USA > Ohio > Union County > History of Union County, Ohio; its people, industries and institutions > Part 21
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107
Mount Pleasant United Brethren church was situated a mile south of York Center, and was formed in about 1850 through the efforts of Rev. Frederick Hendricks, famous for organizing churches in the county. Its
227
UNION COUNTY, OHIO.
first members were largely drawn from the Methodist Episcopal church of York Center. The first meetings were hekl in the blacksmith shop of Henry Tobey, and later in the school house, but it was not long before a hewed-log house was constructed for church purposes. It had the primitive seats with- out backs for the comfort of the worshipers. After a dozen or more years this log house gave way to a more respectable house of worship. It was at first a part of Somerville circuit. Among the early members may be re- called the names of Henry Tobey, David Davis, Amos Davis, George Davis, Sr., and their families.
The United Brethren church at Somerville was organized about 1850 in the old Hyde schoolhouse. A church was commenced in the country, but later it was decided to erect it in Somerville. The church was at one time strong. Its early members included Moses Horn and wife, George Davis and wife. James Meadles and wife. Ephraim Warrington, wife and sons and the Keener families.
The United Brethren church at Peoria was organized January 8, 1800, by Rev. G. W. Carder. It now has a membership of thirty. The church building was erected about the date of organization and cost one thousand three hundred dollars. It is now valued at two thousand dollars. There have been several revivals in the history of this society. The church build- ing has a good bell surmounting it. Among the faithful pastors who have served here are the following: G. W. Carder, E. Counsellor, Hoag. L. Rice, A. H. Ballinger, E. A. Barnes. G. W. Wolcot. E. A. Myers, Melvin Pierce and Ezra Burroughs, the present pastor. Rev. Wright, of Columbus, also preached here at one time.
THE LUTHERAN CHURCHES.
The history of the Evangelical Lutheran St. John's church of Paris and Darby townships runs about as follows.
The first German settlers arrived in Union county about 1830. They were from Hessen Darmstadt and Bavaria. They consisted of thirteen families, including George Reipper, George Heer, the Blumenscheins, George Rausch, John Rausch, John Ell, Peter Kreitler, G. Hegardaerfer and others. These thirteen German families with three Americans organized this con- gregation in 1838. They built a log church on the east side of the Plain City road, about four miles south of Marysville. The first church was never completely finished and was destroyed by fire. New German settlers arrived and so the Germans built a new church for themselves about a mile from the
228
UNION COUNTY, OIIIO.
first building. This building was twenty-six by thirty-two feet and was also built of logs. It was dedicated by Rev. Adam Ernst, who preached his first sermon here June 25, 1843 ; he also opened a school with seventy-four pupils. The land on which this school building was erected was donated by John Ell. The congregation still has a cemetery at that point. In 1847 Jacob Seidel was called as assistant pastor, and was ordained October, 1847. by Dr. W. Sihler. Rev. Seidel succeeded Rev. Adam Ernst as pastor, the latter having received a call to Marion, Ohio. Rev. Seidel was ordained pastor in February, 1848. In 1851 the congregation bought twenty-seven acres of land from Mr. Steinbauer for one hundred and sixty-two dollars, and on this tract of land the congregation built a parsonage twenty-six by thirty-two feet. In 1885 the present two-story brick parsonage was built, costing three thousand dollars. Rev. Seidel had for his assistant pastor for one year George Schaefer, after which, on account of illness, the pastor re- signed. Rev. Fred Nuelzel was called and ordained pastor, August 23. 1857. The congregation built its fourth church. It was built where the present new church building stands. It was sixty by forty feet and twenty- five high, with a steeple one hundred feet high. The members of the congre- gation, in and around Marysville, organized and in 1878 called their first pastor, Rev. F. Zagel.
In 1864 the third church building was taken down, and the brick used in the school building which was erected by the congregation near the church site.
In 1871 Rev. Knief was called as pastor. The Revs. Kneif, F. Zagel and W. Lemke were successful in reuniting the churches. Rev. Kneif and Lemke resigned and Rev. J. H. Werfleman, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was called and accepted the pastorate, May 18, 1879, serving faithfully for nine- teen years. resigning on account of declining health October 16. 1898.
Twenty-six members of St. John's church living south of Darby creek organized St. Paul's church in 1893 and called the present pastor, Rev. H. C. Knust. The successor of Rev. Werfleman. the present pastor. Rev. H. C. Knechle, took charge October 23, 1898, or rather that was when he was called. He arrived in December of that year.
