History of Preble County, Ohio, with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches, Part 26

Author: H. Z. Williams & Brothers
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Number of Pages: 559

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Toward the close of the year 1827, the first Universalist church was organized here, under the pastorship of Rev. J. Kidwell. Unfortunately the records of this congre- gation have been lost or destroyed, and the facts concern- ing it rests wholly on the memory of individuals. It is believed that nineteen names were enrolled as members of this first church. In recalling the names, however, only the following can be remembered, viz : Samuel Tizzard, Elizabeth Tizzard, Daniel D. Hall, Jane Hall, · Mrs. Polly Holladay (afterwards married to Captain L. T. McCabe), Nicholas Day, Lucinda Day, Joseph Stephens, Robert Quinn, Asa W. Meloy, Arka Place, Ira K. Place, and James Alred. The only one of them now alive, (1880,) is Colonel Robert Quinn.

This organization was kept up, sometimes with regular monthly services, and at other times with only occasional preaching by such clergymen as could be procured, for some three or four years. After the removal of Mr. Tizzard to Cincinnati, and other changes by removal and otherwise, the organization was abandoned. A few ad- herents to the faith being still left here, though in an unorganized condition, occasional preaching was main- tained as opportunity offered ; frequently, however, at at very long intervals, for many years.

Up to the year 1856 there was no subsequent effort made towards organized work by the Universalists of this place and vicinity. During that year, a church building was erected on Paint creek, in the "Dooley settlement," about five miles south of Eaton, called Friendship church. At that place, and during that year a church organization was effected under the pastoral charge of Rev. W. S. Bacon, who had been holding regular monthly services in the vicinity for a couple of years. The adherents of the faith in Eaton joined in this organization, which consisted of some twenty-five members. Rev. Bacon was continued in the pastorate for many years, preaching once each month. The better to accommodate all the members, it was arranged so as to hold the morning service at Friendship, and an evening service at Eaton-occupy- ing for that purpose the chapel of the Disciples, or

Christian church, which was kindly loaned for that pur- pose ; and which occupancy continued until the church building (corner of Barron and Sommers streets,) was sold and converted to business purposes.

Mr. Bacon's pastorate continued until the year 1863. His successor was Rev. T. S. Guthrie, who remained until 1871, and was succeeded the next year by Rev. C. H. Dutton.

Preparatory to an organization in town, separate from the church at Friendship, the members here withdrew, by consent, from that church, and held a meeting on the eighteenth day of August, 1872, at which time a consti- tution was adopted, and an organization effected under the name of the "First Universalist church of Eaton," consisting of about forty members. Previous to this time money had been raised and a lot purchased, corner of Cherry and Sommers streets, with the view of the erection at some time of a church edifice. The next year after the organization of the church, the chapel of the Disciples, as before noted, was sold and relegated to business purposes. Rev. Dutton's pastorate continued but a single year, during the closing portion of which the church meetings were held in the city hall. Mr. Dutton was succeeded by Rev. J. H. Blackford, and he by Rev. William Tucker, D. D., each of whom continued but a single year.

In the spring of 1873 the subject of the erection of a church building began to be talked up by the members. Meetings were held to consult about the matter, and subscriptions taken up for the purpose. It was not un- til the summer of 1874, however, that contracts were let and work commenced upon the edifice.

On the fifteenth day of October of that year, in the presence of a large assembly of the citizens, and after an appropriate and most eloquent address by Rev. J. G. Adams, of Cincinnati, the corner-stone was laid with ap- propriate ceremonies. J. H. Foos, esq., mayor of Eaton, also delivered an address. Revs. Blackford and Polk were also present, and assisted in the ceremonies.

Progress was made from time to time, as means could be collected and contracts effected, so that early in the year 1876 the house was in such condition as to be used as a place of meeting. It was not until September, 1877, that the edifice was fully completed and ready for dedication. On Sunday, the twenty-third day of Sep- tember, 1877, after a most appropriate and eloquent sermon, by Rev. S. H. McCallister, D. D., president of Buchtel college, the church edifice was solemnly dedi- cated to the service of Almighty God, by appropriate rites and ceremonies, participated in by the following named clergymen, viz: Rev. S. H. McCollister, D. D., Rev. J. S. Cantwell, D. D., Rev. William Tucker, D. D., Rev. C. A. Lander, and Rev. O. P. Kimmel.

