USA > Ohio > Crawford County > Cranberry > New Washington and Cranberry Township; directorial, biographical, historical > Part 6
USA > Ohio > Crawford County > New Washington > New Washington and Cranberry Township; directorial, biographical, historical > Part 6
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These have been a few of the prominent settlers who located within the corporate limits of New Washington, prior to 1850. There were others whose deeds are worthy of mention but space forbids. Some of the later arrivals are yet among the living;
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but the majority are now calmly sleeping in the silent cities of the dead. Of their hardships and trials the present generation can have but a faint idea. All their supplies had to be brought from distant cities through forests and swamps accompanied by numerous perils which no longer exist in this country. Many were the misfortunes which they met without a murmur or com- plaint. Many were the difficulties which they encountered and which were possible to overcome only by a courageous self reli- ance and a determined and resolute spirit. They came out as conquerors in all their undertakings. They achieved the object of their undertakings only to be enjoyed by their posterity. What a beautiful picture their heroic efforts present when contrasted with the sickly sentimentality of the present!
The Village.
Growth. The growth of the village at first was very slow. As late as 1836 there were only about a half a dozen families who composed its entire population. In 1840 the population num- bered about 50 to which no material increase was noticeable for many years. But as the work of clearing away the forests in the surrounding country progressed and the population in the township increased, the business of the village began to increase and became more and more diversified: New industries sprang up such as were necessitated by the wants of the people in the community. The various professions were soon represented in the village and the population increased steadily. The people began to launch in various enterprises. Although some were inglorious failures others were brilliantly successful. The little burg, like all others, had its ups and downs. In all her strug- gles she labored bravely and gallantly until her object was achieved.
Enterprises. When it became a certainty that New Wash- ington was to be a point on the Mansfield, Cold Water & Lake Michigan Railway, now the North Western Ohio, the village received and impetus such as she had never enjoyed before. Her population increased three-fold, property rapidly rose in value,
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business places became more numerous and dozens of buildings sprang up simultaneously. Nor was this impetus received with- out a grand and self-denying effort on the part of her citizens. To insure New Washington as a point on the line $30,000 were to be raised. This was a herculean task, but by constant persever- ance the little city came out victorious and is now reaping her re- ward. Her population had increased to over 600 in 1880. It now became apparent that New Washington was destined to be more than a mere ordinary village. Evidences of progress were noticeable everywhere. The merchant, mechanic and profess- ionalist were well patronized, and the little city now furnished ample outlet for the various products of the farming community. Society became more refined and the public mind was grad- ually drifting into a literary channel. Early in 1881 a number of the most influential men organized themselves in a body to solicit subscribers to a newspaper which was to be published in New Washington. They met with success. In February of the same year the first issue of the HERALD, a 5-column quarto, made its appearance under the supervision of O. C. Wheeler. The citizens have been quite liberal in their support of this paper as it is now nearing its tenth volume. The indications are that it has come to stay. Another valuable acquisition for the village was that of a Union Telephone station in the fall of 1885, by- which means free and rapid communication with other points was afforded. The enterprise has been largely patronized. That it has become a permanent thing is not to be questioned. The Summer of 1887 furnished an opportunity in which the public spiritedness of the citizens of New Washington was most vividly exemplified. The idea of prospecting for gas agitated their minds. The benefit to be derived, in case a discovery should be made, was readily seen by them, and the thought, that in their dormancy the future welfare of their city might be forever im- paired, was more than they could bear. The agitation culmina- ted in the organization of a stock company with a capital of $3,- 000. The shares quite readily found purchasers. This organiza- tion was known as the New Washington Prospecting Company. The company leased about 4000 acres of land in the vicinity of their village. A contractor was engaged to sink a well. Every- thing went on well until the funds were exhausted. Some means had to be provided for raising the necessary funds or the pro-
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ject must fail. A petition praying for the privilege of bonding the village to the amount of $2,500 and making the corporation a partner in the joint stock company, was presented to the Gen- eral Assembly of Ohio when it convened in January 1888. The petition was granted by that body provided the people by their ballot so decreed. An election was ordered. The result was that out of over 150 votes cast there were only 6 against the issue of bonds. Notwithstanding the fact that the project was. fruitless, it served to demonstrate the progressive spirit which the citizens of New Washington and community possessed. Immediately following in the Summer of 1888 a proposition was submitted to the people of New Washington by the Pittsburgh, Akron & Western Railway Company as follows: That New Washington, should be a point on the line providing the right-of-way was se- cured through Cranberry township and the corporation and enough money raised to erect a suitable depot. An organization was effected and the work of securing the right-of-way vigorous- ly prosecuted. The result was that in less than a month's time New Washington had her work accomplished and besides had secured several miles of right-of-way in Chatfield township and half way through Auburn township. In November of the same year grading was begun and continued until cold weather set in. The road will be completed in due time. Such have been a few of the most important enterprises in which the people of New Washington were interested. In all they have responded nobly. On all sides are evidences of a wonderful growth during the last decade. From the present outlook the census enumerator in 1890 will report a population of 1100 souls.
