PAGE 495 - PICTURE OF JOHN J. GARLINGER

PAGE 496 - BLANK

HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY. - 497

CHAPTER XVI.

RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS-METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH-CATHOLIC CHURCH

--FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH-UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH-ST.

JOHN'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH-FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

CHURCH OF CHRIST, OR DISCIPLE CHURCH-REFORDIED CHURCH

OF THE UNITED STATES-ST. PAUL'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

-FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH-AFRICAN M. E.

CHURCH-SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH (COL

ORED)-UNITFD BRETHREN CHURCH

-PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

IN 1832, Rev. Thomas Thompson, a Methodist missionary, stationed on the Wyandot reservation at Upper Sandusky, came to the site of Kenton and organized a class at the cabin of George H. Houser. The members composing this class were George H. Houser and wife, Jacob H. Houser and wife, Lemuel and William Wilmoth and wives, being eight in all. George H. Houser was chosen as class leader, and this little band was the nucleus from which has grown the large and flourishing congregation now known as the " First Methodist Episcopal Church of Kenton." Some itinerant made his appearance every two weeks to preach, holding services at the cabins of the settlers. During the summer and fall of 1833, several additions were made to this class, among whom were Mrs. Christina Furney, now residing in Kenton, and soon afterward Joseph Nichols and wife and Martin Badley and wife, joined the society. The years 1834 and 1835 ushered in quite an emigration, many of whom were followers of Wesley, and, though settling in different portions of the county, often attended services at Kenton. Mrs. Martha Wilson says that, early in 1835. she, with her husband Joseph, came from Cessna Township to attend meeting at the cabin of Joseph Nichols; and, besides those residing in Kenton, there were present Samuel Badley, wife, and daughter Ellen, and John C. Dille. Revs. Kinnear and Camp were the preachers and were engaged in organizing classes in this and adjoining counties. Samuel Campbell, who yet resides in Kenton, came from Southern Ohio in 1835, and says that at that time a preacher named Fleming was engaged on the work in this circuit. In 1836, Mrs. David Goodin, also a resident of Kenton, joined the society, and the following year Mrs. Hugh Letson was admitted to membership. She, too, survives to tell of those early days when rude log cabins served as houses of worship throughout this locality.

Some time between 1834 and 1836, a log schoolhouse was erected on the south half of Lot 140, near where William Campbell's cooper shop now stands, on the corner of Ohio and «ayne streets. The Methodists used this school building till 1839, when tbey built a frame church, 35x40, on the north half of the same lot. The year prior to the erection of this building, Samuel Campbell located permanently in Kenton, and remembers that the class then consisted of the following persons: William Wilmoth and wife, Lemuel Wilmoth and wife, Joseph Nichols and wife, Mrs. Christina Furney, Mrs. Hugh Letson, Alexander Hutchinson and wife, Martin

498 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

Badley and wife, Mrs. David Goodin, Samuel Campbell and wife and Jonas Combs and wife. The preachers were Revs. Brakefield and Philip Wareham, both of whom left in 1838, and Martin Welsh came next in the order of time. Another preacher of that period was Rev. Shaw, while Revs. Corrington, Gabitt and Nation came at times into this circuit. The following ministers came after Mr. Welsh, viz.: George Armstrong, Josiah Bell, Joseph Blampied, John McNabb, H. P. Warde, William Godman, Nathan Barker, George Phillips and George Collier. There are no means of knowing their dates of service, as we have been unable to find any records of the church prior to 1866, but have had to depend largely on the memories of the few pioneer :Methodists yet living.

As an illustration of those pioneer days, Mrs. David Goodin tells an anecdote of a circumstance that occurred at one of their meetings. Rev. Leonard Gurley was making an appeal for money with which to carry on the work, and exclaimed: "I have an order from heaven on this congregation for a certain sum of money." John H. Houser. who kept a small grist mill southeast of Kenton. was at the meeting, and being somewhat skeptical, was fond or making money and very, economical. In speaking, he always pitched his voice in a very high key, and on hearing the above assertion, said: "Brother Gurley, I would like to see that order from heaven;" at which Harvey Wilson retorted, " Oh, Brother John, it's not an order for corn meal." Since it to say that, after a general laugh at Mr. Houser's expense, the preacher was allowed to proceed, and the collection proved a gratifying success.

