USA > Ohio > Mercer County > History of Van Wert and Mercer counties, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 50
USA > Ohio > Van Wert County > History of Van Wert and Mercer counties, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 50
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Such was the "Eagle Hotel," which flourished some six years, while it passed under the management of Daniel Cook, J. Q. Graves. T. R. Mott, and Joseph Gleason. Under the management of Mr. Gleason it was soon made to give way to the " American House," which has since passed under the management of John W. Coun, H. Campbell, S. Stake. Joseph Slater, O. W. Rose, N. D. McMillan, S. Holmes, S. Saltzgaber, C. MeCoy, E. Cole, Win. Underhill, J. Close, S. Saltzgaber, John M. Davis, and H. Saltzgaber. In 1870 the old building was removed and a brick structure erected in its stead, hy Mr. Davis. It then became the "Commercial Hotel," since which time it has been conducted by several different parties.
S. M. Clark opened the " Other Hotel" while the Eagle Hotel was in operation. Its only designation was the " Other Hotel." Its accom- modations were meagre, as it was only a log cabin 18 by 20 feet, with a low roof, puncheon floor, and a fireplace at one end. In details and out- fit it resembleit the Eagle Hotel. In 1840 Mr. Clark increased his hotel facilities by the erection of a good hewed log house, two-stories in height, adjacent to the old buildings. Soon after this the building passed into other hands; and after being occupied by several parties, among whom were Thomas Thorn, Morgan Savage, and Benj. Fisher. it was converted into a drygoods store, but was ultimately removed to give room for business blocks.
Brick Kiln.
William Groscost burned the first kilu of bricks, the off-bearers being two boys named James Coun and John W. Clark.
Tailor Shops.
William Cayton opened the first tailor shop in the building which occupied the site of the present residence of Dr. H. C. MeGavreu.
Blacksmith Shops.
In the winter of 1838 S. M. Clark opened a blacksmith shop, and engaged a young workman named John Kelser. This was the first shop in the town.
Postmaster and Route Agents.
At the establishment of a post-office Thomas R. Mott received the appointment as postmaster. A weekly mail was carried between here and Kalida, Putnam County. A man named Phillips was the first agent on this route, and carried the mail on horseback. A little later a route was established between here and Greenville, and Samuel S. Brown became mail-carrier.
Carpenters and Cabinetmakers.
Peter Wills and Abraham Zimmerman were probably the pioneer ear- penters, although Wills lived east of town. In 1812 George Press opened a shop and worked at the trade some four or five years, when he
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HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.
moved away. Jacob Thorn and Daniel Evers were also among the early workmen at this trade. In 1841 W. H. Brown established a cabi- netmaker's shop, and also worked at clock and watch repairing.
Streets.
In 1839 the town plat was yet covered with timber, except some ten or twelve lots. While streets had been located and platted, none had yet been opened to travel. The taxes assessed for highway purposes had been applied to the opening of county roads. Under these circum- . stances, the few citizens of the town agreed that each should work ouc hour cach alternate day in felling trees and opening Main Street to public travel. By this means about half a mile of the street was opened, when the citizens bestowed their labors upon Washington Street, which was soon opened to travel.
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Stores.
As already indicated. T. R. Mott and S. M. Clark were the pioneer merchants. In 1840 Robert and J. G. Gilliland opened a store in a hewed log building, which occupied the present site of the drug store of Dr. Hines. In 1841 J. J. Hoffman suceceded T. R. Mott in this business. The next year this building was purchased by William Buckingham, who brought a stock of drygoods, groceries, and hardware from Mans- field, Ohio, and conducted a general supply store until 1852, at which time the property passed into the hands of G. S. Craft and Perrin De Puy, who continued in partnership until the . next year, wher De Puy retired from the firm. The business then fell into the hands of Craft alone, who conducted it until his death. He was succeeded by Messrs. O. P. Clark and A. MeGavren, who after three years retired from the business, thus closing the mercantile history of the old store-room as it was now abandoned. It was a log building, about 18 by 22 feet, and was built by Adam Himmons in 1838, in a lot fronting the public square. In 1851 Reese & Kyle erected a small two-story frame house adjoining the public square on the east, in which they opened drygoods, but in 1858 sold both house and goods to E. R. Wells. The building is now occupied as a grocery and drygoods store by D. A. Hackedorn.
