HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 379 CHAPTER X.* (RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) CITY OF BUCYRUS-ITS RELIGIOUS HISTORY -THE DIFFERENT CHURCHES-SUNDAY SCHOOLS- EDUCATIONAL- PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS-THE UNION SCHOOLHOUSE. The first ministers of the Gospel who visited the pioneer settlements in the vicinity of Bucyrus for the purpose of organizing the religious element, were missionaries sent out by the Methodist Episcopal Church. It is probable that the first person to preach the word of God at what is now Bucyrus was a Rev. Mr. Bacon, who visited the place several times during the year 182l, and conducted religious services at the house, of various settlers. It is doubtful if he traveled a circuit regularly organized by the denomination to which he belonged but, as a missionary, visited in a roving manner many neighborhoods. His appointments were about once every four weeks, but were very irregularly filled. 'Ihe early Methodists of Bucyrus, when first organized as a station, were attached to the Scioto Circuit. Rev. Jacob Hooper, who was appointed to take charge of this work by the M. E. Conference in the fall of 1821, preached occasionally a Bucyrus. His circuit * Contributed by Thomas Y. Hopley. was about seven hundred miles around and services were held at each place about once every eight weeks by the regular minister in charge. Stephen D. Rowse states that, in after years, Rev. Hooper told him that he preached the first sermon ever delivered in Bucyrus under a big oak-tree which stood near the present railroad depot. This minister was undoubtedly assisted by others. and it is likely the settlers had religious services more frequently than once every two months. Rev. Hooper was seceded on the circuit in the fall of 1822 by the Rev. Thomas McCleary. The next year, the M. E. Conference marked out another smaller district for itinerant preachers to travel over, in order to give other new settlements regular circuit preaching. Revs. Thomas McCleary and James Roe traveled this new circuit, and these men were assisted at times by Rev. William Blowers, of Liberty Township. (Revs. John O. and William Blowers were the first licentiates of the M. E. Church in Craw- 380 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. ford County.) The labors of these early circuit riders were almost herculean. Mansfield, Plymouth, Bucyrus, Marion and Delaware were points of their district, with numerous intermediate appointments. all to be visited by each preacher once in four weeks, occupying nearly every day of the time to make preaching regular once in two weeks at every appointment on the circuit. At that early day, there were scarcely an bridges over streams. Some of the way no roads, only Indian trails to follow, and oftentimes the sun, moon, and stars, or a pocket compass. were the only guides through the pathless forest. But the unselfish labors of these early circuit riders were fully appreciated by the sturdy pioneer, among whom universal friendship and unbounded hospitality prevailed. When the weather was fine, the ministers preached in the woods; but, if otherwise, the services were conducted at the log cabins or schoolhouses. The old brick schoolhouse, erected about 1826, was used for many years as a meeting-house by the M. E. Church. Occasionally an unfinished building answered the same purpose. About 1830, a large revival meeting was held in what is now the Sims House, which building was then in the process of erection. The early Bucyrus Church held several very interesting camp-meetings in the large barn of Samuel Shaffner, who resided where Daniel Boyer lives at the present time. The first M. E. Church in Bucyrus was erected about 1832. This was the first building dedicated to the worship of God in the village. In those early days of the M. E. Church in Crawford County, the "quarterly conference and love feast" created a much greater impression upon the community than at the present time. The members anticipated these meetings for weeks and great preparations were made in order to provide food and lodging for those who attended from a distance. Some families, who possessed sufficient accommodations would entertain on these occasions several dozen guests. It is reported that at times the crowd was so large that tickets were issued on the occasion of love feast, and a doorkeeper appointed for the house of the lord. These tickets were given to the various Class-Leaders, and by them distributed to church members. This system was necessary in order that those who desired to attend for their spiritual edification could gain admission to the church, and not he crowded out by some of the impious multitude who only assembled out of curiosity. This ticket system also served to keep the ungodly who came occasionally to have fun by creating a disturbance For many years, the Bucyrus Church was a station on the Delaware Circuit, and the various congregations contributed to build a parsonage at that place. About the year 1832, the circuit was changed and funds were then raised for a parsonage at Marion. After 1840, the Bucyrus Circuit was formed and the parsonage built about 1841. Every fall, the Conference appointed two ministers to supply the stations on each circuit with regular religious services. These men were called senior and junior preachers with generally the one who served in the latter capacity was appointed to the same circuit the next year as senior preacher, with some new man under him, but this was not always the case. The Methodists of Bucyrus were supplied with regular preaching by this system until September 1855, when the Conference made the congregation a special station. Some difficulty then arose in regard to whether the parsonage was the property of the Bucyrus Methodists or of the other congregations who had also contributed to erect it. The appointments for the circuits of which Bucyrus and Delaware formed two stations for many years were as follows: 1821, Jacob Hooper: 1822, Thomas McCleary: 1823, Thomas McCleary and James Roe, 1824, Jacob Dixon; 1825. James Gilruth; 1826, Abner Goff: 1827, James Gilruth and Cyrus Car- HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 381 penter: 1828, James Gilruth and William Runnels: 1829, David Lewis and Samuel P. Shaw: 1830, Samuel P. Shaw and Alfred M. Lorain: 1831 Alfred M. Lorain and David Cadwallader. These ministers commenced their labors in each of the years above mentioned about September 1. During this period, the following ministers were Presiding Elders: 1821 and l822. Jacob Young of the Scioto District; 1825 to 1828, James McMahon, of the Sandusky District. 1828 to 1831, Russell Bigelow and Greenwbery, R. Jones, of the Portland District. Among the ministers who preached regularly to the Bucyrus churches from 1832 to 1854 were the following person: David Cadwallader, Zephaniah Bell, Erastus Felton, Harvey Camp, John Kinnear, James Wilson, Adam Poe son to the great Indian fighter; Thomas Thompson, Samuel P. Shaw, Peter Sharp, - Conoway, Oren Mitchell, - Hazzard, Hibbard P. Ward, George W. Breckenridge, Samuel B. Giberson, Liberty Prentice, Henry Warner, Hobert Dubois and others: 1849, David Gray, Gabriel Williams and Jesse Durbin, 1850, David Gray and assistant: 1851, N. Taylor and M. K. Hard: 1852, Stephen Fant and assistant; 1853, Stephen Fant and George Moore: 1854, O. Burgess and E. B. Morrison. Since Bucyrus was made a special station, the following appointments have been made by the Conference, the pastorate commencing after the regular annual session in September: 1858, Dr. H. M. Shaffer: 1860, Dr. L. B. Gurley: 1861, O. Kennedy: 1862, Isaac Newton: 1863 A. Harmount: 1867, Gershon Lease: 1869, D. D. T. Mattison: 1871, G. W. Ball: 1874, Dr. A. Nelson: 1877, J. J. Henry (died in March, 1878, and J. H. Barron sent as a supply): 1878. O. Badgley. The want of space forbids a more extended reference to the many ministers who, during the past sixty years, have preached to the Bucyrus charge. Not a few of these were eminent for their piety, and during their lives exerted much influence in shaping the destiny of the early M. E. Church. It is, however, no disparagement to the rest to briefly tell of one who labored with the church in later years, and just as he commenced to firing rich harvests to his Masters feet, he was called to his reward. Joseph J. Henry was born at Ironton, Ohio, January 9, 1853. He was converted in his eighth year, and July 11, 1871, licensed to preach the Gospel by the North Indiana Conference. Desiring to qualify himself for the work, he entered the college at Delaware. Before he had completed the course, he was induced to take charge of the Olive Green Circuit, and in his twentieth year, commenced his short but eventful ministerial course. God blessed his labors, and the membership of booth congregations was doubled the first year. He was returned, and the conversions were more numerous than before. In 1874, he was appointed to take charge of the M. E. Church at Cardington, where in three years large revival meetings were conducted by him, which yielded rich harvests of Christians hopefully converted. In the fall of 1877, he was appointed as the successor of Dr. Nelson in the work at Bucyrus A large revival meeting was held, lasting from January 6 to February 17, 1878, which was blessed by the Spirit. Over two hundred conversions were reported, and one hundred and eighty-three of these admitted to the church. After remaining at the church until 10 o'clock, Rev. Henry would frequently go home and study until past midnight in the preparation of sermons for the next day and evening. The intense mental exertion consequent upon this series of protracted meetings brought on brain fever, and. after suffering for some twos or three weeks, he died March 16, 1878. The M. E. congregation of Bucyrus continued to worship in their first brick church until the year 1851, when the present edifice was erected on the same site. It was dedicat- 382 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. ed Wednesday, October 29, 1851. Elder Poe preached the dedication discourse. In December, 1871; the building was repainted, refitted and improved under the pastorate of Rev. G. W. Ball, at a cost of $2,000. The organ was purchased of the Congregational Church about the year 1865. The M. E. Sunday school was established about the year 1834. Among those who have been Superintendent of it during the past quarter-century are Martin Deal, B. B. McVey, W. C. Lemert, G. W. Myers, James Lewis and H. E. Kratz. Of these gentlemen, Mr. Deal has had charge for some fifteen years at different times. Services have been conducted once each week for the Bucyrus congregation since the year 1832. The First Presbyterian Church of Bucyrus was the second congregation to be established in the place on a permanent basis. It is impossible to give. at this late date, anything, like an accurate account of its early history, as all the records of the church, previous to the year 1838, have been lost. Rev. Silas Johnston, one of the former Pastors, in writing a sketch of the, church about the year 1857, says : "We can only glean a little information from the few surviving fathers and mothers who were here before the organization of the church. When the community was first settled, there were among the pioneers a few scattered Presbyterian families, who loved the church of their fathers, and looked and longed for some one to break unto them the Bread of Life. When the solemn Sabbath came, they were ready to sit down and sigh for the ordinances of the sanctuary, which they had left behind in the land of their fathers, and these sighs and prayers that God would plant a vine in the wilderness, where their lot was cast, were not in vain. Occasionally. a minister of their faith came among them, and preached in some grove or private house probably, the Rev. Shab Jenks was the first Presbyterian minister who conducted religious services at Bucyrus. Rev. Robert Lee, father of Judge Robert Lee. of Bucyrus, was the first stated minister, and it is probable that he preached here by the appointment of the Home Missionary Society and, in an informal way organized a church. The Columbus Presbytery, whose jurisdiction extended over this section, were not satisfied with the manner of proceeding, and, probably by their advice, in the spring of 1833, a petition was presented their Presbytery asking for the organization of a church. This petition, which was signed by thirty-four persons, was granted. and a committee, consisting of Revs. Slab Jenks and E. Washburn, was appointed to visit Bucyrus for this purpose. These gentlemen met the petitioners during the summer of 1833, and the church was organized for the second time. They reported to Columbus Presbytery at the next fall meeting, and the Bucyrus Church was enrolled. It is impossible to learn how many of the thirty-three petitioner, were actual members when the church was first organized: but only four are now living, viz.. Mrs. .John Moderwell, of Geneseo, Ill.: John Forbes and wife, near Springfield, Mo., and Mrs. Andrew Kerr near Bucyrus. Like most newly organized churches in pioneer settlements. this congregation was for several years destitute of a Church edifice. When the weather was pleasant services were held in the grove under the broad canopy of heaven: at other times, the meeting would be held in some private house. Afterward. the church worshiped in the brick shoolhouse, Which stood on the lot now occupied by the Monnett House, and, after the completion of the court house, this church, in common with other denominations, occupied it as a place of worship, and continued to do so until the erection of their first church edifice, which was built in 1839. In the Bucyus Republican, May 22, 1839. J. H. Douglas, .John Anderson, John Forbes, Josiah Scott and J. A. Gormly advertise that sealed proposals will be received until .June 1, for building a frame meeting-house 36 x 40 feet in dimensions. HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 383 A number of ministers labored with this church during the early history of the congregation, both before and after its organization, but at what time, and how long each one was here, is not now known. Rev. William Matthews preached to the congregation for some time and Rev. Robert Lee was a stated supply for several years. Rev. Henry Van Deman labored with the congregation a short time, and also Rev. Erastus Cratta. Rev. James Boggs began to preach to the charge a short time previous to the unhappy division of 1837, and as he sided with the new-school party, he soon left for another field, as a large majority of the Bucyrus congregation belonged to the old school branch of the church. May 4, 1839, the congregation invited Rev. William Hutchinson to labor among them, and a formal call was extended to him on July 3. He was ordained and installed as the first regular Pastor of the church. September 4, 1839, and for many years, faithfully labored to build up the charge. Success crowned his efforts and some were received into the church at almost every communion season. He had the warmest affections of his congregation: was highly esteemed by the whole community, and had every propect of a long settlement in this field : but he was suddenly attacked with himorrhage of the lungs, which disabled him from preaching. He resigned the charge during the summer or fall of l848,. and removed to the mountain regions of Tennessee, where he remained until May 1859, when hie returned to Crawford County with his family. Mr. Hutchinson died February 1, 1860, aged fifty-seven, and was buried in Oakwood Cemetery. In 1849, the church engaged Rev. George S. Inglis to preach as a stated supply, and after eighteen months. Rev. Robert C . Colmory occupied the pulpit for three or four months. Then the pulpit was vacant for nearly two years, April 1, 1852 an invitation was extended to Rev. Silas Johnston, and soon afterward a formal call was tendered him, and he was installed by the Presbytery of Marion, September 8. Mr. Johnston continued his labors successfully for nearly six years, but, toward the close of that period, difficulties and division