378 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO
CHAPTER III.
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
The year 1800 dates the beginning of Presbyterian worship on the Reserve. William Wick and Joseph Badger were the first regular preachers on the Reserve. The latter was sent West by the Connecticut Missionary society, and held the first Presbyterian service at Warren in the fall of 1800. Baptist services had previously been held at that point, but no church society was organized. Mr. Wick was licensed to preach August 8, 1799, and was ordained pastor of the churches at Neshannock and Hopewell, Pennsylvania, in September, 1800. He had previously supplied these churches, and, it is probable, occasionally visited Youngstown. The exact date of the organization of this church is not known, the early records being lost and the first members all dead. The first recorded mention of a church in Youngstown appears in 1.80 I, when Mr. Wick was released of the pastorate at Neshannock by the Presbytery of Ohio, and installed pastor at Youngstown. The Hopewell charge was retained until his death in 1815, his time being divided between the two. The first elders were Caleb Baldwin and William Stewart. The former died in 1813, the latter October 8, 1831. Other elders elected during the pastorate of Mr. Wick were William McClelland, elected in 1806, withdrew in 1839 ; Samuel Bryson, elected in 1806, died April 3, 1832; John Duncan, elected in 1806, resigned in 1813 ; and John Nelson, elected in 1811, dismissed in 1832. The Youngstown church was connected with the Presbytery of Ohio until 1802, when it was in
TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 379
eluded in the newly formed Presbytery of Erie. Hartford Presbytery was formed in 1808, and included in its limits Youngstown. No change was made until the division in 1837.
The first meeting-house was erected in 1802. It was built of logs, and stood on the northwest corner of Wood street and Wick avenue, directly opposite the present church. This house was occasionally used for public meetings, and also for the village school. It served a useful purpose until 1835, when a new structure was built on Federal street. Mr. Wick was a faithful minister, and the church prospered under his care, though the increase in membership was slow; but rapid growth could not be expected in a new and sparsely populated country.
* William Wick was of Puritan descent. He was the son of Lemuel and Deborah Wick, and was born on Long Island, New York, June 29, 1768. In 1790 he removed to Washington, county, Pennsylvania, and four years later married Miss Elizabeth McFarland, youngest daughte1 of Colonel Daniel McFarland, an officer in the Revolutionary army. He was one of the first settlers on what was known as lower Ten-mile creek. Mr. Wick had settled down to farming, but an acquaintance with Dr. McMillan, an earnest Presbyterian divine, changed his course of life. There was an urgent call for ministers, especially in the West, and Mr. Wick was finally prevailed upon to enter upon a course of study, preparatory to the work for which his talents and piety designated him. He completed an academical course at Cannonsburg in 1797, and read theology in Dr. McMillan's log cabin. He was finally licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Ohio, August 8, 1799, and soon after became pastor at Neshannock and Hopewell, subsequently at Youngstown. Mr. Wick was an intimate friend of Joseph Badger, his contemporary on the Reserve. Mr. Wick's 'labors did not extend further west than Youngstown. He received aid from the Connecticut Missionary society for about two years, at the end of which time his charge became self-supporting. He took a warm interest in missionary work, and associated with Revs. McCurdy, Marquis, Badger, Hughes, and other early divines 1n devising means for religious service in border settlements. About
*Our information is derived from Eatonls History of the Erie Presbytery.
1803 there was an awakening of religious interest, which greatly strengthened the church at Youngstown.
The tendency of new communities is to become absorbed in material interests to the neglect of the spiritual, but this founder of the church at Youngstown seems to have had the ability, in a measure at least, to counteract this natural influence. The period of his ministry was brief. Before leaving the farm he had experienced delicate health, and on that account hesitated to enter the ministry. There was no cause for alarm, however, until 1814, when, in October; a severe cold affected his lungs. He continued to preach during the winter, but continued rapidly losing strength till spring. His death took place at Hopewell, Pennsylvania, on the 29:h day of March, 1815, in the forty-seventh year of his age, and sixteenth of his ministry. At his own request he was buried at Youngstown. From- his tombstone it is learned that he preached during his ministry one thousand five hundred and twenty-two sermons, and married fifty-six couples. The Wick family consisted of eight sons and three daughters, some of whom have been among the most prominent citizens of Youngstown.
We are unable to state who served the church during the year succeeding Mr.' Wick's death. Rev. John Core was licensed to preach in 1.816, and was ordained pastor at Youngstown, June 25, 1817. Mr. Core, at the time of his ordination, was thirty-two years old. He served Vienna and Brookfield churches. Mr. Core was a successful pastor and served in this field six years. During that time more than one hundred were added to the church at Youngstown. A Sunday-school was formed in 1820, Elder Samuel Bryson being superintendent. This Sunday- school has ever since—more than three-score years—been a successful nursery of the church. The school was superintended successively after Mr Bryson by Dr. Manning, Elder John Laugh- ridge, and William Rice. .No new elders were chosen during his pastorate. Mr. Core died in Clarion county, Pennsylvania, May 17, 1854.
The church was dependent fr0m the time of the resignation of Mr. Core in April, 1823, till 1830, upon stated supplies. Rev. Enoch Bouton served as stated supply from 1824 till 1826, and from 1826 till 1829 Rev. Nathan Harned acted
380 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO
in that capacity. Mr. Harned was a native of Rockingham county, Virginia, and was born in 1789. His name first appears on the records of the Erie Presbytery in 1824. The following year he was ordained pastor of the Warren, Great Brokenstian, Lottsville, and Sugar Grove congregations in Pennsylvania. In 1826 he joined the Hartford Presbytery, and was called to Youngstown as stated supply. Failing health compelled him to resign this charge in 1829. His ministerial labors really ceased here, although he frequently preached and acted as a supply whenever his health would permit. He died in New York in 1854, of disease of the heart, cancer of the stomach and hydrothorax. In 1827 Abraham Nelson and John McMurray were chosen to the eldership. Both were dismissed in 1832.
Rev. Ward Stafford was called to the pastorate at Youngstown in January, 1830, and April 5th, following, was ordained pastor by the Presbytery of Hartford. Rev. James Wright preached on that occasion ; Rev. James Satterfield delivered the charge to the pastor and Rev. Thomas E. Hughes the charge to the people. Mr. Stafford was born in 1789, and entered the ministry in 1815. Until 1829 he had engaged in missionary work in and around New York city, gathering together and preaching to the poorer classes. During his seven years pastorate in Youngstown about one hundred members were added to the church. He resigned his charge in 1837. His death occurred In 1851. A new church was built in 1835 on Federal street, which was used until the present building was erected in 1866.
The subject of building, as is often the case, caused considerable discord in the congregation. This, added to previous differences on the subject of choir singing, threatened serious trouble. Some were opposed to building at that time, and others opposed building on Federal street. The feeling against choir singing on part of a considerable faction of the congregation was strong. This difference reached its climax three years before a church was finally built, but the
difficulty was happily solved by .the organization of the church in Liberty. Forty-three members of the Youngstown church were dismissed. Among the number were three of the four elders composing the session. Their places were filled by Dr. Henry Manning, John Laughridge, and
James Thorn. Dr. Manning died January 1869, aged eighty-two; John Laughridge, December 13, 1856, aged sixty-two; and James Thorn March s0, 1845, aged forty years. Those who attached themselves to the Liberty church were generally opposed to choir singing. When the Presbyterian church was disturbed by the unfortunate division into Old-school and New- school, Youngstown was almost unanimous in its adherence to the New-school. One member, William McClelland, chose the Old-school, but was refused admittance by the Liberty church on a letter from the Youngstown church. This incident shows the bitterness of feeling then existing between these two branches of Christians. The period of Mr. Stafford's pastorate was the most embarrassing in the history of the congregation, but by the time his successor was installed all differences had been settled. The questions which had divided the congregation were of a general character, and no blame fo1 their iutrusion upon the peaceful growth of the church can be attached to the pastor. He is rather entitled to credit for preserving unity.