The Schools.
....
Learning by study must be won ; 'Twas ne'er entail'd from son to son .- GAY.
'Tis education forms the common mind ; Just as the twig is bent, the tree's inclin'd.
POPE.
In following the history of mankind we ob- serve that in proportion as nations cultivate their moral and intellectual powers, atrocious actions diminish in numbers, the manners and pleasures become more refined, the legis- lation milder, the religion purified from su- perstition, and the arts address themselves to the finer emotions of the mind .- SPURTZ- HEIM
The First School. It is a fact well worth mentioning that some of the early settlers had seen with concern that their chil- dren were growing up around them with no school advantages. To them this was an alarming condition of affairs. To permit their children to grow up to citizenship in ignorance would have been a disgrace to themselves and a gross injustice to their children. There was only one course to pursue to overcome this dilemma, and that was to establish schools where the intellect- ual wants of their children might, at least in in a measure, be satisfied. They accordingly, as early as the winter of 1833-34, rented a rude building which had been erected for some other purpose, and employed a man whose name is not remembered, to teach school. In this forbidding structure school was taught every winter until 1839, when a log school house was built about a mile south of the village. This school was attended by the children of the village until about 1842.
The First School House. In about 1842 the first school- house in New Washington was erected on the rear end of the lot on the north-east corner of Main and Rossman streets. It was
ยท
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a mere log hut and would indeed present a beggarly appearance alongside the magnificent school-houses of today, to say noth- ing of the discomforts and inconveniences to which both teacher and pupils were subjected by the scantily furnished interior. The benches were made of slabs supported by legs of irregular shapes and dimensions. An ingenious (?) contrivance answering the purposes of a desk was arranged nextto the wall. It thus happen- ed that when a pupil wished to do some work in which a desk was brought into requisition, that he would leave his accustomed seat and take his position at this peculiar projection from the wall and do his work, after which he again returned to his former seat. This structure was utilized for school purposes for about thirteen years. The names of those who served as instuctors in this building have nearly all faded from the memory of the oldest settlers. It is however, reasonably certain that among the leading teachers in this building were A. C. McNutt, H. H. Carson, Dr. Shaffer and Catharine Ream.
Progress. As the population of the village increased a larg- er school building was necessitated. In 1855 another building which was a decided improvement over the first school-house, was erected on the south end of the same lot. The building is now occupied by the parochial school of the German Lutheran church. School was taught in this building for about ten or eleven years. Among those who taught in this building are W. C. Guiss, James McMorris, T. B. Carson and James Grant.
The rapidly increasing population soon necessitated another and much larger building. In about 1867 the two story building on the north-east corner of Main and Rossman streets was erect- ed at a cost of about $2000. From henceforth the school was divided into two departments, necessitating the services of two teachers. On every hand were evidences of progress in the cause of education noticeable. The teachers became more thoroughly quailified to do good and effective work, and as a result the schol- ars, as a rule, became more and more studious and attentive. Among the teachers prior to 1874 in this building were John Perky, Lewis Guiss, Anna Cox, Melissa Hudson, Hattie Darr, T. B. Carson and Smith Blair.
