USA > Ohio > Seneca County > History of Seneca County, Ohio; a narrative account of its historical progress, its people, and its principal interests, Vo. I > Part 41
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spirit. Professor Riekly and his family lived in the little brick house, now numbered 43 South Washington street, just below the Home Restaurant. Professor Rickly lost a child there, in memory of whom he later donated the chapel organ. N. L. Brewer, then a student at Heidelberg. helped to wait upon the sick child and witnessed the operation which was performed in an effort to save its life. This happened in the year of the cholera scourge in Tiffin, during which period, according to the testimony of the late Dr. J. U. Heckerman, very few persons were seen upon the streets of the town, save the physicians and the undertakers. Many of the vic- tims of the scourge were buried in the old cemetery adjoining the
MAIN BUILDING, HEIDELBERG COLLEGE, TIFFIN.
burying ground of the Ursuline Convent, overlooking Rock creek, and now being converted into Hedges Park.
The college campus, containing five acres. was purchased from Josiah Hedges. The deed carefully describes the property. and states that it was conveyed to the corporation of Heidelberg College. to the president and board of trustees: that is, for the sum of one thousand dollars, "to him in hand paid." The document is signed by Josiah Hedges, by W. H. Gibson and E. V. Gerhart. The date of the deed is November 13, 1852. The corner stone, the gift of Dr. Elias Heiner, of Baltimore, Maryland, was laid by Major Lewis Baltzell, president of the board of trustees, and the address was delivered by General S. F. Carey. of Cincinnati, Ohio, in the
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presence of a large assemblage of people. His subject was "The Dignity of Labor." Subsequently, the campus was enlarged by the purchase of nearly four acres of ground. in addition, from Hon. W. W. Armstrong of Cleveland, Ohio.
The college building was completed in the year 1852, at an * expense of $15,000. and occupied for the first time in the autumn of that year. 3 In 1871 during the presidency of Dr. George W. Williard, a president's residence was erected at a cost of about $4,000. In 1873 a large three story boarding hall was built at an outlay of $8,000. University Hall, which faces the open square made by the intersection of East Market and East Perry streets, was erected at a cost of $60,000, and dedicated in June, 1886. The gymnasium building, containing also the museum, was com- pleted in the fall of 1893, during the presidency of Dr. John A. Peters, at a cost of $13,000. Williard Hall, the new hall of residence for women, was erected at a cost of $55,000 and dedicated on June 12, 1907. Miss Jane Addams, famous for her settlement work, delivered the address of dedication in Riekly Chapel.
When the college and seminary were finally located in Tiffin, comparatively few people lived in the eastern part of the town. A dense forest stretched for miles northward, eastward, southward, and just a short distance beyond the building now called the dormitory, there existed large frog ponds. A grove of forest trees covered the western part of the campus, in company with ex- tensive patches of sumac and other wild plants. During a rainy season, or an open winter, the streets on "College Hill" were almost impassable, and professors' wives frequently lost their overshoes in the deep, thick, pitchy mud. In the newer parts of town wooden walks were constructed as soon as possible, to take the place of the original winding and uncertain paths along the fences.
On account of the distance from the "Hill" to the public school building on South Monroe street, for a long time a school was conducted in a room situated on the first floor, and at the southeastern corner of the dormitory, for the benefit of the children of the professors. A number of other children from the neigh- borhood also attended that school. One of the first among the teachers was Miss Nettie Cronise, capable as an instructor, and well thought of by her pupils. The last teacher Miss Hannah Chidester. a talented and charming young woman, died. in the prime of life of typhoid fever. She was twenty-two years old, and passed away in the triumph of the Christian faith. She was confirmed a mem- ber of the Episcopalian church at the age of eleven years, and re- mained true to her vows and religious obligations to the end.
In the earlier history of Heidelberg College the study and use of the German language received special attention. A chair of German and German Literature was established by the Ohio Synod,
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and Rev. Herman Rust was called from Cincinnati, Ohio, to be- come its first incumbent. The Goethean Literary Society was organized at his suggestion. and all its proceedings were conducted in the German language.
The purpose of this department was to train young men for service in German-English fields in the Reformed church in the middle west. During these years a great many young men came to Heidelberg College from the territory of the German synods, and from German and Swiss homes. A large part of the library con- sisted of German works, classical and theological.