Mr. Stafford was succeeded in the pastorate by Rev. Charles A. Boardman. He was born in Connecticut in 1788. He was ordained in 1818 at Preston, Connecticut, the charge being delivered by Rev. Lyman Beecher. During his pastorate at that place Horace Bushnell, the late noted New England divine, was converted. After leaving New Preston, and before coming to Youngstown, Mr. Boardman preached at New Haven and Westport, Connecticut, and as agent for the Western Reserve college. He was installed pastor at Youngstown, August 6, 1839, by the Presbytery of Trumbull, which had lately been formed. "It was largely, indeed, owing to his influence," says the Church Manual, "that the church voted to attach itself to the New school wing, as he positively refused to become its pastor while it remained an Old-school congregation." The same publication says: "He was much more than an ordinary man, and during his pastorate. here, and since his release and decease, it has been an occasion of surprise to many that this church was permitted to have his services so long. He was a man of fine intellect, and universally beloved for his many virtues, both as a man and a Christian."
Mrs. Boardman died in Youngstown in 1831.
TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 381
In 1854 he asked the congregation to unite with him in a petition to the Presbytery to release him from the charge. The congregation reluctantly consented to a dissolution of the pastoral relation which had been so beneficial to the church. From this time until his death in 1860 he 1esided with his son-in-law, S. B. McEwin, at Monroe, Wisconsin. His body was brought to Youngstown for burial. Funeral services were held July 29th in the Presbyterian church. Two thousand persons came to pay a last tribute to one held in high regard as pastor, friend, and citizen.
During the year 1843 three elders were elected —William Rice, dismissed July 1, 1872; James Buck, died April 12, 1856; and Lemuel Wick, dismissed December 23, 1846.
From 1855 to 1859 Frederick H. Brown supplied the church. He assumed full pastoral charge and lived within the bounds of the charge. He never was, however, regularly chosen pastor but employed as stated supply. Mr. Brown was never held in favor as an orator, but in a measure compensated for lack of ability in that direction by tact and energy as a pastor. He was in feeble health and was finally compelled to abandon ministerial labors. He died at Elyria, July 31, 1861.
Dr. Levi B. Wilson was the fifth regular pastor of this church. He was born at Plymouth, Ohio, in 1821, was apprenticed to the shoemaker's trade, and subsequently attended school at Milan academy and at Western Reserve college, where he graduated in 1848 from the literary department, and from the theological department in 1850. He had charge of Central college, Blendon, Ohio, till 1855, when he began devoting his time exclusively to the ministry. before coming to Youngstown he served as pastor to the Central College church, (consisting of six members, one of whom was his wife), and the Congregational church, Windham, Ohio. His lcall to Youngstown was received and accepted in September, 1859. Just ten years later he resigned the charge and removed to Atchison, Kansas, and from there, in 1873, removed to Grasshoppe1 Falls, Kansas. It was during Dr. Wilson's ministry that Youngstown began its rapid growth. This church, which had not increased in the number of members since 1830, increased in wealth and numbers, making the erection of a new meeting-house a necessity. The present structure on the corner of Wood street and Wick avenue, was completed in 1866. Mr. Wilson found one hundred and fifty members when he came to Youngstown. He left two hundred and eighty.
Three elders were chosen in 1857: Jonathan Warner, dismissed January 3, 1863; F obert M. Montgomery, and John Gibson. In 1865 William Bonnell, Augustus B. Correll, and Reuben McMillen, were chosen to the eldership. The present pastor, Rev. Daniel H. Evans, began his labors in Youngstown in February, 1870, and was installed pastor by the Presbytery of Trumbull, May 5, 1870; Rev. F. A. Noble, of Pittsburg, preached the installation. sermon, Rev. B. Y. Sharp delivered the charge to the pastor, and Rev. Xenophon Betts, the charge to the people.
Mr. Evans was born in Ripley, Oho, April 16, 1838. He entered Miami university in 1855, and was graduated in 1859. He commenced his theological course at the Western Theological seminary, at Allegheny, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Andover, Massachusetts, in 1862. He was ordained in 1863, on his twenty-fifth birthday, and settled as pastor at Grand Haven, Michigan, in 1866. He was afterwards stationed at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, some eight months. He came to Youngstown in 1870, where he has since officiated as pastor of the Presbyterian church. In 1877-8, he was abroad for nearly a year, visiting the Holy Land. Mr. Evans married Sarah J. Livingston, in January, 1863, and has had three daughters and five sons, seven of whom are living.
The following elders have been chosen during his pastorate:—1873, Gideon Cornell, died 1877, aged seventy-seven, and Thomas H. Wilson. In 1877, George Cornell, and Robert McCurdy were elected.
THE SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
This church was an outgrowth of the Mission Sabbath-school work started in Youngstown in the year 1872 by a few of the enterprising church members of this and other denominations', Henry B. Shields, J. F. Wilson, Henry A. Evans, and I. A. Justice being among the chief actors of the number. The Sabbath-school grew in numbers, and has continued growing in interest since its first organization. The school at the present
382 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO.
time, in proportion to the size of the congregati0n of the church, is very large, it numbering about one hundred and fifty pupils, while the membership of the church is about one hundred. The growing demands of the town for a second church for this congregation necessitated action on the part of its membership, and in 1874 steps were taken to secure a place for worship. The membership of the new church consisted of eighteen persons. This small number secured a building first on Covington street, where they remained until the year 1879, when they removed to their new meeting-house on the corner of Rayen avenue and Liberty street. This is a frame structure, 35x 60 feet, tastefully furnished.
The first pastor, Rev. Robert Scott, was a graduate of Auburn college. He began his ministry preaching to the Mission school of this place, and upon the organization of the church spas installed its first pastor. He remained with the church until the fall of 1879, having been very successful in his pastorate. He was followed by Rev. S. G. Hair, who is a successful Christian laborer, and has accomplished a great work for the church. His efforts are much assisted by Mrs. Hair, who is an earnest worker. She is an accomplished organist, and, with the assistance of I. A. Justice as leader of the choir, contributes to an important feature of the church ,service:
The officers of this organization have changed but little since its inception. The elders are H. B. Shields and J. F. Wilson; deacons, Robert M. Aughenbaugh and J. W. F. Plug ; trustees, John M.- Owens, I. A. Justice, and Mansfield Milton.
The first death which occurred in this congregation was in October, 1876, in the person of J. B. Sheldon. He was one of the old pioneers of the city coming to this place from Portage county, this State; was an active laborer in the church, and died much lamented. Mr. George M. Brainard, one of the original members of the organization, died February 13, 1880, about sixty-five years of age. He was an active member, was influential and highly esteemed by his brethren. Mrs. Lizzie Nicholl, another original member, departed this life January 10, 1879. Also Mrs. Lizzie Caldwell and Mrs. Helen Justice, both original -members, are greatly missed from the society. The former died in the fall of 1880, and the latter April 19, 1881.
