USA > Ohio > Clark County > The history of Clark County, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its cities, towns, etc.; general and local statistics; portraits of early settlers and prominent men, V. 1 > Part 54
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The following resolutions were adopted:
Resolved, That the determination of the Government to suppress insurrection, punish traitors and execute the laws, receives the hearty approval of the people of Clark County irrespective of party, and that they will sustain every effort to maintain the Union with men, money and every means in their power.
Resolved, That a committee of five from the city and two from each of the townships of the county be appointed to devise and execute such measures as may be required to carry into effect the foregoing resolution.
The quota of volunteers from the city was rapidly filled. On Wednesday, April 17, the first company to depart for active service was the Springfield Zouaves, commanded by Capt. E. C. Mason. The second company was the Washington Artillery, commanded by Capt. J. C. Vananda, which left on April 22, and the third company was the Jeffersonian Guards, commanded by Capt. Philip Kresh- ner, which followed four days thereafter. We shall not attempt to give a detailed history of the enlistment of troops in Springfield, to number its volun- teers or to follow the various companies and regiments in their marches and battles, as that is given in the comprehensive military history of the county, which includes that of the city, in this volume. It would be superfluous here as the subject has been exhausted in the history to which we refer. We shall but mention several features which have been there omitted.
There was a rapid enlistment from the city. Volunteers were eager to rush to the front. In the four wards, up to August 29. 1862. the number of enlisted men were as follows: First Ward. 90; Second Ward, 105; Third Ward. 141; Fourth Ward, 139, making a total of 475. At this time the whole population of the above wards was as follows:
First Ward.
Population. 1,228
Enrollment. 238
Second Ward.
1.103
265
Third Ward.
2,261
400
Fourth Ward.
1,853
3.12
Totals.
6,745
1,243
The care of those whom the defenders of their country's honor left behind. was gladly assumed by the citizens. Organized societies and commissions
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William Perrin -Verren
SPRINGFIELD TP.
477-478
479
CITY OF SPRINGFIELD.
ministered to the poor and needy. Their charity was boundless. Committees were appointed to ascertain those who lacked food, fuel and clothing, and to supply their wants. The winter of 1863 was excessively cold. and had it not been for the organized assistance at hand many would have suffered from the rigors of that inclement season. A call was made to the generous farmers of the county to donate wood to the sufferers. So enthusiastic was the reply that it was determined to make a general delivery on a stated day. On the 31st day of December of that year, the farmers sent their teams to the city loaded with wood. A procession was formed which numbered 147 wagons. containing over two hundred cords of wood. Col. Peter Sintz acted as Grand Marshal. while Krapp's Band led the way. The line when closely packed was over ten squares in length. After the wood had been distributed among the families of the sol- diers, a sumptuous dinner was given to the donors at Knaub's Hotel.
A "saw-buck-eye" brigade was also organized, which did valiant service in preparing the wood thus generously bestowed, into convenient size for con- sumption.
The ladies of Springfield were earnest in their ministrations to the soldier. The departure of a favored company or the return of a gallant band was followed and welcomed with good wishes and many greetings. The Soldiers' Aid Society was unceasing in its attention to the soldier boys. One of the most memorable events was the return of the Forty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. a favorite Clark County Regiment. on veteran furlough. The ladies prepared a royal banquet at the city hall, which had been handsomely decorated for the occasion. The regiment formed in line at the depot and marched through the principal streets to Market space, where a speech of welcome was delivered by Hon. Samuel Shellabarger. and responded to by Col. Gilbert, the much-respected Colonel of the regiment.
