on hand, September 1, 1879. $ 2,629 07 State tax 597 00

Irreducible fund. 38 37

District tax for school and schoolhouse pur- poses.

4,916 71

Fines, licenses, etc. 243 62

Tota $ 8,424 77

Whole amount paid teachers $ 1,881 00

Amount paid for superintending .. 1,000 00

Paid interest on redemption of bonds 3,452 88

Amount paid for fuel, etc. 642 00

Total expenditure. $ 6,975 88

Balance on hand, September 1, 1880 ... .. $ 1,448 89 The roster of teachers for the present year is as follows Prof. W. R. Comings, Superintend- ent ; Miss Josephine Manning, Assistant Super- intendent ; William A. Fitch, A and B Grammar and Music ; Miss Kate Hills, Junior Grammar ; Miss Delia E. Alden, Third Primary ; Miss S. M. Wasburn, Second Primary ; Miss Bertha A. Barnard, First Primary.

The Medina Normal School was an institu- tion that, for several years, was carried on in the village of Medina, and was of considerable importance while it lasted. It was established in 1872, by H. N. Carver, who embraced in his catalogue of branches all those usually taught in schools of this character. A special depart- ment was included for those desiring to qualify themselves as teachers. In reference to this institution, the Gazette, of August 29, 1873, says: "The theory of instruction is in accord- ance with the times, its central idea being to teach habits of thought, which will be not only available in the school life, but of universal application in the life outside. There is a great deal of loose talk in educational circles, about this matter of learning, to think with clearness and accuracy. It is true that no appliances which can be devised, can possibly discipline a mind so that it shall be strong, active and serv- iceable, unless that mind takes the work upon itself with the earnest determination to use all the powers already possessed, for the fullest development of its possibilities. But it is no less true that the instruction of one who has thus disciplined himself, and who is thoroughly familiar with the best methods of exciting mutual activity, and directing it in proper channels, are eminently more valuable thau the best efforts of a mere professor of books." At the close of the third year of this school, Prof. Carver published the following report of its successful operation : "The classes pursuing the studies of the scientific course have num- bered from ten to sixteen ; those of the classic, from four to eight, and, almost without excep- tion, the work throughout has been of the most thoroughgoing kind ; the class iu calculus, for example, have mastered every topic as dis- cussed by Loomis, with collateral topics from other authors, Olney, Robinson, etc., sufficient to assure themselves of their ability to read and master these authors at their leisure. The same general course has been pursued in the

409

HISTORY OF MEDINA COUNTY.

other branches of mathematics, and in all the sciences. The other classes in the common branches, book-keeping, etc., have done equally well ; and, judging from a long experience, I think it would be difficult to find a body of young people who have done a year's work more substantially than have the pupils of our school." Notwithstanding this flattering report of its general working, the sehool began to de- cline, and, about the year 1877-78, was finally and permanently closed.

Christianity received the early attention of the citizens of Medina, and led to the estab- lishment of church societies, while yet the population of the place consisted of but a score or two individuals. The first church organized, perhaps, was St. Paul's Episcopal Church of Medina. It compriscd the parish formed by Rev. Mr. Searle, mentioned in the previous chapter, and, although the first church was built in the township some distance from the village, yet, as the latter inereased in popula- tion, the church was moved to the village. Among the original members of this church were Capt. Badger, Sheldon Welton, Eben Wel- ton and wife, J. Welton, Noah Bronson and wife, Rev. Searle and wife, George Warner, James Warner and wife, and perhaps others. Upon the organization of the society in the vil- lage, serviees were held in the court house, until a building was erected. The exact time of the erection of the building is not known at the present date. The edifice is a frame, and, upon its completion, was dedicated to the service of God by Bishop McIlvaine. Rev. William Granville was Rector at the time of the dedication; Rev. Searle was the first Rector of the church, and the original organizer of it. The next Rector after Mr. Searle, was Rev. Alva Sanford, who was followed by Rev. Will- iam Granville in 1833. Rev. Mr. Stamer and Rev. Mr. Kennedy each was with the church for a year or two ; then came Rev. George Davis, who served for about twenty-five years. The

present Rector is Rev. Mr. Culloch ; and the church has a membership of about ninety, and a good Sunday school is maintained through- out the year. Capt. Badger is perhaps the only one of the original members of this church now living, and, from him, most of its history was obtained.

