History of Sandusky County Ohio with Illustrations 1882, Part 94

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Dr. Treadway was a man of learning, and had the true instincts of a physician. He came to Clyde from Kentucky, and had it not been for his suggestion the village would be called Hamerville, Middletown, or some other common name. He remained in practice here but a short time.

J. W. Luse was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania; attended medical lectures at Ann Arbor, Michigan, and at Cleveland, Ohio. He began practicing in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, in 1854. In 1857 he came to Clyde and has been in full practice ever since. At several different times he has been connected with the drug trade here.

Doctors Price, Leet, and Decker each practiced in Clyde, but remained only a few years.

W. V. Stilson was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, in 1815. He studied medicine in Wayne county, Ohio, and graduated at Cincinnati Medical College. He practiced a short time in Ashland county, then came to Bellevue in 1842, where he

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had a full practice for thirty years. In 1872 he removed to Clyde. He married, in Ashland county, Elizabeth Cummings.

Corwin Griffin was born in Huron county in 1845. He entered Pulte Medical College, Cincinnati, in 1873, and received the degree of M. D. in 1876. He began practice in Clyde, and possesses a fair share of public confidence. He is the only graduate of the Homoeopathic school, in Clyde.

Dr. Brown removed from Tiffin to Clyde in 1875. He was surgeon for the One Hundred and Eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

Mrs. Owens and Messrs. Harndon, Robinson, and Soper are the remaining physicians now in practice.

M'PHERSON CEMETERY.

Beneath these rugged elms, that yew tree's shade,

Where heaves the turf in many a mouldering heap, Each in his narrow cell forever laid,

The rude forefathers of our hamlet sleep. -Gray's Elegy.

Imperishable marble is the fit emblem of that love which survives all that is mortal of friends and relatives, that love which is the noblest attribute of the soul. There is something, too, in the unchanging features of the country to perpetuate the memory of friends who gave animation to every lonely scene. The grave seen from our dooryard, or passed in a lonely walk or drive, arrests our planning and softens the mind to pensive meditation. A wound is kept open, it is true, but it is a wound from which flows sanctifying sorrow. We plant flowers to sweeten the grave, and trees to protect the gentle tear of recollection.

The cemetery at Clyde is fast becoming all that the most loving heart could wish. Public-spirited citizens have supplemented nature's generosity, and the place charms the eye and nurtures the affections.

The old burying ground lay to the north and reached to the foot of the elevation

on which the statue of General McPherson stands. It was formerly owned by the Methodist Episcopal church, and bore the name of Evergreen Cemetery. The site was selected by Mrs. Guinall who, during a supposed fatal sickness, pointed to the spot where she wished to be buried, from the chair on which she was carried to the door for that purpose. The lot was fenced off by her husband, who owned the land, but she was not the first to be buried there. She recovered and was a witness of the burial of her son John in the place selected for her own grave. Mrs. John J. Quackenbush and Benjamin Collins were the two next buried.

Many moss-covered freestones mark the last resting places of pioneers of this township-places of sacred and hallowed memory. It became necessary, as the village grew and the death roll became longer, to enlarge the boundaries. A cemetery association was formed in 1867, and Evergreen Cemetery transferred to this association by the Methodist church. Lands adjacent, extending to the junction of the two streets, were purchased and the lot on the summit of the beautiful natural mound dedicated to the McPherson family, in affectionate remembrance of that noble soldier and cherished fellow-citizen, Major General James B. McPherson, whose statue, cast in imperishable bronze, testifies a grateful people's love, and symbolizes the immortality of his fame.

THE SCHOOLS.

The first school in the township was taught by Joshua Fairchilds. Jered H. Miner, esq., taught school in 1820 in a cooper shop owned by Abby & Dagget, which stood on the present Persing place. Here the children were gathered, five days in the week, for three months. The only seats were split slabs or puncheons, with-out backs. A large slab was placed along one side for a writing desk. Reading,

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writing, and the elements of arithmetic were taught. The "rule of three" was the stopping point for the pupils of that early day.