After worshiping a few years in the frame church previously mentioned, the building was enlarged to double its former length. giving it an appearance of a boat, so that some wag christened it the "Steamboat Church," by which title it was widely known. In 1851, the present structure on North Main street was built and dedicated by Rev. Samuel Lynch, in March. 1852. The pastor at that time was Rev. Wesley J. Wells, and the entire cost of the building was about $10,000. In the spring of 1866, the congregation concluded to remodel the front of the church and generally repair it throughout. This was done at a cost of about $7 000, and the edifice re-dedicated January 20, 1867. The auditorium. 40x70, is located in the second story, and will comfortably seat about 400. The rooms for holding prayer meetings in, also the class rooms, are located in the first story, and the whole interior presents a commendable appearance. With the addition of the two large towers, stained glass windows, and other improvements, made in 1866, the church was brought into harmony with this age of progress. A Sunday school class, with an average attendance of about 200, is connected with the church, W. W . Stevenson and Mrs. George Hariis being Superintendents of the same. The present Trustees are John Saylor, William M. Chesney, F. S. Letson, C. C. Biddle, E. C. Humphreys, W. H. Phillips, F. C. Dougherty, A. Norton and Henry Parson. The Stewards are W. W. Stevenson, David Goodin, Joseph Irwin, John Saylor, George Merriman, Charles Link, W. H. McIlwain and William Moore. The pastor is Rev. O. Kennedy, who took charge in September, 1882, and the present membership is about 300.

Catholic Church. *-The earliest Catholic settlers of Hardin County were Peter Woods, Henry Norback, John McCormick and John Garrett, who lived in Goshen Township twelve years before the Wyandot Indians gave up hunting in its forests and moved on toward the setting sun. Edward Mc-

* By Rev. A. S. Siebenfoercher.

HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY -. 499

Guigin. Michael Toner and Bernard Matthews, arrived in 1834. The former two settled likewise in Goshen Township. while Mr. Matthews at first entered forty acres of land in Pleasant Township, which he soon sold, and bought land in Cessna Township, where he still owns a farm of 280 acres. Of these first Catholic pioneers, Mr. Matthews, now in his eighty-second year, alone survives. The first priest known to visit this county was Father Emanuel Thienpont, one of the earliest missionaries of Ohio, who came to Hardin County as early as 1836. Afterward, Fathers McNamee, Sheehan. Meagher, Howard and Crogan occasionally attended to the spiritual wants of the Catholic; in this vicinity, until about the year 1862, when the Superior of the Society of the Most Precious Blood at Minster, Auglaize Co., Ohio, undertook to send priests at regular intervals to Kenton. Thus came in turn Fathers Patrick Henneberry, known as a zealous missionary as far as California and Oregon. at present giving missions in South Africa, an eloquent preacher in both English and German; Mathias Kreuch, very saintly man, now among the departed; Alphonse Lang; Joseph Dwenger, at present Bishop of Fort Wayne: Henry Drees, at present Provincial of the Society of the Most Precious Blood, and Christian French.

In June, 1866, Rev. N. R. Young, a man of superior talent and piety, arrived as the first stationary pastor of Kenton. Soon after this, Father Kelly, pastor of St. Joseph's Church at Dayton, Ohio. died. and the parish, tine of the first in the tire arch-diocese, was offered to Father Young. but this truly humble priest begged his bishop to permit him to remain with the young and poor congregation of Kenton. The request was granted. After difficult missionary labor in Hardin County for three years and some months, Father Young asked to be removed to West Liberty. Logan County. which place he had already been attending from Kenton, and where he had just started a congregation and fitted up a large building for a chapel. Ho lived at West Liberty until good Father Coveney was cruelly assassinated by a brutal ruffian in his own little house near the church at Bellefontaine, when he was called to that place, the last charge in his life. Father Young was a member of the Dominican order before he came to Kenton, and had been vested with many distinguished positions in that community He died near Washington.. D. C., on the banks of the Potomac, on the very estate where he first saw the light of day. in his fifty-eighth year. July 24, 1876. while on a visit to his home. The uncle of Father Young, Rev. Dominic Young, O. P., that grand old Dominican patriarch, who, sixty-five years ago, was the only Catholic priest in Ohio, outlived the subject of our sketch by several years. Father Young's memory is held in benediction by all who had the happiness to know him. After Father Young had left, Father N. McGrath visited Kenton several times, not with any appointment as pastor, but only by request of Father Young, who still felt concerned for his former spiritual children.

At first divine service was held in different private dwellings. but especially in the houses of :Messrs. Toner, McGuigin and Matthews, afterward in Kenton at the homes of John Gorius and Thomas Cunningham. The little frame building of Mr. Gorius, erected on Lot No. 8 in Samuel Mentzer's Addition to Kenton, is still standing. The house fronts on East Columbus street and is now owned by John Bloom. In it, His Grace, the Most Reverend John Baptist Purcell, Archbishop of Cincinnati, administered the sacrament of Confirmation for the first time in Hardin County. After the erection of the large brick block on the southeast corner of the public square by Jeremiah Crowley & Co., the hall in the third story was rented