FIRST METHODIST CHURCH.*
Methodism began its career with the present century in the wilderness of Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio. The itinerant preacher followed close behind the pioneer settler. Shadrach Bostwick was appointed in 1803 by the Baltimore conference to take charge of this field, then under the care of Thornton Fleming, presiding elder for the Pittsburg district. Dr. Bostwick was a practicing physician, but had devoted twelve years to preaching in New York and New England. He located with his family at Deerfield, Ohio, that point being near the center of his circuit. He penetrated the forests in different directions, established appointments, and organized societies. He visited Youngstown for the purpose of forming a class, this being one of the leading points on the Reserve. The doctor had some difficulty to find a place to preach, but was finally offered the use of Judge Rayen's barn. After preaching several times, he succeeded in forming a class composed of six persons—Moses Crawford and wife, John Hogue and wife, Isaac Powers and Mr. Braden. Judge Rayen's barn continued to be used for public worship, and Mrs. Rayen joined the church. We quote from a published letter:
Moses Crawford and wife deserve more than passing notice. Anterior to the forming of the class in Youngstown, a class was formed in West Hubbard. Father Crawford was leader, and lived in Youngstown. It was the custom of the old couple on Sunday morning, after they had breakfasted, to set their house in order and start on foot for Hubbard, generally carrying an infant child, to attend meetings and hold class, returning again the same evening.
The Youngstown class soon secured the use of the old school-house on the present square for services, and front there Mr. Crawford's house was made the place of meeting. Mr. Hogue's house was afterwards the place of meeting except on quarterly meeting occasions, when the' ballroom of Mr. Holland's tavern was used. Dr. Bostwick continued to serve the Deerfield circuit during the year 1804, and then settled in Youngstown to practice medicine and serve the church as local preacher. In 1807 he removed to Canfield, where he resided until his death in 1837. In 1805 the Erie .and Deerfield circuits were combined; James Hunter was appointed
*From the Church Manual.
TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 383
presiding elder, and David Best and J. A. Shackelfield preachers. The former was soon after exchanged for Robert R. Roberts, who was a young man of unusual vigor and in after years became a bishop. Mr. Gregg's history of Methodism gives some idea of the work of itinerants of that period:
The Erie and Deerfield circuit at this time was more than four hundred miles around, and this journey, to be accomplished every four weeks, was along blind paths found by marked trees, across swollen, unbridged streams, over rugged precipices and high hills, now winding around steep, rocky mountain sides and then plunging through deep, miry morasses, sometimes camping in the woods all night, weary and hungry, resting his head upon the root of some forest ,tree, while his faithful horse stood up without a mouthful to eat, and not unfrequently encountering wild beasts, rude, savage men, and venomous serpents.
Mr. Gregg's grammar in this sentence is badly involved, but the picture is no less vivid and we have reason to believe accurate.
There is no information obtainable to fix the precise time of the erection of the first meetinghouse built by this congregation. It was probably ab0ut '180-12. The deed for the sale is given in 1814 to Amos Smith, John Hogue, Abraham Powers, and William Morris, trustees of the society. Twenty dollars was the amount paid for the site, which was the lot nearly opposite the present church on Phelps street. This meeting-house was a small frame building, sided and celled inside with matched boards. It was lighted by candles contributed by the members, the class leader performing the additional office of chief candle snuffer. An addition was built in 1818 on the south end, in which a gallery was commenced but never completed. The old church was sold about 188, and a part of it converted into a dwelling. A new brick house had been built on the opposite side of Phelps street bn the site of the present church. It had a gallery on both sides and at one end, and accommodated a large congregation. About 1840 the walls of this house began to be considered unsafe and were torn down. A frame building the same size was occupied the following year, but was not finally finished till several years later. The pulpit was between the entrance doors, and the floor descended regularly toward the pulpit.
The present meeting-house was built in 1861, and at its completion was the best Protestant church building in the city. It has long since been inadequate to the large and growing con gregation. A new structure will soon take its place.
The Sunday-school connected with this church is the oldest in the city. It grew out of the custom of holding young people's meeting in the church, at which the Bible was read verse in turn. In the year 1826 a regular school was organized with William H. Fitch superintendent, and A. W. Upham and Samuel Black teachers.
Youngstown was made a station in 1842. Coitsville, Erwin, Crab Creek, and Girard were connected with it for some years. We append a list of circuit and station preachers :
1803–04—Shadrach Bostwick. 1835—J. A. Shackelford, David Best, and Robert R. Roberts. 1806—R. R. Roberts and James Watts. 1807 —C. Reynolds, C. Daniels, and A. Divers. 1808
—Job Guist and William Reuter. 1809—J. Charles, J. M. Hanson, and J. J. Decellum. 1810—James Charles and James Ewen. 1811—William Knox and Joshua Monroe. 1842— The circuit was changed to Trumbull; Thomas J. Crockwell, J. Somerville, and James McMahon. 1813—John Shannon, Oliver Carver. 1814—James McMahon, Lemuel Lane. 1815
—John Waterman and Shadrach Ruark. 1816 —Henry Baker. 1817—D. D. Davidson and Ezra Booth. 1818—Calvin Ruter and John Stewart. 1819—James McMahon. 1820— James McMahon and Ezra Booth. 1821Charles Elliott and Dennis Goddard. The former subsequently became well known in the church, was an editor, college professor, and col lege president, and an author of ability. 1824 —John Somerville and Alfred Bronson. 1825 —Edward H. Taylor and William R. Babcock. 1826—Robert C. Hatton and Robert Hatton. 1827—R. C. Hatton and S. Adams. 188—B. 0. Plimpton and E. W. Shehan. 1829—B. 0. Plimpton and Richard Armstrong. 1830— Alfred Brunson and T. Carr. 1831—Cornelius Jones and John Luccock. 1832--Philip Green and Caleb Brown. 1833—John Preston and John L. Holmes. 1834—John W. Hill and B. Preston. 1835—J. W. Hill, Thomas Stubbs, and Henry Elliott. 1836—Thomas Stubbs and J. Robinson. 1837—John Luccock and J. E. Aiken. 1838—John Luccock and J. C. Ayres. 1839—Ira Eddy and Dennis Goddard. 1840B. O. Plimpton and L. Clark. 1841—Dillon Prosser, E. B. Lane and J. M. Plant. 1842—
384 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO.
Dillon Prosser. 1843—A. G. Sturgis. 1844— Bryon S. Hill. 1845--Thomas Stubbs. 1846 --W. W. Maltby. 1847—Ira Norris. 1848—J. R. Locke and Roderick Norton. 1849—J. R. Locke and J. H. Tagg. 1850-51—James Greer. 1852—William Bevins. 1853—Thomas Guy. 1854—Thomas Guy and Ira Norris. 1855—J. D. Norton. 1856-57—John Tribbey. 1858-59 —H. N. Stearns. 1860-61—G. W. Maltby. 1862-63—R. H. Hurlbut. 1864—G. W. Clark. z865—J. E. Wilson.* 1866-67—John Peate. 1868—J, S. Lytle. 1869-70—William F. Wilson. 871—E. S. Gillette. 1872-73-74—John Peate. 1875-76-77—T. M. House. 1878-79-80—W. H. Locke. 1881—C. V. Wilson. The present membership is about five hundred.
THE SECOND METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
of Youngstown, is located on the corner of West Rayen avenue and Henrietta street. The building was ready for occupancy on January 20, 1878. The necessity for the organization of this church was acknowledged by the Methodists of Youngstown and by many ministers of the conference. For a half-score of years there was not to the extent desired that substantial growth in the old church, and there seemed to be a falling off of probationers and members, notwithstanding the frequent revivals.
The responsibility of organizing a new society was thrown upon Henry A. Evans, who was appointed by the officials of the church to select two other members to co-operate with him (Robert Wilson and Walter Campbell were chosen) and perfect arrangements, all of which was done, and as a result of the enterprise there is now (1882) a society of one hundred and sixty-five members.
