The history of Hardin county, Ohio, Part 55

Author: Warner Beers & co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Chicago : Warner Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1076

USA > Ohio > Hardin County > The history of Hardin county, Ohio > Part 55

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HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

W. Berry, $10, in cash; A. M. McConnell, $8, in nails, glass, etc .; Preston Faught,$15, in lumber and teaming; Faught & Riley, $10, in carpenter work; John Goodin, $10, in labor or goods; W. E. G. Caldwell, $5, in labor or goods; Usher P. Layton, $10, in cash; Isaiah McConnell, $5, in hauling; Hugh W. Ross, $2, in cash; Peter Behart, $5, in carpenter work; David Stanford, $5, in carpenter work; Daniel Barron, $3, in cash; Isaac Lambert, $3, in lumber; A. L. Ballentine, $3, in cash; Ellis Holmes, $3, in work; Henry Shook. $2, in carpentering; William C. Polin, $5, in carpentering; W. W. Durbin. $10, in work; Elias G. Spellman, $1, in cash; Luther Damon, $5, in work or lumber; H. J. Millen, $5, in . saddlery; John Shultze, $5, in work; W. S. Potter, $3, in painting or carpen- ter work; John Stevens, $3, in finishing; A. Johns, $1.50, in lumber; William M. Gardner, $3, in lumber; John Parkinson, $3, in work; George P. Ingman, $5, in painting: Hiram Furney, $1, in work; J. H. Carson, $10, in carpen- ter work. The total subscription amounts to $343.50, out of which only $39 was paid in cash. In the summer of 1843, a frame building was erected on Lot 79, the southwest corner of Columbus and Market streets, said lot having been purchased from William Furney, though the deed was given by Charles W. Stevenson, Director of Kenton, as Mr. Furney had not yet paid in full for the lot. Thus, at last, a church was obtained, though not without a hard struggle, for a dollar in those days " looked as big as a cart wheel," and was almost as difficult to get into the pioneer's pocket. Jacob Schoonover was the contractor and builder, and much of the material had to be hauled from Tiffin, Sandusky City or Cincinnati, whither the goods do- nated were taken to be sold. This church, at the time of its erection, was the finest public building in Kenton, and, with the addition of the steeple and the bell purchased at Cincinnati in November, 1846, at a cost of $110, including transportation and hanging, made a respectable house of worship. Fifty-five members united with the church during Mr. Ustic's pastorate, which lasted five years and six months.

After the resignation of Mr. Ustic in April, 1848, the church was without a pastor until March 19, 1849, when a call was extended to Rev. James S. Marquis, who had preached here a few times prior to that date, and he accepted and was elected pastor. He also had charge of Hunters- ville, spending one-quarter of his time at that point, and he continued in charge until the summer of 1854, when he, too, resigned. In fact, the con- gregation was at this time poor and not able to pay a very large salary, Rev. Marquis receiving but $400 per annum for three quarters of his time. Forty-six persons were admitted to membership during his ministry in Ken- ton. There seems to have been no regular supply of pastors from this time until April, 1857, but Rev. William Young labored from November, 1854, till October, 1855, and Rev. John Wiseman succeeded Mr. Young for a few months; after that date, Revs. Smith, Barnes, and some others came at irregular intervals, and seven members were added to the rolls.

In the latter part of 1856 or early in 1857, Rev. William Dalzell took charge of the church as stated supply, and was employed by this congrega- tion two-thirds of his time, for which he received $455 per annum; but in 1858, he was engaged to attend to this congregation throughout the whole year, and his salary raised to $536. He remained as pastor until 1860, when he closed his labors in this field, having taken into membership dur- ing that period thirty-five persons.

Rev. J. K. Kost became pastor of this church in September, 1860, after the place had been vacant for several months. He filled this pulpit

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about two years, and twenty-two members were added to the church in Kenton during his ministry here. He was succeeded by Rev. L. C. Cheney, December 2, 1862, who labored a period of eighteen months, or until his death in May, 1864. Eight members were admitted to fellowship during his pastorate, which was one of the most stormy periods in the history of the nation. Many of the members were in the army, the church was without a pastor, and few of the male members were left to attend to the duties connected therewith. Truly, the picture was not encouraging, but with the close of the war a better state of things came about, and prosperity once more spread its wings over this congregation.