Special District. At the time the railroad was built through New Washington the population of the village was largely increased, which also largely increased the number of
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school children. Up to this time no special provision had been made to offer better school facilities than the country school. It remained for a few determined and energetic men to place their schools on a higher grade and adopt a uniform system for their government. Chief among these men, was Mathias Kibler, of whom a short account concerning his valiant work in school af- fairs, is given at length elsewhere in this volume. It was through his instrumentality that a call for an election to or- ganize a special school district for New Washington was issued. The election was held on April 13, 1874. The result was the or- ganization of a special school district, and from henceforth the school has been farther reaching in its influence and effect. Shortly after the special district had been organized, J. F. Kim- erline assumed the superintendency of the schools and has ever since been the central figure through whom the rapid advance- ment of the schools was achieved. In the spring of 1875 he taught the entire school with an enrollment of 104 and an average at- tendance of 94. "The work was too arduous for one man to do, and in the autumn of the same year Mr. Kimerline was assisted by Henry B. Kurtz who took charge of the Primary department. After teaching a number of successful terms in this department Mr. Kurtz was succeeded by A. G. Lederer who for three suc- cessive years ably presided over this department. In 1879 the enrollment of the schools had reached 120. This was more than the the school building could accommodate. The Board of Ed- ucation was now compelled to furnish means for the accommo- dation of all the children of school age. They rented and fur- nished a room in Pratt's hall, to which the Primary department was removed with Mrs. Laura Buchman as instructor. In 1881 the enrollment in this department had increased to such an ex- tent that the Board of Education found it necessary to em- ploy an additional teacher for this department. Accordingly the services of Mrs. J. F. Kimerline were secured, who assisted Mrs. Buchman in the Primary department, both teaching in the same room. In the meantime S. B. Carson succeeded A. G. Lederer to assist Supt. Kimerline in the other departments at the school-house. In the autumn of 1880 Mr. Carson was suc- ceeded by O. E. De Witt.
New School Building. What was to be done with the over-crowded condition of the schools? There was but one al-
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ternative, and that was to erect a building suited to the demands of the time. The land enclosed by Orchard, Center, Washing- ton and Kibler streets was selected and purchased for the site of the proposed new building. Plans and specifications were drawn up and adopted, and in 1881 a contractor was engaged and the
School Building Erected in 1881.
work of construction begun. A magnificent edifice, 72 by 78 feet and three stories high, was erected at a cost of about $15,000. It is modern in its architecture, beautiful and imposing in its appearance and substantial and durable in its construction. The interior presents a model of convenience and comfort in its
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arrangement. The spacious rooms are especially attractive. A hall with a seating capacity for 700 people is a very valuable feature of the building. As a whole the building stands second to none in northern Ohio. It has been, and justly is, the pride of every citizen of New Washington. The edifice is well worthy of the grand and noble cause for which it was erected, and vice versa. Honor to those who were instrumental in urg- ing and honor to the tax payers who willingly contributed for its construction.
The School Premises and Apparatus. The school-yard is a beautiful lawn surrounded by thrifty shade trees, presenting indeed an inviting and picturesque appearance. A substantial walk of sawed stone leads from the street to the main entrance of the building while the entire building is surrounded by a heavy layer of crushed stone, thereby enabling the pupils to go to, from and around the building during the extremest wet weather without danger of impairing their health by the usual exposure to muddy yards to which pupils are more or less sub- jected. Another important feature of the school premises is a powerful force pump with fixtures that water can be forced to any room in the building, which has recently been put in the well. The apparatus belonging to the school is very well suited to the wants of the pupils. Among these are a fine telescope, and ex- cellent charts, maps, globes, &c. An extensive library, belong- ing to the school is a very valuable acquisition.