500 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

and fitted up for Catholic worship. On the 19th of January, 1852, John Gorius, Francis Laubus and John G. Ritzier, as Catholic committeemen, bought of Christopher Willeke in their own name, two lots in Thomson's Addition, extending across into J. H. Houser's Subdivision and fronting on East Ohio street, in consideration of $65, for the purpose of erecting thereon a house of worship. These lots, the first Catholic church property in the county, are at present owned by Mrs. H. Newcomb et al., for, although the deed had already been made out to the Bishop, they had to be disposed of, as the greater part of the congregation was displeased with the location. On the 14th of January, 1862, Lot No. 32 was bought from E. C. McVitty for $162.50, located on the northwest corner of Cherry and North streets. On this site Father Patrick Henneberry began the present church in the year 1864. On July 10 of the same year, Archbishop Purcell laid the corner stone in the presence of a large concourse of people. An anecdote is related, that the platform which had been erected for the officiating clergy and their assistants gave way and all thereon came to the ground except the Archbishop, who had quickly stepped upon the corner stone, and being just ready to speak to the people, he took occasion from the little accident to tell the audience that whosoever stood in the Church of Christ (as he did then on the corner stone). should never fall to the ground. The church committee at that time consisted of Messrs. Bernard Matthew. Frank A. Schwarz, Sr., Jeremiah Crowley, Sr., and John G. Ritzler, Mr. Matthews was Treasurer. His books are still extant. They have been kept with great order and accuracy. The contract for building the church was awarded to Ambrose Burkhard. According to the original plan, the church should have been much longer, together with a beautiful steeple, but before the building could be put up, labor and material became so much higher that the first plan had to be abandoned and the present brick structure, 40x60, was erected. Father Dwenger collected for this church, outside of Kenton, $2,000. The dedication of the church took place on Sunday, December 9, 1866, during the pastorate of Father Young. Archbishop Purcell again officiated. Marv Immaculate was chosen patroness of the church, but as the 8th of December, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, was not then a feast of obligation. the Sunday following the feast was selected for the dedication.

The first parsonage was a small frame building on Lot No. 3 in Simeon Jenning's Addition on North Detroit street, subsequently owned by Rev. J. L. Phillips, of the Baptist Church. This house being situated too far from the church, Father Young sold it in 1869-and built the present large and comfortable brick dwelling on Lot No. 33, west of the church, which was purchased of Bernard Matthews for $128, February 8, 1864. Father Young had left, however, before the house could be completed, and its first occupant was Rev. Augustine M. Quatman, the second stationary pastor at Kenton, who arrived about Christmas, 1869. Father Quatman had just been ordained, but he preached eloquently in both English and German. The people were much attached to him, and were sorely grieved when, at the end of only four months, he was removed by his own request.

Rev. N. V. Fas, the third pastor. arrived in June, 1870. Father Pas was in every sense of the word a good priest. He was especially noted for his zeal in teaching catechism to the children throughout the county. During his pastorate, the church at Kenton was frescoed. Father Pas was a fine musician, a master at the piano, also a good vocalist. His polite and kind manners, as also his talents, gained for him many friends at Kenton.

HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY. - 501

After one year anal some weeks, Father Fas was removed, likewise. by his own request. He was next appointed assistant priest to Rev. Dr. Kuhr, at St. Philornena's Church on Congress street, in Cincinnati. He soon became pastor of that church. but shortly after left the archdiocese, and after spending some time in New York, he returned to Germany, his native land.

December 28, 1871, the writer of this sketch arrived in Kenton. accompanied by Rev. Father Bihn, of Tifin. We succeeded Father Fas after a vacancy in the pastorate of five months. «'e fund the church in debt $1,536.33; and as yet no school, no cemetery, no pavements or graveled streets about the church property. In 1872, the school building was erected. to which an addition had to be built three years later. In September of 1872, before the building was complete, we opened a school with thirteen children in the gallery of the church; before the end of the year, we had seventy-two pupils on the rolls. John Dick was teacher, the first two years. In 1874, the Sisters of Charitv took charge of the school. Our first sisters were Sister Irene, who died, December 30, 1876; Sister Leocadia and Sister Mary Cecilia.

St. Mary's Cemetery. containing five acres, was bought in 1872. We blessed the same by permission of his Grace, the Archbishop, Sunday, July, 28, of the same year, being assisted by Father Peter Anthony, C. P. P. S.. from New Riegel, and Messrs. George F. Houck and Jacob Kuebler, students. who are priests at present, the former being Secretary to Rt. Rev. Bishop Gilmour, of Cleveland. and the latter pastor at Rockport, near the same city. The Father Matthew Total Abstinence Society was organized January 4, 1874, Charles Lunney being its first President.

April 1, 1880, the lot on the southwest corner of Cherry and North Sheet. opposite the church, was bon-lit, and, during the summer of the same year, a large and commodious brick residence was erected thereon for the Sisters of Charity. This improvement cost $:3,072.50. The last acquisition of property was male in the spring of 1883, when the lot opposite the parsonage was bought at a cost of $850, so that the chnrch property consists now of four lots, each having sixty-five feet front and 167 feet depth.

