USA > Ohio > Summit County > Twinsburg > Twinsburg, Ohio, 1817-1917, Part I History, Part II Genealogies > Part 13
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Nevertheless the temperance ball was kept rolling. The League's prayer meetings were held every week inter- spersed with lectures and mass meetings. Special days
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devoted to prayer and fasting were well observed. It is a duty and a privilege to give special mention of the great help and encouragement the League received from our pastors, Rev. Mr. Ely of the M. E. church, Rev. Mr. Post of the Con- gregational church, and Rev. Mr. Thompson and Rev. Mr. Hall of the Baptist church, and their wives; also the noble women of whom were Mrs. S. M. Bissell, Mrs. J. North and many others who were equally faithful. These pastors spared themselves neither day nor night, preaching in their pulpits, recommending and trying to secure speakers, working among the men, rallying the people for the public lectures and mass meetings. During this time no opportunity was lost to endeavor to persuade the proprietor of the saloon to abandon his ungodly business. Time after time our League sent a delegation to plead with him, but it seemingly was useless. He claimed that he was in a legitimate business, that he was a benefit to the town, that he helped the government, and, furthermore, that one cause of intemperance was "the over anxiety of mothers for their sons," it "having a tendency to destroy their manhood." He said he found nothing in the Bible that forbade the selling of liquor. He expressed his willingness to have the ladies visit him again but intimated the closet was a more suitable place to pray for him than any public place. The ladies promptly assured him the closet had not been neglected in importuning the aid of a Higher Power in his behalf.
So the women of Twinsburg worked on, prayed on. The battle was on, the crusade never faltered. They never lost sight of the object for which they worked and prayed.
An appeal had been prepared and circulated throughout the town. This appeal, signed by one hundred and eighty- two ladies was presented to the proprietor of the saloon and he was asked to sign the Druggists Pledge. He declined. He was then asked if he would be willing to have services held in his store. He said he would like it very much as it would be something new. A selection from the Bible was read, a hymn sung, a number of prayers offered, all joined in singing "Nearer, my God to Thee" and the ladies passed out, feeling their labors and prayers were in vain. Yet we still remem- bered that God is ever in his watch-tower.
At our annual meeting May 11, 1877, a resolution was
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adopted that the name of this society be changed from "Ladies' Temperance League" to "Woman's Christian Temperance Union."
About this time five men were appointed to secure speakers for the evening mass meetings. The following were some of the speakers secured : Rev. Mr McRoot of Hudson, O., Rev. Josiah Strong, Hudson, O., Jay O. Dell, Cleveland, Mr. Dissette, Cleveland, Senator Goodhue, Akron, O., Judge Marvin, Akron, O., and Captain Fishure, Akron, O. The influence of these lectures were good and great and everlasting. The workers were encouraged, the work began to be more popular and some who had been indifferent began to climb into the temperance water wagon.
In May, 1878, a wave of the Murphy movement reached us. We had public meetings nearly every evening for a number of weeks. The work was carried on under the auspices of the W. C. T. U., assisted by the five men who secured the speakers. May 3, 1878, Elder Early of Bedford and Mr. Flick of Newburg spoke of the reformation and work of Mr. Murphy. It was a most impressive service. One hundred signed the pledge and wore home the badge. The help received from our pastors was a remarkable factor in forming public sentiment during this crusade. It was the general thought and expression that no legislation had ever succeeded in making men good, the reform must come from within. A prayer made by one of our pastors will never be forgotten by those who heard him. He prayed thus: "O God, we pray Thee that, if it is possible, we pray Thee, con- vert the saloon keepers; but if it is not possible, we pray Thee to sweep them off the face of the earth. Amen." This minister was the father of three nice boys who were daily exposed to the awful influence of the Twinsburg saloon.
State legislation had placed some restrictions upon liquor selling, especially as to selling on Sundays and to minors and habitual drunkards. Our people were convinced that liquor was being unlawfully sold in Twinsburg, yet they could obtain no evidence.
Forbearance ceased to be a virtue and two of our men went to Cleveland and secured two or three secret service men to come and board at the hotel. If I remember rightly
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they came as stone contractors, there being a number of stone quarries being worked at that time. The detectives spent most of their time loafing about the saloon and soon found out just what they were expected to learn, namely, that liquor was being sold on Sunday and that habitual drunkards, minors, and anybody with the price could obtain liquor. As a result the whole saloon squad was arrested, taken to Akron, tried and convicted-and in some slick way skipped the country. For the latter condition of affairs Twinsburg was, for several reasons, very thankful.