The Congregational Church of Medina was originally organized in the township, as was St. Paul's Episcopal Church. It dates its organi- zation back to 1817, as given in the preceding chapter. Soon after its formation, a church was built at Bagdad, but the increase of popu- lation of Medina was the means of bringing the church to the village. The first church, a briek edifice, was built in Medina in 1833- the corner-stone being laid in August of that year. The usual box of relies was placed in the corner-stone, but, when the building was torn down recently, the box had disappeared, leaving no trace behind. When the church was built, Rev. Simeon Woodruff was Pastor. Since his day, the Pastors have been nearly as fol- lows : Rev. Samuel Lee, from Vermont, came in the fall of 1834, and remained until July 1837, and was succeeded by Rev. Talcott, who remained about a year, when Rev. B. C. Bald- win came. He died here in 1844, and Rev. I. Hart succeeded, remaining one year ; then Rev. William Baldwin for one year, followed by Rev. F. H. Brown, who remained about six years. Rev. D. A. Grosvenor came next, and re- mained some six years, followed by Rev. G. W. Palmer, who stayed about two years, and was succeeded by Rev. Howenden, who also stayed two years ; then Rev. Dempsey was with the church one year, when he died. Then came Rev. C. N. Pond, who remained three or four years, succeeded by Rev. E. J. Alden, remain- ing five years ; then Rev. A. T. Reed, who stayed about five and a half years. He was suc- eeeded by Rev. H. J. Ryder, the present Pas- tor. A new church edifice is now under con- tract to be finished by the 1st of August,

410

HISTORY OF MEDINA COUNTY.

1881. The old church has been torn down to make room for the new one, and the society holds its meetings in Phoenix Hall. There are at present about 150 active members. A flour- ishing Sunday sehool is maintained nnder the superintendenee of Mr. A. I. Root.

The following incident in the history of this ehureh, oeeurred during the spiritnal supervision of Rev. Mr. Brown, and is related by one of the old members. Mr. Brown was a man who was remarkably fond of a fine horse and a good dog, and it is said that he eonld diseover the good and bad points of a horse as quiek as the most experienced turfman. To such an extent did he earry this trait, as to elieit the remark from an old parishioner one day, that, " Parson Brown's father spoiled an exeellent horse-joekey in his effort to make a preacher." Mr. Brown was the owner, at different times, of good horses, and, while possessor of his best one, perhaps, a eirens eame to Medina. When the cavaleade of " ealieo " horses made the grand en- tranee into town, the Parson was (by ehanee, of course), ont driving, and, apparently nneonseious of his position, had dropped into the rear end of the procession, and thns passed throngh the prineipal streets, until a member of his floek, somewhat ashamed of the part his Pastor was playing, met him on a erossing, and asked him if he had "joined the eireus." This, with other aets of his, eaused dissensions in the ehureh, and efforts were made to obtain the preaeher's resignation. This he declined to offer, and instituted proceedings in the ehnreh against a number of the unruly members. Having, by some means, a majority of the members on his side, he was enabled to ma- nipulate matters aceording to his own wishes. To give eharaeter to the proceedings, he had proeured the services of an old minister (who, it is said, had reached seeond ehildhood) to sit with him during the trial as assistant modera- tor. One day, when abont to "eall off" for dinner, the moderator, Mr. Brown, invited Dea-

eon Northrop "to lead in a short prayer." The following is said to be a verbatim copy of the prayer offered by the Deacon on that oeea- sion : "Oh Thon who knowest the hearts of all men, we pray thee forgive whatever savors of Popery in the moderator, or of servility in the church, Amen." Finally, the chnreh sue- eeeded in getting rid of their troublesome Pas- tor, and has flourished in peace and harmony ever sinee.

The Methodist Episcopal Chnreh was orig inally organized abont 1819-20. They built a little ehnreh in South Medina at a very early day, which was nsed nntil the erection of the present edifiee, in 1859, which is a substantial frame building. They sold the old church building, which was converted into a private residenee. After passing throngh different hands, it was finally moved np near the Union Hotel, and was bnrned some years ago. Rev. Mr. Farrah is the present Pastor of the Method- ist Church, and has in his eharge abont one hundred members. A flourishing Sunday sehool in connection with this ehureh, nnder the super- intendenee of Mrs. Parmalee, is well attended. There is, or was, an organization of Protestant Methodists in Medina, bnt of them we were un- able to learn anything definite.

The Baptist Church of Medina was established on the 23d of August, 1833. The original members were Eden Hamilton, T. M. Fenn and Mary, his wife ; James H. Holeomb and Lney, his wife ; Stephen Bonnel and Harriet, his wife ; Anson Hamilton, Sarah Hamilton, Anna Ham- ilton, Elizabeth Hamilton, Euniee Graham, and Adelaide and Maria W. Fiteh. Elder J. New- ton was the first minister, and began his labors February 20. 1834, and was sueeeeded in the following August by Elder James Hoovey, who was succeeded September 30, 1836, by Elder Asa Straight. Next came Elder Jesse Mason, June 17, 1837, and was followed by Elder Mnda- man January 11, 1839, and he in February by Elder Corwine, and he by Elder Clark in Octo-

HISTORY OF MEDINA COUNTY.

