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. 2, Part 5

Author: Steele, Alden P; Martin, Oscar T; Beers (W.H.) & Co., Chicago
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : W. H. Beers and Co.
Number of Pages: 1024


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. 2 > Part 5


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).


Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72


Since the institution of the lodge to the present time, the number of per- sons who have been connected with the lodge as members is 589. The present number of members in good standing is 218. The officers for the present term are D. M. Smith, Noble Grand; Alex E. Taylor, Vice Grand; Dr. James W. Nelson, Recording Secretary; J. S. Shewalter, Permanent Secretary; C. C. Fried, Treasurer; Thomas B. Manning, Warden; Enoch R. Martin, Conductor; Chris. Spichty. Inside Guardian; Levi Elwell, Outside Guardian; Oliver G. Hammaker, Right Supporter to Noble Grand; George H. Frankenburg, Left Supporter to Noble Grand; J. F. Schlegelmilch, Right Supporter to Vice Grand; C. S. Courson, Left Supporter to Vice Grand; George B. Metz, Right Scene Supporter: Samuel J. Haley, Left Scene Supporter. The lodge is at present in a very propserous condition.


Goethe Lodge, No. 384, I. O. O. F., Springfield, Ohio (German), was insti tuted June 10, 1867, under a charter of the Grand Lodge of Ohio. The char- ter members were J. J. Smith. J. C. Hax, Samuel Altschul, S. S. Graner. John Miller, B. G. Smith. M. Kaufman, Henry Stoessel, George Soller, Ferdinand Otto, Charles Keller. The list of officers were the following: J. Z. Smith, Noble Grand; J. Christ. Hax, Vice Grand; Charles Keller, Treasurer; Michael Kauf- man, Recording Secretary: Samuel Altschul. Permanent Secretary.


The order of Knights of Honor is a secret benevolent society, composed of


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575


CITY OF SPRINGFIELD.


a Supreme, Grand and Subordinate Lodges. It was established in June, 1873, by persons who felt that the various systems of relief to the families of de- ceased members, as adopted by other orders, were deficient in important respects, and who believed that an order established with the purpose of paying a death benefit as one of its main objects would meet with approval and success.


The objects of the order are to unite fraternally all acceptable white men of every profession, business or occupation; to give all moral and material aid in its power to members of the order by holding moral, instructive and scien- tific lectures, by encouraging each other in business, and by assisting one another to obtain employment; to establish a benefit fund, from which a sum not exceeding $2,000 shall be paid, at the death of a member, to his family, or to be disposed of as he may direct; to establish a fund for the relief of sick or distressed members.


Protection Lodge, No. 759. Knights of Honor, of Springfield, was insti- tuted October 4, 1877, with the following-named persons as charter members: A. G. Bethard. L. E. Bruner, Thomas W. Bean, W. H. Bvers, John B. Bolan. D. L. Cornor, John W. Carson, Lewis H. Corvic, George H, Coles, Charles Carrington, R. A. Dudley, Levi Elwell, D. R. Foreman, Samuel Folkener, Fred Foster, S. H. Knox, C. F. King, D. H. Le Fever, J. N. Mills, J. R. Mumma. D. L. Newell, A. Parkhurst, Dr. L. E. Russell, John Sheeder, F. K. Syman, J. M. Todd, J. H. Todd, James Todd, John Wikoff, M. V. Wirick. The lodge has now a membership of sixty-two. Present officers: Past Dictator, James Taylor; Dictator, M. W. Plattenburg: Vice Dictator, A. H. Gillett; Assistant Dictator, James H. May: Reporter, D. L. Cornor; Financial Reporter, George H. Coles; Treasurer, William Dickson; Chaplain, H. P. Bradbury; Guide, Ed A. Kersh- ner; Guardian. John Wikoff; Sentinel, John W. Faulkner. The lodge meets every Tuesday night, in the hall at No. 7 East Main street.


The Lagonda Tribe, No. 61, Improved Order of Red Men, was organized in Springfield on the 12th Sleep, Hunting Moon. G. S. D. 380 -- common era, December 12. 1572-by George B. Means, Great Sachem of the State of Ohio, and C. S. Betts. G. C. R. of the State of Ohio. The tribe meets every Monday evening, in Fried & Sterret's Hall. The following officers were elected for the first term: Sachem. D. R. Foreman: Senior Sagamore, A. G. Bethard: Junior Sagamore, John A. Shipman: Prophet, Jacob Catrow, Jr .; Chief of Records, Ashley Bradford; Assistant Chief of Records, B. C. Converse; Keeper of Wampum, C. C. Fried: Trustees. James Rodgers, W. N. Schaeffer, John T. White. Robert Haley, C. R. Strong, A. Jackson, Committee.


