The History of Wyandot County, Ohio, containing a history of the county, its townships, towns general and local statistics, military record, portraits of early settlers and prominent men etc, Part 61

Author:
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago, Leggett, Conaway
Number of Pages: 1072

USA > Ohio > Wyandot County > The History of Wyandot County, Ohio, containing a history of the county, its townships, towns general and local statistics, military record, portraits of early settlers and prominent men etc > Part 61

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the mills have been operated by Robert E. Kerr. In 1881, Mr. Kerr added an Excelsior purifier and other improvements, to the amount of $3,000. These mills have a capacity of fifty barrels of flour per day. Three men are steadily employed, and the products consist of both custom and merchants' work.

The City Mills were built by Daniel Walborn, and first commenced oper- ations on the 4th day of November, 1875. In March, 1876, Mr. Walborn sold a one-third interest to M. B. Hough, and another third to Ephraim Fenner. The following May he sold the remainder to Jacob Juvinall. The business was then conducted by the above-mentioned parties until 1878, when W. J. Streby purchased Hough's interest. In 1882, Mr. Streby bought of Charles Juvinall the interest formerly owned by Jacob Juvinall, and at about the same time W. D. Kail purchased from Adam Stephan the interest formerly owned by Ephraim Fenner. L. T. Myers became a rented partner in 1880. The building occupied is 30x40 feet in dimensions, and two stories in height. At first only two run of buhrs were used. In 1882, however, two more buhrs and a double set of Allis' rolls were added, and other machinery, to the amount of $4,000. The mills now have a capacity of thirty-five barrels per day. Three men are employed, and as is usual in small towns, both custom and merchants' flour is produced.

Beery's Elevator was erected in 1875 by the Beery Brothers, at a cost of $4,000. It is situated on the line of the Columbus & Toledo Railroad, is two stories in height, and is operated by horse-power. The firm, still known as Beery Bros., handle annually from fifty to seventy-five thousand bushels of wheat, besides other grains. The principal shipments are made to New York and Baltimore.

Hale & White's Elevator, which is located on the line of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, corner of Sandusky avenue and Hicks street, was built by Col. Samuel H. Hunt * in 1876. Subsequently, T. E. Beery acquired a one-half interest. In 1882, S. H. White bought a half- interest, his elevator which stood across the railroad from the present build- ing having burned. On the 1st of July, 1883, G. W. Hale purchased T. E. Beery's interest, and the business has since been conducted under the firm name of White & Hale. Their annual transactions, including the handling of wool, amounts to 'about $150,000.

The building occupied is in the form of an "L," each wing being 120 feet long. It has a receiving capacity of 10,000 bushels per day, storage for 30,000 bushels, and is operated by steam.

The Upper Sandusky Gas Light Company was organized October 22, 1878, with a capital stock of $20,000. The original subscribers to the stock were William Smith, Sylvester Watson, James G. Roberts, John D. Sears, James M. Hawes, Alexander L. Mckaig and Alexander L. McKaig & Co. On the 3d of December, 1878, Alexander L. Mckaig, William Smith, S. vatson, James G. Roberts and John D. Sears were elected Directors. The Directors then elected S. Watson President, and Alexander L. McKaig Secretary. These gentlemen acted as President and Secretary until Octo- ber 14, 1881, when Mr. McKaig, having disposed of his interest to I. H. Beery, Anthony Beery and T. E. Beery, resigned. Meanwhile, John D. Sears had disposed of his stock to S. H. White. At this meeting, October 14, 1881, James G. Roberts, I. H. Beery, A. Beery, S. H. White and T. E. Beery were made Directors. Mr. S. Watson's resignation as President was

* By utilizing a part of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad Depot, Mr. Hunt did an exten- sive and profitable business in handling grain, long before the first grain elevator was built in Upper San- dusky.

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accepted, and James G. Roberts was duly elected to fill the vacancy. At the same meeting, I. H. Beery was elected Treasurer, and T. E. Beery was chosen Secretary. At that time, there were but eighteen consumers, now there are 110 consumers. The works are situated on the bluff, at the south end of Fifth street.

CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS.

The First Presbyterian Church of Upper Sandusky was organized with seven members, at a meeting held in the old Mission Church in 1845, by Rev. Mr. Hutchinson, of Bucyrus, Ohio. Prior to that time, however, a Mr. McCain had preached in the same church edifice at irregular intervals.

This congregation built a small frame house of worship in 1847, which was occupied for a number of years. Their present handsome brick church was erected in 1866, at a cost of $12,000.

The original members were Mr. and Mrs. Goodman, Mr. and Mrs. Searls, Mr. Taggart. Mrs. Letitia Mccutchen and Rev. Mr. McCain. The present members are 130 in number, of whom Thomas M. Bowman, D. W. Byron, J. A. Stockton and John Ewing are Elders.

Following are the names of the pastors who have had charge of this congregation: Revs. Messrs. Charles Thayer, McCain, Baird, Holliday, Bogle, Lower, Fry, Edgar, Moore, Colmery, Copeland and Carson.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Upper Sandusky was organized in the autumn of 1845. On the 27th of September of that year, the following- named gentlemen were elected as members of the first Board of Trustees: Andrew M. Anderson, Guy C. Worth, James B. Alden, Alexander Armstrong, Joseph Cover, Alexander Voluntine and William Myers.

In January, 1846, the members of the society were as follows: Andrew M. Anderson, Susan Anderson, Alexander Armstrong, James B. Alden, James Boyd, Samuel Bird, Margaret Bird, Joseph Cover, Susan Cover, Adelia T. Chaffee, James Clark, Jane Clark, Abraham Coleman, Casander Clark, Jane Frees, Nancy Garrett, George W. Gould, Sarah Hughes, Polly Keeler, Charles Kinsler, Nancy Kinsler, Ann Kinsler, William Kiskadden, Samuel Landis, Hannah Landis, Lucinda Miller. William Myers, Susan Myers, Lavina McElvain, John Owens, Mary Owens Julia Stebbins, Sarah Snyder, Joseph Spangler, Jane Spangler, Thomas , Stevenson, Catharine Trager, Alexander Voluntine, Mary Voluntine, Guy C. Worth, Aurelia W. Worth and Valentine Plumb.

At a meeting of the Board of Trustees held June 25, 1846, it was re- solved to circulate a paper soliciting subscriptions to aid in the erection of a church building. It was also decided at this meeting to dispose of the lot already purchased by the society, which being Inlot No. 306, and then situated in the outskirts of the village, and apply the proceeds to the pur- chase of a lot more centrally located. Subsequently, at a meeting of the Board of Trustees held November 11, 1846, it was agreed to purchase Inlot No. 114, situated on the northeast corner of Johnston and Seventh streets. The amount paid for Lot No. 114, including a building thereon, was $250. The first payment, $100, was raised by a special subscription, except $6.50, which was drawn from the building fund.

Soon after, Andrew M. Anderson, James B. Alden and Alexander Vol- untine, who having been appointed a building committee, were instructed to " build a house of worship 24x36 feet, of plank, ten feet story, three fifteen light windows, of 10x12 glass, on each side, and two windows in front with one door in the center of the front end of said building." This house was completed, probably in 1847. Prior to its completion, the Meth-

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HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.

odists had occupied the Wyandot Mission Church, which, owing to an over- sight, at the time the Wyandot Reservation was purchased by the United States, was not especially reserved to the Methodist society, and for that reason, a very good one, all claims upon it as Methodist property were abandoned.

The frame house of worship was used until the spring of 1854, when the present church edifice was commenced. The latter was not entirely finished, however, until the summer of 1859. It cost about $4,500. Dur- ing subsequent years, a parsonage was built at a cost of $500.

The First English Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized by Rev. Jacob Schaner, at a meeting held at the house of George C. Wolford, Feb- ruary 5, 1849. Prior to that time, however, or on the 29th of January, 1849, a meeting of the members of this denomination had been held at the "old Indian council house," when and where Rev. J. Schaner and D. Har- baugh officiated.

