History of Van Wert and Mercer counties, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 53

Author: Sutton, R., & Co., Wapakoneta, Ohio, pub
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Wapakoneta, Ohio : R. Sutton
Number of Pages: 878

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 53
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 53

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).

First Building, Loan, and Savings Institution.

The First Van Wert Building, Loan, and Savings Association was organized in January, 1871, and began business February 4, same year. The incorporators were I. N. Alexander, W H. Deniston. I. D. Clark, W. Moneysmith, T. S. Gilliland, A. S. Burt, G. M. Saltzgaber. O. D. Swartout, H. C. Glenn, and C. B. Stemen. The association has been doing business four years and a half, and has in that time collected and paid out to its members as advance loans nearly $70.000; for which the association holds mortgages for a sum exceeding $110,000.

Home Building and Sorings Institution.

This organization has been in force about a year under very favorabile patronage and auspices, embracing in the association, many of the most solid men in the place. The office is established in the banking house of Andrew S. Burt. Those who have invested in the enterprise have found it highly runnerative. People who have hitherto pant annual rents, are now placed in a condition that will enable them within a short time, by about the same monthly expenditure, to secure themselves com- fortable homes.

Van Wert County Loan Association.

This association is an investment company, owned and controlled by Messrs. Emerson & Marble. Their business is largely an investment one-devoting themselves principally to the investment of their means. as they accumulate, in the mortgage and personal securities of the coun'r. They have also been quite successful in acting in a fiduciary capacity for others in cifreting valuable negotiations. This association, like the First National Bank, with which it is connected in business relations, I- arm. agod of sound conservative methods-doing nothing but struth legiti mate banking, and venturing upon no outside scheme involving risks.

HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.

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Carriages and Spring Wogons.

W. IT. Himmelreich, an old-established house, has become popular in town and country, in the style and quality of the carriages, spring and heavy farm wagons, that he manufactures. No imported work can xue- cessfully compete with Mr. Himmelreich. Established in the midst of a country where the best raw material for the manufacture of carriages and wagons abounds, and employing none but skilled workmen, he nat. urally crowds goods manufactured elsewhere from the Van Wert market. Repairs of farm machinery are so satisfactorily executed by him, that the farmers, during the harvest season, crowded his place.

Boneritz & Johns.

This firm may be said to have been founded by F. J. Bonewitz, who purchased of Win. Anderson his general merchandise stock, March 9, 1857. Afterwards he took into partnership his brother, D. R. Bowewitz, and during the same year the firm dissolved, having him alone. In March, Isas, he again received a partner in the person of L. M. Funk, and this partnership continued until September. 155%, when the partner- ship, since and now known as Bonewitz & Johns, was formed. In the produce business the strong firms of Bonewitz & Johns and of T. S. Gil- Miland have beconie united. In the merchandise department the firm transact a considerable jobbing business.

Hotels.

There are four established hotels. The Van Wert house is in charge of Capt. C. Neff, Col. F. J. Miner, Clerk. This hon-e is convenient to the depot, has 35 rooms, and can afford accommodations to 50 guests.

The De Puy House is managed by the old and popular Van Wert land- Jord, Major E. Cole: and no one in the business is capable of coudneting a better publie house than Mr. and Mrs. Cole; but the trouble is, that the town has become too large for the house, and "mine host" is often- times overcrowded. The public wants will soon afford a remedy, and Mr. Cole will have charge of a new one, which will be the leading hotel of the place.

Cigars and Tobarco.

Two establishments in Van Wert manufacture cigars and make sales of tobacco. The finest establishment of these, and holding principally the trade, was the one of J. L. Stauter, Washington Street, near the railway depot. He deals only in the finest brands of tobacco-fine cut and plug-and in the manufacture of cigars makes use of the best im- ported and domestic material, which secures for him an active home trade, in addition to outside demands, for his cigars. Mr. Stauter gives employment to eight hands, and is one of the largest cigar manufac- turers in Northwestern Ohio.

Bakeries and Groceries.