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Wheelwrights.
In 1840 Joshua and Isaiah Shaffer, both wheelwrights by occupation, built a shop on the corner of Washington and Jackson streets, and worked at their trade until it was found unremunerative, then aban- doned it and bought farms.
Mills.
The mills of the infant settlement were known as hand-mills. They were made of hard rock, cut and sharpened like ordinary burr stones, , yet much smaller in size, being generally from 15 to 20 inches in diame- ter, and from six to eight inches thick. Their grinding capacity ranged from three to five bushels per day. These mills were supplanted by horse mills, which ranged in grinding capacity from 30 to 40 bushels per day.
Wagon Shop.
In 1842 A. R. Strother opened a wagon manufacturing and repair shop, which was probably the first in the town.
INSTITUTIONS.
Schools.
In the winter of 1939-40, E. K. Wells taught the first school term in the cabin erected by the town proprietors. About eighteen pupils at- tended this term.
The next winter term was taught by Miss Relief Morse, in the build- ing erected by the Schaffer Brothers for a wheelwright shop.
The following winter Miss Clarissa Gleason taught in the same build- ing. She was succeeded by Jacob Parkinson, who held the position sev- eral successive terms.
The first school-house erected as such, occupied a lot adjoining the site of the " Van Wert House." It was used until 1855, when two frame buildings were erected, one in the east, and the other in the west part of town. These were two stories high, and contained two rooms each, thus enabling the board to grade the schools to some extent, and employ four teachers.
Sunday School.
Jacob Hines, of Washington, D. C., while visiting his son, Dr. P. J. Ilines of this place, organized the first Sunday school by the assistance of Abel R. Strother. Mr. Hines died at Washington City Nov. 19, 1874.
Court- House.
The first court-house was a double log building which in time gave place to a frame house erected on the lot now occupied by Humphrey's grocery store on Main Street. It, too, was abandoned as a court-house in 1850, and' after serving as a printing office, it was moved across the street in 1859, when it served as a clothing store, and again as a forni- ture room, but was finally moved again, and now stands at the rear of the business of l'enn & Co., where it is used as a cabinet shop.
Jail.
It was resolved by the commissioners that the first money arising from the sale of town lots should be appropriated to the construction of a jail. Inf obedience to this resolution, on July 11, 1838, a contract was awarded Jesse King, of Mercer County, he binding himself to have the work completed on or before November 1, and for which he was to re- ceive $483. Under this contract the building was finished October 25. 1838. It was built of hewed logs, the sides being of three thicknesses. the second or middle thickness being of upright logs. The doors were of several thicknesses of plank, and the whole outside covered with sheet iron.
REMINISCENCE.
In 1843 Thomas R. Kear moved here from Willshire. Mrs. Kear is still living, and converses with special interest upon the early incidents of the county and town. Speaking of the town and inhabitants to the writer, she recalls the one frame house in the town occupied by E. R. Wells, and of the first court house and jail, to which we have already referred. Of the inhabitants in 1843, she recalls the names of E. R. Wells, James Barr, an attorney ; S. M. Clark, a blacksmith; William Buckingham, a merchant; Robert Gilliland, a county officer; Mr. Ingle- wright, a blacksmith ; Mr. Gleason, a hotel-keeper ; Mr. Dress. a carpen- ter; William Parent and Daniel Cook, farmers. Up to this time no particular or extended improvements had been made. With the excep- tion of the one frame house, the dwellings were all log cabins, and only . about a dozen in number. The streets were only being cleared out for public use, and this was chiefly done by volunteer labor. Town lots yet consisted of timber plats, while mud was encountered everywhere. It was rude, but it was the germ of a promise of something better.