Early in the spring of the year 1878 there was
* Mr. Wilson died before the close of his first year. We quote from the Church Manual of 1870: "He Labored twenty years in the ministry, during which time he was called to fill some of the most important stations in the church, among which were Milwaukee, Wisconsin ; St. Louis, Chicago, Pittsburg, and Wheeling. He was re-admitted to the Erie conference in May, 1865, and appointed to this station. The conference minutes say of him : ' He entered upon his work with joyful earnestness. Great expectations had been kindled among the people, for his fame had preceded him. To him the field seemed just ready to brighten into a harvest of saved souls.' But before these expectations were realized the Master called him from labor to rest, on the 24th of September following his appointment to the station, at the residence of brother Cramer Marsteller, on Wick avenue."
organized the Young People's association, under a brief constitution and by-laws, a copy of which may be found in the Appendix of the Historical Record of this church.
In 1877 the Eastern Ohio conference at Cleveland considered the demands of the work, and G. F. Oliver, just admitted to conference on trial, was appointed to the Second church, Youngstown then existing only in name. His first year's labors resulted in a membership to the church of fifty-six.
By the annual conference, held in Alliance September 18-23, 1878, G. F. Oliver was reappointed, and during his pastorate the church succeeded in relieving themselves of the church debt, the building and lot costing $3,485.10. In 1879 Rev. Mr. Oliver was succeeded in this charge by Rev. 0. W. Holmes, a graduate of Franklin, Ohio, and of Drew Theological seminary. In the fall of 1880 he was reappointed, and is still in charge.
The Sabbath-school children's class is a new feature in the history of Sabbath-school work. The class meets every Sabbath evening at 6 o'clock.
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
A few of the pioneers were members of the Protestant Episcopal church. Mrs. George Tod, wife of the pioneer lawyer of 1800, was one of them. This estimable lady came from New Haven, Connecticut, where, with her parents and other relatives, she was a member of Trinity church, one of the oldest Episcopal churches in the United States. Others came from time to time. Among those of a later date was Mrs. Rachel Wick, first wife of Colonel Caleb B. Wick and daughter of Jered Kirtland, of Poland, Ohio, an early pioneer from Wallingford, Connecticut.
In September, 1809, the members of this church residing in Boardman and adjoining townships formed a church organization. That church was supplied at intervals with a pastor, and services were occasionally held by him in Youngstown. The Presbyterians had there erected a church edifice, about 1800, and the Methodists about 1810. It is remembered by the elderly inhabitants that Episcopal services were held in one or the other of these churches on the occasion of these visits, their use and occupancy being kindly offered by the respective
PICTURE OF B.S. HIGLEY
TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 385
pastors and members, and the citizens generally attending the services. Rev. Jackson Kemper, afterwards missionary bishop of the Northwest, and subsequently bishop of Wisconsin, in 1814, it is believed, was one of the earliest and perhaps the first who held services here. Rev. Roger Searle was here in 1817, and subsequently Rev. Philander Chase, bishop of Ohio, elected in 1818, visited Youngstown in 182o. He preached at Canfield, Boardman, and Poland, out, his time being limited, did not preach here. An 1825 he again visited Youngstown and preached here. We extract a part of his journal of his visitations in 1825.
September 8th. Rode to Warren, and in the evening preached and performed divine services in 1he court-house. The audience was very large and attentive.
9th. Proceeded to Youngstown. Here, also, in the midst of a respectable congregation, the same duties were performed.
l0th. At Poland, in addition to the evening services and a sermon, I baptized two children.
11th, Sunday. Rode to Boardman, where I officiated morning and evening, administered the communion to twenty-six, and confirmed three persons, baptized four adults and four children. The congregation, though so crowded as scarcely to admit the administration of the ordinances, was most attentive and reverential during the great length of the services and two sermons. In the inter- Mission I administered the communion to a sick woman.
12th, Monday. Rode to Canfield, performed divine service and preached, and baptized one child and visited a sick person.
13th. At New Lisbon, my horse being injured, a friend, Mr. Blocksome, kindly provided me with a wagon, in which I rode with great comparative ease to Steubenville.
Rev. M. T. C. Wing settled for a time at Boardman, afterwards professor in the Theological seminary at Gambier. Revs. John Bryan, J. T. Eaton T. L. Harrison, Joseph Adderly, C. C. Townsend and others are remembered as holding services here. Bishop Mcllvaine visited the place, held services and administered the ordinance of baptism about 1853.
Rev. Gregory T. Bedell, then assistant bishop of the Diocese of Ohio, visited Youngstown in 1859, and preached in the Presbyterian church to a large audience. After the services he held a consultation with those members of the Episcopal church present, and it was decided to proceed in forming a church organization, and to erect a church edifice. Mr. and Mrs. Francis Reno, Miss Sarah McCoy, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph B. Wilder, Mr. and Mrs. William, J. Hitchcock, Mrs. R. J. Powers, Mrs. Dr. Henry Manning, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Manning, Jr., Mr. and Mrs, John Manning, Mr. and Mrs. Freeman O. Arms, Mr. and Mrs. John Smith, Mr. and Mrs. M. T. Jewell, Mr. and Mrs. James Mackey, Mr. and Mrs. David Mackey, James M. Reno, and John Ellis were among those who displayed great interest, and were active in forwarding the measures proposed, and many citizens, not connected with the church, assisted by their means in the erection of an edifice. As the result cf the consultation with the assistant bishop, the parish of St. John's church, of Youngstown, was organized December 15, 1859. The first warrens were Francis Reno and Henry Manning, Jr. Both served in their office until they died; Mr. Reno in 1863, Mr. Manning in 1881.
A hall was procured, in which to worship until the building could be erected, and Rev. A. T. McMurphy, officiating at Boardman and Canfield, and Rev. C. .S. Abbott, officiating at Warren, frequently officiated here. The corner-stone of the present church building, on East Wood street, was laid May 27, 1861, by Right Rev. G. T. Bedell, and the same bishop consecrated the edifice on October 21, 1863. This was the first church in the diocese with which Bishop Bedell had been associated in all the important steps of its history. On October r, 1861, the Rev. Wyllis Hall accepted a call to the rectorship of the parish. On September 15, 1865, he presented his resignation, which was accepted, and took effect September 25, 1865. On March 23, 1866, the Rev. Samuel Maxwell accepted an unanimous call to the parish, and entered upon the rectorship May r, 1866, and is still (1882) the rector of the parish.
The number of communicants for the convention year ending June, 1865, was fifty-eight; the present number, March, 1882, is two hundred and fifteen.
In the fall of 1879, it became necessary, on account of the growth of the parish, to enlarge the building. Under the supervision of the rector, Rev. Samuel Maxwell, many desirable improvements were made, a Sunday school chapel built below the chancel, new altar, and church furniture procured, and the whole interior of the building tastefully frescoed. The church thoroughly remodeled, was opened with appropriate ceremonies, by Bishop Bedell, on May 20, 1880.
386 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO.
A commodious rectory adjoins the church, built in 1869 for the present incumbent.
BAPTIST CHURCH.
Regular Baptist worship was not instituted in Youngstown until 1860, although there were a number of members of that church living in the vicinity. In July, 1859, Mrs. Young, an aged lady, succeeded in having a Sunday-school organized, and it is probable that the formation of a church was the outgrowth of this movement. The Sunday-school was formed with thirty-seven scholars, in a hall over Theobold's clothing store. Rev. E. F. Brown, of Warren, was present on the occasion. B. F. Parks, now of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was chosen superintendent.