The order of Red Men had its origin, as is believed, in the days of the Revolution, but the written record begins years 1812 and 1813, when it was organized by Lieut. Williams, of Fort Mifflin, on the Delaware River, and was intended and did succeed in rendering a divided garrison a unit for the Repub- lic. With the close of the war, its original object of existence ceased; but a few years later, shorn of its political character, it was revived, and to-day exists on the principles, "Freedom, Friendship and Charity." It is stated to be now the oldest American society extant of the class known as secret societies.


The order is beneficial, protective and reciprocal. It is founded on pure benevolence. It recognizes as a principle the right of man to freedom of thought and liberty of conscience.


Moncrieffe Lodge. No. 33. Knights of Pythias, was instituted April 21, 1571. The charter members were H. D. John, Johu Vale, Benedict Holtz. William Soller, H. S. Showers. J. W. Coles, J. W. Hall. W. M. Black, J. L. Coleman, D. Wilhelm, Nathan Creager. J. H. Arbogast, E. R. Hotsenpiller, William Conklin, J. P. Martindell. W. H. Kaufman, J. A. Reifsnider, J. W. Rowley, Thomas Sanderson, Oscar T. Martin. A. M. Whitehead, George David-


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HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.


son, G. W. Stutsman, A. G. Bethard, I. H. Kelley, R. Montjoy, R. M. Smith. D. C. Balentine, J. E. Stewart, G. W. Michael. The weekly benefits are St. The funeral benefits are $40. The present number of active members is 141. The present officers are: P. C., W. B. Clark; C. C., A. W. Cool; V. C., Robert Clark; P., B. Holtz; M. of E., W. L. Lafferty; M. of F., E. A. Cain; K. of R. & S., T. E. Mckinney; Mat. A., R. G. Elliott; I. G., J. C. Stage; O. G., Will- iam Wright. The meetings are held every Friday evening. The Hall is on Market, between Main and High streets.


Fidelia Lodge, No. 12, Daughters of Rebecca, was instituted December 6, 1869, by James Turner, Most Worthy Grand Master of Ohio. Past Grands H. Brelsford, E. G. Arbogast, H. S. Showers and C. C. Fried assisted as grand officers. The first officers elected were as follows: Noble Grand, A. G. Bethard: Vice Grand, Mrs. Sarah Fried; Recording Secretary, Mrs. Margaret Pepper; Financial Secretary, Mrs. John S. Shewalter; Treasurer, Mrs. James W. Hall; Rev. Mr. Binkley was appointed Chaplain.


The present officers are as follows: Noble Grand, Moses Wright; Vice Grand, Mrs. Eva Ridenour; Recording Secretary, Mrs. H. C. Laybourn; Finan- cial Secretary, H. C. Laybourn; Treasurer, Mrs. James Fleming.


Among the first or charter members were the following: Benedict Holtz. George W. McCann, Samuel Folck, William Enoch, J. H. Arbogast. Samuel Ritter, John F. White, Alvin Welch, John Prothero, Joseph Kist, Charles E. Skelley, James D. Cadwallader, John C. King, Enoch Arbogast, William H. Arbogast, Frank E. Burleigh, John M. Hause, Eli Arbogast, William Ridenour, Lewis Staley, A. Aaron, Charles Altschul. R. W. Disen, H. S. Showers, A. G. Bethard, C. C. Fried, J. D. Hall. John Kruft, R. R. Earnest, each with his wife. The lodge prospered for some years in numbers and interest, then had a season of decline, for causes best known to its members; but in the last year, a new impetus has taken hold of its membership. The lodge now has a membership of about sixty.