In the course of a couple of years a school- house was built on what is now Buckeye street. Dr. Forbes, an amiable, learned man, was the first teacher, in the winter of 1822-23. There was great dissatisfaction with the location of the house. The settlers of the east part of the neighborhood clamored for a school in their vicinity, while those of the west were just as determined to keep it in theirs. In 1825 a house was built near the Corners, much to the dissatisfaction of the hill residents, and the cause of a fire which destroyed the building a short time afterwards was not regarded a mystery. A compromise was made in the location of a new house. It was built near the site of the railroad crossing, but was after a short time moved to the knoll within a few rods of the burial place of General McPherson. This was the last log school-house in Clyde, or at Hamer's Corners, as it was then. Here James B. McPherson, whose statue is the pride of the town and county, received his first instruction.

After the township was divided into districts under the general school law, a frame house was built a quarter mile further west, on the hill, which was known as the Dewey school- house.

The first school in the west part of the township was taught by Grant Forgerson, in a school-house which stood a short distance west of the Rathbun place.

The public school law of 1852 went into effect in Green Creek in 1853, since which time comfortable houses have been built, and generally competent teachers provided for the instruction of the youth.

CLYDE SCHOOLS.

The rapid growth of Clyde during the years following the war made it desirable

that a special school district should be organized. The necessary legislation was procured, and on April 8, 1867, the Clyde schools became independent of the town- ship. The new board consisted of A. B. French, Chester Hunter, and C. G. Eaton. The village system was adopted May 30, 1868, with the following named gentlemen as directors: M. Benner, John Lefever, Milo Hunter, D. Terrill, S. B. Taylor, and Smith Motley. The salary of the superintendent was fixed at one hundred dollars per month, and S. Motley was elected to the position. He served in that capacity until 1870, when the present incumbent, F. M. Ginn, was chosen.

The subject of a new school building was discussed by the citizens as soon as. the village system had been adopted. In 1869 plans were submitted, and a new building decided upon. The large and well-arranged three-story brick structure now in use was completed in 1870, and in the fall of that year opened to the public. Schools began with the following corps of teachers: F. M. Ginn, superintendent; Rena Richards, principal of the high school; Jennie Winters, assistant; Mary BeMuent, grammar; Miss Emma Adams, first secondary; Nettie Reynolds, second secondary; Julia Eaton, first primary; Alice Keating, second primary; Nettie Van Cleat, intermediate. The principals of the high school have been: Rena Richards, Eliza Bushnell, Miss Hitchcock, Anna Kuhn, Miss Barnaby (five years), Maggie Taggart, Nellie McDonald. The assistants in the. new building have been: Edgar Barnett, Emma Taylor, Miss A. L. Snyder, and. Emma Londe.

Professor Ginn, the superintendent for the past eleven years, is deserving of much credit for his efficient management of the schools. The board gave into his hands entire control over all departments. The

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present condition of the schools shows the wisdom of the board in thus selecting a competent head and then abstaining from officiousness.

There were, in 1870, four hundred and twenty-five pupils. The enrollment of the year 1880-81 reached six hundred and sixty- one.

Regular courses of study were arranged for all departments in 1870. The aim is to prepare pupils for any of the ordinary callings of business; in other words, to provide a good English education. In the high school, English language and literature is taught during the whole four years of the course. Students are taken through the elements of trigonometry, and given a knowledge of the elements of general science.

The first class which completed the course-the class of 1874-numbered four; 1875, eleven; 1876, seven; 1879, nine; 1878, ten; 1879, fifteen; 1880, ten; 1881, nine; whole number of graduates seventy-five, of whom twenty-five were boys. Few schools can show so large a proportion of male graduates.

Primary and secondary teachers have received twenty-five dollars per month. Miss Barnaby received sixty dollars per month. The salary of the principal is now fifty dollars per month. The superintendent received, in 1870-71, one thousand dollars; 1871-73, twelve hundred dollars; 1873-77, fourteen hundred dollars, since which time the salary has been twelve hundred dollars.

CHURCHES.

The first sermon preached to white people, so far as is known, within this town-ship, was delivered by a colored man, whose name tradition has not preserved. This religious enthusiast gathered together as many as he could, and that was nearly all who lived in the settlement. His violent manner, linguistic gymnastics, and

novel system of doctrine naturally caused amusement, and sometimes provoked laughter. His glowing description of the place of eternal punishment was received with provoking ridicule, which caused the preacher to burst forth with the remark: "You white folks a' afraid to go to heaven 'cause ye 'magin thar be niggers thar; but I tell you dar be niggers in de hot place too!" It is unnecessary to state that no conversions resulted from this man's preaching.