Rev. H. J. Ruetenik, D. D., of Cleveland. Ohio, and later on the founder of Galvinus College in that city, and the author of a very readable work on "Church History," lived in Tiffin for four years, from 1856 to 1860, and taught both in the college and seminary. For four years he served as pastor of the German Evangelical - congregation on South Jefferson street. during which time the first house of worship, a log church, was torn down, and the present and more attractive structure was erected. While the new church and parsonage were in building. the congregation worshipped on Sunday afternoons in the First Reformed church. Dr. Ruetenik enjoyed great prestige among the Germans in Tiffin, because of the elegance of his diction, and the fluency and eloquence with which he preached. While in Tiffin he built and lived in the house on South Greenfield avenue, known for many years afterwards as "the old White property," and now occupied by Professor J. T. Marshman and his family.
A number of years ago the late Wellington Miller, the last private owner of the property, after the education of his daughter, Mrs. Frank A. Shults, offered to sell it to the university at a most reasonable price, because of his friendship for our institutions. President C. E. Miller gave the board of trustees of the seminary an option to purchase the place. Dr. Miller thus showed his deep interest in the theological seminary, whose authorities held under advisement for a number of weeks the acquirement of that excel- lent and well situated piece of ground, and the adjoining corner lot for the erection of a large building designed to meet the growing needs of that institution.
When Professor G. Hornung came to Heidelberg as a lad of sixteen, Mr. Marzinger, then a student in the seminary, a brother- in-law of Dr. Ruetenik and afterward a minister in the Reformed church, occupied the Ruetenik house and kept a boarding place for students. Dr. Hornung, a student then, roomed for a time in that house. It now belongs to the university.
Rev. Dr. E. E. Higby, late commissioner of education of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, was a member of the faculty in the opening years of Heidelberg, and served as teacher of the Greek
U
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and Latin languages. He was, at the same time, pastor of the First Reformed church, and built the large brick residence, now known as the Van Nest home. Rev. Dr. E. V. Gerhart, who was elected president of the college by the Ohio Synod. according to the records. after the synod had decided to locate the institutions permanently in Tiffin and had named them Heidelberg College and Heidelberg Seminary, built the house, a large frame structure, at No. 285 East Perry street, and afterwards occupied by Dr. Moses Kieffer, the second president of Heidelberg College. Later on it became the property and home of Dr. Herman Rust, by purchase from the Ohio Synod, and is still a part of his estate.
Professor John B. Kieffer, for many years teacher of the Greek language and literature in Franklin and Marshall College, Rev. Augustus R. Kieffer. D. D., and Rev. Dr. Samuel Z. Beam, the efficient and esteemed clerk of the Ohio Synod, when students at Heidelberg College, occupied the southeast corner room, on the second floor. It is indeed an historic room in the student life of Heidelberg. It was occupied also by Rev. J. A. Keller. Dr. Reuben Keller, Rev. John S. Stoner, a brother-in-law of Dr. Miller. Rev. R. B. Reichart, Rev. Chas. H. Huelhorst, Rev. Dr. Horstmeir, Rev. N. W. A. Helfrich, Rev. Freeman Ware, Rev. Dr. Frederick Mayer, Rev. Henry S. Gekeler and Edwin Nurbaugh, M. D., (the writer of this article), and his brother, Eugene G. Rust, who also entered the ministry. When Rev. Freeman Ware occupied the room, the Madder-Bernard tragedy occurred just across the way, and Mr. Ware, E. G. Rust, and Miss Rust were the first persons who saw the body of the murdered Phoebe Bernard.
Mr. Mason built the house in which Captain Brewer and his family lived for nearly half a century. The Dr. Gerhart and the Mason houses were in building at the same time. The framing had been scarcely completed, when a violent storm tore through them and almost ruined them. Dr. Kieffer built and moved into the fine country residence on the Greenfield road. east of Tiffin, on the Sexton farm. Mrs. Kieffer died in Tiffin.
Dr. Jeremiah H. Good, professor of mathematics in the early days of Heidelberg, conceived the idea that an octagonal house would furnish more space and be more convenient than a square one, and hence erected the octagon which faces University Hall. Every part was most carefully computed beforehand. and special forms were constructed for the use of the brick makers to mould the bricks for the corners of the octagon.