INCORPORATION.
In pursuance of an act of the General Assembly of the State of Ohio. passed Feb. 18, 1818, incorporating the town of Van Wert and defining its boundaries, John W. Conn, P. J. Hines, and Robert Gilliland, Esq ... were authorized to put up in three public places in said town a notice to the electors thereof, that an election for one mayor, one recorder, and five trustees would be held at the court-house, on Saturday, the 13th day of May, 1848.
ELECTIONS.
The qualified electors met, pursaant to notice, on May 13, 1848, and proeveded to choose S. M. Barr and Isane Dougherty, judges, and E. G. Jones, clerk of said election, who were severally sworn by Joseph Glea- son, justice of the pesce, to discharge their duties according to law. After the polls were closed and the ballots counted, they announced that Richard C. Spears was elected mayor, E. G. Jones, recorder, and J. G.
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HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.
Van Valkenburgh, Reuben Tristre. William R. Kear, Walter Buckingham, and Hiram Campbell were elected trustees of the town of Van Wert.
On May 16, 1848, the foregoing officers took the prescribed oath before George S. Crafts, justice of the peace.
- 1848, May 18. The first meeting was helt; the following members being present : Richard C. Spears, Mayor; E. G. Jones, Recorder; and J. G. Van Valkenburgh, Reuben Tristre, William R. Kear, Walter Buckingham, and Hiram Campbell, who organized themselves into a body corporate.
The certificate of election of R. C. Spears as mayor was ordered to be deposited with the Clerk of the Court.
1848, May 25. James M. Barr was elected Treasurer.
1849, May 2. R. C. Spears elected Mayor ; O. W. Rose. Recorder ; and George Marsh, Reuben Tristre, John W. Penn, William Money- smith, and Isaac Dougherty, Trustees ; Abel Strothers, Treasurer.
It is worthy of remark that James M. Barr, former treasurer, received during his term of office 832.57. and expended $29.41, leaving a balance of $3.16, which he handed over to his successor in office.
1850, May 20. C. P. Edson was elected Mayor; O. W. Rose, Recorder; Isaac Toland, Joseph Gleason, J. W. Peun, William Moneysmith, and A. R. Strothers, Trustees ; A. R. Strothers, Treasurer.
1851, May 20. John W. Conn was elected Mayor; O. W. Rose, Re- corder ; A. R. Strothers, Joseph Gleason, William Moneysmith, Benja- min MeReese, and Isaac Dougherty, Trustees; A. R. Strothers, Treasurer. 1852, May 17. Same officers continued.
In conformity with an act passed by the Legislature, May 3, 1852, an election was held on-
1853, April 4. John W. Conn, Mayor; C. P. Edson, Recorder ; and five trustees, viz., Joseph Gleason, Henry Robinson, Perrin De Puy, M. J. Bowland, and O. W. Rose; Robert Conn, Treasurer.
1854, April 3. W. C. Gallaher, Mayor; L. F. Fletcher, Recorder ; J. B. Coffin, M. Mumangh, O. P. Clark, Jacob Fox, N. M. D. MeMullen, Trustees ; Robert Conn, Treasurer.
1855, April 2. W. C. Gallaher, Mayor; L. F. Fletcher, Recorder; W. A. Clark, R. Tristre, O. W. Rose, Jacob Fox, Joseph Gleason, Trus- tees ; Robert Conn, Treasurer.
1856, April 9. George L. Jacobs, Mayor; J. C. Johnson, Recorder ; Jacob Fox. William E. Pier, Charles Emerson, Henry Robinson, and Andrew MeGavren, Trustees ; A. W. Baker, Treasurer.
1857, April 6. Davis Johnson, Mayor : James Webster, Recorder; A. W. Baker, S. Sakineford, William Smith, Thomas MeKeon, and B. F. Shoop, Trustees; A. F. Priddy, Treasurer.