The credit of organizing religious worship is due here, as in most pioneer communities, to the itinerant clergy of the Methodist church. Some of the early settlers were Baptists, and, at a later period, Universalists obtained a foothold.

METHODIST CHURCH.

Methodism was organized in this part of the county in the spring of 1821. The country being sparsely populated no regular stations were established, but large districts of country organized into circuits. Lower Sandusky district embraced the whole county. The class in this neighborhood was organized by Rev. Mr. Boardman, in the spring of 1821, composed of six members- Samuel McMillen and wife, James Guinall and wife, and Albert Guinall and wife. These three families, together with a few who were not members but were interested in seeing public worship instituted, met in a log school-house near where the Cleveland, Sandusky & Cincinnati railroad crosses Main street. The preacher, whose circuit was large, could visit this backwoods post but once in four weeks, and then generally on week days, his Sundays being occupied elsewhere. Samuel McMillen was the class leader. He held prayer meetings and praise meetings. He never accepted a license as a local preacher, but performed the duties of that office-how well, the prosperity of this little society

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of Christians shows. In 1825 there was an especial and important awakening. The whole settlement became interested in the meetings, and several joined the church; among the number, Amos Fenn, who became a local preacher, and was to the end of his long life a faithful member and earnest worker. In 1827 occurred a revival which brought into the church about twenty-five new members, among whom were the three oldest of the present members-Norton Russel, his wife, and Mrs. McPherson. Mr. Russel was the first convert. This revival extended throughout the circuit. Prayer meetings were held every night and each church enjoyed preaching once every two weeks, the circuit preachers-Adam Poe and John Hazzard-and Presiding Elder McMahon dividing up their time among the several classes.

But it is too often the case that rest, profound sleep, follows a season of activity and exhaustive effort. A church needs more than a start; it needs the watchful care of an intelligent clergy. As soon as the protracted effort had ceased the visits of the circuit preachers were few and irregular. The local ministry and a few old members were depended upon to carry on the work. They labored zealously and did all that time would permit and talent could do. Meetings after a time were attended only by the "faithful few," but their faith did not permit discouragement. The clouds began to hang dark. Years had passed with but few additions, while death and emigration was constantly reducing the number. A brighter day came in 1844. An especial interest was created among the young people. It was during this revival that James B. McPherson joined the church.

Preaching was held semi-monthly after this revival. The old school-house became unfit for use, and the Dewey school-

house was occupied. In 1851 it was decided to build a church. Mr. Norton Russel canvassed Green Creek, Townsend and York townships for money. Jonathan Ames donated a lot, and a contract for building was let to William Weeks by Amos Fenn, Norton Russel, M. Persing and others. George Eaton was at that time a preacher in charge, but his health failed before the completion of the building, and Alfred Wheeler supplied the pulpit. In December, 1852, Presiding Elder Disbrow preached the dedicatory sermon, at which time four hundred dollars were raised. This amount freed the society from the debt incurred by building. The cost of this house was fifteen hundred and thirty dollars. Meetings continued several weeks, and many were added to the membership. Sabbath-school under the superintendence of Mr. Weeks, was continued for the first time through the winter. In the winter of 1853-54 thirty united with the church under the pastorate of Messrs. Pelton and Vertican.

In 1856 Revs. E. Y. Warner and Mr. McKane were stationed at Clyde, as the charge was now called. During their pastorate the church increased in numbers. Revs. Castle and Thompson occupied the pastorate till 1859. In 1859 Revs. Halderman and Barker were appointed; in 1860 Wilson, and Sites in 1861. The circuit had previously embraced the classes in the eastern part of Sandusky and western part of Huron and Erie counties. In 1862 it was reduced to three appointments- Clyde, Green Spring and Townsend. Rev. Mr. Barker was pastor in 1862. Rev. Mr. Jones, in 1863, remained six months, and enlisted in the army, Rev. Mr. McKillips being appointed supply. During this time protracted efforts were made every winter, and the membership steadily increased. In 1864 Rev. J. T. Broadwell became pastor. The largest revival in the history