When the fall of the capital of the Southern Confederacy was announced. nowhere was the news received with more enthusiasm than in this city. Great preparations were made for a proper celebration of the event. All were eager for an occasion to give vent to their feelings of gratitude, at the prospect of the cessation of hositilities. The cannon at sunrise on Friday, April 14, 1865, spoke as on former occasions its Union sentiments. The church bells clanged merrily. Congratulatory greetings passed among friends and neighbors, busi- ness was generally suspended and the city put on its holiday attire. A grand parade was to be a part of the ceremonies of the morning. but, as the Governor of Ohio had issued a proclamation appointing Friday as a day of thanksgiving. and requested religious meetings to be held on the morning of that day, it was decided to postpone the procession until 2 P. M. A union prayer meeting was held in the city hall at 8 o'clock in the evening, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Joseph Clokey. At 2 o'clock the procession under the Marshalship of Lieut. Col. Welsh was formed. It was composed of the Masonic orders in fine regalia, Knight Templars in gorgeous costume. Odd Fellows and other secret societies. the students of Wittenberg College, fire department, Col. King's and Peter Sintz's cavalry command, a motley crowd in burlesque representing the remains of the Southern Confederacy. This troop was mounted on dilapidated horses. which would have shamed Rosinante, their persons were costumed with disguises which were ludicrous in their representations, and their appearance created much merriment on the route. After the procession had disbanded. a jollifica- tion meeting was had at the city hall. which was addressed by Gen. Samson Mason. Hon. Samuel Shellabarger and Judge R. B. Warden.
The general pleasure of the day was somewhat marred in the early morning by the premature explosion of a cannon, which shattered an arm of William Boyer, a member of the firing squad.
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480
HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.
ASSASSINATION OF LINCOLN.
The day following the grand celebration is memorable in the history of the city. The contrast between the rejoicing. the sunshine. the multiform expres- sion of gladness which prevailed on Friday, and the universal dejection and sor- row the symbol of mourning on every house. the cheerless gloom and leaden sky of Saturday was startling. The Chief Magistrate of the nation had been stricken unto death by the bullet of the assassin in the flush of victory and bright antici- pation of peace and re-union. Upon the windows and doorways were yet clinging the decorative symbols of joy of yesterday, and now the flags and national em- blems were draped in the deepest mourning. Stores and private residences were hung with their tokens of grief, as though the angel of death had touched each household. On Saturday afternoon, April 15, 1865, Krapp's band marched through the streets playing mournful dirges. Every countenance bore a look of sorrow. Knots of persons would meet on the street corners, and with bated breath discuss the momentous event. A terrible calamity seemed impending over the city. So deep was the prevailing sorrow that it was believed that a public meeting might afford the oppressed people the relief of expression. A call was therefore issued by Mayor J. J. Snyder at the request of many citizens, for a meeting to be held on Saturday at 4 o'clock P. M. At that hour, the old hall was densely crowded with the loyal men of the city. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Snyder. and an impressive prayer was offered by Rev. S. F. Scovil. After these introductory exercises were concluded. a deep and pro- found silence prevailed. The sorrow-stricken audience were mute with their unutterable grief. For a space of fifteen minutes there was not a word spoken. Finally Gen. Samson Mason was nominated as Chairman, and Col. H. B. Wilson. Secretary. A committee consisting of the following gentlemen was appointed to prepare resolutions: Judge R. B. Warden, Hon. S. Shellabarger, Hon. R. D. Harrison, Rev. Chandler Robbins, Judge William White and Thomas F. McGrew. Owing to the importance of the duty assigned to this committee, and the near approach of Sunday. it was deemed advisable that they should report at an adjourned meeting to be held on Monday.
On Sunday the churches were appropriately draped in mourning, and fune- ral discourses were delivered from every pulpit. At the Second Presbyterian Church. Hon. Samuel Shellabarger delivered an address on the Christian char- acter of Abraham Lincoln. which was listened to with profound attention.
At 8 o'clock on Monday morning, at the adjourned meeting had at the city hall. the Committee on Resolutions reported as follows:
Burdened with a common sorrow at the national bereavement in the startling and untimely death of Abraham Lincoln, the late President, and the dangerous and to be feared fatal wounds of his great co-worker. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, which bereave- ment Providence in His inserutable wisdom has permitted to be accomplished by the hand of the assassin, the people here assembled do resolve.
1. That we recognize this event an unparalleled national calamity to the American people, which every patriot mourns : but which the language of none can adequately express.
2. That in the present condition of our imperiled country, we feel that our supreme reliance must be in the Almighty Disposer of Events.
3. Though sadness reigns, dependency shall find no place in our hearts. But invok- ing the wisdom. the justice and unselfish patriotism of the late President, and aspiring to his own high rule of action. as announced in his last inaugural, " With firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right." we will strive with renewed energy to finish the work to which our country has been called, and to this end will give to the administration of his successor our unfaltering support.