November 13, 1874, Rev. Joseph M. Quatinan arrived as assistant pastor anal labored in that capacity about eight months, when he was appointed pastor of St. Mary's Church at Marion. Ohio. Father Alfred D. Dexter succeeded Father Quatman, October 19, 1876, and remained in that position for four years and six months, when he was appointed assistant at Bellefontaine and is now pastor at Marysville, Ohio. On January 14, 1882, Rev. Andrew Ebert became our assistant, who was succeeded, October 23 of the same year, by Rev. William B. Miggeel. The latter was succeeded. June 7, 1883, by Rev. Francis Xavier Lasance, our present colleague in the ministry.

Many minor improvements have been made in these twelve years of our pastorate, too numerous to be mentioned here; suffice it to say that all the improvements are paid for, as well as the debts we found at our arrival, except $500 on the lot purchased only a few months ago. Our little band of Sisters has increased to four, one of whom is continually employed in teaching music, an undertaking which has proved very successful. Almighty God has showered down upon us in this period innumerable and great blessings. He has kept us united, though sermons were preached continually in both English and German. and whilst the number of our people has doubled, their wealth has quadrupled. The many little log

502 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY

cabins throughout, the county. whose very ruins we still hold in benediction where so often we celebrated the divine mysteries and preached the, Word of God, are now nearly all replaced by handsome dwellings. What we rejoice over most of all is our excellent Catholic school, and our noble band of converts who in these years have been added to the church at Kenton. These came from every rank in society, and would, by themselves, make a small but firm congregation. A good number of these have already passed to their reward, others have moved away, but many are still among our most edifying members.

Our present Church Committee consists of Messrs. John P. Cook, Thomas Dwyre, Jacob Forbing, John Glenn, John Getzinger and William Steffen. The statistics of the Catholic Church of Hardin County are as follows: Kenton congregation, 190 families; Ada, 30 families; Dunkirk, . families; Forest, 8 families; Mount Victory, 2 families: and attending at Larue from this county, 11 families; total. 250 families. Truly God has blessed the labors of his servants in this field, and crowned them with the diadem of success

First Presbyterian Church.-The history of this church extends back over a period of fortyseven years. having been organized three years after the organization of Hardin County. At a meeting held on the 12th of November 1836, after prayer by the Rev. Joseph Stevenson. of Bellefontaine, and an exchange of sentiments by those present, Eri Strong and Reading Hineline were chosen as Elders, and on the following day, after a sermon by Rev. Stevenson, they were installed as Rifling Elders of the "First Presbyterian Church of Hardin County, Ohio." This title was retained until September, 1838, when. by the action of the Presbytery of Eindlay, in session at Lima, Ohio. it was changed to the "First Presbyte rian Church of Kenton." The following persons constituted the full membership of the church at the time of its organization. which was completed November 14, 1836, viz.: Eri Strong and wife. Elizabeth, Reading Hine. line and wife, Susan. James Scott and wife, Mary and Mary Anderson. No additions seem to have been made to this list until June, 1838, when fourteen persons were admitted to membership. In 1838. Rev. J. B. Clark took charge of the church. being the first stated supply, though spending only a portion of his time in Kenton. Eight additional members were received into the church late in this year, while Isaac Mathews, Solomon Adams and Hugh Pugh were elected Elders. From that time until June 12, 1842, twenty persons joined the church, and on this date Rev. J. B. Clark retired from the pastorate. Rev. A. C. Miller, of Marseilles, preached a few times after Mr. Clark left.

In the fall of 1842, Rev. John Ustic began his labors in Kenton, and continued in charge of this church until April, 1848. During the first seven years of the church's history. the old court house was occupied at times as a place of worship, also the frame schoolhouse which stood on the corner of Carroll and Market streets, and often services were held in some private dwelling obtained for that purpose. Early in 1843, the subject of erecting a church was agitated among the members, and the following persons subscribed the amount in cash, labor or material set opposite their re. spective names, the same to be paid on or before April 1, 1843: Jacob Schoonovor, $25, in carpentering; John Lawrence, $32, in building material; Edward Smith, $25, in leather; James Scott. $25, in carpenter work; Reading Hineline, $10, in work; David Schoonover, $15, in plastering; Joseph Schoonover, $10, in lumber; W. Wilson, $12, in carpenter work; Joseph L. Smith. $10, in work or lumber; John Ustic $20, in cash; George

HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY. - 503

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

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

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

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

504 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

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

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

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

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

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

PAGE 505 - BLANK

PAGE 506 - PICTURE OF A. DIRMEYER

HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY. - 507

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

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

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

508 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

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

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

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

HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY. - 509

into classes for the purpose of public worship. Elder Calvin Smith carne to Kenton in 1855, under the auspices of the Ohio Christian Missionary Society, and immediately took steps toward the erection of a church building, which was completed during that year and dedicated by Elder Smith. The structure cost about $1,3()0, including the lot, and is located on the east side of North Main street, between North and Summit streets. From 1857 to 1863, Elders Zephan Green, Jesse Roberts, and J. C. Winter ministered to the congregation, but from the latter year up to 1871 there was no regular pastor, and the church finally disorganized. Yet there were a number of families who remained members of the church known as the "Disciple Church on Main street," and continued to hold the property, hoping for better times. Among these might be mentioned the Williamsons, Smiths, Roberts, Bridges, Drums ago others, whose hopes were at last realized. About the 1st of January, 1871, Elders Jesse Roberts and William Dowling were called by the few remaining members to hold a revival, which resulted in the temporary re-organization of the chureh, the accession of eight members and the calling or Elder William Dowling to the pastorate, January 10, 1871. This re-organization was effected with twenty-seven old members and eight new ones, who elected Thomas W. Bridge and Bartholomew Williamson, Associate Elders; and Nathaniel Williamson, H. N. Smith and Henry Price. Deacons. Elder Dowling was to spend half his time with this church. at a salary of $500 per annum, and, April 22, 1871, a permanent organization took place, which, however, made no chance in the officers of the church: but, January 27, 1872, Elder Dowling was engaged for his full time. at $1,200 per annum, and filled the pulpit until the close of 1879. In January, 1880, Elder W. H. Martin became pastor, remaining one year. For a short time the church was without a pastor, but, May 1, 1881, Elder John A. Roberts was called to the charge, and is the present pastor of the church. The officers are: Elders, John A. Roberts and Nathaniel Williamson; Deacons, D. H. Wagner, J. S. Scott and G. J. Carter; Trustees, Levi Wagner, J. M. Carr and Henry Price. The Sunday school has an average attendance of eighty scholars, G. J. Carter, Superintendent, Mrs. Helen Moses, Assistant Superintendent. The church has now a membership of 196. is free of debt. and the congregation have in contemplation the erection of a new building that will be more in unison with the growing spirit of the age than the old edifice. which they have used for the past twenty eight years.

Reformed Church of the United States. - This church, better known as the "German Reformed." was organized by Rev. M. Keiffer, of Tiffin, Ohio, July 6, 1880, with a membership of thirty-five, consisting in part of the following named persons, viz. : Benedict Knepper, J. U. Strahm. Duro Kellerhals, Rudolph Schorer, W. J. Althauser, J. Schritner and B. Helbling. On the 15th of the same month, a congregation was organized in Goshen Township, with a membership of fifty-three, by Rev. J. G. Ruhl, of Marion. Ohio. These then formed the Kenton charge, and were first served by Rev. William Renter. August 16, 1868, the congregation in Cessna Township called " Zion," with a membership of thirty-two, and on the same day "St. Peter's " congregation in Forest, with a membership of fifteen, were organized by Rev. Charles Schoaf. In 1866, the Kenton congregation purchased the old frame buildiug previously used by the First Presbyterian Church, and removed it immediately west of its old site, where it stood as their house of worship until its destruction by the fire of May 27, 1881. Prior to the purchase of this building, they held services in

510 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

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

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

On the 4th of January, 1876, Rev. A. B. Nicholas, of Bellefontaine, held services at the residence of Elias Benton, and a church guild was formed and temporary officers elected as follows: Dwight Calhoun. President; Miss Rachel Spelman. Secretary; Mrs. George Carey, Treasurer. January 13, 1876,a constitution was adopted, and at a meeting of the guild, the succeeding April, the following officers Nvere chosen: A. W. Miller, President; D. W. Benton, Vice President; Dwight Calhoun, Secretary; Thomas Cantwell, Treasurer; Elias Benton, D. W. Benton and J. S. Robinson. Trustees. The name of "St. Paul's Episcopal Church " was then adopted. and Rev. A. B. Nicholas secured to conduct weekly services on week days. In September, 1876, Rev. George Bosley, who had assumed the rectorship of Trinity Church, Bellefontaine, Ohio, succeeded the Rev. Nicholas in his visitations to Kenton. The place of worship at that time was a room in the third story of a building on Detroit street, facing the public square, where they continued to hold services until April 19, 1877, when a house and lot wags purchased on North Detroit street for $1,000, which was converted into a chapel. In the meantime, the congregation bad increased so as to be able to engage Rev. Bosley for half his time, and in the spring of 1882, the old property was sold, and the house and lot on the southeast corner of Detroit and North streets. known as the " '.Merriman property," purchased at a cost of $3,000, all of which has been paid, leaving the church free of debt. A portion of the building was fitted up as a chapel, and the balance utilized for the rector's residence. Soon after this property was bought, Rev. Bosley located in Kenton, and has charge of this and the Findlay congregations. The Kenton church embraces twenty

HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY. - 511

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

First Universalist Church. - This church was organized April 9, 1876, by Rev. B. F. Eaton,.with a membership of twenty-eight. The following officers were elected: Trustees, John Espy, E. G. Lambert and 1'. S. Howe: Deacons, Joseph Whiteley and Hosea Johnson; Clerk, J. H. Linton; Treasurer. Thomas Espy. During the first year of the organization, services were bold in the court house, but. subsequently a room was fitted up on the second floor of a building near the corner of Main and Columbus streets, where the congregation worshiped every Sunday, and where the Sunday school class met for instruction. In April. 1878. Rev. F. S. Rice became pastor and. after one year's service in that capacity, was succeeded by Rev. Day. The place of worship was removed, in 1879, to the old Masonic Hall on Detroit street, which was occupied until Aprit, 1880, when Mr. Day's ministry closed in Kenton. Some of the leading members having died, and others removed from the town, the strength of the church was very much reduced, and its usefulness so paralyzed that it has not since been able to employ a pastor. The organization still exists, but holds no services, only the annual grove meetings, and for all practical purposes in this community is literally dead.

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

The Second Baptist Church (Colored).-Was organized in August, 1875, at Robinson's Schoolhouse, in Bucky Township, by Rev. George Collins, of Lima, Ohio, with a membership of sixteen. The first Deacons were Asbury Tony, Frank Bass and James Arthur. In 1878, the place of worship was removed to Kenton, and services held in the hall on the northwest corner of Detroit and Franklin streets, which was occupied until the spring of 1881, when the present frame building was purchased and removed to a lot previously bought for a church site in Carey's Eastern Addition. The property is located in the northeast part of Kenton, and its entire cost was about $350. The first regular pastor was Rev. Richard Day, who, after one year, was succeeded by Rev. Anderson Gulliver, he remaining two years. The church was then without any regular minister until the fall 1882, when Rev. Thomas Evans, the present pastor, assumed charge. Con-

512 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

nected with the church is a small Sunday school class. The officers of the church are William M. Garnes, John Harris and James Arthur. Deacons; Asbury Tony and Charles Evans, Trustees.

The United Brethren Church was organized, about 1878, in Goodin's Hall, by Rev. T. M. Harvey, and there worshiped. until early in 1882, when trouble arose in the church which caused a split. A part of the congregation, who were not in favor of paying for hearing the gospel preached .remained in the hall, were subsequently re-organized as a class of the Wesleyan Methodist Church and still hold services in the Goodin building. The other portion of the congregation, under the charge of Rev. T. M. Harvey, met at the house of Mrs. Susan Daniels, in South Kenton, in February, 1882, and organized a church with a membership of thirty. Alonzo Harvey was Class Leader, and Harriet Stuber, Steward. Rev. Harvey remained in charge until September, 1882, and was then succeeded by Rev. Jacob Cost, who, after a three months' pastorate, was succeeded by the present minister, Rev. William Park. It has grown to a membership of seventy-six, who still meet at the honse of Mrs. Daniels. but contemplate the erection of a church in the near future. This organization iscomposed of members from both town and country, and its present officers are Alonzo Harvey, Class Leader: Harriet Stuber, Steward: Alonzo Harvey, Charles Stevenson, John Stuber, John Spitzer and Henry Fisher, Trustees. The church has a Sunday school of about twenty-five scholars, with George M. Pickle as Superintendent.

PUBLIC SCHOOL,

Recognizing the importance of education, Kenton has ever sought the advancement of her schools, until they have attained the highest standard o: exeellence. The beginning was similar to other early settlements, and within the log cabin, among slab desks. the pioneer "master " often found force of more practical utility than culture or scholarly dignity. It was the physical age, as decidedly as the present is the intellectual; but notwithstanding the rudeness of that period, its efforts resulted in laying the corner-stone of the higher culture of to-day. It is impossible, at this late date, to give any definite facts about the first school taught in Kenton. No records exist to throw light upon the subject, while the few pioneers yet living tell so many contradictory stories about the early schools at this point, though all claiming to be correct, that we cannot hazard an opinion as to which is the true version. All agree, however, that Dr. Clark and wife and Eri Strong were the first school teachers in the town, soon followed by Stewart Conner, James Drumm, John Lawrence and Harper Ross. In the latter part of 1834, or early in the following year, a small log schoolhouse was erected on the south half of Lot 140 near the southeast corner of Wayne and Ohio streets, but facing the former. This was the first school building in the new county seat, and here Dr. Clark and wife and Eri Strong taught the youth of the town prior to 1836. Stewart Conner had a school at his residence, which stood on the site of Dickson's Opera House, while James Drumm and John Lawrence taught in a cabin near the corner of Main and Carroll streets; Harper Ross occupied the log schoolhouse on Main street previously mentioned. Some of these taught but a short time, while others continued for several years, during the winter season.