The entire cost of the church, exclusive of the lot, is a trifle above six thousand dollars. The lot cost six hundred dollars, and is very eligibly located, being very near the center of the village, at the intersection of two handsome and well improved streets, and just outside of the noisy and business part of town.

During a portion of the time while the building was

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HISTORY OF PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO.

in course of construction, the church was without a stated pastor, but had preaching occasionally, as sup- plies could be obtained. In the early part of 1877, Rev. C. A. Lander was called to the pastorate, who con- tinued as such for two years. He was succeeded, in March, 1879, by Rev. Frank Evans, who died on the second day of October .following.

On the first day of January of the present year, 1880, a call was extended to Rev. J. M. Getchell, which was accepted, and he at once entered upon his duties as pastor, preaching on each alternate Lord's day. . An ar- rangement has also been recently effected, in accordance with which Mr. Getchell will occupy the pulpit of this church every Lord's day during the ensuing year, 1881.

Rev. L. P. Blackford, pastor of the Universalist church in Norwich, Connecticut, and Rev. W. M. Kim- mel, pastor at Barre, Vermont, are contributions from this church to the ministerial field. Also, Rev. O. P. Kimmell, who, after a short but brilliant clerical career, died in March, 1880, at the early age of twenty-four years. Rev. J. D. Lauer, formerly a clergyman in the "Christian" denomination, first identified himself with Universalism in becoming a member of the church in Eaton. He ministered to the church for some time after attaching himself to it; and has proved quite an accession to the ministerial force of the denomination.

THE FIRST REGULAR BAPTIST CHURCH OF EATON

was organized March 19, 1870, and consisted originally of but twelve members. The Rev. B. J. George, Alex- · ander A. Stokes and L. L. Harris were appointed as a building committee with Mr. Stokes as treasurer, and upon the first of August, 1870, ground was broken prepara- tory to the construction of the present handsome house of worship on Decatur street, which was built at a cost of about six thousand dollars. The pastors who have served this society have been Revs. B. J. George, - Lamb, and William Depoy. The first named served five years, and his successors, of course, shorter periods. Mr. De- poy left in 1878, since which time no pastor has been em- ployed. The organization has had as many as one hun- dred members, but now numbers about sixty.

ST. MARY'S (ROMAN CATHOLIC) CHURCH.

The first services of the Roman Catholics in Eaton were held in 1852 or 1853, in a building near where Dr. Sewell now lives, by Father Carney. Soon after that time Father O'Connor was located in the place and re- mained for a number of years. A building was fitted up as a church, and for a time the society was in a pros- perous condition; but the interest flagged, and the finan- cial support becoming less strong, the Catholics were compelled to give up their church, and for a number of years services were held at the residence of Michael Ryan. About 1865 the upper floor of the building on Main street, now used as a priest's residence, was fitted up and services were regularly held there until the pres- ent church was built, in 1879. This edifice was dedi- cated August 24th. It is a well built structure, sufficiently commodious for the congregation that assembles in it, and cost about thirty-two hundred dollars. For a

number of years after Father O'Connor's time the church was supplied by priests from Hamilton, Middleton and Oxford, Fathers D'Arco and William Daly serving most of the time. Then came Father Bowe; and he was suc- ceeded by Fancis Varelmann in 1876, who removed in the summer . of 1880 to Xenia. For eight years the church has been a parish-previously being known as a station. There are about three hundred and fifty Cath- olics in the parish, a portion of them belonging in the town of Eaton, and a portion in the surrounding country. EDUCATIONAL.

Eaton, like most all of the Ohio settlements, se- cured at a very early day those twin institutions of civilization and sister safe-guards of well ordered society, the school and the church. William Bruce, the founder of the town, in fact, made provision for the establishment of churches and schools, when he laid out the plat, donating the lots at the cor- . ners of Preble (now Main) and Barron streets as sites for a court house and. other public buildings, two churches, and "an academy and school-house for the town." A school-house of very primitive character was built upon the lot provided for the purpose, sometime prior to 1812. Before this building was erected, how- ever, and sometime in 1807, or the following year, the first school in the village was opened in one of the log cabins on the south side of Wadsworth street, west of Judge Haines' late residence. The teacher was one John Hollingsworth. Robert Miller, esq., from whose sketch in the Ohio centennial educational volume, this history is principally compiled, quotes Hon. George D. Hendricks as saying that the early school-houses were constructed of logs, had but little furnishing, and were not even "chinked" or daubed, until the cold of winter made such measures necessary. A log was removed at a convenient height and the apperture being covered with greased paper, served as a window. He says:

"The second class of school-houses were the hipped-roofed frame buildings. School accommodations were furnished by subscription and most teachers permitted indigent pupils to attend free of charge.