185%, April 5. Davis Johnson, Mayor; James Webster, Recorder; Thomas S. Me Keon, Washington Ziegler, B. F. Shoop, G. G. Gross, and Samuel Gross, Trustees; A. W. Baker, Treasurer.
: 1859, April 4. Davis Johnson, Mayor ; James Webster, Recorder ; . Alonzo Conant, John W. Clark, A. MeGavren, Isaac N. Alexander, and James Clark, Trustees; A. W. Baker, Treasurer.
1860, April 2. Davis Johnson, Mayor: W. C. Scott, Recorder; A. Conant, John W. Clark, James Clark, G. G. Gross, and I. N. Alexander, Trustees ; A. W. Baker, Treasurer.
1861, April 7. Davis Johnson, Mayor; I. HI. Kroh, Recorder ; I. N. Alexander, A. Conant, D. Newcomer, C. A. Melsheimer, and B. F. Shoop, Trustees ; A. W. Baker, Treasurer.
1862, April 15. Joseph Slater, Mayor; J. K. Kroh, Recorder; I. E. MeConahay, William Patterson, I. D. Clark, Peter Cummens, and James W. Mount, Trustees, and A. W. Baker, Treasurer.
August 4. J. D. Clark aud William Patterson having resigned, Alonzo Conant and Emery Mullen were appointed to fill the vacancies.
1803, April 5. Joseph Slater, Mayor; I. H. Kroh, Recorder; J. S. Bumback, James W. Mount, T. S. MeKeen, Darius Ebers, and Reuben Tristre, Trustees, and A. W. Baker, Treasurer.
1964, April 4. Joseph Slater. Mayor; Reuben Tristre, Recorder; Charles P. Rechey, John H. Med'allough, James L. Reed, Charles P. Edson, and James Clark. Trustees; A. W. Baker, Treasurer.
1865, April 3. Joseph Slater, Mayor; Rouben Tristre, Recorder ; Lewis Evers, G. W. Moltz, Jacob Fox, Samuel Saltzgaber, and I. D. Clark were elected Trustees; A. Conant, Treasurer.
April 17. S. Swineford, appointed in room of L. Evers, decrase.
1866, April 3. James M. Barr, Mayor; Reuben Tristre, Recorder; A. W. Baker, George W. Moltz, Henry Robinson, I. N. Alexander, and D. Newcomer, Trustees, and A. Conant, Treasurer.
1867, April 4. I. N. Alexander, Mayor; Reuben Tristre, Recorder; George W. Moltz, John Darnell, Samuel Saltzgaber, Emery Mullen ant Joseph Cassel, Trustees, and Jacob Fox, Treasurer.
1868, April 6. I. N. Alexander, Mayor; Reuben Tristre, Recorder; Joseph Cassel, George W. Moltz, Ira Sutton, Joseph Brodnix, and John . H. McCulloch, Trustees; Jacob Fox, Treasurer.
1869, April 12. Gaylor M. Saltzgaber, Mayor; Reuben Tristre, Re- corder; George W. Moltz, Joseph Cassel, Burget Miner, Joseph Bret- nix, John H. McCulloch, Trustees, and Jacob Fox, Treasurer.
1870, April 4. H. C. Glenn, Mayor; Henry Robinson, Recorder ; O. I. Clark, Cyrus Little, S. Swineford, for two years, and W. H. Denis- ton, John Darnell, and David Harnley for one year, Trustees; Jacob Fox, Treasurer.
1871, April 11. H. C. Glenn, Mayor; Henry Robinson, Recorder; O. P. Clark, Cyrus Little, S. Swineford for one year, and William Peer, Joel .W. Hetrick, and James Clark for two years, Trustees, and Jacob Fox, Treasurer.