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of the church followed. The membership increased, and the house no longer accommodated the congregations attracted by eloquent sermons. In 1866 the official board resolved upon building a new house of worship. As is not uncommonly the case in enterprises of this character, land was purchased, and contracts let without carefully estimating the cost or knowing the resources. The handsome edifice on the corner of George and Buckeye streets was so far completed by February, 1867, that the basement was ready for occupancy. In August, 1867, the house was formally dedicated by Rev. Dr. Donaldson. The spire and gallery remained to be built. Thirty- seven hundred dollars were subscribed at the dedication service, and the announcement was made that no debt remained, but an examination of accounts and subscriptions in 1868 showed an indebtedness of eight thousand dollars which was refunded at a high rate of interest. A brief summary of how this debt was paid may not be amiss. It is only one of many instances of costly edifices burdening societies, and really injuring the cause which it was the intention to promote, and for which generous members were willing to make sacrifices, but under pressure of forced assessments became indifferent and discouraged. When W. S. Paul became pastor, he took hold of the debt question in a business-like way. A committee of inspection, was appointed, which found the debt to be nearly eight thousand dollars, and the annual interest nearly eight hundred dollars. Through his influence a loan was negotiated in 1870 for six thousand dollars to be paid in annual installments, without interest. Before the close of Mr. Paul's pastorate of three years, the debt had been reduced to less than seven thousand dollars, very little of which was bearing interest. Dr. Hartupee succeeded Mr. Wright

to the pastorate, and applied himself to the reduction of the debt, but in December, 1871, the great storm so damaged the building that twenty-eight hundred dollars were required for repairs. The debt increased this year six hundred dollars. A re-opening service was held in May, 1873, Bishop Bowman preaching. On this occasion forty- eight hundred dollars were subscribed, which with notes and previous subscriptions, was thought a sufficient amount to cancel the debt. During the pastorate of Dr. S. L. Yourtee only six hundred dollars were raised. The subscriptions taken on the "Re- opening Day" for some unaccountable reason, had lost their value. In 1875 Rev. J. H. Mendenhall, on assuming the pastorate, found a debt of four thousand dollars with no resources to meet it. Mr. Mendenhall deserves the highest praise for his zeal, and credit for his talents displayed during his pastorate. Before the close of the second year the burden which had oppressed the congregation, and stifled its work, was removed. The members and citizens of Clyde are also to be commended for their liberality. About forty-five hundred dollars were subscribed and paid within eighteen months.

The pastors, succeeding Mr. Warner, were: W. S. Paul in 1868; B. Wright in 1871 (to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Paul); J. H. Hartupee in 1871; S. L. Yourtee in 1874; J. H. Mendenhall in 1875; W. H. Painter in 1878.

In 1869 Clyde was made a station, and the other classes constituted a circuit known as "Green Spring."

The membership of the church has constantly been increasing since 1844. An interesting Sunday school has been maintained throughout the year since 1851. A ladies' society was organized in 1865, which has been instrumental in raising funds for the church.

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UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY

George R. Brown was the founder of Universalism in this part of the county. Nathan Birdseye and Mr. Holbrook, of Townsend, were among the more prominent members. Mr. Brown came to Hamer's Corners about 1833, and was engaged to teach the school, which position he filled acceptably during two winters. He then left for a short time, but returned in 1835 and married Jane Pogue, a daughter of Samuel Pogue, and lived here until his death, in 1873. He had a strong mind and was well informed. Few men could cope with him. He met several Methodist clergymen on the rostrum. The result of the debates was the gradual increase of adherents to the doctrine of Universalism. The society which he formed built the second church at Clyde, which was for many years the most influential religious association in the place. The meeting-house stood on what has since become Main street, but the growth of the town made the site desirable for business, and the building was removed to its present location. The society was supplied occasionally by other ministers, but Elder Brown was the main stand-by, as affairs since his death have proved. The membership was largest about 1860, embracing many of the leading citizens. No regular service has been held for a number of years, but the organization yet maintains its existence.

ST. MARY'S-CATHOLIC.

In 1854 Rev. Father Walst visited Clyde and held the first mass. There were at that time but few Catholics in the township, and they were recent arrivals, being induced to make settlement by the employment the railroad opened up. The service for the first few years was held in the residences of the members. Fathers Rose, Mellon, and Peters, came over from

Fremont and held services in the same way. The two last named commenced the erection of a church building, which was completed by Father Monaghan. The property was enlarged by the addition of two more lots by Fattier Mahony, of Bellevue. These three lots, embracing church and burying-ground, are located at the corner of Spring and Vine streets. He was succeeded by Father Means, in July, 1872. Father Bowles was the first resident pastor. The present parsonage was purchased by him. Up to this time all the preaching was in English, but in 1875, when Father Rudolph became pastor, both German and English worship were used, and the congregation grew rapidly until 1879, when Father Nunan became pastor. The pastorate became vacant in 1881, J. C. Cahill acting as supply. Two-thirds of the membership is Irish, the other third German.