A meeting of Baptists in regular communion was held in the Protestant Methodist church June 6, 1860, which resulted in the formation of a church society. The following were enrolled as members: Stephen Stewart, Lucinda Young, Sophia Stewart, Carlos Stewart, George A. Young, Almira Young, Betsy Stewart, Cordelia Hughes, William Geddes, Eliza Geddes, Margaret Geddes, Laura S. Cornan, Mary A. Williams, Martha Williams, W. M. Ingersoll, Benjamin F. Parks, J. C. Johnston, Isabella Johnston, Katie Moore, Sidney Case, Aaron DeCamp, Nancy DcCamp, J. S. Edwards, James Shields, Rebecca Couch, Elmira McCready, Hannah Prill, Ann Hull. John S. Edwards was chosen first clerk of the session, and W. M. Ingersoll was ordained first pastor. He resigned, in 1872 and B. F. Ashley succeeded in 1873. C. F. Nicholson was ordained pastor in the fall of 1875, and D. B. Simms in October, 1879. The present pastor, John A. Snodgrass, assumed pastoral relations in June, 1881. The Sunday school has grown steadily with the congregation. The successive superintendents since Mr. Parks have been A. J. Williams, H. Dillon, Disney Rogers, J. B. Couch, and Thomas Goodridge.
The first meeting-house was built on Hazel street in 1861. The present house was dedicated in 1869. There are at present about two hundred and eighty members.
We append a short biographical sketch of the present pastor.
REV. JOHN A. SNODGRASS was born in Noblestown, Pennsylvania, December 22, 1836; the only child of Dr. James and Jane (Nesbit) Snodgrass. He was educated under a private tutor until eighteen years of age, when he entered an academy at Mansfield, Pennsylvania. His father meeting with reverses in business about this time he was thrown upon his own resources and he began teaching school. He continued his studies and fitted himself as a teacher in the higher branches of mathematics, and of Latin and Greek. In 1862, with nine other teachers in the McKeesport school, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Forty-ninth Pennsylvania volunteer infantry, and became the first lieutenant. Of his associates who went out with him only four returned. He was mustered out at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in 1865. Upon his return he t0ok charge of the union school at McKeesport. March 29, 1866, he was united in marriage to Miss Eva J. Haney, of Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, who has been his efficient assistant in the various schools of which. he has been the head. Soon after his return from the army he began the study of theology, and September 10, 1868, he was ordained in the Sandusky- street Baptist church of Allegheny City. His labors in the ministry have been more of a missionary character than those of a settled pastor. He has-been very successful in organizing new societies and building up old ones, and in this work he has been ably assisted by his wife, to whom he feels a large share of his success due. Mr. Snodgrass came to Youngstown in January, 1880, and as pastor of the First Baptist church, has added about one hundred names to the membership and discharged ,a debt of $6,000. Mr. and Mrs. Snodgrass have one daughter, Sadie Jennie.
DISCIPLE CHURCH.
The Disciples organized a society in Youngstown July 18, 1841, with twenty-seven members. They had the old academy on the Diamond fitted up for church purposes, and continued to use it until 1873, when the basement of the present church was ready for occupancy. Of the twenty-six original members none are living. The present meeting-house was commenced in the summer of 1872, and completed and dedicated in 1874. The total cost was $27,000. The pulpit was supplied by, the following preachers: Wesley Lamphere, John Henry, John Applegate, Henry Brocket, W. S. Gray, O. Hig. gins, Walter Haden, James Calvin', F. S. Whistlar, Orwin Gates, Jasper Hughes, R. E. Davis, C. C.
TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 387
Smith, M. L. Streator, and J. N. Monroe. The present membership is about four hundred.
UNITED PRESBYTERIAN.
Twelve communicants of the United Presbyterian church held a meeting October 10, 1859, and were organized into a church by Rev. J. W. Logue, of Northfield, Ohio. Soon after organization a call to the pastorate was extended to G. K. Ormand, who accepted and was duly installed pastor. Under his preaching the church grew in wealth and membership. He resigned February r, 1870, leaving a congregation of more than one hundred members, provided with a comfortable house of worship. The second pastor, Rev. J. M. Wallace, was installed February 7, 1871. He remained pastor until 1882, a period of about eleven years. Mr. Wallace was a native of Beaver county, Pennsylvania. He graduated at Allegheny seminary, and soon after accepted a call to Viola, Illinois, where he remained until called to Youngstown. As a pulpit orator he has few equals, being pleasing, persuasive and logical. During his pastorate the membership was more than doubled. The meeting-house, which was built in 1867, was repaired in 1877, and again in 1881. An addi tional lot was added to the church property last year at an expense of $1,700. The pastorate is at present (1882) vacant.
ROMAN CATHOLIC.
St. Columba's Catholic congregation, whose church is on the corner of Wood and Hazel streets, is of comparatively recent origin. From a membership of about twenty families in 1855, it has within the past ten or twelve years made a most astonishing increase, and it now counts a membership of some five or six hundred families, or about two thousand souls. Though the congregation proper has but a recent existence, the first settlement of Catholics in this neighborhood extends back a great many years. As early as 1826 a Catholic priest came here to minister to ihe few early settlers of that time. We learn of Father Thomas Martin, a Dominican, coming here in that year from Somerset, Perry county, this State. His missionary duties brought him t0 the Catholic settlement at Dungannon, Columbiana county, and learning that there were some Catholics here, he extended his labors, and came to visit them in the year above mentioned..
Father Martin came once more, and then from that time until 1831 there is no record of a priest coming here. In the latter year Father McGrady, also a Dominican from Somerset, made a pastoral visit.
Fathers Martin and McGrady, and other priests who succeeded them for many years, offered up the holy sacrifice of the mass, either in the house of Mr. William Woods, whose relict, Mrs. Mary Woods, still lives in an honored old age, or in that of Mrs. Wools' father, Daniel Sheehy, who with Neal Campbell, must have been the earliest settlers of these parts. About 1835 Father James Conlan was stationed permanently as resident pastor at L ungannon, and from that year he came here frequently. Father Conlan was for many years vicar-general of this diocese before his death. After more than forty years of hard missionary labor he died universally respected by all classes, his memory being deeply revered to-day by all.
The number of Catholics was somewhat increased soon after 1835 by the laborers on the canal, and in consequence the visits of the priests became more frequent. In 1843 James Moore and his family settled here, and about the same time some members of the Kessiker family became converts to the church, so that from that time the first nucleus of a congregation may be said to have been formed.
From 1843 to 1848 Youngstown was made one of the missionary stations, and was visited by Fathers Howard, Monaghan, Kennedy, and others. Howard and Monaghan were living a short time since, and frequently came here to assist the priests in hearing confessions of the old Irish people who were unable to make confessions in the English language.
In 1848 or 1849 the first attempt was made by Father McGann to build a church. A subscription was started on one of his visits, and the result was $30 subscribed. This was amongst a few who had assembled at Mrs. Wood's house to hear mass. About six years afterward a modest little edifice was brought to completion. This was on the same site as the new one.
About 1853 the old church, which is now used as the priest's residence, was brought to completion. Fathers Megan, Stroker, and Pendergast did duty in the intervals between 1848 and 1854. In 1854 Rev. William O'Connor
388 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO.
was appointed resident pastor of Youngstown. In 1861 or 1862 he was succeeded by Father O'Callaghan, and in 1863 he laid the cornerstone of St. Columba's, the present church, and in 1864 had it 1eady for use, which was then thought unnecessarily large and commodious, but to-day, in order to accommodate the congregation, four masses must be said on every Sunday.
About 1870 or 1871 Father O'Callaghan began the foundation of the large parochial school on Rayen avenue, and, like the church, it was thought large, but there is now an average daily attendance of some six hundred children. It is found that the school building is not large enough to accommodate comfortably the great crowds that daily assemble within its walls.
Father Gibbons, who succeeded Father O'Callaghan, was, in turn, succeeded by Father Mears in 1877—the present pastor.