Rev. Reuben Good, worthily called Doctor of Science, as faithful a friend as Heidelberg College ever had, built the frame structure occupied by Professor M. E. Kleckner, his son-in-law, and honored successor. In that home "Rector" Good and Mrs. Good not only with unalterable Christian faith and devotion, reared a
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large and useful family, but shared their hospitality in uncomplain- ing liberality and kindness with many a needy student, and with friends of the institutions, ministers and others who came to Tiffin. especially during commencement seasons, to visit, or revisit, the "halls of learning." Mrs. M. J. Good, relict of the first professor of natural science in Heidelberg College, is still a member of the college community, and as deeply interested as ever in the growth and success of the institutions under the auspices of the Ohio Synod. It remains forever true, that without the self-denial, self- sacrifice, devotion to duty, tenacity of purpose, exhibited in behalf of higher education by the men and women of bygone generations, we would not command the larger equipment, opportunity and life we now enjoy.
During the presidency of Dr. G. W. Williard, a change was gradually made with reference to the German language. It be- came the policy of the school to give more and more prominence to the use of the English language in all departments. As a result of this movement, the influx of students from the German synods ceased to be as large as in former years. Heidelberg College was also, by act of synod and by the authorization of the secretary of state, raised to the dignity of a university.
We hope and believe that with the passage of the years it may become such more and more, a university in fact as well as in name. Dr. Charles E. Miller, president and acting chancellor of this insti- tution for the last eight years, has rendered unusually efficient ser- vice to that end. The record of his incumbency, including the new endowment, the Lester conditional. gift of $30.000, and the $70,000 balance secured by the personal efforts of Dr. Miller himself, thus . making possible the Carnegie Library building, is the story of an unbroken forward movement in the recent history of the university.
One fact remains to be added as a closing matter of record. In the years 1907 and 1908 a movement which had been under way for not less than ten years before, was consummated in the re-loca- tion of Heidelberg Theological Seminary.
This institution, founded by action of the Ohio Synod in the year 1850 and endorsed by the board of directors of Ursinus Col- lege, on February 12, 1907, entered into a compact with the Ursinus School of Theology, then located in Philadelphia, and created the Central Theological Seminary. Following the important resolu- tions of the Ohio Synod at Bellevue in October; 1907, in the summer of 1908, at a special meeting of the synod in Dayton, action was taken authorizing the immediate removal of the Central Seminary from Tiffin to Dayton. An effort previously made to unite Heidel- berg Theological Seminary with Calvinus College in Cleveland, and a still later attempt to unite Heidelberg Theological Seminary with the Mission House, and re-locate either in Cleveland, Indianapolis, or Chicago, had failed.
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When the Ursinus School of Theology found it necessary to withdraw from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a new opportunity appeared, after the seminary at Lancaster declined to accept the overture of Ursinus, to accomplish the cherished purpose of years. It was said, by loyal friends of the Ursinus School of Theology, and the sentiment was sympathetically endorsed by the faculty and other interested friends of the Heidelberg Theological Seminary in the Central Seminary, that in view of the far journey made by Ursinus across the Alleghany mountains, to enter into such a com- pact, the new seminary should stand upon "neutral ground." Many reasons, "wise and otherwise," were urged in advocacy of the re- moval of Central Theological Seminary, "Temporarily" located in Tiffin. It does not lie within the scope or purpose of this article to discuss these momentous happenings. As a result of this new alignment in the field of theological education. as far as the Re- formed church is concerned, Heidelberg University in a sense hitherto unknown in the relations between our institutions in Ohio, has been placed upon neutral ground. In other words, the uni- versity must, in the face of new theories of theological and minis- terial education, fulfill its mission, in the Providence of God, and by the will of the founders, with greater zeal and enthusiasm, and keener purpose than ever.
Heidelberg University commands nearly the whole territory in northwestern Ohio unchallenged, and is bound to continue to grow and to wield a determining influence, as a distinctively Christian school, upon many consciences and lives. This will cause the university, more than ever in the past, to serve, among other things. as a training school in classical equipment, for the more efficient study of theology and the noble calling of the Christian ministry.
URSULINE COLLEGE.
The Ursuline College at Tiffin is a boarding and day school for girls. It offers the educational advantages of a school of high grade, with the personal care, moral influence and social culture of a refined home. The regular course of study consists of primary, intermediate, preparatory and collegiate divisions. Classic, seien- tific and literary courses are well organized, and music and art pre- sents unusual attractions. There is also a department of domestic economy.