Apropos to these pioneer schools, J. W. F. Williams, of Washington, D. C., sends us the following anecdote, which we think too good to be lost. He says: "My father, John W. Williams, was one of the first school examiners in Hardin County, and they only examined applicants in the three

HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY. - 513

branches of reading, writing and arithmetic. I have often heard him relate an anecdote that, when examining one Samuel Smith, he asked him the following question: `Now. Sam, what would twelve and one-half pounds of butter cost at 12 1/2 cents per pound?' Sam puzzled awhile, scratched his head and answered, `Ah, John, that's one of your hard ones.' He was, however, granted a certificate, and paid the expense attached by grubbing stumps on a lot facing the court house square."

On the 8th of April, 1842, the Director of School District No. 7 purchased Lot No. 39, near the northeast. corner of Carroll and Market streets, and October 8, following, Samuel Watt, David Goodin and David Ross, Directors of District No. 1, bought the south half of Lot 140, whereon the old loo school then stood. The consideration for each of those lots was $1, and both were sold by Charles W. Stevenson, Director of the town. Ere winter set in, two frame schoolhouses were erected, and Chauncey Drumm and James Holmes taught school during the winter of 1843-43. In the winters of 1843-44 and 1844-45, Anthony Banning taught, nine months, besides a three months' subscription school in the spring of 1844. Judge Banning says that Drumm and Holmes preceded him in the Wayne street schoolhouse. In 1843-44, St. John Powers taught the upper district school on Carroll street. where, the Union School building now stands, and was succeeded, in the winter of 1844-45 by a Nlr Mitchell, who also succeeded Mr. Banning, in the lower district, the following winter. Judge Banning tells us that Mitchell was not a sociable man and did not get along well with his scholars. Finally, the feeling culminated in a fight with some of the "big boys." and Mitchell, getting badly whipped, gave up the school in disgust and left the town.

For more than ten years, these schools sufficed to educate the youth of Kenton. but the new period was formally ushered in by the organization of the Union School system. There is nothing on record to indicate the exact date of this change. but we believe it to have taken place some time between 1853 and 1855. Considerable feeling was manifested in opposition to the schools, the Auditor going so far as to release tag-payers from paying what he was pleased to term "the illegal school tax" levied by the Board of Education, thus crippling the board in its efforts. Notwithstanding the bitter opposition, which ended in a two years' litigation, the School Board was victorious, and the system grew in favor and popularity. The third story of the Kinnear Block was rented for the schools, and when the Board was ready to fit it up the Auditor refused to issue an order for the money. claiming that the law only allowed money to be used to pay teachers. Under the advice of their attorneys, the School Board found they could draw money to pay teachers without limit. and they gave the Superintendent an order to draw the amount required to fit up the school rooms. The Union School increased in popularity year after pear; to oppose it farther was decidedly unpopular, and many of its enemies soon became its warmest advocates.

About 1854, the old frame schoolhouse on Wayne street was sold to William Campbell, who subsequently removed it across the street to the southwest corner of Wayne and Ohio streets, where it now stands. The Carroll street school building was removed,in 1857, to Columbus street, opposite the Presbyterian Church, and is yet used as a residence.

It becoming evident that the schools must have a suitable building, plans were prepared and submitted to the people. Again opposition was raised, and large hand-bills were posted through the town,

514 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

charging Mr. Brunson (the leading spirit in said improvement) with "thrusting his hand low down in the pocket of the tax-payer-the house is too large for the town-the houses are a useless expense-there will never be scholars enough in Kenton to fill such a building," etc. On the 7th of May, 1856, the vote was taken and carried, authorizing the School Board to levy a tax of $10,000 for the purpose of erecting a union school building, and to issue bonds for the payment of principal and interest. The contract was let March 10, 1857. and the building subsequently completed at a cost of about $15,000. Lot No. 38, on the northeast corner of Carroll and Market streets, adjoining the old lot on the west, was purchased of Hezekiah Roby, for $400, September 9, 1856, and both lots used as a site for the new school building. Mr. Brunson superintended the work free of charge, at the same time paying a heavier tax than any one in Kenton, but received no personal benefit, as his children never occupied a seat in the school. He, however, must have experienced a grim pleasure over the trouble and abuse received in the satisfaction of knowing that the Union School system was a success, the building an ornament to the town, and that the rising generations were. being trained to usefulness. This building, as it stands to-day, is a large, square, three-storied brick structure, with basement, wherein the steam-heating apparatus is located .ventilating tower at each corner of the building and the large tower or belfry at the main entrace, together with a similar tower at the rear, give the whole an appear ance of magnitude that would otherwise be missing. and we believe that the "horns" have been found useful as well as ornamental. The building contains twelve school rooms, and a room for the Superintendent, while its architecture will remain in harmony with the progress of the age for twenty years to come.