Of the bakeries and groceries above mentioned, that of A. Lynch is especially popular among all classes, as the business is confined strictly to baked bread, cakes, pastries, confectioneries, green and dried fruits, imported and domestic, such as oranges, lemons, cauned fruits and ments of every description in their season. The enterprise of Mr. Lynch, ex- hibited in the creation of his handsome brick block. is recognized by the people of Van Wert. Mr. Lynch transacts a considerable jobbing busi- ness in foreign and domestic fruits.

Liquors and Wines.

A wholesale house, stocked with the best foreign and domestic wines and liquors, has been recently opened, nearly opposite the new court- house, by Fred. Young. Although only established a few months, the superior quality of his goods has seenred a large trade. All the popu- lar varieties of domestic wines are handled by Mr. Young.

A. A. F. Gleason,

manufacturers and dealers in Inmber, shingles, and lath. Their fairtory is in the west addition to the eny, having been built in 1851-5, on the north end of Shannon Street, on portions of lot- No. 12 and 13. This firm commenced business by running an old muley saw, competent to turn out an average of 2500 feet daddy. At the present time the large circular saws in use by humber manufacturers make every twenty -four hours from Your to five thousand fest.

The number of hands employed is nine. Capital invested $15,000. Joseph Gleason, Esq., their father, erected it and carried on busmess 14 early a- 1337. but in 1866 he transferred it to his two sons. The mill has sis lange and small circular saw-, turning lathes, and all the neces sary machinery, with an engine of sixty horsepower.

J. J. Gleason & Brother

established in the town of Van West, on part of lot I. in the west alli- tion, a spoke and lending factory, by which wagen, carriage, and slough work is furnished out of the best and well-seasoned material to their

customers. They employ constantly from ten to twelve hands. Capital invested, $15,000. The frame building is two stories high, thirty by sixty feet, with an engine-room sixteen by twenty-four feet. To this they woulded in IST8 a drying-kiln for securing lumber properly prepared for manufacturing purposes, which gives their work a decided preference.

CHURCHES.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

The first court-house (whose history we have given) was used by this denomination as their first place of worship. The enterprise, however, of erecting a church was inaugurated in the year 1516 under the pastoral labors of Rev. John Graham, A subscription to the church fund was liberal, and lot No. 20, on Jefferson Street, was purchased from Walter Buckingham, a merchant of Van Week, the consideration being 250. Mr. Buckingham had purchased it of AAbr. Marsh, one of the original proprietors of the town.

The original trustees were Shel R. Strother, Abraham Zimmerman. Theophilus W. King. Samnel S. Brown. and James M. Young, who ofli- ciated in this capacity for many years.

The contract for the erection of a frame church was awarded to Mr. James H Long, which included not only it's erection, but the furnishing of the materials. During the winter of 1846-4, the timber was hauled opon the ground ; and in the summer of 1847 Mr. Long commenced the work, but peculiar circumstances compelled him to abandon it. Mr. A. Za- merman undertook to finish the frame work, while Messrs. Darius and Joseph Evers put on the roof, inclosed the building, and laid the Il sor. The building was not plastered, but was seated with rough boards to accommodate the congregation, while neither palpit nor tower graved the church. In this condition it was used for several years as a house of worship by all denominations. The plastering was not finished until 1-52, and measures were taken to have the rough board seats each uges for better furniture. To the accomplishment of this object, Rev. Nathan H. Taylor devoted the energies of both body and mind, he having been sent to fill the pulpit. Through the days of the week, besides atten ding to pastoral duties, be assisted in entting and hanling to the saw-mill the walnut logs from which the seats were sawed. In 1-53. the timber being well seasoned and dried, measures were taken to raise the notes sary funds, and in 1854 the church was finished.

To perpetuate the principal actors and the respective parts taken, we add their names as an encouragement for others to do likewise under similar circumstances. Rev. Mr. Taylor was the principal areleteet, and erected the pulpit and the altar; the seats were made by I. W. Penu. Joseph Evers and Morgan Mamaugh; the cupola was built by Darius Evers and Samuel Lattimore. The bell was placed in the tower on May 4, 1854. when its joyful note's were first heard.