1872, April 5. George E. Wells, Mayor; Henry Robinson, Recorder: William Pier, Joel W. Hetrick, and James Clark for one year, and JJames K. Scott. James Webster, and Cornelius Neff, Trustees for two year -; Jacob Fox, Treasurer.
1873, April 4. George E. Wells, Mayor; Henry Robinson, Recorder; James K. Scott, James Webster, and Cornelius Neff for one year, and J. W. Hetrick, William Pier, and R. M. Skelley, Trustees, for two years. and Jacob Fox for two years.
1874, March 6. An ordinance was passed by the Town Council divil- ing the town into four wards, and fixing places to hold the elections in the different wards.
1874, April 6. Thaddeus S. Gilliland, Mayor; Henry Robinson, Clerk; Alonzo Conant, Councilman for ward No. 1: John W. Tucker for ward No. 2; Andrew J. Gleason for ward No. 3; Peter H. Miller and David Haruley for ward No. 4. Mr. Miller for two years, and Mr. Harn- ley for one year; Jacob Fox, Treasurer.
1875, April 9. T. S. Gilliland, Mayor; Henry Robinson. Clerk : Amos Smith for ward No. 1; W. H. Denniston for ward No. 2; J. W. Hetrick for ward No. 3; John G. Upright for ward No. 4; Jacob Fox, Treasurer.
1876, April 7. T. S. Gilliland, Mayor; Henry Robinson, Clerk; Sam- nel Slade, ward No. 1; Cyrus Little, ward No. 2; Thomas L. Lchew, ward No. 3; George II. Haffner, ward No. 4; Councilmen.
1877, April 2. T. S. Gilliland, Mayor; Henry Robinson, Clerk; Amos Smith, ward No. 1; James B. Broadnix, ward No. 2; Francis M. Shaf- fer, ward No. 4 ; Joel W. Hetrick, ward No. 3; Jacob Fox, Treasurer.
1878, April 5. Andrew J. Porter, Mayor; Henry Robinson. Clerk; James L. Reid, full term, and Frank Pier to fill a vacancy for I-t ward; James K. Scott, for full term, and H. L. Allen, to fill a vacancy for 24 ward; Thomas L. Lehew, for ad ward, and Heury Butler for 4th ward.
1879. April 4. Andrew J. Porter, Mayor; Henry Robinson, Clerk; J. W. Hetrick for 3d ward, and F. M. Shaffer for 4th ward; Jacob Fox for two years.
1880, April 5. Andrew J. Porter, Mayor; Jacob Fox, Treasurer : Henry Robinson, Clerk; S. B. Austin for 1st ward; David Newcomer for two years, and W. R. Cook for one year, for 2d ward; Washington Ziegler, Sd ward; A. L. Tuebner for 4th ward.
1880, December 15. George E. Wells, elected Mayor to fill the unex- pired term of Andrew J. Porter.
1881, April 4. George E. Wells, Mayor; Joseph S. McCoy. 1st ward; W. R. Cook, 2d ward; W. L. Scott, 3d ward, and Albert Wolf, 4th ward.
1832, April. Ira P. Shisler. Ist ward, S. B. Austin. 2d ward, D. Newcomer. 3d ward, E. L. Strack. 4th ward, Dr. Wilkenson. Marshal, Thomas Kedrup.
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HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.
NEWSPAPERS.
It appears from old documents and files that the "press" was intro- duced at a very carly date. We present the titles of the different papers, and the names of editors, from the first publication to the present time.
The pioneer journal was " The Van Wert Patriot," founded in 1844 by George E. Buron. It was printed by one of the old Ramage presses, which have long since passed into disuse.