Within ten years the flourishing congregations of St. Joseph's, of which Father Eiler is pastor, and St. Ann's, of Brier Hill, presided over by Father McGovern, have been formed as offshoots of St. Columba's, and therefore, taking them into account, the Catholic population of Youngst0wn and Brier Hill at the present time can not be far from eight or nine hundred families.
During the last year there were in Columba's two hundred and one baptisms, of which some ten were adults from Protestant denominations.
REV. CHARLES M. SELTZER, now in charge of St. Joseph's Catholic church, Youngstown, Ohio, is a native of Lorraine, France, born July 15, 1845. He came to America in 1864 and until the spring of 1868 was a student of St. Mary's seminary, Cleveland, engaged in the study of philosophy and theology. May 16, 1868, he was ordained and was first settled at Landeck, Allen county, Ohio, where he built a fine residence and parochial school. He was afterwards at Milan, Erie county, where he discharged a debt of $3,000 in a little over one year. September 24, 1871, he located at Doylestown, Ohio, where he erected a fine school building, and also made preparations for the erection of a church to cost some $0,000, on which a debt of only $1,100 remained when he left there. June 18, 1881, he severed his connection with the Doylestown society and came to Youngs town and immediately commenced the erection of a new church to take the place of the old one occupied by St. Joseph's society, costing some , $17,000 or $18,000. Father Seltzer, it will be seen by the above, was a successful. church builder.
REV. MICHAEL B. BROWN was born in Clinton county, New York, September 20, 1840. With his parents he came to Ohio in 1852, the family locating in Sandusky. He took private instruc. tion i0 Latin, and in 1857 became a pupil of St. Mary Preparatory seminary, continuing two years. In 1859 he went to University of Notre Dame, graduating therefrom in 1862. During the following years until 1872 he occupied the chair of theology and philosophy. He was ordained as priest in 1867. In 1872 he was elected vice- president and director of studies of the University of Notre Dame, which position he filled two years. In 1874 he was transferred to the position of vice-president of the college of Our Lady of Sacred Heart at Watertown, Wisconsin, where he remained until 1876. He then came to the diocese of Cleveland; was stationed at Youngstown one year. In 1867 he took charge of St. Joseph's church, Crestline, where he remained till March, 1881, when he was transferred as assistant pastor of St. Columba's church, Youngstown. Recently, during the absence of Father Seltzer in Europe, Father Brown took charge of St. Joseph parish.
MARTIN LUTHER GERMAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.
Among the early settlers who at the beginning of the present century came to Mahoning county, were many Germans, whose ancestors were members of the church of the reformation, that is, of the Evangelical Lutheran church. Anxious to retain in their midst the preaching of the Gospel, and the administration of the sacraments according to the confessions of their ancestors, they in different parts of the country called pastors, and organized congregations. Thus many years ago Lutheran congregations were organized in Boardman and Crawford townships. Ministers served from ten to fifteen congregations, and some traveled over several counties. The few German Lutherans in Youngstown attended services in the surrounding Lutheran churches. The first attempt to gather a Lutheran congregation in Youngstown was made by Rev. G. Kranz, in 1857, then living in North Lima. He
TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 389
visited this place and frequently preached here, in connection with a Lutheran congregation which he served in Boardman. In 1858 the Lutherans and some members of the German Reform church called the Rev. Fehr as their pastor, in Youngstown. He was a Reform minister, but he proposed to the two parties that they should build a union church. The church was built, but afterwards was claimed to be a Reform church. The* Lutherans, finding themselves deceived, resolved to organize themselves as a German Evangelical Lutheran congregation. This was done August 1, 1859, they numbering at that time twenty-two members. Rev. F. C. Becker, from Jackson, served them temporarily. Rev. L. Krebs, of Brookfield, was called to be their pastor July 31, 1859. After the congregation had held its services in different localities in town for some time, they bought the lot where the church now stands. The lot is 45 x 120 feet, and is located at the corner of Wood and Champion streets. March 2, 1862, the corner-st0ne was laid, and an ordinary brick house was built, 35 x 50, and sixteen feet high, and fifteen feet more of ground was purchased in order to enlarge the yard. In the spring of 1862 the corner-stone of the present building was laid, and November 2, 1862, the church was dedicated. The congregation then numbered fifty members. The Rev. L. Krebs moved to Youngstown in 1862, and served them as their regular pastor. January 1, 1869, the congregation called their present pastor, Rev. G. F. H. Meiser. During this year a piece of ground near the church was purchased and a parsonage erected thereon.
In the year 1876 a teacher, Prof. A. W. Lindemann, formerly serving one of the parochial schools of the Evangelical Lutheran St. Paul's congregation at Pittsburg (S. S.), Pennsylvania, was called by the congregation, and, after having accepted the call and being orderly dismissed from the congregation he served, was installed by Rev. G. F. H. Meiser as teacher for the parochial school in the congregation. The- object of the congregation in establishing a parochial school for its children instead of sending them to the public schools was to train them in the German and English languages, and to combine with secular study instruction in the Bible with a view to educating them to become Christian citizens and faithful members of the church.
At first this school was held in the church building. In the following year, however, the congregation erected a school-house on the lot belonging to it. The congregation grew rapidly in numbers, mostly in consequence of the great emigration from Germany. It thus soon numbered some two hundred families and one hundred and twenty scholars.
In the year 1880 the congregation bought a pipe organ for its church. A year afterwards (1881) it became more and more apparent that the present church- and school-buildings had become entirely too small for the number of church visitors and scholars. For this reason the congregation consulted in its congregational meeting, whether to build a larger church and to enlarge the school-house at their present location, or to divide the congregation and build a new church and school-house at Brier Hill, where about one- half of the members are living. The congregation finally came to the conclusion that it would be the best for the Lutheran church large, in this region, to make a division, which has been done. Members of the congregation living west of the present city limits were advised to organize the new congregation; those living east of said limits to remain in connection with the old congregation. In May, 1881, those members west of the city limits assembled in the public school-house at Brier Hill, and organized themselves as the German Evangelical Lutheran St. Paul's congregation of Brier Hill, Mahoning county, Ohio. They adopted a charter and constitution by which their church organization is to be ruled, and erected at once a proper church and school-house. The building plat was donated to the congregation by Messrs. David James and Robert Mackey. The plan for the building was drawn by Rev. L. A. Detzer, Evangelical Lutheran pastor of Hubbard, Trumbull county, Ohio.
On the l0th of July the corner-stone of the new church building was laid with appropriate ceremonies by the pastor of the congregation, Rev. G. F. H. Meiser, assisted by the Revs. A. H. Schmidt, of Meadville, Pennsylvania, and L. A. Detzer, of Hubbard, Ohior St. Paul's congregation has also already called a teacher for its school, and will call a pastor of its own as soon
390 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO.
as expedient. Until then, however, Rev. G. F. Meiser will serve both the Martin Luther and St. Paul's congregations.
REV. G. F. H. MEISER is a native of Prussia, born in the city of Brieg, district of Silesia, the 22d of May, 1838. He was yet a small boy when his father, Rev. Ferdinand Meiser, who was the head clergyman of St. Nicholas church at Brieg, died. His mother, descending from a family whose ancestors during many years back were serving the L0rd in the Holy Trinity, did not spare any trouble or expense to give him a thorough theological and scientific education. At first he was instructed by a private tutor, then he entered the college of his native city, and after that two colleges in Breslau, the capital of Silesia. In the year 1857 he emigrated into this country, where some members of his family were living already. After becoming acquainted with the state of things in America he went to Columbus, Ohio, to finish his course of study in the Theological seminary of the Evangelical Lutheran joint synod of Ohio and adjacent States. At the end of the year 1859 he received a call from the German Evangelical Lutheran charge of Galion, Ohio, which he accepted, and was thereupon ordained and Installed by Rev. H. Lang, of Fremont, Ohio, on the 4th of December. In the year 1864 he accepted the repeated call of the Evangelical Lutheran con-. gregation in Butler, Pennsylvania, and remained there until the year 1869, when a repeated call from the Martin Luther church in Youngstown induced him to return to this city, where he has now been laboring for thirteen years. He, as well as his congregation, stand in connection with the Evangelical Lutheran joint synod of Ohio and adjacent States, one of the largest Lutheran bodies in this country.