Previons to the adoption of the resolutions, addresses were made by Judge White. Judge R. B. Warden and Rev. S. F. Scovil. These meetings made a deep impression upon the people. There was a unanimity of regret in the com- munity, and universal condemnation of "the deep damnation of his taking off."
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481
CITY OF SPRINGFIELD.
RECEPTION TO RETURNED SOLDIERS.
The gratitude of the people of the country at the safe return of her thou- sands of brave defenders found expression in a grand reception given to them in the fair grounds on September 13, 1865. This day was selected as it was the anniversary of the day (September 13. 1862), when Col. Gilbert, in com- mand of but 4,000 men kept at bay at Charleston, W. Va., the whole rebel force under Gen. Loving, estimated from eighteen to twenty-four thousand men. It was a re-union of the returned soldiers with their wives, families, sweethearts and parents, who had sustained them while at the front with their prayers, sym- pathies, ballots, supplies and sanitary stores. The building on the fair grounds then known as Floral Hall was tastefully decorated. A table 1.000 feet long laid with plates on the sides surrounded the hall. Accommodations were pro- vided for 2.000 soldiers at the first table, and over four thousand people feasted there during the day. Flags and banners ornamented every conspicuous place. while expressive sentiments appeared at every turn. " Welcome our Defenders " tastefully done in oak leaves was stretched across the end of Floral Hall. Among others were, "The oak of the North or the Southern Palmetto shall shel- ter none except in the grave." "Departed soldiers, we mourn your loss; your reward is twofold, with God and a nation; they have earned their pathway to glory."
The speakers of the day were Gen. J. D. Cox and Chaplain Collier.
RETURN OF PEACE.
Following the disturbed condition of the country incident to the war, the ominous predictions that the country would be overrun with marauding gangs of lawless men, whose object would be naught but pillage, were unfulfilled. As . instantly the silent steeps of Benledi's craggy sides were the shrill whistle of Roderick Dhu peopled with warriors "armed for strife." and again with a wave of the hand hushed into profound peace, so the citizen soldiery of this coun- try sprang to arms, and when peace was declared quietly returned to their occu- pations. Business was resumed in all localities, as though there had been no interruption. In this place even before the last gun had been fired the Spring- field Boardo' Trade was organized. It was set on foot for mutual improvement, culture of friendly feelings, and interchange of mercantile intelligence among business men: on the 25th day of February, A. D. 1865. A membership of 163 was obtained. The following officers were elected: President. William War- der; Vice President. Thomas F. McGrew: Secretary, Clifton M. Nichols; Treasurer, John C. Child; Executive Committee, Ethan A. Williams, John Foos, Edward B. Cassilly, Charles Morgan.
The board continued in existence for several years, but was finally aban- doned.
UNPRECEDENTED COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY.
The flush times which followed the war gave an impetus to trade and busi- ness unprecedented in the history of commercial matters. The city was growing rapidly. Scores of new buildings were rising in every locality. The unroofed houses, partially demolished structures and unfinished blocks made the place look as if a tornado had recently swept over it. In the year 1868. new manti- facturing establishments were started, additions to others and extensive enlarge- ments were completed. while in the suburbs, the neat, tasty cottages, as well as the substantial and elegant mansions, gave evidence of the culture and wealth of the citizens.
Up to this time, the old, dilapidated City Hall was the only audience-room. The concerts and dramatic representations placed upon the stage in that dingy
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482
HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.
hole were not of the highest order, because of the lack of conveniences to prop- erly present theni. A commodious hall with the proper facilities was an in- creasing demand. Andrew C. Black had the spirit and enterprise to undertake to supply this want. In 186S. he began the erection of the Opera House, which has long been appreciated by an amusement-loving public. The building is 99 feet on Main street, and 108 feet on Market street. It has four splendid busi- ness rooms on the first floor. with a number of offices on the second and third floors, and a festival hall on the fourth floor. On the west side, extending from the second floor to the dome, is the auditorium, stage, and rooms connected with the "music hall." It has a capacity for seating about one thousand people. The usual arrangement of parquet, dress circle, proscenium boxes and gallery were complete, while the decorations and artistic work were of the highest char- acter. The cost of the building was $100,000. It was formally opened to the public on February 4, 1869, by an address by Thomas F. McGrew, and an enter- tainment of music, select readings, etc., by home talent. followed by the presenta tion of the "Drummer Boy of Shiloh," which was largely attended, and was con- tinued several days. In the summer of 1880, Mr. Black remodeled the interior of his opera house, conforming it to modern tastes and requirements, at a cost of $18,000. It is now one of the most beautiful and convenient opera houses in the State.