411

ber following, and he by Elder D. A. Randall in May, 1840. He continued until June, 1843, when Elder Solomon Dimiek came ; Elder Ran- dall again sueeeeded him Mareh 1, 1844, and Elder Torbett followed him on June 1, 1846, re- maining until March 5, 1853, when Elder M. Shank took eharge. In Mareh, 1860, he was followed by Elder J. W. Covey, and he by Elder Smith Goodwiu, March 2, 1861 ; Elder J. A. Davis sueeeeded him July 4, 1863, and Elder J. V. K. Seeley sueeeeded him June 10, 1865. He remained until November 1, 1872, when Elder J. B. Sutton eame as supply, remaining until May 3, 1873, when Elder Biekward eame as supply. Elder G. W. Nead followed him October 1, 1874, and remained until November 30, 1878, when Elder Randall eame back for the third time-this time as supply. Novem- ber 23, 1880, Elder W. T. Galloway eame, and is still in attendance. The first building was eommeneed in the fall of 1845, the corner-stone being laid on the 11th of September, by T. M. Fenn. (Previous to this, the society worshiped in the old court house.) The frame was raised April 4, 1846, and the building completed and dedieated, August 12, 1847. It is a frame building, and eost in money $1,650, besides mueh of the work, which was donated by mem- bers. At present, there are about seventy-five active members. A good Suuday sehool is ear- ried on, of which Charles B. Hord is Superiu- tendent ; the average attendanee is eighty ehil- dren.

The Church of the Disciples is of reeent or- ganization, being formed in 1877, by Elder T. D. Garvin, of Columbus, as the "Disciples' Church of Medina." The eause which led to its being established grew out of a great revival held here in the fall of that year (1877), in which there were some fifty or more eonversions. The organization was effeeted with forty-two members, and Union Hall was the plaee of wor- ship. Elder George Peekham was the first regular Pastor, the present one-the Rev. Mr.

Garvin, brother to the one mentioned above as the organizer of the ehureh. The society has recently completed the most beautiful ehureh edifiee in Medina. It is built of briek, is of modern architecture, and was dedicated to the worship of God in the latter part of the year 1880. It has a large membership, and a flour- ishing Sunday sehool.

A Catholic Church was organized some ten years ago in Medina, with a small membership. It is visited by priests from Liverpool and Grafton. A neat little frame ehureh was built about 1877-78. What the membership is at present, we were unable to learn.

A ehureh was organized years ago in Medina by the Universalists. The eireumstanees which led to its formation were as follows : Rev. J. F. Avery, a Congregational minister, announeed upon a certain time, that he would preach in Medina on the subject of Universalism. This eaused the Universalists, to speak in the slang of the period, to "get up on their ear," and so they weut to work aud organized a ehureh so- eiety. They eommeneed a ehureh edifiee on the northeast corner of the publie square, which was never finished, as the society was short- lived, and was disbanded in a few years. The United Brethreu bought the unfinished build- ing, but their membership dropped off in a year or so, and their organization eeased, and the building was sold to the Free-Will Baptists, who finished it. They used it for a short time, but they became numerieally weak, and finally disbanded. The building was again sold, and has sinee been used as a business warehouse.

The seeret and benevolent organizations, kindred in spirit and in works to the Christian Church, come uow appropriately in order. Freemasonry, the most aneient of all the seeret orders, is also one of the most honorable. Of all its mysteries, there is nothing in it more wonder- ful than its perpetual youth. Human govern- ments flourish, and then disappear, leaving only desolation in the places where their glory used

412

HISTORY OF MEDINA COUNTY.

to shine. But the institution of Freemasonry, originating so long ago that no history tells of its beginning, has survived the decay of dynas- ties, and the revolutions of races, and has kept pace with the marvelous march of eivilization and Christianity. The institution was planted in Medina in a very early day, following close in the wake of religion itself.

