History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 66

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?; Graham, A. A. (Albert Adams), 1848-
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1104

USA > Ohio > Summit County > History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio > Part 66

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Next to the works of Whitmore, Robinsons & Co., those of the Akron Stoneware Company, on Bank street, Sixth Ward, are the largest in

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Akron. This is an incorporated company, or- ganized May 1, 1879, with a capital of $60,000. Joseph Cook, President ; R. H. Kent, Secretary and Treasurer ; David A. Butler, General Agent. This company manufactures every variety of standard Akron stoneware. Their works are large and their trade extensive.

Johnson & Baldwin occupy the works first started by Johnson & Dewey as a redware manufactory, on the corner of Market and High streets, Sixth Ward. The proprietors are Thomas Johnson and Harvey Baldwin. Their works have a capacity of 15,000 gallons a week. They have two down-draft kilns. Their entire trade is disposed of to Quigley Brothers, of Akron, wholesale dealers in stoneware. The latter have an office at 215 High street, Sixth Ward, also one near the depot of the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad.

Jones, Waite & Co. carry on the manufacture of stoneware on River street, Sixth Ward ; William Rowley on the same street ; Cook & Fairbanks on South High street ; and Viall & Markle on East Market street, same ward. These works are all extensive and their trade widely extended.

Akron has three broom factories ; that of Bachtel & Pontius was established in 1870. This firm, of whom the members are A. C. Bachtel and N. Pontius, manufacture in large quantities every variety of the best brooms, at 125 Carroll street. Their broom-corn is brought from Illinois ; their handles from Columbus, Ohio ; their wire from Cuyahoga Falls ; and their twine from New York City. The shop of H. B. Cross, who also manufactures brooms, is at Lock No. 1, Ohio Canal ; that of Mr. Hardy is on Mill street.

The Akron Malleable Iron Works are located on East Water street, Sixth Ward, Hope & Greer proprietors. W. Foster Hope, Business Manager ; John F. Greer, Superintendent. This firm manufacture malleable iron castings, nickel-plated castings, models for patents, and gray iron castings of every description.

Lepper & Sackett make Bohemian or hnlless oat-meal at their Bohemian Oat-Meal Mills, on Water street, Sixth Ward. Their goods are sent to various parts of the country.

In addition to the industries already noticed, there are a number in Akron helping to swell the aggregate, each one of which is of impor- tance : Louis Cohn's Awning Manufactory is lo-

cated in the Phoenix Block, South Howard street. N. O. Freer, makes, at 176, same street, furnaces for heating and ventilating buildings. He began his business first on Mill street, in 1876, and moving to his present rooms in 1878. G. W. McNeil & Sons manufacture stone grain sconrers and polishers on South High street. George W. MeNeil, Jr., makes, at the same place, the Acme Wheat Steamer. M. Shouler manufactures soda water, ginger ale and Seltzer water, at the Akron City Bottling Works, S34 Bowery street. At 240 Mill street, R. L. & A. Andrew make window shades. They have been established in the business since 1876. Nahum Fay, at 926 East Market street, manufactures cordage. John J. Grether makes soap and can- dles, at 717 South Broadway. He established the candle business in Akron in 1852, adding soap manufacture some years subsequent. Adam Beck also manufactures soap near the fair grounds. Walter Andrews makes candies at the Akron Steam Candy Works, selling them at wholesale only. J. Bergdorf is engaged in the manufacture of baskets on Cuyahoga street.

A summary of the manufacturing interests of Akron is as follows : Capital invested, $6,127,- 250 ; hands employed, 4,163; total value of materials consumed, $4,606,774 ; total annual production, $9,313,451.

Number of establishments that turn out a product annually of $1,000,000 or over, 2; $900,000 or over annually, 1 ; $250,000 and less than $900,000 annually, 7 ; $100,000 and less than $250,000 annually, 7; $50,000 and less than $100,000 annually, 11 ; $25,000 and less than $50,000 annually, 18; $10,000 and less than $25,000 annually, 34.