of feeling arose in the church, concerning the choir, instrumental music, and other matters. Feeling his influence crippled by such a state of affairs, he asked the Presbytery to dissolve the pastoral relation, which was done, with reluctance, September 16, 1857. During his pastorate he preached and lectured 1,006 times. In April, 1858, a call was extended to Rev. George Graham, who remained until his health failed, and, in the fall of 1860, he resigned. Early in the spring of 1861, Rev. John J. Walcott was called to the pastorate, and installed May 8. He remained until October 12, 1862, and when he left, the church was without a regular Pastor until April 11, 1864, when Rev. Alexander S. Milholland received a call. After remaining two years, Mr. Milholland resigned, and the church was supplied with preaching by numerous applicants for the pastorate, until January, 1867, when a unanimous call was extended to Rev. John H. Sherrard, of Pennsylvania. Mr. Sherrard was installed April 19, 1867, and remained with the church for over eleven years, until August 4, 1878. Numerous candidates were invited during the next six mouths, and, January 19, 1879, Rev. J. T. Pollock preached his first sermon to the congregation as a stated supply for one year, and, since then, has continued with the congregation. It is not certain who were elected and ordained Elders of the church at its organization: but it is believed that they were Messrs. Robert Walker, William V. Marquis and James McCurdy. These three persons and Messrs. George Welsh, Aaron Carey and Samuel Andrews were members of the session previous to 1838, but the exact date of their ordination is not known. December 25, 1838. Messrs John Dobbins, James Todd, John A. Gormly and William Robinson were 384 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. elected Ruling Elders, and the two former ordained by Rev. William D. Smith on February 1, 1839. At the same time all four were inducted into office. Messrs. Gormly and Robinson having been ordained in another field. As time rolled on, these pillars of the church were, one after another, taken away by death and removal and in 1844, the vacancy in the session was filled by the election of Josiah Scott and Nelson Thecker, who were ordained and installed on January 15, 1844 by Rev. William Hutchinson. Mr. Scott was elected three different times to this office before he finally accepted. On November 7, 1852. Dr. Cochran Fulton was chosen and ordained. but Dr. Willis Merriman, who was elected at the same time would not serve. Messrs. Andrew Kerr anti John P. Black were added to the session July 7, 1854, and then for nearly fourteen years no additional elections were held for this purpose. Alexander Caldwell and William H. Drought were chosen in February. 1868. and ordained soon afterward. After another decade had passed away, the session became reduced by death and other causes and July 7, 1878. the congregation elected Messrs. Andrew Walker, William M. Reid and James B. Gormly, to fill the vacancy. These gentlemen were ordained by Rev. J. H. Sherrard, July 28. The Session at the present time is composed of the following persons: Messrs. Black, Caldwell, Drought, Walker, Reid and Gormly. It is not known what the numerical strength of the church was during its early history but it increased gradually, year after year, until the troubles and division of 1837 and 1838 rent it asunder. When Rev. William Hutchinson resigned, in 1848, there were over one hundred members, but the congregation quarreled in choosing his successor and the bad feeling in the church had reduced their number to eighty-two by April. 1852 - the date Rev. Silas Johnston commenced his labors. During the next five and one-half years, he received into the church seventy persons on examination and forty-nine by certificate; the loss by death and removal being sixth-nine. When Mr. Johnson resigned in October, 1857, the membership was 132, and during the next ten years this number has increased to 165. During Mr. Sherrard's pastorate of eleven years, 240 were received into the church, and the loss by death and removals was 175 leaving a membership on August 1, 1878, of 230. The church continued to worship in their first edifice until 1860, when it was sold to the Roman Catholic congregation, who removed it to their lot on Mary street. The Presbyterian then in 1860, erected a fine brick edifice, 72 x 44 feet, which cost about $9,000, and was dedicated May 26, 1861. This was frescoed, repainted and carpeted in the summer of 1873, and the building is now as chaste and attractive as it is commodious and comfortable. The Presbyterian Sunday school was organized in 1835. W. M. Reid has been Superintendent of the School during the past sixteen years. The Evangelical Lutherans residing in the village of Bucyrus and surrounding couutry were organized into a congregation some time during the year 1829, by Rev. David Shuh, at the old brick schoolhouse. This minister, the first Pastor, had received a call from those who proposed establishing a Lutheran Church, and many of these persons had belonged to what was known in Pennsylvania as the German Lutheran Church, Samuel Myers, of Nevada, Ohio, is the only person now living who took an active part in organizing this congregation. Mr. Shuh continued as Pastor for' two years, and after his departure. in 1831. Rev. John Stough of liberty Township, was prevailed upon to hold services. Father Stough was at this time seventh years of age, and as he was anxious to retire from active service the English-speaking portion of the congregation met December 1, 1832 and extended a call to Rev. F. I. Ruth, of Ashland. Previous to this, all services were conducted in the German language, except an HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 385 occasional sermon in English by' Mr. Stough. Rev. Ruth came at stated times from Ashland, and preached to his charge and in the spring of 1835, removed to Bucyrus. The first record of a Church Council being ekected was in January 1833. when the following members were chosen : Elders. Abram Mayer and George Schroll. Deacons. Nicholas Failor and Abram Schroll. Trustees, Adam Bair and Nicholas Cronebaugh. At the next church election, held May 1835, four Elders, four Deacons and three Trustees were chosen and shortly after this the church met with a severe loss by the death of George and Daniel Schroll, two members of the council, who died with the cholera, July 12, 1835, the congregation convened and after showing due respect to the departed brothers elected John Bremen and Daniel Savage to fill the vacancy. From the time the church was organized until 1835, services were held in the brick schoolhouse, and then the congregation removed to the court house, which they occupied until their first church building was erected. The latter part of 1835, or early in 1836, the trustees purchased from Adam Mayer, for $400, the corner lot now occupied by the residence and office of Franklin Adams. After perfecting all the necessary arrangements, the cornerstone of the First Lutheran Church in Crawford County was laid August 20, 1836, in the presence of what was then called a large concourse of people. The walls of the build were finished and the roof put on before winter, but the church was not completed and occupied until the fall of 1837, or the spring of 1838. At this time, the congregation was composed of two parts German and English each being represented in the Church Council: together they numbered in 1838, eight-one communicants. Rep. Stough held services occasionally in German. and Mr. Ruth was the regular Pastor, who continued to preach for the English portion until he resigned in 1852, having watched over the spiritual interests of this charge for twenty years. Father Ruth is still living in Galion. Rev. A. H. Howbert was his successor and he remained until about April 1, 1856. Rev. J. Crouse their accepted a call and acted as Pastor until he resigned in Mar. 1864. Under his administration the present church building was erected. The German interest in the old building was purchased for about $400 and August 11, 1856, the congregation passed a resolution to build. The pastor and N. Failor were appointed to solicit subscriptions and by October 31, between $5,000 and $6,000 had been raised. The church was not finished until the spring of 1858, and dedicated by Rev. Conrad of Philadelphia. May 16, of that year. In the meantime the services, were held in the small Baptist Church, which occupied the lot upon which Dr. M. C. Cuykendall's residence now stands. After Rev. Crouse resigned. in 1864. Rev. M. W. Hamma was elected, and continued as Pastor until February 1867, Rev. J. H. Brown was then chosen by the church, and remained until October. 1870, when with the consent of both congregations, he and Rev. J. B. Baltzly of Lewistown, Penn., exchanged pulpits. Dr. Baltzly remained with the Bucyrus church for six years until October 1, 1876, and then for five months the charge was without a regular pastor. Rev. A. H. Studebaker received a unanimous call from the congregation early in 1877, and continued with the church until June 1880, when he was granted a vacation, and is at the present time making a tour in Europe - the pulpit in the meantime being filled by Rev. J. Morris and others. The Evangelical Lutheran Church Sabbath School was organized April 5, 1838, by the more prominent members of the congregation. A constitution was adopted providing that the school should be under the control of a board of managers selected from the church; and the following persons were chosen: Nicholas Failor, Henry Minich, Abram Myers, Samuel Myers, Christian Howenstein and F. J. Ruth. This 386 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. Board of Managers appointed the following officers for the school: President, Rev. F. A. Ruth ; Vice President, Nicholas Failor: Secretary, Samuel Myers: Treasurer, Christian Howentstein At the end of the first year the Secretary made an encouraging report, which was received and adopted by the Board of Managers. The Treasurer reported having received during the year $7.25, and of "having disbursed for books. etc., $6.75 leaving a balance in his hands of 50 cents, which was transferred to his successor, Nicholas Failor." The second annual reports. made in April. 1840, showed that "there were in attendance seventy-five pupils under the charge of six male and seven female teachers, and that $13 had been collected and $12.35 had been expended during the year." Favorable reports are also on record for the years 1840, 1841, 1842 and 1843 and then the records were not preserved until 1862. The last election held for a board of managers was on July 6, 1856. when the following person: were chosen : John Boyer, D. C. Boyer, Joseph Failor, Samuel Failor, Edwin Boyer, Dan Minich and Benjamin R. Boyer. A short time after the year 1857, the modern custom of permitting the teachers to choose the officers was adopted. Since the school was organized. the pastor of the church has always been appointed to act as President or Superintendent of the school, except on two occasions. In March, 1854, the managers elected George P. Seal, who served as Superintendent until July 6, 1856, and George Lauck filled the same position from October 1, 1876, until March, 1877. The Lutheran school is the largest and best organized Sabbath school in Bucyrus: not long since the average attendance during one year was 199. In April, 1861, the church purchased a pipe organ, the second instrument of the kind brought to town, which was used for the first time April 14 ; after nearly seventeen years of service this instrument was removed and a much finer one placed in the church; this organ cost about $1,000 and was dedicated by a grand concert Friday evening. February 8, 1878. At the present time some 230 persons are connected with the congregation. The early Evangelical Lutheran Congregation organized by- Rev. David Shuh, in 1829, contained during the first five years, many influential members, who afterward united with the Reformed Church. After the English portion of this first congregation organized a separate society, and tendered Rev. F. I. Ruth a call to act as Pastor, the Germans; who were left continued to worship together, and services were conducted in their own tongue by Rev. .John Stough. This venerable gentleman, however, had been an active minister nearly fifty years, and was so aged that he, could only preach to the Bucyrus congregation at irregular intervals. About the year 1835, those professing the Reformed faith, employed Rev. Frederick Gottleib Maschop to preach for them. In the early day of the German churches in America, the difference between the Reformed and Lutheran doctrines was so slight that some Pastors were styled ministers of the sect "generally called the Lutheran, or Reformed Church." Under the administration of Rev. Maschop, these denominations in Bucyrus were more widely separated and many German Lutherans would not attend the Refomed services. Finally those Germans who professed Lutheranism, employed Rev. Mr. Goergens to preach for them. This gentleman did not belong to the same synod of which the Bucyrus congregation formed a part, but his doctrines suited his charge better than those of the Rev. Maschop. In 1839, the church was more fully organized and Rev. John Krauss, received a call: this gentleman for some time preached every fourth Sunday. He continued with the congregation many years, and. although a man of considerable ability, could not resist the many temptations to indulge too freely in the "flowing bowl." Toward the latter part of his long pastorate, his habits PAGE 387 - PICTURE OF G. SWESSEY PAGE 388 - BLANK HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 389 became very irregular, for he was frequently on long drunken sprees. The cause he professed to love suffered much by the sad life he led, and in the interest of German Lutheranism. He was forced to resign his position, which he did in September, 1854. He removed to Tiffin, Ohio and it is reported he sank deeper into vice until he finally started a saloon. In 1855, Rev. August Michaelis received a call from the congregation, which was accepted and he remained for twelve years, until 1867, when he was succeeded by Rev. Jacob Graessle, the present Pastor; thus during forty-one years, the German Lutheran Church has been organized. Only three ministers have served as Pastors to this large and influential church. For many years the two congregations of this same denomination in Liberty and Whetstone Townships assisted the Bucyrus church in providing funds to pay the Pastor's salary, and the minister in charge would hold services at each congregation in succession. Finally the Bucyrus German Lutheran Church became so wealthy and influential that this system was discontinued and since 1872. Mr. Graessle has labored solely in the interest of this church. In 1842, the congregation adopted a constitution, and the next year sold their interest in the church building erected about 1836, to the English Lutherans: they continued to occupy this church, however, until their present edifice was erected in 1857. June 20, 1858, the building was dedicated to the worship of God and named "German Evangelical Lutheran Church of Good Hope." The Evangelical Lutheran Joint Synod of Ohio and other States convened at Bucyrus for a six-days session on Thursday, May 23, 1872; some 120 ministers and fifty lay-delegates were in attendance. In March, 1873, the congregation purchased from G. F. Votteler, of Cleveland, a very fine pipe organ, which was dedicated Sunday, March 16, 1873, with appropriate exercises. The Sunday school of this church was organized about the year 1844. The early history of the German Reformed Congregation of Bucyrus was carefully compiled by Rev. Eli Keller, the Pastor, during 1857, and copied into the Church records. This history is as follows: "Having carefully examined various documents found on hand and questioned certain aged persons with reference to the history of the German Reformed Congregation of Bucyrus it would seem that the same was organized about the year 1829, standing at that time connected with the