The Young Men's Hibernia Society, of Springfield, Ohio, was organized Jannary 5, 186S. The charter members were Joseph Bolan, Patrick Cava- naugh, Anthony Walsh, John McNamara, M. C. Clark, John Fahey, Michael Toban, Timothy Toban, Mark Fahey, Thomas Sheehan, Jeremiah Murphy, Thomas Condron. The first officers of the society were: President, Anthony Walsh; Vice Iresident, Mark Fahey; Recording Secretary, Joseph Bolan; Cor- responding Secretary, Thomas Sheehan; Treasurer, Jeremiah Murphy; Mes- senger, Thomas Condron: Executive Committee, Mr. C. Clark (Chairman), John McNamara, John Fahey, Patrick Cavanaugh, Timothy Tohan, Michael Toban.


. Charter members still in the society, Joseph Bolan, Patrick Cavanaugh, Anthony Walsh, Jeremiah Murphy. The whole number of members since organization is 160. The present membership is sixty-five. The present officers are: President, Joseph Bolan: Vice President, James D. Hartney; Recording Secretary, James Nash; Corresponding Secretary, Michael J. Clancy; Treasurer, William Burns: Messenger, John Smith: Executive Committee --- Chairman, Michael Connell; John Baily, John Cobey, William Snee, Michael Brown, Thomas Burke. Trustees, Anthony Walsh, Mark McCormick, Michael Mormion. The present place of meeting is at St. Raphael's Hall. East High street.


The Father Mathews' Total Abstinence Society was organized June 6. 1875, with a membership of fifty-four. Its first officers were: Rev. W. H. Sid- ley. Chaplain; Thomas D. Rohan. President; John Kinmane, Vice President: Daniel Boyle, Recording Secretary; John Cashman, Corresponding Secretary: John McGarr, Treasurer: John Dougherty, Regulator. Directors, Rev. W. H. Sidley, Thomas D. Rohan, John Kinnane, Daniel Boyle, John Cashman, James


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579


CITY OF SPRINGFIELD.


Hennessey and Owen Gallagher. Visiting Committee, J. D. Hartney, James Nash, John Christ, John Birch and Joseph Goodey. There are still in the soci- ety about thirty of the fifty-four charter members. The present membership is about one hundred. About two hundred and eighty have been connected with the society since its organization. The first place of meeting was in St. Ra- phael's Hall, in school building on East High street, where they continue to meet. Present officers: Rev. W. H. Sidley, Chaplain; Daniel Boyle, President; Alex- ander O'Brien, Vice President; J. D. Hartney, Recording Secretary; W. H. Garret, Corresponding Secretary; Patrick Welsh, Treasurer; John Ready, Mes- senger; Directors, William Scamon and John Donohoe.


Zion Lodge, No. 138, Kesher, Shel Barsel, is quite extensively spread throughout the United States. Iis objects are mutual protection in cases of sickness among its members, the cultivation of brotherly feeling, and, at the death of a brother, the organization pays an endowment of $1,000 to his widow or heirs.


Zion Lodge, of Springfield, was organized January 31, 1875, under the jurisdiction of D. G L., No. 5. The charter members were Herman Goldsmith, Leon Adler, M. D. Levy, Louis Stern, Moso Shoenberg, M. Kaufman, Victor Friedman, A. Lehman, E. M. Frank, Jacob Wolf, A. Aron, Samuel Altschul, I. D. Jachonosky, A. Goldsmith, J. Isaacs, F. B. Klein, B. Wolf, J. Shoenthal, Charles Altschul, M. Wolfson, D. Greenbaum and Israel Wolfson.


First officers: L. Adler, President; H. Goldsmith, Vice President: M. D. Levy, Secretary; Ike Isaacs, Assistant Secretary; Israel Wolfson, Treasurer; M. Kaufman, Past President.


Present officers: Samuel Altschul, President; Abraham Stern, Vice Presi- dent; M. Leichtentritt, Secretary: M. M. Kaufman, Assistant Secretary; A. Aron, Treasurer; Jacob Wolf. Outside Guardian; M. D. Levy, Past President. The prosent membership is twenty-eight; sinking fund, $400.


The Springfield Social and Literary Society was organized in May, 1876, and at that date incorporated under the laws of Ohio. Its aim is social im- provement. At organization, its membership was sixteen, with the following officers: M. D. Levy, President; M. E. Shoenberg, Vice President and Treas- urer; Samuel Waldman, Secretary; H. Goldsmith, Samuel Altschul, L. Weixel- baum, D. K. Syman and E. B. Klein, Trustees; M. E. Shoenberg, Daniel Mars- klet, and Joe C. Kern, Executive Committee.


