450 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY with modern apparatus. Adjoining the main hall are the instructor 's office, a resting room, and a recitation room for the classes in the Teachers' Course. The building is heated by steam and lighted by electricity. The gymnasium yard is arranged for tennis, hand-ball, volley-ball, skating, and the ordinary ball games. A thorough physical examination is given to each woman who enters the gymnasium. No student is allowed to play on a basket ball team who has not had three months of gymnasium work and the certificate of the physical director. In addition to the graded class-work, exercises are prescribed to meet the particular needs of the individual. All students while exercising are under careful supervision. Physical training is expected of all women students, both in the gymnasium and out-of-doors. At a short distance from the gymnasium, the Field Association has provided both grounds and a field house for those who wish to play tennis, hockey or golf. It also has picnic grounds, embracing an apple orchard—quite a favorite resort. LABORATORIES AND MUSEUMS Oberlin College is especially rich in laboratories and museums. The Severance Chemical Laboratory affords accommodations for 220 students in regular courses and also for post-graduate work. The geological laboratory and museums are in a building recently fitted up for them. The quarters are large enough to admit of a material increase in the work offered in geology. Laboratories are equipped for general and advanced work, and ample recitation and Work rooms are provided. The geological museum is on the second floor. It contains large collections of fossils from the Ohio strata, and good collections for study from many other localities in the United States, Canada, and foreign countries. The collection of Devonian fishes is one of the best in the world. In rearranging the museum one grouping will show succession of faunas and another the evolution of various forms. The collections of minerals and rocks furnish ample illustrative material for class work. All of the collections are being constantly increased by gifts and by specimens collected or purchased by the department. For the study of mineralogy there is an extensive mineralogical cabi- net, with a large collection of crystal models, natural crystals, and other needful apparatus. The Spear Laboratory affords comfortable accommodations for the work in zoology and physiology. The museum contains a fairly complete series of local animals on the third floor. Of special interest are the collections of Hawaiian shells. HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY - 451 The botanical laboratories are located immediately north of Severance Chemical Laboratory, the herbarium occupying several rooms therein. The latter is one of the largest in the state, containing about 80,000 specimens. The collection illustrates very fully the flora of the entire United States, being especially strong in New England and Rocky Mountain plants. It also contains a good representation of the flora of Central Europe. In Peters Hall are the physical laboratory (basement, second and third floors) ; the astronomical equipment, comprising the six-inch telescope mounted in the revolving dome of the building and a fine astronomical clock ; and the psychological laboratory, carrying especially complete modern apparatus for experiments upon the sense organs. DORMITORIES FOR WOMEN Baldwin Cottage was the gift of Mr. E. I. Baldwin of Cleveland, and Talcott Hall of Mr. and Mrs. James Talcott of New York City. Both were erected in 1887. These two dormitories were planned after a careful study of similar buildings elsewhere, and are unsurpassed in comfort, taste, and convenience. Some rooms are intended for a single occupant, others for two. Each room has a large closet and is furnished and heated. Baldwin Cottage and Talcott Hall together accommodate 110 452 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY women, and receive as boarders a number of men, who room elsewhere. The dean of the college women and the assistant dean make their homes in these buildings. Lord Cottage takes its name from Mrs. E. W. R. Lord, the chief donor, and furnishes a comfortable home for about forty women, and the other dormitories for women opened within the past decade are : Dascomb Cottage, named in honor of Mrs. M. P. Dascomb, the first principal of the women's department and opened in 1907 ; Shurtleff Cottage, the former residence of Gen. G. W. Shurtleff, purchased in the summer of 1912, and remodeled ; Keep Cottage, named in honor of Rev. John and Mrs. Theodore J. Keep, and completed in January, 1913 ; Churchill and Tenney cottages, rebuilt for dormitories in the summer of 1913, and the Allencroft and Ellis Cottage, opened in the summer of 1914. The girls and women who become students at Oberlin have been generously provided with comfortable, attractive and homelike surroundings. THE FACULTY The members of the faculty comprise the president, professors, associate professors, assistant professors, instructors and assistants in instruction and administration. Besides President King, there are sixty professors, twenty-six associate and assistant professors, thirty-seven instructors and assistant instructadministrforty assistants in administation, including eleven matrons of college dormitories for women. The full professors of the faculty are as follows : Henry Churchill Kin, D.D., LL. D., president ; professor of theology and philosophy. On the W. E. Osborn foundation ; Fairchild Professorship. George Frederick Wright, D. D., LL. D., professor of the harmony of science and revelation, Emeritus. Retired upon the Carnegie Foundation. Albert Henry Currier, D. D., professor of sacred rhetoric and practical theology, Emeritus. Retired upon the Carnegie Foundation. Frank Fanning Jewett, A. M., professor of chemistry and mineralogy, Emeritus. Retired upon the Carnegie Foundation. Lyman Bronson Hall, A. M., professor of English and American history. Brooks Professorship. Azariah Smith Root, A. M., librarian. Professor of bibliography. Edward Increase Bosworth, D. D., senior dean of the Theological Seminary ; professor of the New Testament language and literature. Morgan Professorship. Charles Beebe Martin, A. M., professor of Greek literature and Greek archaeology. Avery Professorship. 454 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY Frederick Anderegg, A. M., professor of mathematics. James F. Clark Professorship. Miss Lucretia Celestia Wattles, A. M., professor of pianoforte. Howard Handel Carter, Mus. B., professor of pianoforte. Charles Walthall Morrison, Mus. D., director of the conservatory ; professor of pianoforte. Fenelon B. Rice Professorship. Arthur Smith Kimball,. professor of singing. George Whitefield Andrews, Mus. D., professor of organ and composition. Fred Eugene Leonard, A. M., M. D., director of the men's gymnasium ; professor of hygiene and physical education. Perkins Professorship. John Roaf Wightman, Ph. D., professor of the romance languages and literatures. Fredrika Bremer Hull Professorship of modern languages. Albert Temple Swing, D. D., professor of church history. Michigan Professorship. Louis Francis Miskovsky, A. M., principal of the Slavic department : professor of the Bohemian language. Edward Dickinson, A. M., Litt. D., professor of the history and criticism of music. Edgar George Sweet, Mus. B., professor of singing. Miss Arletta Maria Abbott, A. M., professor of the German language and literature. Fredrika Bremer Hull Professorship of modern languages. Miss Delphine Hanna, A. M., D. M., director of the women's gymnasium ; professor of physical training. Dickinson Foundation. Simon Fraser MacLennan, Ph. D., professor of philosophy and comparative religion. Stone Professorship. William George Caskey, A. M., professor of oratory and rhetoric. Frederick Orville Grover, A. M., professor of botany. Dascomb Professorship. Charles Henry Adams Wager, Ph. D., Litt. D., professor of English. William Kilgore Breckenridge, Mus. B., professor of pianoforte. Arthur Edward Heacox, Mus. B., professor of harmony and counterpoint. Edward Alanson Miller, professor of education. Charles Nelson Cole, Ph. D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences ; acting dean of college men ; professor of Latin. Graves Professorship. Kemper Fullerton, A. M., professor of the Old Testament language and literature. Finney Professorship. HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY - 455 Miss. Florence Mary Fitch, Ph. D., dean of college women ; professor of Biblical literature. Dickinson Foundation. John Arthur Demuth, professor of pianoforte, violin and wind instruments. Charles King Barry, Mus. B., professor of pianoforte. William Treat Upton, Mus. B., professor of pianoforte. William James Hutchins, A. B., professor of homiletics. Holbrook Professorship. George Water Fiske, A. M., junior dean of the Theological Seminary ; professor of practical theology. Shansi Professorship. William Eugene Mosher, Ph. D., professor of the German language and literature. Charles Winfred Savage, A. M., professor of physical training ; director of athletics. Herbert Harroun, A. B., professor of singing. Charles Henry Adams, Mus. B., professor of singing. Karl Frederick Geiser, Ph. D., professor of political science. Raymond Herbert Stetson, Ph. D., professor of psychology. Friedrich Johann Lehmann, professor of harmony and counterpoint. Samuel Robinson Williams, Ph. D., professor of physics. William Jasper Horner, A. B., professor of singing. Louis Eleazor Lord, Ph. D., professor. of the Latin language and literature. Acting assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. George Carl Hastings, Mus. B., professor of pianoforte. Friedrich August Goerner, professor of violincello and ensemble. George David Hubbard, Ph. D., professor of geology. Orville Alvin Lindquist, Mus. B., professor of pianoforte. Eugene William Lyman, D. D., professor of philosophy of religion and Christian ethics. Robert Allyn Budington, A. M., professor of zoology. Charles Gardner Rogers, Ph. D., professor of zoology. William Frederick Bohn, A. M., assistant to the president ; secretary of bureau of appointments. David Richard Moore, Ph. D., acting professor of medieval and modern European history. Harley Leist Lutz, Ph. D., professor of economics. Herbert Adolphus Miller, Ph. D., professor of sociology. Harry Nichols Holmes, Ph. D., professor of chemistry. L. H. Severance Professorship. 