From May, 1864, until December 4, of the same year, the pulpit was vacant, but on the latter date Rev. H. R. Peairs began his ministry. Early in the winter of 1865-66, the first movement was made toward the erection of a more commodious church edifice, and in May, 1866, the work was com- menced and prosecuted so vigorously during the year that the basement was ready for occupancy in the spring of 1867. The old building was sold to the German Reformed Church, who removed it to the second lot west of its old site, where it stood until its destruction by the fire of May 27, 1881. The Presbyterians, however, retained the bell purchased in 1846, and this old historic relic called them to worship for thirty-five years, ere it, too, fell a victim to the same devouring element. On the 21st of Febru- ary, 1867, the seats were all sold at auction, except twenty-five, which were reserved for strangers, and three days afterward the church was dedicated to . the service of God. Rev. Peairs resigned his charge in October, 1870, having taken into the church during his pastorate 144 members, while during the same period the loss amounted to seventy-five, through deaths, removals, suspensions, etc.

In December, 1870, Rev. I. G. Hall began his labors in this church. On the 16th of October, 1871, he delivered an address on the past history of the congregation, closing with a stirring appeal to the church to make a final effort to throw off the debt which so long had paralyzed its energies. The effort was made, and on the recurrence of its thirty-eighth anniversary, and for the first time in the history of the church, it was free of debt. The structure had cost, including interest, about $17,000. Mr. Hall remained pastor of the church until September 1, 1876, during which time ninety- six persons were admitted to membership, while the loss was fourteen, the largest annual net gain within the history of the church.

A short time after the resignation of Mr. Hall, Rev. H. M. Robertson took charge of this church, his pastorate extending over a period of five years, or until December, 1881. Seventy-one additions were made to the rolls under his ministry, and twenty dismissals occurred during the same time. This estimate does not include losses by death, which were about three annually, or fifteen within the five years. On the 27th of May, 1881, the building was destroyed by fire, and the old bell, which had served the church since 1846, was so injured as to be rendered useless. After the burning of the edifice, the congregation worshipped in the building owned by the Baptist Church on the southwest corner of Carroll and Wayne streets, until the erection of the present building in the summer of 1882.

In April, 1882, Rev. S. J. Bogle became pastor of the Kenton church, which position he yet occupies. Since taking charge of this congregation, thirty-one members have united with the church up to June, 1883, while the total loss has been fourteen. Under his pastorate, the present church building has been erected, and they now occupy the first story or basement

it Dinmeyer

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HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

as a place of worship until the main auditorium is completed. The build- ing is 40x80, and, when finished, will cost about $14,000. The old bell was exchanged in part payment for a new one, which now hangs in the large tower adorning the northeast corner of the structure, and the church as a whole is one of the finest in Kenton. The Elders are Alonzo Bogardus, J. C. Miller, R. L. Chase, W. D. Dean, Benjamin Rarey and J. L. Clark; and the Trustees, R. K. Gravell, B. F. Brunson, A. J. Briner, J. L. Clark, James Watt and I. N. Everett. Connected with the church is a flourishing Sunday school, with an average attendance of 175, E. P. Dean, Superintendent; James Watt, Assistant Superintendent. The church con- tains a membership of 234, is entirely free from debt, and its future looks * bright and promising.

United Presbyterian Church .- Prior to 1858, there were two churches in Kenton, known as the " Associate Presbyterians " and "Associate Re- formed Presbyterians." The latter congregation was organized by Rev. James Gamble, of Bellefontaine, in 1840, under the direction of the Asso- ciate Reformed Presbytery of Springfield, Ohio. Alexander Ballentine, William McGavern, John Rice and John Caldwell were the Ruling Elders. They erected a one-storied brick building on the southwest corner of Carroll and Market streets, which is at present used by the united congregations. The "Associate " congregation was organized, in 1841, by Rev. Samuel Wil- son, of Xenia, Ohio. Fourteen members composed the church at that time, with Isaiah McConnell and Culberson Elder, as Ruling Elders. A frame structure was built on the west side of North Main street, opposite the site of the Disciples Church, which has been used for a private residence since 1859, and has lately been remodeled for the same purpose. In 1858, these separate organizations were united throughout Ohio, and all of the mem- bers, excepting one connected with either church in Kenton, entered cheer- fully into the union and founded the "United Presbyterian Church of Kenton." On the 28th of August, 1858, per record on file in the Record- er's office, the following officers were elected: Trustees, Thomas Rough, Benjamin Boice and Samuel Carson; Clerk, George R. Moore. The new congregation consisted of twenty-six families, in which were fifty-five com- municants. They took the building originally occupied by the " Associate Reformed" congregation as a place of worship, selling the " Associate " church to Rev. Benjamin Waddle, who became pastor of the new church, November 1, 1859. Their first Ruling Elders were Thomas Rough, Samuel McGaughey, George Gray, R. D. Millar, James Bain and David Snodgrass. Rev. Waddle remained pastor of the church until his death, which oc- curred May 16, 1879. After Mr. Waddle's death, which was a deep loss to the church, the charge was vacant until April 1, 1880, when Rev. John A. Henderson assumed the pastorate and has continued to fill the pulpit up to the present time. The Elders are R. D. Millar, Joseph Robinson, John Anderson, David Snodgrass, J. N. McCoy, A. M. Rice and G. G. Laug- head; Trustees, James Vance, Robert D. Alter and D. R. Boyd. Since the organization of the church, it has always sustained a Sunday school, which has now an average attendance of forty-five, with S. W. Robinson as Super- intendent of the class. Brotherly kindness has always prevailed through- out the congregation, which at present numbers ninety-seven members, and, as it is entirely free of debt, its financial condition must be highly gratify- ing to its friends.