I am reminded of an incident of about this time. We were planning and preparing for a big temperance rally to be held soon. Brother Charles Lane said to me, "Mrs. Fessenden, you women have been singing and praying for years. Now there is going to be something doing." "Yes," said I, "that is just what we have been doing-praying that you men might take a little interest and responsibility in this reform work. And now, don't you see, our prayers are being answered?" "Well," said he, "I guess that is so."
Twinsburg began to realize what a blessing it was to be rid of a saloon and the accompanying disgrace. The reform work went on. The W. C. T. U. kept the subject before the people by holding special meetings and conventions. Much credit is due the good men who were a great help in every effort for reform. There began an agitation to hold an election under the Local Option law. Finally the election was held and Twinsburg was voted "dry" and has ever since continued dry.
Twinsburg has a priceless heritage in the devoted service of the Christian sisters who labored so faithfully in the days now passed.
The W. C. T. U. has been fortunate in having faithful workers enter the ranks year after year, until now we have a strong and flourishing organization. When the three churches were in a prosperous condition it was the custom to elect an officer from each church. In 1893 Mrs. A. J. Brown was elected second vice president from the Baptist church, and in 1897 was elected president of the Union, and as such she has continued most of the time since, ever faith- fully keeping before us the object of our organization. Mrs.
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Ethel Twerell and Mrs. Sadie Twerell have since both been presidents of the Union.
Of those who belonged to the first organization only three have continuously maintained their membership. They are Miss Nellie Dodge, Miss Sabra Dodge and Mrs. Mary Fessenden.
SOCIETIES THE TWINSBURG FAIR
The people of Twinsburg and adjoining townships, being largely interested in agriculture and dairying, decided, in the early fifties, to hold a local fair for the display of the results of their labors.
The first Twinsburg fair was held in the fall of 1853 on the public square at the center of the township. A large tent was erected at the northwest corner of the square where the main display of agricultural products was made and the remainder of the ground was used for the live stock on exhibition.
There being no fence enclosing the exhibit, in order to finance this township fair, men were stationed at the corners of the square where the different roads centered, and pay was collected of the farmers and others as they came to the exhibition.
This form of fair was continued for two or three years, and attracted more than local interest. As a result, Twins- burg, Hudson, Northfield, Solon, Aurora, Bedford, Bain- bridge and Streetsboro joined together and formed the "Union Agricultural Society."
Grounds were purchased consisting of nearly thirteen acres of land a short distance east of the center between the roads to Aurora and the depot, and were fitted up with buildings, a trotting track, judges' stand and all the neces- sary fixtures for a successful display of the products of the territory included in the society.
The first fair held on the new grounds, September, 1856, was a great success, both in the variety and large number of articles on exhibition, and in the attendance which was much larger than expected.
These fairs were continued for about fifteen years attract- ing a large number of people who came to view the exhibits and who enjoyed meeting the exhibitors and their friends. In the later sixties, some of the most active promoters, having moved away, and others having died, it was decided to discontinue the meetings and the last fair was held in 1871.
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The grounds were sold in 1872 to Albert N. Stanley, the affairs of the society were closed, and the "Union Agricul- tural Society" remains now only a memory to the older citizens of Twinsburg and adjoining townships.
At present there are six dwelling houses on the grounds where the Twinsburg Fair formerly was held each year.
THE FEMALE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION
The history of Twinsburg would not be complete without mention being made of the philanthropic work of the Female Benevolent Association. A band of ladies met on January 31, 1855, and organized this society. Its object was to supply pecuniary aid to the local destitute poor, and to aid in the several benevolent objects of the day. Their Preamble reads thus: "Whereas, the various object's of Benevolence urge constantly increasing efforts, and demands upon the Christian public for the enlarged exercise of their charity, both at home and abroad, and wishing to exert our ability for the relief of the suffering, and for the evangeliza- tion of the world-
"And whereas, we believe that by uniting our labors we may not only accomplish much more real good, and at the same time benefit ourselves by cultivating the social affec- tions, and creating a greater harmony of feeling and interest, we the ladies of Twinsburg organize ourselves into a Benevo- lent Association, or Sewing Society."
The membership fee was twelve and one-half cents, payable annually, and "the contribution of such work as they are able to perform at their regular meetings once in two weeks." Besides the membership fee, the ladies contributed ready-made garments, or material for them. The records tell us in one year 88 garments were made.