Lutheran Congregation. Not being able to obtain the services of a Reformed Pastor, they continued under the administrations of Lutheran ministers until the year 1835, and during this period they, in connection with the Lutheran congregation, purchased a town lot with a view of erecting a Union Church edifice. In the year 1835 they procured the services of Rev. Frederick Gottlieb Maschop, a Reformed minister, and held services in the brick schoolhouse. About the year 1840, Rev. Maschop resigned and after some months Rev. J. J. Miller received a call, and during his pastorate, which lasted about three years, services were held in the court house. After the departure of Rev Miller, the congregation was without a Pastor until Rev. Wended Wasnich received a call, and he continued with the charge about the same length of time as his predecessor and resigned during the year 1848. During his pastorate, another lot was purchased. and the present church edifice erected. When Rev. Wasnich resigned, Rev. Abraham Keller was elected to succeed him and labored with the charge until the fall of 1852, when he was attacked with the cholera and suddenly removed by death. Rev. Keller organized a Sunday school in connection with the congregation, but this new move was opposed by many prominent church members, who could not or would not appreciate the value of this branch of the church. After Mr. Keller's death, the congregation remained about one year without 390 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. regular services and then elected Rev. Max Stern as their Pastor, who continued until the spring of 1856, when he resigned. April 13, 1856, Rev. Eli Keller, a licentiate of the Mercersburg, Penn., Classis, was elected and ordained July 6, as Pastor." During his second year with the congregation, it was reorganized. August 29, 1857. the following officers were elected : Elders-John H. Keller, for two years; John Brehman, for three years, Trustees-Abraham Schroll, for three years; Adam Bair, for two years: George Brehman, for one year; Clerk. John Miller. September 11, 1857. the church was duly incorporated by the name of the German Reformed Congregation of Bucyrus. September 16, the members adopted a new constitution and by-laws for their government. At this time seventy persons were members of the Bucyrus charge. July 24, 1858. a, missionary society was formed with the following officers: John Reiter, President; Aaron H. Keller. Secretary; Abraham Steiger, Treasurer. Rev. Eli Keller continued with the congregation for over five years, until the fall of 1861, when he resigned and removed to Belleview, Huron County. His successor was Rev. G. Rettig who remained about eighteen months. June 8, 1863, Rev. W. H. Fenneman was called "at a salary of $375 per year and horse feed," and after some two years Rev. W. Wittenweiler succeeded him. This Pastor remained about three years, and then Rev. J. D. Gehring was Pastor. When he resigned, the pulpit was filled by Rev. D. Zimmerman, who came from Galion and preached for the congregation. Until his pastorate, services were held occasionally in the English language, but in accordance with the wishes of the majority this custom was discontinued. In consequence of the clannishness manifested by this majority, the congregation has lost many valuable members, who have united with the American churches of Bucyrus. In May, 1874, Rev. H. Nau received a call, and during his pastorate of eighteen months, the parsonage, was built. Rev. A. Schade was his successor. and he continued until June 29, 1878, and then exchanged pulpits with Rev. H. Korthener, Pastor of the Sixth Reformed Church of Cleveland who has had. since that date change of the Bucyrus congregation. At the present time eighty members are subject to the Church discipline. Dr. William Nast. the great pioneer of the German Methodists in the Western country, was the first minister of that denomination to visit Bucyrus and preach to the Germans in their own language. In the year1837, this distingushed German theologian, then quite a young man, was appointed on the first circuit laid out in this section of Ohio for German Methodist preaching. The territory covered by this first circuit was so extensive that five weeks' time was occupied in filling all the appointments. Young Nast's route each five weeks; was as follows: "He preached at Columbus the first Sunday, then left for Basel, on the canal, then to Thornville, where services were held the second Sabbath: then to Newark, Mount Vernon and Danville, where the third Sudnay was spent; then to London. Loudonville, Mansfield, Galion and Bucyrus, where services were conducted on the fourth Sabbath: then to Marion and a German settlement near Delaware. reached by the fifth Sunday: then to Worthington and Columbus by the sixth Sabbath, when the route was completed." Services were also conducted. during the five weeks, at many points in the vicinity of these places. This pioneer circuit-rider of the German Methodist Episcopal Church preached in the German language at the English Methodist Episcopal Church each Sunday he was in Bucyrus, but it is uncertain how long he remained on the circuit. Before many years his talents were appreciated, and he was placed in charge of the German Methodist Church paper at Cincinnati. It was said of him in after years: "Dr. William HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 391 Nast is looked upon as the great head and leader of thle German Methodist in the United Stated ; has frequently surprised the country with his erudition his ripe scholarship and the vast extent of his knowlege." For many years the German congregation was very weak and the English Methodists kindly tendered them the use of, their church, which offer was accepted and services were held there by the Germans until January 1855. Among the ministers of this denomination who preached at Bucyrus before the church was, erected. are the following; "Revs. Reimsneider (who was the immediate successor of Nast), Haefner,Reuff, Neuffer, Newton, Reihm, Christian Nachtrieb, Peter Sneider, Frederick Deither. George A. Reuter, Conrad Gahn ağd others. Rev.. Gahn was appointed in the fall of 1853, and remained two years. During his pastorate the German Methodist Episcopal Sunday school was organized, in 1854, at the basement of the English Methodist Episcopal Church, and the German meeting house was erected The weak church of 1837 and 1840 was strengthened by the addition of many from among the Germans who settled in the community and professed the doctrines taught by the ministers of this denomination. Then the congregation became strong enough to build a house of worship. and in the fall of l854, the church was erected by Jonn Sneider. The building was dedicated Sunday, January 14, 1855. In the morning, Dr.Warner, of Columbus, delivered the dedication sermon in English. This was at the request of the German congregation. A collection was then taken up of $143,. to asist in paying for the church. Mr. Nast, who was present. preached in German at the afternoon meeting. Rev. Gahn, Pastor at this time, was a large man, with a strong voice. It is related of him that once, while preaching in the basement of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he was suddenly seized with bleeding at the mouth and the services were interrupted for that day. This minister was assisted in his work by a young German, of noble birth, by the name of .Merman Zur Jacobsmuhlen. Rev. Gahn left in the: fall of 1855, and the following ministers were his successors, the pastorate of each commencing about September 1, of the year they were appointed: 1855. -- Wentz: 1857 George Berg: 1859, Gustave Herzer: 1860, J Horst: 1862, Phillip B. Weber: January 1, 1864. Albert Vogel, 1866, Anton Warns: 1869. John C. Kopp: 1871..John S. Schneider: 1874. August F. Meuler: 1876, Philip Graessle; 1879, August Gerlach , 1880, John Haas. After Mr. Nast left, services were held at Bucyrus every four weeks until a few years before 1850,when the congregation was organized. Services were then held every two weeks and the Pastors preached at Galion. Bucyrus, and the Broken Sword church. Some years after the Bucyrus church was erected. the churches at Galion and Bucyrus were made special stations and, since that tine preaching is held every Sunday, but the Pastors of the church conduct religious services at the Broken Sword church every Sunday afternoon. The parsonage was built in 1863. The membership at the present time is about sixty. The records of the First Baptist Church, in Bucyrus are nearly complete, and it is not a difficult task to compile an accurate history of the congregation since it was organized. The minutes of the first meeting are as follows: "February 2l, 1838, met agreeable to adjournment at Brother Kelly's for the purpose of consulting upon the propriety of forming, a conference. Elder White in the chair. When upon deliberation we, whose names are hereunto affixed, being Regular Baptists. did resolve ourselves into a Conference, to be known by the name of the Regular Baptist Conference of Bucyrus: William White, Charles Kelly, Cyrus Peck, Prudence White, Martha Kelly and Derias Sears." (None of' these are at the present time living in Bucyrus, and possibly. they 392 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. are all dead.) This conference adopted fifteen articles of faith, and during the first year held meetings once each mouth, alternating for the first six months between the houses of Brothers Kelly and White. Services were then held in the brick schoolhouse, until their first church was completed, but before this building was occupied. the small congregation occasionally assembled at William Magers' home. Elder White was the: first Clerk, and he imparted religious instruction to those who assembled at these monthly meetings. The little hand was increased July 29, 1838, by William Magers and his wife Margaret G. Magers, Sevena Norton and Rachael Magers. Elder William Stevens was present upon this occasion, and preached upon the subject of " Baptism." This was the first sermon on record. delivered to this new congregation, and after it was concluded. they repaired to the Sandusky River, and the ordinance of baptism was administered to the first three of the new converts by Elder White. James Quinby and .John Shull were received and baptized February 3, 18389. On February 4, 1839, they decided to call a council of neighboring churches and February 14, delegates from Auburn and Fairfield. met with the members of Bucyrus Conference, and. after consultation, it was resolved to proceed to the ` constitution of a church from the Conference and next day Margaret Williams was baptized and received making thirteen members. The early history of this congregation is a succession of trials. Since it was organized. it has passed through many dark days, caused chiefly by the difficulty of providing funds to support the pastors who labored with the charge. The church was never strong in numbers, and very few of the members have been men of wealth, but the records prove that many who have been connected with this little band were sincere and earnest Christians. Covenant meeting were held every four weeks, at which the members gave their religious experience or led in prayer. In August, 1839, an effort was made to secure a regular Pastor. Elder Thomas Stevens was the choice of the congregation but the amount raised was only $54.50, and he could not promise to visit Bucyrus and preach even once a month for this sum. Shortly after this, William White and wife left Bucyrus. The failure to secure a Pastor and loss of two members did not discourage the remainder, and the next spring Lot No. 107 was purchased. and upon it they erected their first church, which was opened for public worship. .June 13, 1840, This building stood upon the site now occupied by the residence of Dr. M. C. Cuykendall. William Magers was chosen the first Deacon. January 4, 1840. and April 11, James Quinby was appointed first Treasurer. Elder Newton preached occasionally during the year 1841, but it does not seem that he was considered the regular Pastor, for Elder Samuel Wadsworth was with the congregation many times, and shared the duties and honors of this position. During this year many members were addled to the church among whom were Sophronia Norton, the first person born on the present site of Bucyrus and Samuel .Jones. It is recorded March 4, 1841 that "the church is awake in the cause of religion and the Lord hath heard their prayer." October 2, 1841, Rev. Jacob Tharp received a call for one year, which was accepted. December 4, 1841. E. B. Merriman, James Quinby and Samuel Jones, were elected first Trustees under the act to incorporate the First Regular Baptist Church of Christ in Bucyrus, and all business previously transacted was voted legal. December 29, George B. Baker anal John Shull were "set apart to the office of Deacons, by the laying on of hands." October 1, 1842, Rev. Tharp was asked to remain as Pastor, laboring half the time during the next year, and Elder Samuel Wadsworth was invited to preach the other half. Elder Tharp resigned June 3, 1848, and after six months, on December 2, Rev. Edwin HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 393 Eaton was invited, and immediately commenced his labors. He was ordained February 20, 1844, and continued with the church until his health failed and he finally resigned .July 5, 1845. During his pastorate. the Baptist Church was in a very flourishing, condition and reported by some authorities to he the strongest of the churches in the village. This young minister ordained in the little church at Bucyrus removed to Illinois, and became eminent throughout the West; after a successful and honorable ministry for many years died within the last decade, mourned. not only by his own congregation, but throughout the country. It was decided on April 6, 1844, to open a Sunday school, and a collection was taken up to purchase a school library. January 4, 1845. James Quinby presented the church with a communion set. Unfortunately, this worthy member died, September 15, 1845, and, notwithstanding he released, in his will the congregation from a debt of about $250 due him for money advanced to pay church expenses, his death was a great loss to the early Baptist,. In after years, his place was well filled by his brother George Quinby, who first united with the congregation December 4, 1842. In September 1845, Elder J. G. Tunison was called to labor one-half his time, but December 6, it was decided " the church could not support a Pastor. Mr. Tunison was not liked by the members in the village, but the country members of Whetstone Township thought so much of him that they withdrew from the Bucyrus congregation, and formed the Olentangy Baptist Church, near Parcher"s corners, of which Rev. Tunison was Pastor for several years. This action seriously crippled the early church at Bucyrus and Rev. Tunison, in consenting, to a division of the congregation for personal reasons, gave the cause he professed to love a stab from which it has never fully recovered. About this time. fifty-four members were reported to the Baptist Association. August 1, 1846, eight of these united with the church in the southeastern part of Crawford County, and soon afterward others left to unite with the Whetstone Township Church. February 6, 1847, Elder Pierson was called, and remained some ten months. In February, 1848, Elder Smedmer was called. and preached several months, and for the next five years services were held very irregularly. By the records, it appears only two meetings were held in the year 1849, seven in 1850, seven in 1850, six in 1851, one in 1852 and three in 1853. At most of these conferences a general desire was expressed to have regular preaching. During the latter part of 1850, Elder W. C. Shepherd was a member and he was ordained Pastor January 2, 1851, but, after remaining another five months, resigned May 31. For over a year the record is silent, and at the only recorded meeting, held .June 5, 1852, George Quinby, Samuel .Jones and John Shull were elected Trustees. At this meeting, the propriety of employing