St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church. -- In 1838, Rev. Tuhrmann, of Springfield, Ohio, visited Kenton, occasionally, and held services in the old

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HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

court house. In 1840, a congregation was organized and Rev. Tanke called to the pulpit, the principal members at that time being as follows: John Pfeiffer, William Schrader, John Kaiser, Ulrich Gerlach, Conrad Brei- tenbach, Benedict Fink and Nicolaus Loeffert. Steps were taken in 1844 toward the erection of a house of worship, and soon a brick building was completed on the northeast corner of Carroll and Wayne streets, at a cost of about $3,000, much of the work being done and material furnished by the congregation, free of charge. The records of the church give no in- formation as to who the pastors were prior to 1851, and, even after that date, are very incomplete; we, however, find, through the kindness of the present pastor, that the following persons filled the pulpit: Rev. Hermann, in 1851; J. C. Kissel, in 1857; W. Betzler, in 1859; Charles Tummler, 1864 to 1866; T. H. Crusse, 1867-68; Czur Nedden, 1869-70; John Eisenhaur, 1871-72; F. F. Weisgerber, 1873 to 1875; C. F. Diehl, 1876 to May, 1879. In 1877, the church was remodeled, a tower and steeple, also a class-room and pastor's study added, while the whole interior was generally beau- tified, the improvements costing about $5,000. On the 13th of January, 1878, the edifice was re-dedicated to Divine service under the title of the " Evangelical Lutheran's St. John's Church of Kenton " by Rev. J. Weber, President of the District Synod of Ohio, assisted by Rev. Charles Moench and the pastor. In May, 1879, Rev. Charles Moench became pas- tor of the church and served through that year, being succeeded, in 1880, by Rev, B. Sickie, while the present pastor, Rev. Conrad Betz, succeeded Mr. Sickle in April, 1882. The building is 40x60, nicely furnished, and the congregation numbers 140 families, or about 400 members. A Sunday school, under the superintendence of the pastor and with an average attend- ance of eighty, is connected with the church. The congregation is rich and prosperous and the church free of debt.

First Baptist Church .- This church was organized in 1851, by Rev. Hayes, with the following members: J. D. White and wife, William Bal- lentine and wife, Mrs. John Parkinson, Mrs. E. C. McVitty and Mrs. Hen- derson, seven besides the minister. This organization took place in the old frame Presbyterian Church, and for some months afterward they met in a room over where Atwood's store now is, on the northwest corner of Main and Franklin streets, and subsequently in a brick house on East Franklin street. Rev. Hayes remained about six months, and was succeeded by Rev. David Scott, who donated to the church a lot on the southwest corner of Carroll and Wayne streets, whereon, in 1852, the congregation erected a frame building at a cost of about $500, which has served them up to the present. Rev. Scott remained about five years, and was succeeded by the following ministers in the order named: Revs. Wood, Oviett, Barber, Shaff, J. L. Phillips, W. W. Robinson, A. J. Kirk, Wood, Tuttle, Thomas and Fisher, while Rev. Henry Gallant, of Lima, Ohio, who succeeded Rev. Fisher, holds services every two weeks. This church at one time numbered 150 members, but its membership is now about thirty. The Deacons are J. W. Brown, Charles Bailey and E. Flint; Trustees, J. W. Brown, Samuel Netz and E. Flint; Charles Bailey, Secretary. A Sunday school with an average attendance of thirty is connected with the church, of which J. W. Brown is the Superintendent.