It may be said, therefore, with truth, that the crowning glory of Akron is her manufactories. It has been shown that a number of them are among the largest and most successful of their kind in the United States, giving them almost the control of the market for the particular commodities manufactured. The history of most of them shows a gradual development from small beginnings. Not all, of course, have been alike successful; but, the rule has been, to which there have been but few exceptions, that every industry persevered in and conducted on strictly business principles in Akron, has, in the end, proved a success. There really seems no limit to the increase of the manufacturing interests of this thriving city.

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CHAPTER X .*

CITY OF AKRON-ITS EARLY CHRISTIANITY-FORMATION OF CHURCHES-BUILDING OF CHURCHI EDIFICES-RELIGION AT THE PRESENT DAY-SUNDAY SCHOOLS, ETC.

" Magna est veritas, et prevalebit."

"THE church history of Akron dates back almost to the dawn of its existence as a town or settlement. The great truths of re- ligion make their appeals to man, whatever may be his circumstances or surroundings. If there has ever been a church-going habit; if the Sabbath has ever found recognition from him ; and truth and love to God predominated in his heart ; then, when deprived of the oppor- tunities of going to church, this religious nature will make its appeals with the recurrence of the seventh day, demanding that he should rest, or by some means recognize the day set apart for rest, by special command. This de- mand, or religious influence, is early felt in pioneer life ; and, because the opportunities for church-going are few, they are, therefore, the more highly prized. In a very early period in the history of the town, religious societies were formed, and churches established, as will be gathered from a perusal of the sketches follow- ing of the different religious denominations having organized churches within the city limits. These sketches have been written, either by the Pastor or some leading member of their congregations, and are as full and com- plete as our limited space will allow, and are given without comment.

The First Methodist Episcopal Church of Akron comes first in the order of formation, and dates its organization back to 1830. The following historical sketch of it was furnished for this work by Mr. Jacob Snyder, and will be found of interest to its members : With the characteristic zeal of the Methodist Episcopal societies of the world, that of the First Method- ist Episcopal Church, Akron, Ohio, secured a location in this city when it was but a young village. The society was organized in about 1830, and by the Rev. John Janes, of the North Ohio Conference, of the territory of which the then village of Akron formed a part. In about the same year of the organization of the so-

ciety, the erection of a church edifice was com- menced, which was an unpretentious wooden structure of 40x60 feet, located directly in front of the present one, and fronting toward the West. It was destroyed by fire in March, 1841, and upon its foundation another of like design was immediately built. In 1836, this city was taken within the bounds and placed under the control of the Erie Conference, when Revs. Thomas Carr and John L. Holmes were appointed to serve the society. In 1837, the appointees were Daniel M. Stearnes and Thomas Graham ; in 1838, Horatio N. Stearnes ; in 1839. John Robinson and Caleb Brown ; in 1840, John Robinson continned, and Benjamin K. Maltby ; in 1841, Ira Eddy and John Wood ; in 1842, Timothy Goodwin, M. D .; in 1843, William H. Hunter ; and in 1844-45, Edwin J. Kinney.

The busy throng in practical life is apt to be absorbed only by what the present forces upon it ; yet there is now and then one, who, some- what more far-sighted, overleaps the general boundary, and invites to remembrance the men and the deeds of the past. Such was Rev. Samuel Gregg, who was appointed to this sta- tion in 1846, and who was the author of "The History of Methodism in the Erie Conference," in two volumes, which we have taken the lib- erty to use in preparing these historical sketches. In 1847, James R. Locke was the appointee to the station ; in 1848, Martin C. Briggs ; in 1849, Reuben J. Edwards ; in 1850-51, Ezra Jones ; in 1852-53. John Tribby ; in 1854, Gay- lord B. Hawkins ; in 1855-56, William F. Day ; in 1857-58, George W. Clark; in 1859, Thomas Stubbs, and in 1860-61, John D. Norton.