456 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY COLLEGE ADMINISTRATION According to the charter of the college, the board of trustees consists of twenty-five members, the president of the college being ex-officio a member and president of the board. Four members are elected every year to serve for six years. Three of these are elected by the board itself, and one is elected by a general ballot of the alumni of all departments. In the corporation thus constituted the whole government of the college is legally vested. The preparatory school was opened first, but within less than two years afterward the college proper and the theological seminary were in operation. Some years later a conservatory of music was added. The conservatory was conducted as a private school in close relation to the college for about twenty years, before it was formally made a department of the college in 1867. The distinct departments of Oberlin College. are : (a) the college of arts and sciences; (b) the theological seminary ; (c) the conservatory of music ; and (d) the academy, which, however, is to be discontinued after 1916. The number of students who can be accepted for enrolment in the college of arts and sciences is limited to 1,000. No such rule has been adopted as to the theological seminary, the conservatory of music or the academic department. The sole idea of the management is to strive for quality, rather than bulk of the student body. The head of the academy is designated as principal ; the heads of the other departments as deans. In fact, there are deans of conservatory men and of conservatory women, and deans of college women and of academy women, so that, although the college is coeducational, every safeguard is provided in solving the problem of the sexes. No clearer idea of the nature of the college administration can be given than by merely mentioning the names of its principal officials : President, Henry Churchill King ; assistant to the president, W. Frederick Bohn ; treasurer, James R. Severance ; secretary, chairman of the Committee on Admission of Students and clerk of the faculty, George M. Jones; assistant secretary, John E. Wirkler ; librarian, Azariah S. Root ; superintendent of buildings and grounds, Charles P. Doolittle ; clean of the college of arts and sciences, Charles N. Cole ; dean of college women, Miss Florence M. Fitch ; registrar college department, Miss F. I. Wolcott ; senior dean of the theological seminary, Edward I. Bosworth ; junior dean of the theological seminary, G. Walter Fiske ; director of Oberlin Conservatory of Music and dean of conservatory men, Charles W. Morrison ; dean of conservatory women, Miss Frances G. Nash ; principal of Oberlin Academy, John T. Shaw ; dean of academy HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY - 457 women, Miss Frances J. Hosford ; director of the men's gymnasium and of the teachers' course in physical training for men, Fred E. Leonard ; director of the women's gymnasium and of the teachers' course, in physical training for women, Miss Delphine Hanna ; director of athletics, C. W. Savage ; director of academy athletics, C. Lester Harvey ; The Oberlin Living Endowment Union, secretary, Irving W. Metcalf ; Olney Art Collection, Mrs. A. A. Wright, curator. MUSICAL AND LITERARY ADVANTAGES The musical advantages at Oberlin are considered exceptional, its conservatory of music, with its two magnificent homes, standing very high. The church choirs and other city organizations are especially helpful to that department of the college. As to literary societies, the young men have three—Phi Kappa Pi, Phi Delta and Alpha Zeta ; and the young women five—L: L. S., Aelioian, Phi Kappa Phi, Sigma Gamma and Tau Kappa Epsilon. The eight constitute the Union Literary Society, which conducts a valuable lecture course. There are also two literary societies in the theological seminary —the Beth Nun and the Comenium, and two in the Academy—the Acme and the Lesbian. A chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the national society whose fundamental aim is to promote high scholarships and sound morality, was established in Oberlin College in 1908. The Oberlin chapter is known as the Zeta Chapter of Ohio. This honorary society was founded at William and Mary College, December 5, 1776 ; it includes in its roll of members the names of many college graduates who have won national renown. Each year one-eighth of the seniors ranking highest in scholarship are elected to membership, provided they have also attained a specific standing in the general' average of their college grades. The election occurs near the close of the college year. The Oberlin chapter numbers (May 15, 1914) about 440 living members, forty-five of these being members of the faculty. Each year the students conduct an oratorical contest, open to all undergraduates. Original orations are presented, and by means of preliminary contests the six orators of highest merit are chosen to appear in the final contest. The winner of first place in the final contest receives a prize of $50 and the honor of representing Oberlin at the annual contest of the Northern Oratorical League. The orator winning second place receives a prize of $25. 458 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY THE STUDENT BODY Oberlin College has always been democratic, and therefore a believer in student government and the honor system. The men's senate is composed of nineteen men, including the class presidents, presidents of the Young Men's Christian Association, the Union Literary Association and the Athletic Association, and the editor and managing editor of the Oberlin Review, with ten men selected from the four college classes. It serves as a board of arbitration for student differences and a medium of communication between the student body and the faculty. The women's senate of the Women's League, composed of thirty representatives elected mainly from the classes of the college of arts and sciences and the conservatory of music, virtually corresponds to the men's senate. The honor system deals with written tests and examinations and other work where the teacher wishes to require the pledge. The purpose is to eliminate dishonesty from curriculum work and to keep alive, a keen student sentiment against such dishonesty. At the close of each test the student is required to sign the following statement : "I have neither given nor received aid in this test (or examination)." A refusal to sign this honor pledge is treated as a case of dishonesty. Under this system detection is made by the students themselves, and cases of dishonesty are reported not to the faculty, but to one of the two honor courts, chosen by the two student senates. The scholarships above $1,000, the income of which is available at the rate of 5 per cent of the principal named, are as follows : For students preparing for the ministry—Lemuel Brooks Scholarship ($5,000) : Founded by Miss Harriet E. Brooks, of Churchville, New York, in memory of her father, Rev. Lemuel Brooks. Tracy Scholarship ($1,250) : Founded by Mrs. F. E. Tracy, of Mansfield, Ohio.  Leroy H. Cowles scholarship ($1,250) : Founded by J. G. W. Cowles, of Cleveland, in memory of his son, Leroy Hervey Cowles. Emerson Scholarship ($1,250) : Founded by Mrs. Mary F. Emerson, of Lafayette, Indiana, in memory of her husband, Thomas B. Emerson. The Student Employment Fund ($50,000) : Founded 1912, by an unannounced donor, for the theological seminary. For self-supporting women : Hinchman Fund ($1,045) : Founded by bequest of Miss Anna W. Hinchman, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for indigent young women. Lucy M. Thompson Scholarship ($2,000). Founded by bequest of Miss Lucy M. Thompson, of Oberlin, Ohio. Goodnow Scholarship ($5,000) : Founded by bequest of Edward A. HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY - 459 Goodnow, of Worcester, Massachusetts, to "assist poor and worthy girls in obtaining an education." Gilchrist Potter Scholarship Fund ($4,750) : Founded by bequest of Mrs. Ella J. Gilchrist Potter, of Alpena, Michigan. Correlia L. Reamer Scholarship Fund ($5,000) : Founded by Mrs. Correlia L. Reamer, of Oberlin, "to be used to help earnest young women who are in part, or wholly, self-supporting." Ellen M. Whitcomb Scholarship ($6,000) : Founded by Mr. David Whitcomb, of Worcester, Massachusetts, for self-supporting young women in the college department, preference being given to the daughters of home and foreign missionaries. General—Lydia Ann Warner Scholarship ($5,000) : Founded by Drs. Lucien C. and I. De \Ter Warner, of New York City, from the estate of their mother, Mrs. Lydia Ann Warner. Avery Scholarships: Founded by the executors of the estate of Rev. Charles Avery, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and furnishing $150 per term toward the tuition of "indigent and worthy" colored students. Dr. A. D. Lord Scholarship ($1,110) : Founded by Dr. and Mrs. Asa D. Lord, of Batavia, New York. The democracy of Oberlin College is manifest both in the earnest exertions of so many of the students to realize at least partial self-support while they are becoming intellectually and morally trained, and in the hearty co-operation of the faculty and administrative officers toward placing them in the way of securing employment. Some thus earn enough from term to term to meet a large part of their expenses—by working at trades, doing chores at private houses, and taking care of gardens. A few, by rigid economy and hard work, meet all their expenses, while studying, from their earnings; but in such cases health or scholarship is likely to suffer. No one should come, even for a half year, expecting to support himself, without at least $100 at his command for use if needed. The college has funds for aiding to some extent certain classes of needy students; but the great advantage it offers is the low rate at which all its facilities are afforded. The traditions of the college and the public sentiment of the students favor economy in all expenses. The Young Men's Christian Association conducts an employment bureau, through which assistance is given to men in finding opportunities for outside work. The Young Women's Christian Association conducts a similar bureau for women. The college has also a number of scholarships for the assistance of students, but such aid is based on absolute need, as well as special talents of scholarship, which must be proven. The trustees have set aside cer- 460 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY tarn funds to be used for the remission of a part of the regular term bills in the case of a limited number of students whose need is well ascertained, and whose scholarship and character give promise of future usefulness. Such remission of charges, however, cannot usually be made to students during the first term of their residence in Oberlin. It is expected that members of the upper classes will, whenever practicable, receive the money as a loan instead of a gift. Any student who receives scholarship aid from the college may be called upon to render service to the college as an equivalent for any part, or all, of the money so received. The Comfort Starr Fund ($2,500) : Founded by Merritt Starr, of Chicago, Illinois. Mary E. Wardle Scholarship ($1,250) : Founded by bequest of Miss Mary E. Wardle, of Elgin, Illinois. Beneficiaries designated by the First Congregational Church, of Elgin. Hawaii Scholarship ($1,500) : Founded by thirty-four friends of Oberlin College in Hawaii. Henry Grinnell Mears Scholarship ($1,200) : Founded by Dr. and Mrs. David O. Mears, of Essex, Massachusetts, in memory of their daughter, for a young woman pursuing vocal instruction in the conservatory department. E. A. West Scholarship Fund ($1,500) : Founded by E. A. West, of Chicago; Illinois, for the benefit of college students of merit and good character, who are self-supporting, or partly so. J. C. and Elizabeth E. Wilder Scholarship ($2,000) : Founded by Mrs. Ella M. Wilder Metcalf, in memory of her father and mother. Avery Fund ($6,000) : Established by the executors of the estate of Rev. Charles Avery, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for "indigent and worthy" colored students. Gilchrist Banking Fund for Students of Oberlin College ($9,500) : Founded by bequest of Mrs. Ella J. Gilchrist Potter, of Alpena, Michigan, as a memorial for her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Gilchrist, of Oberlin,--a loan fund "for indigent and self-supporting students of either sex." Dudley Allen Scholarship Fund ($6,500) : Founded by Mr. Dudley P. Allen and Mrs. Emily Allen Severance, of Cleveland, in memory of their father, Dr. Dudley Allen, of Oberlin. The income of this fund is to be used for the aid of the children of missionaries. Frank Dickinson Bartlett Scholarship ($5,000) : Founded by Mr. A. C. Bartlett, of Chicago, Illinois. Andover Scholarships ($2,000) : Founded in memory of John Smith, of Andover, Massachusetts, by his daughter, Mrs. H. G. Coburn. HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY - 461 Henry N. Castle Scholarship ($1,000) : Founded by the family of the late H. N. Castle, of Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands. Class of '58 Scholarship ($1,025) : Founded by members of the class of 1858. Class