Besides lending assistance to the needy of the town, boxes of clothing were sent annually to one of the following named benevolent institutions: Home Missionary Society, Indian Orphan Society, American Female Guardian Society, Girls Industrial School. The total value of the boxes sent amounted to nearly $230, and averaged over $32. The existence of this Association was only seven years, but it can be readily seen these ladies did valiant work. The first officers elected were: Mrs. (Rev.) J. H. Scott, pres., Mrs.
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H. Cannon, vice pres., Mrs. J. W. Dodge, sec'y., Mrs. J. N. Higley, treas .; managers, Mrs. G. H. Alling, Mrs. J. Her- rick, Mrs. J. T. Herrick, Mrs. L. Parks, Mrs. F. Sheldon, Mrs. G. Stanley, Mrs. S. Stephens, Mrs. L. Cannon. It is of interest to read the names of those who were members. Besides those named as officers, there were Mrs. Lewis Alling, Mrs. Ethan Alling, Mrs. Wm. Andrews, Mrs. A. Atwater, Mrs. S. Bentley, Mrs. S. Bissell, Mrs. E. B. Bissell, Mrs. Sanford Bishop, Mrs. A. V. Bishop, Mrs. David Bissell, Mrs. Bryant, Mrs. I. Cannon, Mrs. E. Crouse, Mrs. Burton, Mrs. S. A. Collins, Mrs. Jane Chamberlain, Mrs. Cochrane, Mrs. J. P. Garzee, Mrs. E. Herrick, Mrs. D. Herrick, Mrs. Samuel Herrick, Mrs. B. C. Herrick, Mrs. Augustus Herrick, Mrs. N. Herrick, Mrs. J. M. Hart, Mrs. M. Holmes, Mrs. J. Lane, Mrs. Chauncey Lane, Mrs. Matherson, Mrs. A. L. Nelson, Mrs. Silvia Parmelee, Mrs. J. R. Parmelee, Mrs. Wm. Porter, Mrs. D. W. Richardson, Mrs. S. Redfield, Mrs. L. Riley, Mrs. S. Richard, Mrs. E. Starkweather, Mrs. Dr. Stevens, Mrs. Spencer, Mrs. E. S. Smith, Mrs. C. O. Stimson, Mrs. H. Taylor, Mrs. S. G. Trembath, Mrs. E. Thompson, Mrs. White, Mrs. Wilson, Mrs. Wm. Wilcox, Mrs. H. Young, Misses M. Beardsley, S. Beardsley, Lucia Bissell, Laura Bissell, A. Gilbert, Delia Hart, Caroline Herrick, Esther Herrick, C. Lane, Harriet Lane, Lucy Mills, M. E. Parmelee, Lizzie Parks, Maria Quigley, Dolly Gove. Only two of these members are living in town at the present time, viz .: Mrs. L. Cannon, and Miss Maria Quigley.
Another society called the Soldiers Aid Society was organized about 1861, which caused a division in the efforts of the ladies, and in April, 1862, "the Societies postponed for a time."
SUMMIT LODGE No. 213, F. &. A. M.
Among the enduring institutions of Twinsburg should be mentioned the "Old Masonic Lodge" which for over half a century has contributed to the fraternal spirit of its many loyal members.
In the early fifties a dispensation was granted to a cer- tain few Freemasons who held memberships in lodges of the New England States and, having come as pioneers to Twins-
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burg, desired to form a new lodge here. These brethren, after holding meetings under dispensation for some time, applied for a charter of the Grand Lodge. In 1856 a charter was granted them with the following Twinsburg pioneers as charter members:
S. A. Andrews, G. H. Alling, W. Crankshaw, Silas Oviatt, Solon S. Lacy, Hector Taylor, W. H. Andrews, Henry Boswell, John Dodge and Eli Thompson.
This lodge obtained suitable rooms in the old cheese storage house situated on the Cleveland road on the lot now occupied by the present town hall. The lower rooms were used to store cheese which was undergoing the ripening process. The upper hall was for the freemasons and many strange stories have been told by outsiders of the mysterious events which often occurred in that old masonic hall.
In 1866 the hall was destroyed by fire and but for M. O' Neal all books, jewels, charter and Bible, recently presented by the ladies, would have been lost. These were taken by him to the home now occupied by Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Prentiss where they were kept until the new hall was built which was completed the same fall. The new hall is the present "Old Masonic Hall" on the southeast corner of the park. It was formerly the residence of Harrison Dunshee from whom it was purchased. An addition of 24 feet was built to it and it has been used ever since for lodge purposes.
The early fifties found many chapter Masons in this locality and soon a charter was granted which was dated 1857 and a thriving chapter soon was working. These members also contributed to the erection of the new Masonic Hall and were given a third interest in it by so doing.