Ministers who have filled the pulpit as pastors since 1945: 1215-16. Rev. John Graham : 1:46-47. Rev. John S. Kalb: 14-48, Rev. Jam Albright : 1848-49. Rev. A. Harmont : 1:50-51. Rev. William Griber. son and Rev. Jacob Burkholder; 1851-52. Rev. Reaben D. Okl. 11 gal Rev. Jolm K. Ford ; 1-62-53. Rev. Nathan H. Taylor and Rov. Gribam Jase; 1853-54. Rev. Nathan IE. Taylor and Rev. J. Duvall; 1554-55. Rev. Joseph Friday and Rer. N. B. C. Love. The Conference of 1835 made Van Wert a station. 1856-57. Rev. John Graham; Iss, Rev. . A. Hollington.

The Conference of 1859 united Van Wert and Delphos with two ministers, viz .: 1858-39, Rev. William A. Baker and Rev. E. G. Long- worth; 1859-60, Rev. Witham A. Baker and Rev. J. N. Pridly : 1sen- 01; Rev. F. Merett and Rev. J. N. Priddy : 1861-62. Rov. J. F. Mounts and Rey. I. A Belt ; 1862-63, Rev. J. F. Mounts and Rev. A. B. Wal- ster; 1863-64, Rev. A L. Nickerson and Rer. A. B. Webster.

The Conference of Ist changed Van Wert into a station, since which time the following ministers have supplied the pulpit : ING1-67. Rev. O. Kennedy, IS61-6%, Rov, Geo, Mather: 1968-69. Rex. I. E. Pileber This appointment supplied by Rev. J. F. Mounts); 1869-71. Rev. William Jones: 1871-72. Rev. A. Hammont : 1.72-73. Rev. - Haldans: 1-73-75. Rev. O. Kennedy ; 1876-97. Rev. William Jones ; INTE .. Rev. F. R. Henderson ; 1-1-79, Rev. J. R. Henderson ; 1979-50, Rev. A. T. Vi-h.

In 1-12 the congregation held a meeting to take measures in regard to the craton of a more commodious and convenient church, and de . 3. it was not advisable to build on the old site. The Hollinger property was suggested as the most advisable, being lots Nos. 69 and CO. on the corner of Jefferson and Water streets. But time passed on until Now. 5. 1.15, when another meeting was held. Mr. Marble, with great gener. osity, stated that he had purchased the Hogglin property for sinon, and if the congregation desired they could have it at cost, and he was !! donate the one tenth toward the creation of a church. the cost of which should not exceed $10,000.

The proposition was at oure accepted by the congregation .. Plans for the cities were furnished by Mr. Thomas J. Tolan, of Fort Wo . which being approved by the church, the work was at ours committed on the new eddice. The whole movement was under the management of

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IHISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.

Rev. O. Kennedy, then pastor of the congregation, who had the active co-operation of all the church.

Laging the Corner-stone .- This imposing ceremony was witnessed by an immense concourse of people. Twelve clergymen were present, with the trustees of the church, the Masonic and Odi-Fellows' lodges, the Cornet band, and the citizens formed in procession, and made an impos- ing parade through the streets. After this they proceeded to the church . lot to lay the cornerstone of the church, when the following services were performed : 1. music by the choir ; 2. prayer by the Rev. Mr Berry, Presiding Elder; 3. inaugural address by Key. Wm. Jones ; 4, subscrip- tion paper read by Rev. James F. Mounts.

The corner stone being laid, the following articles were hermetically sealed in a box and deposited therein, viz., a Bible. Testament, Metho- dist Episcopal Church Discipline, Church and Sabbath school records, with Church, State, and county papers ; also, constitution, by-laws, and list of members of the Masonic and Odd-Fellows' lodges: a Murphy temperance pledge, and badges, with the signers in town and country.