"A special act was passed by the legislature of the State, December 23, 1811, appointing three trustees-Alexander Mitchell, William L. Henderson, and Samuel Hawkins-to sell lots designated for churches and a school-house and invest the proceeds in lots in other parts of the town, better situated for such purposes and in the building of a public church and school-house. From an old record containing the proceed- ings of these trustees, it appears that the square set apart by Bruce for an academy and school-house was sub-divided into four lots and sold for four hundred and nine dollars and sixty-six cents at the aggregate, and that thirty dollars of this amount was paid for another lot and the balance was expended in the erection and furnishing of a frame school- house thereon. This building was used both as a court house and meeting-house, while the court house was building."

. From this time until the organization of the schools under the act of 1849, but few details can be given, as no records appear which pertain to this period. A long succession of pioneer teachers came and went, remaining only for short terms, from the early days of Eaton history up to 1826. In the latter year "Hon. Abner Haines came to our town," says Mr. Hendricks, "staff in one hand and a pair of new shoes in the other." By the generous aid of C. Van Ausdal and Sheriff John Hawkins, he raised a school, as all previous schools were raised,

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HISTORY OF PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO.

by subscription. The terms were one dollar and fifty cents per scholar for spelling, reading and writing, and two dollars additional per quarter of sixty-five days for arithmetic and English grammar. The judge made a very successful teacher, but did not long follow the pedagogical profession. ... He was succeeded by George D. Hendricks who taught during 1827-28-29 and 1830. He had previously taught in the county and had a good reputation as an instructor. He soon enrolled on his list one hundred and twenty pupils, and had an average daily attendance of from seventy to one hundred. . He "kept school" from eight to ten hours a day, "setting" all of the "copies" and making and mending all of the quill pens for from forty to sixty scholars, out of school hours.

The school population of Eaton had increased long before the passage of the act of 1849, beyond the ca- pacity of the building preciously erected, and no success- ful attempt had been made at grading or classification. Upon the re-organization of the schools under this act, district No. 4 was created, including the town and terri- tory, one and a half miles square. The act provides for the election of six directors and their division into three classes, so that after the first election two directors should be elected annually, for the term of three years. It fur- ther provided that the board should have the entire man- agement and control of the schools in the district, and required them to establish within its bounds three or more common schools in which the rudiments of an English education should be taught for at least eight months of the year; to determine what branches should be taught in any or all of the schools; to levy taxes, not exceeding three mills on the dollar, to be assessed on the valuation of the taxable property in the district, to raise funds in addition to the common school fund to defray the expense of the system; to appoint a board of exam- iners; to adopt text books, etc. The persons most active in securing the passage of this were probably the first board of directors elected under it, who were: Abner Haines, W. H. H. B. Minor, John Acton, Hiram Jones, Benjamin Neal and Richard M. Stannah. At that time Hon. George D. Hendricks and Hon. Felix Marsh, both citizens of Eaton, were members of the legislature, and urged and voted for the adoption of the act.

The change in the school system met, at first, with some opposition, but it was soon acquiesced in and put in operation. Under the provisions of the act contract was entered into with Pierson Smith, in the sum of three thousand five hundred and ninety-seven dollars and twen- ty-three cents, for the erection of a two story brick school- house, with four rooms. The work was to be done un- der the superintendence of Ellis Marshall, then a director, who was also authorized to sell the old frame building on the lot in the north part of the town on which the new building was to be erected, and also the old brick build- ing and lot in the south part.

On the thirtieth of November, 1850, Superintendent Marshall reported the building completed according to contract, with a few unimportant exceptions, and the first school was opened in it December 2, 1850, under the

following teachers: David M. Morrow, superintendent; Enos Adamson, Mary A. Goam and Miss M. E. Merthiet. Mr. Morrow, who was a grandson of the governor of the State, by the same name, died in 1875, in Wisconsin.