The charter members of this chapter which was Summit No. 74 were as follows: S. A. Andrews, A. W. Clark, A. Mills, J. W. Dodge, E. C. Holmes, O. Riley, S. Bryum, Wm. H. Andrews, A. Ingersoll, G. H. Alling.
Changes in jurisdiction of the chapter lodges necessi- tated the removal of this chapter some years later to Bedford where it now is located. The Blue Lodge still remained at Twinsburg where it has always been found active and fulfilling its mission to those "who seek."
The present membership of fifty-four speaks highly of the consideration that is given Masonry in so small a juris-
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diction as is commonly found in the present system of cuting down size of jurisdictions by chartering new lodges. This sketch would not be complete without reference to the names of a few "Brothers" who have given years of loyal support to "Old Summit." In this relationship we mention A. P. Clark, S. A. Andrews, J. T. Hempstead, E. A. Parme- lee, J. D. Scoutten, N. A. Chapman, Oliver Roniger.
JUNIOR ORDER UNITED AMERICAN MECHANICS John Osman Baldwin
Twin City Council No. 187, Jr. O. U. A. M., should be remembered among the defunct organizations of this town, not for the things it did not or could not accomplish, but for the good and the influence it did exert in the few brief years of its existence; it is with a sense of delicacy that I write in its memoriam. This is not a history of the Order, it is only a few remarks pertaining to a worthy organization which "came and saw" and-disbanded in August, 1897.
Twin City Council No. 187, Jr. O. U. A. M., was in- stituted October 31, 1891, in Twinsburg, O., by Oliver H. Perry Council No. 88, of Kent, O., with about twenty-five charter members, and remained an active organization for six years. Her declaration of principles were intensely patriotic. The objects of the Order stood for the good of our common country. It was one of the finest schools of patriot- ism with which any young man of American birth could identify himself.
During its career in this town, it made its influence felt in many ways, and was the fountain head of the sentiment in this community which led to the placing of an American flag upon our public school building, long before there was a law in this state requiring one to be there. In fact, the Subordinate Councils of this Order were the ones who were instrumental in placing a law upon the statute books of Ohio requiring a flag to be placed upon every public school building in this state, and a Bible therein.
The Council in Twinsburg instituted Councils in Hud- son, O., and in Solon, O., and assisted in conferring the work upon a Council established at Talmadge. It had delegates to all local and state meetings, supporting patriotic action
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and legislation. It co-operated with other Councils of like denomination in the good of our common country. It should have been encouraged and maintained, and doubtless would have been in existence today, not only in Twinsburg, but in nearly every town in our land, had not an obnoxious and inexorable funeral tax (which put nearly all the Councils in the country out of existence) been levied against them.
The Council Hall was the scene of many pleasant and inspiring meetings-many open meetings were held with good speakers in attendance. Probably one of the best and most patriotic addresses ever given in this town was deliv- ered by Prof. A. W. Carrier, February 22, 1893. A copy of this speech may be found in the Samuel Bissell Memorial Library, Twinsburg, Ohio.
To the credit and honor of its membership it may be said they were a unit in every good and worthy cause in the community during the life of the Council. It was a worthy organization in its time, and its teachings will last indefi- nitely wherever its spirt has been known, fostered and nourished. In these closing days of our first century, as a town and as a people, may her old spirit of "Virtue, Liberty and Patriotism" rest upon and be with us, cementing the bond of unity among us in a stronger brotherhood in the new century to come.
THE YOUNG WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION
The Young Women's Christian Temperance Union was organized in 1889 or 1890. Miss Jessie Elliston was presi- dent the first year of the society's existence. She was succeeded by Miss Eliza Reed who continued in that position till the organization was discontinued.
The society was incorporated and owned the building which is now the "Ink Stand." At that time the building stood just west of Mr. Crouse's hardware store.
The Y's organized a Loyal Temperance Legion with Mrs. S. R. Hanchette as superintendent.
At the time the society disbanded it had on hand a sum of money which was banked and faithfully looked after by Mrs. Carrie P. Rhodes. A part of this money was used to make possible the first lecture course and the remainder was
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used to defray some of the expenses of the L. T. L. and to help with other temperance activities in the town.
THE VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY
In the spring of 1891 the ladies of the town arranged a meeting to discuss what could be done to obtain a sidewalk from the depot to the center of the town, there being then only a dirt, or mud, walk. Consequently, April 8, 1891, Mrs. W. C. Prentiss posted notices for a meeting in the town hall.