The total number of buildings erected this year (1868) was 250, and the total cost 8900,000.
Another improvement added to the city this year was the large hotel build- ing on the northwest corner of High and Limestone streets, called after Spring- field's favorite stream-the Lagonda House. The lot on which this block was built was long known as the Mason corner. It was Lot No. 32, on the original town plat, and was bought by Gen. Samson Mason of James Lowry in 1822. A title bond had been given in 1821. The lot was then inclosed. and was covered by hazel and elder bushes and young walnut trees, and intersected by hog-paths in many directions. The ground now occupied by the First Baptist Church. Second Presbyterian Church. and the business block between was at that time in a similar condition. Gen. Mason, in 1827. commenced the erection of the residence which he completed in 1831, and occupied until his death. It was a splendid mansion for those days, and was a very respectable building when demol- ished. The enterprise of building the Lagonda House was given a start by the solid donation of $10,000 from the firm of Whiteley, Fassler & Kelly. On the 12th day of March. IS6S. subscriptions to the amount of $100,000 were ob- tained, and the Champion Hotel Company was organized. The Mason corner was purchased for $20,000. The building was then placed under contract, ground broken. and was rapidly pushed forward until completed. It is five stories high. with an extension from High street north on Limestone street of 115 feet. and 170 feet on High street. It contains 140 rooms, a commodious office. bath- rooms, and other arrangements of a first-class hotel. The cost of the entire building. when furnished. was about $130,000. The Board of Directors of the company, when first organized, was composed of the following persous: William N. Whiteley. John Foos. J. D. Stewart, David Thatcher, James S. Goode. John W. Bookwalter and Charles H. Bacon. The hotel was formally opened on Sep- tomber 30, 1869. with L. W. Cook & Son as landlords.
The activity which had prevailed in business circles in IS65 extended over into the following season. The demand for business rooms and private dwell- ings was increasing. Rents advanced. the value of real estate appreciated. and additions to the city proper were made in all directions. In 1869, there were erected ISS new buildings, at a cost of $582,751.
Now, with its hotel accommodations, its opera house and extensive manu-
483
CITY OF SPRINGFIELD.
factories, Springfield became an object of importance throughout the State. Invitations were extended to various associations to hold their annual meetings here. The State Fair was held on the Clark County Fair Grounds in 1871 and 1872. The State Editorial Association, upon invitation, had also met here in 1870. Great preparations were made to entertain the editors of the country press throughout the State, which included an inspection of all the manufactur- ing establishments, a banquet at the Lagonda House, and an excursion to the Yellow Springs.
The census of 1870 gave a population of 12,652, being an increase of over 75 per centum since 1860.
THE HARD TIMES.
The depression of business, which was a natural sequence of the flush times of the war, and which prostrated all branches of industry in other locali- ties, did not seriously affect the manufacturing interests here. While each establishment kept up its full quota of employes. run full time and paid promptly, the other business interests were enabled to successfully stem the tide of disaster which was sweeping over the country. It was a subject of much com- ment throughout the State that Springfield suffered little outside of the general depreciation of values, as compared with other localities. Immediately preced- ing and following the financial crash of 1873, there were a number of assign- ments, but the total is small for the city of its size and the magnitude of its commercial interests.
The records of the Probate Court from 1872 to 1877, inclusive, show the nature of the assignments made, as appears by the following compilation:
Year.
2. ssets.
Liabilities.
1872
$5,911 55
$9,159 82
1873.
88.112 57
120.610 3:
1874.
12.451 11
7,151 68
1815.
21,193 35
25.115 17
1876.
254.977 23
465,014 60
1877
45,581 94
64.015 61
Totals.
$428,227 75
$696,12: 85
In the decade closing with the census of 1880, the population of Springfield was found to be 20,730, being an increase over the former census of over 65 per cent. This was an indication that, notwithstanding the stagnation. uncertainty and insecurity of monetary and commercial matters, the city was rapidly increas- ing in numbers and importance.