In the fall of 1872, the Board of Education purchased a site for a new school building on East Columbus street, at the point where that street takes a northeast direction. The ground cost $1,590, and the Directors exhibited excellent judgment in the selection, as the building faces Columbus street, looking west, and affords a handsome background to the view from the public square. It was erected in 1877, at an expense of about $10,000, is a two-storied brick, with basement and central tower, and contains four school rooms and four recitation rooms.

Four years passed by, and both schools became inadequate to supply room for the rapidly increasing school population of Kenton. Another building was found to be a necessity, and the Directors, again wise in their choice, purchased in April, 1880, a site in South Kenton, facing Main street, for $500. They erected thereon, during that year, a two-story brick building, with basement, at a cost of about. $10,000. It is similar, in general architecture. to the school on Columbus street. contains four school rooms and the basement is used for a Union Sunday School. Thus does the history of these schools demonstrate the fact that the Board that erected the large school building on Carroll street were wise and far-seeing men. and the gratitude of the present generation is unquestionably due to Benjamin R. Brunson, who, in the face of a bitter opposition, vigorously prosecuted the good work to completion, thereby winning a grand victory for the cause of popular education in Kenton.

We have been unable to find any school records earlier than of 1861; but we have been informed that Benjamin R. Brunson, J. S. Robinson, William Schrader, George Fry and Samuel Smith were in the board prior to that year. The following list comprises the members of the School Board, with

PAGE 515 - PICTURE OF G. W. BURNWORTH

PAGE 516 - BLANK

HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY. - 517

the date of election or appointment since April 5, 1861, at which time B. R. Brunson and David Thomson were elected; April, 1862, Alonzo Bogardus and Hugh Letson: April, 1863, A. S. Ramsey and Charles Kaufman; in September, 1863, David Goodin was appointed, vice David Thomson resigned; April, 1864, C. H. Gatch and B. R. Brunson; April. 1865, Isaac G. Williams and J. H. Gary: in October, 1865, A. B. Ingersoll appointed, vice Isaac G. Williams resigned. In April, 1866, the number of members in the Board was increased from four to six, and J. H. Gary, Hugh Letson, David Thomson and Benedict Fink were chosen, while, at the same time, Alonzo Bogardus was appointed, vice C. H. Gatch, resigned; April, 1867 B. R. Brunson and Alonzo Bogardus; April, 1868, J. H. Gary and A. M. Davis; April, 1869, David Thomson and Benedict Fink; April, 1870, G. J. Saltzman and J. W. Binckley; April, 1871, Bartholomew Williamson and H. N. Wheeler; April, 1872, David Thomson and Benedict Fink; April, 1873, A. B. Johnson and John Stillings; April, 18 74, J. W. Binckley and Henry Price; April, 1875, Benedict Fink and L. M. Strong; April, 1876, John Stillings and A. B. Johnson; April, 1877, J. W. Binckley and Henry Price: April 1878, L. M. Strong and Benedict Fink: April, 1879, John Stillings and A. B. Johnson; April, 1880, Frank C. Dougherty and J. A. Rogers: April. 1881. L. M. Strong and Benedict Fink; April, 1882, A. B. Johnson and .john Stillings; April, 1883, J. A. Rogers and Frank C. Dougherty.

Beginning with the records in existence, we find that. the Superintendents of the Kenton Schools, since 1861, were as follows: C. H. Adams, July 1861, to July, 1863: Henry Ingersoll, September, 1863, to September, 1864; S. G. Hair, September, 1864, to September, 1865; A. B. Johnson, September, 1865, to September, 1866; James B. Finch, September, 1866, to August, 1868; W. H. H. Avery, August, 1868, to August, 1869; J. H. Myers, September 1869, to August, 1871; S. E. Young, August, 1871, to May, 1876: E. P. Dean. May, 1876, up to the present. Doubtless all of these men were competent educators, and the present Superintendent is recognized as an able scholar, a first-class teacher and a man of high moral worth and integrity.

In April, 1882, the School Board purchased a plot of ground, north of the Carroll street building. for the sum of $1,792, whereon they intend to erect in the future another schoolhouse, as they believe such will be necessary before many years pass by. To show the growth of the school population since the time when one small log building sufficed to hold them all, and subsequently two little frame buildings supplied ample accommodation, we here give the school statistics of Kenton,as taken from the Superintendent.'s report for 1882:-Enumeration of white males, 900; females, 855; total, 1,755. Enumeration of colored males, 20; females, 25; total, 45. Grand total of white and colored school youth, 1,800; full enrollment in the public schools, 976. The children of Catholic parents attend their own school. which is spoken of in the history of the Catholic Church of Kenton, their enrollment being nearly 200. It is, doubtless, the fact that some of the school youth are growing up without the advantages of an education; but the great. difference between the enumeration and enrollment is made lip by the absence of the youth over sixteen. Nineteen instructors are employed in the public schools of the city, viz., three male and sixteen female teachers, and the educational standing of the schools will compare favorably with any in the State.