Church of Christ or Disciple Church. - For a few years prior to 1855, Elders John Reed, William Dowling, Jackson Dowling, J. Hartsell and others visited Hardin County at intervals, holding services in school- houses, barns and private dwellings, organizing their scattered members

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into classes for the purpose of public worship. Elder Calvin Smith came to Kenton in 1855, under the auspices of the Ohio Christian Missionary Society, and immediately took steps toward the erection of a church build- ing, which was completed during that year and dedicated by Elder Smith. The structure cost about $1,300, including the lot, and is located on the east side of North Main street, between North and Summit streets. From 1857 to 1863, Elders Zephan Green, Jesse Roberts and J. C. Winter ministered to the congregation, but from the latter year up to 1871 there was no reg- ular pastor, and the church finally disorganized. Yet there were a number of families who remained members of the church known as the " Disciple . Church on Main street," and continued to hold the property, hoping for better times. Among these might be mentioned the Williamsons, Smiths, Roberts, Bridges, Drums and others, whose hopes were at last realized. About the 1st of January, 1871, Elders Jesse Roberts and William Dow- ling were called by the few remaining members to hold a revival, which re- sulted in the temporary re-organization of the church, the accession of eight members and the calling of Elder William Dowling to the pastorate. January 10, 1871. This re-organization was effected with twenty-seven old members and eight new ones, who elected Thomas W. Bridge and Barthol- omew Williamson, Associate Elders; and Nathaniel Williamson, H. N. Smith and Henry Price, Deacons. Elder Dowling was to spend half his time with this church, at a salary of $500 per annum, and, April 22, 1871, a permanent organization took place, which, however, made no change in the officers of the church; but, January 27, 1872, Elder Dowling was en- gaged for his full time at $1,200 per annum, and filled the pulpit until the close of 1879. In January, 1880, Elder W. H. Martin became pastor, re- maining one year. For a short time the church was without a pastor, but, May 1, 1881, Elder John A. Roberts was called to the charge, and is the present pastor of the church. The officers are: Elders, John A. Roberts and Nathaniel Williamson; Deacons, D. H. Wagner, J. S. Scott and G. J. Carter; Trustees, Levi Wagner, J. M. Carr and Henry Price. The Sun- day school has an average attendance of eighty scholars, G. J. Carter, Superintendent, Mrs. Helen Moses, Assistant Superintendent. The church has now a membership of 196, is free of debt, and the congregation have in contemplation the erection of a new building that will be more in unison with the growing spirit of the age than the old edifice, which they have used for the past twenty eight years.

Reformed Church of the United States .- This church, better known as the " German Reformed," was organized by Rev. M. Keiffer, of Tiffin, Ohio, July 6, 1860, with a membership of thirty five, consisting in part of the following named persons, viz. : Benedict Knepper, J. U. Strahm, Duro Kellerhals, Rudolph Schorer, W. J. Althauser, J. Schritner and B. Helb- ling. On the 15th of the same month, a congregation was organized in Goshen Township, with a membership of fifty-three, by Rev. J. G. Ruhl, of Marion, Ohio. These then formed the Kenton charge, and were first served by Rev. William Renter. August 16, 1868, the congregation in Cessna Township called " Zion," with a membership of thirty-two, and on the same day " St. Peter's " congregation in Forest, with a membership of fifteen, were organized by Rev. Charles Schoaf. In 1866, the Kenton con- gregation purchased the old frame building previously used by the First ,Presbyterian Church, and removed it immediately west of its old site, where it stood as their house of worship until its destruction by the fire of May 27, 1881. Prior to the purchase of this building, they hald services in

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one of the halls on the square, and the burning of the church was a loss from which they have not since fully recovered. Rev. John Heberle was their pastor at that time, and remained until September, 1881, worshiping at the Lutheran Church, since which date services have been held at irreg- ular intervals in the United Presbyterian Church, but the congregation have had no resident minister. They have now a membership of about seventy-five, and propose, in the near future, to erect a church on the site of the old building on Columbus street, which they yet own.

St. Paul's Episcopal Church. - As early as 1850 or 1851, Rev. Charles B. Stout, rector of the Protestant Episcopal Church at Urbana, Ohio, came to Kenton and held services in the First Presbyterian Church, occasionally, for about three months. These services were held on week days, and there were no baptisms, no contirmations, and not even a church organization among the few adherents of this denomination then living in Hardin Coun- ty. Rev. Robert Paul, the rector of the Bellefontaine church, began com- ing to Kenton in 1860, preaching to his little flock once a month in the United Presbyterian Church, the court house, or one of the small halls on the square. His visits continued for some fifteen months, and it is gener- ally believed that some baptisms occurred during this period, though there is no record of the fact. From 1860 to 1870, Rev. Edward H. Cumming, of Springfield, Ohio, preached at irregular intervals at Kenton, and bap- tized five children. In 1864, Rev. J. B. Britton, of Marion, Ohio, held services five times and had one baptism and four confirmations. In 1869, Rev. G. S. Davis, of Medina, Ohio, preached once and baptized two children. Rev. Howard, of Tiffin, also Rev. Talford officiated a few times in Kenton. Throughout the period of these visits the congregation was slowly growing, and, in 1852 also, for several years subsequent to that date Rt. Rev. G. T. Bedell visited the struggling church, and ministered to their spiritual wants.

