History of Sandusky County, Ohio : with portraits and biographies of prominent citizens and pioneers, Part 95

Author: Everett, Homer, 1813-1887
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Cleveland, Ohio : H.Z. Williams
Number of Pages: 1040

USA > Ohio > Sandusky County > History of Sandusky County, Ohio : with portraits and biographies of prominent citizens and pioneers > Part 95

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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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HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

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 1880-8r 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 lit- erature 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 ; 1877, 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 super- intendent received, in 1870-71, one thou- sand dollars; 1871-73, twelve hundred dollars; 1873-77, fourteen hundred dol- lars, since which time the salary has been twelve hundred dollars.

CHURCHES.

The first sermon preached to white peo- ple, 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 vio- lent 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 wor- ship is due here, as in most pioneer com- munities, to the itinerant clergy of the Methodist church. Some of the carly set- tlers 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 regu- lar stations were established, but large districts of country organized into circuits. Lower Sandusky district embraced the whole county. The class in this neigh- borhood was organized by Rev. Mr. Boardman, in the spring of 1821, com- posed 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 cir- cuit 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 so-

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ciety 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 pres- ent 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, pro- found 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 car- ry 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 discourage- ment. 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. McPher- son joined the church.

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

house was occupied. In 1851 it was de- cided 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 build- ing, and Alfred Wheeler supplied the pulpit. In December, 1852, Presiding Elder Disbrow preached the dedicatory sermon, at which time four hundred dol- lars were raised. This amount freed the society from the debt incurred by build- ing. 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. Halder- man 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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HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

ot the church followed. The member- ship 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 with- .out carefully estimating the cost or know- ing 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 re- mained to be built. Thirty-seven hundred dollars were subscribed at the dedication service, and the announcement was made that no debt remained, but an examina- tion of accounts and subscriptions in 1868 showed an indebtedness of eight thou- sand 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 inten- tion 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 dol- lars. 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 dol- lars, very little of which was bearing inter- est. Dr. Hartupee succeeded Mr. Wright

to the pastorate, and applied himself to the reduction of the debt, but in Decem- ber, 1871, the great storm so damaged the building that twenty-eight hundred dollars were required for repairs. The debt increased this year six hundred dol- lars. A re-opening service was held in May, 1873, Bishop Bowman preaching. On this occasion forty-eight hundred dol- lars 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-open- ing Day" for some unaccountable reason, nad 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. Men- denhall 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 com- mended 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 185 1. A ladies' society was organized in 1865, which has been instrumental in raising funds for the church.

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HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

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 promi- nent members. Mr. Brown came to Hamer's Corners about 1833, and was en- gaged 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 daugh- ter 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 influ- ential 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 town- ship, and they were recent arrivals, being induced to make settlement by the en- ployment 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 Father 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 pas- tor, both German and English worship were used, and the congregation grew rap- idly until 1879, when Father Nunan be- came pastor. The pastorate became va- cant 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 oc- casionally, 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 Jack- son was chosen pastor, a choice which, at that time, was particularly unfortunate. Mr. Jackson was a man of radical opin- ions, 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 mem- bers withdrew. A debt of one thousand six hundred dollars remained on the church building, whichi was an additional embar-

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HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

rassment. Services were irregularly held by supplies. In the winter of 1860 a re- vival was held, which resulted in three ac- cessions to the membership. O. J. 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 congrega- tions. 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 stand alone. 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 be- ing 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 member- ship. 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 Sun- day-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 Presbyte- rian and Congregational families from New York and New England. For some years they maintained their own form of wor- ship by family instruction and attending the church of their choice in the neigh- boring towns. But the natural desire for regular service, and the difficulty of at- tending at distant points, induced some to unite with the churches of other de- nominations, while others became indiffer- ent. 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 to- gether, at long intervals, until Rev. E. Bushnell, D. D., of Fremont, took the matter in charge and gave them more fre- quent services. Encouraged by him a meeting was called and a congregation or- ganized 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. Ful- ler, and Mrs. Alcena Ellsworth. The first regular service of the church was held on the following day, conducted by Mr. Bush- nell, 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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first minister chosen. He preached at stated intervals for two years. During this time a prayer meeting service was in- stituted, and a number of new members added to the church. In 1869 D. W. Marvin succeeded to the pastorate, and in the winter of that year initiatory steps were taken toward the building of a house of worship. The membership at this time numbered thirty-six. By reaching their charitable hands deep into their pockets and with the assistance of the Presbyte- rian board of church erection, a comfort- able brick house was erected which was dedicated January 30, 1870. A Sabbath- school was organized about this time. From the organization to the present the growth of this church in members and influence has been gradual.

In 1871 E. R. Chase, then a student of the Theological Seminary at Chicago, ac- cepted a call to the pastorate, and was ordained here in June of that year. In April of the following year he was regu- larly installed pastor.