a Pastor in connection with the Olentangy Church, was discussed. After three recorded conference meetings in 1853, the church was silent for regular Baptist meetings for five years, but occasionally a minister visited the place and called the scattered flock together. In August 1858, the church and weekly prayer meetings were revived and after six months, on February 5, 1859, the following eight members agreed to renew their covenant: Samuel Jones, .John Shull, George Quinby, Mary McLean, Derias Sears, Mary Aiken, Elizabeth Sharp and Dolly Cook Everitt. Elder Wood was engaged to preach one-half the time. and meetings were continued during 1859. Then the church was silent for another period of over four years. In the spring of 1864, Rev. S. D. Bowker was invited by several members to visit Bucyrus, and at the tirst meeting, held in Quinby's Hall, June 4, it was resolved to organize a Sabbath school and establish a weekly prayer meeting. The use of the Congregational Church 394 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. was tendered. but for reasons refused, and Quinby hall rented, in which regular meetings were held. During the three-years pastorate of Rev. S. D. Bowker, several revival meetings were held and many united with the church, which numbered, when he resigned July 6, 1867, . nearly one hundred members. After a vacancy of several months, on December 19, 1867, a call was tendered Rev. J. Huntington, of Sardinia, N. Y., who remained until July 2, 1871, when he removed to Niles, Mich. During his stay with the congregation, they removed from Quinby Hall to their present church edifice. This building, originally erected by the Congregationalists, was purchased from the Board of Education for $2,750, and fitted up by the Baptists at an additional cost of $2,000 The church was re-dedicated for religious purposes September 27, 1868. Rev. Walter N. Wyeth was Pastor from November 4, 1871, to May, 1872, when he resigned to take a position on the editorial corps of the Journal and Messenger, of Cincinnati. May 4, 1872. Rev. L. G. Leonard the present Pastor, received a call, and since that time he has been with the congregation. In the spring of 1876, he resigned, and Rev. J. S. Covert was employed, but, after remaining about one year difficulties arose, and Dr. Leonard resumed the pastorate. Since the church was organized in 1838, the following persons have been elected to the office of Clerk: William White 1838 : James Quinby, .June 3, 1839; John Shull October 2, 1841: George Quinby, December 31,.1842; .John Shull February 6, 1847;. James H Reichenecker, July 3, 1847; George Quinby, August 31, 1850: M. V. Longworth, January 1, 1868; Clark Ludwig, January 1873: M.. V. Longworth, the present incumbent, January 1874. 1. The number connected with the congregation at the present time is seventy-nine. The Baptist Sabbath school was organized in 1864, and William P. Rowland served as Superintendent: his successor. W. B. Bennett, held the office nine years, and M. V. Longworth has had charge of the school during the past six years. The first Roman Catholic services in Bucyrus were held about the year 1837, at the residence of Dr. Joseph Beohler, who lived north of the Sandusky River, on the lot now occupied by Christian Wingest, and formerly the site of his brewery. Rev. E. N. Tschenheus, C. S. S. R., the first priest who visited Bucyrus, came about 1837, for the purpose of gathering the few Catholic families in this section of the county, and mass was said at Dr. Beohler's for several years at irregular intervals, once in two or three months, until he removed to Tiffin, Ohio. The services at Bucyrus were then discontinued until about the year 1849, when Catholic families becoming more numerous, the fathers of this society made the town one of their missions. During the next eleven years, until 1860, mass was said in private houses. These service. were not always held at stated times, but generally at irregular intervals and the priests did not reside in the place, but came from Norwalk, Huron County and Now Reigel, in Thompson Township, Seneca County. Among those who visited the town during this period were Revs. Amathias Dombaugh, G. Arnold, J. Albrecht, August Reichert, Peter Kreusch, Mathieus Kreusch, Jacob, -Gebhart and Barnhart Gwinn. In 1860, the old Presbyterian meeting-house was purchased for $200 and removed by A. Kronenberger Sr., at the additional cost or $100, to their present lot n East Mary street. The building was re-dedicated by Bishop Rappe, May 26, 1861. The deed for the real estate woth $250, was made out in A. Kronenberger's name, but afterward transferred to Rt. Rev. Bishop Rappe. Rev. Uerhart Kleck celebrated the first mass and preached the first sermon in their new church. In 1863, a successful mission was held by the Redemporist Fathers Giessen and Jacobs, and some time afterward another was conducted by Revs. Neithard and Seelus; each mission lasted about one HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 395 The congregation was then attended until the year 1865 by Rev. S. Falk and V. Arnould, year of the Shelby Settlement, and also Rev. J. F. Gallagher, of Wooster. From 1865 to 1869 the congregation was attached to Upper Sandusky as a monthly mission. During this time the Pastors were: Rev. A. Spierings, from November, 1865 to May 1867: Rev. Joseph Reinhardt, until February 2, 1868, and Rev. G. Peter until 1869. Rev. Reinhart was killed, how, or by whom, was never known, while on his way from Upper Sandusky to meet Rt. Rev. Bishop Rappe, who had visited Bucyrus to give confirmation. From 1869 to 1871, the congregation was without a priest. except once about Easter time, on account of difficulties arising between the German and Irish portions of the church. Finally, peace was restored and May 5, 1871, Rev. D. Zinsmayer was appointed to the Bucyrus charge. He was the first resident Pastor, and during his stay with the congregation many improvements were made. The church was thoroughly renovated. frescoed. provided with furniture, and a fine bell, weighing; 1,000 pounds, placed in the belfry. Rev. G. Peter had purchased for $1,000 the lot east of the church, but, during his Pastorate, only $600 were paid upon this real estate. The congregation, under Father Zinsmayer, raised sufficient funds to settle the debt and also erected upon this lot a very fine parsonage. Several fairs were held and although the congregation numbered about thirty-two paying families and forty-five in all the people, though mostly poor, assisted their Pastor by liberal subscriptions April 27, 1877. Father Zinsmayer was appointed to take charge of the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, at Shelby. and Rev. H. D. Best, the present Pastor, was sent to Bucyrus. During the past three years, the debt left by his predecessor has been paid. The church has received. at different times about $1,300 from the "Ludwig Missionverein " of Munich, Bavaria. May 19,. 1878, Rev. H. D. Best purchased of Florian Loew, for $200, one and three-fourths acres of land, situated one mile east of Bucyrus, and this has been laid out for a cemetery. The first person interred in it was Mrs. Martha Doerfler, who died August 17, 1878. This cemetery was consecrated by Bishop Gilmore, of Cleveland, Tuesday afternoon, October 19, 1880. It is the custom of this church to establish independent schools, and this will, undoubtedly be the next project of those in charge of the congregation. Two attempts have already been made in the past-the first under Father Spierings, and afterward for four months under Father Zinsmayer-but for lack of means, these schools were discontinued. Considering the limited financial resources of most members of the Bucyrus charge, the congregation is in a flourishing condition. Success has crowned their labors in the past, and the future looks bright. The Disciples of Church of Christ, erected their church edifice in Bucyrus during the summer of 1876, and organized the congregation in November of that year. Many prominent members of this church, however, were formerly connected with the Disciple Church, organized over forty years previous in Whetstone Township. About the year 1828, Oliver and Isaiah Jones, then residents of Whetstone, having heard the doctrines of the church taught in Wayne County, invited Disciple preachers to their neighborhood. At that time there were no member's of this denomination in Crawford County, and the ministers who accepted the invitation, were the first to sow the seed of their religious faith in this county. The two men who extended this invitation, were for many years the strongest supporters of the Whetstone Church , they were in no way related to each other, notwithstanding they both removed from Wayne County, bore the same name, and professed the same religious faith. Harrison Jones, son of, Isaiah, and also one of the early members is still living and an eminent minister 396 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. among the Disciples. The first services held in Whetstone Township by Disciple ministers was about the year 1828, at the log cabin of Oliver Jones, by Elders Comer and John Secrist. After the first meeting, Elder Comer went on to Michigan and Elder Secrist returned to Stark County, where he had been preaching. Secrist had formerly been a resident of Kentucky, and several years after 1828, he again visited Crawford County and preached in the Campbell Schoolhouse, which was located at that time on the southern part of what is now the farm of W. L. Ferall. In those days members of this denomination were known as Campbellite Baptists. Elder Secrist was a very able man, and continued to preach the doctrines of his faith in the township at stated periods for some five years. When he left Elders A. Burns and Millison came occasionally and preached in the neighborhood ; this was after the year 1840. Elder Burns is a brother of Hon. Barney Burns, of Mansfield; he is now minister of the church at Shelby. Elders Burns and Millison conducted services at the schoolhouses or private residences in the neighborhood, and sometimes at the barn of John Campbell, who was a prominent member of the church. Campbell represented Crawford County in the Ohio Legislature during the winter of 1833, 1835 and 1840. The Disciple meeting house in Whetstone was built about the year 1845, and during the next thirteen years Dr. Lucy, John and Thomas Rigdon and Jonas Hartzell were elders of the congregation; services were conducted during this period at very irregular intervals. Hartzell it still living at an advanced age in Iowa. About the year 1858, Elder Belton preached at stated periods and continued to do so until shortly after the war broke out; since that time. Elders Richard Winbigler and Hathaway, have had charge of the church at different times ; services were also conducted occasionally by Charles E. Van Voorhis, who was raised in Whetstone Township, and has for many years been an active Disciple minister; he is at present living in Knox County. John Cornell also went out from the Whetstone Church. and is now a Disciple minister in Iowa. Forty years ago the Whetstone Disciple Church was a very strong and influential congregation, but the looses by death and removal reduced the membership to such an extent that for many years religious services were held very irregularly. Finally about December 5, 1875. eight persons met at the residence of Jeremiah Correll, in Bucyrus, and resolved under God to build a house of worship in the town and to re-organize the church. These seven persons were James Kerr, J. W. Bogan, Samuel Keiffer, B. F. Keiffer, Edward Ferrell. Edward Campbell, William Arbuckle and Jeremiah Correll. A few days afterward the lot on the southeast corner of Lane and Warren streets was purchased and Edward Campbell, Jeremiah Correll and B. F. Keiffer appointed a building committee. The foundation of the edifice was laid in the spring of 1876, and the basement completed by November of that year, at which time thirty-three persons assembled and resolved to form themselves into a church of Christ, "taking no creed but the Bible, and no name unknown to the Scriptures." A Sabbath school was organized; Elder George T. Smith was called to preach, and has continued with the congregation since that date. His labors have been blessed and, during the past four years, 100 additional members have united with the church. The upper room of their church edifice was completed during the summer of 1877, and the building dedicated to the service of Almighty God September 2, 1877, Elder Isaac Errett officiating. This house of worship is designed after the Gothic style of architecture. The building is sixty-five feet long, forty feet wide, and two stories high. The basement is eleven feet, and the audience room above has an arched ceiling nineteen feet above the floor at the sides and HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 397 twenty-seven feet in the center of the room. This is the only arched ceiling in town. The church is surmounted with a tower and spire which reach 120 feet from the ground. The cost of the entire building was about $11,000, and the entire amount was raised by the members by the time the church was dedicated. The United Brethren in Christ congregation was organized about August 15, l879. with the following members: .John Carson and wife, Anna, Charles and Robert Carson, Edward Sheckler and wife, Nettie Sheckler, Mrs. Eliza Monnett and daughters Lulu and Vertie. H.A. Raub, Lillie Raub, Henry Couts and wife, Jacob Yeagle and wife, J. G. Hull, John Slagle, Miss Kate Steelsmith, J. G. Wert and wife, Mary and Joseph Wert. These persons were all connected with the " Holiness Movement," which had previous to this time. received its support in Bucyrus from members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. During the pastorate of Rev. G. W. Ball, this movement in the interest of "Christian Holiness," was or organized, and most of the active members of the Methodist Episcopal congregation showed their sympathy by their presence and influence at the special "Holiness " meetings. After a few months some withdrew declaring they could not acquiesce in all that was said and done by those who professed to believe the doctrines taught: other prominent members were removed by death, and, after Mr. Ball left the advocates of "Christian Holiness" in the Methodist Episcopal Church, they were not so numerous and influential. Their special Tuesday evening prayer meeting, however. was continued for many months under Dr. Nelson's pastorate, and the venerable gentleman kindly attended and led many meetings, although he could not coincide with all that was said at them. But the members of the "Holiness Band" were afterward denied the right to have the church basement for their special meetings. because a few refused to subscribe to the general church fund, and, after suffering for some time what they considered other persecutions; quietly withdrew from the Methodist Episcopal Church, and formed a United Brethren in Christ Congregation, which denomination contains more members professing their views on "Christian Holiness." The first trustees were John Carson, Jacoh Yeagley, Henry Couts, J. G. Hull, and Barney Saylor. The storeroom on the southwest corner of Main and Warren streets was rented and fitted up for a meeting-house. In the fall of 1879, the United Brethren Conference appointed Rev. Moses E. Spahr, Pastor of the Bucyrus charge, which is at the present time attached to Bucyrus Circuit. Rev. O. H. Ramsey was placed on this circuit in the fall of 1880. August 25, 1879, a United Brethren in Christ Sabbath school was organized with the following officers: John Carson; Superintendent: Mrs. J. G. Wert. Assistant; Charles Carson Secretary; H. A. Raub, Treasurer; Annetta Sheckler, Librarian. A lot has been purchased at the corner of Walnut and Lucas street, and the congregation contemplate erecting a church building in the near future. During the past sixty years, several attempts have been made to establish other denominations in Bucyrus, and the religious services held by two of these churches were continued many years. Rev. John Pettitt, a Congregationalist