of '69 Scholarship ($1,060.50) : Founded by members of the class of '69. GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP The following fellowships, open to graduates of Oberlin College, are awarded by vote of the faculty upon recommendation of the committee on graduate study and degrees. These fellowships provide for graduate study either in this country or abroad; it is not expected that the holders of these fellowships will do graduate work in any department of Oberlin College. Johnston Fellowship, Income $500: Founded by the L. L. S. Association. Awarded in 1913- 1914 each alternate year. Ælioian Fellowship, lioian500: Founded by the Ælioian Association. Awarded in 1912-13, and each fourth year thereafter. Alumni Magazine Fellowship, Income $400: Founded by the Alumni Magazine Publishing Company. Not offered in 1915-16. Gilchrist Potter Prize Fund, Income $350: Founded by bequest of Mrs. Ella J. Gilchrist Potter of Alpena, Michigan. It is for indigent, self-supporting young women "irrespective of color, students of Oberlin College, who have completed a full course in said college, merited scholarship and deportment recognized." Awarded in 1913-14 and annually thereafter. THE COLLEGE ENROLLMENT In 1915 the number of students registered in the several departments of Oberlin College was as follows: College of Arts and Sciences—Holders of fellowships, 2 ; graduate students, 30 ; seniors, 189 ; juniors, 181; sophomores, 258 ; freshmen, 325 ; special students, 17. Total, 1,022. Theological Seminary—Graduate students, 5 ; seniors, 20; middlers, 10 ; juniors, 19 ; Slavic students, 12. Total, 66. The Conservatory of Music—Seniors, 21; juniors, 7; fourth year students, 15 ; third year students, 34; second year students, 95; first year students, 207. Total, 379. The Academy—Seniors, 60 ; other students, 129. Students in the summer session not enrolled in other departments, 45. 462 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY Total of college enrollment (excluding eight included in the Slavic department who are also enrolled elsewhere), 1,633. CHURCHES OP OBERLIN From the time of its foundation, religion was the great cornerstone of Oberlin College and, although the spirit of the community was always independent and liberal, both the college and the town were always proud to be known, near and far, as distinctively moral. Public worship was strictly observed about a year and a half before the organization of a church, that organization being the First Congregational. For nearly twenty years that was the only church in Oberlin. Episcopal services commenced to be held in 1852, although Christ Parish was not founded until three years later. The Second Congregational followed in 1860, the First Baptist in 1866, the First Methodist Evangelical Church in 1869, the Rust Methodist Evangelical in 1872, the Church of the Sacred Heart (Catholic) in 1880. The colored people of Oberlin have organized a number of religious bodies. They commenced to hold services as early as 1868, and not long afterward the Methodists organized a church. In 1876 the parent body was divided and the African Methodist Episcopal Church was formed by the seceding members. In 1887 the Mount Zion Baptist Church was organized. The foregoing represent the leading religious bodies, which carry on a splendid work of charity and benevolence of a general nature, besides that which relates specifically to their own organizations. At least one institution should also be mentioned which fits so closely into this work of the churches as to be almost identical with it. Reference is made to the Oberlin Missionary Home Association, managed by residents of the city and vicinity, two of the members (ex-officio) of the corporation being pastors of the First and Second Congregational churches. The institution is popularly known as Tank Home from the fact that the main building, which accommodates about forty children of foreign missionaries, is thus designated; besides which there are three cottages for the accommodation of missionaries themselves who are home on furlough. It is named in memory of Neils Otto Tank and his widow, pioneer Moravian missionaries of Wisconsin, from whose estate came the $10,000; in 1896, which was of such material assistance in the founding of the enterprise. With this general view of the main religious institutions which have established themselves at Oberlin, the details of how they came to be HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY - 463 and what they are today, as well as the connecting links, are given in the pages which immediately follow. THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH The First Congregational Church, which for over a quarter of a century was the religious home of Oberlin College, originated in a meeting held at the college chapel on the 19th of August, 1834. It was then and there resolved "that a church be formed as soon as may be, and that it be called the First Congregational Church of Christ in Oberlin." On the 3d of September a confession of faith having been drawn up and adopted, sixty-two persons were examined, and on the 13th of the same month it was resolved "that those who have been examined and accepted do now consider themselves as members, and that the church is now legally and completely organized." The sixty-two applicants for membership who had been examined and approved by Rev. J. J. Shipherd resolved themselves into a church. Mr. Shipherd, who was to "preside as chairman of their social and 464 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY religious meetings for the time being," soon became the regular pastor, and Samuel Daniels and Peter P. Pease were elected deacons. June 15th, 1836, Mr. Shipherd resigned and Rev. Charles G. Finney, professor in the theological seminary, temporarily occupied the pulpit. Nearly a year later Mr. Finney accepted a call to become the permanent pastor of the church. This relation was sustained for nearly thirty-five years, terminating in Mr. Finney 's resignation in May, 1872. In 1861, Rev. John Morgan, D. D., who had long been associated with Mr. Finney was called to become associate pastor, serving in that capacity until he resigned in May, 1872. About a year later a call was extended to Rev. James Brand, D. D., of Danvers, Massachusetts, who was regularly installed pastor in November, 1873, and so continued to serve the church until his death, April 11, 1899. Rev. J. W. Bradshaw, D. D., was then called from the pastorate of the First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor, Michigan. He began his duties September 2, 1900, and continued in the pastorate until failing health compelled his resignation, May 27, 1911. He died September 2, 1912. Rev. William H. Spence was called from the First Congregational Church, Rutland, Vermont, January 18, 1912. He was installed as pastor of the church May 16, 1912 ; resigned March 1, 1916. In 1860 the church and congregation having become too large for its house of worship, it was deemed expedient to divide the church for the purpose of forming a Second Congregational Church in Oberlin. In order to accomplish this, 103 persons voluntarily withdrew from the original organization in the year 1860. The whole number of members admitted to this church, up to January 1, 1913, is about 8,225. The chapel in Colonial Hall becoming too small for the attendance drawn both from the college and village, in 1840 Rev. Charles G. Finney, the pastor, led the popular movement to build a church—a popular enterprise, notwithstanding the prevailing poverty. Finally, in 1842, the foundation of the First Church was laid, at North Main and West Lorain. The lot had been donated by the original proprietors of the village plat, and the townsmen, professors and students, aided by friends abroad, by subscriptions of cash, materials and work, united in pushing along the good work. The church building, which still stands, was completed in August, 1844, and the fact that it was at that time the largest religious edifice west of the Allegheny Mountains, will give the visitor of today some idea of the magnificence of those old churches as compared with those of the present. The building has undergone many interior changes and improvements. and is very dear both to those who knew the Oberlin of HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY - 465 the old days and those who have become connected with it by later ties. It is of a plain style of architecture, the plans upon which it was built being suggested by President Finney, who had in mind the famous Broadway Tabernacle of New York. Until 1860 its audience room was the scene not only of religious gatherings, but of college and town meetings. In that year, when the congregation was divided to form the second church, its membership was 1,540. CHRIST PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH The second religious organization formed in Oberlin was by the Episcopalians under the above name. Missionary services were begun by Rev. Anson Clark in the year 1852, and were held regularly thereafter in Mr. Safford's house. The organization of the parish was effected in April, 1855, by Rev. Francis Granger, with seven communicants, and in the following year was admitted into union with .the convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the diocese of Ohio. Very soon after, the building of the church commenced, the site on South Main Street at the end of Groveland Avenue being given by Mrs. Safford. When Rev. William C. French came in 1857 the church was but partially completed. It was not consecrated until May, 1859, when it was free of debt. The parsonage, begun in 1860 and completed in 1865, was then the only building of the kind in Oberlin. The rectors of Christ Church have been : Rev. William C. French, 1857-74 ; Rev. Henderson Judd, 1874-79 ; Rev. James Moore, 1880-82 ; Rev. George F. Smythe, 1885-90 ; Rev. 0. W. Harris, 1892-93 ; Rev. F. M. Moore, 1893-96 ; Rev. W. H. G. Lewis, 1896-99 ; Rev. Walter Scott, 1900-11, and Rev. Roy J. Riblet since the latter year. THE SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH Organized May 3, 1860, the Second Congregational Church of Oberlin separated from the First, not from any spirit of antagonism but because the mass of worshippers had outgrown their house of worship and because if adequate provision for the free expansion of such growth had not been provided, the cause of local religion would have seriously suffered. It was the result of a united effort for the general good, especially in the interests of Congregationalism and Oberlin College. About one hundred persons dismissed from the first church for the purpose, uniting in the enterprise. The organizing council, of which Rev. J. C. White was moderator, and Rev. F. A. Wilbur, scribe, was composed of representatives of the following churches, viz.: Plymouth Vol. I-30 466 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY Church, of Cleveland ; First Presbyterian Church, of Elyria ; The First Congregational Church, of Cleveland, and the Congregational churches of Amherst, Brownhelm, Wellington, and Wakeman. The project was undertaken after free and harmonious discussion by the first church, and with but one dissenting vote, the following considerations being laid before the council as reasons for the action : 1. The congregation has become too large to be accommodated. 2. The population, both citizens and students, is increasing. 3. For some years past it has been very difficult to provide comfortable seats for new members of the congregation. 4. Consequently, there has not only been occasion, but almost a necessity for the formation of churches among us, of other denominations. 5. The faculty of the college are finding it difficult to require and secure the attendance of students on public worship. 