Dedication of the Lecture room .- The services were opened by sing- ing, and the reading of appropriate Scripture lessons by Ress, Hen- derson and Geyer; prayer by Rev. L. A. Belt, of Toledo. Rev. O. Kennedy preached an excellent and appropriate sermon, and concluded by soliciting from the congregation a thank-offering, which was liberally · responded to. Col. J. M. C. Marble, President of the Board of Trustees, made the following financial statement concerning the building of the church : Subscriptions secured to creet the church before May 16, 1875, $30,000; subscriptions received since, 8259.35; Total, $30,259,35 ; ex- pended to date and for material yet unused. 817,622.52; balance in treasury of unexpended subscriptions, 812.626.5%. The Ladies' Mite Society furnished the windows for the lecture-room and the carpet for the platform at a cost of $100. They have also on hand to expend for the completion of the church, $1255.29.

The " Young Worker," furnished three hundred chairs for the lecture- room. The presentation ceremonies consisted in the trustees being called into the altar and presented the room through Mr. Martde for dedication to the worship of God. The dedicatory service according to the Ritual was then performed; the doxology sung and benediction pronounced by Rec. L. S. Belt. An appropriate preamble and resolu- tions were read and adopted. thanking the efficient Board of Trustees, the faithful building Committee, the pastor, Rev. J. R. Hender-on, and the Ladies' Mite Society.

Elections .- The annual election of officers of the M. E. Sunday-school was held Tuesday evening. March 29, 1981, and resulted as follows : Superintendent. J. F. Rank; Assistant Superintendent, Arthur B. Whit- mer; Secretary, Miss Jesse Fish; Assistant Secretary, Frank Masky ; Treasurer, Mis- Minnie Woodruff; Organist. Miss Eliza Little; Choris- ter, Rev. A. J. Fish; Librarian, Capt. D. P. Dunathan.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

. The First Presbyterian Church of Van Wert was organized by the Rev. John II. Nevius, under the authority of the Presbytery of Miami, June 10, 1813, a petition having been presented by the Presbyterians residing in Van Wert and its vivimty.

At the time of the organization in the court-house it was called the First Presbyterian Church, and consisted of twelve members, viz : Roht. MeKre Thompson, Mrs. Lydia Thompson. Andrew Hattery, Mrs. Rachel Hattery. Joseph Hattery, Mrs. Esther Hattery, Miss Annie Hattery, Nathaniel Hattery, Andrew Hattery, Jr., James Gordan Gilliland, Mrs. Margaret Gilliland, and Mrs. Sarah Wells.

After its organization according to the prescribed rules of the Form of Government, the members of the church proceeded to elect an elder, which resulted in the choice of Joseph Hattery, who was regularly ordained and installed, and continued to discharge the duties of this office until his death.

June 11. 1 .43. The first sacrament of the Lord's Supper was admin- istered this day, and on the Monday following the first two infants were baptized, viz .. Hugh T., son of Robert Thompson, and Sarah Samantha, daughter of Mrs. Sarah Wells.

Sept. 12, 1843. The church petitioned the Miami Presbytery for a minister to preach and administer the sacrament. inasmuch as the Rev. John H. Nevins, then pastor of the church at Decatur, and who had preached for some months to the people of Van Wert previous as well as subsequent to its organization, finding himself unable to discharge the duties, requested to be released.

The church on the 14th of March, 1-16, invited Rev. Joho Elliot, of Martinsburg, a licentiate of Riobland Presbytery, to supply them one- half of his time, and promised him as compensation Stoo in produce. The call was accepted by bim, and he continued his labor- until March 21. 1>15.

In this year it was attacked to Sidney Presbytery, the number of communicants being twenty three. From this period to Isal the church had no regular pastor, but was supplied by Key. John B. Motion. Rev. John S. Galloway, Rev. Richard M. Badden, Rev. Thomas Eleuch, Rev. Jmary H. Anderson, and Res Milo Templeton.

In the spring of Ist Rov. Richard Graham, a missionary of the Miami Presbytery, was called to the pulpit, and continued as pastor until the time of his death. Sept. 29, 1551.

Rev. Thomas Elcock preached from Ang 28, 1852 (once each month), until April 9. 1:53, when he was elected the first regular pastor, and installed as such, the congregation promising to pay him $250. Ils pastorate was the longest which the church has yet enjoyed, having con- tinued until Is61-a period of nine years-and was throughout a pros- perons one.