With this last-mentioned pastorate, the time had arrived when, to meet the increased wants of the society, the old church must undergo extension and reparation. The Pastor seeing this necessity, urged upon the trustees its pos- sible accomplishment, which resulted in revers- ing its front, enlarging the building, and in otherwise improving its several apartments, at

* Edited by W. Il. Perrin.

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a cost in all of about $3,500. In 1862-63, John Peate was appointed to the charge; in 1863, E. A. Johnson, and in 1865-67, D. C. Osborne. It was during the latter's pastorate in 1866 that the centennial of Methodism was celebrated by the society in the old church, at which time there was subscribed and paid about $30,000, as a nucleus from which the present edifice sprang. During this year and the early part of the following one, the Centenary piet- ure, now decorating the main Sunday-school room was made, whose design embodies the ideal of the then prospective departments, and exhibits the members of the entire Sunday school, as well as many of the congregation of the old church, to the extent of between seven and eight hundred photographic likenesses made by G. W. Manly, Esq.

In the spring of 1867, ground was broken for the present edifice, and by late autumn, the foundation walls were elevated to about one- - half their designed height. The work was then delayed in the winter, and again resumed in the spring of 1868, and thence prosecuted to the entire inclosing of the building by the return of the next autumn. Another winter's cessation from the work was followed by its resumption in the spring of 1869, and the completion of the Sunday-school and the lec- ture-room apartments in April, 1870, when the transition from the old church to the present one was made by the society and Sunday school. On the 15th of this month, the finished apartments of the first story, main building, and the second story of the Sunday-school rooms were formally dedicated by Dr. C. H. Fowler, of Chicago, and Dr. J. H. Vincent, of New York. At this time, W. F. Day, D. D., had charge of the appointment, he having after an interval of about twelve years been re-ap- pointed thereto in 1868, and he continued in the position until August, 1871. During the last ten years previous to the occupancy of the new edifice, the ratio of increase of member- ship, both of church and Sunday school was greater than of any previous decade of the society's history.

In June, 1871, the work upon the audience- room of the present church was resumed which had been permitted to rest during the interval of completing the other departments of the church ; and in the January following, it was completed and dedicated, Bishop Wiley and Dr.

B. I. Ives conducting the dedicatory exercises. Both the main audience-room and the Sunday- school apartments are considered models of excellence, and, to an extent, even beyond a State-wide reputation.

In 1871, W. W. Ramsay, of the Cincinnati Conference, was transferred to the Erie, and appointed to this charge, his term of service ending in 1874, when Henry Baker became his successor, and continued until 1877. In the latter year, I. A. Pierce became the ap- pointee, and in 1878 W. W. Case, the present incumbent was transferred from the Cincinnati Conference to the East Ohio, and appointed to the charge. The present membership of the church is about eight hundred, and that of the Sunday-school about seven hundred and fifty.

When the pews of the spacious audience- room are well filled, their united capacity is about one thousand sittings. When all of the vacant places of the room are supplied with extra means of seating, this capacity may be increased to 1,500, and the possible capacity by the availment of all of the standing room, which probably has been the case in a few in- stances, is 2,000. Both in the church and Sunday school there seems to be a continually growing interest upon the part of all connected therewith. And it seems as if the Sunday- school appointments especially were likely at some not far distant day to become too strait- ened to accommodate the growing attendance. For here may be seen

"' Fathers and mothers, brothers, sisters, friends,' And very little boys and girls-around, Across, within the spacious sacred rooms, ' They walk, they sit, they stand,' what Crowds press in !"

The church and Sunday school are both greatly indebted to Mr. Lewis Miller for the great proportions they have assumed since the enterprise of the present church edifice was commenced, he having both by an unusual expenditure of time and money contributed to the advancement of their interests.