The pastors of this congregation taught school also until 1856, when the congregation called the first teachers, the first being Mr. Rolf. He was succeeded by various persons until the arrival of the present instructor, G. Burger, from Michigan, who arrived in March, 1901, and is now assisted by a lady teacher, Clara Eickemeyer. The present school building, a two- story brick, was erected in 1880 at a cost of one thousand five hundred dollars.
ST. PAUL'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, CHUCKERY.
220
UNION COUNTY, OH10.
The new church edifice was erected in 1899-1900. It is fifty by one hundred and one feet with a cross section, twenty by sixty feet. and a steeple one hundred and nineteen feet high. It was dedicated November 18, 1900. The total cost was about twenty-five thousand dollars. The present member- ship of the congregation is six hundred and seventy, with one hundred and fifty-five voting members. The school was attended by ninety-nine pupils in 1914.
The congregation also has a chapel at Marysville where a number of the membership now reside. This chapel is on South Main street, while the church proper is situated three and a half miles south of Marysville on the Plain City road.
EVANGELICAL LUTHIERAN ST. PAUL'S CHURCH.
This church is located in Darby township at Chuckery. It was organ- ized September 15. 1893, by twenty-four members of the St. John's church in the German settlement of Paris township. They came under the leader- ship of Rev. H. C. Knust. At first the services were held in the school- house erected by St. John's church at Chuckery, the year before the separa- tion of the society. The new organization also conducted a school and taught the church doctrines to their children, as well as other branches of study. This school is still in existence and has a very able teacher in the person of Prof. R. F. Lutshouser. In 1902 the church congregation erected a comfortable church edifice at a cost of eight thousand dollars. The same pastor who first had charge, Rev. Knust, is still doing good work in the congregation and community. In 1894 the congregation erected a parson- age of the value of two thousand dollars. In 1907 a residence was built for the use of the teacher of the parochial school. The present total value of the church property is about fifteen thousand dollars. Since the opening of the school at this point the teachers have been H. C. Knust ( pastor and teacher), C. W. Bunck, E. Gutzler and R. F. Luthauser. The total number in the congregation is two hundred and thirty.
In Marysville, the denomination of German Lutheran, known as "St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Marysville, Ohio," was incorporated December 20, 1875. Officers were elected and the organization was com- pleted at that time. November 9, 1878, "The Evangelical Lutheran German Trinity Church" was incorporated. These two societies were later consoli- dated and erected a fine brick church edifice, the corner-stone of which was laid August 13, 1882. Before that date the society worshiped in a small
230
UNION COUNTY, OHIO.
brick building on South Main street. The present structure is on the corner of East Sixth and Walnut streets and cost twenty thousand dollars. It is a fine brick building. and near by are two parochial school buildings. The new one on South Walnut street was built in 1904 at a cost of sixteen thou- sand dollars. This congregation now numbers eight hundred and sixty-one souls, with five hundred and sixty communicants. The church is supplied with a fine pipe organ and a clear toned bell. The organ cost the church two thousand four hundred dollars. The following have served as pastors here: Revs. G. T. Zagel, J. M. Koeppling, J. E. A. Doermann, F. W. C. Wiechers, F. W. Albricht, and the present pastor, Rev. D. P. Ebert.
Teachers in the parochial school have been J. F. Bergner, Karl Schaub, D. Bausmann, A. O. Moench, William Nordseick, T. H. Dannecker and E. Wenzel.
BAPTIST CHURCHES.
There have been different branches of the Baptist church in Union county. including the Regular and Free-will Baptist denominations.
The Free-will Baptist church at Newton (now Raymond), in Liberty township, was organized in March, 1826, by Elder David Dudley, at the house of James Herd. It consisted of five persons, James Herd, Levi Carter. John Sharp, Jeremiah Moore and Israel Carter, who received the right hand of fellowship. James Herd was chosen clerk. On November 1, 1834, the church met at Liberty for monthly meetings, at which time Levi Garwood and James Herd were appointed deacons. At a meeting of the church, Octo- ber 1, 1836, at the schoolhouse in Mr. Garwood's settlement, Isaac Newton Dotson was received into the church. At the same time it was moved that a request be sent to the next quarterly meeting to license Mr. Dotson to "improve his gift wherever God in his providence might cast his lot." De- cember 16, 1837, at the schoolhouse in Liberty township, after deliberation, the church agreed to divide. The church at East Liberty was then called the First church. At the same meeting James Herd was appointed clerk. January 22, 1842, Elder Mead was appointed pastor and in December of that year Elder Harvey was appointed pastor for one year. In January, 1844, Elder Erastus Harvey was again chosen pastor and again in 1845. In December, 1845, a revival was held and Elder George Baker baptized six persons. In December, 1846, and again in 1848, David Dudley was ap- pointed pastor ; he removed from the township in 1850. Elder Higgins was chosen in 1852 and served till 1855. In 1856, Elder Coyler was chosen pastor, continuing until 1866. In 1867 B. F. Zell was chosen pastor and re-
231
UNION COUNTY, OHIO.