6. The membership is believed to be too large for the best efficiency in Christian labor, and also too numerous to be adequately cared for by any one pastor. The public services attending the organization were held in the meeting-house of the first church, when the Rev. J. A. Thome gave a charge to the church, as now constituted. Rev. Dr. Morgan, in behalf of the first church, extended a cordial welcome to the second, which was fraternally responded to by Rev. E. H. Fairchild of the second. Rev.. H. E. Peck remarked, in conclusion, upon the relation of both to the prosperity of the village. The church became connected with the Cleveland Conference during the following October, and was duly incorporated under the laws of the state in April, 1865, the church itself being the body corporate without society or parish. In 1889, for the sake of extending the fellowship of the Oberlin churches, the church transferred its membership from the Cleveland to the Medina Conference. In the autumn of 1865 steps were taken to secure a site for a church edifice. The ground was furnished by the college, on condition that a certain number of sittings in the church be free to students, and work upon the building was begun in 1867 and completed in 1870. The whole cost of the building was about $30,000.. The dedicatory exercises took place on the 20th of October, 1870, and on the following Sabbath morning the congregation, which had hitherto worshipped in the college chapel, took possession of the new edifice. A few months later the Sabbath-school, which, up to this time had existed conjointly with that of the first church, was separately organized. An organ, which cost $5,000, was purchased in the autumn of the next year. During much of its history the church has been served HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY - 467 in the pastoral office by professors in the college, who, from time to time, have been chosen to the positions of acting pastor and associate acting pastor. The following have served in one or both of these capacities: Pres. J. H. Fairchild, Rev. E. H. Fairchild, Rev. C. H. Churchill, Rev. J. M. Ellis, Rev. Hiram Mead, Rev. Judson Smith, Rev. J. H. Laird, Rev.. G. F. Wright, Rev. F. H. Foster, Rev. H. C. King, and Rev. L. B. Hall. MRS. SARAH COWLES LITTLE'S SKETCH Mrs. Sarah Cowles Little has so well described the spirit and the nature of this division of interests between the First and the Second churches that the extracts and facts are taken which form the subject-matter of this sketch, covering the history of the latter for twenty-seven years, or up to the pastorate of Rev. Henry M. Tenney. "At the beginning," says her article, "it was planned to have a church with so broad a Confession of Faith that Evangelical Christians of every name might he gathered into it, and dropping their differences, emphasize in creed and life the fundamentals upon which all were agreed, and so have but one harmonious church in the village. This seemed to the fathers. desirable as an example of Christian unity, and important to the prosperity of the enterprise that was being inaugurated. "Upon this basis the First Church was founded, and prospered. ( To my certain knowledge, there were in the First Church, not only Congregationalists, but Presbyterians, Methodists, 'Baptists, Episcopalians, and Quakers.) From sixty-one charter members it increased to fifteen hundred and forty-five in 1860, of whom about twelve hundred were resident. The 'meeting-house,' large though it was, could no longer accommodate the members and students, and there was no room for newcomers, for strangers or children, or for those whose names were not upon the church roll—and the town and the college were both growing. "A council was called and met May 3, 1860. It was composed of the pastor and one delegate from each of the following churches : the First Presbyterian church of Elyria ; Plymouth Church, Cleveland: the First Congregational church, Cleveland (west side), and the churches of Brownhelrn, Amherst, Wellington and Wakeman. "After organization, Rev. Henry Cowles, in behalf of those interested in the movement, stated the reasons for asking a council to advise, and if thought proper, to assist in organizing a second church. "After a full and careful consideration of the entire subject, the Council heartily endorsed the proposed plan and voted to carry it into effect. 468 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY "Of the one hundred and three charter members forming the Second Congregational church fifty-nine were men and forty-four women. Seventeen were connected with the College, as follows: professors, four ; George N. Allen, James H. and E. H. Fairchild, and Henry E. Peck ; Mrs. Rayl, assistant principal of the Ladies' department ; the treasurer, Hamilton Hill ; and four resident trustees—"Father Keep," Henry Cowles, Jabez W. Merrill and Uriah Thompson. (The last three named, with J. H. Fairchild, and treasurer Hill, were the entire prudential committee of the College.) Seven were wives of these men, of whom three were members of the Ladies' Board of Managers,—Mrs. Mrs. Cowles and Mrs. Hill. "Twenty-two were heads of families in the village, and eighteen were members of these families. There were forty students, classified thus: Theological students, eight (and two of their wives) ; in College and the Ladies' course, twenty-one (Seniors, five, Juniors and Third years, eight, Sophomores, four, Freshmen and First year, four), and from the Preparatory Department, nine. "On Saturday, May 5th, the church met to complete its organization, by electing officers and for other business. Four deacons were chosen, Deacon Wright, Deacon Merrill, Deacon Thompson and Deacon Reed, and a financial committee, I. M. Johnson, J. H. Fairchild and Myron Bronson. A committee was appointed to secure a room for weekly prayer meetings, and another to provide seats for the choir. (A short time later, twelve dollars was voted to purchase singing books for the choir.) It was agreed that the Sabbath school should remain undivided, also that the Sabbath evening local prayer meetings, of which there were about a dozen in different sections, should continue to he union meetings. `the idea being' it is said, 'to unite wherever we can, and divide only where we must.' Seats in the chapel were selected for one year, the order in choice being given first to those most advanced in age, and so on. until all were supplied, and a committee was appointed to arrange with those who might thereafter apply for seats. "On May 6th, the church held its first public service in the College Chapel. This was the same building that was destroyed by fire in 1903, but its exterior and its auditorium were very different. The only entrance was at the east end, and two broad stairways led to the chapel. The platform was between the doors by which the audience entered. The floor was level and the pews straight. A gallery over the vestibule afforded a place for the choir, behind and considerably above the platform. "We are told that the College gave the use of the chapel free of rent for two years. It was used for ten years." HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY - 469 War times brought the affairs of the church to a low ebb, and toward the latter part of that period not a few questioned the wisdom of the separation and the desirability of a reunion, but those who supported an independent organization prevailed and steps were taken to start a building fund. A building committee was appointed, at various times, comprising President James H. Fairchild, Professor John M. Ellis, J. M. Finch, Rev. Henry Cowles, Deacon Uriah Thompson, I. M. Johnson, Dr. Dudley Allen, and J. D. Carpenter. A site was procured from the college on West College Street, near South Professor Street, in consideration of free seats being furnished to a portion of the students. Over $1,000 was raised by weekly contributions the first year, and with that sum the foundation was laid. In April, 1865, the church was incorporated for the purpose of holding property, in accordance with state law, and the finance committee was replaced by a board of trustees. The first general subscription for a church edifice was made March 13, 1866, and on October 20th of that year the dedication services were held. As completed, the church cost about $30,000. Continuing Mrs. Little's narrative : "From the very first, we are told, it was greatly desired that the church should have the exclusive service of a pastor. Yet during only twelve of its first thirty-nine years was this hope realized. It was possible to secure most excellent preaching from professors, and a church that could hear such men as the Fairchild brothers, Peck, Ellis, Mead, Smith, Foster, Wright, and others, found it not impossible to thrive and grow without a settled pastor for even ten years at a time. -Yet this was not ideal." The first pastor was Rev. Miner Wynne Fairfield, who served from October, 1861, to December, 1864. His wife was a sister of President Fairchild. In April, 1876, Rev. William Kincaid, of the college class of '65 and seminary '67, was installed, and continued to occupy the pulpit of the Second until 1884. Rev. Robert G. Hutchins was called from Minneapolis and commenced his pastorate in May, concluding it in September, 1888 ; it was during his service that the parsonage was purchased. In March, 1889, the church unanimously voted to call Rev. Henry M. Tenney, D. D., pastor of the First Congregational Church of Cleveland. He was installed on May 16th of that year, and guided the spiritual affairs of the church for twenty-one years, or until the semi-centennial anniversary of its founding in 1860. In 1910 he became pastor emeritus of the Second Congregational Church, and Rev. Jason N. Pierce assumed its active charge. Mr. Pierce continued thus, until 1914. In the following year Rev. Charles H. Williams, Ph. D., the present pastor, assumed charge. The church has a membership of about 470 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY 890-710 resident, and 180 absent ; that has been about the average since the pastorate of Doctor Tenney. FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH The First Baptist Church, of which Rev. H. T. Hill is the pastor, is one of the old religious organizations of Oberlin, dating as it does from 1866. On the 19th of July of that year several of the Baptist brethren and sisters organized by appointing J. D. Brainard (clerk), A. C. Jacobs (treasurer), and Rev. J. H. Langille, as delegates to sit with a council of neighboring churches, for the purpose of obtaining recognition as a church. The council convened at Oberlin on July 30th, with Rev. A. Heath as moderator, and C. H. DeWolfe as clerk. Delegates were present from Elyria, Amherst, Henrietta, Camden, LaGrange, Huntington, Litchfield, Penfield, Sullivan and Cleveland. Rev. J. H. Langille made a statement as to the prospects of the Oberlin church, stating that a $1,000 lot had been secured, and that forty-five had pledged themselves as members by "subscribing to the Articles of Faith as published in the Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge." After the delivery of a sermon by Rev. A. H. Strong, of the First (Cleveland) Baptist Church, the hand of fellowship was extended to the Oberlin organization. Before adjournment, Rev. F. Tolhurs, of Columbia. also delivered an address. At a subsequent church meeting the forty-five applicants mentioned by Mr. Langille organized into a body known as "the First Regular Baptist Church of Oberlin." Until the building of a permanent church, meetings were held in Exchange Block, Watson's Hall and Carpenter's Hall. On September 24, 1867, the cornerstone of a house of worship was laid on East Lorain Street, between North Main and North Pleasant streets. It was completed and dedicated in September, 1871. It was a neat brick structure, sufficient for the needs of the congregation. In 1915 the church and grounds were sold to the college to make room