Fourteen members originally signed the church constitution, which number was soon increased to thirty-five, among whom were Michael Mil- ler and wife, George C. Wolford and wife, Samuel Smith and wife, Benja- min Taylor and wife, John Furlinger and wife, Daniel Sterner and wife, and their children-Julia, Michael and Emanuel Sterner -- Samuel, Josiah and Ephraim Miller, and Mrs. Dr. Watson.

This first church edifice, a brick structure, size 35x50, was built in 1851. It stood upon Lot No. 305, northwest corner of Fifth and Findlay streets, and cost $1,400. The structure now in use was built in 1879, at a cost of $5,000. It stands upon the northeast corner of Eighth street and Wyandot avenue, is 36x56 feet in exterior dimensions, and is constructed of brick, trimmed with sandstone.

The pastors of this church have been as follows: Jacob Schaner, 1848- 49; J. B. Oliver, 1850-52; J. H. Hoffman, 1858-54; J. G. Beckley, 1854-55; A. B. Kirtland, 1857-60; G. Hammer, 1861-64; W. J. Sloan, 1866-67; and S. Fenner, 1872-81. Rev. H. B. Belmer, the present pastor, took charge March 1, 1882.

In the Sunday school, eighty scholars are enrolled. The Ladies' Aid Society raised $97 during the year 1883, which was expended on the church property.

The Church of God of Upper Sandusky was organized at a meeting held in the old Indian Mission Church, by Elder David Neidtheth, in Feb- ruary, 1851. The original members, ten in number, were Christian Bies- tel, C. Biestel, Margaret Biestel, J. W. Senseny, A. R. Senseny, A. Biestel, J. Wilson, M. Biestel, George Lott and L. Fensel. Their house of worship is constructed of brick. Among those who have officiated as pastors were David Neidtheth, William Adams, J. M. West, William Shafer, William McCormick and J. W. Senseny.

The Trinity Reformed Church of Upper Sandusky was organized in 1852. Respecting its early history, etc, the present pastor, Rev. E. D. Miller, writes as follows: "This church has a history. Rev. August Winter was the first Reformed minister here, who stood in regular connection with the Synod of the Reformed Church of the United States, but the exact date when he came is not known. He must have been born in the year 1850. How long he labored, however, or when he left, the records fail to show. After him came Rev. J. J. Brecht, who remained but a brief period. When Mr. Brecht withdrew, Rev. Peter Joeris was elected pastor of the charge, consisting of Upper Sandusky and the Emanuel's congregations, and com-

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menced his work here about the year 1852. In that year, he effected the first permanent organization of Trinity Reformed Church of Upper Sandus- ky. Pastor Joeris remained until about the year, 1858 or 1859. After he left, the charge was vacant until the year 1862, when Rev. J. Klingler came as a supply from Ada, Ohio, continuing so for four years. Finally, in 1865 the church was re-organized, and in 1866 the first church-an unpre- tending brick edifice, 26x50 feet-was built on North Fifth street, at a cost of $2,500. From a very humble beginning, the congregation now numbered about 150 members. Mr. Klingler continued his self-defying, and, in the main, successful, service until 1875. a period of about fourteen years. During his ministerial labors also, the old-time "Mud Church," in Pitt Township, was replaced by a neat brick building. Its members are about 145 in number. These two congregations were always served by the same pastor."