The Transfer. In April of 1882 the schools were transfer- red to the new building, the building having been accepted from the hands of the contractor. At this time the school was divided into departments as follows: Primary, Intermediate, Grammar and High School. The facilities for education having been largely increased from henceforth more effective work was ac- complished. The schools were now lifted to a high standard. About this time the first catalogue of the schools was issued, which, in 1886, was followed by the second catalogue. The influ- ence of these schools was felt throughout the county. Pupils came in from all quarters and imbraced the advantages for edu- cation offered by them.
The Departments. At the time of the transfer of the schools to the new building the Primary department had an en- rollment of 38 and an average attendance of 34. In 1886 this de-
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partment enrolled 46 and had an average attendance of 36,. and at present the enrollment is 43 and the average attend- ance 40. At the time of the transfer this department was taught by Mrs. J. F. Kimerline. In the fall of 1882 she was succeeded by Mary Chambers, of Crestline, who had charge of this depart- ment until the close of the schools in 1884. In the Autumn she was succeeded by Miss Edith N. Spayth who served as teacher for two years. In the fall of 1886 Miss Amanda High assumed charge of this department and yet retains the position.
The Intermediate department came to the new building with an enrollment of 34 and an average attendance of 31; in 1886 the enrollment was 40 and the average attendance 34; and at present the enrollment is 44 and the average attendance 42. In 1882 this department was taught by Mrs. Laura Buchman. In the Autumn of 1883 Miss Lousa Kibler succeeded Mrs. Buch- man as teacher of this department and has held that position ever since.
The Grammar department, in April, '82, had attained an en- rollment of 30 and an average attendance of 28; 1886, enrollment 27, average attendance 22; and at present the enrollment is 23 and average attendance 20. This department was taught by O. E. De Witt in 1882. In the Autumn of '83 he was succeeded by G. S. Catlin who taught this department for three years. In the Autum of 1887 F. H. Flickinger took charge of this department and is its present teacher.
The High school came to the new building with an enroll- ment of 30 and an average attendance of 26; in 1886 the enroll- ment numbered 38 and the average attendance 29; at present the enrollment is 38 and the average attendance 33. Aside from his work of general supervision over the other departments this de- partment was taught by Supt. J. F. Kimerline in 1882 and Spring of '83. In the Autumn of 1883 O. F. Laughbaum was elected principal of this department and in connection with the Superintendent has had charge of the High school ever since. The time required in this department is four years.
Literary Societies. The schools are divided into two lit- erary societies-Webster and Excelsior. There are literary ex- ercises every Friday during the last quarter, the socities alterna- ting their work, i. e., the Websters are on duty one week and the Excelsiors the next. About three or four public entertainments
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are given by these societies, annually, and are always largely at- tended and are highly creditable to the schools.
First Commencement. On the evening of June 9, 1883, the first commencement exercises were held, a class of nine grad- uating from the High school. The spacious hall, tastefully and elaborately adorned for the occasion, was filled to overflowing by an anxious throng to witness the proceedings of this new de- parture. The scene was one that will live long in the memories of those who were present. The members of the first class, known as the "Class of '83," were as follows: Miss Tillie Guiss, E. J. Moody, S. L. French, A. H. Schwemley, E. D. Robinson, Hen- ry Arras, J. R. Miller, D. I. Cummins and Miss Louisa Kibler. Since then five classes have graduated.
The Alumni. This organization is composed of the mem- bers of all the classes that have graduated from the schools. Its members meet once a year in social re-union. These re-unions are pleasant occasions for those who are fortunate enough to at- tend them. The total membership at present numbers thirty- three.