mained till 1877, and was followed by Abraham H. Whittaker, who remained until 1882. Others have been Revs. Hill, Reed, Willis O'Neal, William Holland and A. R. Trumbull. The first preachers received thirty dollars a year, partly paid in provisions. Between 1852 and 1857 the Baptist and Christian churches united in an effort to erect a church building, but it was not finished until 1858. The Baptist church today has forty members. The church property is valued at one thousand seven hundred dollars. The pres- ent edifice was erected in 1895. Before then services were held in the Christian church building, in which they owned a fourth interest. The greatest revival season was in 1903 when Cindicate Wilson, an evangelist. added many new members to the church.
The Broadway Baptist church in Taylor township was organized June 15, 1872. The church building was dedicated by Rev. S. D. Bates, of Marion, Ohio. This building was erected in 1870, but not dedicated till the date just given above. Its cost was two thousand two hundred dollars. In 1914 a parsonage was purchased for one thousand five hundred dollars. The present membership is forty-seven resident and twenty-six non-resident mem- bers, making a total of seventy-three. The pastors here have been as fol- lows: B. F. Zell, 1872-78; A. H. Whittaker, 1878-82; Rev. Lash supplied six months; Rev. Reeder, 1883-8.1; William Russell, 1884-85; J. A. Sutton, 1886-87: J. J. Mills, 1887-88; Alvah Crabtree, 1889-90; D. W. Gow, 1891- 92; H G. Hill, 1893-99: E. N. Long, 1899-1900; E. C. Stewart, 1900-01 ; R. W. Chamberlain, 1902-03 : T. O. Reed, 1904-07: W. H. O'Neal. 1908-09: W. W. Conner, supplied five months; William S. Holland, 1912-13: A. R. Turnbull, seven months. The present pastor, Rev. M. S. Cunningham, came November 1, 1914.
The York township Free-will Baptist church was organized at the house of George Coons, June 29, 1839. The discourse was delivered by Rev. David Dudley and thirteen persons were made members of the church. These per- sons were George Coons, Aaron Shirk, Thomas S. Coons, Jacob Bollenbaugh, Levi Wright, Kaziah Coons, Roseanna Shirk, Rebecca Coons, Sarah Bollen- baugh, Letitia Wright, Elizabeth Sowthers, Saphrona Scudder and Nancy Thornton. The first meetings were held at the house of George Coons. David Dudley was the first pastor and Thomas S. Coons was clerk. Rev. Dudley preached once a month and received thirty dollars a year for his services. He continued as pastor for eleven years. In 1849, in order to meet the church expenses, each able bodied male member was assessed one dollar a year and each sister was to pay fifty cents a year. In addition, each member was to pay one-eighth per cent of the value of all their property.
232
UNION COUNTY, OHIO.
above his liabilities. In April, 1850, Elder Kindall Higgins was elected pastor at twenty-five dollars per year salary. In 1856 he moved out west. Under his charge the first meeting house was erected in the north part of York township, in survey No. 5,289. The lot was donated by James G. Pax- ton and others, all residents of Virginia, under a deed dated March 29, 1851. Elder Collier was elected pastor in 1856, at fifty dollars a year. In 1857 came G. W. Baker as pastor and two years later came Elder William Cook. who remained three years. . He was followed by Elder J. L. Collier in 1862. About 1865 Elder B. F. Zell was chosen pastor, serving almost fourteen years.
In 1873 the church built a new edifice costing over one thousand dollars. J. H. Baldwin succeeded Zell in 1879, remaining one year, and then came Elder Leander Johnson, J. B. Lash and Kindall Higgins.
The Free-will Baptist church of Broadway was partly organized in 1866, at which time a church was built by subscription. Its cost was about two thousand two hundred dollars. Here services were held once each month for some years, the minister being from the Newton church. In 1869 the organization was perfected, B. F. Zell being chosen pastor. In 1882 this church had the largest Sunday school in Union county, but were without a regular pastor.