for the Art Building, and foundation laid for a new edifice, nearly opposite its old place on Lorain Street. THE FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH The First Methodist Episcopal Church of Oberlin, one of the strong religious organizations of the city, is nearing its semi-centennial. The initial movement commenced in 1868, when funds were collected with which a lot was purchased on South Main Street by Rev. Ira Hitchcock, a "rider of the Amherst M. E. circuit." In the following year Rev. G. HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY - 471 A. Reeder was sent to the charge. He worked faithfully during his year of service, but when he was called to another field, the enterprise was dropped and the society was disbanded a few years later. In the fall of 1868 it was reorganized by Rev. L. M. Pounds, then in charge of Pittsfield circuit. In the following year, under the pastorate of Rev. J. Evans, the work of building a suitable house of worship was again inaugurated. During his pastorate and while the society was administered by Rev. A. Holbrook and Rev. J. R. Jewett, from 1870 to 1873, the raising of funds both among the Methodist and the Congregationalists progressed, so that the building was finally completed and dedicated in December, 1873. The present pastor is Rev. V. W. Wagar. The first house of worship occupied by the Methodists was a frame building inclosed with brick, seventy-two by forty-five feet in dimensions, and erected at a cost of $8,000. The elegant church now in use was finished in 1.905 at a cost of $27,000. The membership of the church is 400. THE RUST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH This is an organization of colored Methodists and was formed in 1872. In 1875 its first building was erected, a small brick veneer structure, which was torn down in July, 1915. In 1916 a brick church, costing $10,000, was erected on the corner of Groveland and South Park streets. The present membership of the organization is about 200. Its successive pastors have been as follows : Revs. King Williams, Elijah Henderson, Henry Steen. Geo. Hatton, Walker, Cartwell, Adam Nunn, Jas. H. Hargrass, J. H. Payne, Scott Ward, Jas. F. Moreland, Daniel W. Shaw, Jonathan W. Moreland, Adam Nunn, Theo. D. Wilson, Marcus McClendon, Adam Nunn (filled unexpired term) ; Geo. W. Lynch, Adam Nunn, supply ; Geo. W. Lynch, Adam Nunn, supply ; Wm. Brown, Robt. L. Dickerson, 'Henry W. Simmons, G. E. Curry, W. B. Harris, James E. Wood, Patrick H. Lewis, F. P. Robinson, B. J. Coleman, W. H. Renfro, Wesley Singleton, Stephen A. McNeil, Hiram B. Mays, C. M. Lee and Frank S. Delaney. In 1915 a fund of $10,000 was raised to build a new edifice on the old site, which is in process of construction as we write. CHURCH OF THE SACRED HEART The Catholics in Oberlin are represented by the Church of the Sacred Heart. It was organized as a mission, in 1880, by Rev. J. Schaffeld, of St. Mary 's, Elyria. Largely through the efforts and generosity of Mrs. Rosanna Welch, a site for a church building was bought on the 472 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY public square, where the First Methodist structure now stands. That property was sold, however, and services were first held at the present location of the Church of the Sacred Heart in 1890. Father Schaffeld was in charge of the mission until 1899, when Rev. T. F. McGuire came from Cleveland to officiate ; in 1903, Rev. George A. Branagan, of Grafton, commenced his service ; in 1904, Rev. James A. Heffernan, of Elyria ; in 1905, Rev. Peter E. Diet; of that city, who became the first settled pastor at Oberlin, and in September, 1911, Rev. S. W. Wilson, the present incumbent. The parish house was built in 1906. There are about forty families connected with the mission. MOUNT ZION BAPTIST CHURCH The church above named was organized by colored Baptists in 1887 with about eighteen charter members. It has a present membership of about 180, with a house of worship at South Pleasant and Locust streets. The congregation has occupied three edifices, erected in 1889, 1897, and 1905, respectively. The following have served successively as pastors: Revs. Charles Garner, B. B. Hill, W. R. Wilson, Charles Lambert, C. M. Williams, B. K. Smith and George Washington. THE OBERLIN MISSIONARY HOME ASSOCIATION The writer has made brief mention of the worthy objects and accomplishments of the Oberlin Missionary Home Association. Again he has recourse, with pleasure and profit, to the pen of the late Mrs. Sarah Cowles Little, who was so well qualified, both by literary ability and close identification with its work, to do justice to the subject. In 1902 she put forth the following account, at the request of the association management : The idea of a home in Oberlin for the children of foreign missionaries was first suggested by the manifest need of such an institution. The trial of missionary service is the hard necessity that children in many fields must be separated from their parents at an early age, and be brought, or sent, to the home-land for their education. The object of a missionary home is to provide, especially for the younger and less mature children, as good a substitute as is possible for the parental home and nurture. One such home was established many years ago at Auburndale, Massachusetts. Oberlin was chosen as the location for a second and a western home because of its educational facilities, and the desirable environment found here ; because so many Oberlin graduates are in the foreign HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY - 473 field ; because Oberlin is a favorite vacation resort for missionaries temporarily in this country ; and because there were already a large number of the sons and daughters of missionaries in the college and related schools. Children of the same family can here be easily kept together during their entire courses of study. In the public schools, the academy, the conservatory of music, the college, and the theological seminary all ordinary educational demands can be fully supplied. It is fitting that mention should be made of those with whom the thought of such a home as this originated and who put forth the first efforts toward its realization. On the failure of his health, the Rev. William Mellen, of the Zulu Mission, South Africa, came to Oberlin, with his family to reside and to educate his children. Here Mr. and Mrs. Mellen lived for several years until they were called to their reward above. From the first, Mrs. Mellen 's interest was especially enlisted in the missionary children who were sent here for their education. She took them into her own family, cared for them, and was a mother to them to the extent of her ability. She frequently entertained missionaries who were visiting in Oberlin. In a quiet, loving way, and without ostentation, because she loved the missionary work and wished to do all she could for it, she made her own home a missionary home, and from this living germ of a loving heart has sprung the home of today. As a movement, it was taken up and made organic by others, especially by 474 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY Mrs. Frank H. Foster, herself a child of the Zulu Mission, and by her husband, Professor Frank H. Foster, D. D. Through their interest others were enlisted. Certain ladies connected with the Ohio branch of the Woman's Board of Missions of the Interior gave consideration to the matter, and finally, after due deliberation, at a meeting of the executive committee of the Ohio branch, held in Cleveland, February 6, 1890, seven gentlemen were invited to form a corporation for the purpose of founding and maintaining in Oberlin a home for the children of foreign missionaries. Accepting this invitation, on February 17, 1890, the persons named effected an organization, adopted a constitution, and became duly incorporated under the laws of the State of Ohio, as the Oberlin Missionary Home Association. By the constitution part of the members are elected by the Congregational Association of Ohio, and part by the corporation itself. The members of the association residing in Oberlin are made a prudential committee to which is entrusted the immediate supervision of the home. There is also an advisory board of three ladies with whom the superintendent and the directors consult freely, especially with regard to the management and needs of individual children. The charter members of the association were the following : Prof. -Wm. G. Ballantine, Oberlin ; Arthur B. Johnson, Oberlin ; Rev. Irving W. Metcalf, Cleveland ; Rev. C. V. Spear, Oberlin ; Rev. Sydney Strong, Mount Vernon ; Rev. Henry M. Tenney, D. D., Oberlin ; Frederick E. Tracy, Mansfield. Various changes have taken place during the progress of the years, and Doctor Tenney is the only one of the incorporators who has served continuously on the board of directors. He was elected president at the first meeting, and is still the faithful and efficient head of the association. During the first year contributions and pledges were received which enabled the association, in the absence of a home into which they might be gathered, to render financial aid to five missionary children studying in Oberlin, who, without this assistance, would have suffered serious embarrassment, or have been compelled to relinquish their studies altogether. The first recorded gift was a contribution of $3.10 from "Friends" who were in consultation about the necessity of such a home, and was made in December, 1889, two months before the association was organized. The second gift of $20 was made in the same month by the "Little Helpers," Elyria, Ohio. During the year 1890, $1,032.62 was received, the larger portion being held for the purchase of land. Of this sum $500 HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY - 475 was given by Mrs. Heman Ely, Elyria, and $100 each by Mrs. Henrietta Vance, Oberlin, and Mrs. E. B. Sumner, Cincinnati, Ohio. In October, 1890, property was purchased at a cost of $3,000, it being understood that possession should not be secured, or payment made, until August, 1891. The lot bought is situated on the north side of East College Street, about one thousand feet east of the southeast corner of the college campus. It has a frontage of ten rods and a depth of twenty rods. In January, 1891, by the hand of Miss Mary H. Porter, then of Beloit, Wisconsin, came the gift of $1,000, from Mrs. C. L. A. Tank, then living in Fort Howard, Wisconsin. Among other gifts in this and the succeeding year, were $100 each from Miss Susan M. Sturges, and Mrs. R. L. Avery, Mansfield, Ohio, Miss Cora F. Barnes, Mr. Charles H. Case, Chicago, Dr. Dudley Allen, Oberlin, Mrs. R. W. Bancroft, Buffalo, New York, and a "Friend" by Miss Porter. From a "Friend in Michigan" came $600. Mr. E. W. Metcalf, Elyria, gave $432.44 ; Rev. and Mrs. E. M. Williams, Chicago, $190 ; Miss Bella Dewey, Oberlin, $108 ; and Mr. and Mrs. F. E. Tracy, Mansfield, $379. Smaller donations from a large number of givers may have represented equal love and good will, and showed how widespread was the interest in the enterprise. Another "Friend" who chose to be nameless gave $1,000 to repair and enlarge the house standing on the lot which had been purchased, as a memorial of her sister, for whom it was named "Judson Cottage." It was moved to its present site near the northwest corner of the lot, repaired, enlarged, provided with a hot water heating apparatus, and furnished, and was ready for occupancy in April, 1892. It contains twelve rooms, conveniently and pleasantly arranged, and adapted for use by one, or by two families, as desired, and is admirably fitted for the permanent use for which it is designed—that of an auxiliary cottage and a temporary home for missionary families in America for a vacation. A moment's thought will show the value of such a home to a family returning to their native land after years