Medina Lodge, No. 58, A., F. & A. M., was organized in 1820, by M. W. John Snow, Grand Master and W., Abram I. McDowell, Grand Secretary. The following were the charter members, aud amoug them will be recognized many of the earliest settlers of the towu and county : Rev. R. Scarle, Rufus Ferris, Seth Blood, Noah M. Bronson, Lathrop Seymour, W. L. Peets, Julius Chidester, Ransom Clark, Lemuel Thayer, Jason Hubbell, B. M. Atherton, Abra- ham George, F. A. Atherton, George L. Chapman and Abraham Freese-the latter gentleman be- ing named in the charter as the first Worshipful Master. The lodge suffered during the Morgan excitement of 1828-30, and was foreed to sus- pend work for a time iu consequence. At the time it became extinct, A. Miles was Worship- ful Master. The paraphernalia were all given over to John Freese for safe keeping, who was the Seeretary. While the Lodge remained dormant, Mr. Freese died, and the property fell into the hands of enemies. Subsequently, the jewels and some of the books were restored, but the charter was " forever lost," as was * * * in the death of the man of Tyre. On the recommendation of the committee in the Grand lodge to whom the matter was referred, the charter was re-issued in 1843, since which time the lodge has flourished. It has now about ninety active members, and is officered as follows : D. Hinman, Worshipful Master ; E. G. Hard, Senior Warden ; F. B. Clark, Jun- ior Warden ; T. S. Shaw, Treasurer ; E. J. Fenn, Secretary ; H. F. Handy, Senior Deacon ; N. W. Piper, Junior Deacon, and W. O. San- ders, Tiler.

Medina Chapter, No. 30, Royal Arch Masons, was organized under authority of M ... E ... W. B. Hubbard, Grand High Priest, and E .:. B. F. Smith, Grand Secretary, and was chartered as a regular working Chapter, October 22, 1845 -- the first meeting being held January 29, 1846. The charter members were Nathaniel Eastman, Stephen V. Barnes, Philo Welton, D. H. Weed, Nathan High, Samuel Shaffer, Alex. Beatty, Augustus Pardee and E. J. Bruce. The char- ter designated Nathaniel Eastman as the first High Priest ; Stephen V. Barnes, King, and Philo Weltou, Scribe. The membership at present is forty-two, with the following officers: Hiram Bronson, M ... E ... High Priest; P. C. Parker, E .. King; C. P. Chamberlin, E ... Scribe ; Aaron Sanders, Treasurer ; T. S. Shaw, Secretary, and W. O. Sanders, Tiler. Since the organization of the Chapter, the following members have served as High Priests: Na- thaniel Eastman, one term ; D. H. Weed, one term ; Alfred Davis, one term ; Hiram Bron- son, six terms ; John A. Rettig, fourteen terms ; W. J. Foot, two terms ; A. C. Smith, two terms ; O. S. Codding, one term ; Orlin Oatman, one term ; J. K. Bergey, two terms, and Aaron Sanders, one term.

Medina Council No. 48, Royal and Select Masters, was organized October 12, 1867, by Will M. Cunningham, Grand Puissant of the Grand Council of Ohio, and John D. Caldwell, Grand Recorder. The first officers were Th ... Ill. . John Rounds, Grand Master; Ill ... John A. Rettig, Deputy Graud Master, aud Comp. G. W. Noble, Principal Conductor of Work. The records show twenty-two members and the following list of offieers : Th ... Ill ... John A. Rettig, Grand Master ; Ill ... Orliu Oat- man, Deputy Grand Master ; Comp. E. J. Fenn, Principal Conductor of Work, and W. H. Hayslip, Recorder. Mr. Rettig has au exten- sive Masonic experience, and is the only man we have ever known, or even heard of, who has been regularly elected to, and served out, the

418

HISTORY OF MEDINA COUNTY.

terms as Worshipful Master of two Lodges at the same time. He was Master of Litehfield Lodge, No. 381, and of Wadsworth Lodge, No. 385, and a member of Medina Lodge, No. 58, all at one aud the same time, performing faith- ful serviee in all.

Morning Star Lodge, No. 26, I. O. O. F., was instituted January 18, 1844, by Thomas Spooner, Special Deputy Grand Master. The charter members were S. B. Logan, S. H. Bradley, Jo Whitmore, H. G. Blake, C. A. Drake and H. Torbett, all of whom are now dead, except S. H. Bradley. The first officers were : S. B. Logan, N. G .; Jo Whitmore, V. G .; and S. H. Bradley, Secretary. The preseut membership is forty-six, with the following officers : Aaron Sauders, N. G .; William Witter, V. G .; and G. D. Billings, P. and R. Secretary.