The first place of meeting of the society was in Allen's Hall, on Main street, where it meets at present.


The present membership is twelve. Present officers: L. Weixelbaum, President; Lewis Stern, Vice President and Treasurer; M. Leichtentritt, Sec- retary; S. Altschul, J. Shoentahl and I. Isaacs, Trustees; H. Goldstein, A. L. Lessner and I. Isaacs, Executive Committee.


Zion Lodge, No. 138, O. K. S. B., was organized January 31, 1875, under the jurisdiction of D. G. L., No. 5. The order has a large membership over the United States among the Hebrews. The charter members of this lodge were Herman Goldsmith, Leon Adler, M. D. Levy, Louis Stern, Moses Shoen- berg, M. Kaufman, Victor Friedman, A. Lehman, A. Aron, Samuel Altschul, I. B. Jackonosky, A. Goldsmith, and several others. The first officers were: Pres- ident, L. Adler; Vice President. H. Goldsmith; Secretary, M. D. Levy; Isaac Isaacs, Assistant Secretary; Israel Wolfson, Treasurer, M. Kaufman, Past President.


The present membership is twenty-eight, with a sinking fund of $400.


The following is a list of the charter members of Lagonda Council, No. 151, Royal Arcanum:


H. D. Reifsnider, James S. Kelly, F. A. Kissell, W. S. Huffman, John M.


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HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.


Buckingham, F. E. Van Sickle; E. T. Thomas, J. B. McConnell, J. D. Smith, E S. Dodson, Frank G. Mitchell, J. P. Sharp, O. O. Rouse, H. S. Bradley, Jr., Rod F. Ludlow, M. A. Hayward, J. W. Murphy, W. J. White, L. M. Goode, William F. Foos, R. H. Foos, William E. Totten, J. S. Huffman, J. H. Driscol, J. M. Todd and G. J. Wones.


The first officers of this council were: Regent, H. S. Bradley, Jr .: Vico Regent, J. S. Kelly; Orator, W. J. White; Past Regent. R. F. Ludlow; Secre. tary, J. M. Buckingham; Collector, W. S. Huffman; Treasurer, W. F. Foos: Warden, O. O. Rouse; Chaplain, F. G. Mitchell; Guide, R. H. Foos; Sentry, H. D. Reifsnider; Trustees, G. J. Wones, J. D. Smith, J. B. McConnell; Med ical Examiner, W. E. Totten, M. D.


The objects of the order are, first. to unite fraternally all men of sound bodily health and good moral character who are socially acceptable, between twenty-one and sixty years of age.


Second, to give all moral and material aid in its power to its members and those dependent upon them.


Third, to educate its members socially, morally and intellectually; also, to assist the widows and orphans of deceased members.


Fourth, to establish a fund for the relief of sick and distressed members.


Fifth, to establish a widow's and orphan's benefit fund, from which, on satisfactory evidence of the death of a member of the order, who has a complied with all its lawful requirements, a sum not exceeding $3,000 shall be paid to his family, or those dependent upon him, as he may direct.


This council was instituted on the 20th day of August, 1878, by A. S. White, D. G. R. of Ohio.


The German Society of Springfield was organized March 3, 1851. It char- ter members were Arnold Schulte, Charles Miller, John Cool, Dan Simon, Charles Smith, Fred Schulte, Dietrich Lankenau.


The first Trustees were elected on the 2d of July, 1853. They were Dan- iel H. Huben, Arnold Schulte, John Cool; Fred Schulte, Clerk. It was eu- tered for incorporation July 29, 1853.


The present membership is 109. Meetings are held first Monday of each month. The present officers are as follows: President, John Cool; First Vice President, Christopher Hax; Second Vice President, Peter Roth; Treasurer, Dan V. Huben; Recording Secretary, George Hartman; Permanent Secretary, Peter Lothschutz; Trustees, Fred Schulte, John Hammer and George Krapp.


The Springfield Athletic Club, as an association, was organized at the parlors of the Lagonda House in June, ISSO, mainly through the efforts of Charles W. Constantine. It has for its object not only physical development, but moral and intellectual culture. Its charter members numbered twenty-two: present membership, 200, with the following officers: President, Charles W. Constantine; Vice President, Dr. H. H. Seys; Secretary, Daniel Cushing; Treasurer, F. S. Penfield.