of absence. The event has proven its adaptation to this purpose, and it has been occupied at different times by families from Turkey, Bulgaria, India, Japan, and China. In this cottage the home had its beginning, and in April, 1892, two children were received. During the summer two more were added to the family ; the first of September found the number increased to seven and in November three more were received into the home. Of these ten children five were boys and five were girls, and their ages ranged from five to eighteen years. They came from North China, South China, Africa, Mexico, India, Japan, and Micronesia. The four youngest were motherless children whose fathers were continuing their work in the 476 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY foreign field, satisfied that their children were receiving loving and motherly care. Four others had older brothers or sisters in the college, whom they could meet frequently. So speedily was the wisdom of establishing such a home, and in Oberlin, fully justified. The number of applications for admission constantly increased, and it was soon apparent that a larger building was needed. It was also very evident that Judson Cottage would be promptly occupied by some missionary family. The "Building Fund" which has provided the larger and more commodious "Tank Home for Missionary Children," had its origin in a suggestion made by Rev. C. C. Tracy, D. D., president of Anatolia College, Marsovan, Turkey, at a Christmas gathering in Judson Cottage in 1892. The first contribution to it was made by the little company of friends and missionary children there assembled, and amounted to $12.27. From this time gifts in varying amounts came to the treasury for the "Building Fund," at first slowly, then more rapidly,. as the urgency of the need and the movement to supply it became known. The annual report of June, 1893, showed $607.47 on hand toward the building, and in another year the sum had increased to $3,893.28. One thousand dollars came as the contribution of "Missionary Children," through Mr. Charles K. Clark, of San Francisco. Miss Mary B. Dimond, of Marietta, Ohio, sent for herself and other friends, $385 to build the "Sarah Morrison Memorial" room. From the earliest plans for a home for missionary children in Oberlin, Miss Mary H. Porter had been deeply interested in the project and had through her personal efforts secured a large share of the means used in prosecuting the work. In the report published in 1892, Doctor Tenney says : " To Miss Porter's efforts, more than to the efforts of any other one person, is the Association indebted for the contributions which enable us to close this year without indebtedness and to enter with hope and confidence upon the larger work before us. From the beginning the Association has been favored with her wise counsels and active sympathies." Miss Porter had been since 1868 a missionary of the American Board in China, in Peking and at Pang Chuang, but had returned to the United States in 1886 to care for her parents in their declining years. She is the daughter of Rev. Jeremiah Porter, D. D., widely known as a home missionary pastor in the Northwest, and as the one who organized the first Christian Church in Fort Dearborn, on the site of the present City of Chicago. Miss Porter's mother had also a wide reputation by reason of her labors in connection with the Sanitary Commission during the Civil war, and her connection with home missions and also missions in foreign lands—to which two of her children had devoted themselves. HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY - 477 In 1893 a memoir of Mrs. Eliza Chappell Porter, written by her daughter, was published "for the benefit of the Oberlin Missionary Home Association." The expense of the publication of this volume was borne by the venerable Dr. Jeremiah Porter, and the entire proceeds from its sale were devoted to the work of the association. When Miss Porter returned to China in 1894, after the death of her father, the amount realized from this volume exceeded $1,000, and arrangements had been perfected for securing the avails of future editions to the association. In addition to this generous gift there has been contributed the sum of $500 "in memory of Dr. Jeremiah Porter." More than once sums from $10 to $100 have been given by friends "for love of Mary Porter." In the autumn of 1894 a friend offered to give $1,000 on condition that others would join him in raising $15,000 for the desired building. Circular appeals were widely distributed and personal efforts were made by representatives of the association, but although four pledges of $500 each were obtained, as well as smaller gifts, and some progress was made in planning the expected building, the need of which had become more and more imperative, the sum in hand was still too small to justify the commencement of building operations. At this juncture, in February, 1896, all interested were made glad by the proposal of a gift from the estate of Mrs. C. L. A. Tank, by the executor, Mr. James W. Porter, of Chicago, a member of the Porter family to whom the association was already so greatly indebted. This gift was $10,000, of which $5,000 was designated for the building fund on condition that the new home building should be called by the name of Mrs. Tank, and $5,000 was to be invested as the nucleus of an endowment fund, the income of which should he used in meeting current expenses. These conditions were accepted and the bequest was received by the association. Other gifts came to the treasury. Mr. Marcus Lyon, Wauseon, Ohio, Mr. Frederick E. Tracy, Mansfield, Ohio, and Mr. D. Willis James, New York, gave $1,000 each, and Mr. James has since added several hundred dollars. Sums of $500 each have been received from Mrs. William E. Dodge, New York, and Mrs. Mary Nelson Garford, Elyria, Ohio. Other gifts have been made as follows: Mr. C. T. Beckwith, Oberlin, $260.60, for stone sidewalks; Mrs. F. Norton Finney, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, $250 ; Miss Calista Andrews, Oberlin, $200 ; Mrs. Mary Wright, Columbus, Ohio, $200; Miss Annie L. Fowler, Bristol, Wisconsin, $155 ; and $100 each from Mrs. Fanny Rice Smith, Cameron, Missouri, Mrs. A. T. Sherman, Brodhead, Wisconsin, Mrs. J. J. Hough, Ithaca, New York, Mr. E. D. Smith: Menasha, Wisconsin, and Mr. J. L. Cozad, Cleveland, Ohio. "A Friend," Michigan, "Friends, for love of Mary Porter," Mr. 478 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY D. W. Moore, Clayton, New Jersey, given "for love of the Riggs family." The list of donors of smaller sums is a long one, numbering not less than 250 individuals. In addition contributions have been received from about 150 churches, Sunday schools, woman's missionary societies, and other organizations. From missionaries in service in foreign lands about $400 have been received in sums varying from $1 to $30. The children of foreign missionaries have contributed about $1,300. This includes the profits, for a time, from the sale of the "Trials and Triumphs of Luther Halsey Gulick," by his daughter, Mrs. F. F. Jewett, Oberlin. Although the amount in the treasury in the spring of 1896 was not sufficient to complete the building, it was deemed wise, in view of the good progress made and of the pressing needs of the home, to proceed with its construction according to plans made by Mr. F. A. Coburn, of the firm of Coburn, Barnum, Benes & Hubbell, architects, of Cleveland. The foundations were put in and on June 23, 1896, at 4.30 P. M., the cornerstone was laid, with appropriate ceremonies, by Rev.• Judson Smith, D. D., senior secretary of the American board. The Scripture reading was by Rev. James Brand, D. D., Oberlin, and prayer was offered by Rev. Cyrus A. Clark, Miyazaki, Japan. An address was given by Rev. Dan F. Bradley, D. D., Grand Rapids, Michigan, a son of missionaries and born in Siam. The singing was led by missionary children, and the benediction was pronounced by Rev. Lyman Abbott, D. D. The dimensions of the building are 102 by 50 feet. The first story is finished with pressed brick veneer ; the second story with shingle tinted to harmonize with the brick ; the roof is of slate and is high with dormer windows for third story rooms. As stated by the president of the association at the laying of the cornerstone, "It has been the anxious study of those in charge to provide a comely, convenient, commodious, substantial home structure at the lowest cost consistent with true economy. Provision for a large family of boys and girls, many of whom are to be under college discipline, puts a demand upon a building which necessarily increases its expense. Our plans provide, it is believed, for the necessities of the situation." The building was first occupied by the family March 15, 1897, and on April 2d it was formally opened with suitable services. The need of the third story, left unfinished at first, was felt almost at once, and, in 1898, a conditional gift of $1,000 from "An Unknown Friend," a pledge of $500 from Mr. James, and smaller sums given expressly for this purpose made it possible fully to finish this story and furnish it, without increasing the deficit in the building fund. This was HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY - 479 accomplished in season for the opening of the school year in September, 1898. As completed the building contains thirty-six rooms above the basement. The library and parlor are furnished in sycamore, the hall and dining-room in oak, and the remainder of the house in pine. The floors of the first story are of maple, and of the second and third stories, pine. The house is heated by steam and lighted by gas. Numerous gifts of furniture, bedding, table linen, and other necessary articles of household use have been received. Several pieces of ancient and valuable furniture belonging to the Tank estate have been placed in the home by Mr. James W. Porter. Among these are three large mahogany tables, a chiffonier, bookcase, sofa and a chair; also a desk inlaid with tulip wood, given by the reigning King of Holland to Mrs. Tank's mother when she was lady-in-waiting at the Dutch court. Another piece, of historic interest, is an oaken toilet stand, once the property of General von Botzlaer, Mrs. Tank's grandfather, and used by him as a part of his camp outfit in the campaign in which he led the Dutch forces to repel the invasion of Holland by Napoleon I. Several pictures done in sepia by Mrs. Tank's hand, and a large screen, painted by her in oil colors, adorn the home, and give acquaintance with the artistic, cultivated, Christian woman whose name has been given to the home, and who will long be held in grateful memory. Other furniture, suitable and beautiful, was given by manufacturers in Binghamton, New York, and in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The house is filled with suggestions of the loving thought and personal interest, many persons have had in providing a comfortable and pleasant home for the children whose parents are doing the Master's work in foreign fields. An interesting feature of the home is the number of memorial rooms provided by special gifts of friends. The ample hall which introduces one to the whole structure has upon its walls the inscription, "The Tank Home for Missionary Children." The library bears the name of Prof. John Millott Ellis, the funds for its furnishing having been given in loving remembrance by the ladies of the Second Congregational Church, Oberlin. The parlor bears the name of Rev. Jeremiah Porter, D. D. The sitting-room of the superintendent is named for "Mary Moody" by her daughter, Mrs. Mary N. Garford, Elyria, Ohio. "The Sarah D. Morrison Memorial Rest" was provided by funds collected by her aunt, Miss Mary B. Dimond, Marietta, Ohio. The Donald Gifford Davis room was furnished by friends in Detroit, Michigan, and named for the young son of the pastor