Elder H. Vincent and wife, two of the most earnest and useful members of the church, were killed by a railroad accident, November 29, 1871. The church in their death sustained a sad loss. David E. Hayes and A. J. Wilder were added to the eldership in 1872. The church was greatly strengthened by a revival in the winter of 1873. On April 6th of that year, twenty- seven were received into the church. Mr. Chase was a young man beloved by all. The church prospered under his care, but he was not long spared to his labor. A disease of the lungs, contracted in the army, brought him to the grave May 25, 1874.

Rev. A. M. Meili, formerly a priest in the Roman Catholic church, was elected to the pastorate in March, 1875. During the following year troubles of a serious char- acter arose, growing partly out of personal

difficulties and partly out of an effort of the session to enforce stricter conformity to the rules of the church. These troubles grew, and all efforts at peace, even on the part of the presbytery failed. The future of the con- gregation was doubtful. The pastor re- signed in 1876, and all services, including Sunday-school and prayer meeting, were suspended .. Some joined other churches, and others withdrew, so that in 1878 only about twenty members could be found out of a flourishing congregation at the begin- ning of the troubles of eighty communi- cants. At the beginning of 1878 those yet remaining faithful united with the church at Green Spring and employed the ser- vices of Rev. J. S. Axtell. The prayer meet- ing and Sabbath-school were reorganized and the general church work again set on foot. The former elders having resigned, their places were filled by N. T. Wilder, J. H. Herrick, and H. T. Barnum. These, with the minister in charge, constitute the session of the church. During the last three years seventeen new members have been added and all have worked peacefully. The church, although it has not grown rapidly in members since the healing of the breach, has increased in energy and courage, and now the foundation seems secure and the outlook favorable for great usefulness.

SPIRITUALISTS.

Spiritualism had for a long time a strong foothold in Clyde, but as a society no longer has an existence. The promulga- tion of the " Woodhull" doctrines caused dissension which has never been over- come. The number of adherents is grad- ually decreasing.

ADVENTISTS.

The Seventh Day Adventist church of Clyde was organized by Elder J. H. Wag- goner August 11, 1867. It consisted of the union of two companies of Sabbath

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HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

keepers known as the churches of Green Spring and West Townsend. This union was made at the request of the companies named and also by a vote of the Seventh Day Adventist conference, at the session of August 1 and 2, 1867. At the time of the organization of the Clyde church, O. F. Guilford was chosen elder and William Herald deacon, and ordained at the same meeting by Elder J. H. Waggoner. W. D. Sharp was elected church clerk and William Herald treasurer. W. D. Sharp served as clerk until 1876, when A. A. Hutchinson succeeded and served two years. In 1878 Dora F. Rowe became clerk. She opened the first book of records and recorded the above facts, collected from the scraps left by the previous clerks.

The society built a house of worship in 1877-78. It was dedicated January 20, 1878, by J. H. Waggoner. Elder H. A. St. John is the present pastor.

CLYDE.

This beautiful and flourishing village is the veritable fulfilment of a prophesy made during the War of 1812, when an Indian trail along the ridge was the only course of travel through the township. Samuel Pogue, a soldier in Harrison's army, drove a stake at the spring south of Buckeye street, which was the spot marked out for his future residence. Here he fore- saw a busy town. What was there in the surroundings to inspire such a prophesy? Nothing could be seen save a forest awful in its stillness and its density. A surface, except on the sand bars saturated with water, was surely no encouraging sight. Nor would an occasional glimpse of a hostile savage, caught among decaying logs and underbrush, give hope to antic- ipation. However this may be there is a growing town where it was prophesied there would be one.

A glance over the ground, in 1840, would show the pike filled with white

covered wagons, carrying the goods and families of emigrants to the West; at the cross roads, Hamer's double log tavern, on one corner, McPherson's blacksmith- shop within a short distance; Amos Fenn's cabinet-shop, and two small stores. On the ridge to the west and southwest were flourishing farms; to the south, where the business center of Clyde now is, an un- touched forest.

The term of "Bang All" had passed out of use and Hamer's Corners was the only name known to travellers or residents.

Clyde, as we see it to day, is the creature of the two railroads which cross here, af- fording better facilities for transportation than any other point in the county. The first town lots were laid out by William Hamer and Philip Beery. The construc- tion of the railroads was the death blow not only to the name, but also the hamlet of Hamer's Corners. Mr. Hamer had surveyed, in town-lots, the land extending from the pike as a base line toward the south, so far as the junction of Maple and Main streets, being a triangular tract. This is recorded as "Hamer's addition to Cen- treville," from which it appears that Cen- treville had become the accepted name of the place, although the post office was never so known. On the same day, Feb- ruary 6, 1852, Philip Beery had surveyed a small tract recorded as "Beery's addi- tion to the village of Centerville," lying south of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern track and east of the Cleveland, Sandusky & Cincinnati.

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History of Sandusky County, Ohio : with portraits and biographies of prominent citizens and pioneers, Part 95

Author: Everett, Homer, 1813-1887 Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Cleveland, Ohio : H.Z. Williams Number of Pages: 1040

Author: Everett, Homer, 1813-1887
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Cleveland, Ohio : H.Z. Williams
Number of Pages: 1040