minister, removed to Bucyrus about 1840, and for many years preached in various neighborhoods of Crawford County. Through his efforts, mainly, a society of this denomination was organized in the village. For some years their services were held at the Protestant Methodist Church. In the spring and summer of 1855, the brick church, which is now owned by the Baptists, was erected by the Congregational Society. The building was dedicated September 28, 1855 and about this time Rev. Oliver Burgess, who had been pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church for the preceding year, was employ to preach in the new edifice. Burgess re- 398 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. mained one year and then Rev. Pettitt supplied the pulpit until July 1859, when the society extended a call to Rev. Gideon Dana, formerly of Oberlin: this gentleman remained two years; during his pastorate the church purchased, December, 1859, the first pipe organ ever brought to Bucyrus. Rev. Robert McCune was the immediate successor of Mr. Dana. He continued as Pastor from July, 1861 to July 1862 and then resigned to accept the position of Chaplain at the National Military Hospital, on Johnson's Island, near Sandusky City. Rev. I. C. Kingsley received a call in July 1862. and remained until about January 1, 1864. Several ministers came occasionally and preached, but after a few months the church was sold to the Board of Education for $3,000. The organ was afterward sold to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Rev. John Pettitt, the founder of the church, and the most active member of the congregation during the many years it continued, removed, about 1866, to the northern part of Michigan. During; the many years he was a citizen of Crawford County, he always took an active part in building up the moral interests of the community. For the last five years of his life, he rode regularly through summers heat and winter's snows to his appointment five miles distant, and, when the weather did not render the frontier schoolhouses untenable, he had from two to three appointments each Sabbath. On the last day of his life, Sunday, May 11, 1879 he rode on horseback to his appointment, but, upon his return, complained of being sick, and in half an hour passed from his labors to his reward, in the eightieth year of his age, after laboring as an active minister of Christ for more than half a century. Some forty years ago, ministers of the Protestant Methodist Church visited Bucyrus and conducted religious services: possibly the first member of this denomination to preach in the village was Rev. Seeley Bloomer. About 1845, Rev. Dalby organized a congregation at the house of John Morfoot, who resided at that time on the lot now occupied by Mrs. Doll, ,just north of the northeast corner of Walnut street and the Middletown road. Among the early members of this church were John Morloot, and wife, now Mrs. .John Boyer, .John Kelly and wife, .John Fralic and wife, David Holma and wife, Matthew Fulloon and wife, shortly after the congregation was organized the lot on the northwest corner of Rensellaer and Walnut streets was purchased and a meeting-house erected. Rev. Bamford was the first Pastor. Services were conducted once every two weeks. The congregation in the village was a station on Bucyrus Circuit, which included the neighborhood, of Wingert's Corners, Bear Marsh and Grass Run. Among those who had charge of this circuit during the decade from 1845 to 1855, were Revs. John W. Case, Jeremiah Jack, Aaron D. Abbott, Samuel Catlin and James Duffy. It is possible that other ministers preached regularly to the Bucyrus church during this period. Rev. I. C. Thrapp was Pastor in 1856, and, after he left. Services were discontinued in the Bucyrus church. The building was removed, several years afterward, to the site now occupied by the Eagle Foundry, and used as a work-shop until destroyed by fire in August 1867. During the latter part of 1869, Rev. Alexander M. Cowan, a minister connected with the Southern Presbyterian Church, visited Bucyrus for the purpose of establishing a congregation of that denomination. Among those who aided and encouraged this minister During his labors in the place by attending his services, were Mr. C. Fulton and wife, Judge James Clemens and wife, Judge Thomas Beer and wife, George L. Sandusky and wife, Hon. C. D. Ward, Hon. William M. Scroggs, Hon. William Larwill, Samuel Hoyt, Dr. George Keller arid others. The first sermon was preached in the court house October 31, 1869, and shortly afterward HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY - 399 Quinby Hall was rented. in which meetings were held every Sabbath, morning and evening. for several months, but the outlook for a strong and prosperous congregation was not flattering, and the meetings were discontinued. Through the efforts, mainly, of Robert MacLeod, civil engineer of the Atlantic & Lake Erie Railroad, certain Episcopal ministers were induced to conduct services at Bucyrus during the year 1874. The first meeting was held May 3, by Rev. J. M. Hillyar, of Mansfield, and Rector of the church at Galion. This gentleman continued the services during the summer. He was assisted occasionally by other ministers. The meetings were held at the rooms of the Young Men's Christian Association, and among those Episcopalians who gave Mr. Hillyar aid and encouragemet during the summer, in his efforts, were Robert MacLeod and family, William Eccleston and family, W. T. McDonald, J. Hopley and others. The Sunday school cause early enlisted the attention of those pioneer settlers who desired to improve the morals of the community. James McCracken. Esq. for many, years a prominent citizen of the village and township. is authority for the following statement: "In the year 1827 or 1828, at the instance of an Episcopal Missionary from Mt. Vernon, the first Sabbath school started in Bucyrus was organized at the little brick schoolhouse. Abel Cary was elected President, and Dr. Hobbs Secretary. There were also four Directors chosen, Moderwell being one of them These officers constituted an executive committee for the government of the school. They appointed James McCracken Superintendent." Although most of the working members in this school were connected with the Presbyterian Church, yet it was not established in the interest of that denomination, but as a union school: and it was attended and supported by members of the Methodist, Lutheran and Presbyterian Churches. This moral agency was continued several years, but, after the Methodists erected their church, they organized a separate school, about 1834, in the interest of their congregation. The Presbyterians organized their school in 1835, and the Lutherans in 1838. Since then, the other denominations have established Sabbath schools, in the following order: Baptist in 1844, and re-organized in 1864 ; German Lutheran about 1844; Reformed about 1850: German Methodist about 1854; Disciple, 1876 : United Brethren in Christ, 1879. During the latter part of 1869, a Young Men's Christian Association was organized at Bucyrus. The first meeting held for this purpose assembled at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Tuesday evening, November 2. The audience was addressed by Christian gentlemen from Mansfield. The Association was organized at the M. E:. Church. Friday evening. November 5, 1869, with the following officers: President, William M. Reid: Vice Presidents. W. B. Bennett and B. F. Lauck ; Corresponding Secretary, M. Deal; Recording Secretary, George C. Gormley: Treasurer. James B. Gormley; Board of Managers, E. P. Penfeld, G. W. Myers. M. V. Longworth and J. J. Fisher. A daily prayer meeting was established, which continued for some mouths, the association rented the second story of No. 8 Quinby Block, and fitted it up with a library and entertaining newspapers, and, for several years after the prayer meeting was discontinued the organization maintained a special hall for the general use of all acceptable public meetings. For some three years, the Y. M. C. A. Hall was in the second story of Birk's Block. Although the pioneer settlers of Bucyrus and surrounding country suffered many hardships, and often sighed for the comforts and luxuries of their former Eastern homes, they did not forget that the minds of their children needed instruction, and at an early day the cause of education enlisted their attention, Unfortunately, a pio- 400 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. neer settlement, sixty years ago, did not possess, and could not obtain, the many modern educational improvements. It is not surprising, then, that, in a community deprived of many conveniences of life, the early schoolhouses were rude buildings, poorly furnished and illy adapted to the purpose for which they were used. But, in these rude log school buildings in those early pioneer days. many children, who afterward became good. substantial citizens of the county, received the only school instruction they ever obtained. And some, who, in after years. became distinguished citizens of the nation, not only for their high moral worth, but also for their intellectual attainments, received the foundation of their education in these pioneer schoolhouses. The first school taught on the site now occupied by the town of Bucyrus, was held in a little log, cabin situated on the south bank of the Sandusky River, just north of the lot occupied by Silas Bower's residence. This cabin was erected by the Beadle family on their land. and had formerly been occupied by them as a residence. It has long since passed away, but at that time was west of the town plat, laid out on Norton's land after this cabin was built. William Blowers taught the school held in this rude building during the winter of 1822-23. He was fully competent to take charge of it, as he possessed a very good education. The attendance was not large, and nearly all those who were pupils in this first school at Bucyrus are dead and gone; however, Horace Rowse and Mrs. A. M. Jones, two of them, still remain citizens of Bucyrus. Blowers charged a tuition fee of $1.50 per pupil, for a term of three months and "boarded around." His text-books were Pike's Arithmetic, Dillworth's Spelling-book and the Columbian Orator. The next winter, Blowers taught a school in Liberty Township: he was one of the first two licentiates of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Crawford County, and for many years an active minister of that denomination. Butterfield. in his history, relates the following in regard to this first school: "An incident of this school is remembered. the heroine of which is now one of the most respected matrons of our town then a sprightly lass of half a dozen summers. Once upon a time, this pretty. winsome wee thing made her appearance in the school-room promptly at 9 o'clock. A. M., with a pair of new shoes upon her feet, an event calculated to produce a profound sensation' in those pioneer times: but in preparing the leather for these shoes, the blacking of the tanner gave out. and as there was none to be had nearer than Zanesville, the consequence was, that rather than send so many miles for an additional supply only one shoe was black; the other was quite red. In those days 'despotic fashion' had not swayed her scepter over the heads of the mothers of Bucyrus." Shortly after this first school. Alice Kent taught another year where Samuel Ludwig now lives and some of her pupils resided in the new town. Miss Elizabeth Norton, now Mrs. A. M. Jones, one of thr scholars, relates that the teacher furnished her good pupils with " rewards of merit." These tokens were home-made: designed by the instructor, and highly colored with golden-seal and blood-root. .Joseph Newell also taught in the same building after Miss Kent. The first public schoolhouse built in Bucyrus was erected soon after the passage of the act of 1834, establishing free schools in Ohio. The site occupied by this building was at the east end of the lot, on the northeast corner of Walnut and Mary streets. This lot is now owned and occupied by Charles Vollrath. The schoolhouse stool on the spot just west of where the Roman Catholic Church now stands. "The building was of logs. The builders had no need of an architect: hence there was no plan and specifications. It was to be of logs, and twenty feet square: a summary understood by all without the aid of an elevation" -Butterfield. "It was furnished in the cheapest and most simple style. HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 401 All the children of the district who could be 'spared from work' attended. A Board of Directors controlled or managed the school, that is. they hired the teacher and drew orders on the Treasurer of the township for the payment of his salary, which was $15 per month. Zalmon Rowse was the first teacher in the first schoolhouse, and, though not a professional teacher, his labors were entirely satisfactory to his neighbors. When the public fund, which at that time was small, became exhausted, the school was dismissed: this generally occurred after a three-months term. During the summer months a school was opened for the younger children by some one who charged a small tuition fee." Scroggs. Rowse continued his school during the summer one time, his neighbors agreeing to do his harvesting rather than have the school stop during that season. Jonas Scott and Horace Pratt also taught in this first log schoolhouse. Butterfield says of Pratt "He is remembered as a good teacher; but, notwithstanding his fine chirography, made his mark as a few of the boys, now our old and respected citizens, have still a striking and vivid recollection. Like the memory of joys that are past, a recollection of him is pleasant, but a little to mournful. Debating societies and teachers institutes had never, at that day, discussed the question as to whether corporal punishment ought to be abolished from schools." In this old log schoolhouse the benches were placed around the sides: windows were formed by sawing an aperture through the logs at the side, and the fire-place at the end furnished heat during the winter. The population of Bucyrus was soon increased by new settlers to such an extent that all the scholars could not be accommodated in the twenty-foot-square log schoolhouse, and arrangements were made by the citizens to construct a more suitable building. Samuel Norton deeded to the district for school purposes the lot now occupied by the Monnett House, and upon this was erected a brick schoolhouse 18x36 feet in extent. and one story high. A1gebertus Bucklin burnt the brick for this building about the year 1826. His brick-kiln was situated near where Thomas Hall's barn now stands, northeast of the present railroad junction. This building was not only used for school purposes, but served in those early days as a court house, town hall and meeting-house for the different religious societies. When used as a court house the jury had to be accommodated in shops or vacant buildings in other parts of the town. It was used as a meetinghouse by the Methodists, both Protestant and Episcopal, the Lutherans, both English and German, the Presbyterians, Old School and Seceders. Reformed Baptists and possibly other congregations. In this schoolhouse were taught orthography, reading, writing, arithmetic and geography, and, when the teacher was qualified, a few of the larger boys and girls were taught English Graminer and Natural Philosophy. Among those who taught in this building at an early day were Horace Pratt, Sallie Davis, Dr. Horton, Mrs. Espy and two daughters, Maggie and Elmira. Mr. White and others. After several years, this brick schoolhouse could not contain all the children of the town, which received each year additional accessions, and schools were established in other parts of the village. The public school fund was not sufficient to employ teachers all the year round, and, consequently, between 1826-50, many private schools were started at different times. While the American House, erected about 1830, and now occupied by William Shaw, was in an unfinished condition, a school was taught in what is now the hotel office. A frame