THE WOMAN'S CRUSADE.
On the evening of November 11, 1873, twenty-six ladies of the city of Springfield went before the City Council with a petition signed by over 600 women, praying for the prohibition of ale, beer and porter houses.
The desired relief from the evils of the liquor traffic not being afforded from this quarter. on the 21st of this same month the Women's Benevolent Soci- ety passed resolutions to the effect that, as nine-tenths of the cases of poverty and distress which appealed to them for charity, and came within the province of their labor, arose either directly or indirectly from the liquor traffic, and. con- sequently, while it existed, could be only, in a slight measure, relieved. that they call upon the community in general and ask the co-operation of the churches in inaugurating a series of temperance meetings, to be held consecutively in the different places of worship throughout the city.
Mrs. J. R. Guy, Miss Mary Clokey and Mrs. Joseph Cathcart were appointed a committee to meet with the Pastoral Conference of the city, and present the wishes and views of the Ladies' Benevolent Society. This being carried into
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HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.
effect, the conference pledged itself to a hearty co-operation with the ladies. cor dially approving of their action in petitioning the Council, and their plans regarding the mass meetings, and promising the use of the churches for these meetings. in order that the sanctity of religion might. as far as possible. be thrown around the movement. The temperance meetings were inaugurated December 2 in the English Lutheran Church, with Rev. M. W. Hamma pre- siding, and a large audience present.
An Advisory Committee. formed for the purpose of acting with and advising the ladies, who were the more prominent in the work, was formed of representa- tive men from each church.
On the 6th of January. 1874, during the week of prayer, a Woman's Tem- perance Association was formed after the morning prayer meeting in the First Presbyterian Church, the volunteer rolls for signatures being circulated by Mrs. E. D. Stewart. afterward known in this country and abroad as "Mother Stew- art." who had been added to the original committee.
On the 14th of January, 1574, the morning prayer meeting for the temper- ance cause was established, and, on the following Sunday, the Sunday afternoon prayer meeting for the same cause. These meetings continued without inter- mission for twenty-six weeks. So intense was the interest they produced, and so strong the feeling of religious fervor, that it was no unusual thing to see this placard on the doors of business houses: "Closed for one hour, to attend the prayer meeting." On the 16th, the vast audience attending the mass meeting requested that this meeting be held once a week hereafter, and it was so ordered. This meeting was addressed principally by ladies, whose talents as orators were developed by this work to a wonderful extent.
On February 11. an all-day prayer meeting was held in the First Presby- terian Church. Dr. Dio Lewis, of Boston, and the reformed liquor seller, J. C. Van Pelt, of New Vienna. Ohio, being present in the afternoon. Excitement was intense. From this meeting the first "praying band" went out led by "Mother Stewart" and Mrs. Cossler, and visited the Lagonda House saloon. News of their coming had preceded them. The streets were full of followers. They were jostled and crowded, but no insults were offered the women. The saloon was found locked, but the prayer meeting was held outside. From this time throughout the entire winter, these bands, having special leaders, went out daily, holding prayer meetings in, or outside of saloons, as opportunity offered. A committee was appointed for the special supervision of the street work. with! Mrs. James Kinney as President, and Mrs. John C. Miller as Vice President of the committee.
These praying bands circulated the pledge. gained many signers, succeeded in reforming many drinkers. and bringing them into the church. Mr. John W. Bookwalter gave the crusaders the use of an empty building owned by him (the old Episcopal Church, which has since been demolished) for their headquarters. So satisfied were the citizens that these ladies were doing good that the differ- ent wards furnished lunch. daily. for the praying bands at this place, and here starving inebriates were often fed and warmned.
In March. 1874. began what is known as the "anti-license campaign." The new constitution which had been framed for the State of Ohio was to be voted on in August. and it contained a clause to the effect that license should be optional with the people-might be voted in or out of existence, as the people pleased. .
On the 3d of April. a Clark County Temperance League was formed, with a corps of efficient officers - Mrs. J. R. Guy. Secretary, being one of the most active and energetic. The mission of this league was to hold temperance incet . ings in all the school districts and villages throughout the county. Much good was done by this league, and many drinkers reformed.
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