That the people were really interested was proven by a well filled house. A society was organized as "The Twins- burg Improvement Society." Membership was contingent only upon the payment of twenty-five cents yearly. The officers elected were: Pres., Mrs. W. C. Prentiss, Treas., Mrs. Sada Greer, Sec., Mrs. Sarah C. Bennett.
For five years this society gave a social or entertainment once every three weeks. The town was canvassed and every one given an opportunity to help by giving either money or labor. About $800.00 in cash was gotten in the five years. Many availed themselves of the opportunity to donate their labor and the work progressed favorably until there was a good walk from the east side of the park to the depot, and another from the southeast corner of the park to the school grounds.
Upon this accomplishment of the object of its organiza- tion the society ceased its labors, having faithfully earned the gratitude of all who have profited by the untiring zeal of "The Twinsburg Improvement Society."
THE VICTORIA WOMAN'S CLUB
The Victoria Woman's Club is one of many proofs that the women of the town have been alert and faithful in mak- ing the best use of their opportunities. On the afternoon of February 6, 1903, a group of ladies met at the home of Mrs. S. R. Hanchett and organized a "Woman's Club of Twins- burg." The following named women were present at the meeting: Mrs. W. L. Askue, Mrs. E. B. Crouse, Mrs. Bert Chamberlin, Mrs. L. K. Chamberlin, Mrs. R. B. Chamber- lin, Mrs. A. W. Elliott, Mrs. S. H. Hull, Miss Hattie Lane, Mrs. A. T. Reed, and Mrs. Frank Twerell.
The object of this club was agreed to be, primarily, the
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improvement and development of its members. A careful perusal of its published programs gives conclusive evidence that this high and worthy objective was never forgotten. The first regular meeting was held February 27, 1903.
The following October the name was changed to "The Victoria Woman's Club," and a constitution and by-laws adopted. Mrs. Bert Chamberlin, Mrs. Askue and Mrs. Hull constituted the committee on constitution and by- laws. They and the following were charter members: Mrs. L. K. Chamberlin, Mrs. E. B. Crouse, Mrs. S. R. Hanchette, Miss Hattie Lane, Mrs. A. T. Reed, Mrs. A. Stingel and Mrs. Frank Twerell.
The meetings were held the first Friday afternoon of each month, the programs consisting of music, papers upon interesting and profitable subjects, and current events. Usually one of the summer meetings took the form of an outing at some favorite resort, and one of the mid-year programs was open to guests.
Mrs. A. T. Reed was the first president and her able leadership did much toward the success of the club. After her departure Lena M. Carter, Mrs. L. K. Chamberlin and Mrs. L. G. Bean were presidents.
The subjects studied during a course of years were of some considerable latitude. Aside from miscellaneous topics some special study was given to American institutions and government, authors and people of note, Ohio, England, Russia, Japan, Scandinavia, the Great Northwest, the Southland, the different races, Mormonism and domestic economy, special attention being given to current affairs.
It is very possible that the same elements that con- tributed to the success of the organization may have brought about its discontinuance. In 1912 so many members found themselves unable to give the requisite time to the work of the coming year that it was deemed advisable to discon- tinue the club, provision being made, however, for its resumption should such a course at a later time be con- sidered wise.
The printed records show the ladies named below were at some time members of "The Victoria Woman's Club": Mrs. W. L. Askue, Mrs. L. G. Bean, Mrs. John Blackman, Mrs. W. R. Blackmer, Mrs. W. H. Boose, Mrs. A. W. Car-
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rier, Lena M. Carter, Mrs. H. S. Chace, Mrs. Bert Chamber- lin, Mrs. L. K. Chamberlin, Mrs. R. B. Chamberlin, Mrs. S. H. Crankshaw, Mrs. E. B. Crouse, Mrs. George Dodge, Mrs. Frank Doubrava, Mrs. B. P. Forbes, Mrs. F. D. Green, Mrs. C. E. Griffey, Mrs. S. R. Hanchette, Mrs. Jas. Harper, Mrs. V. R. Hempstead, Mrs. Leonard Herrick, Mrs. S. H. Hull, Mrs. H. J. Janson, Mrs. Frank Lane, Miss Hattie Lane, Mrs. E. J. McCreery, Mrs. A. T. Reed, Miss Eliza Reed, Mrs. Henry Reed, Mrs. C. E. Riley, Mrs. Carrie Smith, Miss Mary Stanley, Mrs. A. Stingel, Mrs. Frank Twerell, Mrs. Fred Twerell, Mrs. Will Twerell, Mrs. Lester Unger.
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