of the First Congregational Church there, Rev. W. H. Davis, D. D. Friends in the First Congregational Church, Buffalo, New 480 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY York, provided a memorial room for the son of their pastor, and it bears the name of Frank S. Fitch, Jr. Children of the mission in Natal furnished the "Zulu room." Another is the Eliza Chappell Porter room. "For love of the Riggs family," money was sent that furnished the room bearing the name of Rev. Stephen Return Riggs, the veteran missionary to the American Indians. Family friends made another room a memorial of Mrs. Minerva Brace Norton, who was a cousin of Frances E. Willard. The young ladies of the Michigan Branch provided for the Mary Porter room, and the Wisconsin Branch for the room bearing the name of Mary Frederica Tank. Various organizations and individuals were interested in the "Mansfield" room. Mrs. Sarah J. Hough, Ithaca. New York, provided a memorial of her husband, Rev. J. J. Hough, D. D. Rev. C. C. Creegan, D. D., furnished the means for making another room a memorial of his wife, Mrs. Melissa W. Creegan. Still another room is inscribed with the honored missionary name of Gulick, funds for its furnishing having been received from the avails of the memoir of Dr. Luther Halsey Gulick. The named rooms are provided with tasteful. tablets artistically inscribed. These inscriptions are the work of Miss Elizabeth C. Parsons, of Cleveland, the daughter of veteran missionaries to Turkey. Mention has already been made of two missionary volumes whose authors have generously donated their proceeds to the uses of the home. A third instance of this method of aiding the work is the gift of Rev. C. C. Creegan, D. D.. district secretary of the American Board in New York, who furnishes his volume, "Great Missionaries of the Church," for sale for the benefit of the home at very low rates. More than $100 has already been realized from this source. The home in Judson Cottage as first opened was under the care of Mrs. Sarah Cowles Little, who carried it on for two years, and then resigned, hoping that by rest she might recover from a threatened lameness. She was succeeded by Mrs. A. B. Allen, who still remains at the head of the household. Words of warm appreciation are frequently received from the parents of children entrusted to the home, and give assurance to all interested in the enterprise that their work has not been in vain. A single quotation from a letter of missionary parents in India to the secretary will represent many : "We read with much interest the reports and financial statements of Tank Home, which you gave us. We do deeply appreciate the earnest endeavors which you have brought to bear on this splendid object. I doubt if you realize the good which has been wrought. I do not see how you can know it unless you can see into the hearts of the parents who would not know what to do were it not for Tank Home. HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY - 481 Tank Home and its splendid management have lifted from our minds a very heavy and anxious burden." Seventy-two children have been cared for in the home during this first decade of its existence. At present the average number is about thirty-five. This, with the necessary helpers, is as many as can be suitably accommodated and have any room for parents or for occasional visits from parents and other missionary guests. It was not supposed at first that it would often be desirable to add adults to the family of children for whom the home is primarily designed, but again and again it has been deemed wise to admit parents with their children for a time. The number thus received has now reached thirty. Some have remained but a few days and others have made the home their headquarters for months. It is the policy of the association to place the charges to the children at a. figure which will cover the cost of an additional member in the family. This does not provide sufficiently for the salaries of the superintendent and help, and incidental expenses of buildings and grounds. The children have some share in the work of the household, their duties being adapted to their various ages and skill. In this way they bear some responsibility for the family comfort, and while the amount of time spent by each one is small, not more than an hour a day, the total is sufficient to diminish perceptibly the labor to be performed by others, thus lessening expenses. But the greatest value of this arrangement lies in its effect upon the children, accustoming them to some regular employment, and in making them realize that they are members of a family, with a common interest and mutual responsibilities. Accounts are kept with each child and statements rendered to parents at least once a year. Annual reports of the association are also published, with a full exhibit of its financial condition, and are widely distributed among donors and other friends of the home. Mention has already been made of $5,000 received from the estate of Mrs. Tank for an endowment fund, the income of which should be used for current expenses. This fund has been increased by gifts and legacies until it has reached the sum of $7,191.54. Two legacies of $1,000 each, less the legacy tax, were received during 1901, from the estates of Mrs. Katherine F. Allen, Oberlin, and Mrs. Sarah J. Hough, Ithaca, New York. The legacy from Mrs. Allen's estate serves as one more evidence of her long and deep interest in the home, and of her official relation to it as one of its advisory board from its organization. A "Logan Memorial Fund," to be a part of the endowment fund, has been commenced, and for this subscriptions are solicited from those who knew Vol. I-31 482 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY and valued the life and labors of Rev. Robert W. Logan and his devoted wife, Mrs. Mary E. Logan. In conclusion, it remains to give some account of the Tank family, for whom the main home building has been named. What follows is condensed from articles published some years since in a Wisconsin newspaper and in the Advance, of Chicago. The American home of the Tank family was in Fort Howard, Wisconsin, where they occupied a cottage on the bank of Fox River, which was of historic interest as the headquarters for many years of the American Fur Company, of which John Jacob Astor was the head in the Northwest. Many a cargo of valuable peltries was here packed and carried from the small, one-storied house to staunch bateaux or birch bark canoes on the river, destined for the great marts of traffic, Quebec, Montreal and New York. The dwelling passed from one French Canadian to another until the year 1851, when it was purchased by Neils Otto Tank, together with a large domain of land surrounding the premises, as the home of a superintendent of a colony of Scandinavians desiring settlement in Wisconsin. Mr. Tank was a Norwegian gentleman of high lineage, an ardent student, a fine classical scholar and an enthusiast in natural science. He spoke fluently six or seven of the languages of modern Europe, and read as many more. His father, a nobleman, had most ambitious plans for his attractive and gifted only son, and was bitterly disappointed when he allied himself with the despised sect of Moravians. Every effort was made to win him back to the State Church and a more formal Christianity, but he was firm in his resolve to consecrate his life to lowly service for others, and in consequence was disinherited by his father. He was employed as a teacher, then as commercial agent, by the Moravian brotherhood, and later was sent as a missionary to the slaves in Dutch Guiana. There his first wife died, and he returned to Europe with a motherless daughter eighteen months old. Miss Caroline L. A. von der Meulen had been an intimate friend of the mother of the little girl, and in 1849 she became the wife of Mr. Tank. She was the daughter of Rev. R. J. von der Meulen, of Amsterdam, Holland, and was descended on her mother's side from a distinguished general in the service of the crown—General von Botzlaer, governor-general of the Hague province. Through him a large fortune came to the family. Miss Porter says : "No one who heard them from her own lips, in the expressive and forcible English, quaint and original as herself in its idioms, will ever forget the stories of her youth, with its careful training under the scholarly father and the gentle mother, and the companionship of a sister with musical and artistic tastes like her own." HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY - 483 After the death of her mother she had charge of the establishment, and remained in the stately home until her marriage to Mr. Tank. They came almost immediately to the United States, and after some tarrying in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, were sent in charge of a colony of Norwegian emigrants to Wisconsin. The following years were full of trial and disappointment. Plans for the welfare of the colony were constantly thwarted, and failure resulted. The true cause doubtless lay in the fact that a Moravian community, modeled after those of the Old World, was not in accord with the spirit of the free and rapidly growing Northwest, and the company of colonists was soon scattered. The land he had purchased as a permanent settlement for foreign colonists reverted to Mr. Tank at pecuniary loss ; the small cottage by the riverside became his home for near a score of years, and in it he died in 1864. After the death of Mr. Tank, his wife a.nd daughter were left to disentangle the complicated business and carry out, as far as might be, the benevolent designs in which they had been sharers. During those years Mrs. Tank had devoted herself most assiduously to the instruction and training of the daughter, Mary, and one or two, trips had been made to Europe that she might enjoy a year of study in England, courses of lectures in Paris, and the best of musical advantages abroad. The daughter had been prepared, it seemed, for anything rather than business ; but it was not long before she won the admiration of able financiers by her skill and capacity in this direction, and her mother leaned upon her in glad confidence. In 1872, she too was called away, and Mrs. Tank was left singularly alone. She was deeply attached to America, pathetically so to the cottage on the banks of the Fox River, to her garden and her pets, but she always felt herself an alien among its people and lived a life apart. For nearly a score of years she lived alone in the little cottage, even the maid who served her being often not under her roof, but in an adjacent building. But the life, apparently so lonely, was not aimless. She kept in touch with the outer world by the most choice selection of magazines and journals, secular and religious, published in Europe and America. One always found these and well-assorted books on the sitting-room table, and often late at night the gleams of her reading lamp shone across the river. Those who called the aged matron friend, and knew of the piled-up treasures in the little house, had insight to stores of rich jewels, rare brocades, of centuries-old porcelain, china, pottery and rare ancient coins, yet found when its mistress left the place desolate, at her death, that it had been through the years a sealed mystery. A bewildering maze of articles, representative of the wealth and refinement, taste and culture of Europe and the Orient, combined with practical and more 484 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY prosaic utensils in daily use, had accumulated and come by inheritance to Mrs. Tank. The family had looked forward to the time when these should adorn the home of the daughter, a stranger still in this strange land. She could not easily place herself in sympathetic relations with the community about her. A small circle of friends she loved and trusted. Her heart reached