Directors, Charles H. Bacon, Frank C. Goode, Joseph W. Thomas, Newton Seevers.


The rooms are at the Grand Opera House building on South Limestone street, second floor.


The Champion Council, No. 2, Junior Order of United American Mechau- ics, was instituted by Deputy National Councilor J. W. Smith April 24, 1850. The objects of this society are:


First, to maintain and promote the interest of the American youth. and shield them from the depressing effects of foreign competition; second, to assist Americans in obtaining employment; third, to encourage Americans in business; fourth, to establish a sick and funeral fund.


581


CITY OF SPRINGFIELD.


Its present officers are the following: Chancellor, H. B. Stoner; Vice Chan- cellor, Ed Oldham; Recording Secretary, W. E. Newell; Assistant Recording Sorretary. J. Tucker; Financial Secretary, D. W. Jayne; Treasurer, H. A. Routzalen; Warden, Frank Mills; inside Sentinel, Charles Frost: Outside Sen- tinel, George Hause; Trustees, Irving Bradford, C. W. Mills, W. E. Newell.


There are at present 105 active members, which is an increase of eighty since its organization.


The Hebrew Ladies' Benevolent Society is a commendable band, and was incorporated on the 13th day of April, 1879. The first officers chosen were the Rev. D. Greenbaum, President; Mrs. L. Weixelbaum, Vice President and Treasurer; Mrs. A. Goldsmith, Secretary; Mrs. M. D. Levy, Mrs. L. Adler and Mrs. L. Braham, Trustees.


The object of the association. as prescribed under the constitution is to help the needy, to attend the sick and assist in burying the dead among their people. The society has no regular place of meeting, it having met in the past at the residences of the different members, their time of meeting being the first Sunday of every month. Each member is assessed a certain sum at regular meetings, from which source comes the funds of the society. Although the society is small-now being composed of but ten members-it may be the means of relieving many in distress, and giving comfort in the dying hour. Such a band we feel is highly worthy of greater mention than can here be given it.


The present officers of the association are as follows: Mrs. M. W. Weixel- baum, President; Mrs. E. M. Shoenthal, Vice President and Treasurer; Mrs. A. Goldsmith, Secretary; Mrs. F. D. Greenbaum, Mrs. S. Levy and Mrs. M. Kauf- man, Trustees.


The Independent Order of Immaculates (colored), El Dorado Lodge, No. 119, was established and charter granted June 22, 1880. The following are the names of the charter members: M. E. Williams, E. D. Coates, J. W. Brad- ford, Charles Hudson, J. R. Scurry, J. H. Madison, Alexander Beard, Albert Henderson, Martin Wright, S. S. Smith, Franklin Beard, Henry Lynne and William Henson. The present officers are: M. E. Williams, C. C .; Alexander Beard, W. M .; Charles Henderson, C. S .; J. R. Scurry, D. D. M.


The lodge room is in the third story of the building on corner of Center and Main streets. This lodge is in good working condition, with a member- ship of twenty-two.


The Daughters of Samaria (colored), St. Mary's Lodge, No. 4, was organ- ized and charter granted May 29, 1873. The following are the names of the charter members: Mary Burrell, W. P. D .; Sally Spears, D. F .; Mary F. Stew- ard, D. R .; Hannah, Shewcraft, F. D .; Mary Brown, D. T .; Maggie Bird, D. L .; Martha Chanlon, D. C .; Amanda Grant, A. C.


The lodge room is on the corner of Center and Main streets, in the third story of the building. The organization now has a membership of twenty- eight, and is in a thriving condition.


Independent Order of Good Samaritans (colored), St. James Lodge, No. 5, as an organization, was established in Springfield December 28, 1874, with the following charter members: James Shewcraft, P. C .; J. R. Scurry, W. C .; J. Wheeler, W. V .; James Lewis, W. R. S .: Joseph Ladd, W. F. S .; William Spears, W. T .; Charles Ricketts, C .; J. Williams, I. S .; Richard Fuergeson, O. S.


The lodge now has a membership of seventy-one, and is in good working order. The place of meeting, or lodge room, is on the corner of Center and Main streets, and it convenes on Monday evening of each week.


582


HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.


FIRE DEPARTMENT.