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" The Bugle" was the next paper, published by William Moneysmith. The title was subsequently changed to " The Native American," when jt changed hands, Messrs. Conn and O. W. Rose becoming the editors and proprietors, by whom the name was again changed to " The Ameri- can." Under this title it was edited by I. N. Alexander, Lewis Evers, and - Felburg. After a few years it changed its title to " The Ohio Weekly Bulletin, " and was edited by I. C. Clark, W. L. Scott. R. B. Ensall, A. C. Tucker, and H. C. Glenn. On the 5th of May, 1859, the name was changed to the more appropriate title of " The Van Wert Bulletin," and has since been edited by the following persons in the order named : H. C. Glenn and J. H. Foster, J. H. Foster, Foster and Hammer, Glenn and Foster, and finally by J. H. Foster, who is at present editor and propri- etor. The paper thus traces its history back to "The Bugle" of 1844. The "Bulletin" office is now supplied with a Potter cylinder press, a medium and small noupareil press, and a Gem paper-cutter. As a job and news office, it is supplied with every variety of type for all styles of work. It represents a capital of $10.000, and is ably conducted. The paper is Republican in politics ; and while laboring for the integrity of the party with marked ability, does not forget the immediate local inter- est nor the general news of the day. Foreman, N. B. Evers; Composi- tors, P. and C. Auchutz, Charles Cline, and Win. A. Bigford. Office on South Washington Street.
"The Watchman" was established by W. Moneysmith in 1854. He was succeeded by H. S. Knapp in 1856, and he by Duane Roberts in 1857, in which year the establishment was purchased by a joint stock company, by whom the title was changed to " The Weekly Constitution." Its editors in succession were H. S. Knapp, J. Clutter, E. B. Hearn, and Van Valkenberg. On Ang. 29, 1865, it was purchased by Moneysmith & Tucker, and the name changed to " The Van Wert Times," aml until the year 1870 was edited by the following-named persons consecutively : A. C. Tucker, Wright & Phillips, A. C. Tucker, D. McDowell, Hall & J. J. Moore. In Isto it was purchased by W. H. Clymer, who is editor and proprietor at this writing. The " Times" is a Democratic organ, and is well conducted under the present management. The office is well supplied with job and news outfit, having a Campbell cylinder job and paper press, a Peerless job press, Gem paper-entter, and a well-selected supply of type. It represents a capital of $9000. Office on South Washington Street.
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"The Press" was a paper established in 1874 by Grimes Mcconahay & Son. It subsequently passed into the hands of J. A. MeConahay, and was finally discontinued. From the " Press" office another paper styled "The Morning Star" was issued as a journal of Spiritualism, but it failed to materialize, and so was discontinued.
At this writing, "The Van Wert Bulletin" and " Van Wert Times" are the only papers published at the county seat. These are both well conducted and liberally patronized. They are both of pronounced politienl opinions-the former Republican and the latter Democratic- but both at the same time keep the welfare of the community in view, and supply the general news of interest, manifesting in their whole man- agement a spirit of praiseworthy enterprise. They are entitled to a full share of credit for the development of the county and the growth of the Down, and the efficiency of the public institutions. In the march of development the press is at the front. Where are the other enterprises and institutions ? We will see.
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SOCIETIES.
Van Wert Lodge, No. 218,
of Free and Accepted Masons was constituted in Van Wert, the charter having been granted by the R. W. Grand Lodge of Ohio, on Det. 22, 1:52. The charter members were G. MeConahay, Robert Gilliland, Robert Conn, O W. Rose, George S. Crafts, James Emerson, George
Marsh, and Thomas Emerson. The charter was signed by the following Grand Officers: Win. B. Hubbard, R. W. Grand Master; A. D. Bigelow, R. W. D. G. M .; Wm. B. Dodds, S. G. W .; L. V. Bierce, J. G. W .; B. F. Smith, G. Sec. ; Leonidas Jewett, Grand Treas.
The charter officers of Lodge 218 were G. MeConahey, W. M .; Robt. Gilliland, S. W .; Robt. Coun, J. W. ; G. S. Craft, Sec. ; G. Marsh, Treas.