It was not long before this building proved inadequate for the accommodation of the increasing number of pu- pils, but no formal action was taken by the board for the erection of an additional building until the twenty-second of January, 1859, when they resolved to build another school-house. In the meantime school-rooms were rent- ed, and the public church was used for school purposes until the second building was completed. The second building was not completed until .September 12, 1864, and then only three rooms were finished and occupied. This event marked a new epoch in the history of the Eaton schools. Six departments were opened, and three teachers assigned to each building. The corps consisted of the following ladies and gentlemen: M. L. Holt, superintendent; S. S. Dix, Sophie Miller, Maggie Mc- Clung, Maria Ballentine and Lucy Stroud.

The new building finished in 1864 is of brick, two stories in height, and contains eight school-rooms. It is pleasantly situated in the southeast part of the town, up- on an elevated site of four acres. Many improvements in buildings, furniture, apparatus, etc., have been made from time to time in recent years. The two buildings to which allusion has been made contain an aggregate of twelve rooms, nearly all of which have been furnished with the Excelsior seat, manufactured at Eaton. The rooms which require it are supplied with maps and charts, and are all provided with large sized black-boards. In 1874 the grounds of the south building were properly graded, forming a gentle descent on the north (fronting Israel street), with a more abrupt decent to the west, and nearly level grounds on the east and south.

The highest department of the Eaton schools, says Mr. Miller, "was growing into a high school from 1850 to 1872, at which last period it fully organized as such." The first class graduated from this school at the close of the school year ending in June, 1872, when regular com- mencement exercises were held as they have been each year since. The principal of the high school, when the first graduation took place, was Miss Catharine Oaks.

Up to 1867 it could hardly be said that the principal teacher, though sometimes called superintendent, had the full control and authority of superintendent. The following is a list of principals prior. to 1867, and the superintendents subsequent to that date: D. M. Mor- row, 1850-51; James Long, 1851-52; Samuel McClure, 1852-53; J. S. Morris, 1853-60; A. McAdow, 1860-61 ; J. N. Lake, 1861-62; A. C. Messenger, 1862-63; S. S. Dix, 1863-64; M. L. Holt, 1864-65; J. N. Lake, 1865- 66; S. S. Dix, 1866-67; C. C. Fetherling, 1867 (vacancy); W. L. Shaw, 1867-69; Peter Sellers, 1869-70; W. C. Barnhart, 1870-73; B. F. Morgan, 1873-74; W. L. Shaw, 1875-79; J. M. Withrow, 1879.

Following are the names of the gentlemen who have served on the board of education since the organization in 1850, given in the order of their election: W. J. Gil- more, W. H. H. B. Minor, Ellis Minshall, George W.

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HISTORY OF PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO.

Thompson, A. Haines, W. B. Tizzard, C. F. Brooke, George D. Hendricks, C. W. Swain, J. W. King, William Curry, E. W. McGuire, Robert Miller, Benjamin Neal, Thomas J. Larsh, John V. Campbell, J. N. Lake, S. S. Dix, R. G. D. McKemy, B. Hubbard, P. M. Crume, J. P. Brookins, Melyne Miller, J. A. Crume, R. E. Pryor, Joseph Wilson, Joseph Fisher, J. L. Chambers, J. D. Lauer, W. A. Swihart, W. C. M. Brookins, W. C. Hus- ton, Hiram Jones, Josiah Campbell, B. H. Alexander, L. C. Abbott, John Acton, R. M. Stannah, S. H. Hub- bell, J. B. Drayer, M. Filbert, R. Homan, G. W. Gaus, Joseph N. Pinney, H. B. Van Ausdal, C. P. Thum, C. W. Larsh, J. W. King, C. F. Brooke, W. C. Huston, Robert Miller, John V. Campbell, S. S. Dix, A. S. Harris, Winfield Freeman, J. B. Welsh, P. M. Small, A. J. Rey- nolds. The board, at present, is composed of: S. S. Dix, president; W. C. M. Brookins, secretary; J. B. Welsh, P. M. Small, A. J. Reynolds and C. F. Brooke.

The growth of the Eaton schools during twenty years of their history is shown in the following comparative statement :

1855.

1875.

Number of pupils enumerated

.495

722

Number of pupils enrolled

. 379

548

Average daily attendance

.203

413

Number of teachers

Number of school-rooms

Number of grades.

Number of weeks in session

Amount paid teachers

.$1,284.40 $5,864.91

Total expenditure

. $2, 512.45 $11, 361.73

Value of school property .

.$10,000.00 $30,000.00

THE PHYSICIANS OF EATON.