THE METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH.
The "Brown Church," as the Methodist Protestant church building has always been called, was erected in 1841, and was then one of three church edifices in Youngstown. It was most prosperous while under the charge of its first pastor, Rev. William Reeves, to whom it is indebted fo1 its existence. The principal members then were Philip Kimmel, Abraham Powers, Jona Stout, and Wilson Thorn. Owing to internal dissensions, caused largely by unfortunate pastoral relations, the average attendance had dwindled to twenty in September, 1881, when the Rev. E. W. Brindley took charge. The average number present at fegular services is. now one hundred and fifty. Alexander Hendry is the treasurer ; Ida Mansell, secretary ; and James Mansell, Thomas and John Morgan, and J. W. Daniels are the trustees. The Sunday- school has a membership of thirty-four. According to the rules governing the Methodist Protestant churches the pastors are changed every two or three years. The house of worship is a plain frame building, 24 x 50 feet, and has a frame parsonage attached. The lot is now worth $0,000.
REV. EDWARD A. BRINDLEY (present pastor, 1882) was born in the county of Kent, England, about thirty miles from the city of London, on the 4th of March, 1817. His father, Thomas Brindley, was a ship architect, and took large contracts from the English Government. After experiencing reverses of fortune, he emigrated to this country in the year 188. The family consisted of three boys—Frederick, Edgar, and Edward. All have passed away but the youngest. Mr. Brindley received his education at Bristol college, situated on the Delaware river, twenty miles above Philadelphia. After leaving college he engaged in teaching school, both public and private, for a period of sixteen years, when he turned his attention to the ministry, and was ordained deacon in the Methodist Protestant church in the city of Steubenville, Ohio, August 31, 1850. - He was ordained elder in 1854, in the town of Cadiz, Ohio, and became connected with the Muskingum conference of the Methodist Protestant church. In 1860 he was transferred to the Pittsburg conference of the Methodist Protestant church, of which he is still a member. Fo1 three years he was associate editor of Clark's School-day Visitor, published in Cleveland, Pittsburg, and subsequently in Philadelphia. He has had charges in various places in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, and is still able to perform ministerial work.
THE WELSH BAPTIST CHURCH.
This society was organized at Brier Hill, December 10, 1846, by Rev. David Probert, the pastor, and Rev. William Owens, of Pittsburg, The original membership consisted of nine persons, as follows : Rev. David Probert and his wife Ellen, Thomas Edwards and wife, David
TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 391
Jones and wife, Mary Jones, Thomas Probert, and J0hn Edwards. A house of worship was built at Brier Hill in 1847. The society at Brier Hill largely consisted of coal miners, most of whom finally moved to Youngstown and engaged in other business. Hence the s0ciety was transferred to the city in 1866. Services were held in a hall for some six months, and then a house of w0rship was built. It was dedicated January 1, 1867. Rev. Mr. Probert officiated as pastor for twenty-five consecutive years, and was followed by Rev. William L. Evan for eleven months. Mr. Evan was succeeded by Rev. David R. Jones, who remained two years, when (January, 1877) Mr. Probert, the former pastor, again took charge, and has been pastor since. The number 0f members at the present time is about one hundred and fifty. The Sunday-school has an average attendance of about one hundred, Mr. Thomas Jones being superintendent.
EVANGELICAL PROTESTANT REFORMED CHURCH.
This church resulted from the uniting of two entirely distinct religious bodies—the Evangelical Protestant and the Reformed congregations. The first was organized in 1855 in the Brown Methodist church, and in 1858 removed to its own church building, a frame structure on Mahoning avenue, near Springbottom bridge. The pastors were the Revs. Kranz, Fehr, Baur, Seiple, Fromm, Wagner, Seybold, Moench, and Lobschiedt.
The Reformed church was organized in 1859 or 1860, and has ever since occupied its present quarters on Wood street, between Phelps and Hazel. Its pastors have been the Revs. H. Fehr, who began his pastorate in 1859; I. M. Gretcher, from 1865; and John C. Zumpe, who resigned on January r, 1881; since that time the Rev. Julius Herold has officiated as pastor. The consolidation took place on January t, 1880, at which time the Evangelical Protestant church was sold, as the members now worship in he Reformed church building, which is a frame structure, painted white, and 35x45 feet. There are sixty members. The choir of ten members is led by George A. Krichbaum. The church officers are: Adam Oswald, treasurer; Joseph Yeger, secretary; Jacob Stein, Alex Boucsin, And Adam Oswald, elders. The Sunday-school has eighteen teachers and one hundred and forty-eight scholars. Mr. Charles B. Ramser is the superintendent.
CALVINISTIC METHODIST CHURCH.
The organization now known by the above title has reached its present position after surmounting difficulties of a character never to be forgotten by those who have had to combat them. For many years they met in an ordinary frame building on Hazel street, between Federal and Wick, and services were held there from 1857 to September, 1881. In 1857 there were thirty-five members; now there are sixty members in good standing. The congregation is composed of rolling-mill men and their families. At present service is held in a room in the court-house building, but a handsome gothic structure is being erected for their use at the northwest corner of Walnut and Rayen streets. The clergymen officiating have been as follows: T. C. Davies, 1857-58; Isaac Blackwell, 1858-60; from 1860 to 1872 there was no regular pastor; Ebenezer Evans, 1872-80; William Hughes, 1880. William Davies and Reese Thomas were the first deacons and T. C. Davies was the firs; organist. The trustees now are: Job Evans, Benjamin Reese, D. T. Davies, and D. T. Williams.
REV. WILLIAM HUGHES is a native of Wales, born in 1814. He was engaged in the occupation of quarryman until nineteen, enjoying but limited advantages for the acquirement of an education. He went to Liverpool, England, and commenced to prepare himself for the ministry, and in 1847 was ordained a minister of the Welsh Calvinistic Methodist church, and accepted a call from Birmingham. He came to this country in 1859, and was located in New York State for three years. He then removed to Racine, Wisconsin, where he was in charge of a church for some fourteen years. The loss of his voice compelled him to relinquish his charge, but after three years it was restored and in the fall of 1880 he came to Youngstown, accepting the pastorate of the Welsh Calvinistic Methodist church of that city, which he still continues to fill. Mr. Hughes was united in marriage, in 1835, to Elizabeth Davis, and has had a family of seven children, three of whom survive.
WELSH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
The sturdy Welshmen, who are so numerous in this section, are well cared for spiritually, there being three church edifices in which they wor-
392 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO.
ship regularly. In 1840 a few Welshmen inaugurated a series of religious meetings, according to the rites of the Congregational church, in the district school on the land of Peter Worts, at Brier Hill. Rev. Thomas Evans was their first pastor, and the membership was composed of coal diggers and their families. In 1861 a church building for their use was erected on Elm street, between Wood and Rayen avenues. It is a plain frame structure, 35 x 40 feet. When Mr. Evans left in 1861, Thomas Davis took charge and was succeeded in 1867 by David Davis, whose successors have been Locke Lake, John Morgan, Thomas and John Lewis Davies. There are two hundred members and one hundred and five Sabbath-school scholars. James Llewellyn, Rees Herbert and John Hughes are among the more prominent men of the church.