In June, 1861, the Rev. Solomon Cook took charge of the spiritual interests of the church as a supply, and on the 26th of November. 1962, he gave place to Rev. J. W. Allen, now of St. Louis, Mo., who preacher from 1862 to 1>61 In July, 1866. Rev. Frederick R. Wortring began his pastorate, which continued for two years, On June 24, 1869, Rev. Win M. Claybaugh was elected. and served acceptably until Dec. 4. 1971. On April 22, 1872. Rev. Brainard T. Dewitt was elected, and his ministra- tion continued until March 21. 1-14 : his immediate successor was Rev. Eugene P. Dunlap, who was elected April, 1874, and served for one year. On May 9, 1875, the present pastor, Rev. John V. Stockton, began his labors, which have been so signally satisfactory. He was born near Utica, Ohio, and after receiving a scientific education, graduated at the Wooster University in 1872. Immediately thereafter he entered on a three-years' course in theology, and in 1>75 received a diploma from the Western Theological Seminary, of Allegheny. Penn.

Previous to his graduation he had been elveted pastor of the church of Van Wert, and on May 9, 1575, he preached his first sermon as its ininister. On the 23d of September following he was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Robinson, daughter of Rov. John Robinson, D.D., of Ashland, Ohio. On Sept. 30, 1875. the Presbytery of Lima ordained Rev. J. V. Stockton to the full work of the ministry, and installed him as pastor of the church of Van Wert.

Eldership .- At the organization of the church, Mr. Joseph Hattery was elected the first ruling elder, and continued to serve until August 22, 1851, when John Q. Adams and Isaac Tolan were associated with him by ordination. September 7, 1851. These three administered the spiritual offices of the church until 1955. The death of Mr. Hattery and the removal of Messrs. Adams and Tolan can-ed vacancies which were filled by the election of Mr. Andrew Coun and Evans W. Jones, on January 19, 1956.

On January 23, 1860. the church elected Messes. Henry Robinson, James K. Scott. Thaddeus S. Gilliland, and Oliver P. Clark, who were ordained February 19, 1860. The increase of the membership, and the enlargement and interest of the church demanded that this body should be increased, and Win. N. Lopesworth, Dr. John Glenn. Moses H. McCoy. and John D. Ervin were elected and intacted into office November 23. 1879, and these eight officers constitute the present ellership of the First Presbyterian Charch.

Deacons,-On the 22 day of August, 1951, James Gordon Gilliland. George &. Crafts, and Evans W. Jones were elected deacons and or- dained September 7. 1851, which office Messes, Gilliland and Craft fillet until their decease. and Mr. Jones until 1956, when he was elected to the eldership.

July 31, 1854, Messrs. Oliver P. Clark and Henry Robinson were elected deacons. Mr. Robinson was ordained as such October 3, 1854. Mr. Clark having been previously ordained. These two deacons were promoted to the eldership in 1860.

In 1866. Messrs. M. IL Mr.Cov. J. L. Price, and L. M. Carey were elected and ordained. In 1869, Messrs. M. F. Richie, Dr. W. N. Longs worth, and Nathaniel Hattery, and in 1874, Messrs. J. J. Humphreys and A. A. Griffin.

Dr. Long worth and Mr. McCoy have since been elected ellers, and Messrs. Richie, Carey, and Griffin have removed from the hompis of the congregation. The present deacons are Messrs. JJ. L. Price, Nathaniel Hattery, and JJ. J. Huniphreys.

Church Buildings .- The First. Presbyterian congregation, as we have stated, was organized in the oldl court-house. Afterwards, when the Methodist Episcopal Church was built, the Presbyterians shared their hospitalties and worshipped in their church, when they were able to secure a minister

In 1933 the Presbyterians, after due consideration, determined to pro- care for themselves a place of worship, and purchased a lot of south side of East Main Street. and west side of Harrison Street, upon which they evertal a next frame building, which cost three thousand dollars. and was occupied by them antal to72, when the congregation made arrangements for the erection of the present church.