out after the suffering and needy in many lands. She read carefully as well as widely, and was familiar with the various forms of benevolent activity. Careless, sometimes too careless of her own needs, she saved only that she might give, not that she might hold. Her frugal spirit was no narrow one, imposing its own restrictions upon others. Many a generous gift to procure something which she would have denied herself, has gone to the missionary on the frontier, or to foreign lands. These gifts were often bestowed through her trusted friends, Rev. and Mrs. Jeremiah Porter, who had been her neighbors in Fort Howard while Mr. Porter was pastor of the church there. Mrs. Tank had watched Mrs. Porter's wise and economical administration of her own household, knew what a training she had had in making the most of a little, and trusted her implicitly. The moneys entrusted to Mr. and Mrs. Porter were frequently sent without restriction as to where, or how they were to be used, although more often with such directions as, "For Home Missions," "For Foreign Missions," or "For the Freedmen," and on the books of all these societies, "A Friend, by Rev. J. Porter," or "A Friend, by Mrs. Porter," became a frequent entry. Mrs. Tank's gifts were not large, but they were constant, and in the course of the years about $12,000 passed through the hands of Mr. and Mrs. Porter from this source. And this was but one of the agencies through which She touched the needs of the world. Her last large gift, personally bestowed, was given to Miss Mary Porter for the Home for Missionary Children in Oberlin. Miss Porter says, " The cause was presented with some hesitation. It was known she gave rarely in these later years, and new objects did not appear to her like the old, familiar ones. She listened thoughtfully while the plan was laid before her, and she was asked to pledge $1,000. The bright, kind eyes filled with tears as, without a moment 's hesitation, she said, eagerly, with a little break in her voice, 'That is good. That will I do. That will be for my Mary.' Mary was the daughter of the first Mrs. Tank, and was horn in the Moravian Mission in Dutch Guiana. The first Christian chapel in Peking, China (destroyed by Boxers in 1900), was a memorial of this daughter at the time of her death. Now that their reunion was so near, the mother remembered tenderly the child brought from South America so many HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY - 485 years ago, and entered gladly into this need of other missionary children." After the death of Mrs. Tank it was found her large estate had been left to the executors of her will, Rev. Jeremiah Porter and his son, Mr. James W. Porter, to be by them distributed to missionary objects, slight restrictions only being placed upon them in regard to its disposal. By the death of his father, in 1893, Mr. James W. Porter was left sole executor, and from him, in 1896, came to the Oberlin Missionary Home Association a check for $10,000, half for endowment and half for building the home to bear the Tank name. Doctor Tenney said, in a circular issued about that time, 'Ile bequest from the estate of Mrs. Tank we can but regard as peculiarly providential, gathered as it was by foreign hands and largely in foreign lands, laid up for our time of need, and entrusted to those honored and devoted stewards of the Lord who have directed it to this work." The foregoing sketch was prepared by Mrs. Sarah Cowles Little, in 1902, the secretary and constant friend of the Missionary Home Association until her death January 16, 1912. On June 9, 1908, after fourteen years of faithful and self-sacrificing service, Mrs. A. B. Allen, because of increasing years and failing health, resigned as superintendent and was succeeded by Captain and Mrs. George F. Garland, who had long been in the service of the American Board—Mrs. Garland as a missionary in Micronesia, and Captain Garland as the commander of the missionary ship, The Morning Star. Mrs. Allen entered into rest February 9, 1912. The association is composed of eleven members, residents of Oberlin and vicinity, of whom the pastors of the First and Second Congregational churches are ex-officio members. Five are elected for a term of years by the Congregational Conference of Ohio, and the remainder by the association itself. Members of the corporation : Rev. H. M. Tenney, president ; Rev. I. W. Metcalf, vice president ; Prof. F. F. Jewett, treasurer ; A. M. Loveland, auditor ; Prof. G. W. Andrews ; Rev. J. H. Grant, Elyria ; Rev. J. N. Pierce, and Rev. W. H. Spence. Advisory Board : Mrs. Clara H. Schauffler, secretary, and Mrs. W. V. Metcalf. The Tank Home provides for thirty-five children, together with the superintendents and caretakers. The following auxiliary houses adjacent to Tank Home are furnished for the use, at a reasonable rental, of missionaries at home on furlough : Judson Cottage, Dickinson Cottage and Tracy Cottage. Two hundred and two children of missionary parents have shared 486 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY the privileges of the home for a longer or shorter time during its history. Fifty-three missionary families and many individuals have made the home their own or have lived in its auxiliary cottages during their periods of furlough in this country, thus temporarily uniting families. THE OBERLIN HOSPITAL The Oberlin Hospital Association was formally organized November 12, 1906, by a group of eight physicians and on July 1, 1907, the property at No. 21 South Cedar Street was leased. The first patient was admitted August 17th following. The buildings comprise a general hospital of twelve beds, with operating room, and .a cottage for contagious patients, rented from and heated by Oberlin College. The supplies are furnished by Oberlin Hospital. The physicians and others most prominent in establishing this hospital were: Dr. Miriam T. Runyon, Dr. P. E. Leonard, Dr. C. H. Browning. Dr. A. V. Everitt, Dr. D. A. Gunn, Dr. Wm. S. Bunce, Dr. George C. Jameson, J. W. Bradshaw, D. D., S. M. Cole, Mrs. B. F. Shwart, Mrs. Nancy Squire, Mrs. Mattie D. Street, R. J. Dich, 0. F. Carter and C. N. Cole. Upon the establishment of the hospital a board of trustees was given charge of the property, and the management of the hospital handed over to a group of physicians. Within the past two years the physicians have withdrawn from management of the hospital., which was assumed HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY - 487 by the board of five trustees: Superintendents, Miss Bertha McHarg, Miss Anna Laughlin, Miss Mary Casper, Miss Mary Lee Barry, Miss May Williams, Miss Ida T. Cleveland and Miss Gertrude E. Greenwood. The hospital is maintained by private subscription and from a fund allowed by the college and an equal amount subscribed by residents. Only graduate nurses are employed. During the year 1914, 132 patients were treated. In 1915 a bequest of $100,000 was left to the Hospital Association by the late Dr. Dudley P. Allen, $50,000 for a building and $50,000 for an endowment. The building will be erected on a commodious site opposite the north end of Cedar Avenue, which had already been purchased by the association. WESTWOOD CEMETERY The first burial ground of Oberlin was about two acres on Morgan Street, between Main and Professor streets, leased by the college to the Oberlin society soon after the college was founded. Previous to the formation of the Oberlin Cemetery Association, the necessity for a more retired and commodious place for the burial of the dead, than the "old grave yard," had long been felt by the poeple of Oberlin and vicinity. This necessity had become so pressing, that before the new grounds were even partially prepared for the reception of the dead, there were no more lots to be had in the old burial place, and in several instances persons were obliged to obtain the privilege of the temporary interment of the remains of their friends in lots owned by others. Pursuant to public notice, a meeting of citizens was held on the 9th of July, 1861, to consider the subject of a new cemetery. At this meeting a committee was chosen to draft a constitution. This committee consisting of James M. Fitch, S. Sedgwick, H. G. Little, J. H. Fairchild, Homer Johnson and W. C. French, on the 29th of July, reported a draft of a. constitution, at a meeting called for the purpose of organizing the association, and after thorough discussion of the subject, by unanimous vote the constitution was adopted. The Oberlin Cemetery Association was thus duly organized under its constitution, and in pursuance of the statute "in such cases made and provided." Immediately after the organization of the association, the trustees commenced the work of inquiry and examination as to the most eligible location for the cemetery. After thorough and protracted search and negotiations, extending through a period of more than a year and a half, they succeeded in securing for the association a very desirable tract of 488 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY nearly twenty-eight acres, lying about a mile from the center of the Village of Oberlin in a southwesterly direction. Nearly one-third of these grounds were native forest ; another third was partially cleared, and the remainder had been under cultivation. This tract, the trustees, as the agents of the association, purchased for the sum of $1,470. The work of enclosing, clearing and improving the grounds was immediately commenced, and it has since been carried forward as far and as fast as the limited means in the hands of the trustees allowed. As soon as the work of clearing had sufficiently progressed, H. B. Allen, Esq., a skillful engineer, with large experience in the formation of rural cemeteries, was employed to survey and lay out the grounds, and also to prepare a map of the same. This work was executed in a scientific and highly satisfactory manner. The first burial in these grounds was that of Mr. Samuel W. Montgomery, whose remains were deposited in Section V, Lot No. 55, on the 20th day of August, 1863. On the 8th day of June, 1864, the students of the institution, and many of the citizens, in response to a public invitation, gathered upon the grounds, and, under the superintendence of a committee appointed for the purpose, did effective service in clearing off and burning the logs, brush heaps, and other rubbish that had rendered the forest grounds nearly impassable. At the close of these labors by the unanimous vote of the people assembled, the name of "Westwood" was given to the cemetery grounds. This name was subsequently adopted by the association. On the 16th of July, 1864, Westwood Cemetery was solemnly dedicated as a permanent burial place of the dead. The religious exercises were held upon the grounds, and consisted of appropriate music conducted by Prof. C. H. Churchill, prayer by President C. G. Finney, and the dedicatory address by Prof. J. H. Fairchild. For nearly thirty-eight years improvements have continued to be made upon the grounds. The money received from the sale of lots has been expended in paying for the original purchase, and improving and caring for the cemetery. In 1884 a house and barn were erected at the entrance of the grounds, for the sexton, at a cost of $1,100. In 1887 a substantial and tasteful stone receiving vault was constructed, at a cost of about $800, and later an iron fence was built along the front of the grounds at a cost of $425. In these and similar improvements and in the care of the grounds, the average annual expendi- HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY - 489 ture of the association for thirty-eight years, has been about $670, making an aggregate of $25,360 expended upon the cemetery. All the bodies in the old cemetery have been removed to Westwood, either to private lots by friends, or to a part of the grounds set apart for this purpose. PRESIDENTS OF THE ASSOCIATION