building on the northeast corner of Perry and Walnut streets, torn down several years since, a log house on Main street, south of what is now Blicke's store, and other buildings, were used for school purposes. The old log district schoolhouse, erected as early as 1833, at the west end of Warren street, and now occupied as a wood-house, on the same lot, was 402 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. the building which many scholars of the town attended. The progressive citizen, knowing that the interests of their children demanded more and better accommodations made arrangements for a larger building. Mr Scroggs says in his historical sketch: " In 1830, the brick school-house, which was then to small to hold all the pupils, had to give way to a more imposing structure. A frame building 50 x 30 feet, two stories high, divided into four rooms, with closets and suitable stairs, was erected upon the school lot near where the old brick had stood. The house was finished in good style, and was furnished with the lest kind of school-house furniture then in use, made of black walnut plank, the value of which at this time would be a small fortune in itself. The house was provided with a belfry and fine bell, and when entirely finished it was painted white with green blinds, and was the best and most imposing public schoolhouse in this part of the State. School was first opened in this building, October 1840, and was in a qualified sense, a graded school. The first teachers were A Fry, J. B. Squier, Misses Marshall, Cary and Espy. Mr. Fry taught the more advanced boys and had a general supervision of all the schools though he spent no part of his school hours in supervising, and never taught in a place other than the room under his immediate charge. Mr. Squier taught the smaller boys. Miss Marshall the more advanced girls. Miss Cary and Miss Espy the younger girls. All of these teacher unless it he Miss Marshall are still living, honored and respected members of society. There was no regular course of study prescribed. The common English branches were taught and when boys or girls desired instruction in Natural Philosophy and Algebra, they could be accommodated: but, if they became extravagant in their desires, and wanted to get still higher they had to be sent from home. The text books then used were Webster's Elementary Speller, McGuffey's First, Second, Third and Fourth Reader, Porter's Rhetorical Reader, Colburn's, Mental Arithmetic, Adam's Practical Arithmetic, Olney's Geography, Kirkham's, Grammar, and Comstock's Natural Philosophy. Declamations and compositions were in order each week. Some of our most substantial citizens received all their school education in the old brick and frame schoolhouses." In those early days, it was seldom that the village school, supported by the public school fund, offered facilities to those Scholars who wished to obtain a knowledge of the higher branches usually taught in normal schools and academies. In order to supply this want experienced teachers would occasionally established a higher school and charge tuition. The People's Forum, of March 23, 1849, contains a card from E. G. Chambers, announcing that he had permanently located in the place and is prepared to teach thoroughly scientific manner, the various branches of science usually taught in high schools and colleges." Mr. Chambers occupied for some months, one of the four rooms in the old frame schoolhouse, now the Monnett House. He did permanently locate in the county, for he is at present a resident of Whetstone Township. Some eighteen months previous to this, Joseph R. Whitham conducted a high school in the village. The People's Forum, of October 29, 1847, contained the following notice, which is given as it specimen of the educational system as it was just before the union schools were organized : HIGH SCHOOL-The undersigned, a graduate of Jefferson College, Pennsylvania, would respectfully inform the citizens of Bucyrus andi vicinity, that he proposes to commence a High School in the town of Bucyrus. Having had considerable experience in teaching, he flatters himself that he will not prose unacceptable to those who may see proper to lend him their patronage. HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 403 TERMS OF TUITION PER SESSION OF FIVE MONTHS.- The lower English brances, including English Grammar, Geography and Arithmetic . . . . .$6 00 Natural Philosophy, Chemistry, History, etc. . .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 00 Latin Greek Languages, with the higher branches of Mathematics, including Algebra, Geometry, Survying , etc. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 00 The Session will commence November 15, Pupils commencing at any time before the middle, of the session, will be charged a full term: those not commencing until the middle, or after the middle, of the session, will be charged halfa term. JOSEPH WHITHAM Bucyrus, October 25, 1847. This gentleman taught in the frame building and was employed several times to teach the regular school which he did as long as the public funds lasted and then charged tuition of those scholars who desired to continue. It is reported of him that he possessed a good education, and liked the company of young ladies, but was somewhat " green." His admiration for one who is now the wife of a distinguished citizen of the town, and still admired by all her friends was not disguised. One evening he called to see her and spend the evening. About 9 o'clock, the old folks, sensible good old souls as they were, bid the young people good-night and retired. But Whitman very foolishly could not appreciate their kindness and did not take advantage of this delightful - well hour (we fear the lady if we should say a longer time) tendered him, and left for home. He appeared uneasy, and his mind must have troubled him for after going a very short distance, he returned, and when the young lady again answered his knock at the door he was so profuse in his apologies "for keeping her up so late and for staying so long after the time at which she usually retired." that she told her most intimate friends how "green" he acted: these intimate friends would not keep still, and told it as a "good joke" on Whitham. During the twenty-five years in the educational history of Bucyrus, between 1825 and 1850, many different persons taught public and private schools in the village. It would be a difficult task to secure the names of all these teachers, and a much greater one to describe the many particular incidents which occurred during the administration of each. Among those who taught during this period and not previously mentioned are: Of the gentlemen, Messrs. McMullen, McGill, Wallace, Jacob Hofman, Yost, Myers, Lee, Camp, Davis, Plants, Kiskaden, Rowse, Sears, Squier, Fry, Needham, Everson and Martin: of the ladies; Emily Rowse, the Misses Cary, Margaretta Williams, the Misses Davis, Ann McCracken and Hannah J. Dunn. Many of these names will doubtless recall to the memory of old settlers, pleasing recollections of the times that are past. Of all those who were teachers in Bucyrus, previous to 1850, only one is at the present time a resident of the town. This is Mr. Horace Rowse, who was also a scholar in the first school taught in Bucyrus Township. "Many of the rest have long since been piloted over the river by the grim ferryman." Until the year 1849, the common schools of Ohio with but few exceptions, were conducted upon the general plan of district schools. The General Assembly of the state on February 21, of that year, passed an act "for the better regulation of the public schools in cities, towns and villages," which permitted the organization of graded or union schools. Many town, throughout the state immediately took advantage of this law, and the citizens in Bucyrus were not slow to avail themselves of the opportunity to secure a better school system, which was then offered by this act of 1849. But all public improvements, however necessary and beneficial to a community are opposed by many citizen, and when the question of graded schools was submitted to the qualified electors of the village in April 1849 they rejected the new system. The friends of education were not discouraged. but continued to agitate the matter, and, after the new plan had been ex- 404 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY, plained to the " intelligent voter," the question was again submitted some weeks later, about July, 1849. The result of this election was a victory for the present graded school system by a fair majority. Jacob Scroggs, Esq. says, in his Centennial History: "The persons most active in securing this plan were Hon. Josiah Scott, late Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Dr. Willis Merriman, Aaron Cary, Dr. Jacob Augenstein, Hon. L. W. Hall, J. B. Larwill, Rev. John Pettitt. John Anderson, John Moderwell, M. P. Bean, editor of the Forum and Col. Zalmon Rowse. There were no doubt others who were active and efficient in producing the desired result but the above named are at this time prominent in the mind of the writer. The most serious and obstinate opposition came from a few men of wealth, who had no children to educate or who cared but little for any education beyond what was necessary to compute interest at 12 per cent." Shortly after this system had been adopted, the citizens assembled and elected the following persons as the first Board of Education of the Bucyrus Union Schools: Rev. John Pettitt, John Anderson, Aaron Cary, Dr. Jacob Augenstein, Dr. Willis Merriman and John Moderwell, These were all active and zealous friends of education and of th new plan, and the union school was in the hands of its friends. The board was organized by the election of Dr. Merriman as President, Aaron Cary as Secretary and Dr. Jacob Augenstein as Treasurer. For some reason, the board has delayed in getting everything arranged, and the organization of the schools was not completed until the spring of 1850. The board then published in the People's Forum of Apri1 26, 1850, the following announcement: SCHOOL NOTICE.-The Bucyrus Public Schools will commence on the first Monday in May under the Superintendence of I. Booth, Principal. He will be assisted by Miss Taylor, of Syracuse, N. Y., assistant to the Principal in the High School; Mr. Bowles, of Ashland, to take charge of the Secondary or Grammar School; Mr. Schepf, of this place, to conduct the German department, and Miss McCracken and Miss Fitzsimmons the primary scholars not entitled to admission to the school under the law, will be received on the following terms, viz. : For tuition in primary Department, her quarter of eleven weeks . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2 00 For tuition in Secondary Department or Grammar, per quarter of eleven weeks . . 3 00 For tuition in High School, per quarter of eleven weeks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 00 By order of the Board of Education of Bucyrus. A. CARY, Secretary. In the above notice the name of N. P. Tarr, teacher of the .Junior grammar, was for some reason omitted. and the grading during the first term was not as advertised by the Secretary, but as follows: High School. Senior Grammar, Junior Grammar, Secondary and Primary. Miss Diana Taylor, the first High School, teacher, was employed at $25 per mouth: T. C. Bowles received the same amount for teaching the Senior Grammar: N. P. Tarr, taught the Junior Grammar for a short time, but he took sick, and the broad employed Jacob Scroggs to take his place at $20 per month. Misses Ann McCracken and Maria Fitzsimmons (now Mrs. Dr. Byron of Upper Sandusky) had charge of the Secondary and Primary Departments and received $13 per mouth. Prof. Israel Booth, the first Superintendent, was employed at a salary of $600 per annum. A special tax was levied by the board sufficient in amount when added to the State fund. to pay these teacher, and current expenses. Prof. Booth hall a difficult task to perform. It was necessary for him to organize and reduce to a system the adverse elements of the old district schools. Butterfield says : "His fault was eccentricity and forgetfulness, but he succeeded and succeeded well." In the Centennial sketch. it is stated : "he has a pains-taking and conscientious gentleman, who taught about one-half his time and had his regular PAGE 405 - PICTURE OF THOMAS J. MONNETT PAGE 406 - BLANK HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 407 classes; the remainder of the time was spent in supervising the subordinate teachers and in instructing them in the best way to teach." Booth conducted for some months an educational department in the People's Forum, and this was greatly instrumental in enlisting the attention of citizens to the work being performed. Th Board adopted rules for the regulation of all departments : eight to guide the Superintendent, nine for the teachers, and six special and twenty- five short general rules for th pupils. The lower departments were held at the frame schoolhouse and in them the common branches were taught. The High School, during the first year occupied the Odd Fellows' Hall, situated in the second story of Anderson's Block. now the residence of C. K. Ward and George C. Gormly. Their room was not provided with any school furniture, and the facilities for teaching and the convenience of the temporary occupants were not first-class. But in this lodge-room were taught Algebra, Natural Philosophy, Latin, French, Drawing an the common branches. After the first term public examinations were held and exhibitions given for two nights. October 10 and :11, in the Lutheran Church. The school grew rapidly in favor with the people and after the first year all open opposition died out. Saturday, October 26, 1850, the citizens voted to levy a tax of $4,000 for the purpose of building a new schoolhouse. The new building erected soon after was made to accommodate the high school and grammar schools, as the old frame was barely sufficient to accommodate the primary and secondary grades. As the number of pupils increased, such changes were made in the grading and classification as the exigencies of the time appeared to demand. For several years only two terms were held each year; the spring term, continuing during the summer, and the fall term, which extended through the winter. Miss Taylor, the first high school teacher, left after the first term, and Miss Carrie Thayer was her successor. Prof. Booth remained two years and was succeeded by H. S. Martin, for one term, at the rate of $500 per annum. Booth removed to Indiana and engaged in the practice of law at Sullivan, where he died in 1860. The sixth session of the Union schools commenced Monday, November 8, 1852, with Prof. J. M. Hill as Superintendent. He was a graduate of Jefferson College, possessed a fine education and had great experience. He remained one year and received $600 for his services. The new brick building was first occupied in the fall of 1852; when he commenced. previous to this, the high school was held at the M. E.. Church. David Kerr was then employed by the board, and took charge of the schools in the fall of 1853. For a short time previous to this he had practiced law in Bucyrus. He received $600 per annum, remained two years. and his kindness to the scholars will long be remembered by those whose good fortune it was to be cared for by him." His successor in the fall of 1855, was J. K. Mason a graduate of Yale College a young man of fine scholastic attainments, but with little experience as a teacher. He only remained six months, at the rate of $600 per year. [The following pages, upon Mr. Hopley's administration and management of the Bucyrus schools, we deem of interest, and have had it prepared carefully for this special department. -HISTORIAN.] At the opening of the spring term, in April, 1856. Mr. J. Hopley entered upon his duties as Superintendent, and his labors constitute an era in the history of the schools. At that time, the union school system was in its infancy, and that a system or series of schools should be found in disorder was not so serious. nor so unusual, as such a condition of affairs would be in the present day. Mr. Hopley