Medina Encampment, No. 33, I. O. O. F., was iustituted January 14, 1849, by William S. Johnston, S. P., Deputy of the State. The fol- lowing were the charter members : E. L. War- ner, S. H. Bradley, Alfred Davis, Jo Whit- more, W. L. Terrill, C. B. Prentice aud Charles Hubbard. The first officers were: J. Whit- more, C. P .; A. Davis, H. P .; S. H. Bradley, S. W .; E. L. Warner, Seribe; C. Hubbard, Treas- urer, and W. L. Terrill, J. W. There are eleven members on the roll, officered as follows : Aaron Sanders, C. P .; J. S. Mason, H. P .; N. W. Piper, S. W .; A. Griesinger, J. W. ; R. W. Clark, Seribe, and G. W. Hobart, Treasurer.

Medina Tribe, No. 48, I. O. R. M., was organ- ized under eharter granted by the Grand Coun- cil of the Improved Order of Red Men, signed by William Percy, Grand Saehem, and eoun- tersigned by George B. Means, Chief of Ree- ords, and dated 15 Sun, Buck Moon, G. S. D., 378. This branch of the Tribe met at Sanders' Hall, on the 24th Sun, Beaver Moon, G. S. D. 378, and kindled its first Council fire, Deputy

Sachem George B. Means being present, who or- dered an election. About fifteen pale-faces peti- tioned for dispensation. The following offieers were elected and duly installed by the Deputy Sachem : Siduey J. Smith, Sachem ; John A. Rettig, Senior Sagamore ; H. G. Blake, Junior Sagamore; J. N. Robinson, Prophet ; H. J. Walker, Chief of Records ; J. F. Hobart, Keep- er of Wampum; W. H. Hiekox, Brave ; and J. H. Greene, Satrap. The Tribe kindled the Couneil Fire, iu ample form, each seven suns, and added a great many members, until the 15th Sun, Plant Moon, G. S. D. 390, when the great fire burnt their wigwam, with all the valuable treasures it contained, viz. : the "Execution Tree," "Prophet's Stump," "Outer" and " In- ner Wiekets," ete. The Grand Couneil agreed to furnish a new charter whenever a wigwam should be provided. None, however, has yet been secured, and henee the Improved Order of Red Men of Medina, have gone to the "happy hunting-grounds."

In all time and in all countries, there has been, eo-extensive with man's existenee, some mode of disposing of the dead. " Let us bury the dead out of our sight," said Abraham, and this mode is, to-day, the prevailing eustom iu eivil- ized lands. The cemetery of Medina was the necessity of the time in which it was located, and is now almost in the central part of the village. It contains many of the pioneers of the county, some of whom were laid away to rest in that silent spot, when Medina was but a siekly hamlet. It is to be regretted that the cemetery was uot originally laid out, at least a mile further from the town, as a continued growth will, sooner or later, render this a neces- sity. It is quite a lovely spot, and many pret- ty stones and monuments mark the spot where slumber the loved and lost. Peace to their ashes.

414

HISTORY OF MEDINA COUNTY.

CHAPTER IX .*

WADSWORTH TOWNSHIP-PHYSICAL FEATURES-FLORA AND FAUNA-EARLY FAMILIES IN THE TOWNSHIP-ORGANIZATION OF THE TOWNSHIP-ORIGIN OF CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS.

W ADSWORTH TOWNSHIP derives its name from Gen. Elijah Wadsworth, a native of Litchfield, Conn., who was one of the original proprietors, and came to Canfield, Ma- honing County, in 1799, to which place he moved liis family in 1802. Wadsworth is No. 1 in Range 13 of the Connecticut Western Reserve, and is bounded on the north by Sharon, on the east by Norton, in Summit County, on the south by Chippewa and Milton, in Wayne County, and on the west by Guilford. It lays in the southeast corner of Medina County, and its south line, being the line of the Reserve, is on the forty-first parallel of north latitude. The township is five miles square, and should, therefore, contain 16,000 acres of land, but the tax list shows 16,417 acres. The high- est elevation on the New York, Pennsyl- vania & Ohio Railway (formerly the Atlan- tic & Great Western Railroad), which passes through the southern portion of the township, is 594 feet above the level of Lake Erie, and the land on the old Pardee farm, the old Loomis farm, and also on the old Dean farm, may be about 200 feet higher than the summit of the railway ; so that the highest elevation in the township may be 800 feet above Lake Erie. The lowest ground is in the southwest portion, the bed of the River Styx where the railway crosses that stream, about one mile south of the township line, being only 376 feet above the level of Lake Erie. At the railway station, one-half mile south of Wads- worth Center, the elevation is 545 feet above Lake Erie.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 64

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?; Battle, J. H; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926; Baskin & Battey. Chicago. pub Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago : Baskin & Battey Number of Pages: 1014

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?; Battle, J. H; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926; Baskin & Battey. Chicago. pub
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1014