The Baptist church (colored ) in Taylor township was organized 1859- 60, one mile west of Asbury church. They erected a log church building and had a membership of sixty. Soon after the Civil War commenced, sev- eral enlisted in the cause of the Union and many were finally killed in battle. Others removed from the county and the organization went down. The church property was sold and the money received was deposited in the bank at Marysville, hoping at some future date to return and build a new church.
The Springdale Regular Baptist church was organized in Dover town- ship, November 6, 1868. It was composed of representatives from churches at Mill Creek, Milford. Myrtle Tree and Arbonner. A new church was pro- vided for the congregation and the work of the church was felt throughout the community.
The Dover Regular Baptist church was organized in April 1871, by Rev. Daniel Bryant. Other early ministers here were Revs. B. J. George, E. B. Smith, Daniel Vance, M. Squibb. Z. Ross, J. E. Wenman and N. Y. Matthews.
In Jackson township, a Regular Baptist church was organized in the western portion of that territory just before the Civil War, by Rev. Jacob Dye and eleven members. The earliest meetings were conducted in an old
233
UNION COUNTY, OHIO.
log schoolhouse, situated over in Washington township, after which they met in a frame schoolhouse in the same district. They built a neat church in 1870 at an expense of one thousand dollars. In the seventies a branch church was taken from this organization and established at Bell's school- house, north of Essex.
On March 24, 1878, there was organized at Richwood a Regular Bap- tist church under the charge of Rev. W. R. Thomas. In September, 1882. they dedicated a handsome church building. Before that time they had worshiped in various schoolhouses and halls. The church cost two thousand dollars. In the last twenty-five years the pastors have been Revs. J. W. and T. P. James, L. S. Colburn, E. D. Cross and William Warjon.
A colored Regular Baptist church was organized at Richwood in Febru- ary, 1876, under Rev. L. B. Morse. They had a membership the first few years of nearly forty, and maintained a good Sunday school for several years.
In the southwestern corner of Washington township, the Free-will Baptists organized under Eller Baker and in about 1874 erected a com- modious church. This church never grew to any considerable extent.
The Second Baptist church ( colored) at Milford Center was organized in 1905 and a building was erected in 1913.
There is also a Baptist church at Milford Center.
THE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES.
Under this head will appear an account of the Christian, Disciple and New Light denominations, as they have been variously styled since the days of Alexander Campbell.
The first Christian church in Union county was organized by Elder Long on October 15. 1825, at the house of John Price in Watkins. The principles on which this church was formed were as follows: "To take the Holy Scripture for the only rule of faith and practice, and to fellowship all Christians. In confirmation whereof we have pledged our hearts and joined our hands, this day and date above mentioned." The following nineteen persons are believed to have signed as constituent members: Joel Coleman William Conklin, . Rebecca Conklin. Nancy Thompson. John Thompson. Elizabeth Thompson, James Thompson. Temperance Thompson, Thomas Graham, John Conklin, John Taylor, John Keens, Catherine Keens and Nancy Taylor. For a time meetings were held at private houses, but after the erection of the Methodist Episcopal church in Mill Creek township, they
234
UNION COUNTY, OHIO.
used their church building. In 1861 they built a frame chapel. Elder Daniel Long was the principal minister for many years. In 1849 the name of the church was changed to "Christian Church at Watkins."
In 1879 the congregation needed a new house of worship, but finally de- cided to repair their old one, which was accomplished at no little expense. The church now has a membership of one hundred and fifty-five. The pastors have included the following: Revs. Daniel Long, Fuller, Walley, Hoen, Webb, Jonathan Pugle, Hoen, J. T. Robinson, Dobyns, Williams, Hanger, S. A. Carism, Harrod, Butler, Caris, Cochrane, Frank Peters, M. A. Smith, Brown, I. C. DeRemer, Tracy Remington and Forscythe.
In 1912 a fine piano was given to the church by the young ladies. This is one of the oldest churches in Union county and an early one for the denom- ination anywhere.
The Christian church of the Elder Long settlement was formed in May. 1832, at the house of Daniel Long with thirty-five charter members. They held their meetings with Elder Long for a time. When he erected his large barn meetings were held there, including a series of very effective revival services. In the summer of 1843 they built a frame church house at an expense of one thousand six hundred dollars. It was located on the Dela- ware and Plain City pike in the east part of Mill Creek township. Among the well remembered ministers serving this church were Elders Riley Fuller. William Webb, Samuel Horn, Lohr, Williams, Alexander Dobbins, Henry Holverstott and William Overturf.