was introduced to his new duties by Rev. A. Howbert, President of the Board. with the remark, "We 408 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. cannot tell you anything about the schools, except that they are completely run down." The whole corps of teachers was new, and there were neither the registers of the past term nor any official reports to guide him. But the heart of the new Superintendent was in his work. He had been educated at the Royal Naval College, located at Camberwell, a suburb of London, England This naval school was conducted mainly upon the Bell system, and, as pupil and as monitor under this plan. Mr. Hopley had been trained in the art of instructing large classes. He was, however, a mood systematizer, and he soon brought order out of chaos. The citizens recognized this and gave him their cordial support. To what extent he succeeded two extracts from the Bucyrus papers will show. The following notice of a contest among the pupils of the high school is taken from a communication by Dr. W. R. S. Clark, and published in the Journal December 27, 1856. The portions complimentary to the Superintendent and teachers are omitted as unnecessary in a history of the Bucyrus schools : Not less than fifty scholars were at one time on the floor, each intently engaged in spelling and defining the words pronounced to them from McGuffey's Fourth Reader. After three hours, twelve of the two contending parties still retained their position on the floor having neither spelled nor defined a single word incorrectly, although 600 had been given to them. The finale was exceedingly spirited. The generality of the pupils retained their position until 995, 969, 936, 920 and 900 words had been pronounced. One young lady maintained her position against an opposition of ten, spelling down in succession nine of them, when the exercises were closed from the simple fact that the book had been exhausted, Altogether, this young lady must have spelled and defined over 250 words. The young lady to whom reference is made in so complimentary a manner was Miss Virginia Swingly, now Mrs. J. B. Gormly; and her sister, Miss Marcella Swingly, was the only person left on the other side. From the Journal, of December 3, 1857, the following is taken from a report of a similar contest, involving, this time, however, the three highest schools. This extract has an added interest. because it recalls the names of man who have since grown to be honored and respected citizens, and themselves heads of families: The multitude which crowded the spacious room was indicative of the deep interest which parents are taking in relation to the schools. * * * * I have taken some pains in procuring the names of those scholars that did so great credit to themselves, and am proud to publish them to the readers of the Journal, and feel confident that they cannot be excelled by any school in the country. The following are the names of those pupils who spelled through a book of over one thousand words: In the high school, Misses Mary E. Moderwell, Georgianna Merriman, Elizabeth Moderwell, Amanda Kimmel, Jane Sims, Melinda Lightner, Ophelia Didie, Elizabeth Rexroth and Sarah Rexroth, and Master Hiram Moderwell; in the senior grammar school, Misses Helen Van Tyne, Fidelia Howenstein, Mary Gormly, Lydia Rexroth, Elizabeth Rowse, Margaret Fulton, Anna T, Fulton, Elizabeth Bradley, Masters A. Van Tyne, D. Hall, J. Moderwell, Eugene Sims, D. Kanzleiter, Rufus Kuhn and Leroy Henthorn. Miss Emma Shaw, from the junior grammar school, retained her place on the floor during the pronunciation of over 800 words, and Miss Mary Howenstein, from the same department, kept up until after 800 words had been delivered, spelled and defined. These results were not produced by any unusual effort, as Mr. Hopley afterward explained in a communication to the paper; they were the result of steady perseverance, a few minutes only each day, and of encouraging mutual competition in large classes. In consequence of complaints wholly factious, a committee was appointed by the Board of Education to visit the schools to make a careful examination of their condition. This committee consisted of S. R. Harris, Esq., John A. Gormly, Esq., and Rev. J. Crouse, and the following extract taken from their report, illustrates the system upon which the schools were being so thoroughly taught and so rapidly elevated: In all the schools except the High School, there are but two classes in each department, and all the pupils HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 409 in each class are employed at the same time on the same lesson, and as a general thing each must not only perform his own part in the recitation, but must watch the mistakes or correctness of his classmates, and by correcting the mistakes or omissions of the others advance himself in his class; and by the accuracy of his acquirements he maintains his own position in the class, and thus they are all kept at work at the same time. For example, and to illustrate our meaning, the committee observed a recitation of arithmetic in the Junior Intermediate Department. There was a class of about thirty small pupils reciting their lesson in simple multiplication. They stood in order on the floor, each provided with a slate, and they all wrote on their slates the multiplicand and multiplier as announced by the teacher; the first one in the class numerated the figures in the example, the next multiplied the first figures announcing the product, at which the whole class wrote the same on their slates, the third continued the operation for the next figure, and so on through the whole class, and if any one made a mistake it was corrected by the next one below who could correct it, and the lower one who made the correction advances above. When the multiplication was completed therefore, the entire class had the same on their slates, and each several pupil had performed all the mental labor which was required to perform the entire multiplication. In the Senior Grammar School, the whole room, amounting on that day to some fifty pupils, during the visit of the committee, performed an example in reduction, both ascending and descending reduction, in the same manner, and the committee were pleased to see the readiness of their answers and the neatness of their work, as it appeared when completed on their slates. The pupils in all the departments appear to be judiciously classed in a similar manner in all the other branches. The plan, therefore, appears to have the effect to create an ambition and laudable emulation among the pupils, and fits the intellectual and industrious ones for proper advancement to the higher departments. Mr. Hopley's connection with the schools continued for two years, and it is a striking proof of the value of his labors, that the organization that he then effected has remained substantially the same ever since. After retiring from the schools, he formed a partnership with A. M. Jackson, Esq., in the practice of the law. From a report made December 30, 1857, the following facts are taken: "Number of pupils enrolled during the past four months- males, 205; females, 193; total 398; being an increase of 44 over the same term of 1856 and 1876, since April 1, 1856; average daily attendance 258.5." The number in each of the different grades was: High School, 33; Senior Grammar, 56; Junior Grammar, 64; Senior Intermediate, 61; Junior Intermediate, 54; Senior Primary 66; Junior Primary, 64. In April, 1858, Prof. Alexander Miller took charge of the schools, and remained until June, 1861, receiving a yearly salary of $800. Butterfield said in regard to this gentleman: "The superior qualities of Prof. Miller as a teacher are well known in Ohio. His ripe scholarship, gentlemanly bearing, his high-toned morality and Christian character shed a bright luster on the position he occupied. He was appreciated by his employers and respected by all." During his administration the enrollment increased to such an extent that the board rented at different times the M. E. Church basement, the old Baptist Church, and finally the Congregational Church basement, in which a second junior grammar school was organized. B. B. McVey was then employed by the board at $800 a year. He commenced in September, 1861, and remained until April, 1864. Butterfield says: "His indomitable energy, affability and zeal made him a very popular Superintendent. The standard of our schools was elevated by him."Prof Samuel J. Kirkwood was his successor, and continued for one year and three mouths receiving $1,000 per year. At the end of the June term, 1865, he resigned to take charge of the public schools in Tiffin, Ohio. He is at the present time Professor of Mathematics and Astronomy in the university at Wooster, Ohio. In September, 1865, J. C. Harper commenced his long term of five years. The salary paid him was increased several times, 410 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. and for the last twelve months' service he received $1,600. During the half decade he was in charge, the grading of the schools was more thoroughly systematized than at any other period. and the first class completed the course and graduated March 25, 1870. In the six months preceding this date, the number of pupils enrolled was as follows: High school, 38; four grammar schools. 182: five intermediate schools 266; four primary schools, 299; total, 785. The crowning work of Mr. Harper's administration was the building of the new union schoolhouse, the most important event in the history of the Bucyrus Union Schools. Since the public schools of the town have been organized, there may have been men in charge of them who possessed a better education than this gentleman, but no Superintendent has excelled him in the natural ability to govern the scholars. It is doubtful if, in the five years he was in charge, he personally used the rod upon refractory pupils more than half a dozen times. He will long be remembered by those scholars who attended the higher grades during his long term of service, for the many instructive and entertaining talks in which he imparted to them much valuable information not found in the text books. Miss Marcella Swingly, teacher of the high school for nearly all the preceding six years, was, in September, 1870, promoted to the superintendency, and received a salary of $1,100 during her third year. The idea of having a lady Superintendent was declared to be an "experiment" by the board that employed her. It proved in most things to be a successful one, and, during the three years of her administration, the pupils advanced in scholarship, and most citizens were satisfied. Occasionally, when difficulties arose in regard to government, she did not receive from the Board of Education that hearty support which should have been extended to a lady in charge of so many refractory pupils, and consequently at times the position she occupied was particularly trying and embarrassing. She was also opposed by citizens who did not believe the doctrines taught by those who are endeavoring to secure the adoption of their Sixteenth Amendment to the National Constitution. However. she had many warm friends, who have always admired her many sterling qualities as a Christian lady. It is worthy of historical note that she is the only person who has occupied in the Bucyrus Union Schools the different stations of a pupil in several grades a teacher of several Grades, and finally General Superintendent over all departments. In the summer of 1873, the board succeeded in obtaining the services of Prof. P. B. Hamilton, a graduate from the University of Michigan, located in Ann Arbor, at a salary of $1,700 per year. Since 1873, the schools have been under his fostering care, and during this period, seven classes have completed the high school course and graduated. He is a polished gentleman, possessing a fine classical education, and the fact that he is now serving his eighth year as Superintendent of the Bucyrus schools, is sufficient proof that his labors are appreciated by an unusually censorious public. Although Mr. Hamilton teaches over half his time there has never been a better general supervision than during his administration. Teachers' meetings are held each week, conducted by the Superintendent. Examinations of teachers are conducted by examiners appointed by the board; they are both oral and written. The pupils in the various grades are examined twice each term, and these tests of scholarship are also both oral and written. At the present time, the schools are graded and classified as follows: A, B, C, D and E Primary; A, B and C Intermediate: A, B and C Grammar; the German-English School and the High School. The number of scholars enrolled in these departments during the school year ending June 11, 1880, was as follows: HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 411 BOYS. GIRLS. TOTAL. High school 31 54 85 Grammar schools 72 70 142 Intermediate schools 79 104 183 Primary schools 219 208 427 German-English school 64 48 112 Total 465 484 949 Miss Diana Taylor, the first high school teacher, remained one term, and resigned October, 1850 to accept a more desirable position. Since this time, the following persons have had charge of the high school in the order named: Carrie Thayer, Harriet Weight, Julia Brown, Delia Galusha, Julia Dustin, Emma McGregor, Martha Stewart, until July 1856; Julia C. Breckenridge, until July 1857 : Julia C. Walwork (now Mrs. Jacob Scroggs), until June, 1862; Jennie E. Jackson. until April. 1864; Marcella Swingley, until April 1868; Sallie Freman, from January until June. 1869; Marcella A Swingley, second term, until July, 1870; J. C. Shumaker, until July 1871; Sarah Rexroth (now Mrs. T. J. Monnett)., until July 1872 ; Anna Sigler, until July 1873: A. G. Gumaer, until July 1874: H. E. Kratz. until July 1875 : William Thomas. until July1876 : D. C. Porter. until July 1877, and J. W. Spindler' the present incumbent. Of these persons, Miss Walwork, now Mrs. Jacob Scroggs, had charge five years, the longest continuous term, and Miss Marcella Swingly, four years at one time, and one year at another. The persons who have successively taught the high school, have, in nearly every instance fully met the expectation of those who employed them. Many cxcelled as thorough and accomplished instructors, and not a little of the prosperity and progress of the schools is due to their wisdom and energy. The want of space prevents a more extended reference to each. From 1866 until July 1873, an assistant high-school teacher, was employed, and among those who have served in this capacity are: Miss Alma McDonald (now Mrs. Shannon Clemens), until April, 1868; Anna R. Cary, from January until June, 1869; Alice Codding, until July, 1872; Lizzie Baltzly, until July, 1873. Since the graded-school system has been adopted in Bucyrus, many different persons have taught in the lower grades. It would be a difficult task to secure the names of all these teachers who have been employed during the past thirty-years. At the present time the following persons have charge of the several departments: High School, J. W. Spindler; Grammar Schools A, Miss Lizzie McCracken; B, Miss Sarah Sheckler; C, Mrs. C. P. Wiley; Intermediate Schools-A, Mrs. Mary Beer; B, Miss Mattie Messner: C. Miss Frankie Scroggs. Primary Schools-A, Miss Lizzie Stauffer B, Mrs. Emma Dalzell: C, Miss Maud Keller; D, Miss Dillie Clymer; E. Miss Mary McConnell. German-English School, Mr. Carl F. Preuss and Miss A. M. McCracken. Of these teachers, Miss Mary McConnell has been employed by the board for eight years; Miss Sarah Sheckler, sixteen years; and Mrs. C. P. Wiley, twenty-four years. Henry Wingert, the present janitor, has occupied that position since the erection of the new building. The frame schoolhouse, built in 1839, and the brick building, finished in 1852, furnished ample accommodation for several years. When the number of pupils increased, the board provided more room by renting, at different times, the Methodist Episcopal Church basement, the old Baptist Church, and, about 1860, the basement of the Congregational Church, which was occupied for several years. But the different grades became crowded