This college of the Ursuline Sisters was founded in 1863, by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Rappe, and was incorporated with power to confer degrees by an act of the legislature of the state in 1878. The school is conducted by the Sisters of the Ursuline Order. an order devoted in an especial manner to the education of girls.
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The college building is a large and handsome brick structure and is located on the corners of Jefferson and Madison streets. The pleasure grounds which surround it are extensive and most beauti- fully adorned. and the entire surroundings seem to breath an air of peace and happiness which exert a powerful influence over the moral, physical and intellectual life. Ample means for healthful exercise are furnished to preserve the good health of the pupils.
The locality is pleasant, and the pure air, good water supply with perfect drainage make the situation a healthful one. The buildings are modern in every way, and contain light and airy study halls, class rooms, recitation rooms, library, science rooms. dormitories, studios, chapel and etc.
THE PRESS.
The first newspaper in Tiffin was the Seneca Patriot, estab- lished in 1832. It was published by J. H. Brown and edited by Elisha Brown. In 1834 the Browns disposed of the Patriot to the Rawsons-Abel and Alonzo-and they changed the name of the paper to The Independent Chronicle and Seneca Advertiser. Alonzo Rawson was the publisher and Abel Rawson was the editor.
The Tiffin Gazette and Seneca Advertiser was started by J. F. Reed, in 1835, and continued under Mr. Reed's management until 1838, when he disposed of it to Luther A. Hall.
The Tiffin Gazette, an ultra-Whig newspaper, was established in February, 1838, by Luther A. Hall and Joseph Howard. Com- mercially it was the successor of the Gazette and Advertiser, but from a journalistic stand point it differed very widely from its parent. September, 1842, it ceased publication.
The Seneca Advertiser was first issued by John G. Breslin. May 6, 1842. he having purchased the office of the Van Burenite. Its new press and new type established the paper, which has been carried down to our own times with commercial and political suc- cess. In 1854 Mr. Breslin received the nomination for State treasurer, leased the Advertiser to John Flaugher, who conducted the paper until the close of 1855, when W. W. Armstrong took the position of editor and publisher. In 1857 he was sole owner of the office, and published the Advertiser regularly until the close of the winter of 1862-63, when he retired from newspaper work to attend to the duties of secretary of state, he being elected to that important office in 1862. He subsequently, in April. 1865. be- came owner of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, which he sold for $70,000 in December, 1884. £ Early in 1863 J. M. Myers and Charles Beilharz leased the Advertiser. In 1864 Mr. Myers be- came sole lessee and subsequently proprietor, conducting the paper successfully for many years.
مصرعه
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Since that period the Daily and Weekly Advertiser has con- tinued to be issued by Myers Brothers. On August 1, 1909, John Michael Myers, who had charge of the editorial department for so many years and. who. in his prime, was a conspicuous figure in the field of Ohio journalism, passed away. He had the distine- tion of being the oldest Ohio editor in the harness at the time of his death, having wielded the editorial pen for a period of forty- six years. On August 27th of the same year Edward Bruce Myers. junior member of the firm and its business manager, died suddenly. The business has since been conducted by E. Shelby Myers, the surviving partner. On June 20. 1910. the business was incor- porated under the name of the Advertiser Company. with a capital stock of $75,000, all of which was retained by Mr. Myers and the legal representatives of the two deceased partners. Mr. Myers is president of the company and is its business manager. E. Tappan Rodgers is secretary and treasurer and assistant business manager. The editorial department is in charge of Urn S. Abbott. Recently the company installed a new Cox rotary perfecting press with a capacity of 4,000 copies an hour. It now issues an eight page all home print paper and is one of the leading and most in- fluential dailes in this section of the state.