Rev. C. Wisner succeeded Mr. Klingler, and was shepherd of the flock for about five years. During this period, he placed the finances of the Upper Sandusky congregation on a firm basis, paid an old church debt and procured a parsonage. Rev. E. D. Miller, the present pastor. succeeded Mr. Wisner April 1, 1881. In the spirit of his predecessors, he is carrying the work successfully forward, and under his charge the church edifice was rebuilded and enlarged in the summer of 1883. The remodeled building was re-dedicated December 9, 1883, which event was noticed in the columns of the Weekly Chief as follows:

"On last Sabbath forenoon the exercises of re-dedicating the Reformed Church on Fifth street took place. At the allotted hour, people began gath- ering in, and, after the house was filled to its fullest capacity, the exercises began with an anthem by the choir. The opening address, in English, was made by the former pastor, Rev. J. Klingler, giving the rise and prog- ress of the congregation." Then followed re-dedicatory services in the Ger- man by the pastor, Rev. E. D. Miller, and a re-dedicatory sermon by Rev. Dr. Rust, of Tiffin, Ohio.

The Sabbath school in connection with this church numbers four officers, eleven teachers and about one hundred scholars. Its exercises are conduct- ed in the German and English languages. The present Superintendent is Adam Grundtisch. There is also a flourishing missionary society existing in this church, which is doing a good work both for home and foreign mis- sions. Its present officers are Allen Smalley, Esq., President ; E. F. Miller, Secretary, and Miss Ray Agerter, Treasurer.

The present members of the congregation are 150 in number, of whom John Burkhardt and Adam Grundtisch are Elders; Adam Beinbreck and Joseph E. Altenberger, Deacons; Henry Grundtisch, John Ulrich and U. Schlup, Trustees.

St. Peter's Roman Catholic Congregation, of Upper Sandusky, is, com- paratively, a young organization, its history dating back only to the year 1857, when a few Catholic families, about twelve in number, banded to- gether under the direction of the Sanguinist Fathers of New Riegel, Sen- eca County, and formed a small but spirited mission. Immediately steps were taken toward the erection of a brick church or chapel, 50x30 feet. In a short time the building was ready for use, and the little congregation felt happy to have a church of their own, small and plain though it was. The names of the first members who started the congregation were John Gaa, Joseph Gaa, Frank Fleck, Anthony Christen, Frank Keller, Sr., Frank Joseph Keller, John Osiaus, B. Vogel, John Lauder, Mathias Braun, Frank

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HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.

Vogel, Anthony Maueh and John Frey, all Germans, also a few Irish fam- ilies soon joined the small congregation, among whom were John Demp- sey, J. Nolan, Michael Moran and S. Dolan. The church, when completed, cost about $2,600, of which about $600 was collected from the citizens of the town.

From 1857 until 1865, St. Peter's congregation was attended from New Riegel by the following fathers in the order in which their names are here given, viz .: Revs. Johannes, Anton, Niclaus Gales, Augustin Reichert, Echardt Glueek, Patrick Henneberry, Henry Engelbert, Mathias Kreusch, Alphons Laux, C. French and Henry Drees. In 1865, the congregation had increased in numbers and strength sufficiently to be able to support a resident pastor. The first priest who served them in this capacity was the Rev. B. A. Quinn, who, however, remained but two months, when he was succeeded by Rev. G. A. Spierings in October, 1865. He remained in charge of St. Peter's congregation till April, 1867, when Rev. Joseph Rein- hardt was appointed his successor. Father Reinhardt's useful career was suddenly cut short February 22, 1868, while on his way to Bucyrus to meet Bishop Rappe, who was giving confirmation there. He was rudely thrown from a freight train which he had boarded, no passenger train being avail- able by which he could reach Bucyrus in time for the ceremony at which he intended to assist. Thrown from the train, he fell under the cars and was instantly killed. His mangled remains were gathered together and conveyed to Upper Sandusky, where, after an imposing and impressive burial service, attended by the Right Rev. Bishop Rappe, many priests and a vast concourse of people, Catholic and Protestant, they were placed at rest beneath the altar of the parish church. Father Reinhardt was a priest of amiable qualities. During his short pastorate here, he won the love and confidence of his flock and the respect and esteem of the non-Cath- olics of the community with whom he came in contact. His death was a severe blow to the congregation, who mourned for him as for the loss of a father. Rev. A. Girardin was appointed his successor in February, 1868, but only remained till October of the same year, when he was succeeded by Rev. G. Peter, who had charge of the congregation for five years. Under his energetic and zealous administration, the congregation grew in strength and prosperity.