to such an extent that the question of erecting an additional building was agitated. At a special election; held May 18,1863; it was decided to sell the old frame schoolhouse, to purchase additional ground east of the brick building, and to levy a tax of $2,000 for improvements. Three weeks later on June 9, at another special election, the citizens voted unanimously to build an addition 412 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. to the brick schoolhouse, and to levy a tax of $9,000 for this purpose. The two and one-half acre lot east of the brick building was purchased of John A. Gormly for $1,650, and $6,000 of the tax voted was levied but the other propositions voted by the citizens were not carried into effect. Two years afterward April 25, 1865, the Congregational Church was purchased for $3,000, and fitted up with four schoolrooms, and these for a time relieved the crowded departments. In January 1866, the territory of District No. 2 was added to Bucyrus Special School District, and shortly after this, the Senior Grammar Department was assigned quarters in the old district schoolhouse, at the western end of Warren street. The proposition to levy a tax of $40.000, and build a large edifice, was submitted at a special election held February 24, 1866, but the citizens rejected this by a majority of 104 in a vote of over four hundred. It was generally admitted, however, that the interests of the children demanded more and better school accommodations ; and, after the question hadl been discussed for another year, the board submitted. at a special election, held April 13, 1867, two other propositions, asking for either $10,000 or $20,000. Both of these were carried by large majorities. The board employed A. Koehler a Cleveland architect, to elaborate their design and furnish the necessary maps elevations and specifications. The contract for building the edifice was let to the Bucyrus Machine Works at $46,900. Excavations for the cellar were commenced in the fall of 1867, and in April, 1868, the old brick building was torn down. The corner-stone was laid Thursday, July 30, 1868, by the Masonic fraternity, in the presence of about five thousand persons. In the cavity of this stone was fastened an oblong tin box, and within this the was placed the following articles: "A parchment roll of the schools, beautifully written in India ink, by Fred M. Swingly, showing the scholarship and deportment, of every scholar belonging to the union schools, a copy of the Holy Bible, copies of the Crawford County Forum and Bucyrus Journal, a fine specimen of printing, a certificate of the County Clerk, to which was attached the official seal, a marriage certificate by Probate Judge, with official seal, specimen of nickel coins, specimen of fractional currency, several pieces of curious coin, copy of the State School Commissioners' report, and various other articles." After the Masonic ceremonies, the crowd adjourned to the grove, where addresses were delivered by Rev. Joshua Crouse, John R. Clymer, editor of the Forum, and Rev. Jacob Graessle, Pastor of the German Lutheran Church. The stone foundation was completed during the summer of 1868, and the brick walls were rapidly pushed forward during the fall and early winter, so that by February 1, 1869, the immense structure was under roof. For nine mouths succeeding April 1, 1868, the schools were discontinued. Monday, January 4, 1869, six departments were opened the High School in Blair's hall, the Senior Grammar in the district schoolhouse, the Junior Grammar and Intermediates in the old frame building. The new building was completed during the summer of 1869, and dedicated on the evening of September 28, at which time a large and intelligent audience assembled at Chapel Hall, where the following exercises were held: A masterly poem of dedication, written by William Hubbard, read by J. R. Clymer; addresses were delivered by Rev. A. S. Milholland, C. W. Butterfield, Hon. D. W. Henkle, State School Commissioner. Prof.. J. C. Hartzler, Miss Sarah Frantz, and others. The ceremonies were then concluded with a public dance. The Bucyrus Union School building stands at the south end of Lane street. It is constructed of stone and brick, in the most substantial manner, and finished in a plain, but neat and durable style. In the creation of this HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 413 edifice, the board had several designs in view to provide enough large, commodious. well-lighted, healthfully, ventilated schoolrooms for the youth, not only of the present, but for future generations. The building, which is three stories in height with a nine-foot basement, and surmounted by a large dome, presents a massive, elegant and majestic appearance. There is a breadth and spaciousness about the entire structure. inside as well as outside, that pleases all who have compared it with other public buildings. The entire length is 208 feet; depth of center or main building, 120 feet; depth of wing 45 feet. There are twenty-one large rooms, besides a fine hall for exhibitions which is capable of seating 500 persons. The building also contains wide. airy halls with convenient closets for clothes; numerous doors for entrance and exit, so that the larger and smaller pupils are separated and all are secure in. case of fire or other casualty. The edifice is situated in the midst of a fine schoolyard, four acres in extent, one Half of which is composed of one of those beautiful oak groves so frequently found upon the Sandusky Plains. The total amount paid the Bucyus Machine Company on their contract was $50,415.69. The furniture, bell, furnaces, stone pavements, fences, gas-pipe, cisterns, wells, drains, out-buildings and other improvements cost over $25,000 making the entire cost of the edifice upward of $75,000. The citizens voted a tax of $20,000, April 13, 1867, and an additional $5,000 on November 28, 1868. The old buildings were sold four about $5,000. These levies were not sufficient to defray the entire expense of the new schoolhouse and the board, desiring an additional $12,000, called a public meeting, which assembled at the court house, January 22, 1870. They submitted a report to the citizens, who appointed a committee to examine the school accounts during the preced ing four years. This committee made an elaborate report to the public. in which was included an itemized account of the expenses incurred by the board during the period covered by the investigation. Although it was generally conceded that the board had made some mistakes, no evidence was found which proved them to be guilty of fraud or official dishonesty. During the preceding four years, they had expended over $120,000 of school funds. The citizens, who were laboring under a heavy tax levied to raise this amount, naturally supposed the expenses incurred were too high, and, when the special election was held. March 2, 1870, they refused the additional $12.,000, by a vote of 292 to 151. The school treasury was empty, and funds, were necessary in order to conduct the schools: the board applied to a friendly Legislature, which by a special act granted what the citizens had refused. But the citizens would not forgive the members of the board, who had outwitted them, and, when their term of office expired. they were not re-elected. The board of 1867, the original projectors of the union school building, was composed of the following gentlemen; Dr. C. Fulton, President; John R. Clymer, Secretary; John Franz, Treasurer Judge James Clement, George Donnenwirth, Sr., and Samuel Hoyt. Had this board asked for a levy to commence a $75,000, schoolhouse, the money would have been refused-the $40,000 proposition had been rejected by a large majority when submitted to the citizens the previous year. So they asked for $20,000, and having secured authority for this amount, adopted the plan for a new building which cost, before completed, nearly four times the sum originally authorized by the citizens. While the schoolhouse was well under headway, they were openly condemned by many citizen for their actions, and, after the structure had been completed, they were more bitterly denounced by the majority. Ten years have elapsed since the edifice was finished: it is now all paid for, and every public-spirited 414 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. citizen is satisfied the money has been expended for this worthy purpose. Bucyrus has now a school building of which all are proud and if special credit be due to any persons for this fact, it belongs to those gentlemen, who in 1867, overruling the economical wishes of a wealthy community, succeeded in planning and furnishing for the public good, the largest and finest schoolhouse in Ohio. In 1870, during the administration of Prof. J. C. Harper, the first class completed the high-school course and graduated, and each year since this date a class has been prepared for commencement day. Through the efforts mainly of Charles J. Scroggs, an alumni Association was formed during the summer of 1878. It is worthy of record in the history of Bucyrus schools that this young man. a member of the Class of 1877, completed the course before he had attained his fourteenth birthday. This Alumni Association, which includes all those who have completed the Bucyrus High School course. was formed with the following members: 1870-Misses Anna Sears, Mary Howenstein (now Manley), Kate Swinley (now Fulton), Sallie Sims (now Spencer), Emma Summers (now Pero), and Sally Frantz (now Kerr). 1871-Misses Millie Howenstein, Frankie Scroggs and Minnie Wright (now Rowse). 1872-Misses Mary Lewis, Bell Johnston, Alice Sears, Joanna Myers (now Henthorn), Mary Scott (now Chalfant), Althea Quaintance (now Dier), and Hattie Summers (now Stamets), Charles Picking and Thomas P. Hopley. 1873-Loran Jordan, S. Webster Van Winkle, Lewis Haman, Misses Mary Kirkland, Ida Ruhl, Anna Beilhartz (now Ingman), and Irena Shaw (now Haman). 1874-Misses Minnie Sears, Mary Jones, Bessie Wise, Kate Hopley, Annetta Sheckler and Nettie McCracken (now Colmery), Harry Howenstein, Charles Albright and Hamilton Ott, 1875-Miss Ida Hofman, Charles Fisher, Pinkney Fisher, Frank Monnett, James Albright and Charles Penfield. 1876-Misses Lizzie Deardorff and Clara Biddle; Hiram Fenner, James D. Beer and Edward M. Biddle. 1877-Misses Mary McKibben, Emma Lommason and Ida Messner; Charles J. Scroggs. 1878-Misses Sallie Harris, Blanche Ward, Ella Fuhrman, Sue McDonald, Dillie Clymer and Hattie E. Hopley; Roy Chesney, Herbert Blair, Frank Ruhl, Edward Vollrath and Rufus Sears. All the Class of 1873, except Loran Jordan, refused to pass a special examination insisted upon by the Board of Education, claiming it to be unjust. Jordan received a diploma duly signed, the rest received certificates that they had completed the high-school course, which certificates were signed by the Superintendent, high-school teachers and three members of the board. The entire class were after considerable discussion, made members of the Alumni Association. The first officers of this society were Thomas P. Hopley, President; Mrs. Kate Fulton and Miss Dillie Clymer, Vice Presidents; Miss Frank Scroggs, Secretary; Roy Chesney, Corresponding Secretary; Harry Howenstein, Treasurer. Since the association was formed, the following classes have been received into full membership at the annual re-unions: 1879 -Misses Anna Drought, Anna Reid, Ella Gormly, May Frey, Lydia Streib, Fannie Pogue, Ida Bennett and Ida M. Pope ; Smith Bennett, William Beer and Edward Kern. 1880-Misses Carrie Blair, Kate Van Voorhis, Mattie Jourdan, Allie Yost, Della Hull, Emma Munson, Kittie Everett and Allie McDonald; Otto Vollrath and Jay Robinson. At the present time the Board of Education is composed of the following citizens: Jacob Scroggs, President: Rev. Jacob Graessle, Secretary, George Donnenwirth, Jr., Treasurer; Judge Robert Lee, E. R. Kearsley, and C. H. Shonert. These gentlemen have faithfully labored many years for the public good, and, under their management the schools are in a flourishing condition. The President of the HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 415 Board was a scholar in the Bucyrus schools over forty years ago, and a teacher in the Junior Grammar Department, when the graded school system was first adopted in 1850. He has always taken a deep interest in the cause of education and much of the present efficiency of the schools is due to his valuable efforts. In his Centennial History, Mr. Scroggs sums up the present policy of the board in the following language: "In the spring of 1873, the board resolved that pupils should not graduate from the schools, until, in addition to the usual class examination by the teachers and Superintendent, they should pass a satisfactory examination in all the branches taught in the entire course, commencing with orthography; this examination to be conducted by a committee of citizens appointed by the board. This resolution has been adhered to ever since, and. while it may have reduced the number of graduates it has insured a higher scholarship. Review classes are organized in the high school, in which all branches taught in the lower grades are thoroughly reviewed by members of the A or Senior The necessity of this resolution above named. was made apparent when it was found that members of the A Class, who could pass an excellent examination in the studies of Senior year, could not conjugate a common irregular verb, or cast the interest on a plain English note of hand, upon which several payments had been paid. The people are well pleased with the change, as they can see that the system of reviews can but tend to make more thorough scholars and they know now that a graduate of our schools can without trouble. procure a certificate to teach a common country school. The schools are firmly fixed in the hearts of the people ; they take a deep interest in, and are proud of them. A note-worthy feature of the Bucyrus schools is, that the colored children of the village have always been received in the schools with the white, and treated, not as outcasts, but as human beings, with minds to educate and souls to save. The motto of Bucyrus is, - "Education for all, without regard to sex, color, or previous condition."' Some twenty years ago a Normal School was established at Bucyrus and continued for several years. The Normal School association was organized May 28, 1860, with the following officers: President. M. Deal; Vice President, W. R. S. Clark; Treasurer, George Quinby; Secretary, Girard Reynolds; Corresponding Secretary. C. W. Butterfield. Prof. Isaac F. Bangs. a graduate of the New York State Normal School was employed to act as principal, and Miss Harriet M. Angel, of Akron, Ohio, as assistant. The first term commenced Monday, August 13, 1860, and extended through twenty-two weeks. The sessions were held in Quinby Hall, and upon the top of the block, the sign. "Ohio State Normal School," was painted in large letters. These letters continued many years after the school had been discontinued and some of them are still visible. The school was divided into four classes. Sub-Junior, Junior, Sub-Senior, Senior; sixty-eight scholars were in attendance the first term. At the commencement of the second term, in February 1861, J. H. Adams, of Albany, New York, was employed as an additional assistant. The second year the school was in charge of Rev. Alexander Miller. M. A., formerly Superintendent of the public schools in Bucyrus. He was assisted by E. C. S. Miller, M. A., formerly Superintendent of the Tiffin schools. This institute continued during the fall term of 1861, the winter term of 1862, and on Monday, September 2, 1862, the fall term of 1862 was commenced under the same management, but after a few months the normal school was discontinued on account of the poor attendance.* * Note-The historian has been greatly aided in preparing this history if the Bucyrus Schools, by the historical address delivered by C W. Butterfield, at the dedication of the new school building; also, by the paper prepared by Hon. Jacob Scroggs, for the Centennial Sketches of the Public Schools of Ohio, published by the .State School Commissioner in 1876.