The Daily Tribune and Herald and Weekly Tribune, published at Tiffin, are the direct descendants of a paper known as the Whig- Standard and established in 1845, by George L. Wharton. The Tiffin Tribune, successor to the Whig-Standard, was established by W. C. Gray (who at the time of his death, a few years ago, was editor of the Chicago Interior) in 1855 and was edited and pub- lished by him until 1857, when he sold the paper and plant to II. L. McKee. Later. a Mr. Bailey became associated with Mr. McKee in the business and the firm was known as McKee & Bailey. John Robbins purchased the paper in 1861 and in 1865 sold it to Abraham Kagy. In the same year. Myers & Miller became the proprietors and publishers. and in 1868 they sold out to Messrs. Otis T. Locke, Charles N. Locke and W. G. Blymyer. In 1873 Mr. Blymyer severed his connection with the business and the Messrs. Locke continued it until the death of Charles N. Locke, in 1874, when his wife. Mrs. Amelia HI. Locke. assumed his interest. the business being thenceforward managed and the paper edited by Otis T. Locke. In 1891 John P. Locke purchased Mrs. Locke's interest and the firm was thereafter styled O. T. Locke & Son and is that today. Since O. T. Locke assumed the duties of postmaster at Tiffin, John P. Locke has edited the papers published by them. having also entire management of the business of the firm. The Daily Tribune and Herald was established in 1886.
John P. Locke was born in Tiffin. August 24, 1869, son of Otis T. and Maria C. (Porch) Locke. He received a common school
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education, in the public schools of that city. and at the age of eigh- teen years entered the employ of Locke and Brothers, publishers of the Tribune, as collector and solicitor. He later became city editor of the Weekly Tribune and Daily Tribune and Herald and continued as such until he became a member of the firm of O. T. Locke & Son, editors and publishers of the Tribune, in 1891. In 1894, he was united in marriage to Miss Eleta H. Kaup. daughter of John T. and Margaret C. (Brady) Kaup. One son was born to them, Charles Otis Locke. September 29, 1895. Mr. Locke is a member of Tiffin Lodge No. 77, F. and A. M., and at this writing is serving that body as worshipful master. He is also a member of Seneca Chapter, No. 42, R. A. M., Clinton Council, No. 47, R. & S. M., and De Molay Commandery, No. 9, K. T., also of Pickwick Lodge, No. 175, K. of P. and Tiffin Council. No. 62, Royal Arcanum. He is a member of the Trinity Protestant Episcopal church, a member of the vestry of that church and its senior warden.
The Van Burenite Journal was established by Joshua Seney, Henry Cronise and Gabriel J. Keen in 1840, but suspended publi- cation in 1841, having lived its allotted time.
The Evening Herald was established by W. H. Keppel. Jan- uary 9, 1877, and conducted by him up to November, 1880, when he sold the office to the Herald Printing Company, Messrs. J. A. Nor- ton and Henning. Dr. Norton was the editor, with Mr. Henning, business manager, and Mr. Burdette, local editor and solicitor. Mr. Burdette was subsequently local editor and manager. August 6, 1877, the form of the Herald was changed, and the "New Issue" form adopted.
The Tiffin News was established by D. J. Stalter, in 1880. and the first number issued April 3rd, that year. Mr. Stalter pur- chased the printing office of the Tiffin Gazette, from C. L. Zahm, in 1880.
The Tiffin Weekly News claims to have a large country circula- tion. It is published by the News Printing Company, of which H. W. Yeager is president, and Grover Stofer. manager.
A number of other newspapers have been started in Tiffin, in the years that are passed, but they proved to be unsuccessful ventures.
There are only three newspapers in Tiffin at the present time ; The Tribune, the Advertiser and the Weekly News. The Tribune and Advertiser are each, both daily and weekly.
W. W. Armstrong was for many years the editor of the Seneca County Advertiser and later was the editor and proprietor of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, and deserves an honorable mention in this work.
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Mr. Armstrong was born in New Lisbon, Ohio, on the 18th day of March, 1833. He was the youngest son of General John Arm- strong, a prominent and influential citizen of Columbiana county. In 1847, on the 27th day of May, when only two months past four- · teen years of age, William became an apprentice to the printing business in the office of the Seneca Advertiser, at Tiffin, then pub- lished by John G. Breslin. It was not long after his arrival here before William had a host of friends among the older classes of our citizens. His sprightliness and ability soon endeared him to his employer, Mr. Breslin, who made him one of his family.
Mr. Armstrong worked at his trade, occasionally contributing to the editorial columns of the Advertiser. until 1852. When Mr. Breslin was treasurer of state, he tendered him the office of register of the bank department of the state treasurer's office, which he filled to the satisfaction of the banks and the treasurer for about two years. The life of a clerk was distasteful to young Armstrong, and he returned to Tiffin in 1854. purchased the Advertiser and entered on his majority and editorial career about the same time.
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