Rev. Charles Braschler, the present pastor, succeeded Father Peter in March, 1873. By this time the congregation had far outgrown its first church. Father Peter had already foreseen the necessity of building a new and larger church, and to this end purchased three lots in the most eligible part of town, corner of Eighth and Finley streets, at a cost of $3,000, which he succeeded in paying for in a comparatively short time, having been gener- ously assisted by the greater part of the congregation. To Father Brasch- ler fell the arduous and difficult task of building this much-needed church. Full of courage, and cheered by the liberal response on the part of his people, he went to work. In the fall of 1873, the foundation was begun. In August of the following year, Rev. D. Hannin was commissioned by the Bishop to lay the corner stone. But owing to the monetary panic of the year previous, the dire effects of which were keenly felt by the entire coun- try, the building progressed but slowly. Pastor and congregation struggled along with their burden at times almost disheartened, yet, in spite of financial difficulties, they went steadily on till April. 1879, when the church was so far finished that it could be used for divine service. Much was still to be done, however, in the way of interior work and ornamentation.

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CRANE TOWNSHIP.

The building was finally brought to completion in the early fall of 1880, and on Sunday, October 17, 1880, it was dedicated by Right Rev. R. Gilmour, assisted by a number of priests.

The church is built of brick, ornamented with cut stone. The style of architecture is Roman-Doric. The building is 140 feet in length, and 60 feet in width; the walls are 42 feet in height, and the graceful spire 200 feet high is in keeping with the exceedingly imposing appearance of the church, which, owing to its elevated site, can be seen for miles. The in- terior is plastered and decorated with stucco-work, presenting a very pleas- ant appearance. The windows are of stained glass, each presenting the picture of some saint, or religious symbol, and are the gift of some members of the congregation. The pews, made of black walnut, are of excellent workmanship, and are, what cannot be said of the generality of church pews, well adapted to the purpose for which they are intended. The altar in use at present is only temporary, and will be replaced by one in harmony with the church, as soon as the congregation is able. In 1881, two large hot-air furnaces were placed in the basement, which heat up the church comforta- bly. In 1882, a very graceful pulpit of black walnut was erected, corresponding with the style of architecture of the interior, at a cost of $330). The church is illuminated by seventy gas-jets. As it now stands, it cost about $30,000, and though there are a number of churches in the dio- cese of Cleveland more expensive than St. Peter's of Upper Sandusky, there are very few excelling it in beauty of architecture or interior finisb. St. Peter's congregation and their zealous pastor, who by his untiring zeal brought his task to a successful end, may well feel a pardonable pride in having erected so beautiful a temple to the worship of God.

To the credit of the Catholics of Upper Sandusky, be it said that, from the beginning of their existence as a congregation, they supported a paro- chial school, at times even at a great sacrifice. In the beginning, and for many years, till 1880, it was managed by one lay teacher. Now it is in a flourishing condition, under the careful supervision of the pastor and the able management of two lay teachers. At first, it is true, the accommoda- tions for the children were not such as they could find in the public schools, which their parents helped to build and maintain, but on religious ground, for conscience' sake, cannot use. Now, however, since the new church is finished, the old church has been neatly refitted as a schoolhouse, giving ample room to all the children of the parish.

As soon as the debt of the church-about one-third of its cost-is some- what reduced, steps will be taken toward the erection of a suitable residence for the pastor, as the one now in use is remarkable only for its age and rickety appearance.

The temporalities of the congregation are administered by a body of councilmen, four in number, under the guidance and supervision of the Ordinary of the Diocese and the parish priest. The councilmen in 1857 were Messrs. John Gaa, Anthony Christen and Frank Keller. The same body in 1883 was composed of Henry Fleck, Frank Vogel, Peter Mong and Charles Rall. They are annually elected by the members of the congrega- tion, from a list of members presented to them by the pastor.