The First Presbyterian Church of Middle- bury (now the Sixth Ward of Akron) is one of the early church organizations of this section. The following sketch of it was written by Mrs. Henry Robinson especially for this work : At a meeting held in the schoolhouse in the village of Middlebury, then Portage, now Summit County, Thursday, December 15, 1831, the First

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Presbyterian Church of Middlebury was organ- ized by Rev. Benson C. Baldwin, assisted by Rev. John D. Hughes, of Springfield. The fol- lowing-named persons were then admitted to membership : Jesse Neal and Nancy, his wife ; Dr. Titus Chapman, Richard Chapman, Mrs. Eliza Chapman, Mrs. Sylvia Chapman, Woolsey Welles, Mrs. Mary B. Welles, James Neal, William F. Astroon, Harvey B. Spellman, Ed- gar Chapman (only member now living), Miss Sallie Allen, Miss Amanda Gillet, Miss Mary A. Gillet, Miss Naomi Hickox, Miss Louisa Neal, Miss Sophronia Neal, Miss Sophia Neal, Miss Mary Erwin, Miss R. M. Jennison, Mrs. Jane Bell, Mrs. Mary Ann Cotter, Mrs. Clarissa Hickox, Mrs. Allen and Miss Emeline King. The officers of the church were Woolsey Welles and Richard Chapman, Ruling Elders ; Jesse Neal, Deacon. Rev. Benson C. Baldwin re- mained a much-loved Pastor of this little church until September 30, 1838, when he re- moved to Medina. He was succeeded by Rev. Almon Saunders, of Unionville, who commenced his labors October 7, 1838, and continued with the church for one year. In July, 1840, the Rev. H. A. Sackett took charge, remaining until the next January. During his labors large numbers were added to the church. In the fall of 1841, Rev. James Shaw was settled as Pastor. The church was greatly blessed during his pastorate, 109 members being added. In the fall of 1845, on account of failing health, he requested that his pastoral relations with the church be dissolved. This good man passed to his eternal rest in 1874 or 1875.

Soon after Mr. Shaw ceased his relations with the church, a part of the members seceded. The subject of slavery had for some time been agi- tated, and a part of the church, on this account, not being willing to retain their connection with Presbytery, withdrew and formed a Congrega- tional Church. From this time until the fall of 1846, the pulpit was supplied by the aged minister, Rev. William Hanford. In September of that year, the Rev. Horace Foot was engaged for one year, and in January, 1848, Rev. Elroy Curtis was called, and labored as Pastor until the spring of 1854, faithfully and efficiently. In 1860, the slavery question, which had di- vided the churches, being settled, they were united, and formed an independent church, un- der the charge of Rev. William Dempsey, who remained until 1863. He died in 1864 at Me-

dina. The church then hired Rev. Mr. Hicks, who remained for three years, and was suc- ceeded by Rev. John G. Hall. He remained three years, and in May, 1871, Rev. Henry Avery came, remaining until May, 1874 ; Rev. Carlos Smith then officiated for three months.

This brings us to the period in the history of the church, when it again connected itself with the Presbytery. This was accomplished through the earnest efforts of Mr. Ambrose L. Cotter, who has been connected with it for forty-six years having become a member in 1835. He has always been an earnest and zealous worker in the cause of Christ, and, though now past his fourscore years, his enthusiasm kindles at the very mention of the church. The next min- ister in charge was Rev. C. E. Barnes, who came in October, 1874, and was employed as stated supply until 1877. On the 1st of April, 1878, Rev. J. H. Jones was formally installed as Pastor, and still continues his labors as such. During all these years, this little church has had but three regularly installed Pastors, viz .: Rev. James Shaw, Rev. E. Curtis and Rev. J. H. Jones, the others having officiated merely as stated supply.