Prior to 1834 or thereabouts, fires were fought and extinguished by just. such means as the inhabRants of Springfield had at hand when required. About the time of the village incorporation, each citizen was required to get one, two or three leather buckets according to the amount of his property. Armed with these buckets the villagers would sally forth, when the church bell sounded the alarm, and, forming a line from the building to the nearest water. would pass full buckets to the fire and empty ones back until the building burned down or the fire was conquered. These buckets continued in use until 1840, after engines had been provided. About this time hand engine companies began to be formed. The members were exempted from certain duties by the law of the State, and were relieved from working the roads, so that no difficulty was found in filling each company's list. The first engine which made its appearance was one that had a big box or hopper attached into which the water was poured by the bucketful. A crank was then lustily turned by two men and the water was thrown out in a stream.


The first fire company on record was the "Utility," organized in 1837. But few of the members of this company are now alive to give an account of its workings. It was the rival of the "Independent" company, and warmly engaged in the strifes that occurred between rival companies in those early days. It disbanded in 1853, having done good service in its time. The major part of its members joined the "Neptune" Company, which was shortly after- ward organized. The engine was sold for old iron.


The "Independent" Fire Company met for organization April 7, 1838, Charles Cavileer acting as Secretary pro tem. A constitution and by-laws were drafted and adopted and the company went at once into active operation. The old "Utility " Company was its rival. R. S. McKee was the first engineer; Reuben Miller was the first Secretary. The company disbanded in 1853, most of the members going to the "Rover " Company, organized the year following. The company was composed of the best men in the town-men hardened to the work by daily labor.


Their apparatus went to the "Rover" Company with the exception of the engine, which was sent to Lagonda and a new one purchased for the Rovers.


The Rover Company was organized early in 1854. It succeeded to all the fire apparatus of the Independent except the old engine, and a new one pur- chased for the Rovers. They occupied the building on West Main street known as "The Silver-Grey Engine House," later as the Western Engine House.


They were the rivals of the Neptunes, a company organized shortly after them, and their rivalry reached such a pitch that, on May 9, 1857, they refused to attend two fires because a Neptune man had been appointed their Captain by the City Council. They however attended one fire when the house of one of their members was endangered and succeeded in quelling the flames with a line of buckets and on this account were for a time called the Bucket Company.


At this time, 1857, they organized an independent company, purchased their own engine and other apparatus, built their own engine house on Center street, near Main, and flourished in spite of the opposition and persecutions of the Neptunes. They were befriended by some of the best men in the city and county, and made their influence felt in politics. They attended their last fire in 1ST3-Ferrell. Ludlow & Rodgers' manufactory. They still own their engine and apparatus, have a fund in bank and a membership of about sixty. The first officers were: President, A. R. Ludlow: Vice President. R. Coverdale: Treasurer, J. L. Pettigrew; Secretary, E. P. Stephenson; Assistant Secretary,


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583


CITY OF SPRINGFIELD.


W. R. Moore; Trustees, David Sparks, J. W. Deardorff, Joseph T. Anderson, Hezekiah Kershner and Thomas Kizer.


The Neptune Company was formed May 3, 1856.


Jerry Keinfelter was President, Daniel W. Wilson, foreman of the engine company, H. G. Snyder, foreman of the hose company, and Thomas P. Clarke, Secretary. From its inception, this company was the pet of the City Council. It comprised the finest young men of the city, principally clerks, etc. They had many bitter quarrels and fights with the Rover men, and finally carried their differences into politics, almost entirely controlling the muncipal elections for a number of years. They disbanded in 1860.


The quarrels between the Neptune and Rover Companies led to the organ- ization of the Union. The Neptunes were the supposed protectors of property in the central part of the city, and, to avoid fights with the Rovers, would not likely go out of their bound-the Rovers were the supposed protectors of the property in the west end, and would not likely go out of their bound, thus leav- ing the east end uncared for. The Union Company was organized in 1856, in the room over No. 64 East Main streec, for the protection of the east end. Daniel Huben, George Seibert, deceased, and W. H. Berger, deceased, were the prime movers. They entered their engine house on Spring street -- now the station house-in 1859, the year the Rover Company became independent. They first used the apparatus left by the Rovers, then, with the aid of the city in 1858, they purchased new apparatus, the old going to Lagonda. At one time the company contained 320 members. It was really two separate organi- zations-the engine company and the hose company.




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