On the 7th of January, 1876, Rev. A. B. Nicholas, of Bellefontaine, held services at the residence of Elias Benton, and a church guild was formed and temporary officers elected as follows: Dwight Calhoun, Presi- dent; Miss Rachel Spelman, Secretary; Mrs. George Carey, Treasurer. January 13, 1876, a constitution was adopted, and at a meeting of the guild, the succeeding April, the following officers were chosen: A. W. Miller, President; D. W. Benton, Vice President; Dwight Calhoun, Secretary; Thomas Cantwell, Treasurer; Elias Benton, D. W. Benton and J. S. Rob- inson, Trustees. The name of "St. Paul's Episcopal Church " was then adopted, and Rev. A. B. Nicholas secured to conduct weekly services on week days. In September, 1876, Rev. George Bosley, who had assumed the rectorship of Trinity Church, Bellefontaine, Ohio, succeeded the Rev. Nicholas in his visitations to Kenton. The place of worship at that time was a room in the third story of a building on Detroit street, facing the public square, where they continued to hold services until April 19, 1877, when a house and lot was purchased on North Detroit street for $1,000, which was converted into a chapel. In the meantime, the congregation bad increased so as to be able to engage Rev. Bosley for half his time, and in the spring of 1882, the old property was sold, and the house and lot on the southeast corner of Detroit and North streets, known as the " Merriman property," purchased at a cost of $3,000, all of which has been paid, leav- ing the church free of debt. A portion of the building was fitted up as a chapel, and the balance utilized for the rector's residence. Soon after this property was bought, Rev. Bosley located in Kenton, and has charge of this and the Findlay congregations. The Kenton church embraces twenty-

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HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

four communicants, and has a Sunday school with an average attendance of twenty-five scholars, Dwight Calhoun being Superintendent of the school. After the Bishop's visitation, November 19, 1878, the organization was changed to a " mission," and A. W. Miller and H. M. Shingle were ap- pointed Wardens. In the spring of 1880, J. S. Robinson was appointed Warden, vice A. W. Miller, deceased, and thus the officers of the church have continued to the present. The corner owned by St. Paul's congegation is one of the most eligible locations in Kenton, and within a few years they purpose erecting thereon a new edifice in which their increasing num- bers may find room to worship.

First Universalist Church .-- This church was organized April 9, 1876, by Rev. B. F. Eaton, with a membership of twenty-eight. The following officers were elected: Trustees, John Espy, E. G. Lambert and P. S. Howe; Deacons, Joseph Whiteley and Hosea Johnson; Clerk, J. H. Linton; Treas- urer, Thomas Espy. During the first year of the organization, services were beld in the court house, but subsequently a room was fitted up on the second floor of a building near the corner of Main and Columbus streets, where the congregation worshiped every Sunday, and where the Sunday school class met for instruction. In April, 1878, Rev. F. S. Rice became pastor and, after one year's service in that capacity, was succeeded by Rev. Day. The place of worship was removed, in 1879, to the old Masonic Hall on Detroit street, which was occupied until April, 1880, when Mr. Day's ministry closed in Kenton. Some of the leading members having died, and others removed from the town, the strength of the church was very much reduced, and its usefulness so paralyzed that it has not since been able to employ a pastor. The organization still exists, but holds no services, only the annual grove meetings, and for all practical purposes in this community is literally dead.

African Methodist Episcopal Church .- In 1870, this sect was organized in the basement of the Methodist Episcopal Church on North Main street by the following persons: James and Elizabeth Mitchell, W. H. and Cor- delia Russell, Thomas and Florida Johnson, and Missouri Brown. The pastor who effected the organization was Rev. John Wesley Stewart. They rented a room in the " Goodin Block," and, in 1871, purchased a lot on the west side of Market street, north of Grove. In 1872, a small frame build- ing was erected, which was dedicated and occupied the same year. The following pastors have served this church since its organization up to the present: Revs. J. W. Stewart, Emanuel Cumberland, M. M. Smith, J. H. Cole, J. W. Stewart, D. M. Mason, J. H. Lewis, and the present minister is G. W. Lewis.

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The history of Hardin county, Ohio, Part 55

Author: Warner Beers & co., Chicago, pub Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Chicago : Warner Beers & Co. Number of Pages: 1076

Author: Warner Beers & co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Chicago : Warner Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1076