There are very few of the earlier members now known to be living. Mrs. D. A. Hine, who resides here, and who united with the church at the same time as did Mr. Cotter, is still an earnest and devoted Christian worker. The society is now recognized as the " First Pres- byterian Church of Akron." Its present mem- bership is sixty-one ; the officers are Rev. J. H. Jones, Pastor ; A. L. Cotter, J. K. Robin- son and Henry Hart, Ruling Elders ; James B. Manton, William Robinson, Dr. F. C. Reed, Harvey Baldwin and J. K. Robinson, Trustees. The church edifice was erected in 1833, but has since been remodeled and repaired.

The Sabbath school has been in existence ever since the organization of the church, and at present numbers over one hundred, with an average attendance of sixty-five. The officers are Dr. C. C. Davidson, Superintendent ; Mrs. Henry Robinson, Assistant Superintendent ; Byron Robinson, Secretary ; Miss Kate Palm- er, Treasurer ; Miss Frances Robinson, Organ- ist ; and Miss Belle Berger, Chorister.

In connection with the church is a Ladies' Foreign Mission Society, formed May 17, 1880, by Miss Loring; and at the same time the children formed a home Mission Band, to be

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known as the " Austin Mission Band." They have undertaken the support of a pupil in Miss Austin's School, at Sitka, Alaska. Members, thirty-nine ; amount of money raised in less than a year over $45 ; officers, Mrs. Henry Robinson, Superintendent ; Miss Kate Palmer, Assistant Superintendent ; Miss Lizzie Griffin, President ; Henry B. Manton, Vice President ; Miss Nellie Farwell, Secretary ; and Park T. Robinson, Treasurer.

St. Paul's Episcopal Church,* Akron, Ohio, is another of the early church organizations. The records of the church were burned and conse- quently much that would be deemed necessary for its history is lost. What we give here has been collated from journals, Episcopal address- es, etc. Rev. A. Sanford reports in 1832 : " Solemnized one marriage at Akron." Bishop McIlvaine in 1834, says : " From Stow to Mid- dlebury, October 11; two or three Episcopal families in the neighborhood ; heard of none in the village ; preached at night in the school- honse to a very considerable and attentive au- dience ; next day went to Akron, to take the canal-boat for Massillon. This growing place is destined to become a manufacturing town of great importance. There was no place of wor- ship in it when I was there, and seldom any preaching of the Gospel. It should be a mis- sionary station as soon as possible. I should have preached there, had not the constant ex- pectation of the boat prevented." The Rev. W. K. Newman took charge of St. John's, in Stow, and of two new parishes at Akron and Franklin.

From the Bishop's address, 1836 : "July 8, visited St. Paul's, Akron ; preached and met the Vestry; the Rev. Mr. Barrow has been invited to assume the care of this point and Franklin." This minister reports, in the same year, five com- municants. Mr. John Hanford was the first lay delegate from this parish to the diocesan con- vention. Rev. Mr. Barrow remained one year. In 1837, nine communicants are reported. In 1838, the Bishop reports preaching in the Bap- tist Church, and confirming five persons. This year the Rev. T. J. Davis, of Connecticut, as- sumed charge of the church. In 1839, Mr. Davis reports fifteen communicants, and that a Sunday-school has been organized, which num- bers twenty-five children ; also the organization of a society called the Christian Knowledge Soci- ety. A room was fitted up in a stone building

on the ground now occupied by Mr. Henry's store, to be used as a place of worship.

Referring to a visitation made in 1839, Bishop McIlvaine says : " In a large upper room in a warehouse fitted up for a church, I preached, catechised the young, addressed the parents, and confirmed three. This parish has much prospered since that date." November 6, 1840, the Bishop visited St. Paul's and confirmed six persons. It was this year, on a Sunday morn- ing, at the hour of worship, that a severe storm threw a large chimney and heavy ornamental stones in upon the assembled congregation, and although the people were hurled down through a broken floor, but one man was killed and a few others injured.