The Blue's Creek Christian, or the "New Light" church, located on the old Marysville and Pharisburg pike road, was the home of a small organization formed in 1833-34. About that time, a log meeting-house was built about a half mile south from where later their church proper was erected. Elders Ashley and Barber were pioneer ministers here. Another very powerful preacher was Rev. John McInturf. In 1861 the old log church gave way to a new church which was dedicated by that noble old minister, Elder Daniel Long and Thomas Lee. The church of this denomination at Pharisburg later drew many members from the parent church.
The Disciples church on Mill creek, in Liberty township, was organized by Rev. D. H. Hathaway in the winter of 1838, with about a dozen mem- bers. Meetings were held in school houses until about 1847, when they erected a hewed-log church building, twenty-four by twenty-eight feet. This served until 1858-9, when. at a cost of one thousand two hundred dollars, a frame structure was erected for them. It was dedicated January 29, 1860, by Huston January.
235
UNION COUNTY, 01110.
The Christian Union church was organized in Taylor township about 1840, at a meeting held in a grove near Peoria. Eight members composed the infant church: James Hamilton and wife. Jesse Judy and wife, Na- thaniel Stewart, Theodore Greene and John Judy and wife. Meetings were held in private homes and at school houses until 1859, when they dedicated a frame church.
The Raymond Christian church was originally styled the Newton Christ- ian church, that being the former name of the town of Raymond. This society was organized September 30, 1850, with eighteen charter members. It now has a membership of eighty-five and owns property valued at one thousand five hundred dollars. The present building was erected by the Christians and the Free-will Baptists and was dedicated April 10. 1858. Elder Josiah Knight preached the dedicatory sermon and Elders Briney and Griffin, of the Christian church, and Baker. Heath and Ontland, of the Baptist church, as- sisted in the service. In 1894 the Christians purchased the Baptist's inter- ests in the property. In 1913 the old building was remodeled and on Decem- ber 7. of the same year, was 'rededicated, the sermon being preached by Rev. J. F. Burnett, secretary of the American Christian convention.
The subjoined are the names of the pastors or ministers who have faith- fully served this people: Revs. Josiah Knight, C. T. Emmons, S. A. Hutchin- son, William Webb, H. H. Helverstett, John Lyon, C. A. Williams, B. H. Crisman. E. W. Humphries. A. C. Hanger, W. A. Dobyns, F. H. Peters. Rev. Hill. C. M. Hagans. Albert Dunlap, S. A. Cris, J. B. Hagans, C. A. Tracy and J. W. Forsythe. F. O. Snyder, of Columbus, is now serving as pastor.
The present officers of the church are as follows: Elizabeth Green, elerk : Mrs. Lydia Banghn, treasurer: E. B. Buerd, W. II. Winter, D. F. Williams, M. K. Baughn and F. B. Lewis, trustees. This church belongs to the Ohio Central Christian conference and its members have held honorable positions in that body. The conference has held fourteen sessions at Ray- mond. The first was before the church was plastered: the benches were of rough slabs, a platform made of boards served as a pulpit and the house was lighted with tallow candles. The facts concerning the Raymond church were furnished by I. W. Sanaft.
The Christian Union Society, known as the Beech Grove congregation. had its origin in 1863. It was the work of the Methodist Episcopal and Protestant Methodists, who were dissatisfied with the political character of the publie services then being held in the community. Hence they formed an independent class of sixteen members and met at the Beech Grove school
236
UNION COUNTY, OHIO.
house. Later a Baptist minister was secured to preach for them. When the Christian Union church was formed these people united with that organiza- tion. Then a union chapel was erected. The Disciple church finally met here and it became a Union church indeed, and much harmony finally prevailed and much good was the result in the community.
The Rush Creek Christian or Disciple church, in Jackson township, was organized June 18, 1865, by Rev. Michael Riddle. Meetings were held in school houses until 1875, when a frame church was erected. at a cost of two thousand two hundred dollars. It had a reception room, a gallery and a belfry and bell.
The Christian church at Milford Center was organized in 1829, south of the village, and moved to the village in 1874.
The Mount Olive church, the Christian or "New Light" faith, in Darby township, was organized in the eastern part of the township. on the Marys- ville and Plain City road, in survey 5,139. The organization was perfected December 11. 1869, and it commenced with a large membership. A neat frame church was erected at a cost of one thousand one hundred dollars.
The First Christian church of Milford Center, Ohio, was organized in 1842 on Darby Plains. They now enjoy a membership of two hundred. The principles of this church are: "Christ the only Head. The Holy Bible our only rule of faith and practice. Good fruits the only test of fellowship."
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.