Ministering unto all who need their services, going forth to the poor and lowly as well as the rich, doing practical good to poor suffering humanity, the physician is always widely known, and if he fulfills the high office of his. choice is universally loved, respected, and revered.

It is eminently proper that a liberal space in the chap- ter of Eaton history should be devoted to the physicians who have dwelt and who now dwell within the village.

The pioneer practitioner of medicine in Eaton was one of those good and gentle men in whom was exempli- fied much that goes to make up the ideal physician. Kind, conscientious, and self-sacrificing, old Dr. Walter Buell was regarded in the early days of Eaton's existence as a public benefactor. But little is known and but little can be said of him. He was a very valuable nurse, and therein probably lay the greater part of his success, for like most of the medical practitioners of his time he had not that thorough book hnowledge which is so easily at- tained at the present day. His advantages of education were undoubtedly limited. But if he lacked in scientific knowledge, the deficiency was amply atoned for by his strong common sense, his devotion to duty, and close application to study by experience and observation. He came to the infant settlement in 1808, and his cabin was one of the first built upon the town plat. Remaining in Eaton until some time between 1826 and 1830 he was for a score of years the "village doctor," and in those primitive days was known throughout the thinly settled county for miles around, often riding far beyond the

bounds of Preble county. His wife dying he married again in Eaton, and it was not long after that event that he removed to Indiana.

Dr. Buell was not the sole practitioner in Eaton for more than three or four years, for about 1811 a Dr. Hen- derson, from Cambridge, Bourbon county, Kentucky, came to the village and remained until his death in 1824. He was a very eccentric man, and very violent. If he became displeased with man or woman, it mattered not which, he would burst into a terrible rage and give utterance to a fusilage of the most violent curses. He had only a very few actual friends, but just in pro- portion as his regard for people was narrowed, it was in- tense. His friendship was focused. When he did form an attachment it was fast and for life, the most pro- nounced and true devotion. Notwithstanding the fact that he was not generally liked, almost everybody con- ceded that he had great ability, and was a very skilful physician. People had confidence in him, and he en- joyed an extensive practice. He married his second wife in Eaton, a Miss Mary Sellers, who was also from Kentucky.

Abont 1819 Dr. Johns came to Eaton and remained a short time-not more than two or three years. The next in order was a man who remained in the village all of the rest of his life-Dr. Jesse Paramore. He was also from Caneridge, Kentucky, and an acquaintance of Dr. Henderson's, having read medicine under the same preceptor, a Dr. Mitchell, of Paris, Kentucky. He died in 1857, and was a constant resident of the village up to that time, with the exception of four years, when he lived upon a farm near by. He was a very successful physician, especially with fevers, which were in early years very common in the settlement. In spite of the fact that he had an extensive practice he accumulated only a small portion of this world's goods, as he charged small fees even when patients were abundantly able to pay, and none at all when they were in poor circum- stances. He married Rachel Minor.

Dr. Daniel Egbert located in the village about 1822, coming from Lebanon, Warren county. He remained only a short time, securing an appoitment in the United States navy.

Thomas A. Cunningham, born and raised in the county, began the practice of medicine in Eaton in 1826 or 1827. He had followed his profession only a short time, until 1832, when he was made clerk of the court. He went to Congress soon after, and was then made deputy paymaster of the army by James K. Polk, and sent to Mexico. He died in 1864. Had he lived a short time longer he would have been made paymaster general, as he was the oldest deputy in the service. As a physician he was characterized by great kindness, tenderness and sym- pathy. He was a fast friend and a good man. Politi- cally he was quite a power-the leader of the Preble county Democracy.

Dr. Mount located in Eaton in 1830, but three or four years later removed to Hamilton, where he died a few years ago. Drs. Nixon and Horning, partners, began practice in 1831 and continued until the year 1835.

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HISTORY OF PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO.

The first named had practiced previously in Winchester.

One of the most prominent of the early physicians was Pliny M. Crume, who arrived in this place about 1833 from Butler county, where he was born and raised. He was well read in medicine and very successful in business. He remained in town until 1863 or the follow- ing year, when he removed to Wabash county, Indiana, where a son lived. He became professor of the Theory and Practice of Medicine in Baker's school, of Cincinnati.

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History of Preble County, Ohio, with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches, Part 26

Author: H. Z. Williams & Brothers Publication date: Publisher: Number of Pages: 559

Author: H. Z. Williams & Brothers
Publication date:
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 559