BAPTIST CHURCH.

There were a few Baptists among the early settlers of the township. Jered H. Miner, esq., had meetings at his house occasionally, and Elder Throp sometimes exhorted. Missionaries held services at irregular intervals, and in 1857 the house of worship which is yet in use was built. The first organization into a congregation was effected April 9, 1859, at which time L. D. Caulkins was chosen clerk, Gideon Palmer, Lyman* Ames, and George N. Thornton, trustees. Anson Ames was also a member at this time. Joseph Jackson was chosen pastor, a choice which, at that time, was particularly unfortunate. Mr. Jackson was a man of radical opinions, and did not hesitate to propound abolition doctrine in the pulpit. Political feeling being at its height, his preaching caused dissension, and some of the members withdrew. A debt of one thousand six hundred dollars remained on the church building, which was an additional embar-

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rassment. Services were irregularly held by supplies. In the winter of 1860 a revival was held, which resulted in three ac-cessions to the membership. O. L. Ames, who has since been a member, joined at that meeting. Measures were at once taken to pay off the debt and re-establish the congregation on a solid foundation. In August, 1864, a pastor was called-Rev. Adam Snyder. He was a strong preacher, and attracted large congregations. In May, 1866, Rev. W. E. Ryon became pastor, and served the church with success about four years. In January, 1867, a revival was commenced, which continued three months and resulted in seventy-five conversions. The church was now on a solid foundation and able to standalone. Missionary aid was no longer necessary, and the contributions previously received have long since been repaid. During the remaining years of his ministry the membership grew steadily, revivals being held each winter. Rev. J. T. Shepard succeeded to the pastorate, and remained between one and two years. Rev. J. V. K. Seely assumed charge in. November, 1872, and during his term of five years service added about forty to the membership. Twenty additions was the result of a special revival in 1873, conducted by Rev. Van Buskirk. In 1878 Mr. Fernald became pastor, and remained two years. The greatest revival in the history of the church was held during this pastorate by an evangelist, Rev. W. H. Hurlbut. More than one hundred were converted, and eighty-four joined the church. Rev. J. L. Phillips was installed pastor in August, 1880. Seventeen have been added to the membership since that time. The present membership is about two hundred.

The Sunday-school work of this church has been made a special feature. A Sunday- school was organized in April, 1865, C. W. Page, superintendent. O. L. Ames

became superintendent in 1867, and has served with commendatory success since that time. More than a hundred of the members of this school have been brought into the church. The average attendance is about one hundred and fifty.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Among the early settlers of the east part of the county were a few Presbyterian and Congregational families from New York and New England. For some years they maintained their own form of worship by family instruction and attending the church of their choice in the neighboring towns. But the natural desire for regular service, and the difficulty of attending at distant points, induced some to unite with the churches of other denominations, while others became indifferent. The few who remained attached to the doctrines of their fathers entertained the idea of establishing a church of their own, but the prospect looked doubtful for many years. Now and then they met together, at long intervals, until Rev. E. Bushnell, D. D., of Fremont, took the matter in charge and gave them more frequent services. Encouraged by him a meeting was called and a congregation organized in the Baptist meeting-house in Clyde, April 6, 1867, Dr. Bushnell, of Fremont, and George H. Fullerton, of Huron, being present. At that meeting the following` persons were received as members: J. W. Luse, M. D., Mrs. E. C. Luse, Hiram Vincent, Adam Dunlap, Mrs. Kate B. Dunlap, Mrs. Margaret Luse, Mrs. Emily Fletcher, Mrs. Jane Throp, Mrs. C. Loveland, George B. Fuller, and Mrs. Alcena Ellsworth. The first regular service of the church was held on the following day, conducted by Mr. Bushnell, who preached and administered the sacrament. This first service was solemn and impressive, and is remembered by those present. Rev. J. B. Smith was the

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History of Sandusky County Ohio with Illustrations 1882, Part 94

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