Service is held every Sunday, in English and German alternately. The present number of communicants is about four hundred and sixty.

At different times spiritual revivals or missions have been held. Thus in 1863, by the Redemptorist Fathers; in 1871, by the same Fathers; and in 1880, by the Jesuit Fathers. Various religious societies are likewise at-

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HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.

tached to the congregation, for married men and women, for young men and young ladies, and for the small and large school children.

Cemetery grounds for the sole use of the congregation were purchased in 1863.

St. Paul's Congregation of the First German Evangelical Lutheran Church of Upper Sandusky was organized in 1868 by Rev. C. Wernle. Among the first members were John Veith, Philip Tracht, Jacob Reis, Charles F. Veith, Lewis Krauss and Frederick Ritter.

,A church edifice was erected on the corner of Sandusky avenue and Bigelow street in 1871. It is built of brick, is 45x60 feet outside dimen- sions, and cost $7,000.

Rev. C. Wernle served as pastor for six years. Rev. W. F. Helle, the present pastor, has been in charge of the congregation during the past eleven years.

The present members are 325 in number. The present church officers are Frederick Ritter and Marx Schmidt, Deacons; Philip Tracht and Jacob Hehr, Elders; Charles F. Veith, Frederick Scheufler and J. Gloeser, Trus- tees, and William Schwilk, Treasurer.

The United Brethren Church of Upper Sandusky was established in 1850 by Rev. Messrs. Slaughter and Tabler. The early meetings of the society were held in the old Mission Church. In 1858. its members built a brick church on the corner of Finley and Sixth streets. It is 30x40 feet and in a good state of repair. Owing to slight dissensions, etc., the members of this organization only number about thirty at the present time, among whom are Messrs. Marshall, Hough and Harmon, Trustees.

Trinity Church of the Evangelical Association, Upper Sandusky, was organized with fifteen members by, Revs. John Hanneker, C. M. Rein- hold and Elder Daniel Strohman, on the 15th day of August, 1860. Prior to that time, however, meetings had been held at the house of Christian Rief in the fall of 1858, and at the Methodist Church in 1859, by Rev. Messrs. Freck, Lambert, Freese and Downey. Only two members of this denomination lived in the town in 1858, four in 1859, and fifteen in August, 1860. Among the last-mentioned members were Christian Rief, Frederick Rief, George Stecker, Mrs. Stecker, Jacob Burkhardt, Mrs. Cath- arine Burkhardt, Mrs. Littly, Frederick Mosner, Mrs. Mosner, Magdalena Marqurtb.

Their church edifice was built in 1860. It is of brick, stands upon In- lot No. 219, size 35x50 feet, and cost, including lot, $2,500.

The pastors have been as follows: John Hanneker, J. Rosenberg, Fred- rick Zeller, J. G. Theuer, Charles Ehrhardt, C. Kuntzle, - Dick, - Wise, - Holdeman, - Plantz, W. H. Pfiefer, Samuel Hippert, Daniel Stoll, C. Munk, Daniel Stoll, - McCauley, D. H. Wender and Daniel Strohman.

The present members are fifty two in number, of whom Conrad Stephan, Christian Rief and David Newmeister are Trustees; David Newmeister, Class Leader; John Senferly, Exhorter; Conrad Stephan, D. Newmeister and Dr. Davis, Stewards; Superintendent of German Sunday School, Con- rad Stephan: Superintendent of English Sunday School, Dr. Davis. The average attendance of Sunday school pupils, including classes in German and English, is about fifty. A Ladies' Aid Society has been in operation three years. Its officers are Mrs. C. Stephan, President; Mrs. J. W. Davis, Secretary, and Mrs. J. Lowry, Treasurer.

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The History of Wyandot County, Ohio, containing a history of the county, its townships, towns general and local statistics, military record, portraits of early settlers and prominent men etc, Part 61

Author: Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Chicago, Leggett, Conaway Number of Pages: 1072

Author:
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago, Leggett, Conaway
Number of Pages: 1072