Conclusion. We have traced the history of the schools of New Washington over a period of fifty-six years. How well the history has been told, is not for the historian to tell. It is, however, hoped that at least a semblance of justice has been giv- en the schools by this brief sketch of their existence. The schools are an institution to which the village is very much indebted for the credit and social standing which it enjoys. The maxim "As the teacher, so the school" reflects unbounded credit upon those in whose charge the schools have been. A word in behalf of the services of the present superintendent and corps of teachers will, we trust, not be considered a breach of modesty by the public. Justice demands that an appropriate recognition of their services be made. Second to none other have been the services rendered by Prof. J. F. Kimerline in elevating the schools to their pres- ent high standing. He has been superintendent since 1874, a pe- riod of fifteen years, during which time the schools have made their greatest strides of progress. Had he been other than an ex- emplary man, a hard worker and a first class instructor, he could not have retained his responsible position. O. F. Laughbaum has had charge of the High school for six years and deserves much credit. He is a man of strong determination and excell-
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ent habits. Miss Louisa Kibler, the teacher of the Intermediate department, also deserves special mention. For six successive years her services were fraught with good results. F. H. Flick- inger in the Grammar, and Miss Amanda High in the Primary department, have been in the service a shorter period of time but are doing equally as successful work. The Board of Education and the citizens in general deserve praise for the part they take in the cause of education; for through them it is made possible to appropriate the sum of nearly $2,500 annually to carry on this work not including the cost of the building and keeping it in repairs. What, then, of the future of the schools? Will their future be prosperous and bright ? So long as the training of the mind, the development of the intellect and the culture of morals is uppermost in the minds of men, so long will schools flourish and so long will ignorance, superstition,immorality and crime be on the decline. What course will you pursue ? Choose, ye future and unborn generations.
The Churches.
GERMAN EV. LUTH. ST. JOHN'S CHURCH.
Organization. The history of this church is closely iden- tified with the history of New Washington itself. The founders were among the first settlers of the village in which it was locat- ed. The difficulties attending its organization were coincident with those almost unconquerable difficulties of converting the present site of New Washington and surroundings from a deso- late, swampy wilderness to the state of cultivation and beauty in which this generation has received it as a legacy from those pi- oneer settlers. Write the history of these beautiful farms and houses that grace this locality, tracing them back to those stur- dy pioneer woodsmen, whom we call our fathers, and who, with axe, spade and plow, laid low the primeval forests, drained the land and turned it into laughing fields of grain and corn, and you write the history of this church. From records at hand and of whose authenticity we are assured, it appears that New Wash- ington was laid out in 1833 and its first regular dwelling, a log
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house of course, was built by a man named Joseph Busch. The second dwelling, a two-story log house, was built by Adam High, a native of Germany and one of the oldest members of the Lutheran church in this vicinity, in the year 1833. In this house the first organization of the church was effected in the spring of 1834 with a membership of twelve families, Rev. Stauch, a German itinerant preacher, presiding. It .was a courageous little band of worshipers, of purely German descent, full of earnestness and devotion. They had but one service in eight weeks, but they held together and thus laid the foundation of the present congregation. This was the first organization.
A second organization took place December 16, 1852. Up to this time the congregation had been a combination of Lutherans and Reformed, the Lutheran element, however, predominating. Under the efficient ministry of Rev. Robert Graetz the congre- gation obtained the conviction that such an inconsistent union was contrary to God's Word, and, those of the Reformed persua- sion having by this time adopted the Lutheran faith, it was de- cided to do away with this unholy thing and confess one and the same faith. Accordingly the old organization known as the "United Lutheran and Reformed Church" was dissolved and a new one effected. The name of the church now became "The German Ev. Lutheran Church," its confession the Symbolical Books of the Ev. Luth. Church and its character entirely Lu- theran. A new constitution was also adopted which remained in force until recently, when it was revised and amended. The - church thus organized was incorporated January 24, 1853 and its organization has proved permanent to this day.
Growth. Beginning with a membership of twelve families and reaching that of about 150 families surely indicates growth. This was not the result of proselyting as that practice does not obtain in the Lutheran church. The growth of St. John's church was due principally to emigration, most of its new addi- tions being received from sister churches in Europe. Of late, however, its development has been mostly from within; nor are its resources in this respect exhausted, there being almost 200 children in its fold. Its present membership numbers 616 souls of whom 430 are communicant members. The present property of the congregation also indicates growth. The first services, as mentioned, were held in the dwelling of Adam High. A school-
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