About this time the congregation undertook the building of what is known under the name of the old " Cobb House," northwest of the city, near the bend of the canal. It was to serve for the combined purposes of parsonage, seminary and parish school. From a letter of a Warden, dated November, 1840, we give the following extract : "This parish has received donations, solicited by Rev. Mr. Davis, about $900 from the friends of the church in Philadelphia, and this diocese to assist in the erection of a tem- porary house of worship and parsonage and support of the Rector. It would probably be a satisfaction to the donors to know that their benevolent wishes have been fulfilled in the erection of the building contemplated, and the establishment of the church upon a permanent basis." This year occurred the first attempt to chant, under the direction of Mrs. Cowan. It was a nine days' wonder. In November, 1840, Rev. Mr. Davis resigned. The resolutions passed by the Vestry were exceedingly compli- mentary to Mrs. Davis, and were signed by John Hanford and E. W. Chittenden, Wardens ; Alvah Hand, Abram Smith and J. G. Darby, Vestrymen.

In 1841, Rev. Lyman Freeman was called. During his administration, the building in which the congregation is now worshiping was undertaken. For this purpose $1,770 was col- lected from persons other than citizens of Akron. Mr. Lyman Cobb had the contract for building, and in part payment on contract, the title of the Cobb House was transferred to him. On the 2d of June, 1844, the church was con- secrated. The parish then numbered sixty communicants, and the building was described

* By Rev. R. L. Ganter.

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as being 40x60 feet. Four months after the consecration of the church, the Rev. Mr. Free- man resigned. Rev. Mr. Cox took charge De- cember 8, 1844. Rev. Mr. Mellhinney, Novem- ber, 1847. Rev. J. K. Stuart in 1848. Rev. E. H. Cumming, December 20, 1850. He was followed by Rev. R. S. Nash, and he in turn was succeeded in November, 1854, by Rev. D. C. Maybin. The Rev. Edward Meyer preached his first sermon December 16, 1855. He reports that " during the summer of 1856, through the exertions of the ladies' society, a set of neat green blinds were procured for the south side windows, adding greatly to the comfort of the worshipers, and furnishing a pleasant and sub- dued light ; the cost was $40." Mr. Meyer's resignation was accepted July, 1859. The Rev. Henry Adams took charge in 1860 ; the Rev. Samuel Maxwell in 1863 ; the Rev. W. T. Fitch in 1866 ; the Rev. Henry Gregory in 1869, and the Rev. R. L. Ganter, the present Rector, in 1870.

In 1870, the church edifice was enlarged and a new organ procured. The same year, also, a commodious parsonage was erected on North Summit street. In 1872-73, $4,000 were ex- pended for new Sunday-school rooms.

The following are the present officers of the church : R. L. Ganter, Rector ; Senior Warden, D. L. King ; Junior Warden, Philo Bennett ; Vestrymen, Frank Adams, J. A. Beebe, O. C. Barber, C. A. Collins, A. L. Conger, G. W. Crouse, U. L. Marvin, W. B. Raymond ; Super- intendent of Sunday school, H. J. Church ; Assistant Superintendent, U. L. Marvin ; Sec- retary, A. N. Sanford ; Assistant Secretary, Percy W. Leavitt ; Treasurer, W. B. Raymond ; Librarians, W. F. Snook and W. A. Noble.

Ladies' Aid Society : President, Mrs. Frank Adams ; Vice President, Mrs. Lorenzo Hall ; Treasurer, Mrs. A. Commins ; Assistant Treas- urer, Miss Ruth Hubdell ; Directors, Mesdames H. H. Brown, E. W. Shook, A. Brewster, L. Camp, James McNeil, O. C. Barber, C. B. Cobb and E. Buckingham.

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History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 66

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?; Graham, A. A. (Albert Adams), 1848- Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey Number of Pages: 1104

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?; Graham, A. A. (Albert Adams), 1848-
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1104