The present beautiful brick church was commenced in the spring of 1×73, by authority of the church. The building committee consisted of Dr. W. N. Long-worth. J. L. Prive, M. I. Metoy, Nathaniel Hattert. John A. Conn. and T. S. Gilliland. The contract was given to F. W Wilson, architect. The erection of the building was prospected with vigor, att in December, ISTS. the lower room or basement bas reen pied, and the church on East Main Street was sold to the Gernem Evangelical Congregation for two thousand dollars

In Isi7, the Building Committee agam resumed their labors, and the

RES. OF H. H. UPDEGROVE , POST MASTER . CRAWFORD ST. VAN WERT, OHIO. RES. OF WALTER L. SCOTT, SOUTH AVENUE , VAN WERT CO. OHIO.

RES. OF AARON BALYEAT , PLEASANT TW'P, VAN WERT CO. OHIO.

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HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.

church was finished-the whole expense, including the lot, bring fourteen thousand dollars. The audience room is artistically finished, and will compare favorably with any church in Northwestern Ohio, being both tasteful and home-like, and will seat five hundred and fifty persons.

On November 9, 1879, a board of trustees was constituted, consisting of six persons, to be divided into three classes, and to serve as follows: John A. Conn and I. H. Eldridge for three years; H. Kemper and Win. L. Scott for two years; James Montgomery and O. D. Swartout for one year.

Officers and teachers in Sabbath School: Superintendent, I. H. EI- dridge; Assistant Superintendent, Dr. John Glenn; Secretary, Miss Anna V. Johns; Treasurer, Hathaway Kemper; Librarian, Jomm D. Ervin; Assistant Librarian, Walter C. McFadden; Organist, Miss Ada Scott; Chosister, H. Kemper.

Teachers: Miss Ella Alexander, Dr. W. N. Long worth, Miss Nellie Johns, Mrs. L. Hopkins, Mi -. Emma Alexander, Mr. H. Kemper, Mr. J. J. Humphreys, Miss Emma Day, Miss Addie Scott, Mr. O. P. Clark, Miss Minnie Scott, Mrs. A. B. Parker, Miss Minha J. Scott, Dr. John Glenn, Prof. D. R. Boyd, Miss Lucy Elcock, Miss Alice Grove, Mrs. P. H. Miller. School enrollment, 225.

ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH.

In July. 1867, the Rev. Father Westervolt visited Van Wert, and organized the present congregation. His visits were routinned for about one year, when, in Ises, he was succeeded by Rev. Father Hoettel, who continued in charge until 1875. Rev. Father Soetzer and Rev. Father Brem also paid a few visits. Rev. Father Leddy took charge in Isto, Rev. Father Cahill in 1878, and Rey. Father Berry in 1-79.

For over two years a room in Peter Roach's house served the purposes of a chapel. In 1869 the Rev. Father Hoeffel purchased two lots with a frame house thereupon, which was converted into a ciespel. Soon this place of worship was found too small to accommodate the congregation. Then the present church. a neat brick building, 35 by 55 feet, was erected in 1-70. The church and lots cost $4000, a very large sum when the number and means of the congregation are considered.

Rev. Father Hoeffel, however, assisted by the Catholics of Delphos and by the non-Catholics of Van Wert, overcame all difficulties, and honorably paid the debt which he had the courage to contract. The church was dedicated by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Swenger, of Fort Wayne. The sermon preached on the occasion was by the Rev. Alexander Sidley, then of Lima, which sermon was regarded as a specimen of great learning and eloquence.

We shall relate one incident of many to show how the Catholices of Delphos were animated by the good spirit of their pastor, Rev. Father Hoeffel, in assisting to build the church at Van Wert.

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History of Van Wert and Mercer counties, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 53

Author: Sutton, R., & Co., Wapakoneta, Ohio, pub Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Wapakoneta, Ohio : R. Sutton Number of Pages: 878

Author: Sutton, R., & Co., Wapakoneta, Ohio, pub
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Wapakoneta, Ohio : R. Sutton
Number of Pages: 878