The lodge acted under dispensation from Feb. 27, 1852, to Oct. 22, 1852, at which time the charter was granted. The first person initiated into the lodge was Israel D C. Clark. The following brethren are Past Masters of the lodge since its organization : Oct. 1852, Jas. MeConahay ; Dec. 4, 1852, Robert Gilliland; Dec. 3, 1$53, Robert Conn; re-elected Dec. 2, 1:54; Dec. 1, 1855, Israel D. Clark ; Nov. 8, 1856, Caleb Roberts ; Dee. 26, 1857, Israel D. Clark : re-elected Dec. 11, 1858; Dec. 3. 1859, Robert Conn; Dec. 27, 1860, James Webster; Dec. 13, Is61. James Webster; Dec. 5, 1862, Benj. F. Shoop; Dec. 5, 1863, Benj. F. Shoop; Dec. 4, 1864, N. W. Davenport; Dec. 2, 1:05, Charles W. Long; re- elected Dec. 1, 1866; Dec. 7, 1967, Levi Meredith ; re-elected Dec. 12, 1868; Nov. 27, 1869, James L. Price; re-elected Dec. 3, 1870; Dee. 9, 1871, re-elected; Dec. 23, 1872, re-elected ; Nov. 29, 1873, re-elected ; Nov. 21, 1974, Leonard C. Coun; Dec. 4, 1875, Henry Butter ; Dec. 2, 1876, A. P. MeConahay ; re-elected Dec. 1, 1877; Dec. 7, 1878, Leonard C. Conn; Dec. 7, 1879, James L. Price.
Number of members, 108. Meetings are heldl Ist and 3d Saturdays of each month.
The following are the present officers for 1880 : James L. Price, W. M .; Levi Meredith, S. W .; Ira P. Shysler, J. W .; Orlando D. Swartout, S .; Henry Butter, T. ; A. P. MeConahay, S. D. ; Perry Zimmerman, J. D .; Wm. Brown, Tyler.
Royal Arch Chapter, No. 71,
is located in Van Wert. and was chartered Oct. 20, 1856. The following companions are the charter members: Caleb Roberts, Robert Coun, Reuben Tristre, Davis Johnson, W. S. Ainsworth, G. Mcconahay, J. Blecher, W. C. Gallagher, A. P. Conu, James Webster, and George T. Craft. The Grand officers who issued the charter under the seal of the Grand Chapter of Ohio, were Horace M. Stokes, G. H. P .; Kent Janis, D. G. II. P .; Platt Benedict, G. K. ; Ezra Griswold, G. S .; John D. Callwell, G. S .; and Isaac C. Copefield, G. Tres.
The first officers of the chapter were W. C. Gallagher, H. P .: G. Mc- Conahay, K .; Davis Johnson, S.
The following companions are Past High Priests, having assumed the office of High Priest at the date affixed to their respective names :-
Dec. 5, 1856, W. C. Gallagher; Dec. 4, 1:57. Robert Conn ; Dec. 9, 1858, Reuben Tristre; Dec. 6. 1859, Caleb Roberts ; Dec. 4. 1960. Caleb Roberts; Dec. 4, 1861, T. S. MeKim; Dec 2, 1862, Reuben Tristre ; Dec. 1, 1863, Reuben Tristre; Dec. 7, 1864, Reuben Tristre; Dec. 5, 1865, Israel D. Clark; Dec. 4, 1866, Israel D. Clark; Dec. 3. Isit, Israel D. Clark ; Dec. 1, 1868, Lorenzo C. Com; Dec. 7, 1863, Lorenzo C. Conn; Dec. 6, 1870, Chas. W. Lown; Dec. 5, IST1, Charles W. Lowń; Dec. 4, 1872, Israel D. Clark : Dec. 2, 1873. Israel D. Clark; Dec. 1, 1874, Levi Meredith ; Dec. 7, 1874. Levi Meredith ; Dee. 7, 1875, Levi Meredith ; Dec. 6, 1876, Levi Meredith ; Dee. 4, 1877, Henry Butter; Dec. 3, 1878, Grimes MeConahay; Dec. 2, 1879, John Myers.
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