REV. J. L. DAVIES, pastor of the Welsh Congregational church, Youngstown, was the only son of the late Rev. Evan Davies and Mary, his wife, of Tyn Rhos, Gallia county, Ohio. Mr. Davies was forty-five years a minister in the Welsh Congregational denomination. He was a strong man mentally and physically, earnest and loyal in the advocacy of evangelical truth, very acceptable as a preacher, and greatly hon0red and ranch beloved as a pastor. He moved with his family to America in the year 1855, and was for two years pastor of the Welsh Congregational church in Blossburg, Tioga county, Pennsylvania. Thence he moved in 1857 to Tyn Rhos, Gallia county, Ohio, and labored there as pastor of the Tyn Rhos and Nebo churches. He died in September, 1875. The subject of this sketch was born in Aberaman, Glamorganshire, South Wales, on the 16th of March, 1848. He was seven years old when he emigrated with his father to this country. After enjoying the advantages of the common schools of the rural district in which his father's parish lay, he went to the Gallia academy, and there spent two or three terms in the study of the common branches. He taught a common school in his own neighborhood when he was but fourteen years of age, in the fall and winter of 1862. In the autumn of 1864, while he was a student in the Ewington academy, he enlisted and entered the service of the Government as a private soldier in company D, One Hundred and Seventy-ninth, Ohio volunteer infantry. After his return from the army he prepared himself for college. He would study at times at the Gallia academy, and then defray the expenses of his tuition by teaching in the common schools of his neighborhood. In the spring of 1868 he entered the preparatory department of Marietta college. He entered the collegiate department f the same institution in the fall of that year. He graduated thence in 1872 with the highest honors of his class. He was employed as tutor in the preparatory department of his alma mater for two years after his graduation. Having studied Hebrew and church history in the interval, he entered the middle class of Lane Theological seminary in 1874. He studied there one year. Owing to his father's death in the fall of 1875, he was obliged to suspend his theological course, and was called to the pastorate of the Congregational church in Paddy's Run, Butler county, Ohio. There he labored very acceptably until the second Sabbath of October, 1881, when he resigned the pastorate of that church to take charge of the Welsh Congregational church in Youngstown. The church in the latter place is thriving, and gaining strength and influence through his labors, and pastor and people are greatly pleased with each other.
THE WELSH METHODIST CHURCH
of Youngstown, was organized some twenty years ago by William Davis, Rees Thomas, Howell Thomas, and others. Their first pastor was Rev. C. C. Davis, now in charge of a congregation at Pittsburg. He was followed in his ministry here by Isaac Blackwell, William Evans, and E. Evans, the last of whom was in charge of the congregation from 1872 until September, 1880. He was succeeded by William Hughes, the present pastor. The church building formerly used by the Baptists on Hazel, between Federal and Wick streets, not being in a desirable location, will soon be removed and a more suitable building erected.
ENGLISH LUTHERAN CHURCH.
This society was organized in September, 1877, by Henry Beard, F. Karcher, Henry Wendler, F. Arnold, and others, Rev. Jacob Meisner, pastor. The church, in its incipiency, has encountered considerable opposition, yet notwithstanding this fact it has continued to grow, having now a membership of about sev-
PICTURE OF JOHN bROWNLEE
NTRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 393
enty. It started with a membership of about twenty persons.
Rev. Jacob Meisner, the pastor, is a graduate of the Evangelical Lutheran seminary and college, Columbus, Ohio. In addition to Youngstown he is also pastor of the same churches at Girard and Boardman.
The members of this organization have their rooms over the Reading rooms, East Federal street. The church is now erecting a building at the corner of Wood and Liberty streets, in dimension 30 x 52 feet, including tower projection.
The elders of this church are F. Arnold and Wendler; H. Wendler, L. Bergman, and H. Smith, deacons, and H. Smith, secretary and treasurer.
The church at Girard was organized in 1876, the building being the old Salem church, one mile from the village. F. Kreahl, L. Hauser, D. Hauser, Mrs. S. Shook, Mr. J. Bishop, Mr. F. Workman, and J. Fouser are some of the leading members.
bers.
COLORED CHURCHES.
The colored citizens of Youngstown organized what is known as the Third Baptist church in December, 1874. Their church building is a small frame structure near Mill street. Kev. Robert Holmes was their pastor, but in a year following was succeeded by Rev. H. C. Clark. The church prospered until the year 1878, when dissensions arose in their midst and during the month of November nine of their members withdrew, and with the consent of the Baptist association authorizing the same formed the
MISSION BAPTIST,
with Rev. H. Clark as their spiritual head. Not having a place for worship a house and lot were purchased on Mahoning avenue by William Nelson, H. Clark, and Richard Wanser. The property does not belong to the church, hut is used by this people until other accommodations can be had. The membership at this time, of the Mission Baptist, is not more than about twelve in number; that of the Third Baptist church is about twenty-eight.
ROD OF SHOLEM CONGREGATION.
On May 12, 1869, the following gentlemen, D. Theobald, Morriss Ullman, A. Walbrun, F. Ritter, William Jonas, Charles Ritter, S. Loewenstein, A. Ritter, A. Shaffner, A. Pruetz, Ed. Ritter, S. J. Lambert, E. Guthman, Henry Theobald, A. Goldstein, and A. Shwab, being Jewish residents of Youngstown and vicinity, met to organize a Jewish Reform congregation. Committees on constitution and by-laws, as well as organization, were appointed to report at an early date. On May 19, 1867, the organization was perfected by electing David Theobald president, Edward Ritter vice-president, Abral am Wallbrun treasurer, and E. Guthman secretary. The congregation have furnished as neat a church, on third floor, southeast corner of West Federal and Hazel streets, as there is in the city, and own their own burying-ground on the Brier Hill road; present membership, twenty-t yo. The present officers are M. Weinberg, president; E. Guthman, vice-president ; E. L. Guthman, secretary; A. Louer, treasurer.
BURIAL PLACES.
In the original plat of Youngstown two lots were set apart and reserved for places of public burial. One of these lots is occupied at present by the county buildings, the other is the side hill lot on the opposite side of Phelps street. It was in this latter lot that the first white person, so far as is known, was buried in Youngstown. He was a music teacher, and the inscription on his tombstone is
characteristic of epitaph literature :
In Memory of
SAMUEL MCFARLAND,
Died
September 19, 1799,
Aged 28 Years.
Oh, how music charms our ears
While he was in our land,
And now we hope he sings a song
Of Moses and the Lamb.
This stone was erected in 1811, and removed to the new cemetery in 1869. It soon became apparent, even before Youngstown had outgrown its village limits, that provision would have to be made for a place to bury the dead. The limits of two lots admitted of little adornment, and their close proximity to business and residences, where the quiet and solemnity of funeral rites were always liable to be disturbed. Besides, some people imagined the water affected by
394 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO.
saturation into their wells from the graveyard.
Steps toward forming a cemetery association were taken about 1850, and resulted successfully two years later. Dr. Henry Manning was the leader in this enterprise, and was chosen president of the association after its incorporation in 1852. Sixteen acres of land were purchased off the farm of Dr. Manning and improved at con- siderable expense. This tract is picturesquely located on the summit of a high hill rising from the south bank of the Mahoning. It is in plain view from nearly all parts of the city, and from its undulating surface, whitened by tombs and shaded by evergreen, high above the smoke which hangs over the valley, may be seen an interesting stretch of country. The tract was laid of in lots, which were sold at auction. The remains of those who had been buried in the old cemetery were removed from time to time, but this labor was not finally completed until excavations were made for the new court-house. Mr. John Brenner was employed to superintend the grounds in 1865 and has continued in that position ever since. He has given special attention to the art of adornment, the result of which is highly satisfactory.